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

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.

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.

A truly fantastic game and quite possibly one of the greatest games of all time...it really must be seen to be believed. Get your shoes on, buy yourself a good supply of new pants (underwear for our American readers) and pick this one up today!

The graphics are some of the best we have ever witnessed in a game to date, the storyline has been refined giving you more information about Umbrella and STARS, the game itself is pure genius.

The best fighting game we've played since "Street Fighter Alpha 2," this is arguably the best fighting game to date.

This game is full of surprises and you never know what is going to happen, and that is a very good thing.

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

Smashing down the barriers between videogames and movies, GTA4 is what happens when flawless game design and ridiculously high production values collide.

The massive amount of new features sets this game miles apart from "GTA: 3" - everything from interior locations, the combat, the graphics to the car handling has been improved, making this into a totally brilliant game.

A perfect balance between videogames and cinema.

Simply the best game I have ever had the pleasure of playing.

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.

There is an unimaginable amount of depth underneath its flashy exterior.

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.

Heavy Rain is a rare experience that can be enjoyed by a watching audience and not just the person with the control pad. It's also one that you'll certainly want to play through at least one more time just to see what you missed and perhaps reach a better outcome.

Everything we wanted; the graphics are so realistic it’s actually quite scary. The sound effects and background music push your adrenaline to the max, and you’ll find yourself in shock after playing this game.

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

A revelation, a renaissance for the series and truly a next-gen Resident Evil that should re-ignite the franchise all over again.

I couldn't possibly say enough in this review to give you an idea of how unbelievable this game is, you will have to experience it for yourself...and try and do it with a 5.1 stereo system...One of the best videogames ever created.

Undoubtedly one of the finest games in recent years, LittleBigPlanet deserves every single shred of a 10. You won't find a more polished or rewarding videogame this year, and for quite some time we'd imagine.

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.

Most importantly the game’s gradual learning curve, handy tutorials and simple interface is immediately accessible, yet there’s still plenty to learn and discover when it comes to the subtleties of filmmaking 30 hours later.

It's a perfect cocktail of action, suspense, logic, style and substance; you simply couldn't ask for anything more.

A game that’s as near to perfection as any other game in the genre.

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

This is without a doubt one of the best games ever made. Every true gamer should own this game, Goldeneye is an absolute must. Personally I don’t think I will ever stop playing this game, I love it.

A decade on from "Mario 64" and Miyamoto delivers another landmark title, one that almost grips the term 'instant classic' with both hands tightly right from the off. Innovative level design, original gameplay, the best graphics and soundtrack on Wii to date, and the return to form of the first true superstar of videogames (sorry "Pac-Man") means that Galaxy will no doubt be looked back upon in years to come with the same level of veneration as "Mario 64" is today.

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.

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.

Uncharted 2 is a magnificent example of how this generation can infuse movie production quality with enjoyable gameplay and maintain a sense of fluidity throughout the feature presentation. The sheer craft on display throughout every single moment deserves every accolade it receives; truly Naughty Dog has delivered a generation-defining experience that is worthy of buying/borrowing/stealing a PS3.

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.

Genius is an often overused word but Valve's work on Portal 2 is genius in the truest sense. The studio has exhibited exceptional creativity in the game, even compared to some of its other masterpieces. If we could give it 11/10, we would.

Genius is an often overused word but Valve's work on Portal 2 is genius in the truest sense. The studio has exhibited exceptional creativity in the game, even compared to some of its other masterpieces. If we could give it 11/10, we would.

Combine the wonderfully fluid control system, level designs that ooze the 'one more go' appeal and the fact that it's Mario, and you've got one of the best games in a long time and certainly the GameCube's finest hour to date. [Import]

One of the best videogames experience we've had in a very long time. It’s not about the blood, or being able to indulge in illegal activities, although amusing, the simple fact is that GTA3 is so playable.

A perfect game; cinematic, compelling, exciting, and most importantly damn fun to play! Believe the hype it is this good.

A true platform defining title; in 20 years time gamers will look back at the Playstation2 and hold GTA: San Andreas as the true epoch-making title of the times. Nothing can be understated, RockStar North have truly delivered beyond everybody’s expectations.

Quite simply brilliant. I have not been held by a game like this for a long time, it is addictive, compelling and quite marvellous to play.

A masterpiece of free-form gaming; one of the most ambitious games of this generation.

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.

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.

Braid is the real deal: an innovative, creative, brilliant bit of near-solo games making that I can only hope is a sign of things to come.

An astonishing game, one that needs to be celebrated again and again.

Frankly, GT2 is so good it hurts.

There are so many subtle touches that only become apparent after many hours of play and the cunningly designed levels match anything Nintendo can offer.

The design, structure and implementation of this game are wonderful. From the opening levels, with training that took us back to the classic X-Wing, right through to the epic dogfights of later levels, that erm, take us right back to X-Wing, Yager manages to impress.

The fact is, Sonic 4's first episode is so much fun that it makes you forget about the world and think of nothing but the game. It encapsulates the pure thrill of gaming that many contemporary titles seem to comatosely forget.

The improved Burnout system really adds some much needed depth to the gameplay, whilst those graphics are going to astound you.

The fact is, Sonic 4's first episode is so much fun that it makes you forget about the world and think of nothing but the game. It encapsulates the pure thrill of gaming that many contemporary titles seem to comatosely forget.

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.

At times you're left with the impression that Uncharted 3 could have been bolder – the blueprint of success from Uncharted 2 has perhaps been adhered to a little too closely here. Beyond the slightly out-of-place gun combat and familiar box of tricks though, this third attempt is still a genuine innovator thanks mostly to an otherwise stagnant genre.

Offers everything you'll want from a FPS plus much more.

The mouse-keyboard combination does take some time to get use to, but if players have a good gamepad then San Andreas PC becomes much easier to overall control.

Oblivion is a game that defines freedom within a videogame, one that accepts whatever role players choose and allowing them to play the game as they see fit; for this reason alone, Oblivion is a game with very few rivals - a flawed masterpiece.

Just like the God of War games that precede it, this final installment in the trilogy isn't quite faultless even though it's excruciatingly close to a perfect score. However, it forms a trilogy that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Of course there are improvements, the draw distance and lighting models have received subtle enhancements, more importantly the frame-rate maintains a smoother pace throughout.

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.

Everything you could have wished for and more.

Nothing short of a hardcore gaming masterpiece.

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

By making choice, dialogue and characters the key ingredients, Mass Effect 2 delivers an experience in which the player feels directly at the core - more so than any other game we can think of. It effortlessly expands the scope of the original, creating a universe which is deeply engrossing and a plot that you can't help feeling part of.

Everything comes together in such a unique and fantastic way that I can see giving this game no less of a title then strategy game of the year thus far!

It's a surprisingly long game, with plenty to do away from the main story; Thief will consume you for months on end.

A challenging, gorgeous, serious and compelling game.

There are only a couple of issues that hold back F1 2010 from a perfect score and they're not major gripes at that. The F1 license is finally back in the hands of a publisher that's willing and able to create a realistic depiction of the sport and this is a remarkably good first attempt by Codemasters Birmingham.

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

Far Cry 2 is a slog for the first few hours of gameplay, but you've got to stick with it because it soon turns into one of the most revolutionary FPS games of the decade.

There are only a couple of issues that hold back F1 2010 from a perfect score and they're not major gripes at that. The F1 license is finally back in the hands of a publisher that's willing and able to create a realistic depiction of the sport and this is a remarkably good first attempt by Codemasters Birmingham.

Arguably it’s a game that could last a life-time. From the start there’s plenty to get stuck into, and we suspect Blizzard will be keen to carry on the momentum and evolve the experience.

Every aspect comes together to create a gaming experience that is one of the most polished and perfected we've ever seen, regardless of genre – you simply need Burnout 3: Takedown now.

This is a simply must buy product.

Red Alert 2 is THE game that fans of the genre have been waiting for a very long time.

This truly is the sneakiest game available on the PC, and is also one of the best designed and most enjoyable releases of the year so far.

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Sports Interactive has built a better 3D match engine in FM 2009 than can be found in any other game of its type and by quite a margin.

The combination of cutting-edge technology and consuming game design creates an experience that is hard to put down, and it's really only minor gripes that prevent this from being a perfect score.

There's room for improvement, and we hope the omission of damage isn't a sign of things to come, but as a starter Prologue gets your engine revving to maximum.

The combination of the brilliantly designed World Tour mode, Wi-Fi connectivity and the PSP hardware itself creates an experience that proves to be a killer-app if you’re considering a purchase of Sony’s new handheld.

As with all great sequels, Broken Bond deals with darker story elements than its predecessor and becomes a more jaw dropping spectacle as a result.

It offers the qualities we've come to expect from Rockstar in abundance, but just slips up short of GTA IV in delivering an experience that transcends the remit of a video game. Not quite a genre-defining experience, but one that offers a whole heap of entertainment for your money.

Trying to usurp "System Shock II" in the scary stakes is no easy feat, and whilst Bioshock doesn't quite manage to replicate the fear I remember in 1999, it does have its moments. Plenty of times I found myself eager to progress, but at the same time, terrified to take a step further in fear of what lay ahead.

One of the smartest and most informed ways we have seen in creating a realistic setting/atmosphere in a game and this offers so much more than you can possibly imagine.

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 hard for me to say how guys are going to react to the way this game does feel quite female oriented, if even just in presentation, it’s success in Japan suggests that it won’t pose a problem. Just to be safe though they put half naked chicks in it.

In introducing weapon modification and more importantly Adrenaline/Healing Tool, Pariah ends up feeling significantly different to the vast majority of shooters on the market, there’s a definite sense of survival to the whole experience.

The implementation of controllable sea battles and the interactive environments certainly develops the gameplay of the combat RTS sub-genre and it’s sure to be a feature that a certain developer called Creative Assembly will be looking out for.

While at a glance it seems that this game is just a slightly more polished SSX engine with new levels, the new single player campaign makes such an impact on how the game is presented and played that it really sets this game out from its predecessors.

If non-stop action and an unbeatable multiplayer mode is what you crave, Time Splitters has definitely got you covered.

An excellent title that offers a great racing experience, a novel storyline and an immense number of tracks and cars to race with.

As if you ever doubted it, Call of Duty is still the best military shooter out there and by quite some margin. It seems its competitors can only watch from a distance and take notes as this juggernaut of FPS gaming ploughs a wide path towards the genre's future.

One of the most captivating and thoroughly polished titles in recent times. It’s not perfect, however anyone who has an interest in well-crafted Sci-Fi storylines a la "Minority Report" will find themselves completely captivated with this game.

Although nothing new, the gameplay is polished and refined and even begin to warm to the charismatic characters.

A pleasant surprise and proves to be one of the best strategy games on the market, with vast and epic battles complete with an impressive system that goes ten times further than the most.

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

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.

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