Indie gaming at its retro-loving best, with some of the most cunningly-designed and purposefully infuriating 2D gameplay of the year.

The DS is the definitive version but this still does some things better than the home consoles GTAs.

The definitive version of one of the most beautiful video games ever created, not to mention the best Zelda game that never was.

The most significant sequel in Civilization history maintains all of the series' most intriguing features while greatly improving the accessibility and combat.

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.

Generous in both content and price, this is another gold standard in DLC expansions – and in terms of 200cc mode one of the best free extras ever.

Not just one of the best strategy games of all-time but one of the best video games of any kind – and one that excites your emotions just as much as your brain matter.

The best Monster Hunter so far, and already one of the most compelling multiplayer games of the year – with an elegant balance between depth, difficulty, and accessibility.

Gaming’s ultimate eSport gets a well-considered makeover by the masters at Valve, although new ideas, and fixes for old problems, are currently thin on the ground.

The Trese Brothers have done an excellent job porting this from PC, and none of its wonderful depth and complexity has been lost in translation. Like FTL, this feels as though it was made to be played on an iPad. Whether you decide to work as a trader, explorer, glorified taxi driver, or become a pirate yourself, the sheer scale and open-endedness of Star Traders: Frontiers is never less than inspiring.

But despite all that it gets right we do wish that Guild Wars 2 had been bolder with the art style and the setting of its game world. Or that it had pushed its combat system even further and created something genuinely unique. Although the fact that it has no subscription fee is an unqualified positive that needs to be adopted as standard before free-to-play ruins everything.

An inspired and genuinely original puzzle game that offers plenty of value for money and one of the best reason so far to get your 3DS online.

A funny and supremely inventive story-driven puzzle game, with a plot based on Greek philosophy that’s delivered with the lightest of touches and a goofy sense of humour.

Some of the best storytelling so far in the series, and some inspired set pieces, but the chance to refine the gameplay has been sadly missed.

An evolution of last year's FIFA is enough for EA to win the battle of football games, but it may need to step up its game next year with PES improving.

An almost perfectly formed strategy game, that hides near infinite variety and depth beneath its deceptively simple presentation.

Its demands on players is as great as any FromSoftware game but persevere and Sekiro reveals itself as the most rewarding and nuanced ninja game in decades.

The best Tekken game of the modern era, with a vastly improved range of game modes and the most accessible and aggressive action the series has ever seen.

A brilliant reinvention of the series that maintains the epic of scale of battles and yet increases the accessibility and focus.

An almost total success and one of the best ever strategy games, with amazing scope and accessibility.

The best non-Mario platformer ever made and a stunning work of imagination, where the visuals, music, and gameplay all resonate in perfect harmony.

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 most visually impressive and entertaining game on PlayStation VR, with an incredible sense of scale and boundless imagination.

Sony's super-stylised future racer may still be download-only but this expansion is worth every penny.

An evolutionary improvement on the original and by consequence one of the best co-operative first person shooters ever made.

The third time is still lucky for the best version yet of one the greatest ever Japanese role-players.

A stylish and brilliantly designed blend of first person shooter and platformer, which nails the compelling and addictive chase for the perfect run.

One of the best Japanese role-players of last generation is still one of the best on current formats, with an excellent remaster that includes a generous amount of new content.