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.