A brilliant and evocative story, superb combat mechanics and an interesting multiplayer component, The Last Of Us is one of this generation's best.

It’s hard to deny that the original Bioshock was praised so highly because it was so unique. Bioshock Infinite retreads a lot of the same ground, at least mechanically, but with parts that aren’t nearly as diverse or varied as its predecessor...Its enemies are uninspired and its world not nearly as rich, but that still doesn’t stop Bioshock Infinite having the tools to give you a great time all the same.

This is a game you need to own a Wii U for. There’s enough new that it shouldn’t be seen as a rehash of past glories, and there is a wealth of variety crammed into the game.

One of the best strategy RPG games of recent years, let down by a typically Japanese story and a couple of smaller niggles.

A ruthless challenge, excellent gameplay and wonderful design are just some of the things that make Dark Souls 2 a truly superb game and an early contender for game of the year. Don’t be put off by the difficulty.

An odd mix of the familiar and the radical – one which, despite not having the makings of a classic Zelda adventure, does more than enough to cement itself as a masterful quest in its own right.

It's a brave move to delve into the mechanics of a classic, but Nintendo was right to do so. These changes can easily be forgiven, and as a result Nintendo has created a masterful recreation of one of its most cherished games of yesteryear.

Rayman Legends is an excellent platformer that is more than worthy of your time. Tight controls, incredible art design, varied gameplay and some clever ideas combine to create an endearing world that is both pleasurable and satisfying to move through.

Mario Kart 8 does everything that fans would be clamouring for from a sequel, and it is very well designed. But it does feel like Nintendo isn't really trying to bring us something new here; 'more of the same' is always a great thing when it comes to Mario Kart, but it's not enough to sell consoles, sadly.

The Last of Us: Left Behind doesn't feel as essential as the main game, but that shouldn't detract from the fact that it's a no-brainer for those who loved The Last of Us.

Tried and true mechanics get a much-needed refresh in the most interesting and engrossing Pokémon adventure in many a year. Take Magikarp's advice and Splash out on this at once.

The Stanley Parable might not prove that videogames are art, but it is an intriguing - and original - game that plays around with the tried-and-tested tropes of player choice in gaming.

With more to do than ever before it might seem a little strange to dock Animal Crossing: New Leaf for feeling repetitive, but in truth too little has changed to really celebrate this latest 3DS release. It'll eat your life whole in an instant, though, that much is clear.

The jump to 3D does wonders for a series that was starting to show its age, with a host of new monsters and revamped old ones pulling together to create a completionist's worst nightmare and a Pokémaniac's dream game.

Colourful, brimming with character and entertaining, Guacamelee offers more than enough content for its low fee to make up for its lack of depth.

If you have people ready to play local multiplayer, then absolutely buy TowerFall: Ascension. If not, avoid. It's as easy as that.

Tearaway uses the PS Vita's features without feeling gimmicky, and is an exceptional example of originality in the genre.

As a sign of things to come, Diablo 3: Reaper Of Souls is a great expansion pack. It adds in some of the key elements fans were looking for, while creating a whole new campaign to playthrough. Highly recommended, but only if you know you'll get the hours from its randomised dungeons.

Divinity: Original Sin is challenging, rewarding and compelling. It proves that classic isometric RPGs aren't nearly as dead as publishers would have you believe. It has minor flaws, but they'll likely be gone in a few weeks - leaving a fantastic example of the genre.

It’s a big game too, and once you find yourself hooked, it’s eminently replayable...Of course, with length comes tedium, and there are times where Diablo’s relentless grind can become mercilessly wearying.

A brilliant game that retains the entertainment of the original Pikmin games but still feels as unique as ever. A Wii U must-play.

This is the definitive version of Velocity Ultra, but not because of its fancy new graphics and effects. Velocity Ultra is a perfect match for a console that can be carried around with you, and if you've yet to play the game then this is the way to play it.

It’s easily the best third-party port on the console right now, and as a result, should be racing to the top of every Wii U owner’s most wanted list.

Final Fantasy X is a rare example of a game where the years that have passed in the series have enhanced its status rather than diminishing it - it's an absolute joy to revisit and even Final Fantasy X-2 is a perfectly able companion.

Titanfall is an accessible, well-balanced and intensely enjoyable multiplayer first-person shooter that successfully delivers on the concept of blending human and mech combat.

While Blizzard's attempt to evolve StarCraft II's gameplay is more successful in the multiplayer suite than single player campaign, this is still the most polished RTS experience out there and if you're passionate about StarCraft II it's simply must have.

Ubisoft needs to dial it down. It has the gameplay, it just needs to present it in a fashion that doesn't spoil an otherwise completely absorbing set of characters, locations and gameplay tools.

FIFA 14 has dragged the franchise out of videogame purgatory and injected character back into it with some significant gameplay improvements. AI oddities and a poor interface fail to mar a genuinely rewarding and enjoyable football experience.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 is an excellent puzzler wrapped in charming design, clever gameplay and gorgeous visuals through a lengthy campaign that (mostly) plays to 3DS’ strengths.

The accessible brother of the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue titles, ArcSystem Works has done a fantastic job twisting the Persona series into a fighting game spin-off.

Bravely Default matches all the cosy warmth of traditional themes and familiar role-playing customisation systems with fresh concepts and interesting twists that use many of the 3DS most underused used features. The game provides the JRPG genre with a much-needed shot in the arm.

If you've already played the PC version there isn't enough new to consider a second go - unless you really loved it - but it's an impressive port all the same and a fantastic coup for the PS Vita.

An assured and stylish first entry in The Wolf Among Us series that retains many of the hallmarks of Telltale's previous games while also providing us with a game that is unique in tone and setting.

Cellar Door have taken the frantic bursts of roguelike, woven them all together and created a game with near-limitless longevity that may just snare you for good.

Brilliant fun in both campaign and multiplayer modes, there's something here for those who want to push their platforming skills and those who want an accessible online smack-'em-up.

Much like inspecting the evolution of Rooney’s fascinating mop, you’ll need a magnifying glass to identify the follicles of change that make a real difference to the Football Manager experience.

Expensive for an expansion pack, perhaps, but considering it comes with Gods And Kings and has some fantastic additions to vanilla Civ 5 then it feels totally worth it, especially for fans.

No, Tomb Raider didn’t really need the facelift - but that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate it. Stuffed with the same frantic fire(bow) fights, compelling exploration and breathtaking cinematics, this re-re-booted Tomb Raider is every bit as gripping as we remember. And at least we know how to beat the Tomb of Ascension this time.

Whether you've never played Abe's Oddysee before or you remember the unique breed of puzzle platforming fondly, there's plenty to love about Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty.

An excellent conclusion to The Wolf Among Us that solidifies the strong standing of Telltale's noir series.

Good rather than great, this is a retro platformer that does exactly what its peers did 20 years ago while barely changing a thing. If that’s what you’re after, you’ll love it. Otherwise, it’s easily outclassed.

Crown Of The Sunken King provides Dark Souls 2 with an interesting new environment, three punishing boss fights and a host of tasty new gear. DLC at a good price that’s worth the struggle, Dark Souls 2 just got harder.

It’s impossible to say Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is a bad game; this has all the hallmarks of quality you’d want from a Nintendo game. But it doesn’t have anything new or exceptional to praise either, and that’s more telling of the problems of Nintendo these days than anything else.

A game with a laser focus on a select few elements, Memories of Celceta is likely to appeal to only a small audience - but that audience is going to have little to complain about.

Far more than just a port or a re-release, Ultimate expands every aspect of Monster Hunter Tri to leap straight to the top of the food chain. A massively rewarding test of true skill and one of the best co-op games out there.

In the eight hours or so it will take to complete the main campaign (there are plenty of side quests that will extend your play time significantly), there is enough variety to South Park: The Stick of Truth to ensure that the game is always fun and engaging.

It's been worth the wait, as the eccentric Darkstalkers offers a refreshingly unique spin on fighting games while online play keeps up with the frantic speed of the game itself. Highly recommended.

A fun and admirable collection of multiplayer games that will bring people together. The only issue is that none of the games are compelling enough to ensure that they keep them coming back.

A Crooked Mile is a strong, well-paced entry in The Wolf Among Us series that's missing the technical issues that marred the previous episode.

A fantastical journey that's equal parts Dungeons & Dragons and Streets Of Rage. Play it.

A fairly simple RPG, but a throughly pleasant one all the same.

The standard-bearer for Kickstarter funding does not disappoint, Double Fine providing us a game within a traditional genre that manages to feel both fresh and significant.

Saint's Row 4 is a game that is greater than the sum of its parts. While its systems are lacking in depth, the game provides so much variety and so many tools to play with, that it's hard not to have fun.

Expertly balanced and mechanically brilliant, you can't do much better than Nidhogg when it comes to local multiplayer. There are concerns about Nidhogg's online mode, but Nidhogg's best played in person in any case.

Phoenix Wright’s triumphant return to the courtroom has been matched by a game worth of such an event. Sure, it is more of the same, but with more variety, a new set of great characters and it looks really nice to boot.

There's nothing quite like Lone Survivor on PS Vita and its unique psychological horror tale will likely keep players involved to the end.

Those who play the game stealthily and/or replay levels to experiment with different solutions will get more from The Brigmore Witches than those who rush through with a combat heavy approach, but that’s always been the case with Dishonored.

If you haven't bought Gran Turismo 5 then - unsurprisingly - this is the one you should opt for if you have any interest. However with Gran Turismo 6, much like a dying swan, the PS3 won't be making an elaborate splash but, instead, quietly fading out of existence.

Come for the Minecraft similarities, stay for Terraria's own sense of self-worth. Hours of exploratory gameplay, incremental improvements and just a handful of jaw-on-floor surprise deaths. It's Dark Souls put through a Minecraft filter.

A passable but not detestable story and characters is Watch Dogs biggest criticism, but the fact that it handles an open world the right way - and adds in a genuinely original multiplayer component - more than makes up for it.

The emotionally affecting narrative steals the show and highlights Stoic's skill for storytelling, while combat is more commendable than spectacular.

The single-player component is an uninspired yet enjoyable enough aside, while the multiplayer component - however great it may be - hasn't really enhanced the series in any tangible way. Great fun, of course, but more of the same. Good news for Battlefield fans, if nothing else.

Blood Dragon shows what’s possible with a bit of creativity and imagination, taking Far Cry 3 fundamentals and twisting them into a glorious love letter to 80s action movies.

There are glimmers - when Metro: Last Light lets you free to investigate on your own accord - where this game feels genuinely compelling. The repetitive nature of the gameplay invariable becomes a pain to push on with, however. Plenty of potential, but far too restrictive.

It’s a shame the plot and enemies ruin things a bit, because Outlast is a truly effective survival horror for the most part.

God Of War: Ascension delivers another strong Kratos outing, albeit one that does slip into a predictable routine a little too often. Fans will still get plenty of mileage from Ascension though and multiplayer is excellent.

Bright, bold and beguiling, Puppeteer reinvigorates the humble platformer, with its unashamedly honest and engaging design. Problematic physics and sluggish story aside, we think you could do a lot worse than pay to see this show.

A little too much of an emphasis on the emotional side of World War 2 detracts from the otherwise brilliant RTS game, regardless of whether you favour single-player or multiplayer.

Lego City: Undercover is a good idea – it just hasn’t been built in quite the right way.

Luftrausers is a well-designed shooter that will most appeal to high-score chasers. Its lack of direction may mean that its appeal is relatively short-lived for some, however.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe is a consistently varied and fun platformer that makes smart use of the its 2.5D plane.

If you enjoy videogames that aren't afraid to acknowledge what they are, then InFamous: Second Son empowers you with the tools for fun and a gorgeous sandbox environment to unleash them.

If you’re looking for your first fighting game on Vita, the fast and accessible gameplay combined with rock solid netcode makes Dead Or Alive 5 Plus an easy choice.

A quaint stroll through Rapture, but not nearly enough focus in the right areas to make this a must-have BioShock experience.

Technically impressive, but limited on new ideas. Drivatar is the closest to innovation Forza 5 comes, but needs more depth to be worthwhile.

Wolfenstein: The New Order does almost everything right, sliding confidently between gung-ho action sequences to gripping, character-driven story moments. If the pacing were only a little tighter, there would be almost nothing to fault it.

It's quirky, it's weird and it's dark - Stick It To The Man is also brilliant and its effortless combination of bizarre humour and tricky puzzles is infectious.

More of the same, really - which should make Trials fans very happy.

The best game ever running at 60 frames per second at a third of the price of most new games? Oh go on then. Resident Evil 4 hasn’t aged a bit.

A fantastic score-based game that can be let down by its controls when aiming for the highest scores. All the same completely absorbing and the perfect PS Vita game.

While the new weapons do have a place in Gears Of War: Judgment, none of them have enough impact to encourage players from abandoning the traditional Lancer plus Gnasher combo although that dramatically changes in multiplayer.

A super slick and highly entertaining side-scrolling hack-'n'-slash game. Your Vita needs this game.

It doesn't always follow through on its intriguing ideas but even so, Tales Of Xillia has enough spark, invention and content to keep most JRPG fans happy.

Not quite a classic, but not too far off, Stealth delivers something the Vita hardly has in abundance and does so with the kind of smart game design that makes for an addictive ride.

There's a lot to like about Final Fantasy 14, but it really is reliant on your ability to overcome a lot of the issues the MMO has had for years. Final Fantasy fans will need to know what they're getting into, but once they do there's a thoroughly engrossing game to absorb yourself in.

It might look childish, but in so many ways this is a Platinum Games experience through and through. Deep and rewarding combat, entertaining characters and plenty of hours of gameplay - even without all the collectables and tougher difficulties. A must-have for every gamer, whether you own a Wii U or not.

The online side of things may not be completely up to par, but World Tour stands as a truly first-rate Nintendo outing. And a must-have for youthful fans of the sport.

At its most basic, shooting guys in the face in Killzone: Mercenary can be enjoyable but never gives the player any credit in any other facet of the game. Not to mention a repetitive, uninspired mission structure and pocketfuls of missed opportunities, the campaign length coming in at just under four hours.

Don't Starve is an incredibly satisfying survival-exploration game that understands how to foster the joy of discovery.

It's a mixed bag for Call Of Duty: Ghosts as the brilliant, balanced multiplayer and thrilling Extinctions mode makes up for an unusually flat single-player outing and wasted Squads mode.

An arcade racer in simulation clothing, GRID 2 has lots of surface thrills and spills to delight racing lightweights but lacks substance for those who want to dig deeper.

Dead Rising 3 is more of the same, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t compulsive, time-absorbing and – most of all – fun...At best it’s an unoriginal concept well-executed, at worst it’s an Xbox 360 game hastily ported over to Xbox One. Ignore the technical limits, however, and you’re in for a good time.

The game isn’t perfect, but it certainly comes recommended. To borrow one of football’s many clichés, PES 2014 is a great base from which the series can kick on to bigger and better things.

The accessibility and sheer amount of content gives Injustice: Gods Among Us a single-player life most fighting games cannot compete with, which makes it more of a shame that the netcode lets the package down.

And if there’s one thing you can say about Dead Or Alive 5 Ultimate that you can’t say about another other fighting game, this is the only game where you can counter a punch, snap someone’s neck and boot them clean off a cliff in one swift move.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War can be poignant and contemplative, but it does undermine itself by including a cartoonish villain. Superb art direction and a genuine interest in its own subject matter count in the favour of a game that is unremarkable in a mechanical sense.

The maps are bare and play is inherently repetitive... but this is gripping and impeccably crafted entertainment. If you’ve recently bought a new console, don’t let the basic visuals put you off. You’ll be generously rewarded if you stick with it.

Stainless Games creates another solid adaptation of Magic: The Gathering, but plays it safe by delivering a product that does little to improve on last year's game. It's the FIFA of collectible card games.