By sticking to tried and tested survival horror staples, The Evil Within effectively creates a sense of tension and fear, something which makes the descent into darkness all the more terrifying.
Driveclub isn't necessarily the innovative or revolutionary game that we were expecting, but that doesn't make it a bad racer. Far from it. It is a visually impressive game with a clean, straightforward progression system, interesting courses and enough user-friendly social features to keep clubs entertained for the foreseeable future.
NBA 2K15 builds on the foundations laid down by its predecessors, providing an all-star basketball experience marred only by online issues.
It may not be wholly original, but thanks to a compelling Nemesis System, Shadow of Mordor forges its own unique path, which marks it out for praise.
FIFA 15 may not be brimming with new ideas and game modes, but it is the most polished and enjoyable version of the football sim yet.
Based on my time with the game so far, I would certainly recommend making a date with Destiny.
With gorgeous visuals, great presentation, intuitive controls and deep game modes, Madden NFL 15 is undoubtedly the MVP of American football games.
The clone-based puzzles are superb, while the addition of a thought-provoking narrative is the cherry on top of what is an excellent puzzle/platformer.
Although we would have liked greater rewards and penalties, the technology powering multiplayer is impressive, and there's lots to do, from hacking rivals and hunting fixers, to searching for files and escaping a tablet-controlled police force. After an opening act bogged down by tutorials and dodgily scripted story sequences, Watch Dogs removes the shackles, takes some chances and begins to live up to its own hype. Despite its pacing issues, Watch Dogs manages to tell a worthwhile story that's backed up by some novel new ideas in both single and multiplayer.
While the game does have its faults - particularly falling apart when Garrett is spotted - Thief excels in the shadows as a pure stealth title, becoming increasingly enjoyable as your skills improve.
[A]s an alternative to the likes of Forza Motorsport 5, Need for Speed Rivals offers a deep, extensive and enjoyable racing experience that seamlessly flits between single and multiplayer.
Forza Horizon 2 easily records a podium finish ahead of what is going to be a busy winter for the racing genre.
Building on the success of its forebears, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze look great, features some excellent boss battles, lots of well designed, challenging levels, and enough secrets to keep you coming back for more.
Like a shuffling zombie with its eye on a hunk of meat, Capcom has stayed the path, offering a juiced-up Dead Rising experience that benefits from the next-gen hardware's added horsepower.
Wii Fit U really does take advantage of the software and hardware available, even if there are a lot of individual devices to keep track of. The full Wii Fit U experience is currently available from the Nintendo eShop on a 31 day free trial until the end of January, so there really is no excuse not to try what is another hugely comprehensive and highly entertaining fitness game.
As a visual spectacle and with some interesting innovations, Forza Motorsport 5 makes up for its lack of content, racing to the front of the pack in a strong Xbox One launch lineup.
It's a frantic game packed with stunning set-pieces, thrilling boss battles and a fantastic combat system, even if it doesn't deviate too far from the original.
Sure, it could do with a campaign and sometimes it's a bit too shallow for its own good, but Battlefront is also one of the most authentic Star Wars experiences you can have outside of kissing your sister - "for luck" - and scrapping with your dad.
EA's noble quest for authenticity certainly has its benefits, but there are times when the slower pace and more deliberate build-up play takes the shine off what is, after all, a video game representation of the beautiful game. It makes those wonder strikes and team goals all the more magical when you pull them off, but you're going to have to work a little harder to make these moments happen.
If anything justifies the toys-to-life tag, it's LEGO Dimensions, which thanks to its fresh take on the toy portal, brilliantly varied licences and sets that actually need building, has reinvigorated what is still a relatively new genre. Disney and Skylanders may just have to raise their techy-toy game.