Clearly the best artist-specific Guitar Hero yet, Metallica captures the intensity and pace of one of the most influential bands in history. It's a no-brainer for purchase if you're already a Guitar Hero fan, and looks sure to become a party favourite amongst those who appreciate extremely loud music.

UNO Rush is a new take on the traditional UNO concept. Making the game faster and more intense will definitely appeal to some players who found the original too slow. A well rounded and well made title that is sure to be enjoyed by many, though the fast paced gameplay won't suit all players and all skill levels.

Wheelman draws influence from a number of other titles, and fails to provide anything really new to the mix. Some initial excitement is offset quickly by repetition, and ultimately the game suffers for it.

Wheelman draws influence from a number of other titles, and fails to provide anything really new to the mix. Some initial excitement is offset quickly by repetition, and ultimately the game suffers for it.

A somewhat nostalgic wrestling title that fails to hit the standards set by the Smackdown vs. Raw franchise. Good fun though, even with the simplified controls.

A somewhat nostalgic wrestling title that fails to hit the standards set by the Smackdown vs. Raw franchise. Good fun though, even with the simplified controls.

Wanted: Weapons of Fate is a relatively well compiled shooter, but misses out on top marks by simply being too short.

Wanted: Weapons of Fate is a relatively well compiled shooter, but misses out on top marks by simply being too short.

In an attempt to find as much fan favour as possible, Electronic Arts have managed to spread this title a bit too thinly over both the RPG and card playing genres. There is an entertaining game here, but you might struggle to find it.

Fright of the Bumblebees is a somewhat cautious start for the Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures series. It's great to see the pair back for more madcap mayhem, but it'd certainly be welcome to see a bit more action with subsequent episodes.

Sony Bend have created a portable version of Resistance that has all the negatives of the franchise with hardly any of the positives.

Putting aside the disappointments of PES 2009, on the pitch, the game is still the most realistic football sim on the market. I don’t believe the PES franchise is getting any worse, rather that EA’s FIFA franchise is barking at its heels and surpassing it in some areas.

Probably the best DS title on the market currently, Chinatown Wars shows Rockstar can master not only next-gen console and PC, they know a thing or two about handheld gaming as well.

It manages to stay feeling fresh and thrilling all the way through to the final battle, and it looks absolutely incredible. The story is mostly well paced and told with cinematics of extremely high production value. While the co-op is not exactly game changing, it is a very welcome addition to the series and the game is definitely a lot more fun when played this way.

It manages to stay feeling fresh and thrilling all the way through to the final battle, and it looks absolutely incredible. The story is mostly well paced and told with cinematics of extremely high production value. While the co-op is not exactly game changing, it is a very welcome addition to the series and the game is definitely a lot more fun when played this way.

Peggle is a colourful, highly addictive puzzle style game that the whole family will absolutely love. The online multiplayer modes make it that much better, and it's a worthy investment for anyone who wants something a bit simpler to wind down with.

MadWorld is a must-have for any Wii owner looking to branch out from sports titles. It's rated for a reason however, and the cartoon violence won't appeal to everyone.

This latest Trivial Pursuit title is a great take on the classic board game. Although suffering from a few issues, it still has a lot to offer for armchair trivia veterans and casual enthusiasts alike. Ultimately the success of this game will be tied to the frequency and quality of DLC.

This latest Trivial Pursuit title is a great take on the classic board game. Although suffering from a few issues, it still has a lot to offer for armchair trivia veterans and casual enthusiasts alike. Ultimately the success of this game will be tied to the frequency and quality of DLC.

Codename Panzers: Cold War fails to capitalize on the moderate success of preceding titles in the franchise. A fabulous game engine and detailed physics simply can't hide what is essentially a basic RTS with limited scope.

Fun for all ages. While there's nothing new to speak of, fans of the GameCube version may enjoy a revisit; however those who missed Pikmin the first time around will get the most bang for their buck.

A rehash of the original title from the GameCube, with the only fundamental change being the controller. It’s fun but there are better tennis games out there, and the novelty of Mario playing tennis was fun back in the day but its relevance now seems somewhat lost.

With solid gameplay and an authentic Halo experience, Halo Wars certainly is an appealing choice. It's only let down by the weak story and characters which seem pulled together to bind the various game elements.

Empire: Total War is breathtaking in its scope, enthralling in its detail, and staggering in its execution. Despite one or two minor flaws, it should be considered one of the very best strategy titles available on any platform.

An excellent title which does a decent job of balancing its sim and arcade elements. Great graphics along with fifty fully licensed jets and satellite imagery to give you a satisfyingly authentic experience. The inclusion of a fantastic co-op mode makes the game even more worthwhile, and there's nothing like taking to the skies with some friends.

Killzone 2 is a game which gives war a glorious edge. The cinematic style of the single-player campaign brings forth memories of classic war stories as an elite group of four soldiers battle against a malevolent enemy.

His previous foray into videogames left the self professed P.I.M.P. more than a little L.I.M.P. But Swordfish Studios have pumped the lead back into 50 Cent’s pencil with the very respectable Blood on the Sand.

His previous foray into videogames left the self professed P.I.M.P. more than a little L.I.M.P. But Swordfish Studios have pumped the lead back into 50 Cent’s pencil with the very respectable Blood on the Sand.

A very innovative blend of RTS and RPG that is a ton of fun to play, Dawn of War II is easy enough for almost anyone to pick up without being intimidated, yet deep enough to still be challenging for the more hardcore players. It has the strategic depth of Company of Heroes as well as the "just one more mission" mentality of a good RPG like Diablo.

A fun title that epitomises XBLA's theme - quick arcade action for minimal outlay.

A realistic driving simulation that suffers from a lack of graphical complexity. RACE Pro is nipping at the heels of some big-name competition, but ultimately doesn't quite make the grade.

Overall, Street Fighter 4 doesn’t bring a lot of new ideas to the table but it does do everything better than any previous incarnation, which is exactly what we wanted.

Overall, Street Fighter 4 doesn’t bring a lot of new ideas to the table but it does do everything better than any previous incarnation, which is exactly what we wanted.

It's an extremely solid effort, and feels like a full release title.

Remember when 2D side-scrollers were on the cutting edge of video gaming? Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero will appease both retro fans and current-gen gamers with pure, honest, no frills gameplay.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon is an exceptional strategy title for the DS. It may be hard, but it has tremendous replay value and will keep you entertained for hours. Highly recommended.

An interactive experience like no other. Perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Fans of the original game seeking more of the same will not be disappointed, however overall the game lacks the underlying menace of the original. There's a good first person shooter to be had, but it lacks the fire and innovation of the original.

An excellent FPS horror that mixes action with some pretty good frights. The single-player is exceptional, with some of the best graphics and atmospherics we've seen. Unfortunately the game is not as long as we would have liked and does little to bring something new to the packed FPS table.

No better and no worse than the original - but still an absolute joy in nearly every respect. This is a must-have title for the PSP.

Genius in it's simplicity, this collection will allow you to revisit your favourite titles from yesteryear, albeit with a few notable exceptions.

Genius in it's simplicity, this collection will allow you to revisit your favourite titles from yesteryear, albeit with a few notable exceptions.

Over all, it is one of the more enjoyable Wii games out there, certainly the most adult in its humour, and I didn't feel like an idiot playing it. I recommend it to anyone who has ever enjoyed an on-rails shooter.

Built on the anime of the same name, Afro Samurai should have been a sure-fire hit. Unfortunately some poor design decisions have hampered its chances at success, but it still manages to entertain with fluid fighting and slick effects. It's just a shame it becomes repetitive too soon.

Built on the anime of the same name, Afro Samurai should have been a sure-fire hit. Unfortunately some poor design decisions have hampered its chances at success, but it still manages to entertain with fluid fighting and slick effects. It's just a shame it becomes repetitive too soon.

There's a huge amount of potential in this sequel, and it has gameplay you'll keep coming back to time and time again. A must-have for any true skating fan.

There's a huge amount of potential in this sequel, and it has gameplay you'll keep coming back to time and time again. A must-have for any true skating fan.

An entertaining, original and funny platformer that really gives a boost to the XBLA. Easily one of the best games on the arcade and well worth the price. It is lacking somewhat in the length, and a few more levels would have been nice, but the announcement of DLC will hopefully rectify that. Unfortunately no multiplayer, but the single-player more than makes up for it, with its stellar gameplay and graphics.

Whilst often frustrating and lacking in complexity, Lord of the Rings: Conquest still has a limited appeal for die-hard fans. For everyone else, it's a real disappointment.

The Fable II downloadable content is a must-have for anyone who was looking for a reason to pick up Fable II again. Three new quests, a range of new items and weapons, as well as some great augments make the experience worthwhile. It certainly could have been longer, as it will only give you two or three hours of gameplay, but hopefully there will be further DLC in the future.

Mirror's Edge is a refreshingly different game on the PC platform, with a unique use of the first person perspective.

This game fails to be a really great conversion of a traditional "search and find" style game. The digital medium feels unsuited to a game such as this, and it can be frustrating peering into your TV set looking for some of the more tricky items. The game is much better when played in co-op either locally or over LIVE, as it makes searching more fun and also speeds up the game.

A real challenge to... you know, that other sandbox game... Saints Row 2 expands on the original with a dizzying level of complexity. Stilwater is back and bigger than ever - there's so much to see and do you'll be entertained for hours.

Good work on the controls and on the board, but the virtual media is simply not suited to such a game style. After a larger puzzle your eyes will hurt from the strain of peering at the screen, and the fun seems to have been lost.

FIFA Manager 09 contains every detail a micro-management nut could possibly want, and probably a few they won't. For the mainstream football game enthusiast this will probably be a snore-fest, but the true management fan will be more than satisfied with the depth on offer.

The graphic combat and rich storyline are let down by tiresome dialogue and endless and confusing travel. If you are a fan of the period and want to wallow in the mythology then this game has it by the bucket (amphora?) load, however game wise its lurching pace destroys its underlying potential.

A cool concept for a puzzle-block game that is unfortunately hampered by an overly aggressive AI and a real lack of multiplayer opponents on XBL. If you can get a friend or two together though, you'll have a blast.

There's no big-budget fanfare for this title, no horde of developers, no committee meetings and embargo dates. Instead you have a clean, honest arcade naval shooter for a little over thirty bucks.

The multiplayer alone makes it a must-buy.

The amazing artwork struggles to conceal repetitive combat and a game that, at its heart, is incredibly easy. Kids will probably rate it highly, but those who have grown up with the series may tire of it quickly.

The amazing artwork struggles to conceal repetitive combat and a game that, at its heart, is incredibly easy. Kids will probably rate it highly, but those who have grown up with the series may tire of it quickly.

A puzzle block game with the ability to shoot things at your foes? Sounds great, but in attempting to appeal to a mass audience the developers have instead made an extremely niche game. If you like puzzle games, you'll love it - everyone else should stay clear.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is a great addition to the Street Fighter franchise and will keep dedicated fans entertained for a long time to come. Unfortunately though, new players to the title will most likely be deterred by the fairly steep difficulty curve in Arcade Mode, and the fact that the controls are never really explained.

If you ignore the terrible night levels, Unleashed shows huge promise for the future of the franchise. The essence of Sonic is captured once again with incredible artwork, fluid motion and awesome speed. Unfortunately, we can't ignore the night levels, and they come dangerously close to ruining this game.

You won't be buying this game for its (un)exemplary graphics or "innovative" control method, but if you're prepared to sink hours into it, there's fun to be had.

A great addition to the series that shies away from the mindless killing-fest of other horror games on the market today, yet stays true to the atmospheric horror adventure of its roots. Great to play in the dark – if you dare.

This could well be a surprise hit for those willing to invest the time. Despite a lack of polish, there's a relatively deep story for fans of mythology.

Tomb Raider: Underword manages to impress on so many levels.

A poorly produced game with little to offer any Tony Hawk fan.

Valve's much anticipated Zombie game is a co-op experience not to be missed. Although a few more levels would have been nice, the AI is smart enough to provide a unique game each time around. This one is highly recommended!

An unimpressive arcade racing experience. Need for Speed: Undercover seems to lack any real sense of immersion and is graphically a bland experience.

An unimpressive arcade racing experience. Need for Speed: Undercover seems to lack any real sense of immersion and is graphically a bland experience.

It's not going to be winning any Game of the Year awards, but it is good fun and a good sign that the Mortal Kombat series might finally be on its way back to figuring out what made it so great to start with… just with less blood this time, but hey, there's always the next game right?

An excellent choice for newcomers to the series; for long-time fans it's a bit like watching a remake of your favourite classic movie: predictable, with no major surprises in store... but certainly no less enjoyable than the original.

With well over ten million people playing the game, any expansion is a must-have for any fan of the game. More so this release, it has more content and depth than the first expansion and brings back a lot of the feel and flavour of the original game release.

EA and DICE took a risk with Mirror's Edge, but ultimately it has paid off. This is an exciting title with a great premise, and despite a few minor issues we could be looking at a fantastic foundation for future sequels.

EA and DICE took a risk with Mirror's Edge, but ultimately it has paid off. This is an exciting title with a great premise, and despite a few minor issues we could be looking at a fantastic foundation for future sequels.

Red Alert 3 builds well on its predecessors. The console iteration does feel cluttered and hampered by an overloaded controller, but the game itself is great. RTS's on consoles seem like they are here to stay, and Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is certainly not to be sniffed at, particularly if you are a fan of the series.

This is no ordinary platformer, with a strong focus on racing wacky vehicles that you create yourself from more than a hundred different parts that you find. The ability to build these vehicles - planes, helicopters, submarines, boats, racing cars and more - is truly amazing. Overall a huge amount of fun at a very low price point!

Putting aside the disappointments of PES 2009, on the pitch, the game is still the most realistic football sim on the market. I don’t believe the PES franchise is getting any worse, rather that EA’s FIFA franchise is barking at its heels and surpassing it in some areas.

The single-player campaign involves a riveting and emotional story, and the inclusion of co-op is fantastic. The game itself however is heavily weighted towards multiplayer, as was its predecessor.

The single-player campaign involves a riveting and emotional story, and the inclusion of co-op is fantastic. The game itself however is heavily weighted towards multiplayer, as was its predecessor.

The single-player campaign involves a riveting and emotional story, and the inclusion of co-op is fantastic. The game itself however is heavily weighted towards multiplayer, as was its predecessor.

The single-player campaign involves a riveting and emotional story, and the inclusion of co-op is fantastic. The game itself however is heavily weighted towards multiplayer, as was its predecessor.

The DS version of the classic Populous title is a nice trip down memory lane, but lacks the complexity and ease of control found with the original.

While majorly different from ‘traditional’ Pokémon fare, Shadows of Almia provides a satisfying RPG-lite adventure for players of all ages. Varied puzzles and a wide range of Diamond/Pearl era creatures to chase give the game widespread appeal and charm.

The single-player campaign involves a riveting and emotional story, and the inclusion of co-op is fantastic. The game itself however is heavily weighted towards multiplayer, as was its predecessor.

Epic have managed to improve on Gears of War in almost every respect with this much anticipated sequel.

A nifty way to squeeze more mileage from your Buzz! buzzers, and to fend off that dreaded school holiday boredom. Overall a polished product which offers quality entertainment, although bear in mind it’s strictly for the kids.

An exceptional console RTS that solves the problem of having to use a controller to quickly respond to on-screen action. Great graphics and a true sense of an epic global conflict make this one of the best RTS titles to arrive on any console. The online multiplayer mode is a real highlight allowing you to engage in battles that change the face of Europe and the US.

This could well be a surprise hit for those willing to invest the time. Despite a lack of polish, there's a relatively deep story for fans of mythology.

This could well be a surprise hit for those willing to invest the time. Despite a lack of polish, there's a relatively deep story for fans of mythology.

Naruto’s first outing on the PS3 manages to stay true to the anime whilst making the most of next-gen grunt. Sure, there are a few minor nit-picky issues and the relatively simple ‘button mashing’ style of fighting may not suit everyone, but fans should be well pleased with the total package.

A James Bond movie tie-in that unfortunately lacks any of the gadgets and fun aspects we expect from 007. Treyarch have created an enjoyable shooter that fails to live up to expectations, and is far too short to be considered anything special.

A James Bond movie tie-in that unfortunately lacks any of the gadgets and fun aspects we expect from 007. Treyarch have created an enjoyable shooter that fails to live up to expectations, and is far too short to be considered anything special.

A James Bond movie tie-in that unfortunately lacks any of the gadgets and fun aspects we expect from 007. Treyarch have created an enjoyable shooter that fails to live up to expectations, and is far too short to be considered anything special.

A James Bond movie tie-in that unfortunately lacks any of the gadgets and fun aspects we expect from 007. Treyarch have created an enjoyable shooter that fails to live up to expectations, and is far too short to be considered anything special.

The Korg DS-10 synthesizer can't rightfully be called a game, it's much more than that. Anyone with even a passing interest in music and a DS should put this on their list.