With such a vibrant atmosphere and fundamentally fun gameplay, Puppeteer is a cut above most contemporary 2D sidescrollers.

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.

Skate Story is a beautiful and unique skateboarding game with great, stylized visuals and interesting characters. The movement might make you queasy and the skateboarding element could have been developed further, but it does a lot with its premise and refuses to pander to convention, which is refreshing. A wonderful creation, but not always a great game.

This is adventure done right.

Oh, you'll hear plenty of Diablo comparisons, and we loved the big D six years ago, but hopefully you've moved on since, because this "role-playing-made-love-to-a-strategy-game" hybrid certainly has.

It simply looks and plays better than any baseball game ever has. That doesn’t hide the fact that the game also fails to innovate off the field in any material way. While that’s not a fatal flaw, there will come a time in the near future when its fans will demand new and interesting ways to enjoy its beauty.

This year, there's no finer hoops experience to be had on any console.

While not quite as innovative as the original, Company of Heroes 2 does little wrong besides weigh itself down with the mildly superfluous and fail to push the envelope of video game narrative--though at times it really seems desperate to try.

An intoxicating, memorable journey, with smart puzzles and a resonant story.

The first let so many down, while part two succeeds in just about everything it set out to do. Maybe it's the bundled MotionPlus, maybe it's just better programming, but we left Red Steel 2 thinking it could be the most improved sequel of all time. If you've given up on Wii shooters, here's a reason to rethink your stance.

It's gorgeous, and a clear labour of love, but the controls might drive you, err, N.Sane.

But for 10-12 hours, Ninjatown is a very charming and habit-forming, if modest, RTS that puts a throwing star right in our hearts.

These speed bumps aside, MotoGP '06 delivers exceptional bi-pedal racing action for anyone who likes to roll at high speed and who understands the difference between driving a car and riding a bike. A really fast bike.

Thirsty Suitors dazzles with flair and wit, but underneath all the thirst humour is a heartfelt story of family, identity, and returning home.

Although Fable III's streamlined approach to the traditional Fable concept might feel a little odd to franchise veterans at first, this iteration is every bit as engaging and rewarding as its predecessors. Moreso, in fact, given that Lionhead's subtle but deeply effective changes to character and world interaction add such a tangible sense of attachment. Big, clever and funny, you'll rarely have enjoyed going through such punishing emotional torment.

With its twisted tale of murder and high school gone wrong, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc weaves a devilishly addictive tale you'll want to see through to the end.

Is it as good as the console versions? No, and the audio problems make this a hard game to recommend if you're interested in the story. Plus, even if the controls are great for a Wii game, they're still not as good as a regular controller.

The Rogue Prince of Persia can be a bit too conventional for its own good, lacking any real unique qualities in a crowded market, but it's certainly good-looking and there's a fluidity to the platforming that will carry most players through to the end. I confess I hoped for more from the Dead Cells developer, but I won't say I'm disappointed.

When Gravity Rush 2 sticks to its strengths, it soars; it’s a shame that its stale mission design and clumsy controls keep it from getting too high off the ground.

If you're a Castlevania completist, or just a fan of old school gaming, then pick up this bloodsucker.

Gameplay tweaks and attention to detail make Pokemon Sword and Shield the most compelling Pokemon world to date.

While rough around the edges, the franchise still wears the crown of best team-based experience in gaming today - for now.

The Artful Escape is a short but oh-so-sweet platformer that will have you bopping to its impossibly catch beats and transfixed by its beauty.

While the gameplay hasn't received many updates, the entire package is definitely enough to keep your collection growing.

Simply put: you’d have to have a frigid, icy heart to not love this game on some level.

Need for Speed: Rivals is a wholly enjoyable open-world racer. The driving is solid, its streets are a joy to explore, and its racing assignments--though a bit repetitive at times--are incentive enough to keep you coming back for more.

Dawn of War II - Retribution is not a genre-beater; it has its issues. But none of its niggles stop it from being a great RTS romp. It still offers that unique Dawn of War II experience, deep strategy, interesting (although repetitive) missions and is one hefty standalone package for the $30 asking price.

Scott Pilgrim EX has all of the makings of another great brawler on Tribute Games' resume, gorgeous art, charming dialogue, and great soundtrack make it worth a run through. But, despite the fantastic varied roster of fighting-game inspired characters, there really isn't too much to do with them in the game's weak quest design and open world.