A masterpiece from both a technical and storyline standpoint. You have not and probably never will play another game quite like it again.

Aside from the teeth-grinding frustration of the races, this is a rewarding and varied pleasure. It's also wondrous to look at with crisp, vivid landscapes and lively enemies bursting with character. The final clincher is the excellent multiplayer options.

Immediate, accessible, explosive and hugely satisfying, Criterion's competitors are going to have to raise their game immeasurably to get anywhere near the majesty of Black.

Polished and innovative and extremely challenging, Far Cry 2 tests the boundaries of the FPS genre. Gamers used to exciting setpieces may find it a bit dry.

Ryu Ga Gotoku 3 (Yakuza 3) is that place where games and films make sweet music together. Stick around for the climax to this outstanding cinematic adventure and you'll go away with a big smile. [JPN Import]

In the gameplay department, Every Extend Extra is perhaps Q's most unique game yet, and we're delighted to report that it's also as frightfully addictive as its handheld brother, "Lumines."

VT3 is pure, unadulterated genius. It was everyone's favourite Dreamcast game for a good reason.

It's an example of master storytellers at the height of their powers, and despite the shadow of its illustrious heritage, Final Fantasy XII is by far and away the best game in the series yet.

The multiplayer mode is almost enough for us to recommend parting with your cash a second time, but we realise that many UK gamers just aren't bothered about playing PS2 online.

Multiplayer is so much fun that it's probably worth buying the Guitar Hero II bundle even if you already own a controller from the original game.

To put it simply, it's gorgeous in every respect, even though it's only in 2D. PS2's last great game? What a way to go.

So if it isn't the most original premise, at least it's executed beautifully.

Solid proof that the PSP is a hugely formidable force in the world of handheld gaming. Chains of Olympus is, without fail, the best PSP game out there on the market. You must own it!

For every moment I spent screaming at my TV and throwing my controller I had four moments of awe. [JPN Import; May 2009, p.86]

Same-old, same-old, which means slick, challenging and extra packed online content!

An action game like no other. There are similarities with the awesome "God of War II," but if you consider that epic as an arcade experience, then Sigma falls somewhere in-between arcade and sim.

It's original, atmospheric and challenging, and sets things up nicely for the stunning PS3 game. Let the hype begin again.

This is exactly what video games are all about: putting us into the shoes of people with abilities we only wished we had. Guitar Hero offers the chance to become exactly that, kidding you into believing that you could jam with Hendrix if only you put your mind to it. And if he wasn't dead.

COD 3 pulls out all the stops to put you as close up to the action as possible, even allowing up to 24 players to experience full-on war in the online mode.

Some truly mesmerising play will be had, but more importantly Winning Eleven 10 will see the old grimace of concentration replaced by a big daft grin. Roll on PES6 - it's sure to be even better. [JPN Import]

Once you've witnessed the beauty of the courses, felt the perfection of the sliding feel and mastered the art of flicking your Ferrari from one powerslide into another, you won't want to go back to any other boring old driving game. OutRun 2006 shows that when it comes to making games you want to play over and over again, realism isn't as important as sheer fun, colour and character.

Metal noise pollution of the highest order - a perfect package. [May 2009, p.80]

OutRun 2006 Coast 2 Coast has everything. It's two thrilling arcade machines reproduced in incredible style, it's a vast collection of all-new driving challenges, plus it's an online racer - and one that connects to the PS2 version to unlock exclusive stuff for those who buy both games.

It's full of numerous, wonderful touches you'll remember long after the game's end - a cheeky little devil's Sultry Dance attack, which cause your party members to dance uncontrollably; the way the blue slimes do deadpan better than Bill Murray; even the way saving your game requires a trip to the church to confess.

Still, you won't ever have played a sandbox game that creates so much carnage and offers so many ways to play.

You do get the feeling that Sony has gone all out with Dark Mirror. It looks lovely, but more importantly you won't feel like switching it off in order to play a 'proper' console version.

Fight Night Round 4 is not only the most realistic simulation of the sport of boxing that's ever been produced, it also translates into a hugely satisfying game. Polished and accomplished, Fight Night truly is king of the ring.

A superb online FPS shooter that sets the standard for deathmatch on PS3 and showcases just what the Cell processor is capable of. Shame about the single-player mode, though.