Neverend could have been a decent game, graphics aside, since graphics aren’t that important in a RPG. The story (which in this case isn’t bad at all) and the game mechanics are more important, but the latter are destroyed by bugs, too many random encounters, lack of a mini-map and an odd magic system.

The game’s atmosphere also plays a key role in creating a quality feeling, which in Defcon’s case is a very dark and sinister one.

Even if you can escape the stupidity of the AI, you can’t avoid the other shortcomings of the game. And it’s a shame, because the story is not that bad and the graphics are sometimes enchanting.

You only need to take one look at the producer recommended specs (3Ghz CPU, 1GB RAM and a 6800 series graphics card or better with at least 256 Ram) to get chills down your spine.

Taking into consideration the awful unit micromanagement I can’t really recommend the single-player campaign, other than for those who are really interested in the storyline. For the rest of the RTS fans out there, the multiplayer will be the main course.

The simplicity of the trade system, some shortcoming regarding the interface, the lack of variety for missions and solar system design – all these could have been forgiven if Darkstar One would have had multiplayer.

If what you're looking for is a very fun game, with a large variety of well-structured and well-presented options, Tekken: Dark Resurrection is a good bet.

Aside from a couple of bugs and irritating gameplay elements, the combination between "Caesar III" and "Civilization" works pretty well. And considering that the game also has a level editor, I can safely say that both novices and veterans alike will play it until "Caesar IV" and "Anno 1701" hit the shelves.

And even though the single-player is extremely linear and might be a bit short for certain tastes – you can complete it in less than 6 hours – Prey manages to avoid being a game released just for financial reasons. And considering its finale – the one after the Credits mind you – I sincerely hope that Human Head will continue the series with even more wackier ideas.

Bottom line, if you care for your mouse and have no desire to kill thousands upon thousands of monsters, you can safely skip this one, but if you’re a fan of the hack and slash genre you certainly won’t regret the time spent in Titan Quest.

At first glance, Half-Life 2: Episode One could be considered a simple add-on. But a closer inspection reveals that VALVe didn’t go down the classical "more monsters, more weapons" cliché, but instead opted to refine and fine-tune the already successful Half-Life 2 recipe, by combining monster types during combat, and introducing more puzzles and the „cooperative singleplayer” mechanic with the help of Alyx.

The best Hitman game I’ve ever played. If you add the surprising ending to the mix, then you’ll be in for quite a treat.

Although it was more complex and more ambitious in scope than Rise of Nations, Rise of Legends has proven to be another hit for Big Huge Games and as such is a serious contender for the title of “Best real-time strategy game of the year” award. The only negative thing that can be said about it is the singleplayer campaign, which oddly enough should have been one of its strong points. Fortunately, the multiplayer modes, the three different but very well balanced factions, lots of strategies and the art design recommend it to all RTS lovers.

Nine episodes times around six months is a really long love relationship (and expensive), but it may very well prove to be the next best thing in mature gaming.

Separately, the RTS and the RPG aspects of the game can be considered mediocre – with a higher mark for the RPG if I compare it with the first title in the series. But, the game’s splendor comes from successfully combining these two genres, offering a unique experience, a friendly interface, and gameplay which is fun and addictive.

If someone will ever be able to re-establish this kind of games, to make them deliver the kind of fun I’ve had with all the games that preceded Desperados 2, then I’ll clearly admit it and promote it. Until then, all I can tell you is to stay away from this game.

For veteran players, Factions offers little in terms of PvE but more than makes up for it in PvP, especially if you’re a member of an experienced guild.

Since we’re in need of good games right now, I’d rather be playing an original episodic game than one of the sequels flooding the market these days.

Replays are stunning with all the cameras and visual effects and the game comes with a built-in track editor which lets you import, modify and create tracks. What more do you want?!?!?

If games will ever be considered a form of art, then Dreamfall: The Longest Journey will stand as one of the most important representatives of its time.

The fact that it’s very solo friendly, the large number of missions, the interesting universe and the artistic design will surely convince a lot of newcomers to the online gaming world to give it a try.

In this regard, Crystal Dynamics deserve all the praise, but if they will continue to ignore certain aspects in the next Tomb Raider game and will choose to go down the simplification road, there are very good chances that the next Tomb Raider will end up like "Angel of Darkness."

Even though the beginning is a little slow, the second half is downright exhilarating and the ending is a bit surprising as well.

I just hope you will enjoy it as much as I did and if you start playing it, please try to finish it, so you could experience the really emotionally touching ending, reminding you about one of the best human emotions. Love.

The freedom of movement may be a tribute to Elite, but strategy fans will be amused by the depth of the land battles, arcade freaks will complain that hyperspace is way too short, and adventure fans will have a condescending smile at most.

The game is full of bugs which will crash the game in certain situations, like being followed by the Police and not taking the exact route during Michael’s escape from the restaurant.

Although some aspects of the game can’t be denied – the stupidity of the NPC’s (especially when they try to help you in a fight), the system requirements, the stability issues, the bugs – everything else is open for debate.

By far the best strategy released under the Star Wars banner and a real success for Petroglyph Games.