Video Game Day 2019: A Selection Of Some Top Games

Red Dead Redemption 2 stands tall as both one of the greatest games of all time, and one of the greatest sequels. Rockstar has built a game to let you live out your wildest western fantasy on an epic open-world map – the question is, will you be more of a John Wayne or a Clint Eastwood type? What Empire said: "Red Dead Redemption 2 is the rare game that delivers on all fronts." Read the full review here.

Sometimes you don't need a game to be complicated, you just need some perfectly formed player-slaying chaos. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is that sometimes - fight bots, fight zombies, fight friends and fight strangers. What Empire said: "Black Ops 4's spectacularly good multiplayer goes back to basics." Read the full review here.

Cyberpunk 2077 might be the most anticipated game of all time. Coming from CD Projekt, the house behind the masterful Witcher III (winner of over 800 awards), this open-world RPG will see players hunt for eternal cybernetic life on the streets of Night City. The game promises extreme player customisation, allowing for the mercenary outlaw V to become all he can be in the transhuman futurescape. It might not be out until 16th April 2020, but this is worth preparing for – clear the calendar, book some time off work and refrigerate the Red Bull. Pre-order through Amazon.co.uk for the exclusive steelbook edition.

Loose yourself in a JRPG world preparing for hunts, buffing stats, killing dinosaurs and generally being amazed by the beauty of the game. What Empire said: "Monster Hunter World offers one of the most absorbing fantasy settings you'll see". Read the full review here.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is the ultimate party game. Thematic details aside, this game is about brawling with friends with one of 70 Nintendo characters. It is chaotic, addictive and oh-so very fun. What Empire said: "Super Smash Bros Ultimate has something for Switch owners of all stripes." Read the full review here.

This game and this console truly destroy the boundaries between home and portable gaming. Super Mario Odyssey is a platform game boasting endless play methods and hours upon hours of pure joy. What Empire said: The "overriding reason for everyone to own a Switch. A towering achievement — hats off." Read the full review here.

Olden but golden. This game is pure, uncynical and calm. A perfect counter point to the morning commute on public transport. It's a game to dip in and out of throughout the week as you slowly but satisfyingly build up your township.

Pokémon is an endlessly evolving franchise. Sure, the basic formula stays remains steady – catch monster, fight monster, repeat until champion – but the worlds, and the creature and people who inhabit them, keep developing to keep every game fun, fresh and vibrant.

This is a remastered icon. On the PS2, this game caused a stir and gained a huge cult following thanks the sparse, beautiful story and illusory, stunning art style. What Empire said: "Shadow of the Colossus is a work of art, now with visuals on a par with its sparkling reputation." Read the full review here.

Above the title, this game promises "Tactical Espionage Action". Well, that's true but as it happens that isn't the half of it. Way back in 1998, Hideo Kojima bundled in military politics, battle-mechs, supernatural and paranormal actives and a sci-fi edge – this game is an icon and deserving of endless replays. If you don't have access to a PlayStation One, this game comes pre-loaded on the Sony PlayStation Classic Console, along with other classic like Final Fantasy VII and Rayman.