The game still probably won’t appeal to RPG purists due to it being focused heavily towards the action gamer, but if you liked the original than the sequel is unmissable.

Excellent graphics and animation can be found in many areas of the game from the heat effect that distorts the camera's vision to the icy cold wind and snow effects that almost make you feel sorry for the camera man who is stood there recording the game!

There is personality and atmosphere everywhere in this game and even small things such as the body language of pedestrians sets the scene in every neighbourhood you visit.

Red Dead takes a familiar recipe, adds a skilful blend of western elements, and the result is something really rather special. Easily the best Wild West game to date.

It's short single player campaign and under developed story will no doubt disappoint fans yet the games excellent multiplayer support and replay value more then make up for it ensuring the game will sit near the top of classic first person shooters.

Red Dead takes a familiar recipe, adds a skilful blend of western elements, and the result is something really rather special. Easily the best Wild West game to date.

As you would expect from a Call of Duty title, Modern Warfare 2 offers an intense and exhilarating single player experience with the only disappointment that it doesn’t last very long.

The game still probably won’t appeal to RPG purists due to it being focused heavily towards the action gamer, but if you liked the original than the sequel is unmissable.

The setting of Vice City is a colourful one and thankfully the games graphics are superb.

Presentation wise Burnout 3 looks great, despite the fact that car models aren't the best looking or most detailed to grace the Xbox, also it's probably worth noting that none of the cars in Burnout 3: Takedown are real cars although a few do look like some well known cars.

As you would expect from a Call of Duty title, Modern Warfare 2 offers an intense and exhilarating single player experience with the only disappointment that it doesn’t last very long.

For the first time ever, I don't think I have any complaints whatsoever.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is a traditional real-time strategy which ticks all the right boxes. The deadly and fast thinking A.I will prove to be a challenge to even the most seasoned strategy gamer, whilst the ability to make decision and the extensive multiplayer support will keep you playing for a long time to come.

The most unique looking graphics to come to any console.

The game is epic in scale and brutality and despite offering almost the same experience as past games key refinements and a never slowing pace mean the game provides a heart pounding experience that can't be missed.

I suppose the most telling thing about this game is the way that it draws you in, making you ponder every turn-based move, knowing it will affect the outcome of each battle with each enemy army that takes offence to you.

Despite a number of small disappointments, Forza Motorsport 3 is definitely the definitive racing title on Xbox 360.

This is not only one of the best superhero games ever, but one the best action games I’ve played in a long time. A definite contender for game of the year with the Dark Knight detective at his best.

The most shockingly-under hyped game of the year.

Cut-scenes too are of the highest quality and other effects such as explosions and fire have been created brilliantly.

The result being FIFA 10 now offers the most realistic and intense experience in the franchises history making it a must have for any football fan.

Simply, "Metal Gear Solid" was a slice of videogame perfection, "Metal Gear Solid 2" was too similar to its predecessor, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater has tried to shake things up a little, admirably so, but has been a little too revolutionary in the process.

The game's sound also deserves top marks with unique environmental fitting music and excellent combat sound effects.

Halo: Reach will inevitably become one of the biggest games of the year, if not in gaming history and as Bungie's last Halo it is something of a fitting tribute to what has gone before. It may not deliver the same emotional attachment as playing as the chief, but it does provide an epic if somewhat somber experience that ends where it all began and becomes a must for any Halo fan.

This is not only one of the best superhero games ever, but one the best action games I’ve played in a long time. A definite contender for game of the year with the Dark Knight detective at his best.

While not visually stunning does feature good graphical detail that complements the gameplay well and overall combines to make an enjoyable game.

Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t really serve up anything we haven’t seen before in a roleplaying game. What it does, it does well and gameplay in the title is near perfect!

The aging system coupled with the aspiration system just makes The Sims 2 more addictive than ever.

Bayonetta may not be the easiest game to follow or be to everyone’s taste, but is full of original ideas.

The result being FIFA 10 now offers the most realistic and intense experience in the franchises history making it a must have for any football fan.

If only we could arrange some sort of trade-off, whereby each decimal point of the score I have awarded could be traded for a thousand Americans not using the word ‘soccer’.

There is a wonderful minimalism about the whole experience, from start to finish, which includes the relatively abrupt ending after 3-4 hours of play.

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood builds on the foundations laid by the previous two games, expanding the gameplay with some very welcome additions, ultimately Brotherhood is by far the best Assassin's Creed game we've seen so far and one of the standout games of the year.

Many horror games are able to deliver shocks during play, but none does it as well as Dead Space 2. Isaac's inner struggle in the tense setting of "Sprawl" provides an unforgettable atomsphere, making Dead Space 2 one of the most terrifying and unmissable horror games this generation and the benchmark for others to follow.

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood builds on the foundations laid by the previous two games, expanding the gameplay with some very welcome additions, ultimately Brotherhood is by far the best Assassin's Creed game we've seen so far and one of the standout games of the year.

The bottom line is fun - with a friend or 3 in tow, L4D2 is an absolute blast.

Mind boggling in size.

On the face of things, Need for Speed: hot Pursuit seems like a fairly standard racing game. However, the break neck speed the game runs at combined with the prospect of being involved in Burnout style smash-ups and the pressure of the police presence really help make this one of the most engrossing arcade racers in a long time.

Unparalleled lightening fast gameplay.

FIFA 11, has seen some significant improvements over last years version, most of which come in the gameplay mechanics. The focus seems to have been set on creating the most authentic football game ever, and I'm pleased to say that FIFA 11 easily achieves this.

Unlike most games the bad guys in Far Cry really do have a mind of their own so its not just a case of running through and popping the odd enemy here and there, the mercenaries in this game are highly clued up and will detect you whether you move slowly, take cover or simply make them paranoid, you will not get past these guys easily.

Many horror games are able to deliver shocks during play, but none does it as well as Dead Space 2. Isaac's inner struggle in the tense setting of "Sprawl" provides an unforgettable atomsphere, making Dead Space 2 one of the most terrifying and unmissable horror games this generation and the benchmark for others to follow.

Each non-playable character was highly unique in their appearance, voice, accent and behaviour which helps to get across the notion that the prison is truly teeming with life, individual personalities, groups of friends, rivals and enemies.

Whilst the game can offer a certain joy of ownership for a fraction of the cost, those who are not passionately interested in motoring in general won’t want to put the required effort in.

Whilst The Beatles: Rock Band doesn’t make any major leaps or bounds forward for the series, the game does pay a fitting tribute to the band opening up some of their greatest hits to a new generation of fans.

Colin McRae’s Dirt 2 has made the transition from console to PC incredibly well, offering much the same in terms of play as before. However, the PC version has also brought some excellent tweaks which have added an edge to the experience, making Colin McRae’s Dirt 2 an unrivalled and unmissable off road racing experience.

Whilst the level of realism on show in NBA 2K11 may make the game sound a little daunting, what you have to remember is that this is in every way a basketball simulation for fans of the sport rather than a sports title for the casual sports game player.

Whilst the level of realism on show in NBA 2K11 may make the game sound a little daunting, what you have to remember is that this is in every way a basketball simulation for fans of the sport rather than a sports title for the casual sports game player.

Whilst The Beatles: Rock Band doesn’t make any major leaps or bounds forward for the series, the game does pay a fitting tribute to the band opening up some of their greatest hits to a new generation of fans.

DJ Hero 2 may not make major steps forward, but the additions, refinements and minor tweaks that FreeStyle Games have made really build on the solid foundations that the first game laid down to make DJ Hero 2 an even better experience then before and in my opinion, currently the best music game around.

That said, there is no denying that NHL 11 provides an enjoyable recreation of ice hockey, which manages to be both accessible to newcomers and packed with content to entertain more dedicated fans.

If you like things that go bump in the night, or just revel in unloading hot brass into terrorists bodies, go out and buy this game. It’s well presented, atmospheric, scary as hell and a blast to boot.

Whilst Bioshock 2 may feel very similar to the original game, it does expand on the characters and story that were introduced in the original game and once again allows you to create a very customisable playing experience through the use of Plasmids and Tonics.

Despite many improvements Battlefield: Bad Company 2 single player campaign still doesn’t serve up a truly great playing experience, its perfectly playable, solid and even quite enjoyable but just lacks something special. However, the games weaknesses in this department like so many other great shooters can be overlooked by an absolutely brilliant multiplayer experience that is simply unmissable, if you like intense online action you could be in worse company, than Bad Company.

In summary Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 features brilliant graphics with perfectly balanced controls, offers excellent value and most importantly is fantastically fun and addictive.

Despite many improvements Battlefield: Bad Company 2 single player campaign still doesn’t serve up a truly great playing experience, its perfectly playable, solid and even quite enjoyable but just lacks something special. However, the games weaknesses in this department like so many other great shooters can be overlooked by an absolutely brilliant multiplayer experience that is simply unmissable, if you like intense online action you could be in worse company, than Bad Company.

That said, there is no denying that NHL 11 provides an enjoyable recreation of ice hockey, which manages to be both accessible to newcomers and packed with content to entertain more dedicated fans.

It's still not MW2, but it's a good try.

The great thing about Sly 2 is that it never seems to get boring, you are always pushing ahead to unravel more of the story and to get that little bit further to the end (which incidentally is a long, long way from the start!) and with the free roaming environments, great controls and unique, switch-able characters.

Pretty amazingly, Doom 3 looks, by and large, exactly the same as its PC brother, which is a quite outstanding achievement.

Whilst Bioshock 2 may feel very similar to the original game, it does expand on the characters and story that were introduced in the original game and once again allows you to create a very customisable playing experience through the use of Plasmids and Tonics.

Whilst Bioshock 2 may feel very similar to the original game, it does expand on the characters and story that were introduced in the original game and once again allows you to create a very customisable playing experience through the use of Plasmids and Tonics.

Voices have been done in grumbling Sim’s style that really adds to the charm of the game.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 - Vietnam transports players to a whole new setting and delivers the same large scale, intense action fans expect, but yet expands the experience by emphasizing team play and skill to make it a truly worthy add-on.

FIFA 11, has seen some significant improvements over last years version, most of which come in the gameplay mechanics. The focus seems to have been set on creating the most authentic football game ever, and I'm pleased to say that FIFA 11 easily achieves this.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 - Vietnam transports players to a whole new setting and delivers the same large scale, intense action fans expect, but yet expands the experience by emphasizing team play and skill to make it a truly worthy add-on.

On the face of things, Need for Speed: hot Pursuit seems like a fairly standard racing game. However, the break neck speed the game runs at combined with the prospect of being involved in Burnout style smash-ups and the pressure of the police presence really help make this one of the most engrossing arcade racers in a long time.

Enemies are by far not the smartest to grace a game and will often run towards you while you shower them in a hail of bullets.

Overall, for all its bizarre dialogue, crazy stories and weird looking characters with strange voiceovers it works this game is amazingly entertaining and slightly addictive!

So there we have it, Fight Night returns with a more refined playing experience then we’ve seen in previous versions! Ensuring it retains its title as king of the ring. A game of note in any boxing or sports fans video game collection, highly recommended.

The experience and immersion it offers truly make this psychological thriller unmissable.

The overall game could be completed in a short space of time that doesn't do much for its replay value.

Although Multiplay is probably the largest part of the appeal, single play also works well and races are kept fun and varied if not a little easy to win.

It's still not MW2, but it's a good try.

Many horror games are able to deliver shocks during play, but none does it as well as Dead Space 2. Isaac's inner struggle in the tense setting of "Sprawl" provides an unforgettable atomsphere, making Dead Space 2 one of the most terrifying and unmissable horror games this generation and the benchmark for others to follow.

Colin McRae: Dirt 2 is without a doubt the stand out off-road racing game to date.

Colin McRae: Dirt 2 is without a doubt the stand out off-road racing game to date.

The PSP version maybe slightly down scaled when compared to the PS3 version, but unlike many franchises that have made the transition to a handheld platform LittleBigPlanet on the PSP has managed to capture the feel of the original.

Bayonetta may not be the easiest game to follow or be to everyone’s taste, but is full of original ideas.

DJ Hero 2 may not make major steps forward, but the additions, refinements and minor tweaks that FreeStyle Games have made really build on the solid foundations that the first game laid down to make DJ Hero 2 an even better experience then before and in my opinion, currently the best music game around.

So there we have it, Fight Night returns with a more refined playing experience then we’ve seen in previous versions! Ensuring it retains its title as king of the ring. A game of note in any boxing or sports fans video game collection, highly recommended.

This is the perfect game for those people who built stuff out of Lego just so that they could break it into pieces afterwards!

On the face of it, it’s a very simple turn-based affair but behind these easy to get to grips with game mechanics beats the heart of something much more complex but amazingly playable and enjoyable!

Overall, for all its bizarre dialogue, crazy stories and weird looking characters with strange voiceovers it works this game is amazingly entertaining and slightly addictive!

The game provides plenty of thrills for those looking for a quick slice of action and is truly a playground of destruction!

This is the best Sims game ever and I can’t imagine anyone wanting to play the previous titles after experiencing the realism and freedom of The Sims 3.

I'm not sure whether the series should be criticised for repeating a formula that has proven so successful up until now, but I'm equally unconvinced that Ghost of Sparta is worthy of a great deal of praise.

Every bit as big and good as the original, unfortunately however, the game does still suffer from some of the same technical problems seen in the first game.

A few more campaigns would have been nice to but hopefully this will be remedied in an expansion.

If you like the Guitar Hero games there’s a good chance you’ll love DJ Hero and I recommend it as probably the best music game I’ve ever played.

DJ Hero 2 may not make major steps forward, but the additions, refinements and minor tweaks that FreeStyle Games have made really build on the solid foundations that the first game laid down to make DJ Hero 2 an even better experience then before and in my opinion, currently the best music game around.

Madden NFL 10 may not have taken huge leaps and bounds forward, but the game does build on last years solid instalment. Tweaks in a few key areas, most notably the games AI mean the game provides a more realistic and fluid experience of the NFL.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 - Vietnam transports players to a whole new setting and delivers the same large scale, intense action fans expect, but yet expands the experience by emphasizing team play and skill to make it a truly worthy add-on.

The action is fast-paced and easy to get to grips with, but my major gripe is with the lack of modes on offer and the rubbish rewards for completing the main Arcade mode.

The game is almost flawlessly presented and the CG movie that opens it is probably one of the best to grace the PlayStation 2.

Whilst it can become a little repetitive and the difficulty a little too unforgiving it is overall great fun to smash the game world to pieces whilst bringing down the EDF.

Madden NFL 10 may not have taken huge leaps and bounds forward, but the game does build on last years solid instalment. Tweaks in a few key areas, most notably the games AI mean the game provides a more realistic and fluid experience of the NFL.

An undeniable classic somewhat ruined by a terrible, terrible (though unavoidable, really) control system, accompanied by a few fun extras showing off what the console can do.