Visually dated, but they are arguably two of the deepest 2D fighters that SNK has ever released.

If you are a basketball fan, get this game.

A Dragon Ball Z fan’s dream come true. The game boasts a incredibly large roster of fighters hearkening from every obscure movie and saga in the series.

The PS2 may have thrown out its last classic titles with Okami and God of War II, but for those waiting to make the next gen leap then you could do a lot worse for yourself in the mean time than picking this up.

To those looking for a great portable Shin Megami Tensei experience, this is it, and any fan of tactical turn based games should pick it up as well.

Mutant Blobs Attack has the right amount of charm and variety of gameplay elements especially considering its price.

As far as beat 'em ups go Scott Pilgrim vs. The Word is a dream come true.

The game is accessible while still retaining great depth and with dozens of excellent tracks and a huge fleet of cars spanning five decades of racing, there's a ton of content to keep players interested.

The short, breakneck campaigns create a compelling game you'll likely revisit time and time again. It's the perfect blend of planning and reflexes, requiring you to thoroughly plan every move but remain highly reactive and adaptable.

Sega have succeeded in adding just enough tweaks and extras to convert the unconvinced.

An extremely engrossing, in-depth civilisation and military game with simple yet effective visuals and very smooth gameplay.

Whilst I prefer the simplicity of EA Big's title, ESPN has got me hooked on the professional side of football, if not only to fill up my virtual house full of football clobber.

Dyad walks that fine line between artistic evocation and arcade addiction, emerging in a blinding euphoria of brilliant light at the end of its tunnel.

The game allows you to interact with its rain-drenched world, shaping its development in ways that you’ll never expect until it’s too late. The clunky movements and awkward controls kill some of the immersion, but the gorgeous graphics and emotionally assaultive scenes will keep you mesmerized.

Simply put, the creepy atmosphere is incredible. Forget those survival horror games full of cheap scares and dark alleys. System Shock 2 manages to frighten without succumbing to horror contrivances. Considering this game is six years old, it truly is an achievement. [Aug 2005]

Rhythm Heaven Fever is a late, essential pick-up for the Nintendo's fading console, coming in at an attractive budget price with an exceptional amount of polish.

After experiencing Chinatown Wars, you have to applaud Rockstar. Not only have they presented their iconic city on a fashionably smaller scale, they have woven an intriguing story into the mix as well.

It's a smart, refreshingly dark take on RPGs, complemented by action-oriented and tactical combat with a surprising amount of depth.

Fun as it may be, what makes Battleheart a tremendous success is the uniqueness of its formula.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm is by far the best expansion of the set, and though it stumbles in its speedy progression from 80 to 85 and the Archaeology profession is boring and repetitive, the bulk of the content feels vast and polished.

LSWII crams a whole lot of single and multiplayer fun into a game built- no pun intended- around Lego bricks and lightsabers.

Exactly how a console flight combat game should be. Dogfights are intense and hugely satisfying, the handling is spot on, the graphics are detailed and it all runs very smoothly. The story is surprisingly well crafted.

No Time Left is a wholly satisfying and rewarding conclusion to one of this year's best. It makes a grand statement for episodic content.

While certainly not perfect – the game is short and could have benefited greatly from LAN or online multiplayer support – there really isn't a more versatile arcade-style shooter for the GameCube system.

It’s astonishing just how much content is packed in here.

Beyond Good and Evil is a game like no other, and while many aspects of its design are unoriginal snippets of genre, they all blend into each other to create something truly original.

The overall package might not topple Modern Warfare 2’s throne, but the multiplayer might have just surpassed it. Competition is always healthy.

It's an intelligent game, but also one that acknowledges that action needs to feel satisfying and brutal, just as much as stealth needs to feel tense and crafty.

This is a game that fans will not be able to put down and though it may be a little sparse on game modes, it is an experience that racing fans absolutely cannot afford to miss.

If you own an Xbox 360 and have even a passing interest in racing games, this is a no-brainer. If you own a 360 and have zero interest in racers, but love games in general, this is still a title that needs to be seen to be believed. If you don’t own a 360, Forza Motorsport 3 might just be enough to make you buy one, it really is that good.

The new and improved mechanics are fantastic, adding some much needed depth and strategy to the game and combining it with intuitive controls that anyone should be able to get to grips with.

The intense and difficult experience should be played by anyone who enjoys a good story. Even with an anemic singleplayer offering, the full game is worth a purchase for the multiplayer experience.

If you have any interest in challenging platformer gameplay, you need to play this. Period.

Braid in many ways is this year’s "Portal"; not in the obvious sense but in the way it has burst onto the scene snatching most hearts that have given it the time of day, with nothing but plucky charm.

The fact that you can hit a decent round without having to rely considerably on spin or other advanced techniques means that new 'uns to the sport can almost pick up and play Links, whereas veterans can revel in more realistic gameplay than that of the competition, and feel right at home going after the number one spot on Xbox Live, whilst handing out helpful tips and strategies to people like me.

Definitely a notable improvement over last year's offering and the new Home Field Advantage feature is marvelous, but the recycled visuals and mere handful of other additions may deter those who already own 2004 from purchasing the game.

Definitely a notable improvement over last year's offering and the new Home Field Advantage feature is marvelous, but the recycled visuals and mere handful of other additions may deter those who already own 2004 from purchasing the game.

Mythologies is also a very sizeable package, offering over 20 hours of play with just the single-player campaigns, and the multiplayer component is a well thought out addition players can break out whenever the mood strikes.

If you can cope with the obvious limitations that a remake has in following its source material (although the sticky movement – Mega Man not moving for a millisecond when you command him to from a stationary pose – could have been done without), Powered Up is the ultimate bang for your buck.

All in all, The Last Chapter is quite easily summed up: it's an even more refined chunk of an already great gem of a shmup.

This is a pick-up-and-play game in its purest form, albeit with a uniquely tropical control set-up that hasn’t been utilised anywhere else before, sans its neglected prequel.

There's a quote that sums up the portable version of Mirror's Edge succinctly. A French writer once said that, "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

As one of the most critical Nintendo fans around, it's nice to see a game come out for the GBA that's original, pretty, fun, and doesn't involve any one of their stupid mascots.

An excellent game. With amazing graphics, a steady framerate and keyboard and mouse support, the PS3 version of UT3 is a worthy companion to its PC counterpart.

Mass Effect 3 is an action game with a side-helping of dialogue, and the finale might frustrate fans who have stuck with the series since the beginning - some might even consider it lazy. It's hard to knock the actual game; it's a great shooter and the dialogue is well acted and (mostly) well-written. Mass Effect 3 is one of the best marriages of shooter action and storytelling around, and it's up to the fans to decide if that's what they really want.

It might be less open-ended than its forebear, but it's every bit the thrill-ride that made Crytek a household name and Crysis 2 a now likely frontrunner for action game of the year.

Despite its shortcomings, Resistance 2 remains one of the most complete shooter packages on the Playstation 3. There is always something waiting to be killed, no matter which mode you choose to do it in.

Great fun but far from perfect, mainly due to a handful of little niggles.

In terms of action gaming on the DS, Portrait of Ruin is second to none.

Although Worms Reloaded has its share of rare but notable problems, it is without a doubt the pinnacle of the franchise, the single best and most complete version of Worms to date.

This is not a zombie stop-gap until "Resident Evil 5" is out; this is an actual game that you do not want to miss...****ing great fun!

It’s nothing short of joyous, then, that Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 is so much more than a lazily thrown together update of last year’s game.

Nothing short of brilliant. It has its fair share of highly frustrating niggles, but they are almost totally eclipsed by the real joy and excitement the game can conjure up inside you with such alarming frequency.

Unless you value multiplayer competition, Pac-Man’s latest effort is one that is worthy of attempting, and may just allow you to become infected with ‘Pac-Man Fever’ once more.

Working alongside a terrific soundtrack, some very cool voice acting, and a custom map building tool, the parts of Starcraft II that make it an enjoyable and addictive ride leave little to be desired.

If you've never had the fortune of playing Guardian Heroes before, HD is an essential purchase. Treasure has a spotless record and this long forgotten beat 'em up is easily one of their crowning achievements.

One of the most inventive, original, and down right entertaining games you’ll play this year.

If you’re a lapsed player this is a perfect reason to return; Enemy Within significantly improves a game that was pretty damn excellent to begin with.

Indeed, this is both mathematical and storytelling art-work; it teams a gripping narrative with an inventive gameplay mechanic that makes for an excellent and unforgettable ride.

Wipeout HD alone is a superb game, but when paired with its Fury expansion it becomes a near perfect package. For a cheap bargain this is ridiculously essential which represents possibly the greatest value to be found on the PS3.

There’s no question that this is the definitive version of Street Fighter IV. With a ton of ‘new’ characters and a vastly improved online component there are a number of great reasons to get back into Street Fighter.

The multiplayer action is fast-paced and furious, just like Quake multiplayer should be and the single-player campaign feels just like it should, even if it is linear.

PSP fans, rejoice. This is the killer-app that you have been waiting for; the game which will send PSP units worldwide flying off the shelves - just like what Final Fantasy VII did for the original PlayStation.

Tetris DS does what Tetris has always done: delivers an addictive, simple, and challenging game that anyone can enjoy and Tetris DS also does it with a few new bells and whistles that give you even more than you need to enjoy it.

An excellent game and a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but unfortunately the game is far too short. I don't say that too often, but I was left craving more out of the title.

Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection is more than a convincing argument to upgrade from your old PlayStation 2 copies. It's an essential title in the library of anyone interested in narrative-lead gaming.

While nothing terribly new has made its way onto the new disc, the amount of songs more than covers the price of admission. And you won't even have to sit through any putrid local opening acts.

While Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas isn’t the most novice-friendly game, once you get past the steep learning curve, you’ll discover one of the finest action games currently available. With sublime gameplay, smart A.I., slick presentation and a fully featured online mode to keep you playing, it’s hard to pass up.

For people who are alright with playing fifteen hours or so of Helm’s Deep-style carnage, Shadow of Mordor is a delight – and even for people who couldn’t care less about Lord of the Rings, the exciting combat and unique Nemesis System are more than enough to make the experience worthwhile.

It's the experience of playing the game that demands attention, because there is very little quite like it. It's a strange and unusual game that plays in a familiar manner to explore an unfamiliar world, and it's worth exploring. As long as you don't mind dying a few times to get there.

It might seem obvious but if you’re not a fan of The Beatles then The Beatles: Rock Band probably isn’t for you. I’m certain it can garner in some new fans, but if you’re buying it because you’re a Rock Band fan then you’ll be left disappointed.

The "endless running" genre consists of many excellent titles, with the likes of Tiny Wings, DoodleJump and Grim Joggers receiving high acclaim. Temple Run goes above and beyond, offering gamers a superb, addictive experience throughout.

In the grand scheme of things, they mean so very little because every waking moment spent in St Mystere is an absolute joy to behold.

A great game that does the series justice, and is a fitting conclusion to a remarkable trilogy.

A haunting, tragic experience that no one should miss. Some of its dark luster is soured by a few of its bold design choices, but neither of which ruin its resounding accomplishment.

In the dim twilight of the PS2’s life, no other game can send it off better.

With Tiberium Wars finally correcting so many of the problems that have beset the genre since its console inception, it would be hard not to recommend this as a purchase to any 360-owning strategy fan.

A spit-shined re-release of one of the most ambitious games of last generation is nothing to be flip about, especially with just how polished this version feels.

I’m against developers who churn out yearly updates with little improvement (LMA Manager, Pro Evolution Soccer), but with Football Manager 2010, it almost feels like it justifies another investment.

Bayonetta is a spectacular game. The combat is truly exceptional, taking the baton from games like Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden and blowing them out of the water.

Bastion doesn't need gameplay gimmicks to feel innovative - instead, it plays with presentation in clever ways, and ends up feeling incredibly fresh, despite essentially being action RPG lite.

Flower may not be for everyone but if you go into it with the right mind-set then you’re guaranteed to witness something exceptional.

But once you look past all fan-worship and hype, you'll discover just how well the game stands on its own. It addresses the numerous flaws of the original version, and remedies it with a vastly improved control scheme and item menu.

If you haven't experienced the trials of Gordon Freeman at the hands of the Combine before, The Orange Box is an absolute must buy.

Madden NFL is a series which feels like Pro Evolution Soccer did in its peak. It’s a game which every year you wonder how they could improve it in any way other than basic graphical updates and the odd new mode, however unlike the former, Madden is a series which on its twentieth anniversary is still taking large strides every single year.

I can’t name another game in this genre that attempts to inject this much humor into the gameplay that never falls flat.

Yakuza 2 is more than worth your attention. The writing is often sharp and witty, the cast of characters are wonderfully realised each with there own intricate back-story and the story is deep enough to throw off even the biggest of cynics.

It strives to be a big, all-encompassing cyberpunk adventure, and it wholly succeeds.

Overall the game is fantastic. Too often fun is left out of titles, and Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy does a brilliant job of bringing it back.

Those expecting even Halo 3.5 may feel a little underwhelmed, with 3-II the most relevant numerical comparison, but for anybody who has so much as enjoyed the series in the past, this is an essential purchase.

It speaks to so many things fans love about Nintendo and their products. The game shows off both the simplicity and complexity of DS, but more importantly, Rhythm Heaven is an insanely good time.

A blend of entertainment and fun. Forget about epic RPGs that force you to endlessly level up your characters. Take a break from that puzzle game you’ve been drooling over for the past four hours. Never mind the platformers, the action games, and anything else that you happen to have in your DS right now. Despite its crazy concept, this game is a force to be reckoned with.

With a highly improved and immersive questing system, a new profession to master, a largely PvP focused zone, a level-cap of 80, and a devious new class to play, fans of World of Warcraft will be greeted with a multitude of new reasons to sell their souls and their time to Blizzard’s outrageously successful online RPG.

It truly is a great game worth picking up if you want ‘a balls to the wall’ racer for the PS3, and at its low price there’s really not a reason that I can think of for not checking it out; fan of the genre or not, it’s still worth a test drive.

You’ll get to control one of the most skilled, dangerous, and downright spunky heroes to ever grace the PS2. There will be tons of intense fighting, a wide assortment of weapons and abilities at your disposal, and an incredible amount of challenge all wrapped up in a wonderfully presented package.

Trine is one of the most playable and likeable downloadable ‘full’ games of the last few years.

Origin's charm makes it easy to forget that you're playing on a handheld and that is perhaps its greatest achievement.

It’s frustrating but satisfying at the same time, and I can’t think of any other game that represents the genre so well.