Unfortunately the potential for a compelling story to vault Lara Croft back into legendary status did not materialise, and what you get instead is a pulpy action-adventure with a straightforward, MacGuffin-chasing story in the same vein as the reboot, right down to the cadence. The world Crystal Dynamics created here, though, is packed and has more to explore, more action to witness, and loads more tombs to find. So switch your brain off during cut-scenes, and save that mental workout for the tombs and for the path least taken.

It’s hard to find earlier entries in the series now, but if you can hunt one down, your money will be better spent there. However, if you’re itching for some more Advance Wars and don’t care about presentation – or indeed find the darker, moodier presentation a positive change – then you could do a lot worse than Advance Wars: Dark Conflict.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Europe, soak up the history and culture in Italy, or bask in the sun on a beach in southern France, then it may not be the game for you. Also, if all you want is a serious racer with the Top Gear guys telling you what to do, then stay well clear. However, if you’d rather bounce maniacally in a Dotcomesqe euro-rave or rip up a hillside of vineyards in a re-conned VW van, then Forza Horizon 2 may be just your thing.

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.

SteamWorld Heist is a fascinating game; a strategy RPG through and through, but with a central hook that sets it apart and makes it worth a look even for people with little interest in the genre. It’s not a good game, “for an indie studio” - it’s just a great game, and one that anyone with a 3DS should look into.

This content takes the game to whole new level of interest and challenge. I thought the game was great as it was, but these additions add so much more and further extend my enjoyment of what is a classic game.

Great story content, dearth of endgame.

In terms of playability, it's challenging (and often blisteringly hard), a la development studio Harmonix's other monster hits: Rock Band and Guitar Hero.

Taken as a whole, Shatter combines well-thought-out gameplay with a highly polished and immersive aesthetic. Only a particular type of person need apply, perhaps, but if you’re into Geometry Wars or other score-based titles, Shatter should keep you satisfied.

PS4 power and updates have made a great game, even better.

The pride in the Nintendo legacy is apparent in every single aspect of this title; the attention to detail, and sheen of professionalism is everywhere. It’s a triumph - visually one of the best handheld titles ever seen, and in terms of capturing your emotions, Luigi has you on board from the first sequence. You want to guide him to victory (and safety!) because he is just so darn sweet.

Those who have their turntable controllers gathering dust in the cupboard will also be pleased to hear that Activision have hardly changed the peripherals and they will work perfectly with the sequel.

Politics aside, Blizzard have done what they do best: produced a great online multiplayer game.

For a free title, knocked together by a small team, it's stunning just how much it blows the opposition away. They have taken what was wrong with the genre and fixed it; what was right, they have made even better.

Madden 10 is still, in almost every way, a quality title. It’s a game packed with detail, drama and fun. So don’t be surprised if it’s around for another twenty years.

Forza 7 is the best looking and most comprehensive entry to date. It drives like a dream, and with the stable and well populated multiplayer, DLC car packs, as well as ongoing custom events from Turn 10, you’ve got a game where you can collect the cars you like, paint them, customise them, look at them, and race them for months to come.

If you like fighting games, Persona, or - better yet - both, you’ll be well served by Persona 4 Arena. It’s familiar yet unique, and has enough stuff that’s all its own to warrant its existence.

Most gamers can expect over 80 hours of gametime, fantastic characters and voice-acting and some of the best graphics seen on a Nintendo handheld. Whether you buy this for your home console or your New 3DS, it’s one of the better JRPGs to have launched in the last few years.

If you have a 3DS, Fire Emblem Fates is a must-buy; if you don’t, it’s yet another reason, on top of so many others, to get one. Just be sure you do your research, and stick to Birthright unless you’re absolutely ready for the challenge Conquest has to offer.

Quite simply the definitive version of Twilight Princess.

It's not the most amazing thing ever by any stretch of the imagination but if you like the idea of a suped-up Snake, with a bunch of modes, and don't want to lower yourself to lugging a dated mobile phone around with you, it's hard to beat.

If you’re up for a challenge, MH Generations is an incredibly rewarding and satisfying experience.

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

Ultimately there's less micro-management in Cities: Skylines than in SimCity, but it in no way feels like something cut-down or "cloney." No, Cities: Skylines is its own game - an impressive feat considering the lineage of the genre.

Extreme weather variables add substance to the racing.

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.

The best Dragon Quest game gets bigger, but deserves a better port than this.

Exploring Ni No Kuni is a wonderful, magical experience.