Trade and economic growth are explored in a simple and deeply engaging way.

An epic and gorgeous drive through Oz scenery, and the best driving game this year.

If you like survival horror games and you have a Wii, buy this immediately. Buy a second copy in case the first one wears out. If you don't have a Wii, hire one to play this. It's that good. Just don't play it alone - it's that good.

For the most hardcore Civ addicts out there, some of the changes may be a little unfamiliar. But Civilization V retains the ethos of this iconic series, while modernising, simplifying and improving both its look and its feel.

With its beautiful graphics, excellent voice acting, inspiring music, fantastic story and script, and amazing gameplay, Uncharted is nothing short of a winner – it’s Game of the Year material.

Brothers is a wonderful piece of storytelling and a fantastic puzzle game that’ll make you want to hug a loved one. Highly recommended.

Another year, another outstanding sports title.

The cannon may be the final argument of kings. But the Total War series is undoubtedly the king of the real time strategy genre - and Napoleon: Total War could very well be Creative Assembly’s crowning jewel.

BioShock 2 is a game developed for all those square-eyed shooter fiends who wanted to explore the ocean floor, shoot-em-up with others online, and never play one of those annoying pipe-puzzlers again so long as they lived.

Even by the standards of the series, Empire: Total War is epic. It takes the combined real-time and turn-based strategy, and pushes it out into the eighteenth century in style. It's bigger, and it has a hell of a lot more bang.

Its refreshing take on platform-based gaming, humour, variety, challenge and polish are instantly - and enduringly - impressive. Not only is this one of the best games on the Vita, it's one of the best games of the year - period.

This is a must buy for anyone interested in fantasy RPGs.

This is the real deal and the whole package folks. A must have for all Wii owners.

If you like this kind of thing, buy it, love it, and trade me your teams - there's battlin' to be done.

Overall, Death of the Outsider ties up the first arc of Dishonored nicely; I have no idea where it’s going to go next, and all I can do is pray that Arkane don’t call it a day, because I adore this series. All other issues seem trivial in the face of it being such a well-crafted piece of art, and my main complaint is that there simply isn't enough of it. I adore this series, and this game. Buy it, play it, and love it.

The graphics are an amazing painterly mixture of abstract and cartoonish styles – it actually looks like a living painting you’re waltzing through. The music is of an equally high quality, switching between string compositions and folk music.

It feels strange playing such an adult and violent game on the Nintendo DS, but at the same time, Grand Theft Auto feels right at home here. If future titles are announced for the DS then Chinatown Wars is proof enough that skepticism of Rockstar's ability to deliver on the platform is completely unjustified.

Skyward Sword is not only a fitting tribute to the long running series, but also a milestone in the life of the Nintendo Wii itself, as it finally delivers a game that shows the true power of the control system. Besides, it is fun and challenging to play in its own right. Very highly recommended.

Final Fantasy XIII is a fantastical foray into a magical imagination. Ably supported by gorgeous visuals, the gameplay ramps up at a rate than can only be described as perfection as you fall in love with the characters in your party and the environment in which they adventure. It's not perfect in every way but the imperfections that are to be found are like dust on a diamond - there, certainly, but utterly irrelevant.

Forza 6 is the typical exceptional quality we’ve come to expect over the past decade. The racing is smooth and can be tailored to suit anybody’s skill level, and the tracks are designed with meticulous attention to detail.

Although the campaign mode is flatter than an anorexic stingray, the multiplayer is easily worth the price of admission alone. It's also one of the most phenomenal looking games you'll have the pleasure of playing this year.

Mario Kart 8 is easy to pick-up, easy to enjoy, and no matter how good you are, there will be moments that make you smile.

If you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes into the JRPG scene, you absolutely must put this at the top of your list.

One of the modes that baseball fans will love is the ability to play any match-up from the season with live updated player stats and rosters.

The melding of Conviction’s third person shooter elements and more traditional Splinter Cell gameplay are more than the sum of their parts here. No doubt about it, this is the definitive Splinter Cell experience. I’d even go as far as to say it’s the best stealth game of this console generation. Sorry, Kojima.

Demon's Soul is it. It will kill you, cap your health, break your sword, make you replay the same half hour ten times over and then kill you some more. But, because of this its rewards are infinitely more exhilarating and satisfying. However, the game isn't completely heartless.

Not only is it highly recommended among its app store peers, it stands well alongside much more expensive console games as well.

Resistance 2 is gutsier, it’s gorier, and it’s much, much bigger.

As long as you know the basics, you’re set to build whatever you can think up, be it a castle with a moat, or a roller-coaster, although at the moment, you might have to shrink it down a size.

The system seller Nintendo fans have been waiting for.

This is the definitive Zelda game, don't just buy it - put it on display. Zelda transcends the quirks that time has revealed in her and shines just as bright in the light of a new millennium.

By and large FIFA 13 is chock-full of content. The online aspects are so in depth now there is no doubt you could play FIFA 13 for all eternity if you so chose, which really represents excellent value for gamers.

The Association shows great statistical depth and nice opposing management AI, and My Player provides a long and in-depth journey from proving yourself in the combines, to the draft, and eventually to press conferences, playoffs and stardom.

The Association shows great statistical depth and nice opposing management AI, and My Player provides a long and in-depth journey from proving yourself in the combines, to the draft, and eventually to press conferences, playoffs and stardom.

If you have a 3DS, and can handle the idea of a cartoon-like racing game, you absolutely must get this game. Believe it or not, Mario Kart 7 is the very best version of the formula yet.

NBA 2K8 is superior to last year's game in almost every way, which is no mean feat.

LBP for Vita is truly incredible, and arguably the definitive version of the experience.

The story provides a mature narrative that brings with it a bonding experience that is a joy to share with its memorable characters, and the open world gameplay and combat offer a host of gripping mechanics I am clamouring to return to. Final Fantasy XV is a glorious return for one of gaming’s most beloved series. It’s quality is proof positive that good things take time.

God of War III is polished from (severed) head to (bloodied) toe, and is an enjoyable, ridiculous experience perfect for the moments where you just want to switch your brain off.

It was one of the best, if not the gold standard for sports genre video games last year, and it looks set to re-claim that title yet again this year.

The jump-in, jump-out aspect of multiplayer mode is great for people who like to play both solo and multiplayer. And while FPS/multiplayer extremists may find the questing a bit grindy (as one confided to me after a few days of playing), there really is a je ne sais quoi about this game that totally rules.

It's fun, looks and sounds great, has loads of content, and integrates very well with your friends lists and the leaderboard system...It is, in a word, awesome.

What separates the truly stupendous from the merely amazing is that often elusive je ne sais quoi. Mass Effect 3 burns brightly. But that extra spark would have transformed it from a shining star, into a blazing supernova.

Wipeout 2048 isn't just one of the best launch games (an achievement in itself, as the standard is very high), it's also one of the best games in an excellent series.

This is a whole new, uber-improved racer that will change your view on the Need for Speed franchise for the better. Best enjoyed with eye-drops as you won't want to blink.

All of the narrative and story-driven dialogue is beautifully pitched throughout, making the plot meld seamlessly with the gameplay.

AC4 looks beautiful, and just feels more polished, cohesive, and comprehensive than the last title did.

Resident Evil 5 offers some great level designs as well.

Fundamentally there are improvements, but the game doesn’t feel completely balanced as a whole and the pace of matches is sometimes uneven. It happens often between console generations and while FIFA 14 on Xbox One is certainly no cheap port of the current-gen edition - I can’t help but think that the next rendition will truly take the franchise to the next level.

But the truth is, Rockstar know their onions. They understand the importance of a gritty story, concise controls, cinematic visuals, balls-out action, and genuinely fun (albeit not 100% balanced) multiplayer. But above all, they carry with them a sense of style across all of their presentation. Max Payne 3 is yet another fine example of their prowess.

This game has taken the best points from the first three titles, and improved upon them yet again. It comes highly recommended: it looks great, it sounds great, it plays great. It's great.

With the new (improved) control system and slight increase in visual quality, it would be safe to say that Wii U owners are getting the best experience out of Most Wanted - even if it is six months behind.

The most accurate description of American Football on a videogame console that I’ve ever seen.

If you've got a Vita and like fighting games, buying Mortal Kombat is an absolute no-brainer. There's so much content here, and it's loads of fun, with lots of depth and plenty of challenge to keep you going long into the upcoming cold winter nights.

A phenomenally clever game polished to a new level of perfection by the masters at Q Entertainment.

Resident Evil 5 offers some great level designs as well.

Fresh and vibrant graphics, and brilliant sound effects and music round out a near perfect score for Mario and Luigi.

I may have come down hard on the story, but that's because I hate to see potential unfulfilled. Uncharted 2 remains my favourite, simply because I value well-realised characters above anything else. But if you're less of a fussy bastard than me, and if you want a game that will wow you with sheer spectacle and keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, then get this game.

The game looks even more fantastic than ever and a few extra features are on its way for lucky PC users.

Fire Emblem Echoes is the second best entry in the new generation of Fire Emblem games, ranking lower than Awakening, but higher than Fates. Tight storytelling, paired with challenging gameplay, makes for a thoroughly enjoyable experience, as accessible to new players as it is inviting to old. Watch out for tantalising-but-expensive DLC, and a bit of a nerf on older consoles. It’ll be hard for the next Fire Emblem to step out from under the Shadows of Valentia.

There’s an underlying trend of thought in our culture which disregards teenage turmoil, romance, and general experience as an emotional exception that’ll give way to reason and stability once it’s over. I don’t find that particularly helpful, and neither does Life is Strange. The stereotypes of delinquency the game brands Chloe with are only there to be circumvented by how authentic the experiences are that spawned such behaviour. Chloe’s story is relatable because it is simply human, and not simply another teenage story with a set of pre-defined adolescent tropes in a self-contained genre.

New content that’s less like busywork, and more like meaningful progression.

New quality-of-life features elevate the game’s strongest elements, while visual and audio improvements make it more palatable. If you missed Final Fantasy XII the first time, don’t sleep on this.

More than just DLC. It’s a core part of the Bloodborne experience.

It doesn’t make massive changes, but instead just tweaks a very successful formula and expands on it with a swathe of new content to explore. One of the most impressive things about Final Fantasy XIV is the way it breaks down the casual/hardcore dichotomy, and Stormblood doubles down on that with a wider variety of endgame content for players of all persuasions. A few stumbles aside, the story it tells is great and decidedly Final Fantasy-esque, and takes players through some of the best locations, dungeons, and encounters that this game has seen yet. This is still the best MMORPG on the market, and I’d encourage anyone who’s on the fence to dive in.

Tekken 7 is a culmination of many things. It’s decades worth of unabashed soap-opera storytelling. It’s years of mechanical complexity, honed to a keen edge. It’s a celebration of the clutch moments that make fighting games what they are. Tekken 7 is the pinnacle of the franchise, and one of the best fighting games on the market.

In conclusion, if you are picking it up for the first time, this is obviously the version to get. This is an improvement in so many ways - including navigation of Arland, swappable costumes, and everything you can harvest from such as wells, are highlighted.

The difficulty curve might scare some people away, especially those who haven’t experienced an XCOM game before. There are a few little technical hiccups like certain alien enemies going invisible during their attack animations, or damage numbers taking a few seconds to show after an attack has played out. However, these things are easily ignored and I can still highly recommend XCOM 2.

Overall, despite the issues with clipping and load screens, Monster Hunter Tri shows off what the Wii is capable of visually. And when it comes to online play, this is the best for the system.

There are still a few little quirks, and likely still some balancing and other changes required, but it's clear that this is a great World of Warcraft expansion, and that the team behind the game are still focused on giving WoW players what they want. Recommended.

My gaming tastes are such that I'm perfectly conditioned to fall in love with something like Journey. Keep that in mind - if you're more about visceral action or epic 40-hour experiences, you should possibly look elsewhere. But in my opinion, this is one of the best games out there that can provide you with an experience - and a memorable, highly positive one at that.

With around 25 hours of solid gameplay in one sitting and a huge replay value to try out new endings and character developments, this game deserves a proper outing. Don't expect to sit down and blast your way from start to finish – because although it might be possible to do so, you'll definitely be missing what Deus Ex has on offer if you do.

Epic has not re-invented the wheel with Gears 3, they've simply improved on a formula that was pretty awesome in the first place.

FIFA 14 on the PS3 is brilliant. However, I can't help but feel that there is more coming to those looking at buying the next-gen consoles.

Despite the challenging learning curve, Midnight Club: Los Angeles succeeds in exactly the way it should: taking you to heights of adrenaline that are simply unparalleled.

Bewitching.

The expansion has done well to provide a decent singleplayer experience on top of the extensive multiplayer platform.

The Ballad Of Gay Tony is the most enjoyable by simply upping the ante a notch, reminding us that even in a city 'where the money is making the plan', you can still have a little fun.

Nintendo’s Switch has had a steady flow of amazing titles since its March 2017 release, and having Ubisoft buddy up to create a game like this is another feather in the console’s cap. It has all the graphical charm of a Mario platformer, an amazing soundtrack by an industry legend, the backing of two big studios, and the rarest thing of all: hilarious Rabbids. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is simply no joke.

I had an absolute blast with the title and was blown away with how they managed to get all the highs, lows, shocks, twists, lore and excitement of the series into a snug 2-3 hour gameplay session.

With such a wealth of characterization, exceptional narrative, side-quests and good old-fashioned homicide on the sprawling Liberty City streets, Rockstar have delivered us a title that is the first worthy piece of downloadable content of this generation so far.

In the end, it's hard to justify a purchase if you already own the original Marvel vs. Capcom 3, as there just isn't enough new content for the $89.99 launch price. However, those who didn't pick up Marvel vs. Capcom 3 will find this a great fast-paced fighter with a challenging boss and familiar Capcom and Marvel characters beating all shades of red out of each other.

Easily the best Square title on the DS available now, and possibly the best value for money title on the system too.

Half Dragon Quest, half Minecraft, all delightful.

The story flows too, as Faith unravels her mystery. Between the chapters, which are all go, are artfully animated cut-scenes, which explain what’s going on.

The finest JRPG in years.

City Living gives us a township full of life that’s easy and fun to explore. With new ways to do jobs and fun interactions with neighbours, this is one expansion any Sims lover should add to their collection.

As far as strategy games go Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 is the current cream of the crop. The three separate campaigns provide over 15 hours worth of game play not counting the endless skirmishes and multiplayer matches available.

The graphics, although minus a few polygons in comparison to its bigger console sibling, are almost identical, paying careful attention to both detail and fluid animations. But more importantly the gameplay feels right at home for FIFA fans.

I found Deadlight very entertaining, and consider it one of the best platformers I have ever played. I highly recommend it to pretty much anyone who likes the sound of a fast-paced horror action platformer that also has a decent story and amazing visuals.

There is so much crammed into Saint’s Row 2 (if you have a juvenile, slightly insane creative side to you) that you will seldom be at a loss for something to do.

If you played the original, then this is a no brainer purchase; if you haven't, then you are in for a lot of gameplay hours that will both challenge and enthrall you.

The thing is, the core game is so good that the lack of such things is far from a dealbreaker. I’d go as far as calling this a must-play for anyone even remotely interested in sports games. You won’t regret it.

Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy is a game for history buffs and war game enthusiasts. If this is your bent, you will not find a more enthralling and historically accurate game.

An engaging and atmospheric Lovecraftian adventure, as challenging as it is addictive. A must-play.

Metroid: Samus Returns is a welcome addition to the 3DS library. Whether this stands alone as Nintendo honouring a part of the franchise that didn’t get its time to shine, or if this is their way to set the scene before a full-blown Super Metroid remake, I hope they do it again. There are a lot of Nintendo classics that have been lost to time, and Metroid: Samus Returns proves that a new coat of paint, and the modernising of mechanics can go a long way in revitalising a franchise.

As much as I’m looking forward to the conclusion of Life is Strange, I’m glad the episodic structure gives me a bit of reprieve. Days later, I’m still trying to process my thoughts and feelings on Dark Room, and I feel like this episode (and Life is Strange, as a whole, unless the final chapter completely drops the ball) is something we’ll be talking about for years to come.

Absolutely delightful.