It may be the last game anyone will ever play on the original Xbox, and it does the Madden name justice with its smooth play, wide range of features old and new, ridiculously in-depth franchise options, and online games.

A sound and enjoyable rally title with great vehicle physics, but in the same locations. [GamesMaster]

Simply put, it's a stellar title that'll keep baseball fans happy all season long.

A well-made game that's better than most RPGs that we've seen released these past few years, and all of the new additions in this version only help make it even more awesome.

It's still the most cinematic, engrossing Zelda we've ever played, and as such, deserves nothing but the absolute highest recommendation. Flaws are present, sure, but we'll burn our entire library of games before we say Twilight Princess is anything but incredible.

Ultramix 4 is one of the best in the series thus far. The balanced music library - complete with song-packs you can download from LIVE for $5 a pop - the great party games, decent quest mode and downright beautiful character graphics, there's not much a fan could ask for.

Crystal Dynamics has accomplished the impossible. Lara is back in our good graces and we can't wait to see how her next adventure unfolds. We never thought we'd say that again, but times change.

Learning and mastering new jobs while mixing and matching new abilities is such a deep and entertaining experience that the narrative becomes secondary. You can easily spend dozens and dozens of hours leveling up jobs and experimenting with them.

Galvanized by the well-implemented trust management system, Splinter Cell: Double Agent proves to be another great game in this venerable series. By delving further into the character of Sam Fisher, Ubisoft manages to keep the series vital, much to our delight.

It's a well-made game that you can try again and again with numerous heroes and their plethora of powers. If you're a comic-book fan, this is probably the most satisfying videogame ever made for you.

It may or may not be the blood-soaked ending to the franchise, but it's easily one of the most enjoyable games in the series and one of the most unapologetically fun games of the season.

Hardcore golfers will be disappointed that Tiger Woods PGA Tour isn't making revolutionary improvements, and everyone else will wonder why EA can't seem to make fields of green look prettier, but it's still the best golf game you can buy on any platform.

So while it doesn't break new ground, Scarface: The World Is Yours is one of the best sandbox crime games for the current generation consoles. It's a slick, well-executed and gritty title that'll keep you busy for over 20 hours.

Yes, it's a little tougher to learn the nuances than in years past, but the final verdict is in - and it's a golden goal.

You're getting the same far-reaching anime fighter that impressed us six months ago, now loaded with sprinkles of new content and a pretty hot multiplayer mode. If only the presentation was up to par with the fighting (enough with the talking heads), we'd be looking at a complete package.

It may be true that those of you who already own last year's version may feel like you're not getting much more than a roster update and the ability to keep kicking it in the sublime 2K online world, but there's no doubt that the proof is in the pudding, and NBA 2K7 delivers a darn good time.

While it may look awfully similar to the first, don't be fooled: Origins tests negative for sequelitis.

With solidly rebuilt controls only a little marred by a still-fussy camera, LEGO Star Wars II is even better than last years prequel trilogy-based offering. And, as the first LEGO Star Wars was an amazingly entertaining homage to Lucas's genius, this sequel stands atop the original's shoulders as the pinnacle of LEGO Star Wars fun.

With solidly rebuilt controls only a little marred by a still-fussy camera, LEGO Star Wars II is even better than last years prequel trilogy-based offering. And, as the first LEGO Star Wars was an amazingly entertaining homage to Lucas's genius, this sequel stands atop the original's shoulders as the pinnacle of LEGO Star Wars fun.

With all due respect to all the stat crunchers out there, this is once again the true "fantasy" football.

One of the true joys of Madden is settling in for a run of minigames. But there's one factor that's a touch obnoxious: you can't choose what players you compete with.

Don't be turned off by the difficult controls right away. Once you get used to the steering and can take the corners, FlatOut 2 is an awesome racer with enough destruction and mayhem to last you awhile.

We could still do with more Campus Legend mode and fewer ho-hum drills, but this is nonetheless an excellent sports game, with all the thrills and dynamics of real college football.

If you're a gearhead, you'll enjoy this. The rest of you? Well, it's a good racing game marred only by a lack of options and features. Still, makes a change from cars. [PSM2]

It manages to provide an incredibly compelling experience by consistently setting an intense mood, forgiving player errors and providing numerous options for accomplishing your fiendish goals.

Despite average presentation and dire commentary, the ever-compelling Master League progression mode, training, unlockables and online play combine with moreish, realistic action to complete the winning line-up. PES just keeps getting better. [PC Gamer UK]

Online play only sweetens the deal, making this one of the best, easily-accessible racers on any system.

Every second of this game screams skillful design and the result is a liberating game world that feels open and responsive. Nearly every object in the game reacts to Lara's influence, and this applies to the gamer holding the control pad as well - it's impossible to play this game and not fall under its tempting spell.

It's also undoubtedly Harvest Moon's high point, expanding the freedom of play while retaining the bright, simple aesthetics and pantomimed emotion that have defined the series.

The action is bloody and satisfying, the story plays out like exceptionally well-written fan-fiction and the spirit of the movie and its characters are intact.

It all adds up to a breakneck racing experience that offers a lot of fun (especially when you consider the online modes) for a little cash.

It's hard not to like Pursuit Force. Even when you've started the Don the Run mission for the twentieth time you'll still be enjoying it. We fully expect an even better sequel next year. [PSM2]

The frenetic, out-of-control battles take no time to warm up to, but fighting enthusiasts will probably shudder at the game's simplicity.

Unparalleled explosive thrills - but it only burns in your mind during the time you're squeezing the trigger, and lacks context or emotional depth. [PSM2]

It's worth playing for its grueling gunfights and beautiful, combustible environments; just don't expect anything earth-shattering.

This complexity demands your total concentration, resulting in an all-consuming gaming experience. You're gonna lose hours to this game.

The last great racer on Xbox. Unless the mere sight of a car makes you physically sick, we'd call this a must-buy title. [Xbox World 360]

A new concept in gaming that works brilliantly. We're already pining for a sequel. [GamesMaster]

Equal parts kooky characters, clever game design and addictive battery recharging, Chibi-robo satisfies that part of all gamers that simply wants a decent challenge, no matter what kind of cute wrapping it wears.

Apart from the slow loading times, this is one of the best games on PSP. [PSM2]

With a beautifully simple interface and very loveable creatures, Electroplankton won't fail to put a smile on your face - and isn't that what really counts? [GamesMaster]

The new minigames are a bit rubbish, but there's basically no reason for PSP-owning WWE fans not to get this. Finally, PSP gets itself a decent fighting game. About time too. [PSM2]

Don't let the fact that it's an update put you off. Easy to pick up and impossible to put down, this is a classic RPG. [NGC]

It's like a digital version of Royston Vasey: the same things happening week by week, a set of unnerving neighbours - but you really will never leave. [GamesMaster]

With the series' clever design and sense of humor fully restored, The Two Thrones is a stellar return to form for Prince of Persia.

Whichever version you choose, though, the action is top-notch awesome. With the series' clever design and sense of humor fully restored, The Two Thrones is a stellar return to form forPrince of Persia .

As good a Mario adventure as you could hope for, and a cracking RPG in its own right. [GamesMaster]

These supermen are capable of feats ordinary Battlefield grunts could only dream of, wielding 12 new firearms and racing across eight huge new maps in 10 new vehicles. Them's a lot of numbers, but then this is definitely no ordinary game. [GamesMaster]

It's simply good fun from beginning to end - like an unexpectedly violent Disneyland ride.

VJ is certainly impressive to look at, although the swing to a more puzzle-orientated play won't please everyone. [NGC]

We expected more from Ridge's first super-powered 360 outing. Disappointing. [GamesMaster]

It's impossible to dislike Amped 3 - it has real character, is hugely ambitious in size and scope, there's plenty to keep you occupied and, even if it isn't all that immediate, it is accessible.

It's not the most imaginative game on PSP, but it is entertaining. The fun of wiping out a group of slavering zombies with a well timed combo shot is enough to justify buying this. [PSM2]

Sonic may be in a rush, but Sega clearly wasn't when they crafted this glorious game. [NGC Pocket]

The graphics, albeit at a lower resolution (and with the occasional low frame rate) than the PC version, still make City 17 feel like a real place - not just a collection of videogame levels. [GamesMaster]

It's a shame that the multiplayer options don't include a cop pursuit mode, but that's a minor omission in a one-game-fits-all package. If you haven't found any of the recent NFS games to be juuuust right, Most Wanted is the one to own.

Never before has Mario Kart offered so much content, that's so easily accessible and can be enjoyed by so many people. [GamesMaster]

It's excellent, and if you're a wrestling die-hard, you'll want to get it. But if you're not, we can't honestly say that this is different enough to last year's outing - which itself was hardly radically different to the previous year's - to be a must-have. [PSM2]

A very decent strategy-RPG that scores extra points for being the only full-on PSP role-player available so far. Add five marks if you're a massive LotR fan. [PSM2]

A few minute irritations can't prevent us from declaring this to be nigh-on perfection. Good price too. [Xbox World 360]

If there's a nit to pick with Gun, it's that it's short. Depending on how much you poke around, you can beat it in anywhere from six to ten hours. To us, that's no problem; we'll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster one any day.

If there's a nit to pick with Gun, it's that it's short. Depending on how much you poke around, you can beat it in anywhere from six to ten hours. To us, that's no problem; we'll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster one any day.

As technically astounding as it is inept, Path of Neo is one of the most stylish and empowering games on PS2. Not a game to respect, but one to guiltily enjoy. [PSM2]

Not quite as nails as before, yet even more exciting, Big Red One is the gaming equivalent of your synapses combusting. And that can only ever be a good thing. [PSM2]

A fun romp that stays interesting no matter how you play it. It has its share of flaws, but for fans, this is the first Star Wars game to have it all.

As close as a game has ever come to being flawless. A sublime exercise in action gaming that'll blow your mind. This is why you play videogames. [PSM2]

What Spartan lacks in depth is made good by some top-drawer visuals and satisfying combat. A corking console debut for Creative Assembly. [PSM2]

Namco runs its formula dry with an expansive campaign, but the action keeps the soul burning. [GamesMaster]

Nothing radically new but 30 missions of the most furious, vibrant, relentless, utterly insane war your can imagine. [PC Gamer UK]

It's the best strategy game released this year, and if you don't like it, there's something wrong with you.

Simple. As easy as breathing but hugely entertaining. A 'kids' game that can be played by anyone. [NGC]

Despite some flaws and an overall feeling of deja vu that might alarm series veterans, Liberty City Stories is still an utterly irresistible and hugely enjoyable addition to the GTA family and an instant PSP treasure.

Xbox Live carnage on a profound scale - this is easily the best multiplayer game on the system since Bungie's opus. [Xbox World 360]

Gorgeous to look at and wonderfully well made, but it's not a revolution. [PC Gamer UK]

Not as perfect as Ico, but one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking and imaginative experiences on PS2 which deserves to be played by everyone who loves games. [PSM2]

Essential if you're the analytical, disciplined type, but the lack of action will put off anyone seeking immediacy and action from the go. [PSM2]

With more drama than Tekken and more guts than Dead or Alive, Tenkaichi literally has more balls than any beat-'em-up released in the last 12 months. [GamesMaster]

The story is tightly linear, so it's hard to make your character's tale your own.

I swear, for the first five hours FEAR was on its way to a "Half-Life" sized score. The favourable comparisons were many and various: the thoughtful and dangerously accurate guards, the beautifully designed levels... but FEAR never upped the ante. It stayed almost exactly the same from start to finish. [PC Gamer UK]

If you're expecting a new GTA from the people who made it, you'll be sorely disappointed but The Warriors nonetheless provides an entertaining and very playable tale bearing the usual high production values and intense violence we've always lovingly associated with Rockstar. [Xbox World 360]

As good a turn-based strategy game as you could hope to expect, with a cracking story. [GamesMaster]

As a short game, there's little to moan about. It's basically all silly arm positions, freakish leg moves and improbable jumps. In a good way. And as Valve is publishing it, it can even be delivered to your PC painlessly. [PC Gamer UK]

LA Rush offers much in the way of slick arcading but, due to the lack of control over modding options, it falls short of being something really special. [PSM2]

Online play would score high 80s but offline SOCOM 3 is an average squad shooter that treads the same tired path as many before it. [PSM2]

Ace, and yet strangely subdued. We still reckon the series peaked with "Tricky." [GamesMaster]

Quake 4 has set-pieces to knock your jaw off, provides flawless, timeless multiplayer and the Doom 3 engine does the business with the graphics, but the lack variety means the earth won't quite move for you. [GamesMaster]

Simplistic and silly stuff but the OTT action and daft characters make this a slice of sheer shooting bliss. [Xbox World]

This is a must-have title on PSP. World Tour shows how to combine sporting simulation with easy arcade style and accessibility. The Roger Federer of tennis games. [PSM2]

It's in the interaction with other players that Toontown excels. Basic game-related queries and greetings are automated, and typed chat is heavily restricted to real-life friends. However, this doesn't impede the gameplay in any way.

But if you fancy a deep, serious game that represents a huge challenge - and aren't adverse to constantly studying a map and positioning your men before seeing any action - then this war hero is in a league of its own. [Xbox World]

There's a hell of a lot to do and it often feels daunting - like a big cross between Sim City and Total War. But it's well worth having a go if you think you're man - sorry, god - enough. [GamesMaster]

An ambitious and varied return to form and Pivotal's best offering to date. A seriously kick-ass war game. [Xbox World]

Catching new 'recruits' is as addictive as ever, and the range of missions is impressive - whether retrieving stolen Pokemon or saving friends from the extra dimension, XD always feels fresh and exciting. This is the Game Boy classic fully reborn as a top Gamecube RPG. [GamesMaster]

The prayer-answering adventure game, this is a jaunt the term 'cracking' was invented for. [Xbox World]

Technically speaking, Lost in Blue is a very annoying, and often clumsy, but the emotions it often invokes - the feelings of hardship, reward and companionship - are, at times, second to none, making it very much worth the laborious effort. [NGC Pocket]

The graphics offer an enticing mix of cutesy Anime portraits and lovely 3D environments, while the gameplay is an original twist on a classic genre with gentle pacing masking fiendish puzzles. Who said point & click was dead? Another subtle smash on the divine DS. [GamesMaster]

It's stupid, it's cliched and you can leave your brain at the door but, when you're having this much fun playing Total Overdose, can you really complain? [PSM2]

Barbarian Invasion is tweak-packed and jammed with choices, meaning that even expert Generals will be kept busy for ages. A must for fans of Rome Total War. [PC Gamer UK]