Despite the game's bugs, The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle is a welcome surprise that surpassed my expectations. Even if you're like me and the idea of off-the-grid living doesn't interest you, there's still enough in this pack that makes it worth a look - just don't expect as much replayability as The Sims 4: Seasons.

SteamWorld Build will scratch that itch of town builder and dungeon crawler alike. It's an easy game to pick up and play, gradually introducing each layer of society and underground mining at a steady pace. A few elements could be improved to help levels flow better, but overall it's a very good experience that digs up yet another new genre for the SteamWorld franchise.

Flight Control on the PlayStation 3 is absolutely the best version of the game currently available, and if you're picking up PlayStation Move this week then it's a must have because when you're tired of chopping hair or flying down Asian streets on an office chair, the pensive mood of Flight Control might be just what you need.

As a package, Spyro Reignited is a fantastic experience, and Toys for Bob have done an amazing job in updating the series whilst maintaining its feel. This truly is a Spyro for today rather than a quick cash-in that plays off your nostalgia. Each game stands on its own as well as illustrating the development of the series.

Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition has learnt some new tricks on Nintendo Switch. It might be a bit creaky in places visually, but with the new Freestyle Mode spicing up its already brilliant action, this is the new definitive version of the game.

Borderlands Legendary Collection is a fantastic compilation of Gearbox’s prototypical looter shooter series. Fans and newcomers can set out to Pandora on Switch, safe in the knowledge that very little has been lost, while the portability and optional motion controls add something meaningful to the experience.

Control is one of the best story-focused single player games in years. Its unique mix of surrealism, sci-fi and mystery draws you in, but doesn't give everything away, and the combat is fantastically varied and provides just enough challenge. A culmination of everything that went before, Control is Remedy's magnum opus.

It's rather obvious, but if enjoyed the first Little Nightmares then you will enjoy the Little Nightmares II. While some new elements have been added it is more of a next chapter to the story than a full blown sequel. The attention detail is incredible, bringing the story to life without a single spoken word. It's unsettling, creepy, darkly amusing, and at times a little frustrating, but immensely enjoyable. Another little, slime covered gem from Tarsier Studios.

In the pantheon of Mario Party games, Super Mario Party Jamboree is the best new game in a long, long time. After getting back to basics with Superstars, Jamboree sticks with the more traditional Mario Party formula in all the right ways, while still finding space to mix things up a little with new items, a blend of motion and button control minigames, Pro Rules, and some larger online modes and experiments. This is practically essential for Mario Party fans.

The action on the pitch is really rather good and if you want a challenge in a sports game (or are a lifelong Juventus fan) then eFootball PES 2020 may be exactly what you need.

Death of the Outsider might be smaller in scope (and launch price) than the first two games, yet Arkane has crafted a game that meets the quality of design found in those games. It takes the best bits of the series and improves them, putting together a story that feels personal despite its huge ambition and featuring what may be the best Dishonored protagonist yet. If Death of the Outsider ends up being the closing chapter for the Dishonored series, then it is a truly fitting conclusion.

Streets of Rage 4 is a must for any beat ‘em up fans, especially those with fond memories of the original trilogy. The fighting is great, the visuals are great, and the soundtrack is great. Lizardcube and Guard Crush have managed to capture the essence of those classic games and upgrade it for the modern age.

Two Point Hospital's performance is better on PS4 than Switch, but whichever platform you choose to play on, it's a fun hospital sim with bags of personality and humour.

Parkasaurus is a delightful park management sim. Its cute dinosaur designs and relaxed pace will suit all Jurassic fans, despite the obvious lack of Jeff Goldblum.

Dragon’s Crown delivers in a number of areas, though not in the ones that matter most. Stunning visuals and nods to the roleplaying genre simply aren’t enough to outweigh the repetitive combat and a so-so narrative.

I genuinely feel that, while it’s not a perfect representation of drawing/painting, Art Academy: Atelier does an excellent job of teaching you the process of creating a piece of art.

Any game so good that you can't resist doing just one more battle in is a game well worth paying attention to, and Tainted Grail definitely manages that.

There's no doubt about it, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD is punching well above its £9.99 price bracket. The production values coupled with over ten hours of quality gameplay mean the game would easily be worth £40 if stuck on the shelf of your local retailer.

Tiny Bookshop is one of the best management games of the year, because there is no stress when it comes to running the store. You cannot fail, all the characters are friendly, and the vibes of the game are so laid back, you can spend hours in Bookstonbury without noticing. If you are a book lover, and even if you are not, Tiny Bookshop deserves your time.

This is a game that wears its heart on its sleeve while bringing something fresh to the landscape; it’s quite divine.

If you’re looking for this year’s most innovative, genre-splicing indie, then Cataclismo has set a standard that looks unlikely to be beaten. [Early Access Review]

The Last Guardian feels meticulously pieced together and is easily one of the PlayStation 4’s stronger exclusive titles. It’s risky and unconventional, flouting modern design practices in a way that few other AAA game would dare to in 2016. Although far from perfect and a little worn from age, it’s a one of a kind experience and hopefully won’t be the last we see from Fumito Ueda and this enchanting world.

Sprint Vector is a wonderful surprise and by far the best VR title I’ve played in 2018 so far. The feeling of movement is just so ridiculously fun and empowering yet precise and responsive at the same time. When it all comes together – the drifts, the jumps, and the well-timed manoeuvres – there’s honestly nothing else like it.

While it’s wonderfully experimental, Octo Expansion isn’t an essential purchase, but will give diehard Splatoon fans hours of often rock hard challenges to overcome.

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is a bit of a disappointment. After the story finishes, it feels like little has changed, though the structural systems of the game have had some upheaval. You hit max level far quicker now and, once you do, the fun of looting will evaporate for all but the most hardcore and dedicated loot hunters. Meanwhile, there’s spam to buy loot in the chat constantly, the party finder invariably puts me in parties where my lower level character is useless and dies to a sneeze from a passing asthmatic, and the big co-op endgame dungeon doesn’t really seem to understand what Diablo is. Why doesn’t it seem to understand? Because this is an MMO, not Diablo.

So, with a decent selection of cars (and bikes), the most extensive modification options yet seen in a video game, real-car traffic, race editors and loads of online modes (not to mention a total of 60 hidden unlockables) this is amazing value for money.

While Freedom Planet doesn’t hit the same dizzying heights as Sonic Mania, it is still an incredibly enjoyable platformer that just about manages to carve out its own identity. The great visual style really helps to build the world it is set in and the three playable characters help to give some replay value as you explore their abilities. By the end of the game Freedom Planet establishes its own way of doing things that puts it apart from its inspirations, it’s just a shame that it doesn’t do more to differentiate itself straight away.

I would have preferred it if the narrative arc and the game’s pacing were a little more measured but this isn’t the sort of game that leans too heavily on its storyline. Blood Dragon is all about loud, brash, silly fun and in that respect it achieves its goals easily.