A breath of fresh air, Dragon's Crown proves that arcade beat-'em-ups still have a lot of fight left in them.

Japan's biggest RPG finally arrives in the west and the wait has most definitely been worth it. Dragon Quest IX is possibly the finest example of the genre available on Nintendo's handheld.

Completely wonderful in every way, Kirby: Triple Deluxe is a must for fans of the franchise, and anyone who enjoys the platforming genre.

Splatoon 2 is an incredible shooter that improves on the original in almost every single way. But if you still have a Wii U and don't care about taking it on the go, there might not be enough new content to justify the purchase.

This updated version of Tactics Ogre ranks among the best tactical experiences on the PSP with features that make it easier for newer players yet don't dilute the challenges or rewards for veterans.

Everything a sequel should be, iBlast Moki 2 HD might be the best £1.99 you'll ever spend.

Yes, some people are going to find that steep price point a little off-putting, but this is a superb mobile game that's releasing at the same time on the App Store as it is on other platforms. But even if it wasn't, there'd still be a case to be made that Dandara was worth it. If you're a fan of superbly designed action games, then you owe it to yourself, and to the devs, to give this one a try.

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions is a truly impressive port of a great twin-stick shooter, that's absolutely packed with content.

Deus Ex GO is another triumph that finds crafty puzzles in the DNA of a much-loved franchise.

Immeasurably enhanced by a beautifully realised universe and an original narrative, Bastion is one of the best action-adventure games on the iPad.

OXXO is yet another fantastic puzzle game from Hamster on Coke. While the game flies by fast it oozes style from start to finish.

Castle of Illusion combines old school challenge with impeccable presentation to create a fitting tribute to one of the 16-bit era's finest platforming classics.

Crayola Adventures is an engaging story creation adventure game that lets you express your creativity.

Finally, a mobile MOBA that doesn't just work, but feels at home in your pocket or bag.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is a wonderful game that showcases how everyone can make an impact on the world and everyone can fight capitalism, even with little actions.

Unruly Heroes is an absolute gem of a 2D platformer that plays as well as it looks. The action-packed levels will keep you entertained for hours on end, but if you do need to take a breather, there’s a screenshot feature where you can apply filters and embellish a scene before saving it or sharing it with your friends - and you really will want to, because each scene is an absolute visual treat.

An energising and hilariously funny version of Hamlet, Ryan North's To Be Or Not To Be is a crucial gamebook for literature buffs and comedy fans alike.

A smashing update to The Incredible Machine puzzle genre, the social features of Casey's Contraptions really make it stand out from the crowd.

Zen has outdone itself with the follow up to its original pinball release. This game has grand visions of what pinball can be, and executes on absolutely every single one of them.

A super smart, super engaging mix of a platformer and a puzzler that's well worth checking out.

Unique, bizarre and totally great, Persona 3 Portable is an Otaku's dream and the strongest antidote to run-of-the-mill JRPGs going.

A thrilling combination of fantasy novel and RPG, Sorcery! offers a wonderfully fresh take on interactive fiction.

One of the best MMOs comes to mobile with most of its charm and playability intact.

It's a treat for both fans of thriller detective and pixel graphics work. For sure, it's certainly a good short story you can chew through during your leisure time. All the more made enjoyable by its high replay value as multiple endings are waiting to be discovered.

An achievement on multiple levels, Infinity Blade is an engrossing game that should be recognised for its gameplay as much as its graphics.

Not even dodgy tunes stop Elite Beat Agents being one of the most entertaining and accessible games on DS.

Blueprint 3D is a magical marvel: more than just a bold experiment, it's also ridiculous good fun.

An inspired blend of infinite runner, free to play gaming, and retro classics, Platform Panic is a pixel-perfect way to end a great year of smartphone gaming.