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.