Adam Cook
Metroid Dread is nearly the perfect return for Samus, and only some difficulty spikes rain on the parade. This is a tight, responsive 2D Metroid experience that constantly impresses and surprises in equal measure and is the perfect way to launch the new Switch model.
With references that will make long-time Nintendo fans squeal, WarioWare: Get it Together has deeper gameplay and more longevity than you'd expect. You'll love it or hate it, however, depending on whether you like the changes or not.
Skyward Sword HD has made a fool of me, and really, I am just so happy I gave it another chance. This is the best version of a truly landmark game.
While the single player adventure is a little underwhelming, Mario Golf: Super Rush is a terrific multiplayer experience I can see being added to over the years. Next up, Mario Strikers, right?
Game Builder Garage is typically brilliant Nintendo, offering a way of creating levels that is only stymied by the lack of online community and curation options.
Despite multiplayer now being online, it still feels superfluous, but otherwise Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury might just be one of those fabled "perfect" games.
Godfall is a massive surprise. It borrows combat from God of War and has enough loot to make Diablo blush. It may look garish but it's well designed and has that "one more go" factor.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales manages to improve on the fantastic game that came before it. Insomniac Games continue to be on fire with perhaps their best game ever.
A love letter to PlayStation and a showcase for the future of PS5: a delightful thing to include with the console.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit feels like magic. It's expensive to play multiplayer, but if your imagination (and house) is big enough, there's plenty of fun on offer.
Whether the year it was released has affected the way Super Mario 3D All-Stars came together, we'll probably never know, but it still comes with a wholehearted recommendation simply due to the quality of the games.
Horizon Zero Dawn is that rare gem of a game: it's the one you make an exception for, it's the one you just have to keep going back to, no matter how much you've seen of it before, and now, we have the ultimate version of the game on PC.
A creative triumph, with new ideas that last the entire game, some of the best boss battles in ages, and praiseworthy presentation. Paper Mario: The Origami King is only let down by some of the general combat being a bit skippable.
Three great games packaged for new and old players that look and run well. Not the best versions, but it's a nice to have BioShock: The Collection on Switch.
A genuine work of art, The Last of Us Part II is Naughty Dog's best game, bravest story, and proof that games can put players through the emotional wringer. A compelling yet devastating masterpiece.
Despite some technical issues, Void Bastards on Nintendo Switch is a superb, clever game that deserves to be played. Don't sleep on it again!
Streets of Rage 4 on Switch is still the perfect sequel, and perhaps dedicated servers is just too big of an ask for a game like this one, so really, the Switch is the ideal way to play the game. Fantastic.
An incredible, best-in-class achievement that could only be done in VR, with excellent voice acting, sublime visuals and audio and, yes, a truly Half-Life story.
A beautiful, welcoming game that is everything and anything you want it to be. This is one you'll play all year and beyond, and it's exactly what the world needs right now.
Two Point Hospital on console was well worth the wait, and you can buy the Switch version with confidence, and that's the doctor's orders.