No other game this year celebrates or rewards player agency like Hitman 2. This isn’t a summer blockbuster that relegates its coolest moments to the cinematics. Yes, most deaths will be shown with an abrupt cutscene, but it’s you that causes them. You’ll never see a target die and wonder how it happened. In all cases you’re the sole orchestrator of doom, and it’s a genuinely empowering feeling.

For players who have never played Terraria before, this Switch version is an excellent port, but for those players who have experienced and loved Terraria on other platforms I’d argue that this version is still essential. The ability to play on the go in handheld is a huge draw and thanks to the excellent work to utilise the Switch’s unique features makes this challenging game an utter joy to play again.

Online flaws aside, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] is comfortably one of the best looking and fun to play fighters for the system. Very little is compromised when compared to the PS4 version, and it feels at home in your hand, and stands up a treat when docked. It richly deserves the EVO recognition, and for fans of the genre is an essential Switch buy.

OkunoKA Madness is great fun if you can handle the difficulty, with unique mechanics, an incredible art style and tons of extra content to unlock.

Ultimately, while Batbarian may not blow your mind, it’ll offer the odd chuckle, and mechanics just robust enough to keep you coming back.

What Lies in the Multiverse is a sublime puzzle platformer. The puzzles are engaging and the story balances comedy and drama with aplomb.

Asobo Studios have delivered a runaway hit with A Plague Tale: Requiem. This is the very best kind of sequel: one that builds upon everything that came before and pays homage to its predecessor, while still carving its own path. Breathtaking.

By modern standards Phantom Spark may even be considered a little barebones, but it’s also a relaxing, chilled out experience.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a wonderful remake of a game few in the west have played, with seriously compelling combat.

Laika: Aged Through Blood is one of the coolest Metroidvanias I have ever played, with refreshing controls and a powerful story at its heart.

Death Stranding is an ambitious game, filled with so many different mechanics and ideas that almost always work well together. The story and acting is fantastic, and its visuals are a thing of beauty, not to mention the powerful soundtrack.

Salt and Sanctuary is as difficult as its inspiration would suggest. You will die, often and in spectacularly embarrassing ways, but you’ll learn and adapt. You’ll level up and then you’ll overcome its challenges and you will probably love doing so. Because Salt & Sanctuary is a game that deserves to be played.

Invisible, Inc. gave me a few moments of feeling brilliant when I actually did manage to complete a mission, but more often than not I was left frustrated by harsh rules and insane difficulty.

Quest, hunt, explore, get married, build a house, invest in property, slaughter entire villages – it’s up to you how you spend your time in the frozen north, and it’s absolutely worth a repeat visit.

Magical Delicacy is a charming cosy crafting game, and despite a lack of guidance this cooking adventure will tantalise your gaming tastebuds.

Bigby Wolf is a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of what’s tearing his community apart. A Crooked Mile brings out the best in his supporting cast, though.

Resident Evil 4 is a stone-cold classic, a genre defining game that surpasses expectations even now.

In the absence of Meat Boy Slime-San stands unopposed, and excellent little bite of hyperactive platform action.

Mortal Kombat 11 feels amazing to play, with plenty of depth and individuality in each fight. The Krypt's randomness of unlocking gear is annoying, and some Towers of Time challenges are unnecessarily difficult, but this is still a must have for fighter enthusiasts.

The Eco Lifestyle expansion feels new and fresh even this far into the game’s lifespan. Another game-changer for The Sims 4, and a true home run for Maxis.

SteamWorld Build is a deeply compelling city management title that adds new mechanics all the time, keeping you hooked throughout.

It's great to see Spyro back in the picture, and with the remasters it doesn't look out of place in today's day and age. It's a joy to play, but the charging and camera angles let it down somewhat.

A genre shifting game packed full of charm and references, Horace is a robotic adventure that must be experienced to be believed.

VA-11 HALL-A is a brilliant point and drink adventure game with memorable characters, a superb soundtrack, and some of the best writing out there that has found a new home on the Vita.

One of the best HD remakes you will find, with worthy additions to an already great game.

Borderlands Legendary Collection is an incredible port, suffering very little slowdown or visual impairment. If you missed this series before, now's the perfect time.

Archvale is an enjoyable, taxing little adventure with as much mirth in its heart as malice.

Little Nightmares II tells a beautiful yet fragile story of friendship, sadness, and searching for the light among the darkness. The puzzles are well-designed, the music is stunning, and the visuals are on another level.