At 800 Microsoft points, you are getting great value per table. Pinball Arcade is by far the most accurate representation of pinball there is and short of buying up the real things, you will not get a better option.

Tower defence games have been done to death, yet here Anomaly adds an excellent twist to the genre. If you have the PC or mobile version, then this may not be an instant purchase, but if not, then you just need to pick it up.

The Splatters is a game that from first view feels like it should have been made for iOS rather than XBLA, but from the moment you start playing you will not regret your purchase. Game play is challenging but without ever become dull or too complex. It is only 800 Microsoft Points too and very much worth every penny you will pay.

Lollipop Chainsaw reminds us of a time when games weren't trying to be gritty and realistic, when they didn't take themselves seriously, before games were all about making money and sticking to the fundamentals. There isn't any new ground being broken here, but what we do have is a game that will give you more fun than anything else out this year.

What really stands out about Magic 2013 though, is that whilst it is great entry into the genre for new players, with pop up help and a fine tutorial, it doesn't trade that off by dumbing down the experience for veterans. Literally the only thing missing is the feel of having a physical deck in your hands. We dare you not to become hooked.

Episode 2 is an experience that is completely different to anything you can find on the PS3, if you've already bought Episode 1 then there's no doubt you'll pick this up, if you haven't, then now is the perfect time.

Zuma's Revenge is pretty much the same game as has been seen before in the original. Yet somehow it feels fresh and is an essential purchase.

Darksiders II is an absolutely outstanding experience, the combat is fluid, the story is well written, the RPG elements add a lot of depth and the side quests will add many extra hours to your time with the game. As we enter the twilight of the 360's life, this really is a stand out game of the highest quality.

As far as rhythm games go, Retro/Grade is up there with the best.

If you've played Jet Set Radio already, then you'll be a fool not to get this version, there is no looking through rose tinted retro glasses, it is still an amazing game and one you need to play again.

The biggest fear with a Joe Danger sequel was that it would be just more of the same, but Hello Games have done a fine job producing a game that demands you spend your money. The game isn't an improvement on the original title, but the tweaks and additions to the mechanics, make it a vital purchase.

There is so much on offer again, that there is easily something for everyone. It's not the finished article, but as each year passes, we get closer to perfect virtual recreations of the sport.

All the polish, options and new modes are all well and good, but without a precise handling model and intelligent AI, then F1 2012 wouldn't be worth the upgrade, so the fact Codemasters have managed to spend the year getting that aspect right, plus improve all the bells and whistles is just so refreshing to see.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is a top effort by Namco.

Borderlands 2 is a must have, whether you have played the original or not, it adds plenty of new content and offers up enough change to be worth the purchase. Having the weight of expectancy on its shoulders hasn't done any harm and it certainly lives up to the hype.

A simple story, that is enjoyable and well told, is mixed perfectly with great gameplay. The difficulty levels are spot on, and despite some saying the game is too short, it must be remembered that the story can be played through multiple times, using different methods with each go. Add to this all of the little touches to be found, that are simply too numerous to list, and this is a game where the effort really shows. Dishonored is a must play, and is up there as one of the best games this year.

Forza Horizon isn't exactly ground breaking, games like Test Drive Unlimited and Burnout Paradise have already tried the open world experience. However Forza Horizon does it better than both and offers up an amazing experience that doesn't stop giving from start to finish, it is simply glorious.

LEGO Lord Of The Rings is another in a long line of classic LEGO games. It is fun and accessible. It is easy to lose an entire evening to its charms. It is the most well rounded of the LEGO titles too, whether a fan of the books or films, or not. It is one game to rule them all.

Stranger's Wrath was a fine game back in 2005, it is just as good in 2012. It has been given the best treatment possible for it's re-release and it is quite possibly one of the best console to handheld ports to date.

This is definitive version of one of the best games to come out in an absolute age. There really is no excuse not to own it.

Guacamelee isn’t the second coming of anything like that. It takes a tried and tested formula and just delivers. It gets the basics right and makes sure fun is at the forefront of what it does. Great platforming, wonderful adventure, silky smooth combat and the perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment.

The third instalment offers a brilliant new focus in the series that not only heightens the goals of the games with regard to hitting the player in their psyche; it adds new dimensions of dread on top.

WOW the game is fast, furious and most importantly fun, for the first time in ages a game has reminded me that I'm scarred of heights and BOY this game throws you from some heights.

There's nothing wrong with the video game as such, the sound and presentation are both exemplary and the graphics are crisp, but as the sport is inherently complicated it doesn't go out of it's way to make new friends.

It's hard to imagine how EA can possibly top this one.

Beneath the gore and gritty urban realism is a well-designed and challenging game. Killing is never meant to be fun, but in Manhunt there is a sick satisfaction to be gleaned from each and every kill.

A combination of good graphics, excellent game play, a compelling story and a worthwhile soundtrack make this an essential purchase for fans of the genre.

While the result stumbles just short of enshrinement as a legend, the defining bar has been raised, again.

It offers everything good about next-gen sports games: smooth, fluid game play; atmospheric sights and sounds; arcade to reality; options galore; a potentially unlimited lifespan.

Without question a fantastic release, but not the glorious and blinding achievement that many have proclaimed.

A captivating experience.

Near the end of the game... the game loses all balance and a high proportion of cheesy twists and one boss fight after the other thrown at you all at once.

The definitive version of an all-time classic. There is nothing else that could have been added to make this title feel any more complete or (pardon the pun) ‘Final’.

But perhaps the best measure of its success comes with the profound disappointment and anticipation felt as the spectacular conclusion fades and the prompt screen asks for confirmation - to save your party for use in the next chapter.

It is a quest worth making.

Ape Escape 2 just hooked me by being just plain fun while being different and original from today’s generic platform games. Oh and it has monkeys in it.

An outstanding improvement on a stale series. There’s still room for improvement; a few more fatalities would have been nice, and more detailed arenas to fight in would take the game up a level.

Problems aside though, Dark Chronicle is a truly captivating game. A great story coupled with decent controls, features and more extra bits than anyone could ever think of.

Now here comes the main niggle I have with this otherwise incredible co-op game. It’s short. I mean Danny De Vito short. My friend and I did it in less than 10 hours, and we explored everywhere and killed everything.

Single-player is great fun, but there is no depth to keep you hooked; the most fun comes from getting other people involved and so multi-player is where EyeToy becomes really special.

New match types such as the elimination chamber, and a revised control system, mean that unlike other WWE titles appearing on other formats, this one can stand up in its own right as an accomplished game - and one that people outside of its hardcore fanbase should have some fun with.

With a little practice you can create a decent remix in under half an hour, although an original song will take longer to create. But you won't notice the time because with MMG3 each moment will be a labour of love.

A worthy successor to the Ace Combat series in almost every respect. Fans will love this game and many more may succumb to its charm.

It might not be the deepest experience, but for a shot of pure action, you can't go wrong. And yes, apparently Rockstar can revive two fallen genres with an almighty kiss of life and in doing so prove once again that they have the Midas touch.

Having experienced Need For Speed and Burnout on numerous occasions, Gamestyle can wholeheartedly confirm that Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition is the most complete - and satisfying - package to date.

Matches the high intrigue of previous releases, and even throws a few new tricks into the rucksack.

The PS2 engine may be showing its age ever so slightly, but the fluidity of the action is something Gamestyle did not expect to see until the next generation of consoles.

Surprisingly absorbing once you have mastered the intricacies of the game, this is a fine release, at a bargain price.

Alien Hominid might lack a scripted storyline, but trying to reach the end is a wellspring of emotion.

A game that surpasses EA's "The Godfather." Knowledge of Scarface is not necessary, but you will respect Tony Montana or else.

Niggles aside, Mr Driller: Drill Spirits is excellent fun. It's addictive as hell and if you've got friends with the game - or at least people willing to challenge your high scores - there's almost limitless fun to be had.

It may not be perfect, but few if any titles of late will generate such a compulsive hold with such economic use of power.

Even for veterans, the addition of wireless two-player support and enhanced touch-screen control is just about worth the asking price.

The control feels tighter, the aesthetics are sweeter, and the career mode will keep you ‘hooked’ (pun most definetly intended) for weeks on end.

For a launch title, it's surprising that so much imagination has been tapped from every available feature of the Nintendo DS.

The concept as a whole may be heading ever closer to the clichéd but once you actually start playing, it is nigh on impossible to not feel the Castlevania magic taking you over.

It's like Tetris' half-Italian younger brother, Tetrigo: he isn't as old or as wise, and you can't understand him all the time, but he wears a suit and drives a Ferrari... so hop in and enjoy the ride!

And when some players will struggle to overcome the Normal default difficulty at times, the opportunity to replenish health would have been welcome.

Monolith resort to every trick in the book to scare and confuse players (along with cut sequences and voice direction that are professionally placed to enhance the experience). It's just a shame the developer couldn't expand upon the promise of forensic options and truly deliver something novel and terrifying.

Okami is a thing of beauty, and although it treads one or two too many familiar paths, it never fails to follow its own as well.

Although there are problems - for instance, the game is very short (it only took Gamestyle around seven hours) and the online co-op mode seems more like an added extra - we ultimately succumbed to its storybook charms.

DDS2 is a great RPG telling a challenging and mature story, over a foundation of solid, if unspectacular, game mechanics, learning from the mistakes made by its predecessor.

A general mish-mash of the best bits of Mario Kart combined with a slew of new features in one overwhelmingly complete title.

The new direction taken by Amped 3 will not be to everyone's taste. Yet somehow this underdog has managed to dominate Gamestyle's available Xbox 360 playtime - leaving PGR3 trailing, PDZ quaking and Condemned hammered.

The single player is a phenomenal first-person shooter, standing firmly shoulder to soldier (sorry) with the best of the genre. However, its sorely under-developed multiplayer aspect has definitely let the side down, like a soldier who's lost his big toe in the war.

Burnout Revenge on the 360 retains all the fuel-injected fun from the original games, making a successful leap to the next-gen platforms. However, in all honesty it is hard to recommend the game to anyone who has played the game on Xbox or PS2, as aside from the admittedly minor tweaks and additions, it is the same game with shinier graphics.

With a mostly competent online mode, and a lengthy and fun career, this really is the best (not to mention, only) boxing game for the Xbox 360.

As a document of the series past, present and future, it stands tall, and will prove essential for many. But for those without access to online play, especially those players unconvinced by the almost monotonous pace that the main game develops, there may be few reasons to return.

What we have in Yakuza is a highly effective Japanese gangster story crammed into a PS2 game, and a visually impressive one at that.

The players no longer look like white faced zombies and the online mode is one of the best we've experienced so far.

You would expect Zelda to have a little more to it when it arrives, but everything Rocket Slime does, it does very well and is one of the most enjoyable titles to arrive for a fair few years.

As a fighting experience Virtua Fighter 5 is unsurpassed, where the series goes from this point is open to debate. It is crying out for some form of online functionality or a decently implemented career mode. However while that fighting system is still in place it will remain a worthwhile, challenging and prolonged experience.

A mixed bag. The single player game, on the one hand, feels rushed, with bugs all over the place, ropey AI and cut scenes that can't be skipped; on the other hand, it offers some lovely missions and action. Multiplayer is Call of Duty 3's saving grace.

It's different, but it's definitely a Tony Hawk game. And a really good one at that.

As an action-shooter on the most basic level, there's little to fault, making for a better game of soldiers than you might expect considering the developmental angst.

Ultimately, it is still Metroid Prime, with most of the strengths intact - a brilliant 3D world with impeccable design, attention to detail and amazing production values. For all the little faults you could level at it, it's one of the best games available for the Wii.

It may not have the epic feel of its big console cousins, but the DS manages to create a Zelda experience that is truly unique.

But when the flaws that have plagued the series since it made the move to three dimensions still have not been properly addressed and the core gameplay remains the same after seven years, it’s difficult to declare GTA IV as one of the greatest video games of all time.

Possibly one of the most underappreciated titles for the Wii, Excite Truck reminds us of why we started playing games in the first place - pure, unadulterated fun. If we get treated to an Excite Truck 2 we will be very, very happy.

It manages to ramp up the sense of humour and simplistic graphics of the earlier games, making for some truly strange experiences.

Sure, it's no Halo; it's a simpler game free of such complexities, but it's a reminder of a time when bits of brightly-coloured plastic and an imagination were all you needed to have a good time.

Crackdown is a brilliant starting point to a game; it's a pity that the enjoyment doesn't last too long.

It's the most laid back and addictive game we've ever played, where simple five minute blasts turn into hour-long sessions.

It’s a nice touch that Climax included the 2005 and 2006 rider line-ups and racing liveries as a response to missing a season of updates. It’s this passion for the title, which makes MotoGP ’06 a great choice for bikers and fans of online racing.

The best wrestling game we've played in a while. Finally listening to fans complaints with previous offerings; it's good to see the series taking a new approach with less of an emphasis on running around the ring like a madman, and more on planning how to wear down your opponent.

A great FPS. The incredibly sharp AI provides a real challenge making this a game you'll come back to - if you haven't played the PC original. If you have, there probably isn't enough new content here to make this a worthy purchase.

If you look past the tenuous link to the license and the admittedly dodgy art design, you may just find a game that is quite unlike any other, and is excellent to boot.

If it wasn't so utterly charming, perhaps we wouldn't have bothered; but the truth is, Super Paper Mario is thoroughly imaginative, refreshing and creative.

Halo Wars proves that an RTS can be done on a console, as long as it's built around the pad and not forced to fit it.

It always impresses Gamestyle when a developer manages to successfully port a PS2 game onto the PSP - especially without resorting to five minute load times - and The Warriors does so especially well.

Play takes a fair amount of dedication, but thanks to well balanced difficulty levels (and a higher share of the plunder being given to you to tempt you to try them) makes the game feel welcoming and deep, and it feels like the complete antithesis of many PSP games.

It’s an interesting idea taking both of these two distinctively different genres are brought together, and for the most part they work.

So there you have it, Persona 3 soon warms up to be a memorable experience after a slow burning introduction. For those still hanging onto their PS2 before jumping into the next generation, it’s an essential acquisition for genre fans.

A solid control scheme, addictive gameplay and clever level design all make for a title worth picking up, should you be of a patient disposition.

Earth Defence Force 2017 then is a rarity that comes along far too infrequently. A cheap game that sacrifices graphical flare for good old fun and destruction. Well worth the asking price.

Filing microseconds from your best time should keep you amused for the long wait until Gran Turismo 5. If you want to show anyone what the PlayStation 3 can deliver then this is without question your technical demonstration.

As a co-operative multiplayer experience, Left 4 Dead is unparalleled on the Xbox 360.

As a game, the remake of Rondo of Blood would have been a worthwhile purchase through Live arcade. As a collection, the Dracula X Chronicles is a fine example of how to compile a package.

Few titles nowadays grow in stature yet almost a year on from its original release, Scarface: The World is Yours remains as strong and potent an experience as you’ll find.

Gamestyle does still love Theme Park just as much as when we first played it in 1994, it is still disappointing to see that EA Japan haven't added anything apart from having a little helper guide you through the game.

Uncharted: Drakes Fortune is a rare treat for a console that is currently starved of triple A exclusive titles.

Picross DS is yet another fine example of what “Touch Generations” is all about, and is a great addition to the series.

It's a sort of evil version of Pikmin with the ability to slaughter the innocent.

A classic case of it "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", Trials and Tribulations carries on the series' high quality and is a fitting end to the trilogy, but it won't convert anyone waiting for the series to break out of its somewhat rigid menu-driven process of elimination.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village is an accessible game with enough challenge to maintain interest for some time, and is full of charm and wonderful presentation.

If you have migrated onto the newer consoles in the market, then this is a great reason to head back to the PlayStation 2 one last time.

Once again, Guitar Hero makes us appreciate rock music more than ever before.

Tools of Destruction has finally given the PS3 something to be proud of, and is pure nerdvana from start to finish.

An original IP in a genre not associated with consoles during the Christmas rush may not be the best time for its release. Though perhaps it’s managed to carve out a niche and in doing so we’re hopeful this really isn’t the end of this war.

Puzzle League is an exceptionally good puzzle game. It’s easy to play, but is significantly challenging to master.

Overall Geometry Wars Galaxies is a tight and fast paced shooter that is guaranteed to get the pulse flowing.

Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga achieves everything it sets out to do. Here, we have a fun, well-constructed title that gamers of all ages will enjoy.

A strong contender for one of our games of 2007. When you do finally get around to picking up a PlayStation 3, this should be your first online purchase.

It does its best to dissuade you from playing, looking like it was put together on a budget of about 50p, yet offers one of the most superlative and complete 2D fighting experiences Gamestyle has had the pleasure of playing in recent years.

Despite bringing Gamestyle many hours of joyous giddy pleasure and drooling, Guitar Hero III is a teensy bit of a letdown.

So Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is not the throbbing unadulterated solo that Gamestyle had hoped for, yet it remains far from mediocrity.

The staple modes are offered in what is a comprehensive package, including a detailed training option that allows you to polish your fighting skills.

NHL 08 is one of the finest depictions of the sport so far and we're actually looking forward to what next year's iteration will offer. And it's not very often we say something like that.

If you missed out on Bully first time round then this is the perfect opportunity to catch up.

For those who missed out first time around, this is a great opportunity to catch up, and the extra additions and the nicely-done Wii controls make for an even better package.

With a few more tweaks Borderlands could’ve been an essential purchase, as it stands though it may be a great game, but outside of that niche of gamers that enjoy the genre, it may find it difficult converting others.

Space Giraffe won’t appeal to everyone. It demands you play by its rules, adjust to its learning curve.

This is simply one of the most entertainingly laid-back titles of the year.

Instead Riff: Everyday Shooter takes you back to when games were simple; fun; addictive and a joy to experience.

Apollo Justice is a likeable guy (because he is just a carbon copy of Phoenix Wright, to be honest) and even four games into the series, this still remains fresh, thanks to the clever writing and plots.

If you’re a fan of the genre and are tired with the lack of decent RPG’s on the Xbox 360 then you can’t go wrong with Lost Odyssey.

As a game Wii Fit is very limited and that certainly applies to the graphics. However used correctly it can be an aid for exercise, co-ordination, weight loss and improving your flexibilty.

The pacing of PixelJunk Monsters is almost perfect with enough life in the experience to confirm that this is one of the wisest purchases currently available on the PlayStation Store Network.

Boom Blox is an excellent, well rounded title.

If high speed crashes and action packed races are your thing then there is no reason not to give GRID a try.

Volition could have stuck with the same tired first person shooter format, as seen recently in the disappointing Killzone 2. Instead by taking a risk, the resulting dividend is a massive success.

An improvement on last year’s game no doubt, Madden NFL 09 is as impenetrable for novices as ever, yet is still the best and most comprehensive American Football game we’ve played.

It’s a shame that this could be destined for obscurity because it’s certainly one of the most unique games this year and a series we wouldn’t mind seeing continue.

The biggest compliment in spite of our criticisms is that LostWinds leaves you wanting more and this is a rare commodity on the Nintendo Wii.

What it really comes down to is how much of a fan you consider yourself to be. The game is difficult and frustrating to begin with and anyone new to the series may well be put off.

It may be difficult to get to grips with, but once you do so it becomes one of the best fighting experiences around. It’s going to be hard for a sequel to top this.

Once again, the developers have provided an excellent game, thoroughly deserving of your time and attention.

If you’re looking for a good FPS game on the DS, it’s a recommended purchase.

Despite this criticism for only £8.99 you’ve got a title that will continue to challenge and entertain long after many other purchases have been deleted. Lumines Supernova also looks and sounds great.

If you have enjoyed golfing releases previously then this warrants your time, so make it your next purchase and get involved online.

It is great that Overkill has turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the year, completely reinventing the series in the process.

Ultimately despite of the unduly harsh criticism that surrounds this version, there is no denying the quality of Bayonetta even when the storyline becomes a little too spun out for our taste.

Red Dead Redemption is a strong entry in the sandbox genre and a promising opening chapter from Rockstar San Diego.

In truth Wolverine could have scored higher simply due to more time being allowed for bug testing, and possibly having no association with the terrible film. But that doesn’t prevent it from being a good solid, and ultimately, fun game.

Punch-Out is a welcome return for an old favourite that has spent far too long in the sidelines.

It has a great level of fan-service for RE fans, and on its own is a solid, thoroughly entertaining game that deserves to be played.

For anyone wanting a portable Rock Band, this might be a bit abstract, but it mostly ticks all the right boxes.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is an excellent fighter that deserves attention.

It’s really quite amazing the amount of content you get for 1200 points.

Still it’s a good solid package but don’t be expecting anything too new.

If anyone deserved the standalone game treatment, it's them. And if this is the sort of standard we can expect from any future band-exclusive Rock Band titles, then we say bring it on.

For 400 Microsoft points, Sonic 3 is not just a pleasant trip down memory lane, but a welcome return to a series that has gone awry.

Heavy Rain is not a game, but an experience. At times you make feel like a passenger, but the ride is worthwhile, and extremely enjoyable.

Twisted Pixel showed that it had promise with The Maw, but with ‘Splosion Man it’s definitely cemented its place as one of the top developers for the XBLA.

On the whole Dragon Ages: Origins is magnificent and will continue to evolve as BioWare promise new quests and missions, with some already being made available for purchase.

All in all Dirt 2 is a marked improvement on Dirt and a solid entry into the McRae series.

It's an ideal sequel that should satisfy your hunger for more of the same, and a genuinely charming game in its own right.

Overall Metro 2033 is a game that should be played. It is atmospheric, gripping and arguably one of the better stories told in a game.

You will find yourself picking it up and having a blast if you have a spare 10 minutes and don't fancy a longer lasting game.

It would be all too easy to grumble at the series for the supposed lack of innovation since its inception all those years ago. However, this game is a textbook example of why people keep coming back to it; it’s fun, addictive and a resounding social experience to be shared in any way possible.

It would be all too easy to grumble at the series for the supposed lack of innovation since its inception all those years ago. However, this game is a textbook example of why people keep coming back to it; it’s fun, addictive and a resounding social experience to be shared in any way possible.

On the whole though Joe Danger is still popcorn entertainment at its finest.

Whether or not Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is an essential purchase depends on your own point of view. The thought of starting again for many regulars will prove too much, as will the additional cost. The extra features and game changes are beneficial and potentially the Playstation Move support will be a convincing reason.

It is a game you will happily complete the missions on, get some decent time attack scores and see how long you can last in Survival, then move on to the next game.

Halo: Reach is far from the classic that many would have you believe, it's all too easy to bask in the hype and become bludgeoned by the praise. Time will show that it falls short, but nevertheless online is Bungie's masterpiece.

F1 2010 is a fine starting point from Codemasters who deserve credit for putting together this comprehensive release. Generally, our high expectations have been met; it's where the series goes next that will be the true test.

Overall Blade Kitten is a joy to play. The control system is well thought out and Kit possesses a dynamic range of moves.

Value for money is there as the game it jam packed with game modes that will keep players busy for the next year when FIFA 12 hits the stores.

In the fight for this year's FPS crown, Medal of Honor has landed a few early punches, but not the knock-out blow.

It is a by the books sequel that does a job but doesn't really break any new ground.

It's more of a loving homage to the original, updating the aesthetics and stages while retaining everything that made the original so great.

The meat of the game comes in the form of the career mode.

At a budget price you get exactly what you pay for. It is the original NBA Jam given a lick of HD paint, while retaining all the charisma of the original. If you want a Basketball fix but find the likes of NBA 2K11 too complicated and complex to pick up an play then you can't go wrong with this.

Legends Of War: Patton's Campaign isn't an essential purchase but it is a nice surprise for owners of a PSP. Fun and accessible without being condescending to experts. A worthy addition to your PSP library.

This ugly duckling, with elements of poor execution somehow manages to provide a captivating and distinctive experience. It shouldn't, but somehow it all comes together to deliver a gem of a game. Remarkable.

For every improvement there's an unnecessary change, for every addition there's a prohibitive linchpin unaltered and the biggest changes lie firmly on the spine established in 2009. But it is greater than its predecessor, attune to the legacy of the franchise, less abusive to fandom than Smash Bros. and will reward as much effort as you put in.

Unfortunately while the game is graphically superior to FFVII, in terms of setting, story and controls it lags way behind.

The story, however, is an area where Golden Sun refuses to go above and beyond the clichéd characters and typical save-the-world plot.

Whilst its apparent lack of any revolutionary gameplay is a worthy of criticism, it doesn't stop the fact that this is still by far one of the most addictive and long-lasting games you could hope for on your Gameboy Advance.

One of Gamestyle's favourite original platform games on the GBA. In some ways the deviation from the vanilla "run and jump" template makes it more enjoyable than the Mario Advance series, and we heartily recommend the title to anyone who enjoys a good platform game but wants something a little different from the established norm.

Kintaro's Revenge is a highly likable and fun game that adds something extra to the template of the forgotten genre, the sideways scrolling beat 'em up.

Remarkably, for a game that is so complex, a mere four buttons or so keeps everything at your fingertips - this truly is accessible strategy.

Slight negativity aside, Sonic Advance 2 represents Sonic at its best - fast, slick, looking great and offering yet more of those bonus features (now unlockable, however). Whilst technically there have been better Sonic games, none have managed to quite capture the frantic essence of speed and style like this does.

In the same way that The Darkness can get away with coming on stage dressed in bright pink PVC jump suits, Rock N Roll Racing can get away with being a straight port of a fun, over-the-top and cheese-filled experience.

But amidst all this dispensable extra substance is the core mechanic of Mario; the one thing that holds true to the series, and one thing that ensures Mario is leaps and bounds ahead of its platforming peers - inertia. The faster you run, the higher you jump. It's a brilliantly simple concept that works perfectly.

Better graphics, sound, story, gameplay and style all add up to a brilliant action adventure with a touch of RPG about it.

Perhaps one of the most addictive games Gamestyle has ever come across, Pokémon Pinball is a must for pinball and Pokémon fans alike and won't disappoint for a second.

An unusually brilliant release, which (for once) didn't see the light of day on the SNES. This makes it all the more essential, either for those with strong RPG preferences, or for anyone who might not have previously been 'into' them.

Aside from an overfamiliarity that threatens to sterilise the series, our only real criticism is the lack of difficulty for much of the game. It is certainly long enough, with so much to see and do, but it doesn't require near as much skill as we'd have liked - only perseverance.

Deep in Gamestyle Towers we have a closet called "hidden gems" where some of the best and most overlooked video games reside. Rebelstar Tactical Command fits this criteria perfectly, if you are in need of a new handheld challenge, then this is a must have purchase.

Phantagram has gone for sheer strength of numbers, which means draw distance and animations have suffered. Not a major loss, but it does diminish the high-gloss presentation.

We'd not recommend an outright purchase solely for the deathmatch, but the multiplayer campaign mode is brilliantly done.

A brilliant attempt at creating a completely engaging and interactive 'living' world. It is clear that an awful lot of care and attention has gone into sweating the details.

A must have for fans of the series, or lovers of mechs, but a definite avoid for pirates, and people with two fingers.

The game's difficulty is well-placed, with early scuffles leading to increased mania.

As long as you (and your Live friends) know the rules of engagement, Rainbow Six 3 is a rewarding game with a lot of tactical depth lurking beneath the incredible sights and sounds.

And as long as you follow good online etiquette and choose good people to play with, this is possibly the best example of how the Xbox Live experience should be... exactly how you want it to be.

Matching the console's strengths with pick-up-and-play action, gorgeous graphics and appealing story, makes for an unqualified winner, and a title worthy of every Xbox owner's library.

This is all about gameplay, and the open-ended structure is a welcome respite from the usual - the controls are responsive, the challenges perfectly pitched, and the various multiplayer games provide plenty of depth and longevity.

If you want a game to be realistic but not so real you need an MOT, buy this game. If you feel that games should offer boundless enjoyment and make you smile like a ten year old at Christmas, buy this game.

Gamestyle quite enjoyed taking a detour from the norm with Gladius, which stands commendably behind "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" - in genre-matching terms on the Xbox.

But undeniably, Luxoflux have delivered BIG on their biggest undertaking to date, and have thus elevated True Crime: Streets of LA to sequel-worthy status.

As incredibly ambitious and well-plotted the execution, Deus Ex: Invisible War falls slightly short of towering. If only those crash bugs and loading times were near-invisible, we'd be unapologetically, opaquely positive in our praise.

Given the importance of the flamethrower, the fire effects are splendid and are consistent with excellent lighting throughout.

A remarkable achievement. Not because of an innovative control system, not thanks to superior visuals, but for one simple, overriding factor; it's fun. So much fun.

Better than the original in every way, yet remains a perfect starting point for those new to the series - it's friendly, well presented and offers great value for both single player and multiplayer.

Continues the good work of the original release, and takes full advantage of the expanding Live universe. Few games today really represent value for money, but Gamestyle is confident in stating that this release is certainly money well spent.

If you've got "Tricky," you'll find more of the same without the clarity of the level design and structure - but if you're new to the series and just want some fast action, you'll probably love everything there is about it, so enjoy!