Fun though it is, the stalking, hunt-em-down-and-bring-em-in approach begins to wear thin – but just as it does, Stranger's Wrath...changes. It's not a twist, per se - it's pure Western convention – but it prompts a re-evaluation of the character and events of the game.

Sid Meier and his crew have managed to update one of the major classics of gaming so that it is now a worthy example of the fact that good gameplay never goes out of fashion.

Armadillo Run is one of the best PC games I've played in a long time.

A fantastic achievement for a first gen PSP title, it is immensely playable and arguably the best Ridge Racer on any console or hand-held to date.

Criterion has made a major mistake removing crash junctions and replacing them with the rather poor red-headed stepchild showtime. But the racing events and seamless online integration mean that Burnout Paradise remains a game that I can still highly recommend.

Right out of the box (no patch needed) the game ran smooth, looked awesome and kept me both terrified and unable to walk away. The pacing is perfect and the production value unmatched.

Grid won’t be for everyone, the handling is to blame for that, but Grid is far from stale and is exceptionally good at delivering wow moments, something that many other games in the genre fail to do.

It is an oddity in the gaming world which is mercifully free of the shallow obsession over improved graphics. Instead the focus is on fulfilling your managerial fantasies and the gaps are filled in by your own knowledge and love of the game. If you aren’t at least mildly obsessed with the results on a Saturday then you’ll never understand the appeal of this.

BlazBlue is a finely crafted fighting game with some real depth to it. Polished art, great character designs and some solid mechanics make this addictive once it gets under your skin.

It chooses not to innovate in the racing genre but smartens up its looks and sounds enough to look like an evolution.

FIFA 09 is very much like Arsenal actually; great to look at, at times an absolute joy to play and has a fantastic future if they can build on what they have, but it’s just made too many silly and needless mistakes to stop it from being great this year.

The game looks and sounds as good - and with moderately decent hardware looks even better.

Sins of Solar Empire is a must have for any strategy fan and is definitely a contention for game of the year. For me it just falls short of a score of ten.

I have never played anything so momentous or revolutionary as Heavy Rain. In the coming years I expect the game's influence to be felt throughout the industry in terms of gameplay, storytelling and interactivity. This is a game that deserves all the plaudits it can get. So please go out and buy Heavy Rain and reward those that have made such a groundbreaking videogame event.

It certainly feels like a complete segment, in that the ending is satisfying, interesting and leading towards the next episode.

Nintendo has good effort to make a multiplayer platform game here, but it just doesn't feel quite right, it's not bad but if you think of it as nothing more than a tacked on extra to a single player game then that's about right. But as a traditional 2D platform game it's the business.

A more focused game than the GTA series and you're more likely to plough ahead and actually get somewhere with the story. Those of you who found the scale of San Andreas a little bewildering and ultimately off-putting will find a challenge here more to your liking.

Portable Ops is a difficult game for both newbies and experienced players, but the way in which the whole aura of MGS has been transferred to a portable platform impresses to no extent.

It’s enormous fun if you’re a fan and atmospheric in a way very different from "Doom 3" - a horror of another kind. Although slightly shorter than before, the end is just as dramatic and intense as Stalingrad, and is perhaps a campaign with better flow overall.

For such a beautiful, engrossing and challenging game, it almost feels wrong to pay just 11.99 for it, but the price tag is just the tip of a spectacular iceberg.

I really enjoyed playing Dirt 2. It breaks my heart really to give it a low overall score, but you just can't expect people to pay high prices for very little content. In these hard economic times value for money is as important as gameplay.

The delicate grace of the gameplay and the equally elegant music create a rather moving experience unlike any other. It's up to you whether or not it's art or simply a pretentious tech demo, but I'm all for the former. Flower is a very unique game indeed. Put this and Ico next to each other and I'll cry my eyes out.

SCEE Cambridge has skilfully followed in Media Molecule's footsteps in creating the platform, and though the final result is marginally easier than LittleBigPlanet PS3, there's no doubting this is one of the best titles on Sony's handheld.

Race Driver GRID is one of the most beautiful games I've ever played and certainly one of the most exciting. You'd be a fool for missing this one. With better handling this would have been my first 10 score given for a very long time.

I loved the sheer amount to do within the game and hope for a next gen Kingdom Hearts 3 in the same way the Final Fantasy series never fails to engross me for an exorbitant amount of time.

Behind the exaggerated, sexualized and silly exterior conceals a complex and masterfully designed combat system.

Ratchet & Clank fans didn’t want this to be remarkably different; they wanted something recognisable that sent the series off with a bang. And it does just that.

Epic Games has done a great job in returning the series to its roots, and while there are plenty of new additions in there, the core gameplay remains fast, frantic and as action-packed as ever.

It’s a more enjoyable and slightly more challenging game than the first, and it’s perfectly suited to the system and to the typical Wii demographic.

Legends is easy to get started with and the concept of quick aggressive races is perfect for the PSP.

An absolute must for Hockey fans as well as anyone who likes sports games.

The action in the ring is never short of brilliant. For fans of the sport it really does represent a loving recreation of the skills and strategies required for victory - and reservations about the role of counter-punching aside - Fight Night Round 4 is really very good indeed.

It's perhaps a bit too frenetic, but on this showing at least, I know I'll be playing this through a few more times until a welcome sequel arrives.

It is a great game, and I am inches away from giving it a higher score than I am doing, but with the potential the Playstation 3 has, I don’t think we should set the bar too high too fast, despite my full recommendation of the game.

This is the perfect game for deep-thinking military strategists and an awesome ride for those who just like to blow stuff up.

While far from faultless, this is one game PSP owners cannot afford to miss, and hopefully one that will capture the hearts and minds of developers for years to come.

Give it time to circulate and new content will come pouring in, but what's there is by far the best in the series, and I can say that because the advent of seamless city exploration, fully integrated character traits and less dumbfounded AI in The Sims3 would make it difficult to return to its predecessors.

With around 50 hours (if you play both sides) of immersive RPGing and several different possible conclusions for both Dark and Light side players, you're getting good value for money. Just try not to sweat the ending too much.

Infinity Ward has created a solid shooter which raises your adrenaline to dangerous levels in a number of places with some of the best set pieces I have ever seen in any game. If only it had changed the pace here and there and made it longer, MW2 would have been a classic.

A very pretty game, gorgeous in fact, with plenty to do and see. But ultimately it just doesn't quite seem new enough. It's an example in safe game development and taking the easy path, but while it lasts, it's a fun path.

Stardock has created a deep, intelligent, yet not too serious strategy game that’s going to be the best of its class for quite a while.

Its slick level design, excellent sound and the LEGO-look graphics do make We Love Katamari a worthy purchase, however, those who want an upgrade from the previous title will be disappointed as it is more of the same on different levels.

Unless boxing disgusts you, you do have to own this, and I’ll take anyone on in the ring if despite the single player frustrations (if anyone suggests turning down the difficulty I’ll slug them) they can’t see the beauty and polish that has gone into the gameplay.

Perhaps the only questionable aspect might be the length, but given the game's pacing and the gradual addition of new elements, characters and locations to the gameplay, this never becomes a drudge.

Special praise also has to be dealt to Turbine for creating an MMO that managed to ship in a fairly completed state, and with stability issues kept to a minimum.

Vice City Stories is an amazing game, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend, (a lot of work has gone into it, despite the fact that the city has undergone few changes from the original) but I hope that for the upcoming (if you can wait a year) "GTA IV" we see enough of a change to refresh the genre and franchise, because the games are great, but starting to seem quite samey.

I know that no game is perfect but I can honestly say I had no technical issues with Dead Space at all. It did what it said it would and scared the hell out of me on a regular basis. Dead Space is one of the best survival horror games I have played and I look forward with baited breath to the sequel.

My only real problem with Shivering Isles is the not-so-great mission structure and how the worlds of Sheogorath seem a bit more dead than the regular game - despite the beauty of the new world. As a supplement to Cyrodiil, however, they work great.

Though it may not be the best example of whip-cracking fun in Castle Dracula, it’s got a damn sight more in its favour than a great many other games out there at the moment.

Whatever stance you take, though, the game's biggest problem is its length, coming in between five and six hours, depending on skill and just how important it is to you to complete the levels with absolute precision.

The real joy of PGR action is online and the racing is brilliant, especially with friends.

The slight frame rate issues do grate, but Midnight Club 3 is so un-ashamedly arcade like - and refuses to even attempt to act like anything more – that it stands out as a true racing gem.

If you are looking for an Ice Hockey game with lots of big hits and injuries then NHL 08 isn’t for you. However, if you’re looking for a good looking, great playing game that makes you think and actually challenges you, then look no further than NHL 08.

The best game in the series so far and well worth adding to your collection. If you are new to the series however, I would recommend starting with an earlier iteration, simply because the learning curve is quite unforgiving for an absolute newcomer.

Capcom has really pushed the boat out here, not only does it play like a dream, but it looks and sounds the part too, with beautiful cell shaded visuals with nary a drop in frame rate, it's almost like playing an anime.

If Daxter can be accused of anything it’s playing it too safe. It’s a title never feels anything less than solid, but outside the impeccable presentation Daxter is rarely inspired; it’s enjoyable rather than exhilarating.

But as a longtime player of MMORPGs myself, I love being able to log on for fifteen minutes and actually get a feeling of progress at any level. It is about time MMORPGs started to look at themselves as games, not time sinks.

With a good ten hours plus of single player game, even on the easiest difficulty, and the multiple endings the choice system provides adding to that, and a great co-op and multiplayer game on top this should provide you with plenty of enjoyment doe your money and keep you sneaking around for a long time to come.

The aspects that had to be removed or toned down for the console have been made up for in more important areas of gameplay making a semi-sequel that is superior to the original title in many ways.

I really enjoyed playing Dawn of War II and If you're considering taking the plunge into realtime strategy this is a good place to start.. It is very accessible and Relic has obviously worked hard to release a very polished product that’s immense fun and has a multiplayer side that is entertaining to play and varies enough from the main game to give great value.

It may seem like Onimusha 3 lacks ambition, but even though it fails to provide any solid innovation to a tired genre, it makes great effort to keep what’s familiar interesting and engaging - going to great lengths to cater for its audience’s needs, even if they seem run of the mill.

There are no deal breaking major issues with World Tour, only the hardcore will be annoyed by the over-charting at the harder difficulty levels. Guitar Hero: World Tour is a damn good game. But in a month that sees the release of Fable II, Far Cry 2, Dead Space, Midnight Club, Gears of War 2 etc. it needed to be a bit better.

It ceases to become an essential annual purchase.

It’s a good game, but nothing more. It’s certainly not great. The single-player game isn’t very well balanced for most gamers and at times seems rather unfair.

The sheer ingenuity of each stage keeps you going, but the scope of collectibles keeps you going back.

I'd go as far to say LotRO would have perhaps been a better game without the 'O', as it remains one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and the Mines of Moria and all it's hidden depth and majesty only adds to what is an otherwise already superb experience.

Yes, there's plenty to do here, but you're really going to have to put in some effort to get the best experience back, and the game doesn't incentivise it beyond the hope of improving your skills.

Both an exciting action RPG and an involving social simulation, Fable is a luscious folk-fantasy adventure teeming with clever details, hidden secrets, and moral possibilities. It may be too short but boy is it sweet.

The best recommendation I can give is to tell you that the CD hasn’t been out of my drive since I bought the game before Christmas. I simply love this game.

No substitute for the Orange Box, in short, but without peer on the PSP. And there’s that free Combat Ops multiplayer demo, of course.

In a very narrow sense, Champions provides a set of features and a whole lot of polish to keep things interesting for its audience and the online modes go a long way in extending things even further.

Screw it, buy the thing as it’ll give you geometry wars beating action, and cheaper than a couple of beers. (At my local anyway).

Far Cry 2 is phenomenal fun and brings new meaning to the term open world. It has surpassed my expectations and without a doubt Ubisoft Montreal have taken an uncut diamond and worked it into a nearly flawless gem.

The sequel is out in Japan. The sooner it arrives, the happier I will be. If it’s not as good as the first, I may resort to self-harm.

At the end of the day you get a very good game here, albeit a bit on the short side at about 5 hours long.

With around 50 hours (if you play both sides) of immersive RPGing and several different possible conclusions for both Dark and Light side players, you’re getting good value for money. Just try not to sweat the ending too much.

The potential of the technologically disruptive DS is just beginning to be exploited. Metroid Prime: Hunters is a great game, and one that really should shift systems. Buy it, play it, and you’ll understand.

Two Thrones just lacks that special spark. Thus it is difficult to think about Two Thrones without feeling regret.

Those that criticise and vindicate the linearity of the one player game are misunderstanding the central theme. Atmospherically, the game is without rival and the sense of community is absolutely charming.

It has more good points than bad though, at the least it will tide you over until the next generation of MMORPGs hits the streets and at best you will have fun for months, even years to come.

Really good, easily approachable games are pretty hard to come by – especially on the Wii, but Boom Blox is a triumph in many respects. Whether you're playing on your own or with your friends or family, the game's difficulty slant and physical appeal drags in players and voyeurs respectively throughout the entire duration.

It tries so hard to be all things to all people but for me it tries to walk before it can run. Oh well, no invite for me next year then!

Ikaruga is the best shoot-em-up on the current generation of consoles. With perfect gameplay, perfect difficulty curve, and beautiful graphics, it provides an intense experience like no other.

A taut, atmospheric and engrossing experience. The only real gripe is that The City sections become long-winded, lacking as they do the focus of the story missions and as a result make the game feel a little bloated.

Volition's game is an excellent and worthwhile resurrection of an old franchise. One hopes its success results in Volition returning to an extremely well-loved space shooter series.

Many of the set-pieces are utterly predictable (the mini-battlemech you meet coming up on a lift platform thing, for example, or the snipers in the distant windows on a rooftop), and the AI seems distinctly switched off for these moments.

This is one situation where more of the same does not negate the experience. More of the same is more than we could have asked for. It's the brown bun alternative.

It has more good points than bad though, at the least it will tide you over until the next generation of MMORPGs hits the streets and at best you will have fun for months, even years to come.

As frustrating as it can be to constantly have to keep your eye out for sources of electricity, the power it gives you is particularly enthralling. With an intriguing story and original, if painfully skillful, enemies, the game offers engagement through both narrative, likeable characters and respectable challenge.

And there's very little to touch it in graphical terms on a console. So if you're a graphics whore and a fan of action go right ahead, most gamers will enjoy Far Cry 2, just don't expect something as cerebral as the hype has lead you to believe.

Surprisingly, for a game with such attention to finer details and apparent depth, the commentary gets a little flat and repetitive after awhile, even if it does have (perhaps because of) the EA Sports “attitude”.

World At War puts on a great show, but it's the last time I'm going to be able to watch this same show without getting bored. Activision will most likely continue to make a lot of money selling us the same magic tricks even though we've been able to see the wires for some time. Where's the ambition in that though? Don't excellent games sell more than okay games?

THQ has delivered another strong RTS offering here, with the major put off being a relatively high price for an expansion pack.

I’ll briefly abandon my objective viewpoint and daringly say that I love Disgaea. But I can find very little to strongly recommend about it.

From the gorgeous detailed graphics, humour, wonderful on-set animation and the entertaining radio news system, The Movies is a landmark game.

The grace and speed of the animation coupled with the near-flawless controls make for a very engaging gameplay experience.

To hear a paper deer making sounds was one of the highlights in my gaming world for a long, long time. This should tell you something about this game, which is entirely in a league of its own.

An enjoyable but ultimately routine sequel.