If you want to show off the technical capabilities of your new mobile system, go and get Drake's new adventure. But this is more than a techdemo. The concept with puzzles, action and climbing is as exciting as on the PS3. The story isn't, though.

The Vita incarnation of the acclaimed PSN dualstick shooter looks great on the small screen and will keep you going for the highscore again and again.

It not only looks great, but gives you high quality content: Loads of modes, a well balanced roster, a complex fighting system, accurate controls.

At first I was skeptical, but Creative Assembly presents challenging and varied strategy, which has been improved on a lot of levels although some relevant areas like AI and diplomacy have been left out.

Byrne's fight for survival is a unique horror trip into the psyche of humans.

It's not as monumental as Xenoblade Chronicles but nonetheless you experience an exciting and moving adventure. It quotes the likes of Shadow of the Colossus, Castlevania and Zelda but is able to stand on its own two feet.

I was very skeptical, but after finishing the first episode I have to give kudos to Telltale. They captured the spirit of the saga in a very convincing manner. The mix of classic point&click virtues and more recent elements like realtime action and quicktime events reminds me of Heavy Rain.

A very good expansion pack with a strong comeback of religion and a very entertaining steampunk scenario.

The zombie sequel is an impressive lesson about life after the apocalypse with moral questions.

Eight years after its' initial outing the age is somewhat evident with the visuals – but it doesn't really matter. Because it is much more important that after all this time the concept, direction and atmosphere of Project Zero 2 are as good as ever.

Yes, taking care of your pokégotchis is superficial at best. And for ten years now Square is struggling with good camera positions in the fast-paced fights. But albeit all flaws this is a very entertaining action RPG with an engrossing and multilayered storyline. Oh yes: It looks great, too.

Tequila Works show how to inject fresh ideas into a theme as worn-out as the zombie apocalypse. The mixture of puzzles and challenging fights works extraordinarily well to make Deadlight one of the most atmospheric XBLA games of the year.

The dynamic fights could have been more challenging but the bosses deliver and in the grand scheme the fighting is just a small part of the complex Darksiders mosaic. If you like exploration, puzzles, secrets, the hunt for the bigger better loot plus the occasional scythe wielding, this year it will probably not get much better than this.

On the surface this is "just" another jump&run – one that wouldn't stand a chance against Mario & Co. But add imagery, unusual metaphors and a simple but very moving story you'll get a fairy tale that reminds me of ICO in its best moments.

You like board games on your iPad? Then get this one. It is as simple as captivating and even though there are some usability flaws Le Havre is very well executed.

Colorful, charming and full of atmosphere: The fluid rhythm of fighting, looting and upgrading has been a hit on the 360 and PC and is as convincing on the iPad.

This is the most dramatic episode of the season so far.

The manual boost results not only in a more dynamic offense, but forces you to anticipate on defense. With the enhanced mechanics and the improved AI there's no way around NHL 13 if you're remotely interested in this sport.

The motion recognition works well, the choreographies are as varied as they are challenging, plus you can import the predecessors' tracks (for a small fee). And even this year Harmonix moved forward in terms of party-play there is still lots of room for improvement in this area. Four players simultaneously anyone?

As if you need further proof that episodic games can enhance the experience in terms of dramatic and narrative value. I can't wait for the finale.

Although it shows some flaws the Halo 4 campaign is one of the best within the series. And on top of that 343 proves that their enhancements of the multiplayer formula add some depth to the dynamic firefights.

Intelligent Systems wears its name with pride: The puzzles are as elegant as they are tricky. Fallblox is a small but enthralling addition to the 3DS download library.

If you know Death from another console there is no reason for you to ride with him again. But as a launch title for Wii U this as close as you will get to a game in the tradition of the Legend of Zelda-series.

Nintendo rediscovers fun for the core gamer: New Super Mario Bros. U is hardly surprising, but delivers quite a challenge with its classic jump & run roots.

I have to keep an eye on my provisions, I have to leave the safe path and might have to face deadly foes. If I don't want to die I have to face my fears and accept a suspenseful and lethal game of hide-and-seek. I've never experienced a more intense fight for survival in an open world.

If you're looking for a game to justify project Greenlight, this is it! It would have been a damn shame if this little platforming gem couldn't have been released.

Ninja Theory had big boots to fill. But they mastered the reboot of the iconic stylish action series. The fighting system manages the balance between traditional dynamics and contemporary combo madness. The art design is close to perfect. The narrative though is sometimes losing focus and refuses to give the characters room to grow for most of the time. Nonetheless this is the first big action highlight of the year.

What a charming adventure. The beautiful backdrops bear the inimitable hand writing of Studio Ghibli's artists. The wonderful story carries big emotions without pathos. And the role-playing game opens the doors to a wide land full of fantasy and danger.