The Last of Us Remastered is a better-looking, better performing version of an already incredible game. As such, those who haven't played the original version should buy immediately, and those that have probably should as well.
Titanfall is the game Microsoft's new-gen console has been waiting for: a fast, frenetic mix of parkour gunplay and agile mech combat that makes for an incomparable shooter experience.
The Sword in the Darkness is the best of Telltale's Game of Thrones episodes yet, and sets up what will no doubt be a dramatic second half of the season.
Bloodborne is both perplexing and awe-inspiring, a challenging but rewarding title that will absorb or repel with equal strength.
Far Cry 4 doesn't have the element of surprise afforded its praised predecessor but does more than enough to live outside its shadow, and thus stands alone as a great game in its own right.
Rocksmith 2014 many improvements on its predecessor see the franchise elevated from a decent diversion to a great tool for budding strummers and shredders. There's a ton of quality content to get through, but best of all it's presented in an appealing and addicting manner that takes much of the pain from practice. Rock on!
A good game made great, Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition is a flavoursome and entertaining open world action game that can be recommended practically without qualification.
Titanfall 2 is a gigantic stompy robot that for whatever reason is slipping by gamers unnoticed. This is a travesty, as it's an incredible title – easily one of the best of the year.
A beautifully crafted Australian locale combined with an amazing car collection take this entry to the next level. Forza Horizon 3 builds on the driving prowess and open world diversity of its predecessors, taking it to the top of the podium.
PUBG on Xbox is a shambles, but I utterly adore it. It's strategic, messy, strange, and hilarious. Consider this a hearty recommendation delivered with several huge caveats.
Advanced Warfare is COD par excellence, a premiere example of the game that's almost a genre unto itself. Its singleplayer is better than most in the franchise, and the multiplayer is probably the best yet.
NBA 2K15 is an astounding title full of modes that should see hoop heads playing compulsively until the next one in a year's time.
Marred only by some barely-sentient AI, The New Order is 16-odd hours of beautiful destruction, and the characters get a look in as well. Recommended.
Second Son's sky-high production values do most of the heavy lifting, but beneath the flash are solid systems and a well-acted story that's easy to recommend to franchise fans and newcomers alike.
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition's enhancements are cosmetic-only so the flaws present in the game's last-gen version are still present. Even so, it's a great game made greater, so for those yet to play it, this is the version to get.
With its extensive licenses, bold and complex yet accessible gameplay, unparalleled online offerings, excellent tutorials, and clean presentation, FIFA 14 may only be a small step up from last year's game, but it remains a fantastic offering overall.
Ultimate Edition proves what an outstanding game Gears of War was and is. It's a meticulously-crafted remake, and the online modes are exemplary. Even if you've played the original, it's well worth a look.
A tendency to crash every now and then aside, Apotheon is a shining example of the Castlevania genre.
Episode 2: The Lost Lords represents a significant improvement in both the writing and production departments at Telltale.
Mass Effect: Andromeda is a paradox: it's both disappointing and excellent. A mammoth title, it delivers tons of great content, but hamstrings itself with a poor first few hours, a few horrible systems, and some uninspired scenarios. Even so, it's pretty great!