A solid pinball game that makes full use of the Switch.

Ninja Theory have against all odds created something fresh; a creatively superb and in places fantastic action adventure game. It will not be for everyone and is certainly more mainstream than previous efforts but DMC is a rip roaring start to 2013.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag doesn’t reinvent the franchise, nor does it move the story on. Instead, it refines the best bits of III and wisely sacrifices some of the po-faced historical accuracy for an adventure with pirates.

Tomb Raider is one of the games of the last generation and now it’s that little bit prettier, and better for it.

Even if you already own its PC brother there is something incredibly refreshing and revitalising about playing the game offline with friends, each with a controller, together on the same screen.

The Switch edition of Civilization VI brings the full (base) Civ experience to a handheld. For this alone it's an essential purchase for strategy players, but the interface and presentation make this one of the best games on the console on its own merits.

Short but oh-so-sweetly sick, Resident Evil 7 rewrites the series formula to nerve-shredding success, with PSVR integration only adding to the immersion.

As a package Rise of the Tomb Raider is sublime pure Hollywood blockbuster entertainment with the only real negative that some could level is that the minute to minute gameplay presents very little that would be considered groundbreaking or new and at times it might feel similar to the previous iteration.

Forza Horizon 2 is simply a joy to play - combining the gorgeous graphics, authentic but forgiving car handling, a wealth of single player content along with some fantastic social features.

Despite a few niggling control and camera issues, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a world of fun, and full of Nintendo's iconic style and substance. It builds on what makes the series great, and is easily on the best games of 2019. An essential purchase for every Switch owner!

By adhering to the cookie-cutter conformity of MMO tropes, A Realm Reborn doesn’t attempt anything wholly new but shines in its familiarity.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 is exactly what a great sequel should be. It’s a much bigger game than its predecessor but retains its creaky charms.

The Taken King fixes so much of what was wrong in Destiny, but still doesn’t quite make it to the epic status it aspires to.

A tough, technical fighter with a lot of resources to help you conquer it. Shame about the story mode, though.

ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is a gorgeously haunting game, in both visuals and sounds. A few oddities in controls but overall a wonderful, tear-jerking and somewhat eerie experience. [Early Access Provisional Score = 90]

It’s successful on so many fronts; a new entry in the genre that stands aside long-term franchise veterans, deftly combining a worthy story with the fighter structure and painting believable characters that don’t overstay their welcome or pander to fanservice. All of these points and more make Persona 4 Arena a balanced, thoroughly enjoyable fighter. Even though it does school you from time to time.

Good value for money coupled with some of the most gorgeous 2D hand drawn graphics on the market and new player accessibility make this fighter an exceptional buy.

CD Projekt Red has set a new standard for what can be achieved in this sandbox. Cyberpunk 2077 is taking open-world gaming to the next generation.

The Talos Principle will make you feel confounded but in that wonderful way that precludes an epiphany. You’ll leave each session feeling genuinely smarter – and perhaps a little rebellious to boot.

It’s a shame that Maxis folded the way it did, but the baton has been passed. Rejoice, mini-mayors, for the city-builder is born anew.

It's not perfect, but Metroid: Samus Returns is a resounding return to form for the series and a must-play for all 3DS owners.

With hundreds of hours of gameplay in a world that you’ll never want to leave, Ni No Kuni is not only a brilliant game to start 2013 but also one of the best games in years.

As 2014 draws to a close, Inquisition is a contender not only for game of the year, but for the best title to come out of BioWare’s impressive stable - either way, it’s an essential purchase for any RPG fan.

Despite an intriguing setting and some solid gun combat, The Outer Worlds borrows too much from the series it's heavily influenced by, leaving it feeling void of originality.

Not for everyone but if you can see past its issues, herein lies a phenomenal old school RPG.

Exactly the right amount of old and new, DOOM is an adrenaline rush that borders on overwhelming in the best possible way.

Batman: Arkham Knight is a very good game, held back from greatness by some odd design decisions.

A remarkably strong challenge of your tactical skills hides some wonderful world-building and character-driven storytelling that helps this game really stand out.