One of the best remakes ever, not because of its loving recreation of the original Half-Life but because it dares to change and improve it.

It's not going to change the world, but at least it manages to change first person shooters back into something more irreverent and fun.

A loving tribute to Gradius and its spin-off series, with some of M2’s best archaeological work and an excellent retro sequel in Salamander 3.

The best Kinect-only game ever, and if nothing else that proves that an inspired developer can make a great game with even the most unpromising of hardware.

Minimalist gaming at its finest, with graphics and presentation out of the Stone Age but evocative sci-fi action that's tense, tactical and instantly addictive.

There's a lot to admire in this role-playing classic, but still just as much to infuriate and bore.

The best Japanese role-player of the generation and arguably the best open world environment of the year, despite a disappointing story and some arcane systems.

The best Defender clone for years and arguably the best next gen launch title on any console, although that says far more about its rivals than it does Resogun itself.

In their panic EA has made a game which has no place in the current market. Neither arcade racer, nor simulation it also pales next to the well-established rivals which manage to be both.

Fans are unlikely to be too disappointed, and the developer's automotive obsession is always evident, but this is definitely a refinement not a revolution.

The problem is there's very little extra of any importance and much of what there is doesn't work that well.

If you want a 2D Dark Souls it’s hard to imagine From Software doing much better than this, even if it has too few original ideas of its own.

It's not original, and its often unfocused, but the willingness to always offer just one more piece of loot and one more giant boss battle makes Darksiders II a hard game not to enjoy.

Borderline brilliant at times and even a heavy weight of minor flaws can't spoil the superb co-op play.

A loving and genuinely funny homage to old school role-playing-games and the people that play them.

A sloppy port but this is still the best SoulsBorne clone out there, with plenty of unique ideas of its own and some of the best combat of the generation.

Despite a few rough edges this is easily the best new graphic adventure since the ‘90s, and a game that can stand toe-to-toe with the rest of the LucasArts pantheon. More importantly, it’s a game who’s focus on dialogue and character has an awful lot to teach modern games when it comes to telling a ripping yarn.

A slick sequel with promising, if shallow, career mode improvements. But it’s moving in the right direction and not far off achieving elite status.

A bizarre, absurdist comedy only occasionally masquerading as a video game, but the lack of interactivity doesn’t make it any less entertaining.

It had a tough task following up last year’s incredible effort, but with the injection of The Bloodline this new entry becomes another top notch wrestling game.

Another top notch interactive documentary from Digital Eclipse, which explores the early days of Mortal Kombat in enjoyably forensic detail.

A hugely original puzzler that relies on raw logic in a way only a video game could, providing some of the most satisfyingly open-ended challenges of the generation.

An inspired new point ‘n’ click adventure that proves impressively daring with its dark storytelling and retro style presentation.

One of the best remakes ever, but also a puzzle platformer that defies its age to offer an enjoyable challenge to gamers both young and old.

It lacks commitment in some areas but there are enough new features and promising new ideas to keep fans busy for another 12 months, even if this is clearly a transitionary sequel.

Not quite a killer app but certainly the best New Super Mario Bros. game so far, and an occasionally inspired 2D platformer in its own right.

The retail version will offer better value for money, but for existing fans this is a determined effort to drag Street Fighter IV even closer to perfection.

The same great Lost Vikings-inspired action platforming as the first game, but now with some of the most amazing 2D graphics ever seen.

A good start to what is likely to be one of gaming's most important new sports franchises.

An excellent follow-up to 999, with a thought-provoking plot, compelling characters, and some of the hardest choices this side of The Walking Dead.

An excellent second episode, with the larger and more diverse map allowing for some truly inspired hits.

One of the best looking WiiWare games is also one of the most accessible real-time strategies ever.

Time has worn some holes in each games’ reputation, but these are still three of the most ambitious and daring action games of modern times.

The mobile port works beautifully, its timed button presses easy enough to pull off on a touchscreen and its cute, deliberately blocky graphics looking alluringly colourful on a small screen.

Superb mix of role-playing, puzzle and strategy action, with gorgeous new HD graphics and an addictive online mode.

Euphoric mix of interactive gameplay, visuals and music that proves not only the wider potential for Kinect but for video games in general.

A fantastically entertaining action game that combines gameplay, visuals, and audio into an irresistible orgy of violence and… improvisational jazz.

An excellent reinvention of the Hitman formula that gives existing fans almost everything they want and makes itself highly accessible for newcomers.

Still one of the best action games ever made, but this is far from the definitive version and may actually be the worst.

One of the best retro homages of recent years combines the choicest elements of older 2D games with plenty of new ideas of its own – as well as a completely free expansion pack.

The improvements are slight, but this is still the best FIFA has been in several years – in terms of gameplay as well as just presentation.

Even though it's let down by longevity and a lack of ancillary options this still plays like a classic and is one of the best new shooters of its generation.

An excellent remake of a historically important game, that often gets forgotten. The price is off-putting but beyond that this is a breezy and charming adventure that’s perfect for RPG neophytes.

A notable improvement on the original, although most of the changes are still just doodling in the margins – as the series waits for a more substantial overhaul.

A host of new features and gameplay improvements blend well and make the game more realistic and fun – and they save you time faffing around doing tasks that used to feel more like chores.

Indie gaming at its retro-loving best, with some of the most cunningly-designed and purposefully infuriating 2D gameplay ever seen.

A great start to Codemasters' Formula 1 career, with astonishing visuals, great attention to detail and superb handling.

It may be the same game yet again but gorgeous visuals and cunning puzzles make Trine 2 a great showcase for the PlayStation 4 and its online store.

Whatever you think of the original games this is one of the best HD remakes ever, and a considerable improvement on the already excellent PlayStation 3 and Vita versions.

One of the best remasters ever made, that actively improves the original game, in terms of graphics, AI, and the enormous volume of content.

A fun restatement of the Ninja Gaiden 2D formula, that is just complex enough to engage both new and old fans, while being surprisingly accessible in terms of its difficulty level.

Picross makes the jump to 3D better than many games, although it's still not quite the perfect puzzler.

Another meaty chunk of downloadable content for Borderlands 2, with a great mix of play styles and some wonderfully OTT quests and characters.

The gameplay, and some of the dialogue, could do with some refinement but this dystopian drinks-making game has some of the most interesting storytelling of the last few years.

A welcome return to health for the Theme Hospital concept, with a fine mix of engrossing strategy and sardonic humour.

A very narrow selection of games, from a format that does not work well on modern TVs, but Aria Of Sorrow in particular stands out as one of the best Castlevania games ever made.

A hardcore roguelike that has none of the niceties of most modern equivalents and yet its old school charm and small innovations make it enjoyable despite itself.

We still have a problem in the game not evolving past its initial set of ideas, and resting on its laurels long before it gets to the end of its short running time, but this is definitely the most we’ve ever enjoyed it. It’s also another game where Oculus Quest’s superior controls and roomscale tracking makes all the difference.

Only masochists will appreciate all of the new features, but they do help to round out what was always an unfairly pilloried and already highly competent action game.

At times it seems indistinguishable from last year’s game, but the slower play speed and improved controls work well and make this the best PES yet.

Another mini-reboot for the father of FPS, but while it’s less complex and challenging than Doom Eternal it’s still a fine homage to the seminal original.

The best Call Of Duty of the generation and while some will bemoan the lack of a story campaign, it’s hard to argue with the quality and quantity of content on offer.

A fun mix of PS1 era horror nostalgia and Life Is Strange style emotional drama, that goes a little too light on the scares but is still a compelling mix of influences.

The best Castlevania game never made and while it adds relatively little to the formula it is the best example of its use in many years.

A triumphant back-to-basics return to WWII, for the original vehicle-based multiplayer shooter.

A competent but shallow and overfamiliar attempt to replicate Assassin’s Creed style open world adventure in the world of 13th century samurai.

Tetris and battle royale turn out to be a perfect match with probably the best multiplayer version of the game ever made.

Far more than meets the eye, the triumph here isn't the successful return of Kid Icarus but Nintendo's most involved and nuanced shooter of recent years.

An intelligent, thought-provoking, and extremely creepy adventure, that proves that survival horror can be more than just shooting zombies.

Going green has never been so entertaining, with the only game this Christmas where brain not brawn will save the world.

A highly enjoyable introduction to the PlayStation 5 but also a charming celebration of the entire history of PlayStation, even if it’s something you’ll only ever play once.

A masterclass in terms of cinematic adaptation and slow burn survival horror, but the overly long running time and lack of compelling storytelling prevents it from being a classic.

The Wii version is superior, but Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D has both the simple charms of a gimmick-free 2D platformer and a strong grip on nostalgic heartstrings.

Only a small improvement on the first game but this is still one of the most original Metroidvanias around, in terms of both its setting and its gameplay.

The best Dynasty Warriors game so far is still barely competent compared to other action games but for those seeking more Persona 5 this is a fun, if trashy diversion.

A management game where you have to handle people as well as just spreadsheets, but while its sci-fi elements add intrigue the survival gameplay isn’t all it could be.

An odd mixture of the classic and the inessential, but there's no arguing over the quality of at least three of the maps in this relatively content rich download.

It’s exquisitely designed, both graphically and in terms of its ruleset, and gives the distinct impression of being a labour of love. It’s also monumentally addictive and despite its high – at least for mobile – price is an essential purchase. The Android version is due for release later this year.

A disappointing sequel that offers no significant gameplay improvements compared to its predecessors, and a notably inferior story and set of characters.

Frustratingly shallow and hamstrung by underdeveloped gameplay mechanics, and yet somehow the fact that that an open world pirate game exists at all is enough to provide a certain amount of fun.

Bungie plays it safe with a side story that seems designed to expand little but Microsoft's wallet.

The flaws are obvious, and in many cases needless, but personality (and fantastic animation) go a long way in this eccentric puzzler.

The best Mario Kart clone of the nineties is also the best Mario Kart clone of the 21st century, with a stunning remake that offers welcome refinement and improvement.

Not only one of the best racing games of the generation but for once one that feels genuinely different to any of its major rivals – unless you count spiritual predecessor FlatOut.

A fantastic crossover that despite a few necessary simplifications manages to do some things better than either of its parent games, especially in terms of accessibility.

A genre hybrid that turns repetitive loop grinding into one of the most uniquely addictive gaming experiences of the year, with surprisingly few caveats.

Fans of gripping mysteries and intriguing puzzles will love the eclectic storytelling, but not necessarily the pervy humour, in Kotaro Uchikoshi’s most fascinating oddity.

It's not as significant a departure from the original games as it first appears but the gravity gimmicks help ensure a series best for the world's most successful video game.

A fantastically well designed and presented roguelike, that makes your heroes’ mental health just as important as their physical well-being.

Technically this is the best Splatoon ever, but the complete lack of anything approaching a new idea is profoundly disappointing.

This does fix many of the flaws of the last game, but there are so few real advances that this is one yearly update you'll find easy to skip.

Overall Black Ops II is the most ambitious and innovative Call Of Duty for years, but it's also the most inconsistent. But that may well be the short term price for trying to do things differently.

A knowing tribute to some of the greats of action gaming, and a highly competent 2D shooter in its own right.

The remake is no longer the technical marvel it once was, but Capcom has done their best to reissue it in a way that maintains all the splendour, scares, and laughs of the original.

Probably the best-looking 2D shooter ever made and an excellent genre introduction for the uninitiated. Not to mention a great advertisement for East/West collaborations.

A refined but unadventurous restart for the Battlefield series, which returns to the thrilling spectacle of the classic entries, even if it doesn’t do very much that is new.

Naturally, it still suffers the same flaws in terms of storytelling and pacing as the console originals, but with all three pieces of DLC included the exceptional value for money makes it hard to resist.

The best Pokémon clone by a significant margin and arguably a more enjoyable experience than the more recent 3D games, with some clever new ideas and fantastic visuals.