The Walking Dead is a phenomenal title that will live long in the memory of anyone who experiences it.

Persona 4 Golden really is the complete package. It has an amazing story, charming characters, intense combat, and huge amounts of gameplay. Indeed, you'll be hard pressed to find an RPG as polished and well designed as this one – and whether you're new to the genre or an expert in the field, this is the very definition of a must play.

Its intricate story-telling and choice systems are something that'll come to define the series as one of the greatest stories ever told in video games, while its mix of gunplay and RPG elements are delivered in perfect measures.

It's more than just the best entry in an outstanding series though - it epitomises the very reason many of us play video games. And that's its greatest achievement.

Experiences like Journey don't come around very often in any form of media. thatgamecompany's crafted an interactive tour de force that's triumphant in its ability to cycle through human emotions. It's a game that demands your involvement on a spiritual level, rather than a purely mechanical one, and while it's never preachy in its philosophical intentions, it's hard not to get wrapped up in the divine nature of Journey's tale.

If video games aren't art, then ICO & Shadow of the Colossus Collection is not a video game. It's a staggering compilation of two of the most creative, intimate and emotional pieces of interactive entertainment ever conceived.

Like last year's effort, NBA 2K12 is best enjoyed with DualShock 3 in hand, where it once again proves itself to be a phenomenal sporting game: frequently beautiful, with stunning presentation and even more stunning commentary, its breadth of game modes and depth of control take another step up over last year. The biggest disappointment is the fencing-in of Move controls, limiting it to a side attraction rather than a principle feature, but otherwise the game is as close to legendary as we've seen.

Far Cry 3 delivers a delightfully compelling narrative in a beautiful open world environment. The single-player is captivating from start to finish, and while the multiplayer lacks inspiration, it offers a decent distraction if you're looking for some fun in the sun with friends.

Dishonored probably could have done a little more with its narrative – but that shouldn't detract from its otherwise incredible achievements. The ability to elect different play styles is not merely a bullet-point here; it's the purpose of the entire game. And while you might not fall in love with the title immediately, allow Dunwall's rat-infested suburbs to crawl beneath your skin, and you'll eventually succumb to its charms like a plague.

Even with the lack of updated controls in two of the three titles, the intriguing storylines and updated graphics are well worth a look, giving you enough reason to sneak past the drawbacks.

As amazing as Rayman Origins was on the home consoles, it's every bit as impressive on Vita.

There's a tangible insistence from gamers that this series needs to evolve, but it seems unwarranted when it still leads the FPS class. The engine's definitely in need of an overhaul, but when it comes to thumping set-pieces and addictive multiplayer design, Modern Warfare 3 is still in a league of its own.

LittleBigPlanet PS Vita is a portable powerhouse – a truly astounding experience that matches the ambition of its console counterparts. Tarsier has meticulously re-laid the foundations originally plotted by series creators Media Molecule, and constructed a pocketable planet brimming with potential. It's now down to the game's imaginative player base to furnish that virtual landmass with ideas and ambitions of its own.

If it's more of the same you want, with a few extras, some more polish and updated player rosters, have no fear – FIFA 13 scores effortlessly on that front. There aren't a whole lot of huge changes during this run out, but the substitutions across each mode, plus some smart new diversions such as Skill Games, the great integration of live team updates and tightened mechanics, ensure that it stays on top of the table for another year.

Tomb Raider is an exceptional game. Break-neck set pieces and quality combat help make the action exceedingly enjoyable, even if it does stray from the themes of the narrative at times. Impressive visuals and a lively environment brimming with distractions will encourage you to explore, while a solid if unspectacular multiplayer component provides some replayability. Nathan Drake may want to watch his back, because the queen of adventure's gunning for his crown.

MLB the Show 12 is an excellent game, incrementally better than its predecessor and still miles ahead of its competitor.

A truly remarkable achievement: it's inventive, clever and brimming with ideas. Most impressively, it shows an emerging developer at the very top of its game; one that, based on the evidence of this outing, is destined to do wonderful things in the future.

Mutant Blobs Attack is one of those games that absolutely hooks you from the moment you begin playing it and doesn't let go until the credits roll.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a masterpiece, lovingly crafted by both teams at Level-5 and Studio Ghibli. It's bursting with so much character, humour, strength, and sorrow that it's impossible to put down. The lively animation and whimsical design is flawless, with memorable characters that will stay with you throughout your entire gaming career. The narrative may not seem particularly groundbreaking at first, but this is an adventure that's unlike any other.

Sporting satisfyingly deep, yet accessible fighting mechanics and a diverse range of gameplay modes, it’s hard to fault Arc System Works' intense entry into the Persona franchise. Persona 4 Arena is a focused and polished brawler that will appeal to both fans of the series and fighting aficionados alike, and has proven to be well worth the wait for European gamers.

Sine Mora is Latin for 'without delay', which is a fitting recommendation for one of the finest side-scrolling shooters of the generation. This a compelling tribute to a bygone era, and a must-have if you're a fan of the genre.

Mortal Kombat on Vita packs the ultra-violent action of the series into your battle-hardened hands, and shows just how hard a punch Vita truly packs. With its $40 asking price for the entire home console game, DLC and large amount of exclusive additional content, Mortal Kombat is an essential Vita title that no fan of the genre should miss.

When Frozenbyte started its journey to create Trine 2, it's clear the studio decided to create the world it had always imagined. From the lush, beautiful visuals of the many exotic locales to the intricate puzzle designs, just like the waters that flow into this kingdom, the developer's passion can be seen, felt and heard; it's nothing short of magical. Stepping into the world of Trine 2 is much like stepping into one of the great Walt Disney's fairy tales, and shouldn't be missed.

The handheld is perfect for the game's creative aspirations: the built-in levels are short and perfect for a portable, and it's easy to hop into the creator, mess around with something and save quickly whenever inspiration takes you. Mashing up audio, visuals and interactivity into a wonderful experience, Sound Shapes should definitely be on your playlist.

Gravity Rush is a rare gem. It's a game that defies expectations almost as frequently as the physical properties it's built upon. A surreal narrative is complemented by genuinely ground-breaking gameplay mechanics, and while it's not always flawless, it culminates in one of the most outstandingly original experiences of the year.

Whether you're a fan of the first inFAMOUS or new to the series, the amount of gameplay and riveting story should please all. A few small tweaks to the Move controls would go a long way in improving the overall feel of the game but an absolutely fantastic and worthwhile title nonetheless.

It's not often that we see a console title end up being a better fit on a portable system, but after putting Super Stardust Delta through its paces it's abundantly clear that the experience fits the system like a glove.

At £9.99/$14.99, there's no excuse for fighting fans not to try Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown. Intricate and occasionally obtuse though it may be, it's also wonderfully balanced and endlessly varied; those who get past its initial barriers rarely go back. One of the world's best fighting games at this price should not be missed.