It may be a relatively small improvement but this is definitely the best of the series yet, and as a result one of the DS's best puzzle games.

Helicopter sims may be a niche interest but after IL-2 Sturmovik this is the best flight simulation available on current consoles.

The best horror game of this generation and one of the few courageous enough to try new ideas and make the player a victim, not a saviour.

Not one of the standout entries for the series, with just a few useful additions that never go quite far enough. Not that it tempers the game's addictive powers.

As unique a vision as video gaming has ever seen and one able to use even its many incompetencies to entertain and surprise.

A useful expansion that puts an appreciably different spin on the original gameplay, to the point where many are likely to prefer this tour of duty.

One of Steam's best kept secrets and a cracking indie title that both pokes fun at and celebrates the charming absurdity of role-playing games.

Not only one of the best WiiWare games ever, but an inspired 2D action puzzler to put even LocoRoco and Rolando in the shade.

It might be a pain to get hold of but this engrossing visual novel has more mystery and tension in its simple text screens than a hundred CGI cut scenes.

Rather than iron out the faults of the original this new platformer construction kit tries to hide them under a wave of useful but inessential extras.

An improvement on the original but only in the details, not as a result of any big new ideas. Genre-starved survival horror fans should be well satisfied though.

There are a few niggling technical issues but this still easily laps any other serious racing game on the iPhone - or any other portable format.

The iPhone's best game emerges from the shadow of LocoRoco as one of the best portable puzzlers ever.

So the question is: how good is the new map pack? And without hesitation the answer is: very good indeed.

An inspired reworking of The Sentinel, introducing a new generation to one of the most tense and atmospheric action puzzlers ever made.

Double Fine's best game since Psychonauts is unique in both setting and gameplay, with an enchanting mix of absurdist logic and striking presentation.

It may not be the deepest of fighters but it is one of the most entertaining and imaginative, not to mention bug-eyed crazy.

The overwrought storytelling is not the sort of taste many will want to acquire, but that doesn't stop this being one of the best tactical role-players ever.

It's not going to change the world, but at least it manages to change first person shooters back into something more irreverent and fun.

Watching paint dry really can be entertaining, in this relentlessly cheerful mix of platformer and interactive colouring book.

It's not a real overhaul for the series, but it is the best version so far - and so by extension one of the best portable video games ever made.

It's not a real overhaul for the series, but it is the best version so far - and so by extension one of the best portable video games ever made.

An excellent update of the classic old beat 'em-up that maintains the iconic two-player mode and adds some welcome new enhancements.

The pace of innovation is only fractionally slower in the second expansion to Relic's superb action strategy, with plenty to entertain new fans and old.

Faithful almost to a fault to the classic original, but still a stunning achievement for the DS and a thoroughly engrossing adventure in its own right.

If not the best tennis sim ever then certainly the most realistic, and with a training tool that should be the envy of any other game.

No launch game benefits more from the 3DS's stereoscopic 3D than this almost illicitly addictive return to Ridge City.

The technical achievements don't come without a cost, and the game world still lacks personality, but this is still a first person shooter of impressive talents.

Not only one of the 3DS's best launch games but also one of the most accessible and entertaining turn-based strategies of recent years.

The best Lego game so far and one that defies both its simplicity and familiarity for an almost effortlessly entertaining co-op experience.

Neither nerdish simulator nor abstract arcade game, Shift 2 proves that compromises don't have to be boring - as long as they have autolog.

Superb mix of role-playing, puzzle and strategy action, with gorgeous new HD graphics and an addictive online mode.

The video game equivalent of a concept album, and a hugely successful mix of visual, music and gameplay influences.

Highbrow parody or the best lightsabre game never made? Suda51's deconstructionist classic manages to be both.

Wonderfully presented and impressively imaginative 2D action puzzler, that almost seems too good for DSiWare.

A loving, and genuinely funny, homage to old school role-players and the people that play them.

At last a Fallout download that's genuinely worth the bandwidth, with a sparkling script that's better than either of the main games.

Achingly beautiful god sim that struggles at times over structure and difficultly curve, but never in terms of spectacle or vision.

An adult video game that is neither exploitative nor pretentious, but instead weaves a fun yet incisive tale about all too human characters.

One of the best marriages of gameplay, graphics and music ever seen on a portable and a triumphant return to the roots of rhythm action.

One of Cave's finest moments loses surprisingly little in its move to the iPhone, with excellent controls and plenty of extras.

Indie gaming at its retro-loving best, with some of the most cunningly-designed and purposefully infuriating 2D gameplay of the year.

Still one of the best on-the-rails shooters ever made and vastly superior to the modern sequels, despite some minor issues with the remake.

Punishingly and infuriatingly hard, but also the best retro-inspired platform puzzler for years.

A worthy successor that is sure to please many and is easily the best option for any Formula One fanatics out there. It's not without its problems, but it has moved the series forward with a vastly improved handling model and a more engrossing race environment that will almost certainly have you believing you really are Lewis Hamilton for a split-second.

Great value co-op-orientated dual stick shooter that revels in its shallowness and makes a virtue of its one note, but superbly tuned, gameplay.

Still one of the best action games ever made, but this is far from the definitive version and may actually be the worst.

An excellent port from the PC, which maintains all of the original's innovative open-endedness and most of its graphical prowess.

New modes such as NBA's Greatest are a welcome inclusion and add longevity to the game. Basketball fans will also be excited by the improvements to Franchise mode, and the overall first class presentation.

Far more interested in fixing the flaws of the original than most sequels, this is probably the best, or at least most accurate, use of Kinect so far.

Still easily the best sports management game around, and although most of this year's changes are fairly trivial they're all extremely welcome.

Superb mix of Tower Defense and action role-player that is one of the year's best and most addictive co-operative games.

Some of the best multiplayer action ever seen on the PC, although not without its issues - as well as a deeply disappointing single-player campaign.

A surprisingly fitting end to Nintendo's legacy on the DS, with one of the best ever uses of the touchscreen and the best Kirby game since Epic Yarn.

The funniest and best-looking entry in the series so far, but also the least innovative and accessible in terms of gameplay.

Not only one of Cave's best 2D shooters but one of the definitive entries in the whole genre, with a deep weapons system and dazzling pyrotechnics.

Exactly what the 3DS needed to reenergise its fortunes and restate its purpose, and even if it's not as good as Galaxy it's still the best portable Mario since the Game Boy.

Halo's 10th anniversary certainly deserves celebrating but a HD remake only serves to underline how little the series has moved forward over the years.

Gloriously insane and surprisingly good value, it doesn't pretend to be the deepest fighter around but in the short term at least this is one of the most entertaining.

A superbly crafted comeback for one of platform gaming's most overlooked stars, and one of the best-looking 2D games ever made.

The loss of London Life leaves a nasty taste in the mouth, but its absence doesn't affect the main game which is probably the best of the series so far.

Considerably more depth and variety than the original, and with even more stunning visuals - this is as good as smartphone and tablet gaming gets.

Going green has never been so entertaining, with the only game this Christmas where brain not brawn will save the world.

A loving update of what is still a genuinely fun and innovative genre mash-up, as well as a fascinating glimpse at the glory days of British gaming.

The same great Lost Vikings-inspired action platforming as the first game, but now with some of the most amazing 2D graphics ever seen.

An inspired and genuinely original puzzle game that offers plenty of value for money and one of the best reason so far to get your 3DS online.

A cheerier, more versatile alternative to Trials HD, whose Special Edition manages to make trial-and-error and constant repetition even more fun.

One of the best story-based games of 2011 and proof that big budgets and famous voiceovers are no match for clever design and a good script.

Almost the perfect portable download, with a great gimmick exploited with skilful level design and gorgeous visuals and 3D effects.

Excellent platform/shooter hybrid, whose engrossing narrative and well-realised game world deserves to be appreciated by a much wider audience.

The best Resident Evil since number 4 and that's despite a number of compromises in the story mode, but very much helped by the superb graphics and online mode.

Prettier, more accessible, and more varied than ever. This is one of the best new 3D fighters of recent years, even with a horribly disappointing story mode.

A typically awful boxed set for such an influential series, but the games themselves work well in HD and this is still a useful primer for the series.

The only other possible complaint is the complete lack of any multiplayer, but as distracting a diversion as these options are in the home console games gunfights and online multiplayer are both way down the list of reasons of why we play an Uncharted game. Especially as Golden Abyss' story campaign lasts well over 10 hours.

An excellent port of Capcom's gloriously insane crossover fighter. It may not have the depth of Street Fighter but in the short term at least it's just as entertaining.

There are still some pacing issues, but this is the best version of Lumines yet and an artful mix of music, graphics, and puzzle gameplay.

The premier MMA title that will appeal to all fight fans, whether you like the sport or not.

An excellent conversion of the home console original, that actually seems more at home on the PS Vita than it did its original formats.

Easily Mistwalker's best game so far and another sure sign that, with a bold enough creator, Japanese role-players can be just as exciting and innovative as their Western counterparts.

The most enjoyable MotorStorm game by far and arguably the best game on the PS Vita - or at the very least the best value for money.

Masterful reboot of the old snowboarding racer, with just the right mix of retro appeal, modern presentation, and brand new ideas.

The best combat flight sim ever on a console, with a huge range of aircraft and locations - as well as difficultly settings to suit every kind of gamer.

A justifiably indulgent celebration of some of indie gaming's greatest triumphs, and one that deserves to be experienced by every Wii owner - and beyond.

It's not quite as fully-featured as its Wii equivalent but this is still an excellent compilation of some of the best indie games of this generation.

An impressively courageous reboot that channels the hard-edged heart of the series while discarding its more antagonistic baggage.

Far more than meets the eye, the triumph here isn't the successful return of Kid Icarus but Nintendo's most involved and nuanced shooter of recent years.

Probably the best-looking 2D shooter ever made and an excellent genre introduction for the uninitiated. Not to mention a great advertisement for East/West collaborations.

It's not really Ridge Racer, but whether you consider it a reboot or a spin-off this is the best arcade racer since Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit.

Professor Layton may offer a more cerebral challenge but Rhythm Thief has more than enough charm and imagination to waltz its way into your affections.

The overall experience though is hypnotically beautiful, both visually and in terms of its almost transcendent ability to make you think and care about its virtual world. Forget the labels of it being an indie game or download, this is a great work of imagination and well worth the wait.

Tribes: Ascend is not just an excellent first person shooter in its own right but it's a well-orchestrated revival of a franchise that has never got the recognition it deserves. Whether it'll be more lucky this time we couldn't say but just give this a go and you won't have lost anything, literally.

Another excellent portable Shin Megami Tensei title and one of the best strategy role-players on any format.

It's Total War in name only but even so this is one of the most well-designed strategy games on smartphones - and certainly one of the most attractive.

A clever spin on the MOBA genre that strips away the complications and nerdy presentation to create a fast-paced but deceptively complex action strategy game.

The amount of missing features is disappointing, but as a first step this is an excellent console version of one of gaming's most open-ended and creative experiences.

Punishingly and infuriatingly hard, but also the best retro-inspired platform puzzler for years, and a very successful port to the 3DS.

Another inspired descent into bullet hell from the masters at Cave, and one that has both an unusual amount of tactical depth and yet remains surprisingly accessible.

The details may have changed but this is still fundamentally the same game as the 1996 original. But that's kind of the point. Diablo isn't interested in innovation or subtlety; it's interested in empowerment and cheap thrills. It knows that clicking on monsters to bash their brains in with an axe is fun and its only concern is ensuring it stays that way no matter how, and with whom, you play it.

An impressively well balanced shooter that manages to deliver a diverse and innovative feature set that should please almost everyone.

More content than usual for a Call Of Duty map pack and the new Face Off mode is a neat variation on the usual team-based action.

Its similarities to Portal will be obvious to everyone and in terms of puzzles this is very much its equal, but in terms of script and characters… not so much.

An even more impressive mix of horror and personal drama than the first episode, with intelligent writing, crowd-pleasing gore, and… far too many bugs.

It may well end up being Nintendo's last game on the Wii, but it's an impressively subversive swansong that is neither as crude - nor as easy - as it looks.

The closest thing to Ikaruga on a smartphone and despite the psychedelic presentation one of Jeff Minter's more lucid shooters of recent years.

One of the best Tower Defense action hybrids so far, with considerably more depth than the original - even if it still looks like the same game.

A clever spin on the MOBA genre that strips away the complications and nerdy presentation to create a fast-paced but deceptively complex action strategy game.

The PS Vita finally gets something to sing about with a beautifully conceived mix of platform action, striking visuals, and perfectly orchestrated music.

It doesn't even try to reinvent the Counter-Strike formula, but this is easily the best version for consoles and a refreshing retro alternative to the modern military shooter.

Easily the best Transformers game ever, but also a tantalising glimpse of how to transform current action games into something more inventive and imaginative.

The new content is exactly as good as you'd hope, but the PC version of From Software's classic is also exactly the sort of technical mess you probably feared.

As gaudy and over-the-top as the '80s itself, but not quite as shallow. This masterful reboot of the granddaddy of scrolling beat 'em-ups has real punch.

It may not have changed very much from last year's entry but what small improvements there are still makes this the best F1 racer of the modern era.

The best LittleBigPlanet has ever been, and although there are still problems with the platforming mechanics at least it's easy now to build around them.

But despite all that it gets right we do wish that Guild Wars 2 had been bolder with the art style and the setting of its game world. Or that it had pushed its combat system even further and created something genuinely unique. Although the fact that it has no subscription fee is an unqualified positive that needs to be adopted as standard before free-to-play ruins everything.

A fantastic labour of love that genuinely manages to improve on the ground-breaking original – if only by missing out some of the worst parts.

One of the best smartphone games of the year, with stunning cartoon visuals and gameplay that's as easy to control as it is to become addicted to.

An evolution of last year's FIFA is enough for EA to win the battle of football games, but it may need to step up its game next year with PES improving.

Minimalist gaming at its finest, with graphics and presentation out of the Stone Age but evocative sci-fi action that's tense, tactical and instantly addictive.

Downloadable content done right, with excellent value for money and a high standard of new tracks that seem even more consistent than the main game.

Probably the closest you'll ever get to another Project Gotham Racing, with a fantastic-looking open world filled with top class racing opportunities.

The best Professor Layton game so far and an excellent update of the original template, which makes full use of the 3DS's extra abilities.

The mechanics are the same as always but this makes a genuine effort to address the flaws of the previous titles and make the best use of Kinect so far.

A far better game than it will probably be given credit for, and a good sequel that tries to add depth to the gameplay and even more variety to the characters.

A textbook example of worthwhile downloadable content, with action that's just as good as the main game but different enough that it feels like a unique experience.

It wasn't a very good game eight years ago and slightly improved graphics certainly don't improve its standing now, but if nothing else this proves the world needs a Doom 4.

A successful blend of Need For Speed and Burnout that lacks a little in personality, but certainly not in terms of content or online action.

As familiar as the system may seem there's no denying its addictive qualities, or the increased freedom it gives you to customise the play styles. But there is an unavoidable price to be paid in terms of Halo 4's sense of individuality.

An odd couple crossover that is not only a loving homage to Star Wars but, more importantly, the best Angry Birds game so far.

Overall Black Ops II is the most ambitious and innovative Call Of Duty for years, but it's also the most inconsistent. But that may well be the short term price for trying to do things differently.

In many ways Absolution is as effective a franchise reboot as we've ever seen, retaining almost everything that was good about the originals and while making the game more accessible for new players. It also has most of the same problems, or at least swaps them out for new ones, but maybe that at least will convince sceptics that IO hasn't sold out.

Not quite a killer app but certainly the best New Super Mario Bros. game so far, and an occasionally inspired 2D platformer in its own right.

A clever demonstration of all the Wii U's features and, more importantly, a mini-game collection that can keep any gamer – from casual to hardcore – equally entertained.

Another meaty chunk of downloadable content for Borderlands 2, with a great mix of play styles and some wonderfully OTT quests and characters.

An excellent follow-up to 999, with a thought-provoking plot, compelling characters, and some of the hardest choices this side of The Walking Dead.

Not the best version of Mass Effect 3, but also not the worst – indeed it's only the lack of the other games and their DLC that makes this difficult to recommend.

By far the best Skyrim expansion so far, and although the dragon-riding is disappointing, having a whole new world (or at least island) to explore is almost as good.

More accessible and better value than the PC original, and with the same beautiful 2D visuals – Trine 2 sets the Wii U's eShop off to an excellent start.

An extremely successful attempt to reproduce Dota style action strategy on consoles, with a game that's considerably more accessible than its inspirations.

More a re-release than an enhancement, but still a fascinating reminder of how engaging a good role-player can be even without modern graphics.

One of the most interesting things to happen to both massively multiplayer online games and shooters in years, and already a hugely enjoyable game in its own right.

As fascinatingly addictive as its premise is perversely mundane, but whatever the setting this is one of the best new puzzle games of the year.

Another inspired mix of Metroidvania and traditional puzzler, and certainly one of the best games on the 3DS's eShop.

Not much of a sequel but no matter how small the refinement this is still one of the best portable strategy games currently available.

One of the most acclaimed games of the '80s gets the modern makeover it deserves, with an experience that still feels as daringly ambitious now as it ever did.

An almost entirely successful reboot that still offers deep and flexible combat but in a more accessible and approachable form – and really, the new Dante's not that bad.

A near perfect segue from console to iPhone, and a game that understands the pros and cons of touchscreen controls a lot better than most.

One of the best Japanese role-players of the generation and a gloriously beautiful game by any standard, both visually and emotionally.

A fascinating experiment in alternative storytelling, filled with bold new ideas and some stunning visuals and music.

Not necessarily the best version of the game, but it's definitely the cheapest – and a still superb mix of role-playing, puzzle and strategy action.

Frustrating and confusing almost by design, Antichamber is nevertheless one of the most intelligent and imaginative puzzle games for years.

A great cinematic action adventure, with one of gaming’s great lead performances, although its Tomb Raider DNA seems fragmented and even degenerative in parts.

Star Wars and pinball fans are equally well served here, with what are arguably better tables than the actual real machines.

The best portable Castlevania for years and a more than equal follow-up to Lords Of Shadow – not to mention one of the best-looking games so far on the 3DS.

BioWare really has saved the best till last with a downloadable expansion that not only justifies the expense but your faith in the Mass Effect franchise.

Kratos may not be gaming’s most charismatic protagonist but it turns out he has a surprising knack for multiplayer as well as single-player action, in one of the best-looking games on the PlayStation 3.

A satisfying end to an impressively varied series of downloads, with a strong restatement of everything that makes Battlefield so unique.

A welcome return for a significant but sadly overlooked part of Capcom’s fighting game heritage, and one of the best HD updates of a 2D game ever seen.

There’s little attempt at innovation in Starcraft II’s first expansion, but enough refinement and fine-tuning to please fans both new and old.

Judgment doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to either Gears or third person shooters in general, but with just a small change in perspective it does help to reframe it as something identifiably different. It is still the same game underneath, and we probably didn’t need four of them in six years, but arguably Judgment does more to justify itself than either of the two direct sequels.

The best multiformat Wii U game so far, even if the improvements are mostly minor and the underlying game still lacks personality.

Beneath its cute exterior beats the heart of a demandingly difficult brainteaser which rewards invention and persistence, but has no time for trivial puzzles – or gamers.

Another indie classic makes the successful leap from PC to console, in this masterful mix of Minecraft and Metroid.

Metroid and Castelvania face a new challenger, as the bizarre world of Mexican wrestling inspires one of the most entertaining action adventures of recent years.

As unique a vision as video gaming has ever seen and one able to use its many incompetencies – including the new ones – to entertain and surprise.

Beneath the saccharine sweet exterior beats the heart of a monster, one that wants to devour your every waking moment with its wonderfully addictive platform action.

One of the best ever multiplayer stealth games and one of the most successful attempts yet at the perfect heist game.

It’s not perfect but The Walking Dead is one of the most important advances in interactive fiction for a generation, with some of the most memorable characters of any video game.

A welcome change of style for the puzzle series, and although its influences are obvious this offers impressive value and variety for an eShop download.

It's Tekken with better graphics, again. And yet it's still hard to dislike a fighter this good.

It's nostalgia first and game second but you'd have to really hate Ghostbusters to not enjoy this tie-in.

The best portable Silent Hill game never made with great first person combat and impressive presentation.

One of the best looking games ever, but also one of the least ambitious in terms of anything else.

The offspring of Zelda and God Of War can't hold a candle to its parents but it's good fun nonetheless.

The reason the PC version works better is simply down to the keyboard and mouse controls, which allow for much faster and responsive movement.

Borderline brilliant at times and even a heavy weight of minor flaws can't spoil the superb co-op play.

It may not be a great game but even card-carrying metal haters will get drawn into this gutsy homage.

It's nostalgia first and game second but you'd have to really hate Ghostbusters to not enjoy this tie-in.

It may be a one trick pony but Saints Row 2 in space will give anyone an appetite for destruction.

Japanese role-player that massages the usual formula into an unusually nuanced and exciting epic.

50 Cent's second game is an enjoyable slice of dumb fun that has plenty to teach more serious shooters.

The central 2D shooter is not very good, but creating your own game to replace it is much more rewarding.

The best portable Castlevania yet, with a long needed change of structure and a new focus on combat.

It's got more in common with Advance Wars, but this is still a great strategy game – real-time or not.

There's a lot to admire in this role-playing classic, but still just as much to infuriate and bore.

Just a mishmash of cliches with enemies that could have walked in from any other shooter and a plot that simply joins the dots from one contrived set piece to another...You've not only seen it all before you've seen it a dozen times before.

A hugely entertaining, if slightly uneven, roller coaster ride of gorgeously stylised ultra violence.

The best and worst of BioWare's excesses combine in this competent but unprogressive RPG.

Probably the best Harvest Moon game ever with a successfully odd mix of farming and dungeon crawling.

The glory days of '80s/'90s wrestling is an appropriately arcade style affair and all the better for it.

A good start to what is likely to be one of gaming's most important new sports franchises.

EA's latest DS game is half platformer, half puzzle game, all fun (well, three quarters at least).

The problem is there's very little extra of any importance and much of what there is doesn't work that well.

It's barely any different from its predecessor but it's still the best skiing sim on any console.

An unexpected, but largely successful, change of pace as Norse melodrama meets strategic role-playing.

Despite an unhealthy amount of fan service this is an innovative, if inaccessible, one-on-one fighter.

The best console version yet of the PC hit - and accessible enough to suit even real-time strategy haters.

The best lightgun game never to have seen the inside of an arcade as Headstrong outdoes Sega Japan.

It may be superficial, but the surface it covers is becoming immense.

Viewing this simply as a re-release it's still a hugely enjoyable game, overshadowed only by its own sequel - with its longer, more complex missions, no time limit and multiplayer modes. Since it's getting the New Play Control treatment too it makes this a little harder to recommend... but not much.

The end product is still several features short of classic status but it's not as dry as January's "Lonpos" and yet just as addictive a time-waster.

It's got its share of flaws but this is another absorbingly original puzzler for WiiWare.

Lego does real-time strategy and makes it look easy - rather too easy as far as the difficultly goes.

Pretentious and restrictive, but also one of the most spectacular visual and aural experiences on the PS3.

Square Enix finally gets the Crystal Chronicles formula right with this great multiplayer action RPG.

It may lack the scares of its big brother, but this proves an impressively progressive lightgun game.

It's one step forward and two back in a sequel that seems almost ashamed of its own unique features.

Part tactical role-player, part bullet hell shooter - this is hard to get into but worth it if you do.

This punch-pulling retro update is charming and beautiful but doesn't quite have the mind to match.