The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds takes Link into a fully functional 3D world that not only pays homage to the games of yesterday but modernises the franchise into something thoroughly enjoyable and challenging to the gamer.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a must play title for the Nintendo Switch 2 console that is a highly enjoyable reimaging that will leave you reeling with so many “wow” moments that makes it an essential title for this console. Apart from the destructive capabilities of DK, I really enjoyed the new gameplay brought to DK thanks to Pauline’s magical abilities that provides some fun and unexpected power-ups for our favourite hominoid. So, with its stunning visuals, immersive sound design and clever level design, this game proves that the “big guy” still has what it takes to be a king of the jungle or in this case, the king of the planet’s core.

Offering at least 35 hours of play, Dark Souls II is a challenging experience and a satisfyingly in depth game that rewards perseverance and intelligent tactics.

In conclusion, Assassin's Creed II is a worthy successor and goes beyond the original game with a very interesting story and some almost perfect gameplay.

Balatro is a brilliant take on the rogue lite genre. Video poker fans will be grinning ear to ear playing this truly terrific card game that is hard to put down.

Animal Crossing New Horizons is pure fun and proves that this game still has it! So what are you waiting for, go out there and build your island and meet a colourful assortment of animals that will call your island home! Recommended from start to finish and then back again!

At the end of the day, Bayonetta is easily one of our most original gaming experiences that we have enjoyed in a long time and even though at times, it feels like a bad 70’s action movie, the story, characters and quirkiness of the gameplay is pure ingenious.

So here we are again with another instalment from the Far Cry universe that definitely goes beyond the previous games. With a relatable protagonist, a story that truly draws you in from the very first moments of the game, Far Cry 3 also contains a very sturdy game engine that almost makes it the perfect game. It just flows so well from the first to the last level... and the vehicles are just awesome.

Shovel Knight perfectly encapsulates what is so great about playing modern-retro games inspired by the 8-bit era of the 1980s and early 90’s without being derivative or trapped in the past.

At the end of the day, GTA IV: The Lost and the Damned is a great addon for the series and is not just a quick money making addition to the series but rather something substantial to this franchise.

All up FIFA 12 is a very addictive and at the top difficulty level very challenging. There are many options to stop you getting bored and constantly tossing up varied challenges. The audio is real life like which recreates the atmosphere of game day. This title is definitely worth consideration if you like your soccer.

At the end of the sporting day, EA Sports have truly put their FIFA soccer series on the next tier and the new 360 control system is definitely the best change of this franchise in years.

Gorgeous graphics, great RPG customisation and an interesting yet fun combat system, there's little to complain about Fallout 3, except for the odd slowdown or buggy camera angle. Be warned though, once you start playing, you will find it difficult to turn off.

Truly a contender for Game of the Year, Spider-Man 2 is a game that justifies the purchase of a PS5 if you don't already own one.

The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker HD once again proves that the HD remakes have a place in this modern world of gaming. They've tweaked the gameplay and graphics to create an almost new experience that Zeldaphites will enjoy and new comers will be captivated by the wonder and enjoyable stories and characters that they met.

Rayman Legends is an amazing game on the PlayStation 4 that is definitely a must have download from the PSN store.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is still an amazing JRPG, and Its PC version elevates the experience it provides in all the right ways.

Microsoft Flight Simulator on the XBox Series X is a truly amazing and engaging title on this next-gen console and successfully recreates a flight simulator experience that can be played by novices and experts.

Featuring excellently paced turn based combat and a memorable story taking place in a beautiful, interactive world to explore – Sea of Stars is a dream come true for 90’s RPG fans, RPG fans, and fans of great video games.

Mechner's earlier dreams of being a screenwriter are evident in the Last Express : it's an engrossing tale of war, espionage, personality clashes. In fact, unsurprisingly, it would make a great movie. Despite its age, It makes a pretty good game as well.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is everything you could want from a sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. It isn’t a revolutionary new step forward for the series by any means, but it does an excellent job of building upon all the core concepts that made Ori and the Blind Forest so fantastic, whilst also adding enough new features to justify its title as a sequel, rather than an additional DLC expansion. If you haven’t played through Ori and the Blind Forest (you should), Ori and the Will of the Wisps is worth jumping into regardless, as it polishes the Ori formula to a shine and is an incredible experience in its own right.

One of the best games in PlayStation’s library has been made even better. A graphical update and a whole host of new content make The Last of Us Part II Remastered easy to recommend for fans and newcomers alike.

Dave The Diver is a true indie gem. The story acts as the glue that holds things together while most of the weight of the game is on the shoulders of gameplay mechanics that are gradually added, new areas that are unlocked in each chapter of the story, and new weapons and equipment that can be found in boxes scattered in the Blue Hole. This game is a simple delight like a cup of coffee in the morning or an ice cream in the summer heat; its true value is felt only when you taste it yourself.

With Limbo's gorgeous presentation and challenging puzzles its one of the best games on Xbox Live.

Although some levels are too long and the hidden secret ending that is actually the only reason for going through New Game+ is even more disappointing than the original ending, that cannot stop even the most hard-to-please gamers from loving Tango Gameworks’ latest marvel.

With all the video game movies being made these days (some good some bad)… it is not surprising that God Of War is joining their ranks. The best thing is whether the movie is a success or not… you can play God Of War Ragnarok and feel like you are playing a movie right now! If you’ve enjoyed the previous games or want to see what it’s all about… grab a copy. It’s a brilliant game on many levels and there’s plenty of lore to get caught up in.

This is definitely the sequel of the year!

Chained Echoes is a loving tribute to 90s JRPGs but also a thorough reinvigoration of the genres stalest aspects. Not just a great tribute, a great game.

Chinatown Wars will certainly keep you busy for a long time. The story is interesting and involving, and the gameplay is fun and diverse.

A unique and beguiling historical murder mystery that this scribe can't recommended enough.

At the end of a hard day at work or between meetings or whatever... Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is the perfect game to unwind because it has been successfully ported to the iPhone/iPod Touch so well.

Ultimately it's a very enjoyable game. If you've never played Civ before, go for it. If you loved Civ 4, there will be things in Civ that will impress, but a few dumbed-down changes that may annoy. But hey, that's why God invented Updates.

Super Mario 3D Land is a game that can be played by anyone, young or old. With elements of classic 2D Mario games, Mario 64 and more recently Super Mario Galaxy, 3D Land successfully combines all these elements on the 3DS.

Old tracks, new tracks, more characters, more vehicles. This new Mario Kart expansion has it all!

Nixxes has done a fantastic job bringing The Last of Us Part II Remastered to the PC platform. A vast, beautiful game, that scales well across a vast array of hardware.

Monster Hunter: World is the best entry in the long-running action RPG series to-date, accessible for both new players and returning fans expecting the in-depth gameplay systems and rewarding hunt/craft/explore loop we all know and love.

Offering everything that most players want in a multiplayer online dungeon crawler experience, gorgeous visuals and bold steps forward in gaming ideas, Guild Wars 2 is a true blockbuster given all of the tools it needs for success.

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Hearts of Stone is a fun visit back to the dangerous and exciting world of Geralt of Rivia!

A beautiful, hand-crafted action-adventure experience with challenging combat, rewarding exploration and an intriguing story.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return to the Tekken series and more importantly, it will become a fighter that I can revisit again and again. The developers aimed high with Tekken 8 and succeeded in delivering a fighter that can be played by all and yes, the King of Iron Fist Tournament is back! Sure, the story can become convoluted at times (what Tekken game isn’t) but for the most part, it’s a rollercoaster ride from start to finish with perfect fighting mechanics thrown into the fray. At its core, it’s a next-gen fighter with a wonderful cast of fighters that I’m eager to unlock more about their stories and play it more online with friends and enemies. Brilliant!

Without a doubt, one of the best sports games of the year.

In conclusion, Total War Shogun 2 is definitely a must have game for those who enjoy turn-based games, RTS or the original Total War games. It's huge improvement over its predecessors and from the very first moments of the game to the last battle of Kyoto, you will be captivated and wanting more.

The Total War series really does just keep getting better.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is not only the best PSVR title to date, but also arguably the best platformer of this generation so far.

Alan Wake II is the kind of cinematic, musical, meta-narrative experience that you cannot find anywhere else. Everything in this game is a narrative tool for this monstrous story. We have waited more than a decade to get this game, and the wait was worth it.

In case you can’t tell, I’m overjoyed with the additions and enhancements made to the Xenobalde Chronicles: Definitive Edition. Not only do they make an already fantastic game that much more exciting to play through for a second time, but so much has been added to the game to make it more accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. Obviously the enhanced graphics still don’t visually compare to modern games released in the past year or so, but they look darn good on the Switch in portable mode. The newly remastered soundtrack is better than ever, and the gameplay and narrative both hold up exceptionally well to the test of time. I have no reservations about recommending this game to anyone, it’s an exceptional JRPG that deserves your time.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D comes with tweaks and improvements, and yet it doesn’t disturb the feel and creepy atmosphere of the original game.

Dead Cells is an awesome, colourful, action-platformer with a deep customisation system. It's procedurally generated levels will keep you coming back again and again, literally.

The difficulty level is just right, it's enough to keep your entertained that is sprinkled with enough frustration to keep you going. The environments are well designed and the gameplay is pretty much flawless… this is how RPG's should be made!

Pillars of Eternity is indeed great fun for RPG players young and old, and you don’t need a $2000 beast to play it on either.

Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade is easily one of the finest ports on the Switch 2, second probably only to Cyberpunk in terms of scale. It combines solid performance with a level of presentation that’s not far behind the PS5 at times – An impressive feat, considering you can play it during your commute. Just be aware it’s a voracious beast that will consume half your internal storage before you even press start. If you’re yet to experience Final Fantasy VII Remake (or thinking about giving it a second chance), Integrade for the Switch 2 is a wonderful way to reacquaint yourself with this bombastic meta-analysis of one of the finest JRPGs ever made.

The Talos Principle: Reawakened is a triumph. Croteam has successfully revitalized a beloved classic, delivering a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating experience. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a seasoned veteran, “Reawakened” offers a compelling and unforgettable journey into the depths of philosophical puzzle-solving. The combination of its excellent puzzle design, it’s deep narrative or it’s graphical updates, make this a must play game for fans of the puzzle genre.

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood is another power house in the game series.

The game is exactly what so many fans of the zombie horror films have longed for, for so so long.

The master of it all that changes things for the game as it progresses is the AI Director 2.0. It's what makes Left 4 Dead 2 have such dynamic reactions to what the player is or isn't doing. The AI Director changes weather effects, world objects, lighting effects , and even pathways!

With a single player campaign that subverts expectations at every corner, a movement system that can only be described as heavenly and a robust selection of multiplayer modes with more free content to come in the future, Titanfall 2 is one of the year’s biggest surprises and is a must-buy for any serious shooter fan.

The rewarding sensation of finally felling that painfully difficult boss or clearing that area after numerous tries is still there and remains Dark Souls’ biggest draw.

Despite some of its flaws, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a highly unique, incredibly entertaining JRPG that provides players with hours of enjoyable content, from its engaging story and endearing characters to its fun, in-depth gameplay mechanics.

I would thoroughly recommend this game/s to anyone! You really don’t have to be a long time fan of Mario to enjoy this… it’s easy to get into, it’s not overly detailed in story (3D world you are basically trying to save fairy like creatures from Bowser, in Bowser’s Fury you are essentially trying to save Bowser). It’s bright, colourful and just full of fun and laughter. It’s what Nintendo are known for and what they do oh so well! An easy choice to add to your collection, or to start your collection with!

For those that enjoy a real challenging action RPG, than Dark Souls is the game for you. However if you believe that over the top challenges make a game more annoying than rewarding, than I strongly recommend you that you run for the hills or maybe stick to something like Zelda.

The cosiest, craziest Pokémon game with a concept so delightful you wonder why we haven't seen it sooner.

At the end of the day, this is easily the most fun we've had since GTA III and although Niko Bellic was a little lackluster as the central character, Lopez provides that carefree attitude who will be more relatable to the broader audience.

Despite the fact that this is a remake I think there are enough new things in it to justify the purchase, and if you have never played Dead Space then boy oh boy you are in for a treat! I cannot wait to see if they remake the others in the series, though it might be argued that there really is no need, they did look magnificent when they came out and to be honest I was really impressed playing them as recently as I have.

Limbo has made the leap to iOS admirably, losing nothing in the translation and only minor quibbles with the jumping mechanics really stand out enough to drop the score slightly. Indeed, Limbo is surprisingly well suited to the sporadic habits of the handheld gamer, with well thought out checkpoint placement allowing you to tackle a few quick puzzles at your leisure whenever you have a spare minute or three and the spine tingling aesthetic of the game benefits greatly from the intimate nature of handheld gaming.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is very ambitious in scope and delivers in every aspect. The relationships between characters are deep and their stories are well told. The main story features multiple branching paths with twists and turns everywhere, it practically begs a second or third play-through. The new activities perfectly blend Fire Emblem with social simulators. The combat remains as engaging as ever. Fire Emblem: Three Houses sees the franchise make the transition back to a home console, and it couldn’t have done a better job.

In the end, FIFA 11 is for true soccer fanatics and if you're looking for an arcade experience, unfortunately now is the time to look elsewhere for your soccer fun.

Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood is one of the best MMORPG expansions in recent years, with a compelling and well-written main story, intriguing Far East setting, a wealth of new content and important QoL refinements.

The Nier Automata: The End of YoRHa Edition is an excellent port of a fantastic game. If you're a Switch owner who was previously unable to play this gem of the game, now is your time to check it out.

Overall, Deus Ex: Human Revolution lives up to the high expectations that the original Deus Ex set.

If you are into shooters and want to see how it is done perfectly, then you really can’t go past the Quake 2 Remaster. It is just so good.

Overall if you are a gamer who is looking for a game that requires thinking, investigating, and crime solving this is the game for you. The well-written cases and deep investigations will appeal to those who like those things. If you are a player who loves graphics and innovation then this is also the game for you since the game does something that is surprising nowadays and creates a one-of-a-kind game that no other game I'm aware of has done before. However, if you are a player looking for an action game you'll want to skip this one or maybe rent it.

Kojima Productions have done it again, producing a game that is as engaging as it is strange while improving on the mechanics of its predecessor.

Horizon Forbidden West is a great sequel. It improves upon the very gameplay mechanics that made the first game so unique while addressing some of its shortcomings such as the lackluster melee combat.

Baffling business decisions aside, Infinite Wealth is another stellar entry in the Like a Dragon series.

Lone Echo is an incredible leap forward for VR via its ability to capture both zero gravity and space environments. It does have its fair share of interaction and progression bugs, but not enough to significantly detract from something truly special. Those prone to motion sickness, ease into it.

Dishonored is the thinking man's first person shooter but throw those guns away as there are so many more interesting ways to take on your enemies. With a great protagonist, interesting characters and well-written story, it's games like Dishonored that really make you sit up and take notice. It's original and gives almost total control to the player on how the story and game will play out. With elements of RPG meets first person shooter, Dishonored is the game to all fans of both these genres and beyond.

A perfect balance of survival, action, and horror featuring fantastic set pieces, superb combat and plenty of chills that long-time RE fans are bound to love.

The game boils down to a power house of a tactical experience, though at times it feels a bit simplified XCOM: Enemy Unknown pays good homage to a classic while bringing it into the realm of a modern game. Planning and management of research and resources mix well with the action and ties it all together that makes you hope for some add on campaigns because it is that addictive.

Clever, original, and beautifully presented, Death's Door is a solid Zelda-like indy title...but not without its faults.

In summary this is a series that anyone who loves great games MUST buy simply to see what great storytelling, intricate plots, grandiose design and a masterful attention to detail can achieve. The older control system might initially annoy younger gamers but after a short time the layout becomes second nature. It's a shame that the first Metal Gear title isn't on here as it fills in some big story holes but nonetheless Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is a must have title, and one that any and all gamers will be very happy that they took the time to experience.

Above all, Split Fiction is a love letter to storytelling, a reminder of why stories matter and why protecting creative voices is more crucial than ever.

In closing I would say that Battlefield 3 ups the gaming bar and stands on its own two feet. Its single player experience is stellar, but it fly's to new heights with its multiplayer experiences.

In conclusion, Dead Space 2 is a much better game than the original and although it's different, it's a good different.

Dreams is a one-of-a-kind video game that only comes once or twice a generation, and Media Molecule and PlayStation have definitely delivered the goods. It makes game creation easy for non-technical gamers like me, but most importantly, fun for everyone, wrapped around a community and social sharing network that encourages exploration and experimentation wirth experiences big and small, popular and niche, and everything in-between.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is the sequel, or prequel that fans of the original deserved all along.

Dragon Age Inquisition is a must play RPG on the PS4 that successfully takes the best out of both previous games to create sword and sorcery perfection.

Make no mistake, the Tony Hawk series is back in all of its resplendent glory. It’s awesome seeing the Birdman back up on his perch and coming back to these games after a decade of unworthy entries really felt like a revelation as I was immediately reminded of how much I’d been missing the series from my life. With tight controls, awesome music and a whole ton of new content in the form of challenges, this is as close to perfection you can get when attempting to update a classic franchise for a new generation.

If you’re a Castlevania fan chances are you snapped up the Dominus collection as soon as it shadow-dropped. If you missed these classics the first time and are looking for a pure-blooded Metroidvania to sink your teeth into, Castlevania The Dominus Collection is one package I highly recommend.

With great graphics, a sturdy gameplay engine and some of the best music ever to grace this console, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker is truly the next chapter in the MGS series and dare I say it, one of the best releases for this console in quite some time

Battlefield 1 will change the way you look at first person shooters. Utterly amazing.

There’s been much hype surrounding Horizon Zero Dawn and thankfully it has delivered in more ways than one. It boasts a very likeable and interesting protagonist and the story behind Horizon Zero Dawn is one that is filled with mystery and intrigue. Of course, it’s all about the gameplay and Guerrilla should be commended in creating such a fluid and dynamic game as you explore this post-apocalyptic world 1000 years in the future that is filled with different cultures and even history which seems so real. Combat is fun and the missions are diverse and at the end of the day, Horizon Zero Dawn is a title that really raises the benchmark on the PlayStation 4.

This yearly update for the NBA 2K series has seen some marked improvements and is undoubtedly one of the best basketball games available on the market.

The Minecraft PlayStation 4 Edition is the penultimate version of this game on any console.

Ghost of Tsushima is one of the best samurai stories told in the history of video games. Its combat might not be as breathtaking and perfect as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice but its world, side-quests, exploration, beautiful landscapes, and coherent gameplay mechanics, narrative and their evolution make it a timeless experience.

The Last of Us Part 1 is an outstanding remake on the PlayStation 5 that is not only beautiful to play but filled with emotion.

With perfect gameplay, spectacular graphics and a track listing that can be enjoyed all, Harmonix and MTV Games have successfully recreated the virtual "Fab 4" for the PlayStation 3.

The gaming mechanics are almost flawless which gives the player a sturdy control system in this action RPG that successfully teleports you into this post-apocalyptic world as you search for your son and “save” the world. Sure, the story does take a back seat but this is because you create your own character and make your own story and what a story it is. Imagine being the star of I am Legend or Mad Max as you control your destiny in this nuclear devastated world.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a worthy sequel to 2018s Monster Hunter World that adds enough new things to keep the formula feeling fresh while being as deep and engaging as it ever has been.