Just like the physics, the trained ear will noticed that all the engine noises are unique, and change with exhaust modifications. Not only that, but they sound just like the real thing, which will no doubt send motoring enthusiasts to their happy place.

Shogun 2: Total War is a great addition to the Total War series, and is definitely one to pick up if you're a fan of Sengoku-era games, or have the slightest interest in RTS titles.

The AI needs a good, firm slap to the face but Empire: Total War is a big, bold, fantastically ambitious game that is (for the most part) a resounding success.

Realistic, challenging, gorgeously presented and chock full of solid gameplay, NBA 2K12 is the new benchmark for solid sporting titles.

For the money, it's hard to fault this disc. With 9 top quality maps, there's enough here to quench the thirst of all Halo fans.

A launch game all 360 owners should consider. An unforgettable single player experience that gets better the further you go.

A brilliant game that should please everyone.

Provides exactly what it ought to - a premium J-RPG experience for anyone who has been yearning for a true challenge, a riveting story and a long, satisfying quest.

A GBA must have. Yes, it may be a bit short. Yes, it may be too easy (though 2 extra difficulty settings makes things a little tougher second time around), but for the sheer experience that the game provides and the exeptional trademark Metroid level design.

Rez on the XBLA is a one-of-a-kind experience, and while it doesn't have a remarkably wide appeal, those who 'get it' will be much better off for playing it.

Demon's Souls is an obsessive title, a masochists dream, and an utterly amazing RPG.

Fable 2 is a very good game that could have been a great one with some more time and care. Still, it's definitely worth a look.

Nobody could have predicted this. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is fan service of the highest order, all the while breaking new ground with a terrific multiplayer experience.

While it arrives with a meagre number of campaigns to play through, the edge of your seat gameplay and team-based focus of the title make Left 4 Dead the most comprehensive co-op title on the market at this time.

This is the XBox RPG to own, great combat, a brilliant storyline and fantastic character modelling.

Mass Effect might be shovelled into an ill-fitting RPG suit with a few loose threads and unsightly stains, but if you stand back and squint, it's still a damn sight better than what everyone else is wearing.

A game that you must play at all costs.

A title that is both retro and refreshing and ever so polished, Cave Story is not to be missed by anybody.

The graphics in this virtual world are amazing. The characters are rendered beautifuliy, and they move and interact with the environment perfectly. The system requirements for this game is low but the graphics are still spectacular.

A big, loud, highly polished game that's possibly a bit too smitten with its own good looks. As it is, World in Conflict is often more fun to watch than to actually play.

This is the definitive version of Burnout Revenge. There are more crash junctions, upgraded graphics and more expanded multiplayer; the port to the Xbox 360 has served the franchise well.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more engaging or enjoyable game of this kind. Not unless you dig through back to the SNES days.

A good looking portable kart racer that is fun in short bursts, but is ultimately hampered by its awkward control methods and lack of true creativity within the genre.

Dead Space is easily the most atmospherically intense, genuinely scary and well-built survival horror experience of this current generation.

Battlefield 3 is a poor single player title, an amazing multiplayer game, but has layers of useless nonsense that hurt it in the long run.

Outside of the rough edges, Deus Ex: Human Revolution manages to truly realise the concepts of openness, choice and consequence, while wrapping them in a unique, faithful and wholly excellent gameplay package.

A visual tour de force and quite comfortably the best-looking console game out there. The bar has been raised and then some, Bungie. All of which makes the game's length something of a letdown.

It’s technically fantastic, great fun for car fans, and will last forever (despite the lack of online), but we’ve seen the same flaws in the same game since the days of the PSX.

Brimming with quality and class, The Beatles Rock Band is a game worthy of the band it pays tribute to.

One of the best puzzlers in years. It's dreamy visuals combined with an almost euphoric soundtrack makes Lumines as much an experience as it is a game.

L.A. Noire superbly reproduces classic film noir, and combines great new gameplay ideas with groundbreaking technology and smart designs.

Not only one of the best looking PlayStation 3 games, it's incredibly enjoyable, with some excellent weapons and some brilliant action set pieces.

If you are yet to be hooked in by coloured pegs and unicorns found in Peggle, it's time to feel the extreme fever and grab a copy today.

Simply the best platformer to be released on any handheld.

A groundbreaking achievement for portable games. The biggest, the best, and the most engaging title available on PSP.

The most accurately detailed sporting video game on the planet at this time. Make no mistake, NBA 2K11 is where amazing happens.

Dark Souls is one of the defining RPGs of this generation that goes above and beyond the genre to bring us something terrifying and unforgettable. An unmissable gem for the daring.

With quite a bit to unlock and more to download off of the net, this is a completionist's paradise. Though some may eventually baulk at the higher challenges, and some may tire of the slight lack of variety, multiplayer only makes the final package stronger.

A well-written love letter to an almost-forgotten style of game, Shadow Complex is quite simply one of the best titles available on Xbox Live Arcade.

Infinity Ward and Slegdehammer Games have fashioned a fantastic product, not for its fresh or innovate approach, but for the sheer content and refinements made to the existing product. The solo campaign, though short in length and somewhat lacking in climax, exemplifies flawless shooter gameplay while delivering a satisfying end to the Modern Warfare trilogy.

Whilst the clunky control system is the only significant flaw, it certainly doesn't quite ruin the game.

Built on the shoulders of Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood is the most polished and robust execution of the Assassin's Creed formula yet.

Not even minor balancing issues and a super cheap final boss can spoil this; Tekken 5 is quite easily the best of the series.

Arguably the strongest single-player FPS this year. It is the total package – great graphics, great sound, great multiplayer and captivating single player.

NHL 10 is undoubtedly an absolutely fantastic hockey game - the only question is, is it worth the upgrade over last year's edition? If you're a big hockey fan, definitely. If you aren't, then probably not.

NHL 09 is an outstanding hockey game. EA has delivered two truly new features to the genre, in the form of the EA Sports Hockey League and the Be A Pro mode, which have well and truly moved the goal posts. Or net, in this instance. Grab your controller and become a hockey legend today.

Refreshingly different, packed full of options and technically polished in every area. Along with "Advance Wars," it’s a must own title for all DS owners.

The surprisingly deep combat, impressive AI, immersive cut-scenes, lack of loading and smooth frame rate combine to deliver not only one of the PlayStation 3's best games yet, but one of the best games yet this generation.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas returns the series to form with one of the most innovative, fresh, intense and enjoyable experiences that you can have with a console shooter.

Casual players might prefer to stick to its Wii Sports equivalent, but PGA Tour 10 is undoubtedly the definitive golf videogame for fans of the sport, offering a level of control and nuance that hasn't been achieved before in sports games.

Fight Night: Round 2 claims the title of best boxing game, but still has some distance to travel before being truly great.

This is the superlative iteration of an undisputed masterpiece. The core game is so funny, charming and entertaining that any minor flaws in its presentation barely register.

An amazing launch title. It doesn’t feel like a launch title as we didn’t find any bugs and it doesn’t seem like any shortcuts were taken during development. It isn’t as much of an upgrade from Project Gotham Racing 2 as we’d hoped.

The World Ends With you is easily one of the best and undoubtedly one of the most unique experiences available on the Nintendo DS. Despite a tough learning curve, we highly recommend this one-of-a-kind title.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the definitive modern Ninja Gaiden version and one of the top action games currently available.

War of the Lions is a good game, but players who've never played Final Fantasy Tactics might find it a bit old and cumbersome, while veterans may find the new game a little scant on new content.

Whilst the game isn't as impressive as San Andreas, it's still incredible and some aspects that were missing from "GTA III" have been included in LCS like motorbikes and more aggresive police.

Medieval II: Total War would’ve easily been much more memorable if it wasn’t for a few questionable balancing and AI issues that sadly knock its spot from receiving a better score. It is still the most rewarding and exciting Total War experience though.

In two years the game has evolved from being a shallow linear platformer to a lengthy, creative and mesmorising title.

With more work put into the weapons, more diverse locations and more/or smarter enemies this could have been up there with the best.

One of the best games on the PSP and one of the best handheld fighting games ever. Whilst the game isn't that much of an upgrade from Tekken 5 you're still getting more characters, as well as more game play options and the ability to play against downloaded ghosts.

Refined gameplay and a wonderfully imagined return to Rapture makes Bioshock 2 a must play experience, and one of the best games available this generation. Incredibly effective and, like the first, leaves an impression that lasts.

The additions of the Party Mode and Dream Team Mode, along with the actual gameplay tweaks are enough to make this the strongest hockey title ever.

Feels like a movie rather than a game.

FIFA 11 is still the best football game available right now, but it should have been so much better.

While Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit is a terrific racer, it's also a poignant reminder that Criterion will probably never be able to match the standard they set with Burnout 3.

One of the flagship titles for the PSP, and it shows the system off beautifully, the graphics and the gameplay combining to make this the greatest Ridge Racer title yet.

If you've got the PC for it, you must buy The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, as it is not only an incredible experience but one of the best RPGs ever made.

Burnout Paradise isn't a typical update, but the decision to move the game to an open world can generally be considered a good one. There are still a few annoying flaws (the lack of a try again option, the less enjoyable crash options) but the great presentation, incredible online implementation and wealth of things to do in Paradise City will please even the most cynical Burnout fan.

Race Driver: GRID is an excellent game and one that any racing fan should pick up. It may not feature any Australian content but the gameplay is addictive and enjoyable and that's what matters most.

SPY Mouse is an attractive, well-designed and fun game that's a must for any fan of Flight Control or anyone looking for a bit of mobile stealth puzzling.

Retaining the classic role-playing and battle systems, Pokemon Black and White is treat for players old and new, with an engaging and lengthy adventure and countless new Pokemon to catch.

FIFA 09 might not be a photorealistic replication of the beautiful game, but it’s finally reached a point where you can care about the type of game played within your console as much as the one played in Old Trafford.

Bad Company 2 is a great single player experience, but a near Godly multiplayer one. A must play for shooter fans, especially in the PC community.

Despite a steep learning curve for newcomers and the odd disappointing feature, Fight Night Round 4 is the ultimate boxing game and one that revels in both the skill and brutality of the Sport of Kings.

A resounding success and the best sci-fi strategy game currently available.

While slightly weighed down by its ambition, Heavy Rain provides a riveting mature-themed story, and an adventure driven by the decisions you make and the actions you succeed in. And best of all, there is nothing out there quite like it.

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together sets the bar for what a good remake should be and certainly cements itself as one of the best isometric strategy role-playing games around.

It’s short, but it’s cheap and gives amazing value for money. Most Half-Life fans will want to replay the game a second time to hear the additional commentary track; and to be honest, a good, condensed 4-6 hours of action at a budget price beats out a drawn-out, full price game any day of the week.

The game's a little easier this time, but playing through with Vergil is a completely different experience.

DiRT 3 is the best racer since Forza in 2009, and we can't think of greater praise.

It combines a proper level design and engaging gameplay. It’s definitely a great return to form for the series. While the control scheme is one of the most functional, it has a few quirks and the game in general does somewhat lack some personality.

Whether you're an old-school trainer or a newbie to the world of Pokémon, you'll be hard pressed to find a portable role-playing experience as engrossing as Pokémon: Heart Gold/Soul Silver.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii is another wonderfully crafted Mario game that is engaging for both old and new players. Sadly the lack of online multiplayer and innovation, and gimmicky motion controls prevent it from becoming the crown jewel of the series.

Brilliant visual flair and charm that make Paper Mario a treat to watch. Almost like watching a Mario cartoon.

This is one of the most fun games I've played all year and for me it's definitely better than "Mario Kart 64," especially in the overall track design department, so if you loved that then you need this.

Donkey Kong Country Returns represents the apex of 2D platformer design, not just in reviving mechanics we're all familiar with, but reinventing them for a new generation.

Jimmy Hopkins is a more entertaining character than any of the GTA leads (except perhaps Tommy Vercetti). This propels Bully to a status of well above average, providing a rich, detailed gaming experience – but not without its flaws.

Treyarch deliver a solid story-driven campaign, addictive zombie madness and a wealth of new multiplayer content in the one outstanding package, making Call of Duty: Black Ops a contender for first-person shooter of the year.

The definitive PSP gaming experience.

While some may find retrying certain sections repeatedly due to some of the puzzles being genuinely challenging a little bit annoying, the entire game is so compelling that you'll more than likely just be more inspired to give it another go when you happen to make a mistake.

Despite not straying far from the proven template, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks has genuine improvements over its predecessor and shows that the series is still the king of adventure puzzlers, console or handheld.

Superbly structured strategy gameplay and a wonderfully colourful, humorous and entertaining setting make Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness one of the best strategy RPGs around.

Whether you're an old-school trainer or a newbie to the world of Pokémon, you'll be hard pressed to find a portable role-playing experience as engrossing as Pokémon: Heart Gold/Soul Silver.

In Rayman Origins, Ubisoft and Michel Ancel have crafted both the best platforming game of the year and a striking monument to the giddy joys of the medium's heritage. Fun, funny and frantic.

Retaining the classic role-playing and battle systems, Pokemon Black and White is treat for players old and new, with an engaging and lengthy adventure and countless new Pokemon to catch.

Wipeout HD is the best PSN game yet, jam packed full of content and polished to a shine. Highly recommended to anyone with a love for speed.

Very well-executed football management sim catering to the business-minded group of the fans. Anyone not after crunching numbers and statistics should steer clear.