A brilliant balance between graphics and gameplay that must be seen, and experienced, to be believed.

Games don’t get much better than this and if you are into shooting adventuring and general gaming then Bioshock is well worthy of a purchase.

For role playing fans, this is the pinnacle of the genre, an all encompassing experience that is quite simply hinged on it's own grandiose and success, a must play title. For shooter/action fans, there might be a lot of waffle to wade through, but the merits of sticking with it outweigh any of the potential downfalls. Again, a must play game.

Perhaps not as groundbreaking as we were led to believe or even hoped for prior to release but an immense and masterful game all the same, as they say if it's not broken don't fix it!

Red Dead Redemption takes the whole genre of Western style games and redefines it in a way that no other game has done.

The gameplay, while brilliant and innovative, can drag a bit at times, but the writing carries the game through those times, and the mostly great graphics and perfect audio seal the deal. There's a lot more content than most may be expecting, too. On the whole, it's an amazing game from a company known for making amazing games. It's a truly worthwhile sequel that lives up to its predecessor, and that alone is rare enough that the game is worth checking out.

Sure, Gears of War doesn't really offer much that is new to the shooter genre but in the same token provides an experience that is extremely well polished and more importantly, fun to play.

If there was ever a game that could be described as having the ultimate longevity then this would perhaps be it, although I must say a little self control is possibly required.

The game really does deliver an unprecedented military experience, which although might lack the total realism of the Clancy games, does provide an all out assault on the senses.

More weapons, more vehicles and some very exciting game modes which I expect and hope that future titles incorporate too. Has Bungie delivered on the hype? I most certainly think so.

I am truly amazed at how this game can interest nearly all types of gamers with the ability to play Chaos Theory either by stealth or action.

Technically, Burnout 3: Takedown is not as realistic or advanced graphically as an xbox specific title such as "PGR2," but this is an arcade racer with arcade racing visuals.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a must have game and one that should stay in your collection...period.

Massive ruins, and expansive forest. The water is top-notch, and the character animation is superb!

It is the first time that any game allows players to play from a third-person perspective against others playing in the first person view. With eight maps to play on, all very different from each other and three types of game-play, this game will last you for a very long time.

Braid is to date the best overall game I’ve played from the Xbox Live Arcade. I say this not only because the puzzles are fresh and creative, but the story has a meaning that actually invokes emotions the way a good book or movie can.

Street Fighter IV is certainly a grand entry for the series this generation. Although we have had some of the older games appear on the XBLA, this new game undoubtedly provides an unadulterated fighting experience that has been worth the wait.

For all Fallout 3’s ideas, innovations, and excellent hybrid of game genres, it’s not without its flaws.

It's simply the gameplay, graphics and sound all being at an incredibly high level and it all seemingly complimenting one another to create one of the most satisfying sci-fi/action experiences currently available in gaming.

All in all, Rock Band 3 represents the pinnacle of the music game genre to this point.

I like San Andreas as it offers so much to mess around with on an unprecedented level.

So full of character and style that you will find it hard to put the controller down.

Rock Band is an excellent addition to the Xbox 360 line-up of games, and I'm sure Harmonix and EA will make good use of the equipment for future titles.

The first ever true driving simulation to arrive on the Xbox console has achieved the highest standards in terms of graphics, sound, realism and playability.

There really is something for everyone here, and with the game's more laid back approach is less daunting for the inexperienced and more rewarding for the pros.

A worthy and worthwhile purchase if there ever was one during the closing moments of the Summer.

If you own any of the previous Madden games than personally I wouldn't bother buying this game.

The complete package that is Super Street Fighter IV should no doubt be in every beat 'em up fans gaming collection.

The few camera issues that you may have are merely teething troubles and will soon make way to pure unadulterated ninja killing with style and flair. This game has Xbox classic written all over it.

Halo: Reach is without doubt Bungie's finest Halo game, and best of all it has the story and structure to the campaign to finally deliver the Halo experience that some of us have been waiting for since the original Halo: Combat Evolved launched on Xbox back in 2002.

I have had an excellent play time with Mass Effect thus far, and although the basic plot of the game's story is somewhat cliche for sci-fi, it's the execution that really has to be commended.

This is one sequel certainly worthy of a purchase, and no doubt a contender even for game of the year.

Bayonetta is a solid action game that is filled with dark humour, sex appeal, silliness, plenty of action and enough cinematic quality to keep you well entertained even when you're not slicing up demon butt.

For tactical warfare fans GRAW is a must buy, the fantastic single player campaign and especially the extensive online multiplayer options will keep you coming back for more.

Rockstar have themselves laid it out on the table, and with it, delivered the single greatest piece of downloadable content to hit the Xbox Live Marketplace.

FIFA 10 is untouchable for its gameplay, presentation, audio and feature set and although there is still room for improvement, there is no doubt in my mind that EA Sports have again created a spectacular addition to the long running series.

This game maybe shrouded with uncertainty, but what is for sure is that it's an arcade game worth bending over backwards for at the very least to experience the workings of its aesthetic genius.

The visceral combat, the varied locales, the tense moments and entertaining story are worth the price of entry alone, and with added multiplayer for those who must share the experience, make this game a more well rounded product. Highly recommended and another classic game to add to the collection.

Forza 2 isn't a flawless game by any means but does remain unparallelled as there is simply no other game that can offer the same level of depth and unprecedented attention to detail.

Although the game could probably be completed in a rental period on easier settings I have no doubts that this game is one title that many players will want to replay over and over.

The enjoyment of driving at breakneck speeds and smashing cars into walls is nothing short of pure bliss.

Rez is a game with tons of character due to its initially innovative sound track, and although this idea has been used elsewhere, Rez still has its own charm and uniqueness that makes Rez HD a must buy for those on the hunt for something new.

Crammed full of features, diverse gameplay, energetic combat and the basic stealth/action the series is renowned for and you have a killer of a game for fans and newcomers alike.

The co-operative and multiplayer experience of Left 4 Dead 2 is much like that of the original, but with some intriguing new modes of play.

Left 4 Dead is THE best game I've played in years, and offers one of the best new multiplayer experiences available on the market.

It's a game that will reward those that spend the time with it properly rather than rush through.

There are not many games that have a fantastic storyline with top of the range graphics and gameplay, but this is one of them.

The single and multi player experience are superb allowing total novices through to experts to play along and still enjoy the music and in my own honest opinion, that is what makes a game count!

L.A. Noire is a grand and technically superior game, and possibly a bit too big for its own good. whilst there's no denying that you'll be hooked into the story and intrigued by the presentation, the gameplay perhaps lets the overall experience down.

With solid visuals pushing the Xbox hardware, top-notch sound and voice acting driving the impressively deep story and an improved version of the rich game play we've come to know and love, Double Agent is easily a solid 9 out of 10, and a must own for any fan of the series.

There's a lot to do in VF5, which will keep offline players entertained for quite some time, and is always good to break out if you have friends round. The game does have a lot of depth for those who wish to devote much time to learning and mastering characters, but at the same time, beginners can button mash and be reasonably successful - or by learning a few simple moves.

In closing, I had no doubt that 2K11 was going to deliver, but this year's edition has taken it to a whole new level, and actually had me surprised at times.

If you are a fan of fun you need Burnout Paradise.

There's eye candy galore for one, and more importantly the gameplay, exploration and levelling-up will keep you coming back for more.

A "thinking mans" shooter.

The puzzle element is intriguing the way it has been implemented into the game and the general all out wackiness of the characters and story surely sets it apart from its peers.

It’s good. It’s really good. Fans of the NHL games will not be disappointed and newcomers to the series will find one of the deepest, enjoyable, and most engaging hockey game EA has ever put out to date.

It's well over two year's since we first had the privilege to be submerged into the world of Rapture for the very first time. In contrast to the first outing, the sequel certainly delivers that same and unique feel with the combination of well thought out design and audio. It's not so much 'better' than the original, but provides enough twists and turns to keep us unadulterately submerged in this mesmerizing underwater (and demented) utopia.

Most sports games are released every year, and you can usually expect just a few minor changes from the previous installment. NHL 09 has broken that trend and introduced many new features and tweaked existing elements to create a game far superior than last year's version.

Atmosphere is great and engaging, gun battles are furious and highly cinematic at times and of course the whole squad element has been tweaked a little to be just that bit more intuitive for console owners.

A fantastic game.

This is the best boxing game on any system ever. It is not perfect and has not got the options and scenarios of the "Tiger Woods" series has for golfing, but as a stand-alone game it is very good.

It has everything; superb gameplay, spectacular graphics, fantastic sound and to top it all off, the usual but addictive Xbox Live play.

Bottom line, Battlefield Bad Company 2 is a “must buy” title for any self respecting lover of the FPS genre and will provide gamers with hundreds if not thousands of hours of value.

Super fast and super addicting best describe Pinball FX 2 and the gameplay experience you'll receive.

NHL 11 isn't a universally great game, but if you like what it has on offer, it turns into a great value very quickly.

Whilst the game play isn't as complex as other first person shooters as it's simply a case of kill or be killed in the mindless sense (but would you have it any other way), the fact remains that Doom 3 is an engaging, scary and highly entertaining title.

Sega Sports went out of their way to lovingly craft an excellent piece of software, and at the price it just can't be beat.

There is only one word to describe this game – beautiful.

For me FIFA 11 feels too much like a step to the side rather than the massive leap forwards we've become accustomed to.

Criterion Games' arcade racing expertise has certainly paid dividends here, combined with DICE's input, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is an absolute essential purchase on both the single-player and multiplayer front.

If you are desperately seeking football pursuits both offline and online, FIFA 09 ticks all the right boxes. No longer is FIFA considered an exclusively glossy presentational tour-de-force, but can also relish in a flowing sensation that will be incredibly hard to contest.

A Perfect package here if you’ve been searching for something with style and excitement in short bursts.

DiRT 3 proves to be a worthy outing, and in comparison to its predecessors offers enough bang for its proverbial buck in terms of overall content. However, the addition of the new Gymkhana free-style mode may give long-time DiRT fans more than they bargained for, and not necessarily in a good way with regards to the progression of the Tour mode. Gymkhana aside, and what we have here is another fine addition to the series that offers up plenty of incentive to rev those engines and get down n' dirty on the race track once again.

Undead Nightmare is an exceptional piece of DLC, that not only raises the bar for all add-on content to follow, but also wraps up the truly fantastic experience that is arguably Rockstar's finest work to date, Red Dead Redemption.

Treyarch have done a fine job with Black Ops. Not only does the game retain its Call of Duty aesthetic appeal, and pushes all of the series strengths seemingly as far as they can go, but now other aspects of the game are also to this high standard.

The animation is superb and very fluid. The controls are simple enough with a great interface.

If you're not so fond of the realistic or simulation based racers such as Forza Motorsport or Race Pro, and prefer the more approachable, and more importantly arcade racers such as the likes of the Project Gotham Racing series, GRID and of course the original DiRT, then Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will certainly appeal as the finest racer of 2009, even if it is somewhat over shadowed by the dated original.

This is probably one of the best XBLA releases yet and at half the retail price of what the DS/PSP version launched at Puzzle Quest a must own for 360 owners.

GRID is better than many of today's highly regarded racers, yes it can be frustrating and may take some brief getting used to; however Race Driver: GRID is one rewarding drive worth taking.

Fight Night Round 4 continues the wonders of the previous game, while adding more depth to your boxing experience.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is not a game to fully understand, rather, just a game to play. It's got some weird themes, equally unusual characters but is vibrant and easy to get into.

Whilst some elements could be considered repetitive the pacing of the game is such that it's great to just pick up and play for while.

A great storyline with plenty of twists and charismatic characters make Dragon Age: Origins a memorable experience.

If you’re looking for an addictive, fun skill game that anyone can enjoy and you’re shopping on a budget, look no further than Trials HD for just 800 Microsoft Points ($10.00 / £6.80).

Not as good as the original as far as locations and story is concerned but better in other areas such as character development and combat.

If you enjoy fighting games, you'll enjoy this one, and with so much to unlock it's got plenty for you to do and keep you busy. If you're a fan of Street Fighter IV who has never liked Mortal Kombat, I do suggest you give this one a try as I think both games are very well made.

EA could have put in so much more to provide an ultimate boxing experience yet what they have offered is a bare bones fighter that simply looks good and plays well but after extensive play becomes rather underwhelming.

The campaign mode is full of tense moments, high action sequences and is presented using a very cinematic approach at all times. It’s fun, engaging and pushes all the right buttons. That said, there’s definitely an air of familiarity about the whole thing especially if you’ve played the first game and I felt some sections were a little, Graw painting by numbers.

Innovation is Skate’s key, despite not having every trick and a few minor graphic issues. What Skate brings to the genre is a totally different perspective and it pulls it off incredibly.

If you are a big fan of the original DJ Hero 1 then there is no question to be asked at all... go out and buy DJ Hero 2 right now. It's more of the same, but better.

Splinter Cell Conviction has turned the series upside down for the better, ditching the archaic gameplay of old which to be frank has gotten stale. The all new action stealth approach feels so much better and a lot more rewarding.

If you like racing games, then Project Gotham Racing 4 is one that you have to buy.

Developer Neversoft has taken the formula that Harmonix started and managed to keep the greatness of the Guitar Hero franchise intact. Killer yet unique gameplay combined with a to-die-for song list, makes this title a must own 360 game in my opinion.

The map pack is very much a welcome addition to the package with each map being well thought out and different from what's already available to make the purchase worthwhile

With all of the added single player goodness of a Story Mode, Tournaments, Challenges, the new/classic game types, and the inclusion of Xbox Live play (which is a rule for Unreal) Unreal Championship 2 has the highest replay value of any 2005 release yet, and every minute, online or off, is just damn fun.

If you missed out on Fight Night Round 4, then EA's latest release with Champion is most certainly the heavyweight contender in the battle for your Xbox 360 disc tray. If you're after more of the same with the Legacy mode, and want some new talent to compete with online, then Champion will no doubt prove a worthy purchase, though if it's purely the entertaining, yet short-lived Champion mode that is of interest for you, then a rental is perhaps best advised.

Lara Croft's return to the XBLA is very good, and as part of the Summer of Arcade series a welcome addition to the great line-up we've had thus far.