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.

Borderlands 2 doesn't quite recapture the same sense of wide-eyed wonder that made its predecessor such a commercial smash-hit, but it's still a dangerously addictive game.

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.

Okami HD is a timeless classic, full of charm, subtle ingenuity, and beauty, remade in stunning HD, yet sadly it's embellished with some graphical issues. It's a must-have for first-time buyers, but offers little improvement for those who have already enjoyed all 40+ hours of the game on other platforms.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a real sleeper hit. Save for repetitive level design, a basic online component, and some questionable voice acting, the game is magnificent. It may take longer than most to appreciate, but it never fails to deliver.

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.

With an intriguing editing style and story, rock-solid performances and eye candy galore, Max Payne 3's campaign hits hard where most games whiff. While the gunplay is gorgeous and Superman-ing around the room doesn't really get old, sadly the core combat doesn't quite reach the dizzying heights of the wrapper - faithful to the series, but a bit arrested.

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.

Zen Pinball 2 is all you really need if you're after a decent variety of pinball tables to play around with; whether you're at home or on the move, your scores – and those of your friends, provided you have an Internet connection – are always there to be beaten. The tables are intelligently designed and not too costly, there are more than enough settings to fiddle with, and the chance to craft your own collection without being forced to pay for any unwanted tables is very welcome

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.

BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2 - Future Legend of Rhythm Alien is a game packed with many highs and few lows. While downloadable titles are renowned for their limited staying power, we can see ourselves sprinting back to this one for more. Yes, it can be frustrating at times, but it’s been a long while since we’ve felt a true sense of accomplishment for getting things right.

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.

Hopefully EA reconsiders its approach to toppling Call Of Duty in the future, and allows its games to develop their own personality, rather than imitate something else.

Though its approach doesn't always succeed, it's comforting to see Ubisoft experiment with the franchise so it doesn't become stale; Assassin's Creed III may not deliver on the revolution that was promised, but it keeps hope alive that we might see one in the not-so-distant future.

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.

Mass Effect's gameplay is unashamedly stuck in 2007. It's unpolished, frustrating, and much of it feels unnecessary. Fortunately, the plot and writing are enough to carry the experience. If you've already dipped into either of the series' superior sequels, prepare for a learning curve if you absolutely must explore the franchise's roots.

The gameplay is more accessible than its peers, but that's no bad thing, and there's still plenty of depth and challenge on offer to delight hardcore players. Where the title disappoints is in its narrative, which, despite some excellent performance capture and voice acting, fails to ever really get started.

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.

There was an opportunity for a truly great technical fighter in combining Street Fighter and Tekken, but it's denied in favour of a strategy-light, juggle-heavy scrapper that - like Capcom's first cross-company crossover all those years ago - never quite satisfies.

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.

Guacamelee! is a fiery adventure for fans of platformers with a bit of a kick. While the level design can be a bit finicky, it's the combat that's the real star of the show, making us wish that there was a little more of it. Still, the title may not be flawless, but it's entirely deserving of its place upon the great gaming menu, alongside the classics that so clearly inspired it.

A short second half and some technical issues let it down, but Darksiders II is still a fantastic, ambitious action-adventure that does plenty right. The combat is satisfying, the upgrade systems are full of possibility, and at its high points it not only hits the right notes but slices them clean through. If you're after a large scale fantasy adventure that makes you think as well as fight, Darksiders II is where it's at this year.

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is a deep, engaging, and incredibly intelligent visual novel. It's a shame that the game doesn't do more with the hardware, but its meaningful player decisions, taxing puzzle elements, and unforgivably mature themes fuse to create one of the best Vita titles so far.

Even with the frustrating - and completely optional - touch controls and lack of an online multiplayer mode, Lumines Electronic Symphony is the best in the series.

Ratchet & Clank's third native PS3 adventure A Crack in Time remains the popular duo's most essential outing, but that doesn't detract from the Ratchet & Clank Trilogy's appeal. If you're eager to learn a little more about the franchise's origins, or simply want to re-visit three of the greatest PS2 titles ever crafted, then you'll be well serviced here.

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.

Not top dog, but not in the land of nod either; Sleeping Dogs is a predictable but thoroughly enjoyable open world romp. Its undercover narrative and atmospheric Asian setting help to augment the title with an original identity, even if it's forced to sit a couple of places behind Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto franchise in the sandbox pecking order.

Hitman: Absolution represents a stellar return for Agent 47, incorporating the best elements from previous titles, while also experimenting with plenty of new ideas. Some of the additions are a little rough around the edges – the narrative stumbles over its ridiculous characters, and the checkpoint system discourages experimentation – but it's still a refreshing experience that challenges your thinking and rewards perfection.

Though the single-player campaign is far from a strong point of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 due to its clumsy narrative, ill-judged sections and short length, the online multiplayer still hits all of the right targets. Some crucial changes ensure that it's a decent fit for a range of skill levels and more flexible than before, and the Zombies mode has been improved once again. It might not fire on all cylinders, but as a multiplayer game, Black Ops 2 is still in the upper ranks.

Arc System Works squeezed a staggering amount of fighting action into this portable rendition of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift. Not only are you getting one of the deepest fighting games you're ever likely to encounter, you're also getting more playing modes than you'll know what to do with. But be warned - if you're one of those fighting game fans that likes to be able to pick up a fighter and become skilled quite quickly, this is probably not the game for you. Button mashers need not even apply.

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.

Metro: Last Light really benefits from the fictional source material that serves as its inspiration. The game's world is so fantastically detailed and meticulously crafted that you really feel like you're a part of it – and the psychological horror elements put recent Resident Evil games to shame. The AI issues are inexcusable and the plot could certainly be improved, but this is still one stop that you really shouldn’t miss.

Dyad looks tough to fathom, but with the controller in your hands it's not only a hypnotic game but also a very fair one. It pulls together audio, visual and control well, so even at its most visually confusing it rarely feels like you're not pulling the strings. And while it's possible to complete quite easily on a surface level, mastering its depths to claim all the rewards and place well on the leaderboards could take a rather long time indeed.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a feel-good game that's difficult to dislike. It may not be quite as revolutionary as its title indicates, but it's still a forward-thinking racer with some outstanding tracks. Difficulty spikes and some minor technical issues detract from its overall appeal, but this is still one of the best kart racers available on the PS3.

Skullgirls doesn't rework the fighting game template; there's no massive overhaul of 2D scrappers, no single big idea that makes it stand apart from others in the genre. It takes what works and adds a few flourishes of its own, and that's a solid enough foundation for a series that we'll certainly see again.

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.

Despite its length, size and scope, the game finally feels at home next to other PlayStation Store curiosities such as Limbo, flower and Okabu. You owe it to yourself to give the game a chance.

Fuel Tiracas is a solid amalgamation of a number of traditional titles, and is utterly addictive in short bursts. The novelty does wear off eventually, but for the grand sum of £0.40/$0.49, this is well worth adding to your PlayStation Mobile collection.

While the lack of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is extremely disappointing, if you own a Vita and somehow managed to miss all of the previous releases of these two titles, now is a better time than ever to come out of your cardboard box and experience these two award winning games whether at home or on the go.

LEGO Batman 2 is refreshingly straightforward, rarely frustrating and tailored perfectly to younger gamers. It also treats adults with respect, with universally appealing humour and gameplay that is relatively free of faff and full of fun. Though it's unfortunately dragged down by some technical hitches, on the whole it's a heroic effort and probably the best LEGO game to date. Thanks to the open world and voice acting, it's certainly the most ambitious.

If you're prepared to stick to its well-crafted online modes and endure its over-sensitive handling the fun just about outweighs the moments of frustration brought about by questionable course design and the poorly implemented rewind mechanic.

Platforming fans would probably be better served by the more streamlined Sly Cooper Collection, but if you've already revisited Sucker Punch's classic trilogy, and you've played Ratchet & Clank's most recent outings, then this collection is your best option for classic platforming on PS3.

SoulCalibur V stumbles in several big ways, but luckily what counts the most – gameplay – shines as brightly as the holy blade the game is named after. If stubborn fans can get past the new cast and gameplay tweaks, they'll find that what made previous SoulCalibur games so great is all still there.

Child of Eden might be known primarily for its forefront position in Kinect's line-up, but it's just as comfortable on PlayStation Move, especially worthy of a purchase given the ridiculously good budget RRP. Rarely have we had as good a time with PlayStation Move - or any game in recent times, for that matter - as with Child of Eden, standing in a darkened room, the volume pumped high, playing by the light of the television and the Move controller alone.

F1 2012 is heavily flawed gem. Visually stunning and eminently thrilling one minute, needlessly ugly and overtly annoying the next, it's a game that really doesn't do enough to improve over last season's effort. What's worse is that fans of the series have been voraciously pouncing on any chance to complain about these issues to the developer for two years now, and they – once again – seem to have been ignored. With that said, the game is just as good as it was last year – just not as good as we'd expect it to be by now.

Dungeon Defenders is everything you could want from a downloadable title. The amount of content and number of possible play styles is astounding and, when combined with its addictive nature, makes for superb value for money.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is unashamedly stupid, and it's all the better for it. The standalone download takes the core ideas from Ubisoft's relatively recent tropical thriller, and reassembles them in the form of a nostalgic love-in that's packed with sly references and silly jokes. Its campaign may be short, but the title never overstays its welcome as a result. If you're looking for a laugh, then search no further.

While the game doesn't quite reach the level of bombast found in the console iterations, Uncharted: Golden Abyss sets a high bar for what portable gaming is capable of, setting a promising benchmark for what Sony's latest portable powerhouse can deliver.

Darkstalkers Resurrection is a solid package, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the dusty franchise, and allowing old fans and newcomers alike to spend quality time with the unforgettable cast.

Irrespective of its title, God of War: Ascension is not the colossal step forward for Kratos that was promised – but a surprisingly refreshing online component and some of the most spectacular set-pieces in the series make the adventure worth traversing all the same.

A solid game with sparks of excellence, but difficulty niggles and occasionally obtuse controls let it down.

Anyone looking to get into the fighting genre would fare well here: it's not too technical at first, but offers enough gameplay and modes to turn you into a combo-mashing pro while keeping you entertained.

Thomas Was Alone is an engrossing puzzle platformer that introduces some believable and appealing characters, but the experience is disappointingly short-lived and lacks challenge. You will finish the core campaign wanting more, so it's nice that there's an additional DLC expansion available – but it's a shame that the add-on isn't included as part of the primary package.

If you've been dribbling to play a soccer game on that big, shiny widescreen, you're in luck – but be warned that, though FIFA Football plays well through its flaws, in a matter of months there will almost certainly be an expanded, improved and numbered update that's not been rushed for launch.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted's impressive selection of vehicles and vast open world should satisfy your high-speed hunger. With an impressive multiplayer suite, slick gameplay, and stunning visuals, this racer is a real treat. If you're a fan of the genre, Criterion's latest deserves a place at the top of your personal most wanted list.

Great visuals, sounds, controls and overall gameplay make for a remarkable experience on a portable device.

Dragon’s Dogma isn't for everyone. It’s a time consuming and often brutal title, and its original flaws still remain – but the inclusion of Dark Arisen is just enough to push Capcom’s grand RPG up there with the best that the genre has to offer. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more rewarding, dynamic, and atmospheric adventure on the PS3.

The Unfinished Swan is the second generation-defining downloadable from Sony in eight months. Giant Sparrow's debut is a confident, creative tour-de-force – and it's one of the most imaginative adventures you'll ever play.

After a promising opening, the game takes its narrative in a completely unnecessary direction, and it substitutes its lack of compelling content with too many out of place puzzles that are more infuriating than enjoyable. Despite giving the illusion of plot involvement, you never really feel in control of events.

Like its predecessor, Prototype 2 is an enjoyable distraction rather than a must-play affair. Its varied combat and satisfying traversal mechanics provide the title with a surprisingly solid basis, but a lacklustre plot and dreary setting prevent it from competing with the very best in the open-world genre. There's certainly fun to be had here, but it's of the disappointingly dispensable kind.

There are enough different obstacles to stave off complacency, clever boss battles to overcome and it's presented wonderfully through a design that owes much to Japanese folklore, with just enough of a twist to make it Dakko Dakko's own.

Even if you managed to play the entirety of Retro City Rampage without understanding a single reference, you'll still find plenty to like about the game. However, if you've grown up playing video games and watching cult movies, your enjoyment will be amplified. This is a difficult type of title to pull off, but Vblank Entertainment's debut is the perfect parody.

Offers a lot of gameplay and a great addition to the XIII plot. Even though the graphics weren't revolutionary like XIII's and the slight pacing issue still remains, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is very good.

The Darkness II is absolutely worth your investment: its rich sense of style, gratuitous twist on standard first-person gunplay and legitimately engaging plot separate it from its peers, but there's a serious lack of substance here that diminish from the game's overall value.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier has several technical flaws and leans too much on the story devices conceived by several other modern day shooters to its detriment, but where its campaign diversifies with elements of stealth, teamwork and gadgetry it really shines. It's the multiplayer that turns out best, however, focusing on fewer modes of good quality that encourage co-operation rather than all-out killing.

So if you've got a Vita handy and a pocketful of quarters, you can trade in your heavy pocket of change for a pocketful of some of the best classic pinball tables ever created. While nothing can ever truly recreate playing these classic tables in the arcades, The Pinball Arcade is definitely the next best thing.

Beatshapers is no stranger to the PlayStation universe, as they're known for bringing a unique mixture of hit indie titles over to the PS Mini service. With Tribute Games' Wizorb, they've stirred up the nostalgia pot and formulated an RPG infused Arkanoid clone that's sure to warm the hearts of old-school souls.

inFAMOUS: Festival of Blood is a great addition to the series and a solid game for Cole fans or even someone looking for a taste of his power without taking the plunge into his previous adventures. Even with many of the features being recycled from the previous games in the series, Move support and user-generated content help keep the game fresh for the die hard fans.

Joe Danger 2: The Movie is a compelling proposition for wannabe stuntmen. The distracting visual presentation can lead to some unfortunate mistakes, and loading times can get a little long – but overlook these flaws, and there's no danger whatsoever of you not thoroughly enjoying your time on set.

A staggering title: not only is it a successful test bed for one of the PlayStation Vita's most promising features, but it's also a cunningly addictive game in its own right.

Dragon's Dogma is a real success for Capcom - consistently entertaining and compelling, it's a pleasure to explore its world. The pawn system and variety of skills and vocations keeps combat enjoyable even after dozens of hours, and while multiplayer would have been the icing on the cake, there's more than enough here to entertain a single player for weeks. A solid and worthwhile purchase.

If you're looking for an innovative take on the rhythm genre, Retro/Grade is your jam.

While certainly not terribly friendly to newcomers, seasoned fans will find a heaping helping of engaging strategy gameplay to sink their teeth into and an adventure that offers up countless hours of play to those willing to explore all it has to offer.

Injustice: Gods Among Us takes the best elements of 2011's excellent Mortal Kombat reboot and fuses them with a faithful superhero setting, resulting in a solid fighting game with a likeable cast. The online multiplayer may not always be consistent, but this is still a heroic effort that's more than fit for the Gods.

SunFlowers is a whimsical timewaster with a striking visual style. The gameplay is slick and simple, but it lacks the urgency and variation required to hold your attention over prolonged periods of time. As a distraction, it's certainly worth the asking price – but don't go in expecting Chelsea Flower Show-esque layers of depth.

The complex tactical nature of the title won't appeal to everybody, but it's ultimately what sets it apart. If you're looking for a new shooter with a deep single player campaign, then Starhawk isn't it, but if you're in the market for a clever and fundamentally different multiplayer game, then this should absolutely be on your radar.

Even though the figurines are fantastic, Skylanders: Giants struggles to realise its full potential. There's very little depth to the character progression, and the narrative is pretty poor. However, it's tough to shake the appeal of the toys, and while the game is flawed, that's not going to stop the sequel and its catalogue of collectibles from commanding a spot at the top of most kids' Christmas lists.

There are already better two-dimensional blob-based puzzlers on Vita, but Puddle is not entirely without merit. The title's impressive variety and evolving mechanics ensure that it's an experience worth dipping your toes into, even if its many difficulty spikes and inefficient communication will make you want to liquidate the expensive platform you're playing it on.

Spec Ops: The Line is a solid, action packed shooter that sets itself apart by demonstrating the brutal realities of war. The fragile lines of morality are easily blurred, and sometimes, only visible when crossed.

Offers a consuming fantasy adventure set in a desperately dark world. It may succumb to repetition in places, but its underlying moral mechanic brings a warped twist to a genre that’s becoming increasingly crowded in the wake of Monster Hunter’s success. The presentation isn’t always as polished as you’d expect from a first-party release, but the perverse art direction makes up for it.

Purists will still lament some of the key problems with Virtua Tennis 4's gameplay – the overemphasis on netplay can result in some repetitive rallies – but without Top Spin to compete with it, this is currently the best option available for handheld tennis.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 offers a comprehensive golfing experience for enthusiast swingers that don't fancy braving the unpredictable weather. However, while there are a number of refinements included as part of the package, it's difficult to justify the asking price if you already own last year's entry. There's no doubt that this is the best instalment in the franchise yet, but the ongoing debate regarding the necessity of annual updates rolls on.