Sam & Max make a largely triumphant return, with a reminder of just how special and stupid a series it can be. Save the World benefits the most from the overhaul, but Beyond Time and Space remains the peak of this former Telltale Games series.

Sam & Max make a largely triumphant return, with a reminder of just how special and stupid a series it can be. Save the World benefits the most from the overhaul, but Beyond Time and Space remains the peak of this former Telltale Games series.

A fantastic spin-off entry to the main series, packed with great combat and stunning visuals.

Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End and The Secret Key bids a fond farewell to arguably the franchise's most beloved alchemist. With it comes a series-encompassing narrative and engaging yet imperfect combat. To boot, you can dig into the systems as much or as little as you want and still succeed. Ryza 3 truly sets the bar for the Atelier franchise.

MotoGP 14 nails authenticity and the thrill of racing with the speed and handling of MotoGP bikes, but glitches and underwhelming track visuals keep it from greatness.

Dark Devotion has parts that are inspired by great titles of the last few years. It's part Dark Souls, part Dead Cells but it does have a few things that will separate it from the titles that inspire it. Yes, it is not as good as either of those titles but we are talking about two of the best titles in their respected genres. It is, however, rewarding, well made and well worth your time and effort.

Despite its obvious flaws, Top Spin 3 still manages to put Virtua Tennis to shame and provides a solid gameplay experience for both hardcore and casual gamers alike.

The series is back on track with The Sword in the Darkness, which will make the wait for episode four all the more agonising/frustrating.

Equal parts teen slasher, action adventure, and psychological horror, Until Dawn throws a lot at the board and nails only some of it. But its biggest win is choice--permanent, unpredictable, and meaningful.

Nobody Wants To Die was the game I didn't realize I needed to play this year until I played it. A fantastic narrative experience set in one of the most harrowing worlds. Though its gameplay is by the books, it didn't keep me from being thoroughly entertained from start to finish. For those looking for a cyberpunk murder mystery, you don't need to look further than Nobody Wants To Die.

Star Wars: Outlaws registers as a great game to me because I'm a huge Star Wars fan, and I can't help but love all the things I got to do here that I've never done in a Star Wars game before. However that doesn't change the fact that in most areas the game is off the mark in big and small ways, in one direction or another. These misses could understandably be the thing that puts many off from Outlaws, but the Star Wars-of it all shines bright enough to blur them out.

Re-Elected is a bumper bundle of joy whichever way you want to cut it. Anyone in possession of a last-gen copy need not upgrade though as there is no significant upgrade in technical terms to warrant a re-purchase on these grounds. For those new to it, you’re in for a treat.

Despite the lack of character development and the occasional forced grind for gear, Dragon Quest Heroes II is a monstrously fun and childish game that will appeal to both grown-ups and children alike. It’s witty script and adorable looking characters makes the game enjoyable to play throughout plus the sheer size of the customisable skill trees will keep Dynasty Warriors fans happy.

Sea of Solitude left an impact on me that I won't soon forget. From its heartbreaking story to it's powerful and striking visuals. Sea of Solitude is another good example of a game bringing awareness to mental health issues.

Cronos: The New Dawn is a confident, if somewhat slightly derivative effort which is the measure of a developer not looking to rest on its laurels or coast on recent successes. Kept in line by solid fundamentals and a story that hits the right notes, this is an easy recommendation for fans of similar games where the hospitality of the locals isn't as warm or as welcoming as you had once hoped.

A true curio in the most literal sense, Mount and Blade: Warband will sharply divide PS4 players according to the premium that they place on aesthetics. For those who can look past such failings though, hundreds upon hundreds of hours of play awaits with a game that combines medieval combat, strategy and role-playing quite unlike any other. Just don’t stare at it eh? It’s rude.

The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy is arguably the series of games that put Atelier on the map for a lot of players, and this remastered collection manages to do what it needs to do to sand down the edges to make for an approachable and digestible best-hits of what many consider the peak of the franchise. While I would have liked to see this collection go a bit further in their effort to bring all the games to the same standard, I can't really argue with what's been included here.

Fallout: New Vegas needed more time in the oven to work out all the kinks and bugs, but it is still a terrific experience for anyone interested in re-experiencing one of the greatest action-RPG series of our time.

I Am Setsuna brings to light all the memorable aspects of what made classic games classics. With the good outweighing the bad, I Am Setsuna embodies old concepts and creates a challenge worth undertaking, even if the pilgrimage to the end is as difficult for the player as it is for Setsuna.

Diablo IV takes the series to new heights, but also spends plenty of time covering familar ground. The compelling rush for loot is as strong as it has ever been, and visually, the game is spectacular. It doesn't exactly feel like a massive leap from Diablo III yet its focus on the series' core strengths ensures that's likely more than enough for long-time fans.

With Tales from the Borderlands, Telltale Games have struck gold. Easily their best effort since the first season of The Walking Dead, Tales marries the series cheeky humour and laugh-out laughs with some properly touching and poignant moments. This is as essential as it gets.

Trinity Fusion approaches the rogue-lite genre with accessibility in mind. While enemy variety is small, boss fights soon grow trivial, and it doesn't offer the same complex options as other entries, the true enjoyment comes in the combat itself. With ways to make this enjoyable gameplay easier or harder, this is the perfect game for newcomers and aficionados to try.

Portal Knights just about pulls off being a crafting game and an RPG adventure in one by keeping the important things simple. A well-implemented 4 player co-op adds another layer of enjoyment to proceedings, but combat and controller mapping problems slightly spoil an otherwise pleasant game.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a much-improved sequel. For the most part, it's everything you enjoyed in the first game, but with a plethora of updates, including improvements to combat and exploration. There is just something about collecting these legendary monsters and having them fight by your side that puts a smile on my face.

Ys IX Monstrum Nox remains another strong entry in the Ys franchise, offering up engaging combat fans will love. Visuals don't push any envelopes by any stretch and the writing has its hiccups, but Monstrum Nox has everything that makes a Ys title great.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a high-speed thrills package that combines the best of 2D and 3D Sonic, with superb level design and great boss battles. The addition of Shadow's campaign is a great bonus, and despite some issues with stages proving a little unforgiving and delivering cheap deaths, the overall package is a must-have for Sonic fans.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot takes inspiration from prior games while taking the kind of stylized enhancements to make the final product stand out from other franchise games. Kakarot is not without its own issues, but what it executes well more than make up for it. Kakarot will be one of those games down the line that fans will remember fondly.

Don't be fooled by the unassuming presentation of this indie title; Dysmantle is a monster that will have you in its grasp in no time. With an addictive destroy and craft loop, and a big open world full of intrigue and challenge, you'll be bargaining with yourself for just one last scavenger run every time. Elements such as combat, camera and graphics have obvious room for improvement, but there's no shortcoming that detract from just how involved you become with this game. Anyone looking to scratch that RPG itch with a new time sink seriously needs to consider purchasing Dysmantle soon.

Borderlands 2 VR takes a beloved classic game and gives it new life in VR and does so in a way that doesn't feel gratuitous. With a level of user controls that should be standard for all VR games, Gearbox has taken great care to provide a unique experience for those prone to motion sickness as well as seasoned VR users. Despite lacking Aim controller support, DLC content, and co-op, Borderlands 2 VR is one of the most enjoyable shooters on the PSVR.

The transition to an open world has not been easy, quite rough in fact. Still, Dynasty Warriors 9's many changes to the musou formula hold great promise for the future. This is the rebirth the series needed, regardless of its issues.

Dusk Diver 2 delivers a much-improved sequel. Though its story takes some time to get going, its execution bears weight, especially in the second half of the game. With great exploration and combat, which allows you to take control of all your party members this time around, Dusk Diver 2 provides a steep challenge with plenty of content to sink your teeth into.

An enchanting, choose your own path style gamebook adventure, Joe Dever’s Lone Wolf does a commendable job of capturing the spirit of the series it’s based on while imbuing the proceedings with substantial amounts of longevity and a masterful degree of presentation.

Mojiken's well crafted, charming small town, and it's handling of delicate subject matter, combined with its captivating narrative, carry you through to its bittersweet end, despite some pacing issues, and gameplay elements that feel out of place.

Overall, ChromaGun is a charming puzzle game with all the wits and humour of its bigger ‘stepbrother’, Portal.

Skyrim is still a wonderful game, with much to see and do. While it may be prettier here and function better than its PS3 predecessor, it continues to suffer from the same garden-variety bugs and glitches of five years back. Age hasn’t been especially kind to the mechanics or the writing, but the old magic is still shining bright as ever.

The Tournament Mode is overly long with cutscenes that drag, and you may not find it to be as pleasingly accessible as the games it cribs inspiration from, but Screamer does its darnedest to impress, and it does so given the myriad of modes and how on point the presentation is. You'll certainly be screaming with approval when you get your hand on Screamer, just don't wake the neighbours.

One of the best surprises of the year when it comes to the strategy genre, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin generously lavishes a glorious amount of detail on its presentation of the tabletop Age of Sigmar setting from which it derives. Though its more streamlined tactical beats might prove too simplistic for genre veterans looking for a broader dose of macro strategy, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin nonetheless provides a gorgeously framed and immediately compelling RTS offering that offers an irresistible on-ramp for newcomers into both the Warhammer property and the RTS genre as a whole.

The indie talent at Gaijin Games brings a lot to the table with Bit.Trip Runner 2, but an otherwise excellent package is bogged down by somewhat nauseating action and gameplay equal parts terrific and tiring.

With Observer, Bloober Team have crafted an interesting, and often clever, sci-fi horror game. There’s a few tiny technical hitches, some detective work that feels a little too obscure, and a lead character voiced in an inconsistent manner, yet the strength of the game’s world-building, and execution of its memorable literal head trips, softens the blow considerably.

Beautifully blending two realms, Sherlock Holmes The Awakened presents a great investigative game, asking you to do your own research without going too far. For your own good, grab this game if you have even the slightest bit of curiosity. You won't regret it.

Disgaea 5 is an excellent title for any gamer, but the interesting mechanics, impressive visuals, and expansive universe make it a must-play for tactical RPG enthusiasts.

Relive the joys of discovering nature as a child with this beautiful but brief story of conservation and exploration set on an enticingly warm Mediterranean island. Highly recommended for kids with a nature conservationist bent, but also for adults who want to relax in the warmth of the sun in the company of an adorable cast of characters.

NBA 2K22 does many things well, most of which has already been done well in the past. Exceptional, challenging gameplay keeps the strength of the game close to its chest, and NBA 2K22 offers an impressive spread of modes to complement that gameplay. Apart from a few misguided choices, the biggest crippling factor this year comes from how The City takes a good idea and stretches it way too thin. NBA 2K22 is great for hardcore fans of the franchise, but it doesn't leave the door open for many others.

While I had some issues with the soundtrack – as the music can get overly repetitive at the best of times - the graphics are pretty good for a handheld, with the plastic models and environments looking quite impressive during the replays.

Madden 16 has now begun to reflect on how the NFL has evolved, and despite its growing pains, the positives outweigh the negatives in this strong outing. Madden NFL 16 is a necessity for returning fans.

A top-down survival horror that feels as fresh as it does familiar. Every failure is lined with a lesson made of silver, and the sense of impending doom is kept tantalisingly close to hand at all times. Subterrain is a fine example of using tired genre tropes effectively.

Yonder Chronicles brings to the industry a game focused more on exploring, developing, and interactions over violence and leveling, and the end product is refreshing. A few things hold it back, but the heart and soul of the entire package is not to be denied on its way to success.

A delectable morsel of saccharine sweetness that everybody can enjoy, Cake Bash is that rare kind of party game that is instantly accessible and can fit into just about any gap in your schedule. An easy recommendation for players of all ages who just want to feel their faces crease again.

Effie is good 3D Platformer that left me with a big smile on face. The Red Plains are a beautiful location to explore, especially given that you have an awesome hoverboard to do it with. The combat does hold it back a bit but the overall package is one that fans of 3D Platformers should definitely experience.

A uniquely innovative shooter with imagination to spare, there is nothing quite like Superhot.

Defense Grid 2 has some issues, but ultimately pushes the tower defense genre forward by delivering loads of fun with a quirky co-op story mode campaign and solid online competitive multiplayer modes for a great price.

While the CG flick is a bit hit and miss in places, the HD revamp of Tekken Tag and the playable teaser of its sequel should keep hardcore fans more than satisfied until the full version of Tekken Tag 2 shows up.

A deliciously compulsive simulation of a busy restaurant which tests your mental agility and finger dexterity to the full. Humourous presentation and the couch co-op are the icing on the cake.

Sons of Winter maintains the good form of the previous episode by unloading plenty of tension, drama and action along the way. Roll on episode five.

As it stands now, Battlefield 2042 is a formidable and enjoyable shooter that once again delivers on the series promise of peerless open world combat theatre in a way that no other series or franchise has managed to match. It's just a shame that while Battlefield 2042 looks to the future for its setting, so too must players for the short-term as EA and DICE scramble to fix what could potentially be the best Battlefield in years.

The most ambitious LEGO game to date is an open-world delight that excels in its depth and the satisfaction that each new collectible brings. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is well worth your time, even if it sometimes shows the developer's inexperience with the genre.

Continuing the great work of previous episodes, What Ails You sets up the season finale of Batman: The Enemy Within wonderfully.

Narita Boy feels like a completely unique experience and the first step for a new collection of games based around this digital aesthetic. The soundtrack here is flawless and the way everything plays into its setting and narrative is just as good. The gameplay might slog at times and not quite hit the mark, but Narita Boy is something you shouldn't miss.

For many like me, seeing Ninja Gaiden emboss a game basically guarantees a purchase. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is no exception. On top of its stapled blisteringly challenging combat, the entire game receives a visual level of polish that makes it feel new again. That said, the problems still exist, like enemy projectiles flying through objects and still hitting you. Above all else, though, the camera issues remain the most frustrating element of the game. Still, there's enough fun, gore, and challenge that will outweigh the outdated traits, even for newcomers.

Saints Row is a necessary reboot for a series that was getting out of hand (pleasingly so, but still), and Volition has made smart decisions in retooling the origins of the purple-clad gang without losing that silly, violent, and crude spirit. It leaves room for future improvement and escalation, and that’s an exciting place to put the Saints in.

EA Sports takes a positive corner on the MMA market with UFC 2 as it focuses on what makes the sport great: strong mechanics and a lot of training. With strong servers and gameplay mechanics, UFC 2 has what it takes to represent the UFC both offline and online.

Luftrausers is a fast-paced and enjoyable shooter, though doesn't have the lasting appeal to keep you coming back for more.

If you are a fan of Attack on Titan, you will want this game and if you’re not, you should probably knock a point off the score below and try it anyway.

As whimsical and relaxing lo-res indie adventure games go, A Short Hike is up there with the best. It draws you in with its freewheeling 'go where you like' vibe, charms you with some beautiful artwork and music and offers up great pleasures in exploration as you stroll, climb and glide around the small mountainous island. You'll only be there for a few hours, but every moment is a chilled out pleasure.

Kingdom Hearts 3 is a lot to take in, from the intricate narrative to all the nods to Disney. As a whole, the game has some shortcomings, but its charms and heart have something immersive enough for everyone.

A gorgeous, stirring, mechanically solid, feature-rich expansion to what is the best MMO in years.

A definitive take on some of the best cooperative games to ever grace PlayStation, whatever Overcooked! All You Can Eat might lack in terms of bespoke content and PlayStation 5 focused features, it more than makes up with a delectable banquet of face-stuffing goodness. Need a good party game for your PlayStation 5 to get you through the holidays? Look no further.

A high quality re-package that gives series newcomers the best bang for their buck while remaining lots of fun for competitive and casual gamers alike. Still, the Ultimate edition perks aren't substantial incentive for current Dead or Alive 5 owners.

Easily the strongest episode of Minecraft: Story Mode yet, The Last Place You Look does wonders to a series that looked like it would be a sinking ship just one episode ago.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm Episode One - Awake is a great start to Deck Nine’s mini-prequel series. Despite some hiccups, Before the Storm establishes a compelling cast and endearing game world that is just begging to be explored further.

God Eater 2: Rage Burst is the perfect alternative to a game like Monster Hunter. It may take a while to get into and a lot of information is thrown at you right from the start to turn off any player, but for those who stick with it will find a very rewarding experience both for hardcore and casual players.

Rising Hell's verticality and butter-like combat system make it feel unique in an increasingly popular genre. It looks awesome, sounds fantastic and for its price point, it's definitely worth your time. While you will not be playing for hundreds of hours, your relatively short time slaying demons will be fast, frenetic and very enjoyable.

Strange Scaffold has crafted another memorable shooter that knows how to get under your skin and pull you back in for just one more run. For players who love to push their skills to the limit, this one’s an easy recommendation.

OkunoKA Madness is a great platformer that is easy to recommend for those looking for a good challenge. It only loses points for some minor annoyances like cluttered levels, occasional difficulty spikes, and disappointing boss fights.

A unique and finely crafted take on the musical rhythm genre, with lovely animated pixel-art stills and a truly excellent soundtrack telling the achingly heartfelt tale of a group of poor but talented musicians striving for success on their first tour. It's a brief experience and the lo-fi indie sensibilities may not be for everyone, but if you err towards left-field art and music, it's highly recommended.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO could be considered the best Dragon Ball game on the market with its earth shattering battles and vast roster of fighters. It's going to take some time for players to master the games mechanics but when they do they're in for a treat. With stunning visual effects and plenty of content to unlock and experience, Dragon Ball fans will not be disappointed despite some minor shortcomings.

Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 remains a superb fighter, and one that is at the peak of its power in terms of performance. Beyond that there’s nothing much for the pre-existing audience, but anyone curious about the series heading into next year’s Marvel vs Capcom Infinite may well be tempted to start here.

Resident Evil 3 is another stunning-looking revamp from Capcom that effortlessly manages to switch between tension-packed moments of genuine horror and bombastic action set pieces. It’s just a shame that some questionable changes were made from the original and there isn’t more bang for your buck in terms of post-completion content.

flOw is short, but engaging. Its simplicity, exploration, and emotional pull provide a nice, entertaining getaway in a pinch.

For a game that should not be fun, PowerWash Simulator is very addictive. The 'ding' you get when each piece gets cleaned is so satisfying and rewarding, as is seeing a massive area go from being dark brown and dirty to shiny and new. In a world of very similar games that fail to offer anything new, PowerWash Simulator achieves this with aplomb and makes me happy for future unique titles. There's nothing quite like this game on the market and that in itself means you should give it a try.

While not being an all-encompassing experience, Carto allows you to explore a hand-drawn fantasy at your own pace. It includes camp-fire like folktales of family, growing up, and making your way in the world. The Carcassonne like map-making and editing system is unique and very rewarding. If you are looking for a small, fun game while waiting for some big titles to drop, give it a go. It's a lot of fun and very different.

Crossing Souls is another great title from Devolver Digital. An awesome 80's science fiction setting with great characters, writing, and electronic music. If you love old science fiction movies you're going to love Crossing Souls.

Mega Man 9 is a great game with a huge amount of old-school appeal. Unfortunately, it is unlikely to resonate with everyone, primarily due to its excruciating difficulty.

A funny, silly temporal romp that is well made and well executed. Any fan of point-and-click games will enjoy Deponia Doomsday. It has a light-hearted, comedic storyline that is well written and well performed. The art style is lovely and the game performs to perfection on a technical level.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 strengthens itself with a solid second episode packed with compelling gameplay and some decent story developments.

Though the various visual modes require some work, Dirt 5 is nonetheless a breath of fresh air for the long-running rally racing franchise that widens the audience duly and marks a commendable debut for the franchise on PlayStation 5.

Seasons After Fall is a gorgeous year-round romp through the forest that will pull at the heartstrings on more than one occasion. Every season brings fun and different dynamics to the game, complemented superbly by the soundtrack. Some puzzles and load times may frustrate, but they’re not enough to detract from the overall charm and enjoyment of the game.

With an FPS around every corner, LEGO Indiana Jones offers up some pure comedic, platforming entertainment that will keep you busy for hours on end or for fifteen minutes at a time.

It's a shame the DLC isn't packed in. Especially as it has The Offspring in here, but hopefully it will arrive in due time. For now, Ragnarock is a really good drumming game with a neat twist.

Brutally satisfying, Prototype offers hours of explosive, unscripted fun.

You can't go wrong with a game that channels the heart and soul of PS1 horror, and Alisa does just that. Certain oddities of the genre piggyback on the experience, but fans won't be deterred by that. The humor mixed with dread and unease make Alisa a great game to explore, even with its limitations and minor issues.

A finely tuned turn-based strategy effort that takes place in Warhammer’s grim Mordheim game universe, Mordheim is furiously enjoyable but it demands both patience and skill from its prospective armchair generals in spades.

A classy remake of a classic title, Bionic Commando is the undisputed King of Swing.

A simplistic tale dealing with the most complex of human emotions. Have a box of tissues at the ready, as Last Day of June punches you right in the kidneys.

Visual issues aside, Phasmophobia is a fun, heart-pounding fear-fest that is hitting consoles at just the right time of year. With some deep mechanics and a plethora of modes and content to terrify yourself and your online ghost hunting pals.... the only question is... Are you brave enough?

DC's Justice League: Cosmic Chaos took me by surprise. It's one of those games you go into without expecting much and coming away with a lot of fun and entertaining moments. There is a lot to like about Cosmic Chaos including the excellent writing, animated cut-scenes and fun yet simple combat. Don't be discouraged by its cartoony look. There is plenty here for everyone to enjoy from children to adults.

Hot Wheels Unleashed is an excellent arcade racing game with some truly inventive and crazy tracks, wonderfully recreated Hot Wheels toys that drive beautifully and the visuals to back it all up. Unfortunately an imbalance of reasonably long to extremely long tracks and their many hazard risks make it too easy to get frustrated when struggling to reach top spot, and the track builder while very well detailed fails to make the user experience anything but pleasant.

Awash in atmospheric dread, boasting enough jump scares to send your heart rate through the roof and encompassing sizable visual upgrades in addition to maintaining its often overlooked roguelike survival horror gameplay, The Persistence’s non-VR release proves that while it might not escape the black hole like gravity of its VR design bedrock, it’s still far more than just the sum of its superficial parts.