Where it lacks in revolution it success in execution. Tropico 4 represents the best qualities found in city management simulators, and is the best entry yet in a beloved franchise.

The battle presentation is spot on, and the system is half way there, but Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi is still only half way to being the Ultimate Dragon Ball Z experience.

Kirby: Mass Attack has all the features of an excellent DS game - innovative controls, delightful gameplay and eye-popping visual style. This may be one the of the last DS games, but without a doubt, it is one of the greatest.

Might and Magic Heroes VI is a great game. It brings back much of what veterans loved about the first few titles and remains feeling fresh and notoriously addictive.

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.

An unquestionable downloadable gem, Dungeon Defenders is a truly refreshing experience amongst a market dominated by whizzing bullets and big explosions. Just make sure you play it with some friends.

If you're after a quick Tetris fix, and you own a 3DS, this iteration is an obvious choice. For those who have every other version on the market though, it might not do enough to continue the blocky wonderland.

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One is a mostly unremarkable entry into the hallowed platforming series.

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.

Sonic Generations is, quite simply, the greatest Sonic game ever produced. Regardless of whether that statement still holds any relevance today, this game is a triumphant victory for Sonic Team and for the blue hedgehog himself. Stand proud Sonic, you deserve it.

The Sims 3: Pets is little more than a re-release of last year's console port with a few endearing, inessential features thrown into the mix. The core game is still solid fun, but it is disappointing that a little more effort was not made to render this anything more than a minor revision of a known quantity.

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.

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

James Noir's Hollywood Crimes 3D has an interesting premise but requires better execution and better use of 3DS capabilities to realise its potential.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster is an excellent family-friendly experience that kids will learn a lot from and adults will have fun with. This is definitely a game that lives up to the Sesame Street name.

Believe the hype. Arkham City is one of the most important games made for this generation and it's also a masterclass in design, execution and treatment.

Brilliant budget priced arcade racing that recalls a simple, better gaming time. Be prepared to wear out the race reset key as you make the thousandth attempt at a perfect run, if just to show off your racing mastery to the world.

It plays average, it feels average, and the payment system offers average content at an unjustified price. Unless you're a die-hard fan, this is a pass.

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.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is the best air combat game of this generation. Project Aces nail the art of aerial action, with intense gameplay, sublime presentation and excellent solo and multiplayer modes.

Some niggling issues and problems aside, FIFA 12 is a fantastic sports game that delivers where it matters - gameplay.

PES 2012 doesn't help itself by remaining in stagnant waters, and if it doesn't receive a complete overhaul next year, then we're afraid the end is nigh.

Forza 4 impresses for not only providing a beautiful, solid and deep racing experience, but making it fun and accessible for any car enthusiast or newcomer.

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

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.

Rise of Nightmares is a decent horror game with great ideas and a spooky atmosphere but is let down by clunky movement controls.

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.

F1 2011 is a technically stronger outfit than its predecessor, with some sweet new additions for fans, but we can't say that it's absolutely vital unless you're very passionate or curious.