The bottom line is that, most of the time, Skyrim is a genuinely amazing game.

By concentrating on iteration rather than re-design, Valve have created a sequel that improves upon the original and yet stays true to its memory. The puzzles, the story and the expert way in which players are taught to use the new tools all combine to create what is very possibly the most absorbing game the puzzle genre has ever seen.

No matter what though, what can't be denied is the quality and entertainment-factor of the overall product. Whether you like Batman or not, you'll find much to like here. In the matter of only two games, Rocksteady has managed to create a Batman franchise that provides us with not only the best videogame incarnation of the Caped Crusader, but the best videogame incarnation of any superhero.

Brilliant.

Keeping with the tradition of earlier Elder Scrolls games, there are quite literally miles of terrain to explore. Thankfully Oblivion has a built in teleport option which allows you to instantly travel to any area you’ve uncovered.

Though it sometimes struggles to reconcile its genre-constrained combat with its lofty storytelling goals, BioShock Infinite exhibits ambition and a boldness of theme rarely seen in FPS titles.

The graphics in Oblivion have to be seen to be believed. Screenshots do not do the game justice. This game deserves a "game of the year" nod just for its artistic beauty.

Namco Bandai once again shows us how to take your old properties and make them relevant and fun for modern audiences. Top notch.

The less-than spectacular combat does little to diminish what is ultimately a spectacular experience. As a finale to Shepard's quest it's fulfilling, engaging and packing enough depth to keep you very much on the edge of your seat and wanting more from the universe.

This game has kept me glued to the screen longer than any other MMORPG and that's down to the fun-factor.

A stunningly constructed action game that puts the competition to shame. The quality comes not only from its individual elements, but from the seamless manner in which they're connected. Essential.

This is, by far, the most fun and accessible Splinter Cell title to date.

In the strict application, and importance, of strategy in regard to your success, Rome: Total War is to most other strategy games what chess is to tic-tac-toe. Far from flawless, Rome is, unquestionably, an enjoyable and immersive game.

A brilliantly executed piece of interactive design that never fails to entice and engage. Thatgamecompany's best work yet.

It's amusing and playful but Little Big Planet 2's clunky controls still ruin what could have been a wonderfully whimsical experience. Catered more to the creator than the platformer, Sack Boy is still a delight to play with.

A worthy sign off from Bungie who create another masterpiece to end its tenure with the Halo series.

A massive game boasting near endless replay value alongside all manner of improvements over previous entries in the series. The best racing sim of this generation.

When it’s all said and done, Battlefield 2 is one of those games that justifies upgrading ones computer and splurging for the sometimes-pricey broadband connection. It’s a fulfilling experience through and through.

Gears of War 3 is a brilliant piece of blockbuster game design that shows, when in the right hands, the 360 still has more to give. More than that though, this is a fittingly spectacular finale to the Marcus Fenix trilogy and evidence that no matter how loud, how brash, how violent a game may be it can still be intelligent and emotionally affecting.

In many ways Dark Souls 2 is the technical and functional superior of the first game, but it does lack some of the semi-intangible magic of the original like its superlative interconnected world. Nonetheless, an impressive and essential sequel.

Polished and full of the “little things” that take a game from good to great. I do not think there will be any fan of the Sims series that will disappointed with this title.

Since the game was released I've had a cracking time with GRAW, it's a fantastic 360 title, and while I wished the single player campaign was a little longer, it does offer everything you could hope for.

If you're looking for a realistic, thoughtful and exhaustive recreation of the beautiful game then Fifa 12 is the best option you've ever had.

The best XBLA game available today. A wonderful accomplishment that you shouldn't overlook.

Once again, Fifa redefines what we expect from a football sim. Improved defensive systems and physics, along with expanded game modes, result in an even more beautiful 'beautiful game.'

The voice acting is done on a very professional level and doesn’t sound scripted or forced.

The settings enable you to play either a relatively easy game war, or, for the hardcore submarine fan, enjoy a situation in which you are responsible for literally every aspect of the submarine’s function.

Super Meat Boy ScreenTight controls, a fantastic cartoon presentation, a huge amount of stuff to do, a difficulty so well-judged that it rarely feels unfair, and a speedy respawn that gives an intense one-more-go feel add up to make this an absolute must-have for anyone with a 360 who doesn't mind a challenge and who enjoys platform games.