Most definitely one of the best platformers for quite some time, and another Tim Schafer success story, but the game is still a little lacklustre and prevents it from becoming the pick of the crop.

The game is extremely fast.

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.

A great introduction to the Wii’s unique abilities and a party game most people will enjoy. The bunnies are the real stars of the game, and are its main source of humour and interest.

Soul Calibur IV provides the same great quality of fighting gameplay and presentation as you'd expect. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't leave the same impression as the previous titles.

The game falls short in several areas: the game has a tendency of being too easy, the camera angles can be frustrating, the framerate drops and a lot of other nit-picks that prevents this game from being the best in the series.

Too often RPG's, both Japanese and Western, fall into a rut, offering almost the same experience as those that came before them. Valkyrie Profile 2 instead features some fresh feeling gameplay wrapped up in a beautiful looking and sounding package.

Midnight Club: Los Angeles is a fun and fast racer for those after an open-ended arcade experience.

American Sk8land manages to create a feeling of fun that has been missing from recent Tony Hawk titles, by focusing on pure skating, rather than mischief.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is an intense and enjoyable shooter from the reliable Capcom stables. The single player, while a little too short by modern standards is an absolute blast. The multiplayer is a little different, fun and likely to be popular until the next big Live game is released.

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.

DiRT is a great rally game and a return to grace for Codemaster's Colin McRae rally series. With a fantastic damage model system and absolutely gorgeous graphics this is a game that could even sway those who are normally put off by rally games.

Diplomacy is a worthy add-on to an already stellar game, but those looking for more action and less negotiation may want to give it a miss.

Yakuza 3 is a delicious serving of bone cracking action with a dash of RPG sensibilities to boot. Those looking for a good dose of brawling action to sink some hours into should look no further.

Nintendo has taken ideas of what a videogame can achieve and has thrown them into a completely different universe. While others play with increased physics engines, Wii Fit entices you to play with your own physics and for the most part, succeeds at something we've never really seen before.

Its age is starting to show, but the new additions added to this GBA remake make the trip back much more rewarding. An essential purchase for what is ideally a dead console.

A fitting end to the stories of Ezio and Altaïr build on a high standard of gameplay fitting for the series, ultimately held back by a lack of true gameplay evolution. Fans of the series won't be disappointed, but may find the wait for Assassin's Creed III made just a little bit harder.

Whether or not you've played it before is irrelevant, Beyond Good and Evil HD demands your attention. So, where's that sequel?

An ideal choice for fans of the genre, and possibly a more surprising title for gamers who are curious.

The most robust and refined Hitman experience to date.

The characters can be a little blocky at times and the environments look a little pixelated when up close, but the environments are huge and they look like they go on for miles.

With a greater sense of gameplay fun than ever before and a true evolution in controls, WWE '12 is an excellent wrestling game, but visual inconsistency and its overabundance of DLC hamper the game experience as a hole and hold it back from truly being a Great One.

Although there is still room for improvement, Warband's excellent combat system, respectable multiplayer and a lifespan that will prove to be a total timesink means that the game is well worth the USD$29.99 price tag on Steam. Fans of the action RPG genre and medieval games in general would do well to pick this one up.

The dark horse of the DS launch, Zoo Keeper is a smart, endearing puzzler that can engulf hours at a time.

While it may not topple the original’s success by any means, this is still a worthwhile title for DS owners.

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.

Proving that old school can still be cool, Shinobi makes a welcome return on the 3DS.

Don't go in there expecting fun mini games. Instead, this is strictly a fitness title, yet it's quality means there's genuine potential here to carve out a new genre within videogaming.

With its awesome gameplay mechanics and game design, beautiful graphics and original setting, Gatling Gears is likely to be one of the better downloadable titles you'll play this year.

Almost scuppered by bugs but ultimately a compulsive gaming experience.

While the shonky AI and cumbersome controls take away from the game, there is no denying that Ring of Fates is another solid gaming experience from Square Enix.

The fourth Budokai game is the most accurate videogame rendition of Dragon Ball Z to date. It doesn't get much better than this.

For doing what it does confidently and without delusions of grandeur in multiple aspects of gaming, God Hand deserves a whole bunch of credit. Very playable, very fun.

Addictive poker role playing with real tactical depth making sure every battle keeps you on your toes, all at a bargain price.

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.

Echochrome is one of the most inventive games available not only on the PSP, but anywhere. For somebody looking for something new in the puzzle genre, you can't really go wrong with this one.

Buzz!: The Mega Quiz is the best Buzz title yet. With several difficulty levels and a wide range of round types it's a game that's guaranteed to be a crowd favourite for a long time.

It's easily the most compelling application of 'synaesthesia' and a wholly unique audio/visual experience. It probably loses a little bit of the involvement that came along with Kinect, but Move is still an accurate experience that outweighs the conventional controller, and will make this the most accessible version.

Perhaps by being willing to limit itself, Brawl could have been a great game. As it stands, it is simply the strongest iteration of a great series.

A fine finish to Strong Bad's Cool Game, and a fine videogame parody in its own right.

Would have scored higher if the PAL version had been the complete version, but still a must buy for any 18+ year old Wii owners with half a brain cell.

InFamous 2 is a much better game than the first but not a better story, and still suffers from a few inconsistencies which keep it from being truly excellent.

An experience first and a game second. Players going into it with that in mind should enjoy this immensely, those looking for a deep gameplay experience may want to try before they buy.

A truly wonderful adventure game, thanks largely to an excellent script and memorable cast of characters.

Driven by an excellent story and cinematic presentation, if you're a PS3 owner, Heavenly Sword is one of the exclusive HD experiences that you've been waiting for.

Folklore is a unique experience that will cast a spell on anyone willing to give it a go.

Addictive and annoying in equal spades, Super Meat Boy is one of the most vexing games of the year.

It takes time to gather momentum, but A Shadow's Tale is worth stepping out of the dark for.

Star Fox 64 3D still holds up well today, and certainly enough to justify this remake. It's not a classic that redefined a genre, but it is a very fun arcade shooter with a huge amount of replayability.

Despite obvious problems with the AI, GRAW2 is a solid, polished game that will draw you in and keep you hooked to the end.

New Blood is the most fun you'll ever have performing open heart surgery. With parasites that shoot mucus clouds.

Better, but definitely not the best. Many steps in forwarding the action-adventure genre, despite the few flaws that remain from past titles in the series.

While Yakuza 4 doesn't really feel like a huge improvement on the formula, it tells a great story just the same.

Rock Band 3 focuses more on the music, providing a fun and streamlined experience. However, taking full advantage of the game comes with a rather large pricetag, and it's up to you whether it's the worth the extra cash to upgrade from plastic to fantastic.

Jolly Rover is a charming and highly amusing romp that's pretty much a must for any self-respecting adventure gaming fan.

It might not deal with terrorists or modern combat, but Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary remains a downright enjoyable experience from start to finish that most gamers should experience.

There’s certainly enough depth to be found for RTS fans, but once again, it falls a tad sort of our expectations.

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.

One of the best hockey games money can buy.

Easily adaptable yet deep in mastery, R.U.S.E. offers a unique and robust strategy package that deserves the attention of strategy fans and newcomers everywhere.

Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days is definitely a fun Action-RPG for the DS, that is surprisingly charming. However, it's definitely one for the fans, and they should know that they will be re-treading a lot of old ground.

Despite its flaws, Frontlines: Fuel of War has solid gameplay and an exciting multiplayer mode that stands out from the pack. While it may not be the most original game ever made, that doesn't change the fact that it's a whole lot of fun to play.

For fans of the JRPG and those who are in it for the story will find Lost Odyssey to be one of the most moving and compelling experiences to be found in a video game.

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.

While it's unlikely to convert anyone who can't see the fun in slowly nudging swarms of candy-coated numbers in positive directions, Colonization is a great addition to the Civ IV stable. And who needs sleep anyway?

Tales of Vesperia succeeds in providing a great and enjoyable action JRPG experience for the Xbox 360, but could have shaken off a few of the older, peskier genre conventions.

One of the better launch titles for the 3DS, Ridge Racer 3D delivers a boatload of content, solid arcade gameplay and great 3D effects.

With its intuitive control, superb track design and unparalleled online mode there's no denying that Moto GP 3 is the best of its type.

Even without the UFC license, EA Sports MMA still manages to offer a polished, engaging and 'different' MMA experience that is likely to satisfy fans of the sport.

Muzzled is Wallace and Gromit's grandest adventure yet.

It seems PAL gamers got the good end of the stick here, with load times cut in half and everything making the cut that was in the American version. This is a racing game to seriously consider.

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

A fine finish to Strong Bad's Cool Game, and a fine videogame parody in its own right.

What Diamond and Pearl lack in core innovation, they make up for in finesse, refinement and an overall abundance of gameplay. An easy recommendation.

PixelJunk:Shooter is a blast to play through and an addictive game at that, and is sure to please many of the shmup fans out there.

With some good gameplay additions and a new twist on the career mode, Virtua Tennis 4 still manages to play a great game of arcade tennis.

It may not be leaps and bounds away from the original Nintendogs, but a few improvements and additions, regardless of gimmick factor, means that Nintendogs + cats does prove that the virtual pet genre is still alive and kicking.

Jak X is one of the better kart-styled races on the market. It's a solid experience that Jak fans should come to enjoy.

It may not be leaps and bounds away from the original Nintendogs, but a few improvements and additions, regardless of gimmick factor, means that Nintendogs + cats does prove that the virtual pet genre is still alive and kicking.

It may not be leaps and bounds away from the original Nintendogs, but a few improvements and additions, regardless of gimmick factor, means that Nintendogs + cats does prove that the virtual pet genre is still alive and kicking.

Champions Online is a fun and accessible MMO that doesn't quite do anything really new, but keeps things enjoyable and dynamic.

The Gunstringer not only shows off great potential for Kinect, it shows off the possibilities of a little bit of creativity added to the presentation.

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.

With all the structural changes made, Kane's Wrath is what the original Command and Conquer 3 should have been in the first place. It doesn't re-invent anything, but it polishes what was otherwise a game let down by a number of disappointing flaws.

An incredible experience that all strategy fans shouldn’t pass the opportunity to experience.

The game proves that the PSP is more than competent enough to handle "pick up and play" titles, which is really the type of games that people want on handhelds. It's an addictive game and i don't think i've ever smiled more whilst playing a game than I did with LocoRoco. It's insanely addictive, and has a unique look that is unmatched on the PSP.

A deeply respectful remake of an arcade classic that is as enjoyable and relevant today as it was 20 years ago.

As far as portable tennis games go, you're not exactly spoilt for choice. But Smash Court Tennis 3 comes highly recommended for those looking for the most in-depth tennis experience.

The best game in the series yet. If you're after a simulation game with damage or just want to come close to experience what it's like to drive a V8 then you simply cannot go past this game.

The game just feels so incredibly polished and even though the single player championship mode is a little bit bare you will keep returning to the game just for a quick race, the online play could be a drawcard for several people as well.

Soul Calibur IV provides the same great quality of fighting gameplay and presentation as you'd expect. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't leave the same impression as the previous titles.

With tight vehicle controls, impressive presentation and explosive dual-stick shooter gameplay, Renegade Ops is a highly entertaining and well-priced downloadable game that can be enjoyed by all.

The genre mixture that gels well together. Good RTS elements and responsiveness compliment the CCG aspects. Just be prepared to potentially get your wallet out for those microtransactions.

Even though it is geared more towards kids Disney Sing It is a worthy alternative to Sony's Singstar series.

Rage is a bold new direction for id software with incredible art direction, old-school gunplay and a terrible story.

Fistful of Cake is exactly the same as its bigger sister on the PlayStation 3, only even fatter with loads of great new content and game modes.

It's the definitive version of Fable, but only those who've not played the Xbox game, or are die hard fans should pick it up, given the additional content is not as plentiful as one would have expected, nor does it make the game profoundly different from what was released 12 months ago.

If you're looking for something much more different from a typical hack-and-slash RPG and want plenty of challenge, Din's Curse and its expansion, Demon War, will be sure to sate your appetite for a long, long time.