Here is a game that's not only genre defying, it's quite possibly one of the weirdest games to ever appear on the PC. In fact, when it comes to atmosphere, story and personality, Beyond Good & Evil has a very similar feel to "Grim Fandango." [PC Zone]

Incredibly addictive. Unlike "Spec Ops," however, Rainbow Six is a game that, thanks to its replayability, makes it something you'll keep going back to time and time again. [PC Zone]

The best of its type on any console. Not for everyone, of course, but it's easily the best strategy title in a very long time. Shame about the crap visuals, though.

Well, who'd a thunk it? Ubisoft's horrible jumble of body parts in a genuinely wonderful game. Better dust off those reflexes: 2D platforming is back.

This was a feature of the first game, but here you can turn even the most peaceable follower of the Light into a bitter and twisted receptacle of evil. Kind of. [PC Zone]

Kratos is on fine form, but still refuses to do anything other than tear things to pieces.

For the most part Sphinx looks amazing. It's super-smooth, very fast and some of the exterior cityscapes are breathtaking, although close up the textures are sometimes very plain.

The game's skilful courses and challenging, inventive boss battles are a breath of fresh air amongst Wii's all-to-easy competition - and help DKCR remain a pleasingly faithful instalment in one of gaming's greatest ever series.

So while we're disappointed with the misplaced innovation and the lack of advancement, we still can't deny that it's Rome, that it's raised our bloodlust and our hackles in equal measure, and that it refreshes those parts that other strategy games just won't reach. [PC Zone]

Simply put, Blood II is more of the same: more guns and more enemies. Although it's not quite as pant-browning as we would've hoped, it's a stunning achievement considering the time Monolith have had to put it together. [PC Zone]

Like its predecessor, Sid Meier's game effortlessly takes the best of every style of gaming and mixes it into a consistent and enduringly charming whole. Certainly there are games with more strategy, and others with more action, but few, if any, can claim to be as breathlessly easy to enjoy. [PC Zone]

It can only be a matter of time before the first number one single created on a console goes top of the pops - MTV is that good.

One of the most impressive and rewarding expansion packs of recent years, matching and occasionally even outstripping the quality of its outstanding parent. But it could be a fully immersive VR porn sim for all you care - you'll still buy "Doom 3" instead.

A fabulously rewarding drive and the finest Forza yet, but one that comes with an Advisory Notice: more single-player focus and diversity will be needed next time out to prevent the franchise from suffering a potential misfire.

DICE has done enough to justify the status of sequel rather than expansion pack. It looks great, sounds funky and plays superbly. [PC Zone]

Tribes: Vengeance just feels right. Its fun lies in simple movement - something overlooked in all other high-octane blasters, and it gives you such a feeling of fluidity, control and desire for self-improvement, that on a basic level it's extremely hard to dislike.

Those who've been dying for a proper RPG on GameCube have just had their prayers answered. If you've never played through a game of this sort before.

A lot of last year's elements remain but this is ultimately a move away from sim and closer to classic PES on PS2. It's something PES fans will welcome with open arms but FIFA players will have no reason to defect.

Had the melee combat been more refined, the engine used to its full capabilities and the niggles ironed out, then you'd be looking at perhaps the finest RPG of all time. As it is, it'll have to make do with the accolade of being one of the deepest, most engrossing and entertaining PC games of 2004. [PC Zone]

One of the most addictive sporting experiences ever presented on a console.

If you don't like this because it's not "realistic", get over yourself - it's not supposed to be and you're missing out on a huge amount of multiplayer fun and single-player addictiveness.

Spectacular from start to finish. It doesn't innovate (and no co-op is a cop out) but its visual prowess and insane action make Killzone 2 unmissable.

Luckily, it's dead simple. When it comes to squad-level infantry manoeuvres, tactics have changed little in the last 2,000 years (so we're told), and they're almost insultingly basic. [PC Zone]

A deep and satisfying racing game that's accessible to all - but the sequel will have a clearer vision.

Questionable stealth elements and repetition prevent Assassin's from achieving greatness, but the free-running system and beautiful playgrounds mean Creed is still worth your attention.

The graphics are as beautiful as ever, the presentation is immaculate, the story keeps you gripped and your brain will appreciate the workout before you go back to killing it with beer, cheesy Wotsits and Hollyoaks. [PC Zone]

There's a greater feeling of depth, life and narrative to the tale and the gunplay is satisfying even if we do have to reserve some criticism for the AI, which still shows itself to be rough around the edges at times.

Chinatown Wars on PSP was always going to be a port job, and though it soils some of DS original's intuitive mini-games it maintains the inventive, thoroughly entertaining and built-for-handheld mission structure of the original - and that's what we loved most in the first place.