Dead Space 2 is unlikely to win any prizes for originality and, as a result, despite all the chaos and terror on screen it feels like a very safe sequel. It's still one though that will frequently leave you gasping for breath and, on more than one occasion, take it away; a game that, like the body of a dismembered Necromorph, is the result of some precision execution.

Put simply, there's nothing quite like Fable III on the market, and if you're willing to look past the game's simple combat and limited quest interaction, you'll find Lionhead's latest to be one of the most unique and enjoyable games this year.

Overall, Rock Band 3 is a huge success that, in all honesty, should put Guitar Hero to rest.

In essence, Alan Wake: The Writer is just the conclusion to Alan's current journey. There is very little new content. What's there is brilliant; the gameplay is straightforward and fun, the animation is top quality, sounds are spot-on and there are some really innovative set-pieces.

Just the simple chance to be able to get behind the wheel of a car that controls like a ballistic missile with cup holders and a stereo, and do all you can to contradict the stern message of TV shows like Police, Camera, Action that high speed police pursuits aren't the coolest thing in the world is worth the price of admission on its own. In fact, the only potential crime that could be committed here would be if you allowed Hot Pursuit to escape your attentions.

NHL 11 isn't a headline grabbing advance on NHL 09 or 10, it's an extension, the next logical step in a yearly franchise that brings something to a sport many thought they would ever see – sophistication.

Apparently clocking in at around 60 hours and with DLC promised, this is a gargantuan slice of epic adventure that will keep you well and truly immersed for weeks to come – you can bet your bottom bottle-cap on it.

Medal of Honor may not be perfect but it has more than enough going for it to live with the big boys of the genre. As a package, it's a robust offering with extremely high production values and plenty of content to keep shooter fans happy.

It doesn’t happen very often but a hidden gem has slipped under the radar with Scorpion: Disfigured. On first inspection you might dismiss it as ‘just another shooter’. I implore you to look a little deeper as you will find that this game blossoms.

It's a high-quality game and a very successful reboot of a failing series – it's just not as good as it should be.

FIFA 11 isn't as instantly enjoyable, comfortable or easy a game as FIFA 10, instead it's one that rewards your perseverance with perhaps the greatest simulated soccer ever to grace a home console.

Civilization V is an awesome game and one of the best (if not the best) empire management games available.

Halo: Reach is undoubtedly one of the biggest games of this year, and although it's sad to know that there isn't going to be another one any time soon (well, not from Bungie anyway), it's also good to know that – over the eight years that Halo has been around – Bungie have managed to take every part of each game, and mix them together into one big recipe for success – for avid fans and newcomers alike, for years to come.

The story might be forgettable, the cut scenes are unimpressive and the first few hours are extremely slow. Get over these faults however and Ruse reveals itself to be an intuitive, complex but nevertheless accessible experience.

Highly recommended for lovers of action and near essential for Spider-Man and comic book fans, Shattered Dimensions is amazing, spectacular and a damn good game.

Those who love Kingdom Hearts will get a kick out of the combat and story arcs leading to the original games. As for everyone else, they'll find a fun RPG designed with the PSP in mind which ultimately lacks the certain je ne sais quoi that would make it something truly memorable.

In conclusion, Worms Reloaded is simply the tried-and-tested Worms formula jazzed up a bit with nicer graphics and a few additions.

It's doubtful many will come away under the belief that Mafia II is in any way a better game to Mafia, but fans will find little to complain about over the efforts 2K Czech have poured in to this sequel.

As a single-player experience, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is at best a modicum above average.

If you're seeking a fast-paced shooter to tide you over through the Summer of Arcade but also want more than the usual mindless killing sprees, look no further!

Once again then, Madden has produced a highlight reel of new features which, while including something for everyone, still probably won't make it anyone's perfect American Football experience.

Sure, it has its share of faults; the visuals are a bit hit and miss and its long term value is dependent upon a required penchant for time attack chasing, but my God, give in to Hurricane's OTT aesthetics, its arcade handling and its complete disregard for the laws of physics and you'll be in for one hell of a ride.

Starcraft 2 may feel a bit too familiar, given the accepted trend for sequels to reinvent themselves with every iteration but it comes across more as a tried and tested success with enough fresh nuances to keep old school fans happy and attract many more players looking for a new challenge.

For anyone who bought Alan Wake, played through to the end and loved every minute, be sure to download The Signal. It is largely more of the same than an innovative step forward, so if you were not wowed by Wake's adventure the first time round, this new episode is unlikely to convert you.

At approximately four hours in length it's not a long game at all, but while those four hours last they're magical, beautiful and really quite affecting.

On the surface, Pacific City is bigger and more vertical than before, the enemies are thicker and quicker, the Orbs are more plentiful and the controls are far tighter, but on the whole, Crackdown 2 ain't no revolution.

So perhaps Electronic Arts are on to something and the best way to enjoy this year's game is to buy it second hand and pay to access the online features. It's certainly an option because, as far as Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is concerned, EA get a pass – but only just.

Joe Danger isn't quite Mario on a Motorbike – it doesn't have the depth, variety or genre-shaping progressiveness for that. Instead, it's a warmly nostalgic tribute that manages to land itself in between the inventive, physics-based precision of Trials HD and the frenetic speed runs of Excitebike – which is a pretty impressive trick for anyone to pull off.