Despite being unable to match the PC in terms of graphical splendour, there's plenty here to keep you occupied, and fans won't be disappointed with what the developers have crafted.

Despite being unable to match the PC in terms of graphical splendour, there's plenty here to keep you occupied, and fans won't be disappointed with what the developers have crafted.

The sequel we've been waiting for. It more than lives up to years of expectation, as Bethesda has seamlessly transitioned the franchise from RPG to tactical FPS without skipping a beat. Game of the year? Quite possibly.

The game’s familiar format means instant gratification, and the option to download new tracks is a major draw card for us… plus it’s excellent value for money and damn good fun, to boot.

Web of Shadows is an improvement over previous Spider-Man titles, but still lacks the punch we expect from such a popular movie-based intellectual property. A poorly told story coupled with mediocre and often repetitive action sequences have thwarted this titles chances of blockbuster glory this Christmas.

A solid racing title that whilst not completely free of issues still manages to be hugely entertaining.

A truly spectacular soccer title with exceptional player animations, ball handling and gameplay to boot. The AI will provide a significant challenge, but the implementation of one of the most advanced and complete online modes will mean that this game will truly last you a long time.

A charming ‘chill out’ game best suited to younger players. A good candidate for the Christmas stocking.

An inauspicious beginning for Capcom's new motorbike series that has little to offer even committed fans.

An inauspicious beginning for Capcom's new motorbike series that has little to offer even committed fans.

An inauspicious beginning for Capcom's new motorbike series that has little to offer even committed fans.

More in-depth than its predecessor, Box Office Smash updates the Xbox 360-dedicated franchise with a ton of new questions, a couple of new puzzle modes and online play. Still a great way to entertain the family on those long winter nights ahead.

Targeted at the younger set, this game is about as non-violent as a shooting game can get. One of the better Wii controller setups we have used. The game is a poor substitute for a real Nerf war.

Sony's exclusive title shows potential, but it has several areas that need improving. It's refreshing to see a title that has such fun gameplay and amazing customisation options, and we're sure LittleBigPlanet will be around for a long time to come.

A huge leap forward in co-operative play, Guitar Hero World Tour is a worthy addition to the franchise and will offer hours of fun for anyone willing to pick up an instrument and invest some time. An awesome effort, although not without its flaws.

A huge leap forward in co-operative play, Guitar Hero World Tour is a worthy addition to the franchise and will offer hours of fun for anyone willing to pick up an instrument and invest some time. An awesome effort, although not without its flaws.

Portal: Still Alive is ideal for Xbox 360 owners who want the Portal experience without any hassles. Log in, download, and play - but beware, it's not exactly a small file.

An exceptionally solid action role-playing game, with an immense, immersive world. The new features, including the dog as a helper, and the breadcrumb trail as a guide, have worked excellently. This time, Peter Molyneux has made a game that lives up to its hype. One of the real must-have titles on the Xbox 360.

No major graphical updates here, nor has the story been modified in any meaningful way. But, it's BioShock, and therefore a must-buy for any platform it's available on.

Web of Shadows is an improvement over previous Spider-Man titles, but still lacks the punch we expect from such a popular movie-based intellectual property. A poorly told story coupled with mediocre and often repetitive action sequences have thwarted this titles chances of blockbuster glory this Christmas.

Web of Shadows is an improvement over previous Spider-Man titles, but still lacks the punch we expect from such a popular movie-based intellectual property. A poorly told story coupled with mediocre and often repetitive action sequences have thwarted this titles chances of blockbuster glory this Christmas.

Web of Shadows is an improvement over previous Spider-Man titles, but still lacks the punch we expect from such a popular movie-based intellectual property. A poorly told story coupled with mediocre and often repetitive action sequences have thwarted this titles chances of blockbuster glory this Christmas.

A superb FPS that plays out on the African continent, one of the most spectacular staging grounds to date. The graphics are exceptional and the multitude of missions and side-quests is big enough to keep you occupied for a long time. The AI are one of the smartest to date, actively using cover and flanking you realistically. Truly a sequel to Far Cry which does the original justice!

Rockstar has gone all out to make a great street racer with this latest Midnight Club release. Packed with hours of gameplay and incredible visuals, you'll probably still be playing as your Christmas dinner gets cold.

Rockstar has gone all out to make a great street racer with this latest Midnight Club release. Packed with hours of gameplay and incredible visuals, you'll probably still be playing as your Christmas dinner gets cold.

Dead Space was definitely a risk for EA and it's great to see they were willing to run with it, because it is a fantastic game. It looks and sounds great, is a lot of fun to play and oozes atmosphere.

Ever wanted to wave your arms around to the polyphonic ringtones on your phone? Me neither. Welcome to the world of Wii Music.

Despite being purpose-built for intense online gaming, SOCOM Confrontation just lacks the polish required to pull this off. Perhaps technical issues will be ironed out with future patches, but in the meantime there's just not enough substance here to warrant your time.

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.

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.

A truly spectacular soccer title with exceptional player animations, ball handling and gameplay to boot. The AI will provide a significant challenge, but the implementation of one of the most advanced and complete online modes will mean that this game will truly last you a long time.

Dead Space was definitely a risk for EA and it's great to see they were willing to run with it, because it is a fantastic game. It looks and sounds great, is a lot of fun to play and oozes atmosphere.

Dead Space was definitely a risk for EA and it's great to see they were willing to run with it, because it is a fantastic game. It looks and sounds great, is a lot of fun to play and oozes atmosphere.

A truly spectacular soccer title with exceptional player animations, ball handling and gameplay to boot. The AI will provide a significant challenge, but the implementation of one of the most advanced and complete online modes will mean that this game will truly last you a long time.

A truly spectacular soccer title with exceptional player animations, ball handling and gameplay to boot. The AI will provide a significant challenge, but the implementation of one of the most advanced and complete online modes will mean that this game will truly last you a long time.

A truly spectacular soccer title with exceptional player animations, ball handling and gameplay to boot. The AI will provide a significant challenge, but the implementation of one of the most advanced and complete online modes will mean that this game will truly last you a long time.

World War II is coming back into your living room with Hell's Highway, a solid, squad-based tactical shooter. Aside from some minor glitches and a lack of decent multiplayer the game is stunning, with a movie-like story that is gripping and emotional. A must buy for WWII shooter fans, and fans of the series.

A novel concept, but Fracture ultimately fails to deliver. Hopefully the terraforming concepts can be applied to another title, in the meantime this looks like being just a rental.

A novel concept, but Fracture ultimately fails to deliver. Hopefully the terraforming concepts can be applied to another title, in the meantime this looks like being just a rental.

A distinctive, pretty and involving RPG from developers Jupiter. Solve puzzles, train your character and monsters, enjoy a futuristic storyline across multiple worlds and meet a cast of interesting characters.

Crash: Mind Over Mutant is just another Crash title in a long line of Crash titles. The gameplay is nothing new and the graphics are average. The levels are creative but end up being a bit repetitive due to the mission structure and the back-tracking involved. The highlight is the story which is simply exceptional, and the satirical humour dotted throughout.

If you're a dedicated NBA fan then there might just be enough here to keep you occupied. If not, there are better alternatives on the market.

If you're a dedicated NBA fan then there might just be enough here to keep you occupied. If not, there are better alternatives on the market.

If you're a dedicated NBA fan then there might just be enough here to keep you occupied. If not, there are better alternatives on the market.

Basically the same old Harvest Moon formula with a few new features, but a pleasant little diversion from the pressures and pace of real life - and good value for money.

An incredible update to a much-loved title, WipEout HD has set the bar for high-speed, high-adrenaline racing! A must for every PS3 owner.

World War II is coming back into your living room with Hell's Highway, a solid, squad-based tactical shooter. Aside from some minor glitches and a lack of decent multiplayer the game is stunning, with a movie-like story that is gripping and emotional. A must buy for WWII shooter fans, and fans of the series.

This is a great example of what can be achieved if fun is the primary aim. Massive tricks, amazing scenery, hugely modifiable bikes - what more do you want?

This is a great example of what can be achieved if fun is the primary aim. Massive tricks, amazing scenery, hugely modifiable bikes - what more do you want?

Buzz gets a few enhancements and new features for the PS3 version, but it’s the same game we’ve come to love and still the best quiz game around.

A thoroughly entertaining game that has a wide appeal for young and old. The low level of violence and simplicity of challenge makes it easy to play. A good solid family game that we highly recommend.

A thoroughly entertaining game that has a wide appeal for young and old. The low level of violence and simplicity of challenge makes it easy to play. A good solid family game that we highly recommend.

A thoroughly entertaining game that has a wide appeal for young and old. The low level of violence and simplicity of challenge makes it easy to play. A good solid family game that we highly recommend.

A thoroughly entertaining game that has a wide appeal for young and old. The low level of violence and simplicity of challenge makes it easy to play. A good solid family game that we highly recommend.

A thoroughly entertaining game that has a wide appeal for young and old. The low level of violence and simplicity of challenge makes it easy to play. A good solid family game that we highly recommend.

The developers at Relentless Software have put a huge effort into ensuring the franchise gets a worthy portable version. It isn't going to set the world on fire, but as far as hand-held quiz shows go, this has to be at the top of the list.

The only criticism I can personally level at the game is that after a few hours of play, I was filled with a burning desire to play some Civilization IV, rather than have another round of Colonization.

A solid 90's style platformer with some tacked on minigames and a reasonable multiplayer angle. Good fodder for a trip down memory lane, and beautifully animated.

Touted as being the pretender to the throne of MMO games, expectations for Warhammer Online were running high. Whilst brilliant in a lot of ways, the lack of polish and a fundamental flaw in the game dynamic does not bode well for its longevity. It is certainly worth playing, but it will leave you wondering why it was not finished before release.

A solid game with fantastic sound and visuals. However, unpolished aspects of gameplay will cause frustration. Ultimately, Force Unleashed is unlikely to be remembered for anything other than its excellent story.

A solid game with fantastic sound and visuals. However, unpolished aspects of gameplay will cause frustration. Ultimately, Force Unleashed is unlikely to be remembered for anything other than its excellent story.

Take one part stock standard racer. Add speed. Add blur. Remove control. Speed Racer.

As a companion product to the original game, Crysis Warhead is a vast improvement on Crytek's vision. It may be more compact, but the enhanced AI and optimised CryEngine 2 will keep you coming back for more.

This is a truly dark game that has a compelling and mysterious story. You will be on the edge of your seat as the mystery gradually unfolds. The game breaking bugs of the initial release, and the need to mod the game, severely affect the rating of what would otherwise be a very good game.

Midway’s first foray into the ring proves that they have what it takes to mix it with the big boys of wrestling simulations, but they do fall just short of a 3-count.

Spore is comprised of four fairly basic phases that would rate poorly if released individually, and one mighty, awe-inspiring final phase that could be a contender for game of the year by itself. It's stacked all wrong, but who cares - it's all worthwhile in the end.

It has a refreshing visual style and looks fun to start with, but FaceBreaker is let down by frustrating and shallow gameplay.

Although there are problems with the PC version, Mercenaries 2 has a great deal of potential. It's a back-to-basics title that allows you to destroy pretty much everything around you, and you'll have no end of fun doing so.

It has a refreshing visual style and looks fun to start with, but FaceBreaker is let down by frustrating and shallow gameplay.

It's a nice attempt, but ultimately falls short of the entertainment we'd expect from such a title. In a market saturated with similarly designed games, this one does little to stand out.

Shred Nebula is a throw-away arcade title with relatively basic features. There's not a lot of substance here, and what enjoyment you can find is invariably fleeting.

Some great concepts and even an original feature or two. This is a solid RPG, but ultimately not one you'll remember six months down the track.

It doesn't change a whole lot, but improves on most of the weak spots from the original. The most fulfilling and fun title in the series yet, and as a bonus, it's playable by the whole family.

While a disaster on the PC, this game shines on the next-gen consoles. It's a back-to-basics title that allows you to destroy pretty much everything around you, and you'll have no end of fun doing so.

While a disaster on the PC, this game shines on the next-gen consoles. It's a back-to-basics title that allows you to destroy pretty much everything around you, and you'll have no end of fun doing so.

A whimsical top-down return to arcade classics of yore, complete with suitable sound effects and clever integration of satellite imagery. A nice distraction, but unlikely to hold your attention for long.

If you're a fan of Live Arcade games and you've got some MS Points burning a whole in your virtual pocket, then this should definitely be part of your collection. If you're a bit more picky about what you play though, try out the demo first.

The developer missions may be ordinary but the Adventure Creator that comes with the expansion supersizes the incredible creative license of the original game.

Although it was released nearly a year ago in Japan, Tales of Vesperia still represents good value for money. It's a fun, quirky JRPG that provides hours of entertainment for the whole family. If this genre is your kind of thing, you could do a lot worse.

Another fantastic effort from EA, building on solid foundations from last year's iteration. Enough entertainment to keep you on the fairway for months to come.

Another fantastic effort from EA, building on solid foundations from last year's iteration. Enough entertainment to keep you on the fairway for months to come.

This is not Gran Turismo, but nor does it claim to be. A solid racing title for fans of the prancing horse, and those that simply like to admire from afar. Think simulation rather than arcade and you'll have a ball.

FlatOut 2 has been given a light dusting over by Bugbear and released in a pretty new frock. It's hard to decide between rage and disappointment.

People will either really love it or really hate it with the odd few sitting around the middle.

It's not bad as a bundled freebie, but it struggles to justify its 800 Points (approx. $13) price separately. There is very little game here to keep you occupied.

Additions to this year's Madden title have truly made it shine. The franchise just keeps getting better and better!

An amazing title which further solidifies Xbox Live Arcade's position as a fantastic platform for gamers and developers alike. Highly recommended.

It's the official game of the event, but unlike the real thing there's nothing particularly ground-breaking about Beijing 2008. What you see is what you get, and with nearly 40 events it's a lot to cover. Unfortunately they're mostly similar to play and the awful controls ruin what could have been a solid title.

Yet another quirky PSN title that just screams replayability. It's challenging, but ultimately may prove too frustrating for the casual gamer which it appears to be aimed at. Nevertheless, good value for money and definitely one for the platform/side-scroller freaks out there.

An action packed shape shooter that builds on the successes of the previous versions and creates the most solid Xbox Live Arcade experience to date. This game packs a real punch and will give you huge replay value. Better than the original in every way.

A hugely improved fighting title that harks back to the excitement of the original. If you're a fan of this genre, you absolutely have to pick up Soul Calibur 4.

A hugely improved fighting title that harks back to the excitement of the original. If you're a fan of this genre, you absolutely have to pick up Soul Calibur 4.

A classic arcade game is brought to XBLA the way old titles should be. With a fresh coat of paint but still keeping the same feel and magic that made it great and popular in the first place.

Love it or shove it, Final Fantasy IV on the DS is a challenging, RPG classic which still offers plenty of bang for your gaming buck. While it is essentially the same old book with an updated (3D) cover, fans both new and old will delight in the extreme makeover.

There’re other arcade golf games to be enjoyed if that is what you desire and while this game does make par, it’s certainly no eagle.

A fantastic, frantic combination of pretty much all the highlights of previous Civilization titles rolled into one single package. Finally, a worthy way to experience Sid Meier's legendary franchise on your console!

It's the official game of the event, but unlike the real thing there's nothing particularly ground-breaking about Beijing 2008. What you see is what you get, and with nearly 40 events it's a lot to cover. Unfortunately they're mostly similar to play and the awful controls ruin what could have been a solid title.

It's the official game of the event, but unlike the real thing there's nothing particularly ground-breaking about Beijing 2008. What you see is what you get, and with nearly 40 events it's a lot to cover. Unfortunately they're mostly similar to play and the awful controls ruin what could have been a solid title.