What really stands out about Magic 2013 though, is that whilst it is great entry into the genre for new players, with pop up help and a fine tutorial, it doesn't trade that off by dumbing down the experience for veterans. Literally the only thing missing is the feel of having a physical deck in your hands. We dare you not to become hooked.

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 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.

Whilst the one man team isn’t exactly new, it still impresses when the game in question has the level of polish that Axiom Verge does, it may look extremely retro, but it feels fresh because of the way it plays.

A House Divided manages to build on what the first episode started. It was a strong start, but episode 2 is where the season truly begins. With mystery and intrigue, it feels like no character is exactly who they seem. The coming episodes are going to be very interesting.

An epic piece of gaming.

Technically, the Xbox conversion of Shenmue 2 is a pot-pourri of highs and lows. Visually, it's two notches above its DC brother (AM2 have attached light sources to EVERYTHING - moreso at night, where neon bathes you in its "afterglow") but two notches below what the system is capable of.

A solid test of the player's reflexes mixed with eye-melting visuals make this a title worth more than its weight in Marketplace points.

Modern Warfare 2 offers you more of the same, but with enough new content and options to demonstrate just what a firm foundation Infinity Ward has built.

All the polish, options and new modes are all well and good, but without a precise handling model and intelligent AI, then F1 2012 wouldn't be worth the upgrade, so the fact Codemasters have managed to spend the year getting that aspect right, plus improve all the bells and whistles is just so refreshing to see.

Lollipop Chainsaw reminds us of a time when games weren't trying to be gritty and realistic, when they didn't take themselves seriously, before games were all about making money and sticking to the fundamentals. There isn't any new ground being broken here, but what we do have is a game that will give you more fun than anything else out 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.

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

The handling is excellent whether you are driving or on foot, the dual shock controller and control system sit nicely in your hands and the whole thing feels natural.

A fine entry into the Roguelike genre, just don’t be fooled by its cutesy visuals, this game is brutal.

The game looks and sounds great as well as furthering a genre that seemed destined to be stuck in limbo.

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

It features playability by the bucket full, a superb main character and some of the most amazing graphical effects seen on any next generation system so far. It pulls you towards it like a moth to a flame and just like a doomed insect you can do nothing but succumb to it.

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.

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

Helldivers isn’t game that has come out of nowhere, but it is one that has fully exceeded expectations.

Composer Yoko Shimomura (his first Square title since Legend of Mana) creates a very impressive score that alternates between filling you with excitement as you start your next battle to pulling at the heartstrings when some of the game’s more poignant scenes are onscreen.

Link Between Worlds ran the risk of being nothing more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting one of the most beloved games in the series, thankfully Nintendo have manage to couple the LTTP memories with some of the best, more unique design seen in the Zelda series in quite a while.

LittleBigPlanet is a must have purchase for a system that needs more AAA titles in its library. As a PlayStation 3 exclusive, it's almost worth buying a system to experience.

Insomniac certainly knows how to deliver a release that caters for all players of differing abilities.

A wonderful strategic game that will test your logic and deduction skills to their fullest.

The best city building game since the heydays of the 90’s when SimCity ruled supreme.

It is one of the finest 3D games ever produced; nay crafted. At last, this is the 'third place'... this truly is the third dimension. History has just been rewritten.