Still the best sports simulation out there, until the PS4 version.

An inscrutable black box, covered in punk-rock graffiti and splattered in blood.

It feels like this was the game Kojima knew he should have reluctantly made from the beginning - having finally kicked the habit of falling into cinematic gluttony to tell his stories. He’s made a game that utilises more fully what a game should, with all the learning curves that come with trying something new. Metal Gear Solid 5 is the best stealth game I’ve ever played, it’s just not the best open-world one.

Dark Soul's weakest aspect lies in failing to draw the player into something deeper, other than just leveling up and managing to stay in one piece after crossing swords with a Black Knight.

Being compared to a game as universally loved as LBP sets some pretty high expectations, but I have to say: ModNation Racers effortlessly meets (and sometimes exceeds) them.

Overall, Team Ninja has done a great job making Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate worth the double dip with additional modes including team play, and a ‘new’ training mode. The additional features make this the game Dead or Alive 5 should have been.

All of this has me very eagerly waiting for the next episode, and wishing it wasn’t six weeks away. But the thing behind most of that anticipation is the thing I can’t talk about - one hell of a cliffhanger ending, that I never saw coming.

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.

A whole lot more content, all wrapped up in one of Dragon Age’s most impressive zones.

So very obviously a labour of love, above and beyond being simply a money spinner. If you like The Beatles, and want to play their music, this is the game for you. If you’re not into them at all, of course, stay well away – while the minor gameplay enhancements are well and good, it’s not enough to keep non-Beatles fans captivated.

Despite online idiots, NBA 2K12 is a very big win. The players, game modes, gameplay, and incredible attention to detail make sure of that. It's complex and very tough to learn, but in a good way.

Ron Gilbert and his team have created a wonderful piece of nostalgia, and for a few hours, brought me back to my younger days, playing on my 386 PC. For those that have the same fond memories of games of yesteryear, like Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island, it is a must-buy. Not only will the memories flood back, you will also notice the little easter eggs the developers have slipped in. For less than $30, you get a near 20 hour experience, and in my opinion, it's worth every cent.

On top of the single-player, DiRT 3 includes a welcomed split-screen multiplayer for head to head racing. But more welcomed is the large number of mad online party modes to try out.

EA have proven with Most Wanted that the Vita is capable of much more than the likes of Call of Duty: Declassified or even Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, and Most Wanted should be at the top of your want-list for Vita as a result.

Exploring Ni No Kuni is a wonderful, magical experience.

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.

Overall, Dragon Ball Xenoverse is probably one of the best, if not the best, Dragon Ball related games out there – and there are a lot. You can replay missions to enhance your character. There are various trainers to go on missions for. It also has time travelling - and that’s always a good thing.

Flower is magical. There really isn't another word to describe it. It's fresh, it's new, it's fun and it has a whole lot of heart. Don't pass on the opportunity to pick it up.

Overall Rock Band 2 makes a few welcome changes to a solid rhythm action title – and the overall soundtrack is a big step up.

Although it’s in no way game changing, Gears of War: Judgment is a fast paced, satisfyingly violent, action shooter.

It’s a worthy step-up from FIFA 15 by fine-tuning small aspects of the game, but not compromising the formula fans have grown to love.

It's not Forza but it doesn't set out to be; instead, it aims at being the very best arcade racing game available and it succeeds most assuredly at that goal. A balls-to-the-wall thrill-ride, beginning to end, and definitely worth a thrash - if you can handle it.

Just what the doctor ordered. It's fun, clever, charming, action-packed, replayable, and, above all, loyal to DC Comics and the LEGO videogame universe. I totally dig games intended for both young hands and old minds alike and once again, Traveller's Tales have delivered.

There are legitimately scary moments in Last Light, to the point it’s almost one part survival horror to three parts first person shooter.

Overall Rock Band 2 makes a few welcome changes to a solid rhythm action title – and the overall soundtrack is a big step up.

If you’re looking for something deep and significant, something that will eat away 100+ hours of your gaming life and still offer more, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is here and waiting.

PixelJunk Monsters is the definition of a game “which takes five minutes to learn, but a lifetime to master.” Its level designs are spectacular, challenging and vibrant, while its easy going controller layout allows you to jump straight in to the action and try to wade through the twenty or so levels on offer.

A bigger and more beautiful Far Cry 3.