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Never Alone is, nevertheless, an important game offering a fascinating window into a rich and ongoing culture among native Alaskans. And if you are open to accepting that cultural exchange then the barriers dividing the people of the world get a little bit smaller, and we all grow closer to never really being alone in the world again.
While the single-player story campaign remains the same, the world in which it takes place is more beautiful than ever, so you'll be astounded by the sights all over again. If, however, you've never visited Los Santos or Blaine County, picking up GTA 5 on new consoles is a no-brainer. This is the definitive version of one of the finest games of the last few years, and one that better lives up to Rockstar's lofty ambitions.
In some regards, LittleBigPlanet 3 isn't the giant leap forward it could have been. The floaty physics that hampered the core platforming in previous games have not been addressed, and it doesn't feel like a significant technological advancement, even with the raw power of the PS4 on its side. But LittleBigPlanet 3 is bursting at the seams with creative content, and that is merely the framework for the game. It's up to the community to build on it over the coming months and years, and we cannot wait to see how things develop.
PES 2015 lacks FIFA 15's match day flair, instead letting its football do the talking. With exemplary action on the field and a much meatier online mode to get stuck into, football fans are in for a real treat.
This War of Mine creates an oppressively bleak landscape, but with just enough humanity shining through that you want to keep digging to find and hold onto that source of light. That earnest human touch keeps This War of Mine compelling even when you mess up and the rubble all comes tumbling down around you, leaving you just enough hope for the next attempt that you'll dive back in and endure it all again.
While the game deserves some credit for its presentation and use of companion apps, all the beer in the world wouldn't be enough to prevent your party guests from piling into an early cab if you subjected them to an evening of this.
It might be conventional as far as visuals and monsters go, but its overall appeal rests in its provision of a living world that can be sculpted and altered in ways both subtle and explicit. So long as you're prepared to put the required time in, Dragon Age: Inquisition has plenty to give.
While it's true that Assassin's Creed Unity lacks the polish we would expect from the series by now, it's bolstered by its fantastic location, interesting new mission types and deeper emphasis on customisation. This perhaps isn't the revolutionary release we were hoping for, but Assassin's Creed Unity takes some positive strides forward, delivering another stellar entry in the yearly series.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is as close to a masterclass in the field of remastered collections as we've seen to date. It's lacking in some areas - like those pesky (just about) untouched versions of Halo 3 and 4 - and there's the odd glitch here and there, but that's just nitpicking. The interface alone (kudos to co-developer United Front Games, there) blows away these concerns, and you don't even shoot anything with that.
Sledgehammer Games hasn't reinvented the first-person shooter franchise, but it does give it a shot of adrenaline, making Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare one of the fastest, freshest and most thrilling entries yet.
Football Manager has always been more than a game, but it is also more than a football product. It's both of these things in equal measure and updates of this quality will ensure that its legacy remains strong within the sport and among its fan base.
Stealth Inc 2 is a remarkably well-crafted and well-paced platformer, and one of the most welcome surprises to arrive on the Wii U this year.
If you're hankering for a bit more Souls-shaped entertainment in your life, Lords of the Fallen can fill a gap. It can kill some time, provide some entertainment for a few hours. But its lack of subtlety in its mechanics, it's rather clunky nature and its somewhat dull, basic setting mean it will never be more than a decent distraction
Sunset Overdrive is not lacking in enjoyable moments and ideas, but the overall package doesn't manage to live up to the billing publisher Microsoft has thrust upon it. This is not a revolution as far as open-world games go, it's more of a compendium of recognizable elements that have been twisted just enough to make them seem new and different for the uninitiated.
By sticking to tried and tested survival horror staples, The Evil Within effectively creates a sense of tension and fear, something which makes the descent into darkness all the more terrifying.
When everything clicks into place (and sometimes it will), Fantasia: Music Evolved is a delightful experience that's part rhythm action, part exploration. It's a game capable of delivering real moments of magic, but is too often marred by inconsistent Kinect controls that can turn those feelings of joy into frustration.
NBA 2K15 builds on the foundations laid down by its predecessors, providing an all-star basketball experience marred only by online issues.
Heavy investment is required to maximise the game's potential, and the burning question is whether Skylanders: Trap Team is worth the various upgrades on offer. To its target audience of collectors and Skylanders fanatics, the answer is yes. This is another endearing and inventive addition to the fold, but those unwilling to delve into the game wholeheartedly should probably give it a miss.
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers - 20th Anniversary Edition is the same great game that won over adventurers two decades ago, complete with shiny new visuals, enhanced sound and some interesting bonus features. This a remake done right and the care and attention that has been invested in it will delight existing fans - hopefully winning over some new ones, too.
It may not be wholly original, but thanks to a compelling Nemesis System, Shadow of Mordor forges its own unique path, which marks it out for praise.