By the end of the 30+ hour campaign you begin to realise that the worst thing about Gears Tactics is that it’s a Gears Of War game. The gameplay and controls work very well but the repetition and lack of strategic control becomes more of a problem the longer the game goes on. As an introduction to the genre it works very well, and we hope it’ll get more people interested in turn-based action, but we doubt it’ll do the same for Gears Of War itself.

The world’s least realistic golf game is a tour de force in manic invention that values variety, invention, and surrealist humour above all.

A significant advancement on Pokémon Sword and Shield and while it’s not hard to see how it could be improved further this is the most ambitious and entertaining Pokémon has been in a long while.

The bizarrely structured and frequently uninteresting story campaign threatens to undermine the multiplayer, but this is still easily the best Halo has been for over a decade.

The changes to the tactics system are likely to prove controversial but this is undeniably the most accessible and realistic Football Manager ever made.

The whole package absolutely shames most other downloadable expansions (including the earlier Red Dead ones) and as silly and shallow as it all is it's just as unmissable as the main game itself.

Earn XP to level up, unlocking new creatures, equipment, heroes, and bigger maps. While finding a decent weapon early on can make a big difference, the randomness isn’t too brutal, and the game gets more interesting as you progress, with more characters and larger levels forcing you to make judicious use of each hero’s skills to survive.

A significant advancement on Pokémon Sword and Shield and while it’s not hard to see how it could be improved further this is the most ambitious and entertaining Pokémon has been in a long while.

One of the best offline multiplayer games of recent years, and proof that shouting at people sitting next to you is still one of gaming’s greatest pleasures.

It feels more like a restatement of the original game than a full-blown sequel, but while its effect on the Wii U’s fortunes may be limited the fact remains there’s nothing quite like Pikmin.

One of the best massively multiplayer offline games of recent years, although like any party game its attractions are fairly fleeting.

A fan-pleasing sequel that makes effective use of its new open world structure and some welcome nuance in the storytelling and character customisation.

A highly enjoyable action romp, with a winning sense of humour and a hugely entertaining range of unusually varied weapons.

Neither nerdish simulator nor abstract arcade game, Shift 2 proves that compromises don't have to be boring - as long as they have autolog.

A rare chance to play a thoroughbred visual novel, with a multi-layered plot that explores everything from Japanese pop culture to the ripple effect of everyday decisions.

While it never forges its own identity, or escapes the shadow of Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood provides a great cover act, that captures all of the original series’ magic.

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.

A hugely effective interactive story that shows that video games don’t need big budgets or extreme violence to tell an emotional tale.

There are still some pacing issues, but this is the best version of Lumines yet and an artful mix of music, graphics, and puzzle gameplay.

The light touch of the writing offsets the slightly melancholy content, and its Emerald Isle setting makes for a welcome break from the usual Americana, fantasy violence, and crime fighting.

A dark and comical action adventure with excellent combat mechanics, sharp writing, and a memorable cast of characters.

There’s a lot of downtime at the start, but another shock ending does little to dilute what is the best piece of interactive storytelling so far this year.

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

The best new Football Manager in several years, and although the improvements are still minor they create a more nuanced and realistic experience than ever before.

A wonderful mix of cutting edge technology and nuanced storytelling that instantly becomes one of the best games for PlayStation VR.

It's not really Ridge Racer, but whether you consider it a reboot or a spin-off this is the best arcade racer since Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit.

Only a minor improvement on the last game, but still a hugely accomplished space strategy game – with an almost infinite range of customisation options.

One of the best-looking 2D shooters of recent years is remastered for the current gen, and offers a fun way in for gamers new to the genre.