Being Boney represents a more linear, but more accessible, experience for would-be European dictators.

A Pokémon fighting game may not seem like the most obvious spin-off idea, but the end result is a surprisingly fun and inventive multiplayer game.

More than just a successful reboot of a forgotten franchise, this is one of the most unique and entertaining new fighting games of recent years.

Another perfectly crafted adventure that puts to shame most other retail games at five times its price.

After many uninspired titles, Assassin’s Creed Origins is bigger, prettier and, quite frankly, more fun than any other game in the series so far. It helps, of course, that Cleopatra’s Egypt is a fascinating place that begs to be discovered. Who wouldn’t want to climb the pyramids?

Exactly what the 3DS needed to reenergise its fortunes and restate its purpose, and even if it's not as good as Galaxy it's still the best portable Mario since the Game Boy.

An audio-only RPG adventure which feels like a new benchmark for the genre, through challenging combat and excellent sound design.

The classic 1995 role-player is finally released in Europe and it's almost sad how fresh it still feels.

A great 2D shooter in its own right, but the customisability and four-player options make it one that even non-fans can enjoy.

Samorost 2 is still subject to its genre’s dated trial and error gameplay, but it’s so refined and beautifully presented it’s a pleasure to explore from start to finish.

New modes such as NBA's Greatest are a welcome inclusion and add longevity to the game. Basketball fans will also be excited by the improvements to Franchise mode, and the overall first class presentation.

The best Contra game for decades, even if it’s not an official sequel, with amusingly over-the-top action and a great co-op mode.

A classic indie game that remains as cleverly unique today as it did 16 years ago, even if none of its original flaws have been ironed out in the meantime.

Konami's reinvention of the footy sim still impresses a year later, even if this is largely the same game.

It doesn't even try to reinvent the Counter-Strike formula, but this is easily the best version for consoles and a refreshing retro alternative to the modern military shooter.

It’s a shame it isn’t a full remake, but The Dark Descent remains one of the most frightening and atmospheric video games ever made.

An inventive and fun rhythm action game that keeps the genre alive through the unlikely medium of breakdancing.

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 gloriously surreal third person puzzle game, set in a hotel where everything from its rooms to its artwork is part of a multi-layered mystery of time travel, mazes, and the occult.

An improvement on last year’s already firm foundations, WWE 2K23 continues the franchise’s rebirth with steady improvements, beefed up game modes, and an epic recreation of WarGames.

One of the best scrolling beat ‘em-ups ever made, with fantastic retro graphics, four-player co-op, and as much variety and combat depth as the genre will allow.

Like Simogo’s classic of interactive fiction, Device 6, this cheerfully plays with the format, exploiting both touchscreen and motion sensing for puzzles that require logical deduction, are never unreasonably abstruse and, above all, make you feel smart for solving them.

One of the most unique racers of the last decade finally appears on the PlayStation and Xbox, and becomes arguably the best arcade racer on either system.

A clever of mix of new and old that blends together several different platforming greats but still maintains a distinctive identity of its own.

An entertaining and well-designed mobile port.

A successful conclusion to one of the most underrated storytelling franchises in gaming, even if some of the presentational changes are too ambitious for their own good.

If there is a complaint, it’s that the aiming mechanic, where you drag your finger in the direction you want to shoot and then release to fire, is prone to inaccuracy, but honestly it’s just nice to have new levels to play through.

It may not have the depth of Street Fighter IV, but this is just as accessible and fun as its big brother.