Halo 3 isn't perfect, but it's so close it's unnerving. There's very little to fault with this game, and the flaws that are there are almost completely overshadowed by the overall quality and incredible amount of content and features.

For Xbox Live users Rez HD is the chance to relive a classic, experience something as fresh today, as it was six years ago.

Gears of War 2 is, simply put, an improvement in every aspect.

It's an astonishing achievement for a handheld that nobody thought could hold this much content, or present it in such an effective way.

It's truly an adventure from start to finish, and something that every gamer should experience.

It is fair to say that on the current generation we have a perfect racing package.

This is a rare occasion when the hype can actually be justified; Super Mario Galaxy 2 is, quite simply, a masterpiece.

Dark and disturbing is something that is a running theme throughout Limbo, it isn't a nice game, it isn't one that will leave a smile on your face but it is engrossing and it will have you suckered in from start to finish.

EA Sports' NHL 11 is not only the best hockey game ever made, it is quite simply the best and most accurate sports game ever made.

Super Meat Boy is unlikely to touch the sales records of the powerhouse physical releases. However it may well find itself as a surprise entry to may game of the year lists. What it does, it does to absolute perfection. Super Meat Boy is a game made by sadists, for masochists.

It is literally full of those 'classic' moments that are all too rare these days. Whether it's the first time your footprints are discovered, the first time you perform a stealth kill, finding out the identity of the 'Ninja', solving the method of defeating Psycho Mantis, obtaining the camera and seeking out your first 'ghost'... there are so many classic memories.

It's just about perfect. The multiple play modes will keep you going long after "Tekken" has slid back to the trade in shop. The graphics are out of this world, and I still cannot work out how a game that came out in 1995 can have an introduction that looks so jaw droopingly fantastic. It plays amazing, it looks amazing, it’s quite simply amazing.

When you finally set down the controller the first time, and eventually hunger or exhaustion do force all of us to take a break, Halo has pulled you completely into its world and started one of the best sci-fi gaming adventures of all time.

Just remember, Fable is not "Project Ego." What it is, though, is a redefinition for RPG's. It takes out all the frustrating elements of the genre, and instead puts in a heap of fun options and possibilities. This is why; despite its disappointing conclusion, Fable is one of the most gripping and enjoyable games that has come to grace the console scene.

It's a luminous use of an indelible vehicle, and it deserves to be held aloft; suitably accorded the very best nomenclature in Gamestyle's vocabulary. A Ten, then.

One of Halo 2 Online's best features - if not the best - is the statistics tracking system. [Online review]

Real 'bullet-time' isn't ballet; it's no-holds carnage that ends with a radio-transmitted flatline. It's one man making a difference; it's one game making a noise. Half-Life 2 is all that - and more.

The benchmark that other Xbox titles should strive for: a solid combination of gameplay, graphics and variety.

Racing games have now changed forever, and entirely for the better - for that there can be no higher recommendation. It's that good.

How can Rockstar follow this? San Andreas is a masterpiece; the outstanding gameplay from the first two games has been extended, tweaked and applied to a fresh, original and fascinating setting. There's more than enough meat to keep you going for months, and the sheer variety of gameplay is bewildering.

Whether you're negotiating platforms (made simple thanks to a camera that pans down) or involved in the final climatic battle with Metroid Prime, you always feel as if you're at one with the game. And surely that's what gaming's all about, isn't it?

It's not just an achievement in technical design and visual prowess; it's an entire masterpiece of game engineering. This is one of the finest videogame experiences ever crafted.

To match such thrill-a-minute environments, the level design, puzzles, and boss fights are all insanely original.

This is - or was - bleeding edge technology; the 'Sole Calibre' of Dreamcast's Distinction, and it shall remain so... until Namco's elite inevitably trump themselves.

There is no such thing as perfection, no matter how much we strive for it, therefore a couple of minor niggles do not distract from a top score. Portal 2 is the Game of the Year so far, it will take something special for it not to take that accolade. Sometimes the anticipation of a games release can leave the final thing feeling a little flat. That is not the case here as Portal 2 lives up to all expectations and then some.

It all adds to a package that is much much more than could ever have been dreamed of. Arcade perfect conversion that supports wheels and pad. If it was just the arcade mode alone it would have been a wonderful, adding the extra modes makes it a must have. However at a very small 800 Microsoft Points, if this isn't added to the collection, then put the controller down, step away from the console and retire.

Skyrim, an absolute masterpiece, the more you invest in the game, the more you get out of it. A truly epic game that deserves all of the plaudits. It is more than a just game, it is an experience.

Beautiful graphics, that wonderful soundtrack, the enthralling story and that damn annoying fairy, the 3DS version has it all and is easily the best port to ever be made of the legend.

If you're looking for a game to show off the power of your new purchase, but also get value for money then you can't go far wrong with Infinity Blade 2. Even at its launch price of £4.99 it represents great value for money, especially with developers Chair due to release updates in a similar way to IB1, adding new locations, weapons and enemies to fight all set to be free DLC at the time of writing.

It improves on the original in every way and shows just how a sequel should be done and is as close to a perfect sequel you will get. You owe it to yourself to buy this

For those with any kind of an inclination to the days where games put more effort into enjoyment than just looking good, this is an absolute must play.

Velocity is an exceptional and in many ways ground breaking game. To call it the best mini out there is doing it a disservice. In truth, Velocity is a must have game on whatever system you can get it on.

There is no element of Dust: An Elysian Tail that has a negative, from the jaw dropping visuals, to the excellent writing, through to the seamless combat and action. This is a stand out title in more ways than one. In a year that has Trials Evolution, Spelunky, Minecraft and Fez, this is the standalone best game on XBLA. If you only buy one game this year buy Dust: An Elysian Tail, there simply isn't enough superlatives to describe just how good it is.

It is DLC that adds more to an already amazing package and the fact RedLynx continue to add more themselves, as well as more to allow users to build the ever increasing library is simply refreshing to see. At just 400 Microsoft Points this is one of the best value DLC bundles you can get. If you own Trials Evolution, you must get this now. If you don't own Trials Evolution, buy that and get this now.

Quite simply, one of the greatest stories of this gaming generation has just released its greatest chapter.

Far Cry 3 is not only one of the games of this year, it is one of the games of this generation. There was nothing about it that ever came close to ruining the fun, it is a true sandbox experience and all the faults from the previous games have been ironed out. Simply put, you must buy this now!

Persona 4 Golden isn’t just one of the best games on the Vita to date… Actually scratch that. It is THE best game on the Vita and it is one of the finest games you will ever play. It is a lesson in craftsmanship, there is no weakness at all, at no point is there a moment where your interest falls away. Persona 4 Golden is a system seller, you must own this, even if you need to still buy a Vita to do so.

A game you can lose yourself in for hours, only looking away to wonder where the time has gone. It is one of this generations great games, as simple as that.

A change for the better - and much better than anyone could have imagined. It has the right feel, the right look, and the combat system has yet to be bettered in this genre.

It is one of the finest 3D games ever produced; nay crafted. At last, this is the 'third place'... this truly is the third dimension. History has just been rewritten.

Where Substance really comes alive is the various VR modes and alternative missions.

The defining aspect of FFXI is the huge amount of time that is required to play the game. Couple that with the fact it is dangerously addictive and soon enough you will find yourself firmly ensconced in your chair not wanting to leave to do anything else.

The handling is excellent whether you are driving or on foot, the dual shock controller and control system sit nicely in your hands and the whole thing feels natural.

The sound of GTA Vice City is glorious.

A stunning game with great graphics, sound and outstanding gameplay that adds up a top class fighting game.

Composer Yoko Shimomura (his first Square title since Legend of Mana) creates a very impressive score that alternates between filling you with excitement as you start your next battle to pulling at the heartstrings when some of the game’s more poignant scenes are onscreen.

Truly astounding. Not tarnished at all by all the hype, and truly worth the wait.

The visuals are stunning but not for full-blown 3D acceleration or the resolution, rather the epic and believable world that has been created for you to discover. It won’t take you long to complete ICO if you are semi-intelligent but you won’t feel cheated because it is very much a case of quality over quantity.

Without question, Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked and Loaded surpasses "Mario Sunshine" as the best 'platform genre-specific' offering of the current generation.

Double bastard-woo with hot custard on top (and those who allege otherwise are suffering from cranio-rectal inversions).

Don't miss out on this at any cost. If you need a bit more convincing, just remember: you get to have a threesome.

Yet again the Shadow Hearts series delivers, and really you’d be a fool not to try out this original and captivating series. As for now this is the finest RPG on the Playstation 2.

Yet the beauty of Katamari Damacy comes not from fighting, exploration or trading, but from rolling a ball (known as a katamari) that captures anything within its path. A brilliantly simple idea, and one that's perfectly executed.

Quibbles aside, Gamestyle would be hard-pressed to name a better RPG it has experienced on the current crop of consoles.

However it's all about balance, and Insomniac know how to keep players busy long after the main story has been completed, which is good, as it does feel a little short.

While it’s not the best fighter ever, Tekken 5 is truly something special. It has the style, sound and longevity you want from a fighting game.

It's the game we all fell in love with when the N64 launched - and it's looking extremely likely to happen again this holiday season. Unmissable.

Graphically, the game is - for lack of a better expression - gorgeous.

It manages to enlarge its scope from being something which entertains on a functional level to becoming something that emits enchantment and appreciation on a purely 'emotional' level.

Easily the most original PSP release to date, it's a great way to start your love affair with Sony's handheld system.

It's innovate, it's fun and it shows real determination from Nintendo to show exactly what makes the DS stand out from the rest, and for that reason alone you should show your support. DS game of the year? No doubt. Electroplankton is simply an essential DS title.

Ingenious and designed with the sort of wild creative flair that most developers can only dream of possessing, Gamestyle loves Katamari.

The most accomplished racing game on the PSP by a mile, and it might just be the second best game on the system across all the genres.

Undoubtedly a showpiece for the PSP, Virtua Tennis: World Tour offers something for everyone - and, despite the laborious loading times, it's a tried-and-true SEGA title that everyone should have in their collection.

When started, you’ll rarely look at another game for weeks if not months (thanks to the downloadable content) to come and beyond. Oblivion is without question a strong contender for the best game of 2006.

If only more multiplayer modes had been created, Gears of War would be regarded as the perfect Xbox Live game.

Longish load times aside, Project Gotham Racing 3 strikes an excellent balance between arcade and sim gameplay without alienating fans of either, and everyone - from Sunday drivers to Autobahn veterans - will find something to love here.

The game is unpretentious and makes no apologies for being exactly what it wants to be - and that is a game with a beautifully crafted storyline, intriguing characters, plenty of humour, and everything you want from an RPG. Forget the naysayers, this is really a class act.

A solid test of the player's reflexes mixed with eye-melting visuals make this a title worth more than its weight in Marketplace points.

The classic single player and the revolutionary multiplayer makes this a great little package.

Once Viva Pinata grabs you then there is no way you can escape. A bright and vibrant world surrounds a game that is an essential purchase for everyone.

Rainbow Six: Vegas is almost perfect and easily the best iteration in the series. The compelling co-op play, the online multiplayer and everything associated with the single player campaign is completely worth the asking price.

And all this carnage is rendered beautifully through the game's graphics and sound. It's hard to deny that God of War II is one of the greatest looking and most epic games on the Playstation 2, but it wouldn't be much of a stretch to call it one of the best looking games on any console.

Insomniac certainly knows how to deliver a release that caters for all players of differing abilities.

The Twilight Princess is a triumph. Every dungeon reveals something new whether it is weapons, environments, brilliantly designed puzzles or bosses.

There's something here for everyone, presented in a familiar and friendly way, and offering big challenges for those willing to give it their attention.

EBA performs admirably, making improvements where needed and retaining the same charm, humour and enthusiasm as its imported cousin. It's a more accessible entry into the franchise, but there's nothing to stop anyone from picking up both.

The best bits of the best games have been stuck together in one wonderful Castlevania cake.

For all that, though, Guns Of The Patriots is a magnificently entertaining game.

What's important, though, is that Fable is an amazingly well-crafted and polished world that has traded the typical sandbox route of western RPGs for attention to detail and true character development.

DiRT is very much an offline game, so if you're looking for online thrills, look elsewhere, it does not deliver. What it does deliver, however, is a single player treat that is nothing short of fantastic.

Putting an estimate on how many hours you would need to devote to the game to complete everything is both pointless and a little scary to imagine, but we dare say that someone out there in a very dimly lit room will be attempting it. Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories is a joy to behold, you can dip into it for a short time or lose several years of your life.

Control of the players feels very responsive, and every charge and slapshot feels suitably weighty, despite the fact the controller didn’t rumble on Gamestyle‘s first play (even though we thought it did).

As good as this game is, it's tough to recommend it to everyone. It makes little attempt to broaden its appeal outside of simulation fans; but as far as they are concerned, we couldn't recommend it more.

Rapture is a beautifully stylised city that provides plenty of mystery and intrigue. Definitely a game of the year contender.

Simply by moving the controls from the face-buttons to the analogue sticks – an idea so simple it’s amazing no-one though of it before – EA have created the best skateboarding title in years and in doing so have redefined the rules of the entire genre. A joy to play and a game which the inevitable sequel will have to go some way to top.

Casual players will notice very little difference and probably resent the soundtrack, favouring the more varied original. Experts will savour the focus of the new tracks and find the tweaked mechanics to be an absolute godsend, placing this high above the original.

A major factor in the addictive and fun nature of Guitar Hero II is the excellent learning curve.

An update is what they've got; graphical upgrades, new characters, new moves, but with the same classic gameplay. Whether this is your first Pokémon game or your fifth, this formula still works like magic.

An update is what they've got; graphical upgrades, new characters, new moves, but with the same classic gameplay. Whether this is your first Pokémon game or your fifth, this formula still works like magic.

God of War: Chains of Olympus is a fantastic game and a worthy addition to any PSP owner’s collection.

RE4 is still a fantastic game and one of the best games of the last generation, but a few extra play modes wouldn't have gone amiss. Still, if you missed out on the horror the first time then this is the perfect way to catch up.

LittleBigPlanet is a must have purchase for a system that needs more AAA titles in its library. As a PlayStation 3 exclusive, it's almost worth buying a system to experience.

This is definitely up there as one of the best versions of Street Fighter 2 available and will most certainly keep you occupied until the true sequel is unleashed next year.

Burnout Paradise is an excellent game, but there are one or two blemishes that do tarnish it somewhat. Still, there's something for every Burnout fan here and it will no doubt spark continued debate over whether it's the best in the series.

It's a big-budget, beautifully crafted slice of next-gen promise kept; on many levels it's one of the best first person shooters released in a year of strong rivals, and perhaps even the best PlayStation 3 game released so far.

An excellent online mode (as always) is the icing on an almost perfect cake. Bizarre have even had the decency to include a brand new version of Geometry Wars, subtitled Waves, to keep people amused. With PGR4 the series may have reached its peak and it's going to be interesting to see how Bizarre Creations try and top it.

Although the combat can get repetitive, and Darksiders has adopted a tried and tested format, the story, style, and atmosphere make playing through Armageddon a unique and involving experience.