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.

Simply a remarkable game that hasn’t been witnessed for years. The amount of detail and care that was put into this game shows, resulting in one of the most fascinating experiences for any platform.

Remarkably, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars as fleshed out as it could possibly be. Simply, it does what many DS and PSP games that originated on the consoles have failed to do. It provides the experience of the GTA console games while smartly catering for the platform, both in terms of portability and functionality.

Braid is the unique gaming experience that the critical press always cries out for and tells us to get so that more can be made.

Arguably a better game than its predecessor in every way. Level design is more intelligent, puzzles require more thought, and the boss battles are more cinematic than ever before. In terms of the storyline, the first game has the edge.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the definitive RTS experience that bends the genre to its will, and is one of the best PC exclusive titles to be released in years.

Street Fighter IV combines accessibility, nostalgia, depth and sheer technical prowess to deliver one of the best games we will see in 2009.

It’s not the hardest game in the world, and it doesn’t quite match Zelda in depth when it comes to puzzles and combat, but it’s a beautiful game, it’s lengthy, it’s packed full with fresh ideas and, most of all, it’s an unforgettable experience that should be experienced by as many people as possible.

A class act, but those solo PlayStation 3 owners might be better served by the upcoming Game of the Year edition.

Gears of War 2 is one of the most intense and viscerally enjoyable and sensually appealing gaming experiences that you'll likely have this holiday season.

A magnificent homage for the 25th anniversary of one the biggest franchises in gaming, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword provides a compelling gaming and artistic showcase for the indefatigable potential of the medium as a whole, and a reason to have gaming as a hobby.

The best GTA experience and the best open-ended console gameplay experience you can have offline.

The best version of one of the top games of this generation - buy it now.

God of War III is as brutal and suitable a conclusion as you could have possibly asked for. Kratos WILL get his revenge.

Even those who normally don't consider themselves fans of music games will enjoy Guitar Hero II, it's so easy to pick up and play yet so incredibly difficult to put down. An instant classic.

Multiplayer, both competitive and co-operative, has been genuinely improved and provides an exciting alternative for PlayStation 3 owners. At the end of the day, for what it lacks in complexity, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception makes up for it in spades in delivering thrill and adventure.

A game that will last a ridiculously long amount of time. We personally shudder to think of how long it would take to complete the entire game, it would take at least fifty hours and this isn't including the Xbox Live features.

Super Street Fighter IV is not just some money-grubbing upgrade, it's a revamp and re-energisation of a fantastic game. Must buy for anyone even considering it.

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.

By anticipating Final Fantasy XII as the greatest RPG ever made, there may be many harsh instances of disappointment. If you feel up to the massive challenge of appreciating this radical RPG, Final Fantasy XII will astound and mesmerise the heart and soul.

Forza 3 is close to the complete racing game package. It's got the sheer volume of content in terms of cars, tracks and options, a deep and very lengthy single player mode, a creative, thriving online community, and it successfully balances casual and hardcore appeal. Forza 3 may not look the best or sound the best, but it races the best.

Batman: Arkham Asylum successfully blends action, stealth and the Batman universe to create what is arguably the best comic book game ever made. Don't miss it.

Bigger and better in practically every way.

Taken off its pedestal and with all the hype and expectation dusted away, Chrono Trigger provides one of the most unique and entertaining adventures available on the DS.

A deep breath of fresh air for an arguably stagnant genre, Xenoblade Chronicles is essential gaming for anybody with a flavour for role playing. It represents the absolute best of what traditional Japanese RPGs could be, and triumphantly what Japanese RPGs should be.

ICO and Shadow of the Colossus are two of the greatest games ever made, and they're still as emotionally gripping and visually astounding as before. This is the closest you'll get to perfection in 2011.

It has taken everything which made Metroid Prime so stunning in the first place and molded, defined and enhanced it into something that is even more stunning.

The game that changed a series, and this GBA remake is near perfect. We went close to giving it a higher score, but if you like RPGs at all you really should buy this game.