A great Switch port that packs in an incredible amount of content and comes with relatively few technical issues.

One of the best sci-fi strategy games ever made, with an impressive amount of storytelling variety and accessible controls.

Punishingly and infuriatingly hard, but also the best retro-inspired platform puzzler for years, and a very successful port to the 3DS.

An arrestingly surreal triumph that blends point ‘n’ click and text adventures with a unique style of storytelling and gameplay that was well worth the extremely long wait.

Ported from a PC game, Antihero has you building and running a thieves’ guild in Olde England. Taking turns with a computer or human foe, your job is to earn gold and lanterns, the two currencies you need to upgrade your thievery HQ and recruit new ne’er-do-wells to do your bidding. Splitting your time between scouting new premises, occupying useful buildings, burglary and assassination, you grow your criminal empire whilst craftily side-lining the opposition. The game’s multiple interlocking systems supplying a complex set of tactical options to exploit in your quest for infamy.

BlazBlue goes out in a blaze of glory, and although it lacks new ideas it certainly isn’t short of characters, game modes, or thrilling action.

The best Nintendo sports title for several years and although it offers little in terms of innovation it’s certainly not short of content or addictive fun.

It’s not perfect but The Walking Dead is one of the most important advances in interactive fiction for a generation, with some of the most memorable characters of any video game.

Another inspired descent into bullet hell from the masters at Cave, and one that has both an unusual amount of tactical depth and yet remains surprisingly accessible.

The best and most versatile Jurassic World Evolution title yet, even if it’s only a compsognathus sized step up from its predecessor, rather than a brachiosaurus length stride.

If your ball-like warlock slips between the flippers he falls, taking damage equivalent to his height up the tower. You can recharge health with heart containers, and by getting him through the exit in time, but progress is cemented with the treasure and XP you earn, which permanently unlocks new skills, helping you get even higher next go. All of which is enjoyably addictive.

An energetic, platforming brawler with a mischievous glint in its eye, featuring a unique blend of feral cyberpunk and old school arcade action.

The best theme park sim of the modern era, even if a few underdeveloped elements mean it’s not quite the ultimate roller coaster ride yet.

A thoroughly entertaining and highly playable Metroidvania, that goes beyond being a simple retro homage and offers some memorable gameplay twists and storytelling surprises.

It can be a little inconsistent in terms of both actions and puzzles but late entry or not this is one of the funniest and best-presented adventures of the year.

The premier MMA title that will appeal to all fight fans, whether you like the sport or not.

At last, a Soulslike manages to do things at least a little differently to Dark Souls, with some clever new features that take advantage of the more cartoonish setting.

An essential addition for any Monster World fan that offers a mountain of genuinely new content that includes some of the game’s best monsters.

Superb mix of role-playing, puzzle and strategy action, wrapped up in a very palatable fantasy package.

A highly successful return for the long dormant sci-fi simulation series, and what it lacks in accessibility it makes up for in terms of satisfyingly tactical action.

The end result is certainly the best of the series, with the sense of scale and superb presentation overcoming most concerns over repetition and depth.

A beautiful, colourful, and bitingly satirical sci-fi Metroidvania that also has a welcome respect for your spare time.

An excellent return to form for the Dragon Age series, and the biggest and most ambitious Western role-player since the new generation began.

A fun, fairly brief campaign that offers plenty of memorable scenarios and a suite of improvements that turn The Division 2 into a true contender for the looter shooter throne.

An adult video game that is neither exploitative nor pretentious, but instead weaves a fun yet incisive tale about all too human characters.

An excellent ending to an inconsistent but enjoyable season of sharp comedy and surprisingly affecting drama.

A little more linear than usual, but Shantae and her friends have never looked or played better in this amusingly silly Metroidvania.

A highly successful reboot of one of SNK’s most unfairly forgotten franchise, that takes its rightful place as one of the generation’s best fighters.