As good an entry as we've seen in recent years, FIFA 22 is a step in the right direction for EA Sports' oft-faltering series and has laid a foundation for what will hopefully be positive changes going forward.
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania boasts a triumphant return for everyone's favourite primate puzzler, bringing along with it potentially 100s of hours of gameplay that long-time fans and newcomers alike will easily go bananas for.
Despite early fanfare very much focusing on Kero Kero Bonito's catchy theme song, and on just how outlandish a game the initial trailer seemed to show it as, the actual fact of the matter is Bugsnax is a real success, a game chockful of charm, wit, and plenty of heart - and one that revels in its eccentric trappings and delivers a meaningful adventure that'll ensure you never quite want to leave the inhabitants of Snacktooth Island after all.
Moving Out's accomplished blend of pick-up-and-play mechanics mixed with the sincerity in which it delivers its humour and aesthetic make it some of the best local multiplayer fun you'll have this year.
Capcom has achieved the near-impossible with the remake of Resident Evil 2. A remarkable labour of design, iteration, faithfulness, and adaptation; a masterclass in knowing what to change, how to change it, and what to build upon, Resident Evil 2 in 2018 emerges from the shadow of its namesake with consummate ease.
Though some curious issues persist, there's no denying that the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a stunning effort that every platforming aficionado and fan alike should grab with both hands and not let go until every last gem is wrung out.
Despite the lack of career mode improvements, FIFA 19 is a faithful representation of the sport we know and love, complete with unparalleled bells and whistles. But it falls a bit short of the mark of being the definitive experience we had hoped for this year.
Brimming with charm and immediately accessible – while still harbouring a degree of mastery if you put the time in – Ghost Town Games' sequel is impossible to dislike and again flies the flag proudly for the lost art of couch co-op gaming.
FIFA has rectified the majority of its shortcomings, providing a confident marriage of fluid, dynamic never-say-die football and just enough content to undoubtedly tie footballing fans over for as long as their free time permits. Simply put, this is best FIFA in years.
Aside from some perplexing omissions, Tekken 7 is a roaring success where it truly matters; in its mechanics, its dynamism, and its ability to engage the player through its concise presentation. Make no mistake, the King is back.