The depth of game, the level of characters and the interaction between the populated world of Liberty City is just breathtaking.

Resident Evil has reclaimed the throne from not only the survival horror genre but it's possibly even become 'the' quintessential Gamecube game in the process. Totally flawless on the Cube, this is one game you simply can't miss out on.

Super Mario: Galaxy is certainly the Wii’s strongest title yet and few would disagree that it’s also one of the best games Nintendo have ever produced. If you are lucky enough to own a Wii then this is one title you shouldn’t miss out on. It really is that special.

Firaxis have, without a shadow of a doubt, created a monster hit. Civilization IV will stand head and shoulders above all other turn based strategy games.

There just isn't anything that can touch Half-Life 2. It's the bees' knees, the cats' whiskers; hell it's the dogs bo- lets just say it's pretty damned good.

More cars, bikes, planes, helicopters and boats (and even a hovercraft) then any previous GTA title plus the sheer size and longevity of San Andreas mean this just has be a part of any self respecting gamers collection.

Without doubt, BioShock is truly a next-gen masterpiece, more than worthy of your attention. It simply blows everything comparable out of the water and for now we challenge you to find otherwise.

Every single aspect of the whole package that is Halo 2 seems to have been considered, reconsidered, improved and then looked at from a new perspective to see if it can be made better...It really is a case of running out of superlatives when it comes to describing Halo 2.

Without doubt, BioShock is truly a next-gen masterpiece, more than worthy of your attention. It simply blows everything comparable out of the water and for now we challenge you to find otherwise.

The amount of attributes that you can actually improve is staggering. CJ must learn how to drive, shoot, swim, workout, be healthy, sprint and participate in relationships.

FM2005 is a superb game in a stand alone capacity and will provide months of interest (years if you use the editor.) However a network game adds in the opportunity for winding your mates up in the process and stirring up the soup throwing tendencies in the best of us. Once perhaps viewed as a loner’s game, Football Manager 2005 is now the social event of the year.

For once a title has exceeded our expectations and some. It all goes without saying that if you want the best Call of Duty experience to date look no further than the forth in the illustrious series, it’s quite simply a corker.

For once a title has exceeded our expectations and some. It all goes without saying that if you want the best Call of Duty experience to date look no further than the forth in the illustrious series, it’s quite simply a corker.

For once a title has exceeded our expectations and some. It all goes without saying that if you want the best Call of Duty experience to date look no further than the forth in the illustrious series, it’s quite simply a corker.

It will enrich your world, a studio offering a small postcard of an old master amongst a sea of others providing painting by numbers.

Without doubt the best game of this genre, ever.

With top notch presentation and replayability that goes through the roof it’s a sure fire bet to assume the Burnout series is safe for some time to come.

An outstanding work of modern art. Just about every other Xbox release this year pales into insignificance once you embark on your very own "fable".

With top notch presentation and replayability that goes through the roof it's a sure fire bet to assume the Burnout series is safe for some time to come.

The learning curve in this title may put some people off, certainly later in the missions, but there is enough to make the game enjoyable to green strategists while the veterans will find these same late missions give them something to think about.

All in all Okami is an important treat for the senses. I urge you to... indulge.

Even though the Playstation 2 may be drawing on its last breath, Namco have managed to squeeze every last ounce of gaming power out of the hardware. Tekken 5 is oozing playability and gameplay and is certainly a fitting continuation of the saga.

So, Dead or Alive 4 has it all: sexy looks, sexy women, sexy sound, sexy gameplay, sexy online play, sexy... you get the picture.

It's still the most fluid, most stylish, most playable experience in third person action and adds another worthy page turner to the Tom Clancy library.

I can't stress how great this game is. This is truly Blizzard's achievement. They have made a game that is fun for everyone and can not only appeal to the hardcore massively multiplayer online crowd, but to the casual gamer as well.

There are literally no flaws and everything is constructed and delivered with beauty and grace.

The greatest wrestling title so far, on any format. It’s not without its minor flaws, but the graphics are some of the best the PS2 has to offer, the gameplay is there in buckets, the realism is the best yet, and the game is just so damned fun.

The Co-Op mode alone makes this an essential purchase and now with the ability to take vehicles out for a spin and create new characters, Lego Star Wars II is every bit as great as we would have hoped.

The detail that has gone into this title is breathtaking... Codename Panzers has entered the stage as a virgin and almost instantly become the ‘meat and two veg’ of the WW2 RTS genre, in actual fact we challenge you to find a better RTS alternative altogether.

Occasionally though a title comes around that contains a graphic engine and audio design so revolutionary it shakes you from the ground up and refuses to let go until every last drop of the story is told. Play Doom.

The Co-Op mode alone makes this an essential purchase and now with the ability to take vehicles out for a spin and create new characters, Lego Star Wars II is every bit as great as we would have hoped.

The Co-Op mode alone makes this an essential purchase and now with the ability to take vehicles out for a spin and create new characters, Lego Star Wars II is every bit as great as we would have hoped.

The depth of the game, the amazing eye candy, the attention to detail and the gameplay are all top notch. When you get into it it’s a hard game to put down.

Elite Beat Agents is wonderfully original in its own right and features some of the best presented and lavish comic strip animations seen in some time.

Sacred sets out to be little more than you’re typical hack and slash feast but with gorgeous graphics and a storyline/sound effects to match, but why shouldn’t we all devour it anyway?

Both complex, yet brilliantly simple, deep but immediately playable, and long-term habit forming whilst retaining the ability to kill you in seconds. It makes heroin look like sherbet dip.

Fun and enjoyment wise nothing has touched Galactic Civilization II this year and we’ll be surprised if that stance changes in December. Stardock and Paradox have without doubt created a hugely enjoyable and highly customizable space simulation that deservers every ounce of your attention.

Fahrenheit features a fascinating, ever evolving storyline that really does change in real time depending on your actions.

The tracks themselves are not performed by the genuine artists but they are so good as to be near as damnit.

Gears of War cuts straight to the chase and its innovative controls are so intuitive that you’re fighting at full speed before you even realize it.

Simply put, World in Conflict is a blockbuster of almost epic proportions.

Fahrenheit features a fascinating, ever evolving storyline that really does change in real time depending on your actions.

Game of the year for the PS3? Oh yes!

So there you have it, a wonderful (and re-playable) single player adventure with a pretty decent multiplayer side attached... Rare have pulled it off all over again.

A spectacular gem of a game that’s for once suitable for just about anyone.

Fiendishly addictive to newcomers and realistic enough for advanced players, World Class Poker with T.J Cloutier is an essential purchase for anyone wanting to take their game further.

Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? is unique, compelling and in the long run, ultimately rewarding. The end result is a game that whilst graphically inept, deserves to be scooping up awards at the end of the year regardless.

The Co-op play, the online multiplayer and everything associated with the single player campaign is more than worth the asking price.

Fahrenheit features a fascinating, ever evolving storyline that really does change in real time depending on your actions.

Not only do you have a game that you can play with friends, but one that can be played solo with goals that make the game last a long time.

The RTS game of the year...If it the single player was a bit longer and the cutscenes had been improved then this would be the perfect RTS but as it is its still damn impressive.

The number of realms, the number of races and classes of fighters available will mean the game will take a long, long time to complete, and even then the fun isn't over.

Graphically this is a first class show. The surroundings have a real feeling of depth and detail, and your interaction with it is fluid and realistic.

You should love the stunning views and the ability to climb nearly all the buildings in the three cities as well as of the countryside sections.

Visually, Sly 3 is an abundance of originality and colour, making excellent use of the PS2’s now aged hardware.

If you have enough people around you'll find the [multiplayer] experience just as engrossing as the single player game.

What Lionhead have done is truly given us the real control we have craved for all this time... The Movies is simply dripping with style and substance, and will reward you long until the inevitable expansion packs hit the street.

You should love the stunning views and the ability to climb nearly all the buildings in the three cities as well as of the countryside sections.

The only thing better than meat and potatoes is meat and meat (thank you Atkins), and that is exactly what this game does to gaming in 2004.

The controls have been perfectly fitted around the Xbox Controller with everything feeling in the right place.

TOCA 3 is like a brand new game, and the added features make the game even better than TOCA 2. One thing that doesn't look like it is going to go anywhere though, is those cardboard spectators.

"Port Royale" was the closest that anyone has come to the original Pirates, until now. All hail Sid Meier, the master of the computer game.

The end result is the best movie to computer game transition in a long time, if not the most enjoyable ever created. Grab the popcorn, watch the film and then play the game, and if you do, we really can't envisage a better gaming weekend for your troubles.

PS2 fans: I imagine you’re just about done with "San Andreas" these days. If there’s not already enough blood on your hands, it’s time to head to North Korea. They have air strikes there.

If you own a Nintendo DS you simply must own Kirby’s paintbrush, it doesn’t get any simpler than that.

One of those classic games that could have only have come from Nintendo, and we loved every bit of it.

Despite the fact that people may find a level of fun has been lost under the layers of improvements and options, the majority will still find that nothing comes close to quenching that thirst for power that Football Manager so eloquently provides.

With the more realistic commentary, exemplary graphics and much improved engine this one is difficult to ignore.

A colossal game from the geniuses that brought us all "Command and Conquer."

The end result is the best movie to computer game transition in a long time, if not the most enjoyable ever created. Grab the popcorn, watch the film and then play the game, and if you do, we really can’t envisage a better gaming weekend for your troubles.

A fantastic game that is let down slightly by an ill-designed camera system and lack of a map feature.

Kudos must be given to Bizarre for not being lazy on this one as can so often be the case with final installments.

It's one that you will actually end up finishing (and more importantly wanting to). The actual mechanics may be the same as any other survival horror you have encountered before but the way Project Zero again mixes a tense genuinely scary storyline with the novel 'camera' aspect actually brings back the 'horror' in a very stale and repetitive survival genre.

Turn 10 have achieved what many thought was unachievable. Forza Motorsport 2 has done what every good sequel should do; improve on an already impressive series.

If you are a serious player then another slice of deep role-playing may be appropriate, personally I didn’t feel devoid of this in my life (God knows I felt I could still squeeze more out of the original instalment!) enough to need Disagea 2, but then again I do also review a wide-ranging portfolio of games, those who purely RPG are likely to see this as a second coming.

Mistwalker and Artoon have developed something special with Blue Dragon and the end result should appeal to both Hardcore RPG fans and fresh faced adventurers.

A lot of time has obviously gone into creating just the right blend of brilliant sound effects and instrumental pieces.

There are so many nuances to the look of this game; it’d be a feeble task trying to list them. Needless to say, it’s stunning.

The soundtrack is catchy and at times, especially when the plot turns darker, extremely haunting as well.

Colourful, loveable and extremely enjoyable to play. With the incredibly detailed zoopedia, drip fed online downloads and exceptionally fun and rewarding gameplay this is certainly one game I wouldn’t mind my children playing, that’s if they can get me off the thing first. Genuine family fun and for once, brilliance that's suitable for all.

There are so many nuances to the look of this game; it'd be a feeble task trying to list them. Needless to say, it's stunning.

So Xbox fans: you finally have something to hold you over until "San Andreas" is released on the Box.

If playing with your balls get’s you off, Mercury Meltdown Revolution is the best way to go about it, at least, on the Wii.

Beyond Good & Evil is all solid, familiar adventure gaming territory, but it's all been wonderfully worked and beautifully presented so that it's an utter joy to play.

The single player mode might be a little easy for some, thanks to a few of the new features, but the co-operative mode alone more than makes up for any shortcomings. GRAW fans can rejoice, the sequel is better than the stupendous original title and thats all that should really matter.

Maddeningly addictive.

New maps, new modes and new characters are all a feasible option with the Live service. Let’s hope they do it.

It's the best fighting game I've sampled on the PS2 – better than the "Virtua Fighter" series in my opinion.

It's one hell of a game. With its powerful artistic style and blazingly quick, yet accessible gameplay, it's enough to melt the icy cynicism imprisoning the hearts of even the most jaded among us. That being said, it's not the most complex shooter out there.

Its main problem lies in the fact that it is a lesser version of two genres – action and RPG. If you want Asian flip around fighting action, Ninja Gaiden was pretty great; you should check it out. If you want a deep RPG set in an exciting new world, Knights of the Old Republic does that job just fine.

Overall Gears of Wars is a cracking game, with the addition of some more levels, the multiplayer maps and the level designer there is a lot of extras for the PC owner, the question is, if you already own the Xbox version is it still worth the purchase.

You can spin superlatives about the sound effects in Everquest 2 but nothing could justify the sheer amount of work that has obviously gone into making this game an audio delight.

For those that haven't it will require some work to get in to the gameplay, but it is worth the work.

Both EA and 2KGames have produced fine simulators but in terms or sheer gameplay and polish we think the crown this year firmly belongs to NBA2K7.

Over all, Ace Combat 6 is a good game but because of the final mission, it might be one you'd struggle to complete, but the multiplayer will more then make up for it, specially if you have the broadband speed to make it a real dogfight.

It might not bring earth shattering extras to the table but this time SSX on Tour has managed to fix everything we hated about the series in the first place and has ultimately matured enough to be an essential purchase this time around.

Black Arrow is extremely hard to knock even if you own the previous RS3 version, and with the Xbox Live 3.00 clan functions it soon becomes a compulsory purchase.

Without doubt the better of the trilogy, even with its problems (which hopefully will be rectified with patches) and overall should be enjoyed by the majority of the Tycoon fans out there.