While the game provides hours of blissful fun, it would've been nice to see some more substantial improvements and gameplay changes over what "Guitar Hero II" offered.

Sucker Punch's Sly series is witty, irreverent, intelligent and polished.

If you like Splinter Cell: Conviction and want to get stuck into more action without any annoying narrative to get in the way, the Insurgency pack is likely just what you're looking for. Just don't expect quite the level of execution the original is deservedly acclaimed for.

If you've got a 3DS and like good games, this one is a no-brainer. Get it. Love it. Fight me. Go on, I dare ya.

I liked Mass Effect 3 when it first released and I have to say I am liking it even more on the Wii U. Again, I think it is the graphics and the controller that do it for me.

But collecting stuff is what Lara Croft does. And when it looks and plays as well as this, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had.

Most of the game is absolutely brilliant, looking back at classic RPGs while also pushing the genre forward. But sadly, the final hours of the game, those that should be the most memorable and climactic, are tedious beyond words, and undermine everything great that came before. And this is something that’s hard to forgive.

This is recommended for fans of the series, or RTS nuts looking for the latest fix, but for more casual, curious folk, I reckon it could be worth waiting for the first expansion pack.

It's fantastic, and filled with excitement. "Fantastic" that such a good title has been part of the initial release, and the "excitement" comes from seeing the obvious graphical potential inside the machine, waiting to be exploited by future developers.

Simply a lot of fun. It has the benefit of being familiar to those who have played previous Guitar Hero titles, and builds in the drum and microphone instruments pretty well.

It’s much easier to get into than Tekken or Virtua Fighter, and the characters are generally – in my opinion at least – much more interesting.

Forza Horizon is a game that really needs to be judged on its own merits, and not compared strictly to its predecessors, as they're related largely in name only. If you can put aside your preconceptions, then Forza Horizon is a very tidy package indeed.

A revamped design breathes new life into the franchise. Origins is the start of something great.

Visually this is one of the best games on the PlayStation Portable - easily comparable to PlayStation 2 quality from the cut scenes to the in game models; and it plays well too.

It looks like Nintendo have finally grown a pair and are willing to partake in an older gamer's market - delivering mature, dark, and often violent titles like Arkham City. It is also a comforting display of loyalty from a brilliant studio like Rocksteady, who haven't just ported the game, but honestly had some genuine fun with the new hardware of the Wii U.

There’s no hyperbole when I say that Dragon Age: Inquisition is the best RPG I’ve played in a long time. Hell, it’s the best game of any genre I’ve played in a long time. It’s a shoo-in for Game of the Year in my books, a masterclass in game design that deserves a spot in everyone’s game library.

A glorious return for the hardcore tactical stealth genre.

Despite the size, Smash Bros. feels right at home on the 3DS.

So there's a sense of overkill. Unless of course you're a Total War obsessive -- in which case, the Kingdoms expansion is more or less chocolate-covered awesomeness. And then some.

Call of Duty: World at War feels at times like a little brother holding the hand of the more confident Modern Warfare, but keep in mind that it definitely shares the same genes.

Far more than just a fun novelty. It's backed by a pure, serious fighting game engine and it manages to deliver on all levels. It's fun, approachable by the novice, works with any number of players from solo through online to a local party environment and has incredible depth.

The game is worth experiencing for the atmosphere alone – it's a great world to get caught up in, yet at the same time it's very easy to simply dip your toe once in a while.

F1 2016 is a real upgrade on its predecessors, and hints at a promising future.

Guitar Hero 5 still rocks the set and is a must buy for those getting a tad bored with World Tour.

If you can get past the fact that you must do a lot of reading, you'll find a game which is highly original, incredibly fun and will stay in your memory for many 'next-generations' to come.

The game itself will take you a good number of hours to complete – there are over 150 puzzles spaced out between cut scenes and other adventure elements. However, the puzzles provide little in the way of replay value, so you probably won’t find yourself going back for a second play through.

With only two episodes left until the end, it is hard to imagine any kind of happy ending for Lee and the gang (whoever will be left by then, that is) and yet I cannot wait for episodes four and five to come out so I can slog through the rest of this journey with them to whatever (I'm assuming) tragic ending awaits us.

If you can endure the clunky combat that pervades much it – and if I can, you certainly can too – you’ll find a wonderful game in Yakuza 0. It tells a captivating story in its own right, and it’s also a perfect jumping-on point for the series, especially with Yakuza Kiwami, a remake of the first game, due out later this year. If nothing else, do it for the karaoke, hostess clubs, and the chance to make a difference in the life of an up-and-coming dominatrix.

A charming platformer. It comes loaded with a sense of style and humour that only developer The Behemoth possess. An incredibly funny narrator, adorable creature design, and cut-scenes that look like paper-doll puppetry all amount to a stylistically cohesive game that has tight platforming to boot (albeit with a few mechanical hiccups).

Baseball is a sport like no other. It looks to its past as much to its future. MLB The Show 17 embraces both. From an introductory video sticky-sweet with nostalgia, to various flashy quick-game options, short challenges, and custom controls. It is a game for fans of the past and present. A game that allows easy access for those who haven’t played a baseball game in a while. Or, even for those who have never played one before.

Destiny 2 is a long list of refinements. Tweaks and tightenings to the gameplay loop, and quality of life improvements that cater to the player – instead of making them subservient to mechanical whimsy. It still has its rough patches, but it realises – and raises up – the systems of its predecessor.

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.

Longtime Halo fans get the opportunity to quickly and easily revisit their favourite levels, or jump into a reinvigorated multiplayer; newcomers to the series get the best, most seamless experience of the Halo series.

The control pad is used for skills and your inventory, but outside of this none of the motion control or other features are used.

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.

Despite the sickeningly cute presentation and naff music, it’s not hard to recommend this game to Wii owners.

The fighting is as frantic or as tactical as you want to make it. It's easy to get started, but has plenty of depth. And, lets not mess around, there's a lot of very fit, very brutal men, handing out vicious, blood splattered beatings.

An excellent management simulator - and not much else.

WipEout: Omega Collection offers a lot of substance for fans of the series, with an almost over-whelming number of ships, race teams, courses, and modes to unlock. For those with the PS4 Pro and appropriate 4K TV, this is the best looking WipEout game you’ll get the pleasure of seeing. This is made all the more heart-breaking with the likelihood this could be the last WipEout game we’ll see considering the original studio who created the franchise are no longer around.

The single-player missions (with a few activities added) clocks in at over 20 hours of captivating gameplay. Add to this the multiplayer aspects and replay value with the dynamic style of play and you have a very worthy title for your hard-earned moola.

This is a game that transported me back to my childhood and kicked up a storm of nostalgia. It is also proof positive that Insomniac have lost none of their sharpness, even after fourteen years of intergalactic travel.

Another year, another outstanding sports title.

The game is a success thanks to what has remained unchanged. Though we're now 3D and have some wonderful cinematics, this is still the Final Fantasy IV you fell for in 1991. And for those who have yet to fall for the classic, this is a good place to start.

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 bigger and more beautiful Far Cry 3.

It’s the same brilliant game that came out last year, all polished up and looking its finest. For returning adventurers, on the other hand, there’s so little in the way of new content that there’s not much point buying the new version unless you had an urge to replay it anyway.

Ninja Theory have been faithful to the original games, but still added enough of their own lick of originality to warrant the return.

FIFA 17 feels like an evolution, rather than a marginal update.

inFamous is amazing. The feeling of "ability" engendered by the game's openness and the soft-lock system that allows you to go exactly where you want to and land precisely where you intended is genre-defining.

A good game. It pays excellent homage to the film series (even though it's set before the movies), and is a really solid MMO.

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.

There are a number of annoying parts of Far Cry 2, but things are more than held together by both the presentation of the game, and the sheer absorbing joy of exploring the world that has been put together with so much care.

Call of Duty: World at War feels at times like a little brother holding the hand of the more confident Modern Warfare, but keep in mind that it definitely shares the same genes.

The story and drama are more exciting, and move in the kind of crazy direction you would expect from a game in The Walking Dead universe.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 wont be for everyone. But if you think you're a player off the course and don't mind getting your balls deep in the rough, go grab your Wii-mote and head for the eighteenth. Because Woods on the Wii is one of the most authentic golfing experiences you're going to get – without writing off your Sundays.

Smooth controls, gorgeous visuals, and memorable online combat prove that this game is still dressed to impress. Recommended for fans of Halo and Vanquish.

Rare Replay is a fantastic “Best-of” collection, and for $40, it’s a bargain.

Where it is impressive is in the explosion and smoke effects – the combination of high impact sound, bright/expansive visuals and the shake of your camera makes for quite an impact.

What I enjoy the most is the fact that there is no right way to come up with a solution. If it works, you win.

In the end South Park: The Fractured But Whole makes me very happy, and I do think farts are funny – at least funny enough for two games.

Street Fighter X Tekken brings it in some places and slides by in others, yet it manages to be one of the best crossover fighting games in recent memory.

Stunning visuals and tight combat make up for a lacklustre story mode.

'Splosion Man is about the most fun I have had with a platform game since New Super Mario Bros, or Sonic Advance 2.

If you like the sound of a retro-inspired shooter, want a massive nostalgia hit, or just want to have a lot of fun with your Vita, TxK is a no-brainer purchase.

The intriguing plot and engaging gameplay make Beyond Good & Evil well-worthy of the 800 Microsoft points it costs to download.

If you want tough, technical races where you'll get disqualified for cutting corners and time penalties for driving recklessly; if you want long races where it might take two or three laps to set up one passing manoeuvre; if what you want is a great racing sim; then, yes. F1 2010 has been well worth the wait.

Sound Shapes is a fun game to while away the hours with. Kids will love it and so will older gamers looking for a fun challenge. But the real love will come in enjoying playing inside a wonderful piece of art, and then creating your own.

An improvement in every way on Fight Night Round 4. That said, I wouldn't necessarily run out and buy it straight away, especially if you own a previous game in the franchise.

Resident Evil 5 offers some great level designs as well.

If you were ever thinking you could have had enough of the series, these two games will rekindle your love for button mashing madness. We highly recommend it and look forward to seeing the Cosplay of "Two Girls and a Spartan" - thank you Ares!

It’s the perfect blend of Borderlands’ humour and Telltale’s penchant for great writing and narrative-driven gameplay, and I’m eagerly awaiting the rest of the season.

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.

UFC Undisputed: 2010 might not be as "real as it gets", but this year, it's as close as we are likely to come.

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.

It's a flawed gem, but still well worth a look.

A gleefully gritty, gruesome, and grand continuation of the franchise.

Fantastic gameplay, vistas and multiplayer modes, with a story that’s on the cusp of being an epic.

Despite feeling overwhelmed, and despite still feeling occasionally confused delving through the ridiculous amount of information and menus, there's something really addictive about Football Manager 2012.

Perfectly rendered cutscenes play out like extravagant soap operas with more over-the-top personalities than an episode of America’s Next Top Model.

If you’re new to Metallica, this is a great introduction to classic metal, and a showcase title for Neversoft, who have really begun to ride the lightening.

For new players, it may be a stepping stone to true greatness. Fans of the older Civ games may enjoy it for nostalgia. It may also serve as a 'nicotine patch' for megalomaniacs; a healthier alternative to wasting whole days taking over the world. The serious Civ fans, however, should keep to their PCs: this one isn't for them.

Spore is one of those titles that jumps genres with ease, while not dipping too far into any one genre, leaving players with a very diverse gameplay experience, and odds are, there will be a lot more content such as monsters and vehicles to expand on the huge worlds already available.

Far more than just a fun novelty. It's backed by a pure, serious fighting game engine and it manages to deliver on all levels. It's fun, approachable by the novice, works with any number of players from solo through online to a local party environment and has incredible depth.

The better stealth mechanics, the improved load screens and interfaces, and new character models are just some of what make the Metro worth another run through.

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.

More akin to a great part one of a television two-parter – awesome, but not the whole story.

One of the most rewarding games I've played on the Vita.

Killzone 3 is one spectacular game - sure, it's really only doing the basics in terms of gameplay, but it does it in the balls-to-the-walls, damn-the-expense, ultra-intensity manner that only a top-shelf, big-budget, mega-spectacular can.

F1 2012 is by far the most satisfying, all-encompassing F1 experience yet. From the immersive graphics to the full-on career mode and the brilliant Season Challenge, it's as though Codemasters have thought of everything. Highly recommended.

Stacking possesses many elements of a great game: challenge, humour, well written plot, user friendly, great sound and visuals… and for the casual gamer it's easy to pick up and play for brief periods of pleasant distraction. We reckon you'll love it, but if further convincing is required you can download the trial from XBLA, which costs nothing but time and bandwidth.

It’s an interesting, stripped down version that still has a lot of fun packed in. This comes with the proviso of playing alongside decent players, of course.

If you enjoy F1, there really is no excuse not to pick up F1 2011 - it's a wonderful balance between simulation and fun, although the learning curve is still relatively steep which may frighten off some gamers.

You can’t be a master of everything, and Tom Happ has cleared mastered the exploration element, level design, and sense of progression - the most fundamental parts of a Metroidvania game.

What matters most with Mortal Kombat (and, indeed, any fighting game) is the fighting engine. It's good. It's fun, it's tight and it rewards skill.

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

Whatever small missteps that Uncharted: The Lost Legacy does take, are drowned out in the fiery explosions of its set pieces. They’re forgotten, amidst the humour and humanity of its cast, and the witty banter they share. Chloe and Nadine are proof that Uncharted can exist – and thrive – without Nathan Drake.

The campaign mode is genuinely good fun, mixing in puzzle levels that really do challenge you to think outside of the box.

Sure, there is still room for improvement with Skate 3 with regards to the customisation and off-board controls, but it looks like the days of the Tony Hawk reign might be finally gone. Whoop!