Managing to up the ante once again, Playground Games have delivered a feast for racing fans that continues the series' trend of balancing real-world driving and flat out fun. If you're after something slightly less arcadey than Burnout Paradise but not as slavishly simulated as Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon 4 has got you covered ten times over.
It's not reinventing the wheel, but underneath Cupheads's gleeful and gorgeous cartoonish exterior lies an addictive and fierce adventure delivering a level of challenge that, much like the game's gambling Devil, convinces you to have another roll of the dice and see how far you can make it.
It's not just one of the most realistic games to come out this generation, it's also one of the most gorgeous to look at. There's no question that this is the biggest game release of this year, so if you own either a PS4 or an Xbox One then this is one you should definitely check out.
With a fresh take on the character in both story terms and gameplay, Insomniac have delivered a superb experience that harks back to when Rocksteady revitalised Batman with Arkham Asylum. Marvel's Spider-Man is a brilliant, thoroughly needed entry in the superhero genre that is a must play whether you're a hardcore comics fan, casual Spidey aficionado or simply a lover of action adventures.
A bittersweet and captivating game, the follow-up to Unravel introduces co-op play to great effect
A visually stunning title that looks and feels superb, FH3 blends the technical nuance of the main Forza series with the accessibility of Need for Speed and the unabashed joy of Burnout Paradise into a package that is a must-have for anyone with even a passing fondness for racing games.
SOMA is a fantastic example of perfectly pitched atmosphere. Its gripping sci-fi mystery make for a uniquely effective experience that puts story above cheap jump scares.
If you're looking for a fun Hitman-esque sneaky murder sandbox to blast about in, you'll have an absolute ball here.
Make no mistake, this is a harsh, unrelenting title that will test your skill, and the level of challenge makes it difficult to recommend to everyone. Nioh is never unfair though, with its well-designed systems giving you the tools to survive in its beautifully brutal world. Stick with it, plant your feet and you'll find your persistence rewarded with a thrilling and satisfying adventure.
Tides of Numenera is best approached as one might a weighty sci-fi novel from the likes of Clarke and Asimov; intimidating at first glance, with more exposition than explosions. Allow yourself to become immersed, however, and you'll find a trippy, twisty title with a myriad of ways to experience it.
With a playtime of around three to five hours (a chunk of it down to death-induced restarts), Rise and Shine mercifully doesn't outstay its welcome. Unless you're keen to replay the game on its unlockable permadeath Ironman mode - or hunt for a handful of useless collectibles - you'll have little reason to return to Gamearth. However, if you can tolerate/appreciate the hammy humour, there's a tight and often tricky adventure that delivers a decent, if fleeting experience.
This adorable atmospheric puzzle platformer is a gentle title that's full of charm
The addition of open levels is a mixed bag, but this terrifying follow-up is a worthy addition to the genre
If you can adjust to the foibles of the fighting mechanics, this throwback captures the feel of classic action adventures coupled with a respectful and fascinating exploration of the Tarahumara culture. Mulaka is a mesmerising experience with a decidedly old school sensibility.
The Council continues to surprise and Episode 3 is without doubt the best so far.
A strong start to the series' coda, The Final Season's first episode is among some of the best storytelling we've seen from Telltale.
Whether you're a Dark Souls veteran or not, this is a game that will truly test your patience as well as the tensile strength of your joypad. It's like what I imagine running a marathon would be like. For all of the joyous, cathartic highs that come from making even the smallest amount of progress, Sekiro's difficulty means it's tough to recommend to everyone, narrowing its appeal to those with the tenacity to devote to it. But like Mr Miyagi's onerous training regime in The Karate Kid, Sekiro will put you through the ringer, if only because deep down it knows you can succeed if you put your mind to it.
With some great fan service and an authentic tone, Reigns: Game of Thrones uses its simple format to offer one of the most enjoyable video game takes on GoT to date. If you're an avid watcher or reader of Westeros' dynastical drama, you'll enjoy this Choose Your Own Adventure-style approach to ruling the Seven Kingdoms.
One or two conceits to video gaming aside, 11-11: Memories Retold is a powerful narrative experience that explores turmoil beyond battlefield violence. With a unique look and haunting soundtrack, it is a respectful tribute to those whose lives were affected by the First World War.
GRIS's aesthetic - the work of artist Conrad Roset - makes it one of the most visually compelling games not only of the year, but in recent memory. But the graphics are simply the start, as Nomada Studio have crafted a genuinely unique experience that will stay with you long after you see the credits. The gameplay might be a little too simple for some and the narrative is a tad esoteric in rare spots, but if titles like Journey, Limbo and Inside struck a chord with you, GRIS deserves to be next on your list.