The visuals are stunning but not for full-blown 3D acceleration or the resolution, rather the epic and believable world that has been created for you to discover. It won’t take you long to complete ICO if you are semi-intelligent but you won’t feel cheated because it is very much a case of quality over quantity.

And when some players will struggle to overcome the Normal default difficulty at times, the opportunity to replenish health would have been welcome.

An unusually brilliant release, which (for once) didn't see the light of day on the SNES. This makes it all the more essential, either for those with strong RPG preferences, or for anyone who might not have previously been 'into' them.

It’s not only the best of the Mario and Luigi series (in fact, we’d be perfectly happy if the series ended on such a high note), but it also ranks as one of our games of the year.

It improves on the original in every way and shows just how a sequel should be done and is as close to a perfect sequel you will get. You owe it to yourself to buy this

So, another year, another FIFA. It has become a cornerstone in the gaming market over the years, and with good reason. FIFA 12 is the nearest a football title has ever come to emulating the real life match day experience.

Without question, Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked and Loaded surpasses "Mario Sunshine" as the best 'platform genre-specific' offering of the current generation.

An overall improvement on the pitch but a game ruined by faults off of it.

Yet the final product has been injured by this ambition, by having too many options and locations, the quality is spread thin and the lack of restrictions can daze some players.

After ten years Wind Waker is still as magical as it was when it was first released. The Wii U is all of a sudden looking like a console worth considering.

Surprisingly absorbing once you have mastered the intricacies of the game, this is a fine release, at a bargain price.

It may not have the epic feel of its big console cousins, but the DS manages to create a Zelda experience that is truly unique.

To be able to seek out rogue Tie Fighters amongst the laser blasts from their sound position from a five speaker set up is a joy to behold in itself.

Stop what you are doing and buy it now.

In Persona 4, Atlus have achieved the summit of what an RPG should deliver, confirming the series as one of the finest exponents of the genre on any system.

All in all, this makes for a very entertaining game that will provide hours of enjoying, for people of all ages.

Dark and disturbing is something that is a running theme throughout Limbo, it isn't a nice game, it isn't one that will leave a smile on your face but it is engrossing and it will have you suckered in from start to finish.

A must buy.

Super Meat Boy is unlikely to touch the sales records of the powerhouse physical releases. However it may well find itself as a surprise entry to may game of the year lists. What it does, it does to absolute perfection. Super Meat Boy is a game made by sadists, for masochists.

There is no doubt that Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is a must-buy for any PSP owner, and is a very welcome port.

Dead Space 2 is exactly what you want from a sequel, it ups the action and everything is bigger and bolder. The scares are still there and the story progresses excellently.

Seven years after its first appearance and Okami feels just as fresh now as it did back in 2006.

It’s disappointing that online co-op hasn’t been included (only local), it is however quite likely it wouldn’t work due to the twitch gameplay required. It still doesn’t stop Geometry Wars 2 being an absolute steal at 800 points.

Ultimately, it is still Metroid Prime, with most of the strengths intact - a brilliant 3D world with impeccable design, attention to detail and amazing production values. For all the little faults you could level at it, it's one of the best games available for the Wii.

As good as this game is, it's tough to recommend it to everyone. It makes little attempt to broaden its appeal outside of simulation fans; but as far as they are concerned, we couldn't recommend it more.

Rayman Legends is the type of sequel you hope for. More of the same, but improving on the standards set by the original, with tons of new content. It is one of the best 2D platformers you will play this or any other generation.

Unfortunately while the game is graphically superior to FFVII, in terms of setting, story and controls it lags way behind.

Borderlands 2 is a must have, whether you have played the original or not, it adds plenty of new content and offers up enough change to be worth the purchase. Having the weight of expectancy on its shoulders hasn't done any harm and it certainly lives up to the hype.

The single player is a phenomenal first-person shooter, standing firmly shoulder to soldier (sorry) with the best of the genre. However, its sorely under-developed multiplayer aspect has definitely let the side down, like a soldier who's lost his big toe in the war.

While it doesn't qualitatively raise the bar, Gamestyle believes that Burnout is still the premier street-racing franchise - and adrenaline junkies will definitely find it worth their hard-earned cash.

It's the kind of game that makes Gamestyle thumb its nose at the third dimension... collectively question the latter-day wisdom for 'bigger and better' experiences. Metroid: Zero Mission may be relatively small, but it's perfectly formed.

A wonderful entrant in the series that has gotten better with age.

The implementation of the control system is masterful, with the emphasis being on ease of use and fluid issuing of commands.

For Xbox Live users Rez HD is the chance to relive a classic, experience something as fresh today, as it was six years ago.

An RPG in which you can easily lose hours, should it grab you.

What's important, though, is that Fable is an amazingly well-crafted and polished world that has traded the typical sandbox route of western RPGs for attention to detail and true character development.

It offers everything good about next-gen sports games: smooth, fluid game play; atmospheric sights and sounds; arcade to reality; options galore; a potentially unlimited lifespan.

As a co-operative multiplayer experience, Left 4 Dead is unparalleled on the Xbox 360.

If you love hoops, then this is a great simulation that will last until the next iteration, but Gamestyle feels that the real fun is to be had out on the blacktop and not in the comfort of your La-Z-Boy.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit both disappoints and delights. The excitement and thrill of high-speed chases is marred by the bland and stale routes on which they take place.

There is enough on offer in single-player to keep you busy for weeks, and the lifespan is stretched even further thanks to the Time Trial mode.

Aside from an overfamiliarity that threatens to sterilise the series, our only real criticism is the lack of difficulty for much of the game. It is certainly long enough, with so much to see and do, but it doesn't require near as much skill as we'd have liked - only perseverance.

For those with any kind of an inclination to the days where games put more effort into enjoyment than just looking good, this is an absolute must play.

A combination of good graphics, excellent game play, a compelling story and a worthwhile soundtrack make this an essential purchase for fans of the genre.

It manages to deliver new ideas and concepts, but ultimately fails to make the classic impact; hopefully the sequel can build upon the good work here.

Even after all these years it’s still an (upper)cut above the rest.

Burnout Revenge on the 360 retains all the fuel-injected fun from the original games, making a successful leap to the next-gen platforms. However, in all honesty it is hard to recommend the game to anyone who has played the game on Xbox or PS2, as aside from the admittedly minor tweaks and additions, it is the same game with shinier graphics.

Value for money is there as the game it jam packed with game modes that will keep players busy for the next year when FIFA 12 hits the stores.

The concept as a whole may be heading ever closer to the clichéd but once you actually start playing, it is nigh on impossible to not feel the Castlevania magic taking you over.

Better than the original in every way, yet remains a perfect starting point for those new to the series - it's friendly, well presented and offers great value for both single player and multiplayer.

A fantastic horror experience from beginning to end, leaving you no time to catch your breath.

A simple story, that is enjoyable and well told, is mixed perfectly with great gameplay. The difficulty levels are spot on, and despite some saying the game is too short, it must be remembered that the story can be played through multiple times, using different methods with each go. Add to this all of the little touches to be found, that are simply too numerous to list, and this is a game where the effort really shows. Dishonored is a must play, and is up there as one of the best games this year.

Unquestionably if you did not get around to buying Persona 3 earlier this year then this is another opportunity and one not to be wasted.

Perhaps the lack of anything new limits the impact of this sequel. The storyline isn't riveting, far from it in fact, but for players who reached the end in the original; you'll want to see what else is going on in the Dead Space universe.

Limbo always has been a special game and that certainly hasn’t changed in the years since its release. The main issue facing the Vita version is that many gamers may well have experienced it already. The lack of any new additions to draw people in may also be a problem.

Ironically this effort to strengthen the plot has the exact opposite effect, diluting its focus.

A stunning, must have RPG.

Portable gaming at its best.

If you're looking for a game to show off the power of your new purchase, but also get value for money then you can't go far wrong with Infinity Blade 2. Even at its launch price of £4.99 it represents great value for money, especially with developers Chair due to release updates in a similar way to IB1, adding new locations, weapons and enemies to fight all set to be free DLC at the time of writing.

Easily the most original PSP release to date, it's a great way to start your love affair with Sony's handheld system.

While it feels like it falls short of its potential, it provides a solid enough foundation that can be developed on and improved in future titles, and is still one of the most wildly innovative and daring experiences to be released this year.

Tools of Destruction has finally given the PS3 something to be proud of, and is pure nerdvana from start to finish.

There is nothing to be learned or mastered, other than your own quick reflexes, and while it is unfortunate that so many of the games are too similar and don't offer enough gameplay variety, the actual experience of working through them is both challenging and original, with comedy value and lush visuals to boot.

It's just about perfect. The multiple play modes will keep you going long after "Tekken" has slid back to the trade in shop. The graphics are out of this world, and I still cannot work out how a game that came out in 1995 can have an introduction that looks so jaw droopingly fantastic. It plays amazing, it looks amazing, it’s quite simply amazing.

A remarkable achievement. Not because of an innovative control system, not thanks to superior visuals, but for one simple, overriding factor; it's fun. So much fun.

Burnout Paradise is an excellent game, but there are one or two blemishes that do tarnish it somewhat. Still, there's something for every Burnout fan here and it will no doubt spark continued debate over whether it's the best in the series.

Reaching the end of Wipeout Pure is certainly a challenge, but once the higher ground has been breached (without PSP owning friends) there is little reason to return to the game.

If anyone deserved the standalone game treatment, it's them. And if this is the sort of standard we can expect from any future band-exclusive Rock Band titles, then we say bring it on.

Fallout 4 is my game of the year for 2015 and I know for a fact I won’t be finished this side of the New Year. I don’t want it to be, I love being in the world, I love discovering new things and all in all I just love this game.

It’s really quite amazing the amount of content you get for 1200 points.

Modern Warfare 3 is the best package of it's kind on consoles and instead of going stale it continues to impress.

A sure fire system seller that everyone who owns the console should buy, and if you don’t, now’s the perfect time to buy one.

A chance to live out some of your childhood dreams and make games for Nintendo!

While it’s not the best fighter ever, Tekken 5 is truly something special. It has the style, sound and longevity you want from a fighting game.

The near-perfect control and competitive game dynamic makes this one of the most compulsive games I've played.

All in all the improvements make this game a very enjoyable all round experience. Whether you want to pick up and play, or get into the nitty gritty, this game has something for every gaming sports fan out there.

The story is fantastic, the gameplay is spot on, visuals and sound are perfect, multiplayer is fine. It is however a lot more of the same, it doesn't really improve overall on the original.

Arguably it represents the greatest sporting release of this current generation with only a few minor tweaks required next year.

It's like Tetris' half-Italian younger brother, Tetrigo: he isn't as old or as wise, and you can't understand him all the time, but he wears a suit and drives a Ferrari... so hop in and enjoy the ride!

Uncharted: Drakes Fortune is a rare treat for a console that is currently starved of triple A exclusive titles.

Rainbow Six: Vegas is almost perfect and easily the best iteration in the series. The compelling co-op play, the online multiplayer and everything associated with the single player campaign is completely worth the asking price.

This is definitely up there as one of the best versions of Street Fighter 2 available and will most certainly keep you occupied until the true sequel is unleashed next year.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is the best of the series since the Assassin’s Creed II without any shadow of a doubt. The experience is broken a little by some current gen restrictions, but not enough to ruin the overall experience.

One of those games that just blows your mind at how good it actually is.

Longish load times aside, Project Gotham Racing 3 strikes an excellent balance between arcade and sim gameplay without alienating fans of either, and everyone - from Sunday drivers to Autobahn veterans - will find something to love here.

The World Ends With You is one of the best games of the year without a doubt. A fantastic plot with an amazing cast of character bring this virtual Shibuya to life in a game you’ll definitely want to see through to the end.

It’s not in the same league as "Jak and Daxter," but is it still head and shoulders above everything else currently available on the Playstation 2.

For some experienced Madden and NCAA players there is little challenge (or reason to sustain a long career with a small college team) due to an AI that at times is lacking. However, the commentary (when it does occur) is well handled.

It seems pretty clear to us that Machinarium is destined to end up being viewed as a timeless classic and added to all those lists and recaps of classic point and click games. It’s just so staggeringly lovely that we can only recommend you get it as soon as possible.

And play it you will because when it comes to score attacks, then Pinball tables were the best years ago and Zen Studios are making sure that even in this current digital age of gaming Pinball is leading the way once again.

EA Sports' NHL 11 is not only the best hockey game ever made, it is quite simply the best and most accurate sports game ever made.

One of Gamestyle's favourite original platform games on the GBA. In some ways the deviation from the vanilla "run and jump" template makes it more enjoyable than the Mario Advance series, and we heartily recommend the title to anyone who enjoys a good platform game but wants something a little different from the established norm.

Ultimately, the game is unique, imaginative, accessible and thoroughly refreshing... and perhaps the last commercial gasp for the ailing GBA; however it's no better or worse than its predecessors - it's just WarioWare... with a twist!

The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings Enhanced Edition is an unforgiving and challenging RPG, made by adults for adults. It is not without flaws but what it offers in abundance is refreshment amongst a market of identikit RPG's afraid to take risks.

It’ll challenge you to the point of frustration but is saved by that just-one-more-go factor, and like a lot of music albums it is sometimes left wanting in the middle but starts and ends well. It’s above average, but falls short of greatness.

If there's light beyond the fringes of Doom 3 multiplayer, it's the eternal flame of id's past: the perfect emulations of "Ultimate Doom" and "Doom II."

It is unfortunate that the solo experience feels uncompelling; despite every effort to do otherwise, it's not likely to maintain interest except to hone your skills for the next time you face a worthy opponent, or earning a few more gold points to buy yourself a silly hair-do.

Only the forced structure of progression and often frustrating punishments give rise to concern in an otherwise excellent game.