Fortunately even though the single-player mode feels as though Ubisoft may have stretched it all a little too far, much like the original, Vegas 2 is all about the online multiplayer.

Very much in the same vein as last year's effort, Legends II manages to make further improvements especially with the introduction of online functionality though it still fails to offer the level of immersion that perhaps shoudl be expected of an RPG title.

Improvements in the level of detail on offer from the damage modelling to the multi-layered audio, continue to present the game with ever greater realism, and no-one could ever accuse the developers of a lack of variety in the vehicles.

The strides forward over last year's game really do place Codies' F1 series amongst the most dynamic sports series in video games today, ensuring that if you played and enjoyed last year's game then you'd be mad not to get in on the ground floor of this year's improvements.

A genuine highlight in the FIFA series, FIFA 07 is perhaps the most refined and complete offering likely to appear on this generation of consoles.

Addressing virtually every complaint we levelled at the first game, the stronger structure, more developed concepts, and extra features undoubtedly make for a better game, but we suspect it's a game that will only really appeal to fans of the original.

A slightly cringe-worthy 'Two-Button Control' system will no doubt help to attract the uninitiated to 2010 FIFA World Cup, but this isn't just a game for 'prawn sandwich' footie fans (to quote the affable Roy Keane). It's a game that'll appeal just as much to hardened FIFA veterans who've just about squeezed everything they can out of FIFA 10 and need something to tide them over until FIFA 11.

Shift 2 is one of the very few driving games where we'd actually prefer to boot-up its predecessor rather than this new iteration. It's still a thoroughly decent and innovative racer but fans of the original may be justifiably disappointed by the many missed opportunities here.

Certain aspects of the game work brilliantly although (such as the ecology) with the world of Skull Island coming to life quite naturally. It does tend to drag a bit in places and the pacing can be less than consistant but overall its a good title.

Having such a wide collection of super heroes to choose from certainly lifts this above the likes of X-Men Legends, and it's storyline (and the underlying question of a traitor in the ranks) certainly offers something quite engaging.

Top Spin 4 preserves the series' signature depth, ensuring that it remains the most advanced tennis experience available to gamers. Its easy to learn, hard to master control system is a triumph, and manages to retain overtones of simulation while simultaneously executing accessibility. Even without Virtua Tennis' sense of silliness and whimsy, Top Spin 4 is still a real hoot and, apart from one or two niggles, it's perhaps only limited by the repetitive nature of the sport itself.

One of the most impressive looking titles so far on Xbox 360 The Darkness is nonetheless let down by poor AI from both the Darklings and the various mob and zombie soldiers that Jackie encounters.

A joy for the hardcore to behold.

The most original and ambitious racer for years, Eden's first title for Xbox 360 is sure to have gamers demanding more in the future. Hopefully the patch won't be too long in coming either.

Blur is to racing games what Modern Warfare was to shooters. It easily combines the solid racing action we've come to expect from Bizarre Creations with power-ups that provide plenty of depth and options in the game. More significantly its the multitude of layers to the game, in terms of extra challenges and multiplayer, that creates the most absorbing arcade racing action we've had since Burnout Revenge. Simply a must-have for racing fans.

The story mode does provide a challenge and will last most around the 15 hour mark, however once that’s past the game has very little to offer largely because of the fundamental online options.

Just another blip on the RTS radar and is not going to be one of the classics, but its your standard run of the mill nothing fancy RTS.

The game manages to blend accessibility with depth perfectly, whilst the level of immersion brought about by using the headset is at times unbelievable.

A little more surprising is the fact that Darksiders actually lives up to the high expectations and quality of such influences and just about manages to forge its own identity.

TrackMania’s name really depicts the real essence of the game, different tracks, different challenges but most times you will find yourself driving like a loon and everything is so over the top you can’t imagine how this can be topped.

The game can be used a classic example of great game design, everything from the levels to the control set-up to the actual game structure is as near to perfection as we could have hoped for.

It features slick combat, interesting characters and an intriguing narrative that - for those who can ignore the presentational shortcomings - combine to make an incredibly immersive role-playing experience. However, the game's uninspired, repetitive environments and limited sense of adventure fail to provide a suitable platform for what could have been the defining RPG of this generation.

All of the changes that they’ve made have come through, and whilst it may not play as realistically as Pro Evolution Soccer, the overall feel is more akin to the proper game then previous versions.

Personally we're not too keen on the change to bigger maps, it's made the experience feel more like ever other tactical/shooter available.

A wonderfully unique title on a format well-known for its fair share of quirky hits, somehow EA has managed to fully realise and tap its true potential.

Very much in the same vein as last year's effort, Legends II manages to make further improvements especially with the introduction of online functionality though it still fails to offer the level of immersion that perhaps shoudl be expected of an RPG title.

A messy amalgamation of storylines and side-quests, coupled with poorly executed Quality Assurance and archaic game saving, STALKER is about as radioactive as plutonium, and should be treated as such - behind thick lead-lined walls of concrete. The lead-lined walls being a metaphor for the high spec required to play the game at a decent performance.

The experience can be a frustrating one that isn't for everybody. Those with perseverance and patience, however, will find one of the most rewarding games around; one that has plenty in store and keeps you coming back for more.