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.

Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity should please fans of the series, but everyone else will find its generic gameplay dull and repetitive.

If you intend to play with friends and family, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is a great title to add to your collection. If you intend to go solo, then the experience isn’t so great.

ProStreet isn't a fundamentally bad game, it's just very different to what Need for Speed fans are used to. If you stick with the game there is still plenty of enjoyment to be had, but the game just isn't as fun as previous Need for Speed titles.

Not particularly sure why this game is valued at AU$49, since it is such a simplified game that barely holds any substance compared to newer and similarly priced games.

An engrossing story and above-average presentation. However, flawed gameplay elements make the game less enjoyable then it should be.

One of the better experiences of 2007 and one of the few to genuinely deliver something of a 'new' experience.

Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 fixes a few of the problems from the 2007 game, but there are still a number of serious issues yet to be addressed. It's still a lot of fun, though.

The Umbrella Chronicles should satisfy anyone looking for a solid light gun game, though some fans might be a little disappointed with its brevity.

Sonic games used to be about speed and fun, but Sonic Rivals 2 offers neither.

A good port of one of last years best portable games. Still probably best in handheld form, but nice on a TV as well.

A functional but unappealing cash-in.

It's not without charm, and the obsessive might get some joy from unlocking everything within the game, but the fundamentally shallow gameplay will, sooner rather than later, reduce Cooking Mama 2 to a chore.

Rise of Kurnak adds some new incentives for fresh players to pick up the Everquest habit and also has plenty of new gameplay for those that were running out of things to do in world of Norrath.

Super Mario Galaxy is without doubt the finest game Nintendo have produced this decade - endorsements don’t come much stronger than that.

Blacksite: Area 51 is reasonable first-person shooter that looks quite nice. However, its short length and lack of ingenuity will keep most away until it hits the bargain bin.

Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command on the PSP just pips the DS version but regardless of some solid ideas and implementations, it's still a missed opportunity.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat isn't quite the Ultimate collection of Mortal Kombat games but is still a lot of fun and is a game that Mortal Kombat fans should definitely pick up.

Word Puzzle isn't a terrible game, and at 400 points it might have been OK. At 800 points though, it's basically a rip-off, and word-searches have been done much better before.

Climax has delivered a title deserving of the Silent Hill name, but the experience may be a little too brief or frustrating for some players.

With some interesting and fun gameplay ideas, Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War is worth playing for fans of this style of game. Unfortunately, its undeniable flaws will keep it from becoming the success it could have been.

Empire Earth III ultimately proves to be a predictable, tired, uninspired lump of a game.

With a wealth of options and a large variety of mini-games, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Game is a great partnership for the former rivals.

Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII is an improvement over its predecessor, but still suffers from a few obvious flaws in its design to be considered a 'must-have' title. However, if you dig flying planes and shooting stuff, this title is certainly worth checking out.

If you've played the previous two titles then this may be worth skipping but if not then here is your chance to get two of the most enjoyable games released in the past two years.

It's big, it's loud and... it's a bit dull. A ginormous RTS feast that will prove to be indigestible for most.

Power Rangers: Super Legends is a generic beat-‘em-up. The game’s AI is limited, and there are only a few redeemable features. Unless you’re a die-hard fan, then there is little on offer for you to enjoy.

Despite a few minor issues, polished visuals and solid gameplay make SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike a fun and entertaining game.

A respectable debut for the series on the Xbox 360, the buzzers are wireless, it's a shame about the number of questions but Scene It? is definitely a game that will get the casual gamer involved this Christmas.

As a package, F.E.A.R. Files is certainly a decent effort but it isn't going to appeal to anyone who isn't after more of the same.

A solid, competent rehash of aging material that has moments of excitement scattered sparsely through an otherwise middling experience.

Although the three different characters give Enchanted a little charm and balance, its hampered by repetitive and generic gameplay.

Hardcore strategy wrapped up in candy coloured clothing. If you can get past the dreadful storytelling and focus on the tactical battles and RPG aspects, you'll have fun.

Call of Duty 4's engrossing story, realistic graphics and compelling gameplay makes this shooter one of the releases of the year.

Hellgate: London is one of this year's biggest disappointments. It had a whole bunch of great ideas, but squandered them with weak execution, a variety of technical issues and a ridiculous subscription model.

If you can't get enough of dual analog shooters and high scores, Mutant Storm Empire is a game for you.

The Witcher provides some deep, interesting and reasonably mature RPG action. A touch more maturity, complexity in choices, and polish could have taken the game a little further, but overall, if you're looking for a great title in this genre, you would be doing yourself a favour to investigate what The Witcher has to offer.

TimeShift is a good game that could have been considered great if it was released earlier. Placed against the current competition though, most of the experience feels generic in execution. Only worth purchasing if you've already played through every other recent shooter out there.

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.

Naruto: Rise of Ninja is easily one of the better games to have been inspired by an anime series, that both fans and non-fans can enjoy together.

Party Animals is one of the worst mini game compilations released in the past few years. The game is a sad moment for the franchise.

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

Simpsons fans will probably be a lot more forgiving of the faults with the game though, as they will be laughing their way through the frustration.

A classic example of style over substance.

If you like the movies, then add a couple of points to the score and purchase away; if you haven't bought it already, that is. Unforunately, we didn't like the movies, so it's difficult to see past the dodgy presentation and lacking gameplay. Stick with SingStar.

The lack of content lets down an otherwise competent racer.

While the game does suffer from a few niggling issues, there is nothing else really like it on the Wii, and is a big improvement over the original. If you're into stategic warfare, give Battalion Wars 2 a go.

Mater-National features more of everything: more tracks and more opponents. It is a great game for kids and one of the best racing games on the Nintendo DS.

The Wii version doesn't support downloadable content right now, but with a huge track list, a solid mix of songs, and the trusty Guitar Hero formula basically untouched, Legends of Rock is well recommended.

Escape from Paradise City tries to bring the RTS and RPG together, but a breakdown in the marriage is caused by a poor interface, lousy AI and a lack of gameplay balance.

Dementium is an ambitious and solid portable horror effort, and is an interesting diversion for any fan of the genre.

The Eye of Judgment is one of those rare games that breaks out of the typical video game mould. If you’re into strategy, fantasy or CCG’s generally, it’s a game that deserves a look.

Jericho lacks any real defining features - it's just a mass of clichés, tried and true genre elements and technical issues.

Conan may at times be awkward and slightly derivative, but when compared to the fun that is available within, these shortcomings pale in comparison.

Despite some questionable design and admin decisions, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is one of the best retro gaming compilations that you'll ever find, though casuals need not apply.

There are a range of gameplay modes on offer, a simple yet fun combat system, and there are several controls schemes to choose from. A must for Naruto fans.

Luscious visuals and a solid plot may really add to the experience, but it's Namco's extra layer of polish on Ace Combat 6 which makes it all the more fun to play.

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.

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

MotoGP 07's sheer lack of content is offensive, given the asking price.

A great Chess game for those who want to learn Chess or for those who have been playing for years.

Poorly executed, poor AI and highly repetitive. Even die-hard fans will find it difficult to get enjoyment out of this title.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary on the Xbox 360 may not be all that different from the PlayStation 2 version, but it's still a great game that should please those who enjoy their action games.

EA Playground is an okay game with only seven or so mini games, but they are all enjoyable and quite a few people will find themselves coming back to dodgeball, so you could do a lot worse.

The Sims 2: Castaway might have a few issues, but it's the most enjoyable console entry for the franchise thus far.

Fans of Tetsuya Mizguchi’s previous works such as Rez and Lumines really need to check this out, as should anyone else on the lookout for an addictive puzzle game or shoot ‘em up.

Regardless of whether or not it was a good idea to make SWAT: Target Liberty for the PSP, it's quite a poor game either way.

Definitely an above average game, but significant longevity issues bring an otherwise great game down.

A decent effort by Rockstar. More could have been done, and it doesn't have the tangible appeal of Wii Sports in the control department, but for a more traditional sports release with some motion based bells and whistles, it's not too bad.

Fury is a lot of fun, but is let down by its lack of diversity. The core gameplay is compelling, but given its lack of options, it isn't likely to hold your attention for very long.

Avatar: The Burning Earth will prove irresistible to fans of the series who want to devour more information about their favourite characters, but for the uninitiated the choppy storyline and short lifespan should make you think twice before making a purchase.

Although older gamers may not find much appeal, if you’re a young girl who loves princesses and fantasy tales, then you’ll like what Disney Princess: Magical Jewels has to offer.

A brilliant puzzle game and an incredibly entertaining title. This is a port that's perfectly suited to the Wii and comes highly recommended.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground does many things right, but frustrating goals and unrefined gameplay mechanics seriously dampen the experience.

Sight Training is an okay title, those who want to feel better about their eyesight will probably get a bit out of the game, but the exercises do become repetitive, which is not a good thing when you'll be doing the exercises every day.

NBA 08 does some things wrong, and some things right. It offers enough differences from other NBA titles to warrant a look, and in what is already a crowded genre, at least that's something.

Team Fortress 2 is, at heart, a gloriously simple game that's been created with style, panache and an undeniable love of gaming. It's the kind of game that you want to show to people who don't play games so that they understand and then either get involved or go away. There is life before Team Fortress 2, and there is life after. After is better.

Half Life 2 Episode Two equals Half-Life 2's achievements and in many cases vaults over the high bar which it created. Brimming with great story telling and excellent action it is almost a must play for anybody even remotely interested.

Portal is a compact game that manages to punch well above its weight.

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.

Bleach: The Blade of Fate may be two years old, but it still comes across as a great anime-based title and is far and away one of the best fighters on the Nintendo DS.

Not since Planescape Torment has the AD&D rule set shone so brightly. It's just a shame that all the fantastic elements of Mask of the Betrayer had to be contained within the same awkward engine that Neverwinter Nights was.

Where many games tend to stick to well trodden gameplay paths when dealing with well know intellectual property, Duck Amuck is brimming with originality.

Despite fixing the major problem of its portable predecessor, Renegade Squadron feels like a cheap cash in with ugly visuals and simplistic gameplay.

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.

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

FIFA 08 is without a doubt the most realistic FIFA title yet, but only just. There have been a few gameplay refinements and the new modes are decent. It's disappointing Australians will miss out on the 5 vs 5 be a pro online feature as that is one of the drawcards for FIFA 08.

While the new Sega Rally offers a satisfying rally experience, it seems to lack the spirit of the two arcade originals – all of the parts are there, but the soul of the series just doesn’t seem to shine through.

Unfortunately Acme Arsenal never really delivers. The gameplay is repetitive and bland, never really offering a great deal of enjoyment. One of Bug’s quips as he topples enemies in the game is, “now this is fun.” We’re sorry Bug’s, but you’re sorely mistaken.

If you’ve played the original, Thrillville: Off the Rails is very similar and only features a few basic improvements. That said, it’s the superior version.

If you’ve played the original, Thrillville: Off the Rails is very similar and only features a few basic improvements. That said, it’s definitely the superior version.

Donkey Kong Jet Race is yet another example of the uneventful consequences of uninspired motion controls.

Essentially more of the same old same old, and it's starting to wear thin.

Crash of the Titans is fun, but it's really just platforming by the numbers. Nothing more, nothing less.

For 800 points, Tetris Splash is well recommended to those who enjoy the game of Tetris. Just don't expect all the trimmings.

It's a good game brought a hair's width short of being great due to a handful of oversights.

Hot Pixel is the most blatantly derivative product we've seen for years, but to make matters worse, it fails to offer up any sort of compelling gameplay or long term value.

The ideal gift for children who want to participate in the Buzz games but find the questions too difficult. Adults would be best advised to stick to the other Buzz titles though.