Much like "ICO," Shadow of the Colossus simply defies categorisation and is simply an experience unlike any other. It manages to evoke emotion and create an attachment to the player unlike any other videogame I can remember.

Crytek has clearly stuck close to the Far Cry formula with Crysis, which is no bad thing. Improvements in graphics and evolved gameplay, as well as brilliant new features such as the nanosuit, make this a thoroughly suitable spiritual successor to Crytek's first game. We'd be lying if we said that the campaign's final act wasn't bitterly disappointing though.

Retains a feeling that we haven't felt from playing videogames in a long, long time; perhaps it's the sheer difficulty challenge, a key component to many long-forgotten classics; perhaps it's the fact that gameplay prevails over story and character development, something sadly missing from many of today's games; perhaps it's just the fact that Ninja Gaiden is just a damn fun game to play.

Ready at Dawn has translated this epic feel of the series seamlessly onto Sony's tiny PSP and, apart from the game's short lifespan, Chains of Olympus is a thoroughly welcome new addition to the God of War family.

Undoubtedly a visual masterpiece that proves the PS3 does have the power to carry the format forwards, KillZone 2 is a wonderfully solid and entertaining first-person shooter.

It's a fitting swansong for Bungie, setting a beautiful end that takes you right back to the very beginning.

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Forza 4 is about as technically impressive as driving sims currently get – fans of the series are sure to be pleased with its near-peerless handling and tuning, expanded feature set, and Kinect implementation. When it comes to being a game, however, lazy oversights with the AI mean that you end up racing yourself more than your opponents, and concessions to the casual gamer sometimes compromise the core experience.

There's no denying Fallout 3 is little more than Oblivion in a post-apocalyptic setting. However that's more a compliment than complaint.

It's still the best third-person shooter out there by quite some margin but, equally, it's just not quite as impacting as its two predecessors. Long-time fans will be happy with how Epic has tied all the loose ends together, but dabblers in the series may be less inclined to return to planet Sera one final time.

If you’re going to play on your own there is enough to keep you playing for days, take it online and you have a masterpiece that could last you a lifetime.

It triumphs where most other superhero games and other types of licensed action games fail: it makes you feel like the lead character. It makes you feel like The Batman.

Dragon Age: Origins is yet another worthy title in BioWare's stunning catalogue. A richer, deeper experience that satisfies a more demanding PC audience, BioWare has once again showed its command over the genre.

Hard-core RPG fans may feel the game is too derivative, to a certain extent it is, but for the rest of us Golden Sun is both a fantastic game and a nice trip down memory lane.

Away from the online Mario Kart DS is the biggest game in the series with a huge range of new and classic tracks, battle mode and all-new missions to conquer.

Perhaps the ultimate testimony is the fact that it left us longing for another sequel, something the original certainly never achieved.

A brilliant game for Xbox and Xbox Live!, quite possible the finest racing title ever created.

Repetitive, yet strangely addictive, The Sims 2 has a style that furthers the original in every way. Graphically and audibly, the game stands out and the unique gameplay means that it really is a genre defining title.

Nothing short of a hardcore gaming masterpiece.

Like “Memento” it has sleeper hit written all over it. Its a game for gamers that have played it all, and I recommend it to anyone who has every enjoyed an adventure game. Ico is like a fine work of art, so savor it.

A fluid control system, an engrossing and immersive environment, and levels of tension so high you'll have to watch your stress levels.

Last year's foibles have been successfully plastered over with a quite brilliant Career mode and improvements on the defensive side of the ball are nothing short of revolutionary.

It's not that great to look at, but you will be gripped for a long time, this has to be the best platformer on the PlayStation to date.

The controls in this game are nothing for you to write home about, although they get the job done. The graphics in Syphon Filter are a mixed bag.

"Marvel vs. Capcom 2" has rekindled my excitement for Capcom's 2D fighting games, and will be causing my left thumb much more trauma in the coming months.

This is DLC for the initiated. There's plenty of content here to keep even the most skilled GTA gamer happy for a good number of hours.

Last year's foibles have been successfully plastered over with a quite brilliant Career mode and improvements on the defensive side of the ball are nothing short of revolutionary.

If you’d like to keep your friends and job stay clear away from this game, if however you want to get sucked into a game that rarely let’s you leave, then you need to get this game, simple.

May not have changed a lot since last year, however the small changes to a more predominant focus on combat results in an immediately enjoyable title that’s hard to resist.

Overall FIFA 10 plays a much more varied, fluid, and believable game of football, which easily sets a new standard in the genre. We spent a fair amount of time between matches wondering what it takes for a football game to get a 10 and we're inclined to believe Rutter and his team have actually achieved it this year. It's a marked improvement over last year's 9 rating and undoubtedly provides the finest videogame take on football so far.

Brilliant. Fans of the original have to buy this as it’s taken the winning formula and improved it in ever way conceivable.

There's no denying Fallout 3 is little more than Oblivion in a post-apocalyptic setting. However that's more a compliment than complaint.

Bringing the classic Zelda experience to the DS with a range of creative touches, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is an overwhelming success for the format. It may not have the sheer weight of the likes of Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess, but it is nonetheless geared suitably for a stylish and entertaining handheld experience.

It's games like this that make the industry.

Balanced and refined with plenty of time having been devoted to the game mechanics and design everything is just immensely enjoyable.

It's still an arcade shooter that lacks the depth of the X-Wing/TIE Fighter series. However it's the rare case when the slick presentation just improves everything beyond belief.

A good game, but better on the consoles.

Fantastic presentation, highly addictive intense gameplay and plenty to play – racing games just don’t get any better then this, make sure to check it out immediately.

The commentary in this game is wonderful, the best in any sports game to put it simply. Relevant, amusing and just very slick it really adds to the atmosphere.

Whether you want to play online against 7 others, split screen with three friends, or alone against multiple bots, UT will not disappoint.

A welcome addition to the Panzer Dragoon series, and can rightly hold its head high as one of the finest shooters ever created.

The orginality is definitely here, and the fun and excitement is also packed into this game.

So the game is mainly a case of refinement to the point of perfection, but the problem is that if you’ve already got Tony Hawk 3 there’s very little reason to pick this game up.

Truly one of the XBLA must-haves, Limbo sets its tent up alongside Braid but, at the same time, is more than original enough a proposition to stand entirely by itself. From the artistry of the setting to the pace and fiendishness of its puzzles, Limbo is a perfect example of what can be achieved when inspiration rather than monetisation is the prime motivator.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood are largely familiar, the game still brings fresh ideas to the table with some inspired secondary missions and meta-games. It's in the multiplayer that Brotherhood really beats its wings though, presenting what's arguably the best competitive stealth experience anywhere in gaming.

Although the PSP port suffers from the fact that Chinatown Wars was undoubtedly designed around the DS, the major qualities still remain and make for a GTA that is considerably different but nonetheless entertaining.

If Dead Space 2 were a sci-fi character, it would be the cigarette smoking man from The X-Files: dark, mysterious, sinister, and intense. If you're a survival horror fan then look no further - Dead Space 2 provides the genre master-class on current-gen systems. The one major detraction is a disappointingly shallow multiplayer experience.

Pikmin 2 not only improves upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, but wraps strategy, action and puzzle elements into one highly addictive and enjoyable experience that it seems only Nintendo are capable of.

Unlike another FPS franchise that has recently finished, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a flagship title not only for its recipient platform, but for the genre at large. Taking the formula that cemented the Prime series as one of the best on GameCube, Retro has managed to integrate a motion control system that befits Wii - a shining beacon for others to follow.

A true gamers game, there’s no storyline to worry about, no complex gameplay mechanics, just simple pure and unadulterated fun.

I find myself spending the same amount of time in the paint shop as I do on the track. With the option to spend hours designing cars and selling them in the Auction House, Forza 2 provides a welcome break from the racing action with something that provides plenty of rewards and satisfaction.

A great title for strategy fans, offering a near perfect blend of strategy and action.

Truly games such as this are a rarity these days; it’s a perfect blend of substance and style both in terms of visuals and gameplay, whilst the true testimony of the game is the fact that it’s still as refreshing, addictive and challenging as it was when it was released close to a year ago on the GameCube.

Graphics, handling, sound, depth and polish are all abundant in this game and if you like driving games, or perhaps even if you don't, you will love Colin McRae 2.

Perhaps the most impressive part of NBA2k2’s presentation is not the graphics, sumptuous as they are, but the audio. The commentary in this game is wonderful, the best in any sports game to put it simply.

A homecoming for The Creative Assembly; an opportunity to show how far the series has come in the ten years since its inception and, as far as we're concerned, it's a homecoming of ticker-tape parade proportions. This latest Total War marks a peak in the series not so much for its landmark features but for the amount of love and sheer dedication that's been applied to the setting. Truly, it's a beautiful recreation of Feudal Japan with gameplay to fit that billing.

Empire: Total War continues the franchise’s legacy, simply a masterpiece in the strategy genre.

A must get for any serious RPG gamer. Looks great sitting next to Final Fantasy VII.

Combine excellent level design, a compelling storyline and amazing presentation and you’ve got a game that will keep fans hooked until you’ve completed very last little bit.

Fantastic presentation, highly addictive intense gameplay and plenty to play – racing games just don't get any better then this, make sure to check it out immediately.

There's nothing particularly new or original about the game, there's not even a distinctive game feature you can put your finger on as a reason to own this game; instead Dragon Quest: The Journey of the Cursed King provides a game that is just enjoyable to play due to the attention paid towards its presentation, the cast of the characters and ensuring the gameplay is robust and without fault, if largely unremarkable.

A cultural masterpiece.

The most engrossing, deepest and open-ended videogame you’ll see for a very long time, at times it feels like more then a videogame, something to get completely caught up in and realise that time has no importance when you’re playing it.

Developing and expanding the concept of the original, Fable 2 is a worthy addition to any Xbox 360 owner's collection.

Undeniably about as brilliant as a band specific music title can get, The Beatles Rock Band easily outstretches the confines of just being a music game into something that guarantees great times for all - provided of course you're not one of the strange type of folk who just doesn't like them.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood are largely familiar, the game still brings fresh ideas to the table with some inspired secondary missions and meta-games. It's in the multiplayer that Brotherhood really beats its wings though, presenting what's arguably the best competitive stealth experience anywhere in gaming.

It's simple, Pro Evo IS football and the latest version makes enough enhancements to continue the series onward march to perfection. If you're a footie fan you need this, casual fans however might not necessarily appreciate the subtle modifications compared to previous titles.

Sure it’s still as maddeningly addictive as ever and detailed to the point of disappearing up your own arse in a fit of retentiveness. However it does slightly disappoint on the account that id does precious little when it comes to new ideas.

An absolutely brilliant game to play – really enjoyable, really addictive and instantly playable.

The finest combat system we've seen so far, coupled with strong moralistic storytelling and enjoyable gameplay, results in a must-have purchase.

Explaining the genius and scarily addictive quality of Phantasy Star Online is tricky indeed, it is something that needs to be played and experienced.

While Criterion appears to rest on its laurels throughout much of the 'Racer' side of Hot Pursuit's gameplay, effectively producing a quite bland recreation of Burnout in the process, ultimately it's the 'Cop' side of the action that saves the day. From that perspective, Hot Pursuit proves itself worthy of the name with some of the best cop chase gaming of recent times.

Multi-vehicle races that involve parachute jumps, speedboats and fast cars are the most enjoyable however, combining GTA's strongest elements into pulse-pounding races that are a genuine highlight.

Guild Wars represents a continued refinement of the staple concepts that the genre is built around; it may not shake the apple-tree, but the experience does feel refreshingly different to other games in the genre.

Indeed the closest contemporary for the game would be "Metal Gear Solid" as it is one of the few games like Max Payne that offers a completely impressive experience from beginning to end, wrapped up in sumptuous presentation and production values.

It’s far closer to the seasonal updates that interspersed the "Championship Manager" series. That said the list of enhancements do make a great game even better and will be fully appreciated by the fanatics.

One key improvement over the PS2 version is the lack of load times. Whereas levels had to be chopped up in that version the Xbox allows them to be loaded in the same way as the PC original, virtually eliminating any load times and keeping the sense of immersion high.

It's the immediacy of World in Conflict that drives it beyond anything else in the genre. The constantly fast pace, the race to accumulate Tactical Aid points, the relentless explosions and surges make for one of the most exhilarating experiences you'll have from a strategy title.<br>On so many counts Massive Entertainment have delivered on the "easy to learn, difficult to master" mantra, a strategy game that can be enjoyed by anybody.

A title of exceptional calibre to have on the Xbox 360. The few introductions along with presentation improvements make this an essential purchase if you missed out on Burnout Revenge the first time around, whilst those who consider themselves fanatics should also check it out for Live Revenge and Burnout on the next-gen.

If you're a social gamer that enjoys playing games against friends then chances are you'll enjoy the improvements made on the pitch. However if you're the type of gamer that prefers to experiment with the single-player modes you'll likely end up feeling a little underwhelmed.

In a stealth genre that's been abandoned by its heroes on current-gen platforms, Deus Ex: Human Revolution remains true to its roots and provides the sequel that we'd all hoped for but feared would never live up to the billing. Games don't get much better than this.

A streamlined sonic that&#8217;s nearly as good as the originals but not quite.

A defining moment in video games on this generation, and more than just because of its use of MotionScan technology. The free-roaming genre has become a little stale in recent years, yet LA Noire manages to inject a renewed sense of vigour to the scene and capably demonstrates that video games don't have to be just about your trigger skills.

Quite frankly FarCry is the finest PC title we’ve played in many years...Every aspect of the game works brilliantly and combines to create one of the most immersive and captivating games we’ve ever played.

Too much repetition and the occasional dip into unoriginality does make it a grind in places, but the story did just enough to pull us through.

One of the most enjoyable multiplayer games we have played in a very long time...[but] the lack of any decent single player mode leaves us feeling a little unhappy!

If Dead Space 2 were a sci-fi character, it would be the cigarette smoking man from The X-Files: dark, mysterious, sinister, and intense. If you're a survival horror fan then look no further - Dead Space 2 provides the genre master-class on current-gen systems. The one major detraction is a disappointingly shallow multiplayer experience.

In a stealth genre that's been abandoned by its heroes on current-gen platforms, Deus Ex: Human Revolution remains true to its roots and provides the sequel that we'd all hoped for but feared would never live up to the billing. Games don't get much better than this.

Merges both action and stealth perfectly to create a completely enthralling experience. Whereas it's a definite split between the two in most other titles, Butcher Bay fuses the two seamlessly, resulting in an entirely satisfying experience that plays wonderfully.

GT4 resets the benchmark for driving simulations, it’s not perfect but by definition we never expect a GT game to be.

Undeniably about as brilliant as a band specific music title can get, The Beatles Rock Band easily outstretches the confines of just being a music game into something that guarantees great times for all - provided of course you're not one of the strange type of folk who just doesn't like them.

There aren’t enough superlatives in the English dictionary to describe Lumines let alone paint a sufficient description of the experience - you’ve simply got to play it.

A defining moment in video games on this generation, and more than just because of its use of MotionScan technology. The free-roaming genre has become a little stale in recent years, yet LA Noire manages to inject a renewed sense of vigour to the scene and capably demonstrates that video games don't have to be just about your trigger skills.

Given the series orientation towards multiplayer in the final chapters on the PS2, it's quite surprising to find Tools of Destruction a solely single-player experience. With a handful of mini-games Tools of Destruction can be rushed through over a weekend, with the only real replay value stemming from Insomniac's traditional selection of Skill Point challenges to achieve on every level.

The wall jump from Mario 64 is perhaps the single best introduction to NEW Super Mario Bros.

The graphics at first may seem to be a little too grainy, however the atmosphere created from it is pure genius.

The inclusion of Michael Jordan, while it doesn't necessarily add anything to the gameplay, certainly improves the game in the eyes of most basketball fans.

A challenging, gorgeous, serious and compelling game.