A single-player expansion for Splatoon 2 may not seem a particularly appealing idea but this inspired slice of DLC expands the whole franchise in a number of surprising ways.

Masterful shake-up of not just Dragon Quest but the whole of the Japanese role-playing genre.

It's not going to change the world, but at least it manages to change first person shooters back into something more irreverent and fun.

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.

One of the best made Metroidvanias of recent years, but despite all the clever inspiration taken from other games it’s a shame it doesn’t have more unique ideas of its own.

An agreeably peculiar mix of role-playing game and Metroidvania but whose best feature is its charming visuals and one of the most endearing cast of characters seen in a long time.

The perfect introduction to ‘proper’ Pokémon games for GO players but also an enjoyably nostalgic remake for existing pokéfans.

A surprising, old school looter propped up by a contained sci-fi campaign, ferocious combat, and a modding system that encourages endless creativity.

It’s been a long time coming but the magic of Pokémon Snap has been effectively recreated in a game that’s more challenging and engrossing than its peaceable premise suggests.

One of the best arena shooters of recent years, but its high skill requirement and bland characters create an unfortunately high barrier to entry.

A welcome homage to JRPG classic Chrono Trigger and one of the best-looking 2D games of recent years, even if it’s not really doing anything new.

An excellent set of remasters that bring the remaining three mainline Ace Attorney games to modern formats, along with a suite of extras and some effective visual updates.

A loving tribute to isometric adventures of the Spectrum era, that does just enough to ensure new fans can enjoy it as well.

In gameplay terms it has little to do with the original Bloodlines, and it’s not really a role-playing game either, but this is an enjoyable and atmospheric action adventure that stands on its merits.

Fans are unlikely to be too disappointed, and the developer's automotive obsession is always evident, but this is definitely a refinement not a revolution.

Despite its one glaring flaw this is one of the most enjoyable co-op shooters for some time, even if it is top-down rather than first person.

Much in the style of Samorost, Love You to Bits+ is a graphically beautiful, darkly witty puzzle adventure.

The spirit of the arcade will never die thanks to games like this, as Vlambeer demonstrate their mastery of minimalist action.

The perfect football sim for playing your mates or tackling online but major AI flaw renders the offline experience boring and uninspiring.

Clever puzzles and excellent visual storytelling combine in what is arguably the best Lego game ever made, and certainly the most thoughtful.

As much mood piece as video game, but the mix of stark atmosphere and clever puzzles is hard to resist.

An inspired new take on Doom style shooters, as seen through the prism of bullet hell shoot ‘em-ups and roguelikes.

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.

An entertaining and fiercely satirical evocation of a future corporate dystopia, that manages to be both genuinely funny and surprisingly varied in its gameplay.

Utterly charming from the first second, this greatest hits compilation of rhythm action is brimming with old school Nintendo magic.

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.

A super-authentic bike racing sim that the hardcore will love. And while less experienced players may struggle at first, the effort is worth it.

The combination of its mechanical perfection and gradual upgrade path is magical, in a game that’s cute, colourful, and savagely addictive.