By staying true to the already exceptional foundation of the series and adding meaningful changes that enhance the player's experience even further, Valve have demonstrated yet again that in this ever-competitive genre they still have the ability to impress and excel.

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.

Okami is a beautifully presented, supremely playable, wonderfully original game that's well worth purchasing.

While it may upon the surface seem like a backwards step for Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wards to revert to its decade old roots, it’s really nothing to be scared of; the game is fun, amusing, over the top, and perfect for playing on the go.

The gameplay is more hectic yet still very strategic, you're no longer limited to only 30 days to complete the journey, the graphics are incredibly good and a beauty to look at, the controls are excellent and very simple (excluding the clunky camera controls) and now we have two incredibly fun multiplayer modes.

Evidently, there's potential left to wring out of the old twin-stick shooter yet.

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

The Wii's best game - by far.

It's got to the point where I haven't had another game in my Xbox 360's drive in days! In fact, I don't think I've seen the sun in a few days either (only kidding, but it really is that addictively good).

The cutsey graphics and outrageous effects enhance the title past the ordinary and in conjunction with the graceful combat mechanic, it's hard to put any downers on it.

Experienced wartime commanders are fairly hard to find in the gaming world but if you wish to succeed at Empire: Total War then you will need the patience and dedication to become one.

Features some of the best multiplayer maps available in any game.

The impressive presentation and intuitive gameplay make a surprisingly enjoyable WWII adventure, despite this being a member of a tired genre.

Revenge isn't a huge leap forward for the series compared to the evolution between "Point of Impact" and "Takedown," but it is definitely an evolution for the franchise and once you play it you'll have a hard time going back to the old track designs.

For fans of the Dragon Quest series, technology advances have now meant that the transition from PC to console is a smooth one, although its appeal to non-RPG fans is limited - Final Fantasy this most definitely is not.

A truly remarkable game - not just the best basketball game ever, but also one of the best games around at the moment full stop.

Whether you played Rez back in 2001 or missed out on it, you should snap up Rez HD. The same creative gameplay, visuals and music are still there, along with some welcome additions that are sure to satisfy those who have played the game before.

Its appeal may be niche, but for those who appreciate a challenging and ultimately very rewarding game in a genre that's poorly represented not only on the PS3 but in this entire console generation, Demon's Souls is an absolute must have. [JPN Import]

A true classic in its own right - even with the minor enhancements and downgrades, but its port to XBLA may prove to be more important than the game itself.

It's clear from the get-go that Fable II is a labour of love, a fantastically involving, sprawling, deep, rich and charming adventure that will take hold and not let go for literally hours on end.

Left 4 Dead 2 is a near perfect slice of gaming heaven, set in gaming hell.

Fun, frantic, fresh, innovative, stylish and addictive, Left 4 Dead is a game that you will enjoy when playing alone and fall in love with when playing with friends. It's what survival horror is all about: teamwork, desperation and endurance - and in terms of crafting an atmospheric, pulse-racing FPS experience, Valve have absolutely outdone even themselves.

A truly monumental achievement, not only for Valve but for the games industry as a whole - this is what the concept of co-operative play is all about and this is the definitive implementation of it thus far.

I am prepared to overlook the rather predictable storyline in favour of the beautiful landscapes and masterful sound, each capturing the very essence of every science fiction fantasy martial arts film on the planet.

A truly remarkable game - not just the best basketball game ever, but also one of the best games around at the moment full stop.

Nintendo has once again shown us why The Legend of Zelda is one of the greatest gaming legends of all time.

Everything about this game is slick and snappy, so there's never a dull moment. If the quest you're on gets a little boring, sign up for some PVP action and kick some human ass.

For a mere 30 quid, I have hundreds of hours of fun lying ahead and I can honestly say that having played computer games for nigh on 16 years, Football Manager 2006 is quite honestly the best I've ever played.

World in Conflict isn't about revolutionising the genre - what it does do is reinvigorate it. Combining its fast paced almost action game style single player campaign with a multiplayer component that does actually manage to be sufficiently different from the norm, what you have isn't just a damn good strategy game, but one of the best strategy games of the year.

It looks, moves, feels and plays absolutely flawlessly, at breakneck pace and with consistently brutal and frenzied action.

Though more touch screen functionality would have been preferable, or maybe even a bit of microphone-influenced play, at least there are options to connect to other players wirelessly for some trading or versus play.

The wide open environments and free ranging gameplay provide a thrilling experience and make up for the at times patchy AI and lack of story.

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.

It's not just the best movie-licensed game ever, but one of the best single player first person shooter adventures ever.

There's not a game I can call to mind that comes anywhere near Gran Turismo 4 in terms of lifespan. Pound for playtime it must be the cheapest game ever made; the career mode is huge.

It's no longer all about that percentage score at the end of the track, it's about bringing you and your friends closer together and enjoying the experience of feeling what it may have been like to actually play in The Beatles, if only for a moment.

Lumines is taking over my life, but this is where the main flaw lies; the better you get, the longer it takes to complete one round. It's not unusual now that I've cracked the 100,000 points mark for one play to last an hour, which kind of defeats the whole quick blast of gameplay on the bus quality that games of this type usually have.

Quite simply, it's as perfect as a game can be - state of the art in every respect, from graphics and animation to sound, music and voice acting, to story and script, to level design and environment themes, to puzzles and action, to weapons and gadgets, to hidden items and lifespan-prolonging side missions and collectibles. Truly this is a game that has it all, and the definitive PlayStation 3 title so far.

What you get here defines what Nintendo is all about - simple but brilliant gameplay that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

It is better than you could possibly imagine and it deserves all the praise that it has gained in its short life so far.

A fully conceived, brilliantly designed, incredibly gorgeous and intricately varied city is yours to roam around at leisure, discovering shortcuts, taking down billboards and landing super jumps, shutting down rival vehicles to own them, revving your engine at junctions to enter a range of challenging events and hopping online for furious racing and co-op challenges with friends and strangers alike, all at the push of a button.

Well, I'm flabbergasted. What more can I say? Wipeout Pure has it all; edge of your seat racing, big explosions, challenging tracks, aggressive competitors, superb graphics, exemplary cutting edge sound and is altogether one of the most well thought out and brilliantly conceived titles that it has ever been my joy to come across.

The improvements made with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 - A Century Of Flight make it a worthwhile upgrade, but don't expect photo-realism; hold out for the soon released "MS Flight Simulator X" due in early 2007.

I am a changed man after playing this game and I think anybody who hasn't bothered to play golf games before should really give this a try; you'll be surprised, I promise.

A truly remarkable game - not just the best basketball game ever, but also one of the best games around at the moment full stop.

Fitting and intense graphics matched with simply amazing audio and a gritty uncensored environment makes this one game not to pass on no matter what kind of games you enjoy.

Dead Space is a triumph in nearly every department; it may be a bereft of unique ideas in its core mechanics but this really is a brilliantly crafted slice of survival horror that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the finest that the genre, and in many cases, even the industry has to offer.

If you're looking for a superb fighting game for the PS2 with awesome characters, arenas, a good story and outstanding, addictive gameplay then look no further, as Namco have outdone themselves here; welcome the King of Iron Fist Tournament back to glory!

Take realistic physics, gorgeous visuals, plenty of immersing sound, psychological mind games, a pinch of horror and mix that with a storyline to rival any big budget movie and there you have it, something completely new.

The uniquely quirky presentation, brilliantly conceived storyline, excellent cut scenes and tremendously varied gameplay all combine for a totally refreshing and fun game experience.

NHL 10 is a triumph, a game that sets the bar for any sports game that follows.

Bioshock 2 is another epic piece of story-telling laid over a set of core mechanics that, for now, still feels fresh and ahead of the curve.

But who needs friends when you have Meteos, the greatest puzzle game on many a platform, and indeed the perfect excuse to splash out on the system for a slice of puzzle perfection?

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune isn't a clone of other action adventure games. Yes, it borrows certain elements from its peers, but it combines them together into a wonderful package that's unlike any other game out there.

It surpasses any other games in the genre (yes, even you, "GoldenEye"), utilises gameplay mechanics and an innovative multiplayer component that will likely become mandatory for any decent FPS games from here on in.

I am a changed man after playing this game and I think anybody who hasn't bothered to play golf games before should really give this a try; you'll be surprised, I promise.

Competition has a natural tendency to breed innovation and excellence, and in this case the comparisons between Bad Company 2 and Modern Warfare 2 are very welcome as they only server to emphasize how excellent both games are, and how, after all their efforts and exploits, DICE and B-Company are now comfortably relaxing in the V.I.P section of the FPS genre.

While the PS3 and 360 versions have a substantial aesthetic edge, the Tiger 10 Wiilease is easily the most realistic of the three, allowing players of all abilities to seamlessly enjoy a proper round of golf or a party game together, proof - if ever any was needed - that with some considered creative design, inclusion on the Wii doesn't need to involve dumbing everything down for the benefit of the lowest common denominator.

A few technical glitches aside, it's a pretty great turn out from EA, and were Fight Night Round 3 to be a boxer itself, it wouldn't win by total knockout, but would definitely go the twelve rounds and come out on top.

The dazzling looks, the sublime handling, plethora of online options and even the lengthy single player mode make for a game that can't be touched in its genre.

The hardcore will love its every moment, but casual gamers looking for a gateway drug into the role-playing genre won't give it a second look; like an arthouse favourite or a good long book, it's slow to pick up but impossible to put down.

There is so much to discover, so much to see, so many enemies of all shapes and sizes to vanquish with dozens of stunning moves using an array of lethal hand-to-hand weapons, and it's all just so wonderfully satisfying and addictive.

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.

Like "Warioware Touched," Twisted can go by very quickly and end all too soon.

With so much lasting appeal, including 100 hidden packages and side missions with taxis and pizza bikes, as well as that amazing multiplayer, you will never get bored.

Playing as Sly's sidekicks is a treat and the overall feel of the game is excellent; each objective actually feels important and they all lead up to the grand heists that are an absolute joy to pull off.

The single player mode is a huge, action-packed adventure, dripping with atmosphere and tension, brought to life with beautiful lighting, incredible textures, realistic sound effects and great voice acting.

It is as most games aim to be - easy to learn yet wickedly hard to master, in a way that keeps you coming back time and time again.

The best in its genre - period. There's something on offer for everybody, it's great for the serious hockey fan, it's fantastic if you have a few mates around to play in party mode or even buzz in on the trivia games and it's even soothingly, surprisingly good fun for the casual gamer.

Bioshock 2 is a fun game. There’s nothing here that’s groundbreaking, and if you’ve played the original you’ll fit back into the sequel like a comfy pair of slippers.

Provides an excellent story-driven, but more linear, alternative to the likes of "Advance Wars," for the budding portable strategist.

I enjoyed the early and later portions of the game the most, as the middle (before the dramatic plot twist) definitely began to drag a little.

The controls are so easy to grasp that you'll rarely find any need to look in the manual for anything other than general hints; this is a game you can really jump into and get on with right away, with none of the hassle of dull stat screens with useless information bothering you.

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.

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.

A wonderful feel good game, as the gameplay is simultaneously exhilarating and relaxing.

I am a changed man after playing this game and I think anybody who hasn't bothered to play golf games before should really give this a try; you'll be surprised, I promise.

Plants vs Zombies is what casual gaming is really all about; it's intuitive, easy to start and stop at any time, and has a tremendous variety of gameplay modes.

An excellent game and if you have the capability to play online and the time to learn the city inside out, it may well prove to be a title that keeps you enthralled for many months to come.

Here is a game that doesn't try to be anything groundbreaking and it was never hyped as such; it's just a beautiful looking shooter that provides the same addictive, gung-ho game that made the original so much fun to play.

This is the game of the summer and if you can look past its Achilles heel then you can change the overall score to the 10 that Race it really deserves.

Football Manager 2010 like its forbearers will keep you entertained for hundreds of hours due to the wealth of options available and depth of its leagues.

There is a huge single player career to play through with a tremendous variety of locations and courses, the graphics are so good that no description could do them justice and the handling is perfect, making for a supremely enjoyable gaming experience.

The content on offer in Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix is pretty great.

Even if you've got every other version of FIFA ever released, I can still recommend FIFA 09; the tweaks and twists that have been applied to the heart of the game make this edition indispensable.

The game isn't perfect, as there's a certain simplicity to the combat based on only attacking on the ordinal directions and some of the dialogue doesn't flow very well, but overall it's an engaging and fun game that you won't want to put down until the very end.

It’s a solid package overall then, despite the let down of the rather limited single player.

Just like Chelsea circa 2005, all that huge investment is really paying dividends and FIFA's stock just continues to rise.

Fight Night Round 4 manages to deliver boxers and fights so convincing that they're realer than Evander 'The Real Deal' Holyfield, and at almost every point where the game could have become shallow and repetitive, its subtleties shine through to such an extent that you don't need to look at any other real world fighting games to find the greatest - the champ is undoubtedly here.

A brilliant game, and also a very long one. The shortest missions will take several hours, if you're lucky, with online missions having the added bonus of being saveable so you and your friends can carry a private war out over a course of days if necessary.

Enter Heavy Rain with an open mind and no expectations and it will grab your attention from start to finish. Although its sentiment will fail to hit home with everyone, this is a game that should be experienced by anyone with a love for gaming.

Three brilliant games rolled into one that could all easily be sold separately. The single player is incredibly satisfying while the co-op is one of a kind, adding a fresh and very addicting face to the co-op genre.

While it can occasionally feel as though this episode is merely testing to see how well you've remembered how to fight the Combine, for the most part it's a non stop thrill ride through some best bits of the both Half-Life games, with the added inclusion of some incredibly smart AI companionship.

Sure, many of the bonus features could've been beefed up a bit more, but considering you're getting the same brilliant Devil May Cry 3 experience with new content at a bargain basement price, there's absolutely no reason not to go out and treat yourself to this action classic.

A quirky, imaginative title that is exactly the reason why the Nintendo DS is dominating the market currently.

A gaming masterpiece, blending together light combat, stealth, platform action, puzzle solving and racing to form a compelling gameplay mix, tied together with a terrific story and wrapped up in gorgeous visuals and audio.

A simplified RPG at its core, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is just too charming, funny and unique to dislike and you'll probably be smiling and feel good the whole way through.

A wonderful presentation and spurts of youthful fun could not curb the boredom a Swiss cheese, overly nostalgic storyline and "I've done this before but with more violence" gameplay handed to me.