Call of Duty 3 may not be vastly different to Call of Duty 2, but it is quantifiably better.

Although Strong Badia the Free is a shorter episode than Homestar Ruiner, it’s more perfectly formed.

Nintendo have managed to make the Wii-wheel work – something we were very sceptical about – and they’ve managed to bring Mario Kart online play to our TVs. Besides a few niggles with unfair A.I. and some average tracks, this is a valuable addition to the series.

Playing through Ice Station Santa not only reminded us, as most of the Sam & Max instalments tend to, that there really aren’t enough good point and clickers around, but also that there aren’t enough games with a Christmas theme to them.

If publishers and developers insist on making PSP games with big-console values, they could definitely learn a thing or two from Fireteam Bravo.

Overall this is definitely a game for the fans and not a game that’s likely to convert non-fans. If you’ve never played a Myst game then it’s easy to see why Myst IV might be frustrating.

The combination of varied mini-games, relatively short and highly replayable campaigns, a save anywhere feature and an addictive 4-player ship battling mode make it a near-perfect fit for the system.

However, casual Tony Hawk fans should really think twice about investing, as there's not a huge amount to set it apart from the rest.

The soundtrack is better, the characters more convincing and, for our money, the racing experience just that little bit more enjoyable.

Red Alert 3 was never going to be genre-redefining game, but there can be no doubt that it has proved to be a damn good laugh.

Yes, the leagues are here; the players are here; the stadiums (well, some at least) are here. But FIFA 08 represents EA’s first real attempt in years to do something with the franchise other than just repackaging what has gone before. Here’s a game that makes a real (if occasionally flawed) effort to move the sports sim forward.

Shows an obvious fondness by the game’s creators for classic videogames, but that’s not really represented in the gameplay, which has sadly run its course here.

When you get down to it, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift is a bit basic in terms of overall structure, but the intense multi-disciplined racing still makes for a fun and relatively unique experience.

The game is simply a pleasure to behold and a joy to play; but be warned that it’s a simple pleasure – possibly too simple for some – and there is an element of nostalgia in effect here.

Despite its problems, BfME easily stands up to the extraordinarily high standard of RTS titles that we’ve been treated to this year.

Blood Money may be tough, disappointingly short, and plagued by stupid NPCs, but there’s plenty of replay value and the discovery of new and unique methods of elimination make this a game that should sneak its way onto anyone’s shelves.

It does lack GTA4’s overall polish and sense of parody, but it at least doesn’t it take itself too seriously and there’s something to be said for absurd levels of comic violence. Crucially, what the game sets out to do best it does do better than the GTA series, and that’s depth of customisation, structure of missions and online co-op.

If you have aspirations to be a virtual Tiger Woods then the cheesily cheerful presentation might be off-putting, but look past that and you’ll find a game of golf as able to please veterans of the game as complete newcomers.

Good-but-unremarkable, lacking any significant problems, but equally any real innovation.

The keywords are creepy, realistic and atmospheric, and taken on those grounds, the combined whole works very well indeed. Aside from some muddy texture work here and there, the game is audibly and visually sublime.

Tony Hawk might be contracted for skating games until he’s far too old to be tearing it up on small planks of wood with wheels on, but at least the developers can still keep him going while he’s requiring medical aid to go to the bathroom and complaining about things being better in his day.

Just another great basketball game, packed with features and modes that are sure to keep fans and determined newbies happy at least until the 2K9 comes along or a rival franchise gets its act together.

The downsides don’t trash what is basically a fun and frantic experience that manages to combine realism on the ice with arcade action.

Volition has layered misogyny and brutality throughout what is an entirely civilian setting, and without GTA’s deft wit, Saints Row is the kind of title the British tabloids have been waiting for.

Very much a Ratchet & Clank game, just tweaked, refined and in some cases streamlined.

It does lack GTA4’s overall polish and sense of parody, but it at least doesn’t it take itself too seriously and there’s something to be said for absurd levels of comic violence. Crucially, what the game sets out to do best it does do better than the GTA series, and that’s depth of customisation, structure of missions and online co-op.

The Witcher is actually one of the best RPGs we've come across in a long time. It may not quite be Oblivion in scope and all-round greatness, but it earns the right to call itself a must try RPG that will immerse you in its dark and mysterious world.

More than any previous episode, SBCGFAP Episode 4 does what the best web cartoons do, which is provide a highly amusing storyline and imaginative visual humour; but, it also suffers from some of the same problems as the cartoons do.

Jade Empire is non-linear in the most magnificently linear way, and well worth it for those who missed it first time around.

Were it not for the online issues – and we pray Codemasters fix these sharpish – SWOS would be getting a 9/10 if not more. As it stands, we’re going to cop out and give it that annoying almost-amazing score.

How much you get out of Trauma Center really depends upon your tolerance for difficult, sometimes unfairly so, puzzle/reaction games.

Overall then Toadstool Tour comes highly recommended. As well as being quite a realistic golf sim it's also a fun one.

There are hours and hours of RTS fun to be had in Age of Empires III, but the problem is that we’ve all come to expect more over the years from our real time strategy games, and you can’t hide a lack of progress with shiny graphics and lovely physics-related cannon exploits.

Although Strong Badia the Free is a shorter episode than Homestar Ruiner, it’s more perfectly formed.

It’s visually wonderful, technologically marvellous and honestly a great deal of fun to play, but as with many other people, we have to seriously question its staying power.

If it’s a great story with likeable characters (with the notable exception of Phoenix’s slightly annoying assistant he picks up shortly into the game) you want, then Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will sink its claws into you and not let go until the judge’s hammer comes down on that final case.

One of the most enjoyable if short-lived gameplay experiences. The game is practically a work of art, but that may not be enough for everyone.

Overlord won’t keep you coming back and again for more, but it’s a satisfying, amusing experience that’s fairly unusual in today’s games industry, even if it isn’t quite the bad boy it wants to be.

Table Tennis not only triumphantly brings a sport comparatively new to gamers to the table (embarrassing pun not intended), but actually manages to wipe the floor with the likes of the disappointing "Top Spin 2" into the bargain.

Whether or not you take advantage of Everybody’s Golf’s online mode, there can be no doubt that it not only offers enjoyable gameplay, but a wealth of worthwhile content. The only trouble is that you’ll have to spend a lot of time unlocking everything.

Just like a real orchestra, Red Orchestra requires a concerted effort to get the most out of it. It may not be the most popular mod right now, but it has one of the strongest communities and anyone willing to invest a little time to become a part of it will be well rewarded.

The beauty of the game, as well as the depth of the immersion and the fun of the gameplay, is still here in abundance. Knights of the Nine is an essential addition for any Elder Scrolls fan.

Despite the step-down in charm, the game underneath it all is splendid.

Much better than most other games on the DS. In particular it puts New Super Mario Bros to shame.

More than any previous episode, SBCGFAP Episode 4 does what the best web cartoons do, which is provide a highly amusing storyline and imaginative visual humour; but, it also suffers from some of the same problems as the cartoons do.

Don’t be fooled by the bright, cartoony exterior – RCT3 offers a detailed and sometimes complex package.

It’s visually wonderful, technologically marvellous and honestly a great deal of fun to play, but as with many other people, we have to seriously question its staying power.

Fresh, quirky and original – and better still, only seven quid. What are you waiting for?

While the RTS battles are nicely contained within a chirpy story dripping with quality presentation, this never fully compensates for the limitations of its combat engine.

If you're on the market for a fighter then you could do a lot worse than MK:D. In fact, you'll be hard pressed to do any better as this is a highly complete and well-rounded package with lots to keep you interested.

Kohan II: Kings of War is a good quality RTS that manages to stand out from the RTS crowd.

The soundtrack is better, the characters more convincing and, for our money, the racing experience just that little bit more enjoyable.

The lack of offline multiplayer is a real shame as it would have been much easier to recommend, even if it meant having to constantly ask other players to avert their eyes. Still, Xbox Live Arcade is very much in need of more games like this and it’s well worth checking out.

Simply speaking, for $9 (which is under a fiver in proper money), even if you’ve already bought BS4, there’s no reason at all not to get hold of this. As far as we’re concerned, we’d rather have had an updating of Monkey Island or Day Of The Tentacle. Until – or even if – that day arrives, Culture Shock will more than suffice as a reintroduction to a world of gaming that has long since past.

Yes, the leagues are here; the players are here; the stadiums (well, some at least) are here. But FIFA 08 represents EA’s first real attempt in years to do something with the franchise other than just repackaging what has gone before. Here’s a game that makes a real (if occasionally flawed) effort to move the sports sim forward.

If you’re on the market for a fighter then you could do a lot worse than MK:D. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to do any better as this is a highly complete and well-rounded package with lots to keep you interested.

The Xbox 360 is no doubt the best format to play the game on, with sharp visuals and a surround-sound crowd that really draws you into the action, but it just doesn’t have that made-for-next-gen feel, and if you aren’t using HDTV, the difference is even less spectacular.

It’s just not the revolutionary title we were hoping for. It doesn’t really set an adequate benchmark for future Xbox 360 titles and feels more like a stopgap while the true next-gen titles are being developed.

The best 3D scrolling beat-em-up ever. And did we mention it’s a near-perfect port with a budget price?

For the die-hards who take their games like they take their women – angry, violent, unforgiving, underdeveloped and occasionally gratifying – Ninja Gaiden 2 is a fine follow-up, especially with its punishing achievements and four difficulty settings (Very Hard, Insane, Chuck Norris, Double Chuck Norris). For everyone else Ninja Gaiden 2 is an exercise in futility that’s just not as polished, balanced or enjoyable as its predecessor.

As with an increasing number of recent Xbox titles, MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf gets our recommendation largely thanks to the inclusion of a multiplayer mode that is pretty unique and a lot of fun.

The story is deep and well thought out, the script at times dark, at times humorous, but always entertaining.

The PS2 version of the game looks every bit as good as on the more powerful Xbox, and gamers would be hard pushed to distinguish it from the arcade version.

Codename: Panzers has seemingly appeared from nowhere – at least on these shores – yet has effortlessly succeeded in being one of the best RTS titles of the year so far.

It’s bold, brash, visceral in nature and for the first 20 levels it’s highly compelling. It’s also unfinished, somewhat unpolished and requires a fairly hefty PC to run.

Dragon Quest: The Chapters of the Chosen takes a little while to get on the boil, but once it does you’ll find yourself absorbed in a lengthy, enjoyable, balanced and accessible JRPG that is as welcoming to genre veterans as it is to complete newcomers. There’s more than enough modern polish and sheen to justify bringing this former NES classic back for yet another outing.

The controls are easy to pick up, which makes flying and combat both simple and fun.

If it weren't for the somewhat unpolished enemy AI and placement, Ghost Recon 2 could have been a very realistic and engaging shooter. As it is, it feels a little out-of-kilter and more like a standard (but very good looking) shooter with some pacing issues.

But in spite of some niggling problems, Pirates! is a very addictive game that you can while away whole evenings on, just trying out different things.

Gitaroo Man Lives! is a work of art. It’s Koei’s atonement for "Dynasty Warriors." It’s a masterpiece, one of the greatest achievements in video game history.

While Age of Empires has been stripped of its frills, the core still shines brightly. Ignoring the ‘limitations’ of its chosen format entirely, The Age of Kings is as competent and enjoyable as any strategy title out there.

Even though the PSP and Wii versions weren’t great, the PS2 version of Metal Slug Anthology shows just how fantastic retro game collections can be.

In terms of overall quality though, which is the aspect which really counts, Moai Better Blues is easily in the same league as Ice Station Santa.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2 carries on the fine tradition of the series and, a couple of stylus issues aside, is a natural fit on the DS.

The tweaks to the existing feature set and gameplay have certainly raised its game and will make you feel like you are close to experiencing a real football match.

While still not perfect, if you overlook the slow start and the cheap puzzle we mentioned, Abe Lincoln Must Die! marks out an extremely welcome return to form for the series.

Despite the step-down in charm, the game underneath it all is splendid.

One of the nastiest experiences you are ever going to have in a game, but in a good way.

Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault isn’t a revelation that puts new life back into WW2-based first person shooters. It is, however, a revelation for the series, pushing the adrenaline-fuelled action away to make for a much grittier, involving and entertaining experience.

By bringing forward all the great aspects of its predecessor that worked so well before, giving them a change of scenery to warmer climes and adding in a few new choice features, Codename Panzers: Phase Two has managed to maintain the quality of the first instalment.

It’s repetitive, a little on the shallow side, and probably not for your average twitch gamer, but it’s also highly original and extremely entertaining.

There’s no getting away from the fact that Duke Nukem has gotten on a bit, and he’s already been around the block a few times on several other systems. Still, as a trip down memory lane or an insight into a key period of FPS development, the Live Arcade version is just about worth the admission price.

Depending on how you look at it, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 on Xbox 360 is either fantastic value and the best golf game on the market, or it’s a somewhat less-than-fantastic value update to a game that, while undeniably good, hasn’t gotten a great deal better.

The slick studio graphics and optional online features are all that really set it apart, so there’s not a huge point in upgrading if you already have a Buzz! game or two, but at least PS3 owners now have one to call their own.

On the one hand it’s a fantastic game, and on the other, so was Here Comes the Pain, which has a good deal of what SvR does and some things that it doesn’t.

But every game has its weaknesses, and as far as the complete picture is concerned, Ground Control 2’s aren’t enough to excessively interfere with what is, whichever way you look at it, a very good game.

One of the most enjoyable if short-lived gameplay experiences. The game is practically a work of art, but that may not be enough for everyone.

There are no huge technical leaps or jarring presentational changes, just eight-or-so hours of extra content and some convenient and entertaining additions to the core gameplay.

Its simplicity is its strength, and its weakness – while traipsing around looking for annoyingly hidden items and backtracking is almost completely avoided, the limited direction of the game reduces its chances of holding your interest for long enough to play it all the way through.

The combination of RTS and RPG works well, each having its very distinct place in the overall feel of the game. Throw in that multiplayer bonus and developer Phenomic is in danger of having a hit on its hands.

This year’s MotoGP cements the foundations laid in titles gone by, without actually building anything of substance upon them.

It’s the interface, audio and visuals that make this an outstanding package, although even here there are things that are not quite right.

Even if EA does use its nefarious in-game advertising system to find your precious information/porn/illegally downloaded music and movies and try to sell you similar items, Battlefield 2142 is undeniably a new and enjoyable step for a franchise that has so far not strayed away from historical or topical content.

As a whole, Bloodlines is, even with its faults, a very high quality product. The game world is well presented, and is immersive to the degree that you could easily lose yourself in it for hours at a time and not even notice.

While Virtua Tennis 3 is undoubtedly a relatively mild updating of what has gone before, which is particularly surprising when the length of time that’s passed since the last full instalment is considered, it still manages to convincingly retain its crown as the king of the tennis roost.

While Virtua Tennis 3 is undoubtedly a relatively mild updating of what has gone before, which is particularly surprising when the length of time that’s passed since the last full instalment is considered, it still manages to convincingly retain its crown as the king of the tennis roost.

The feel of going back for just one more crack at an operation is amazing and there’s always plenty to go back and improve on even after you’ve waded through the six chapters of story.

It’s odd, but Modern Combat is a much better single-player game than it is multiplayer.