WINNER Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

GAME OF THE YEAR Most gamers would have a screen- smashing, controllertossing relationship with this title, just like they would for Dark Souls or Bloodborne. Yet, while I find myself part of this demographic, I have to admit there's just something about From Software's gritty, Japanese- inspired adventure that keeps me coming back for more ( deaths). Is it the stunning, graceful beauty of the landscapes? The unrestrictive sandbox nature of the gameplay? Or is it something even more primal yet; the simple satisfaction and sense of achievement that comes with beating a difficult opponent?

Perhaps it's all three, but there's no doubt that Sekiro is an amazing game through and through because of it. Try ( and die) as you might, it's certainly a marvellous throwback to a time when we gamers were really “in it to win it”, so to speak.