Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 is a superb foray into the universe and a more-than-worthy successor to the original.

Even if you don’t play puzzle games, Linelight is a shining beacon in dark times.

Helldivers 2 is a surprise hit, featuring some of the best moment-to-moment combat and a satisfying rinse and repeat formula.

FAR: Changing Tides is a beautiful game with a stunning soundtrack that puts you in control of a ship you'll build a fantastic bond with.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a spectacular game that moves the series forward in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re fighting one enemy or a hundred the action is always fast-paced and engaging, and with so many weapon types and special attacks at your disposal there’s more than enough variety. Regardless of whether you love or hate this series, Dynasty Warriors Origins is a game that could well surprise and delight you.

King of Fighters XV is a delight. It feels like a new dawn for a legendary series, and I am genuinely excited to try out some of the future DLC characters that are on their way over the course of the year.

Overall, the Switch port is almost everything I wanted in a new port. It runs and looks great almost all throughout and makes good use of the Switch hardware. I would’ve loved to see Capcom include some extras like trailers or galleries like the Mega Man ports. If you’ve never played these games before, you need to get them on Switch.

The entire package is put together with humour, warmth and class – it straddles the geeky retro chic that is so popular with indies right now, but also manages to drag an elderly game firmly into the present day with trophies, leaderboards, and intuitive choice of hardware. Immediately you know you are playing a Llamasoft title.

A triumphant follow-up that sets the bar for the looter-shooter. There are some teething issues, but The Division 2 is an incredibly polished product, and downright compelling at the same time.

VVVVVV on the Nintendo Switch is the definitive version of Terry Cavanagh’s classic with an exclusive co-op mode and better performance than the other versions.

Despite a lack of massive changes, NBA 2K15 is still the premier basketball experience that I don’t see being unseated any time soon. The gameplay is as satisfying and fun as ever, and when combined with the TV style presentation it is amazingly realistic.

The Knight Witch not only looks stunning, but the gameplay is tight and inventive, providing an enjoyable bullet hell extravaganza.

Those expecting a revolution may be disappointed, but Age of Empires IV is still a confident, deep, and hugely compelling return.

In a year of great games, Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course is one that shouts to be played loudly enough that it simply cannot be ignored.

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative tells a fascinating story with some weird and wonderful characters and more than a few twists and turns.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero is a sensational JRPG from top to bottom, and one that fans can’t afford to miss.

Viewfinder is a smart puzzler that pushes the boundaries between reality and challenge, building both beautiful and creative levels.

I haven't played anything like this since Journey. It is a stunning game to explore and exist in, and the story is going to move a lot of people.

A masterful re-up with a great story, a beautifully grim world and exciting, fast-paced gameplay. And that price point makes it essential.

Million Onion Hotel is a quirky and addictive arcade action game with a strategy element that has been a blast to play over the last few weeks.

Lost in Play is a charming and amazing point-and-click puzzler that will make you feel like a kid again.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake is a top example of bringing back a classic to the present day, with stunning visuals and a great story.

Warstride Challenges is immensely compelling and endlessly fun - and an absolute must-play for FPS fans.

With a fair learning curve that will ease in all-comers, and RAD mode (every landing must be a perfect one) for the people who want a challenge, this is an absolute must own game.

I cannot recommend Timespinner enough. The Switch port is fantastic and the game itself is special. My biggest disappointment is not being able to back the Kickstarter project because I had no idea about it then. I know most people who enjoyed Castlevania: Symphony of the Night will likely be enjoying Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night right now but Timespinner is something you absolutely need to play.

More than just another arena shooter, LawBreakers stands on its own to fill a niche that’s different to any other titles out there, and I am thoroughly pleased to have the game change my opinions on it. An essential shooter.

Venba is a lovely little narrative game about the struggle of raising a child as immigrants told via food, but it'll be over too quickly for some.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel on PS4 is everything I wanted in a remaster of one of my favourite RPGs this decade and more.