1. The Last of Us
And yet, the #1 spot was always going to go to one game, and that's Naughty Dog's impeccable post-apocalyptic survival horror The Last of Us. No game this year has proven as decisively the artistic credibility of the medium, that it has the potential to engross us just as much as the very best movies and books. What this game has that so many lack is a potent sense of humanity; the protagonists are both extremely well fleshed-out, and as such, we care when they're placed in mortal danger. The breadth and depth of the world and those within it is staggering from start to finish; from the exceptional visuals to the unprecedented quality of the voice acting, this is a mesmerising experience and one that will endure as likely one of the best games ever made. With a level of engagement with the human condition that so many games aspire to yet fall so short of, The Last of Us is more proof - as if we need it - that Naughty Dog are the market leaders in mature, nuanced gaming. Are there any other great games we've missed this year? Let us know in the comments below.