Compiled by JOE GRIFFINand CIARA O'BRIEN

SLEEPING DOGS

This open-world crime story brought a cop through the mean streets of Hong Kong: Deservedly popular.

GRAVITY RUSH

A swooning, elegant experience, Gravity Rush was an unusually nuanced and fresh superhero story.

BORDERLANDS 2

Killer plants, vicious animals and bloodthirsty maniacs clashed in this funny, vast and satisfying shooter.

DISHONORED

Painterly graphics and a wealth of gameplay options; we hope this starts a long franchise.

ASSASSIN’S CREED III

Arguably the vastest and most rewarding AC to date (right) brought the action to the American Revolution.

HALO 4

Stakes were high, but improved graphics and gameplay, plus a strangely compelling central relationship, kept this shooter fresh.

TOKYO JUNGLE

Feral animals fought to the death in the abandoned Japanese city in this true original.

UNCHARTED: GOLDEN ABYSS

The swashbuckling, treasure-hunting, globe-trotting jaunt impressively showcased the capabilities of the PlayStation Vita.

NEW SUPER MARIO BROS

Charming, colourful and compulsive as ever, New Super Mario Bros also benefitted from the snazzy graphics chip on the 3DS.

FIFA 13

The football behemoth delivered again, with exquisite graphics and welcome new real-world tie-ins. The real beautiful game.