The Witcher 3 is a superb example of world building and an instant classic in the RPG genre. Even the odd bug and some meat-and-potato systems can't hold CD Projekt's latest back from full marks.
Battlefield Hardline transcends its mod-ish origins to offer a compelling spin on a venerable franchise.
When it all comes together, Evolve is the finest vehicle for the player-driven narratives developer Turtle Rock covets, but inevitably pacing can be an issue.
The world of The Crew is remarkable, but rarely has a great asset been squandered so tragically on a framework of dull grinding and insipid storytelling.
Alien: Isolation expertly captures the look and feel of the Alien universe, and The Creative Assembly's AI-controlled nemesis is an inspired move that will inform the survival horror genre, but the game is held back by some poor characterisation and storytelling.
Watch Dogs is an excellent open world title whose story and gameplay options will keep players interested right up to the end.
This expansion is Diablo III as it should be - should always have been. A welcome return to form.
Compulsion Games' Contrast hints numerous excellent ideas but in its hasty execution, fails to deliver almost any of them.
Knack is not at all indicative of the PlayStation 4's potential. The gameplay and the storytelling are banal even by last-gen standards.
Battlefield 4's PC multiplayer represents years of learning distilled into a peerless online experience. Its singleplayer may also be peerless, but for all the wrong reasons. A must-have for multiplayer FPS fans.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is essential gaming for anyone who has ever dreamed of running up the Jolly Roger and taking whatever they can carry from His Majesty's holds.