Much more than a mere 'Best Of' compilation, Rhythm Heaven Megamix is a tour-de-force of microscopic, rhythmic ingenuity.
Not just a loving tribute to the JRPGs of the 90s, I Am Setsuna tells a memorable tale, with a few bright design jewels of its own.
The return of SNK's flagship series offers concessions to beginners, and new depths for veterans.
Ubisoft's sequel borrows from Rockstar's oeuvre to make a richly enjoyable open world game, despite its online troubles.
Gareth Noyce's revival of the British isometric puzzle game offers a deep and amiable dungeon filled with eccentric wonder.
Eight years in the making, Philip Bak's debut project is a twin stick shooter in which chaotic genius can be found.
It's principally aimed at the series' fans, but the mesh of interlocking systems ensures that its appeal runs deeper than fan service.
The definitive version of one of the best and most overlooked fighting games of recent years.
Dirt Rally transcends its simplistic presentation to offer one of the most engaging and dramatic representations of the motorsport yet.
Having dispensed with the rock-star posturing, Harmonix's return to its abstract rhythm action roots is a textured, vibrant triumph.
Fast Racing Neo offers a welcome and competent substitute for the long-absent F-Zero that's light on extras, but commanding on the track.
Untame's experimental puzzle game pioneers a new style of interaction, layered onto a familiar premise, and finds gold among the ruins.
Galak-Z falls just shy of genius. That it quickly reveals itself to be a demanding game is no surprise considering its lead designer's heritage (Jake Kazdal worked at Sega on exquisite yet challenging titles such as Rez) and the source material from which it draws inspiration.
Matches take a long time to complete - sometimes upwards of an hour and, for that reason, are best played against human competitors, where one's cruelty and wisdom takes on sharper significance. That said, the AI in the single-player game is able, and for players worried about entering games via Steam matchmaking, with all the attendant risk of having a human competitor who drifts away from their keyboard half an hour in, the single-player portion provides useful on-going training grounds.
Enter the Gunegon combines familiar ingredients but the result is unique and delicious.
An exquisitely presented co-op space shooter that can be burdensome when played solo, but delights when played with a friend.
Platinum's brisk and breezy take on the 1980s Transformers cartoons is a joy, albeit one that wears itself out a little too quickly.
Infinifactory's rich and thick appeal is in the nuts and screws of the manual labour. You may not enjoy many worker's rights here, in the employ of this sour-faced alien management team, but the job satisfaction? It's unrivalled.
Abstruse, demanding and silly, Resident Evil Zero has nevertheless stood time's test, thanks to its ingenious design and exquisite style.
A twitch epic in which the journey from beginner to master is told not via new abilities, but in your hands and muscle memory.