In the end, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is a fun game that both adults and children alike will enjoy, provided you like to be challenged. For younger gamers, the title does contain a hint system but fortunately this can be ignored, although I must admit we may have used it once or twice. If you're a fan of puzzles than look no further because this game will keep your mind well trained and best of all, have a blast!

One of the best glow ups on Switch 2 brings the magic of the wizarding world to Nintendo's new handheld with aplomb.

In conclusion, Saints Row the Third is a fun and extremely ridiculous game. It's definitely the most fun I've had on the PS3 for quite some time and it's great that Volition have taken the piss out of the gaming world with this release.

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection on PlayStation 4 is a flawless first person shooter that successfully takes this franchise to next-gen.

Forza Horizon 2 Storm Island is easily the best DLC of the year because of the amount of content jam packed into this release.

Apart from some minor repetitive issues throughout the game including endgame content, of which I haven’t managed to explore it all. It seems that Ubisoft has learned a number of important lessens from the first game, I can’t say enough how pleased I am that ALL year one content is free for all players, this is the kind of stuff more developers should be implementing for the longevity of their games.

This year in Madden they really stepped up their game, ‘Long Shot’ is one of the best things Madden players have seen in a while, and many players wanted it. ‘Long Shot’ had its many faults but going forward in the next few Madden’s the Career Mode will get better and it will be more interesting. Lovers of Madden should get this game because it has many new additions. If you haven’t got a Madden in a while it’s a good idea to get this one. But all together, Madden 18 is a good game with many new perks, and it’s headed in the right direction.

For those perhaps new to the genre, or if you aren’t interested in park management that gets too involved, then Jurassic World Evolution 3 is a fantastic starting point to test your dinosaur-handling skills.

If you love NFL this will be a great addition to your collection with the depth available and the control given.

Whether you're a lover of all things formula one or just a fan of racing games in general, F1 2016 deserves a place in your collection.

Forsaken was just the pick me up Destiny 2 needed as it was falling quite sour of many loyal fans. I myself had taken a long break before Forsaken dragged me back. The story is great, the triumph system to track challenges is fun and paired with the lore system give players something to lookout and work towards completing even when there’s little else to do, having added so many more bounties, both daily and weekly to complete for that sweet sweet loot opens up the game for so many players who might only like to play certain modes or are more of a PVE player than PVP.

The second episode of The Walking Dead: Michonne is faster-paced and more about the action, but things are more than a little rushed - though still immensely violent and satisfying.

I know that the year isn’t done yet, and it might be a little early to start naming games the best of the year, but for me, I’m hooked beyond belief to Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. I adore this game, and can’t shake the feeling that it was made for people just like me: those who grew up with platformers, and want to revisit that joyous nostalgia of running and jumping on perfect level designs. I love this game completely and cannot see anything topping it.

Sonic Cd may not look pretty, game wise though it is a solid fun romp in the retro gaming realm.

A rotation option, but not a primary starter.

I do believe that new players will not only enjoy Borderlands 3 but will want to go back and play previous titles in the series. Borderlands 3 has only pushed the bar higher and I can only commend the entire development team on creating yet another fantastic game.

Gears Tactics makes an odd choice turning away from the main genre that the Gears of War series is well known for but still captures that vital essence that fans have come to love. Playing this game on the Xbox Series X in 4k resolution is an amazing experience for any Gears fans or lovers of strategy games. The gameplay feels incredibly natural running on console and offers a really immersive experience for anyone. I’m especially fond of how much of the lore and content from the Gears series has been used in this game, especially the cinematic aspects that occur when executing a downed enemy. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who has ever played a Gears of War game or is looking for a challenging strategy game.

As you fight your way to victory, whether online or offline, developers Iron Galaxy should be commended on a flawless conversion to the XBox 360.

With big improvements, yet still some solid flaws, F1 2023 comes up pretty strong but still with a lot of room to grow.

If you’re a souls fanatic, then getting this is a no-brainer and, in terms of amount of content, by all reports it’s almost double that of Ashes of Ariandel, making The Ringed City even better value for money.

The PlayStation Move aspect is definitely the way to go with a second person and it does give you a relative slight workout as you move around your living room, slogging that virtual ball. Add in a decent career mode and great online connectivity and Top Spin 4 is a winner on many levels.

A solid remake that doesn't quite stick the landing thanks to some bewildering soundtrack choices.

Overall, Stray surprised me in how well it wears its features and themes on its sleeve and how well crafted said features are. It’s a game created for cat lovers by cat lovers, but with features and mechanics everyone can enjoy irrespective of age or pet preference. It’s just too bad that the journey you’ll go on, while memorable, is incredibly short, at only about eight hours long.

Arguably the best NBA 2K26 of all time, with a new gameplay engine that sends the series into the stratosphere. There's so much to love, in exception to continued emphasis on Virtual Currency.

A intriguing change of pace that gives the Assassin's Creed series the breathing room it has so desperately needed for eons, without making any compromises on content. Well worth your time to enter the gates of Valhalla.

In conclusion, don't let Blur whizz past you because it truly challenges the current market and proves that kart games can also be made for adults. With elements of Mario Kart, Project Gotham Racing and even Carmageddon, Blur is the racing game that keeps on giving, whether single-player or multiplayer.

The best part of Rebellion or any RT4X title is the replay value. This title can be played again and again as all your decisions ultimately effect the long-term gameplay.

THQ's Darksiders may not be the most original game, however it works by giving the player a fun gaming experience that attempts to be clever at certain times and actually succeeds.