While I wanted a few more quality of life improvements and would've liked more visual improvements or consistency, what Monolith Soft have put out in Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is nothing short of spectacular.

Battletoads is the reboot you never knew you wanted. It's fun to play and makes you laugh, two perfect ingredients for making a game well worth playing.

The Smurfs: Dreams is a Smurftacular 3D platformer, with tight controls, a lovely soundtrack, and so much variety in its levels.

Paradise Killer is a singular experience. An open-world detective game set in a weird, neon world where everyone is a suspect and each piece of evidence feels genuinely earned.

An almost endlessly replayable party game from the creators of the ultimate party pack.

Halo Infinite is a great example of gameplay being king. Moreish, exciting combat is only let down by a fairly safe open world and lack of essential feeling abilities and upgrades.

Immortals Fenyx Rising is an excellent adventure with challenging and intricate puzzles, a wonderful combat system, and a rich world ripe for exploring.

A top game and the best of its kind. It suits all comers, and is the most complete management sim yet.

Hitman's second mission in Sapienza is a great example of fantastic gameplay, with plenty of replayability and one of the most stunning environments I've ever seen.

Time Loader is a great physics-based puzzler with a ton of heart that grips you emotionally throughout and refuses to let go.

Whether you are a fan of the source material or not, the production values are excellent, there are plenty of options as to how you view and take part in the action, and the power of the modern game console allows Zen to do things that no traditional pinball cabinet could ever do. Excellent then, and well worth a look. May the force be with you.

An incredible blend of rhythm game and platformer, Mad Rat Dead combines fluid gameplay and an incredible soundtrack to create a truly unique experience.

If you're looking for not only the greatest basketball game but the greatest sports game in existence, this is definitely it. A huge improvement on last year, let down only by its weak attempt at a story mode.

SteamWorld Heist 2 gives you plenty of customisation for your party, filled with thrilling combat, excellent presentation, and much more.

I know I’ve mentioned Starcraft II a couple of times in this review, but it’s certainly the yardstick by which most RTS games are measured and this one is no different. There are obvious comparisons to be drawn between both games and Creative Assembly certainly wears its influences proudly, but Halo Wars 2 never strays into clone territory. It stands well on its own, creating an experience that combines cinematic storytelling with varied and interesting strategic gameplay, as well as throwing in a few explosions for which Halo is often known. And best of all, it manages to be accessible enough that even a blunt object like myself can finish the campaign.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 changes things up in a good way, offering a twist on the most unique combat out there. It’s lengthy, engaging, warm, and probably the best RPG of the year. The best one yet, for sure.

From its striking visuals and atmospheric soundtrack, to its fantastic storytelling, Cloudpunk really is a one-of-a-kind Cyberpunk experience.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the best Metroivanias in recent memory, and its Switch port is simply outstanding. With a buttery smooth framerate, and an aesthetic as gorgeous as ever, it's a title that might even warrant a double dip.

WWE 2K23 is without a doubt the best the series has been in years, with solid gameplay and tons of fantastic modes to enjoy.

A unique combination of conversation gameplay and deck building, Signs of the Sojourner is a truly special game dripping in charm.

An immersing, profound experience that is equally as rewarding as it is exhilarating.

A fantastic puzzle game hides underneath an interesting, engaging story. There’s plenty here to warrant another look, and if you skipped it before, don’t pass it over this time.

A charming arcadey Roguelike, Exit the Gungeon: Hello to Arms takes randomness to a new level with delightful results.

Life is Strange: True Colors is a powerful story of loss, love, and overcoming the things that hold you back. The empathy abilities add depth, and Alex is one of the best characters Life is Strange has ever seen.

Bringing fun in abundance and a criminal amount of puns to the table, Not a Hero is a cult-classic in the making, cementing itself as one of the best indie shooters around.

Not only is it one of the most beautiful games I've played in recent memory, but it has some new mechanics and ideas to keep you playing.

Dishonored 2 is not without its issues, but they pale considerably against the empowering free-form stealth, exhilarating combat and immersive atmosphere. Rise up, take back what’s yours, and have a ball doing it.

Thanks to the gameplay changes alone, FIFA 14 is an essential purchase for any football gaming fan. It feels so different that it may even gain back long-term fans lost along the way, though there’s also a risk that EA Sports might lose a few for the same reasons.