Skate 2 is just like its predecessor - a great skating simulator. The only thing holding the game back is the technical expertise of developer Black Box. There are a good number of questionable collisions, running while being off the skateboard feels a bit awkward, framerates are unsteady at times and numerous other minor flaws are just some reasons as to why this game doesn't earn a higher grade. Skate 2 is everything we wanted after the original was released - more of the same great content.

This is the first title in the Suikoden series for the DS, and a spinoff at that. If you're expecting a traditional Suikoden game you might be disappointed by what you get here, but the fact is that you'll be treated to an equally fun and unique experience. There are some flaws to be found, such as way to lengthy sequences of text driven dialogue and battles lacking challenge, this is still a game we'll highly recommend to all.

The 2009 edition of Football Manager is yet another solid title in the series. Having to interface with mass media is a welcome addition, as is the new streamlined interface, improved playability and the new 3D engine for match presentations. Even though all these additions are welcome they are also in need of some extra levels of polish, but put these flaws aside and you've got a great footy manager title.

The second installment in the Loco Roco franchise offers us much of what we were offered in the first installment, with some minor yet appealing additions. The graphical style is just as cute as it was the last time around and the music is absolutely charming. Minor additions, such as a rhythm based minigame, really does a lot for the experience. The levels are more varied than in the first game and there are tons of things to do and find. It might not be a revolution, but it's an incredibly entertaining platforming experience.

Even though it's been over ten years since Banjo and Kazooie made their triumphant debut on Nintendo 64 their adventure still holds up very well when released again on Xbox Live. Everything from gameplay to level design is ingenious and this game is still one of the best in it's genre. A few flaws mar the experience though, such as aged presentation and an unwieldy camera, but overall this is a must buy on Xbox Live.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon continues the series' trademark strategic gameplay, this time on the Nintendo DS. If you're a sucker for the combination of strategy and roleplaying elements, this game will let you burn countless hours on your DS. Upgrading your units and making sure they survive is very addictive and fun, and the intuitive online mode is a great bonus. This is not an easy game though and not for the casual player, but for all of you strategy nuts out there, this is one great buy.

Crash Commando offers a lean yet deep gaming experience all at once for up to twelve players online. The controls work brilliantly and the expansive arsenal of weapons is greatly suited for the experience. The different modes available in the game are great, but a few more wouldn't hurt. This is one of the absolutely best downloadable games from the Playstation Store and with some more content the grade would easily have jumped up a notch.

Final Fantasy Dissidia is all about fan service. It doesn't matter which of the games in the series you're the most attached to - chances are great that you'll find your favourite character, tune or environment in this package. Looking beyond the fan service there's actually a surprisingly deep and fleshed out story mode that will keep you busy for hours on end. There are flaws, such as a terribly wonky camera, but if you're a fan of Final Fantasy this is a must buy. Final Fantasy fan or not, this is one of the best fighting games on the PSP.

This is an action packed western experience that will entertain in singleplayer as well as multiplayer sessions. Despite a heavy emphasis on gunslinging the plot and characters are well crafted and manage to stay interesting until the very end. With Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood the bar has been set high for the niche genre that is western games.

Smash Party is the typical sequel to last year's phenomenal party game Boom Blox - you're simply treated to more of everything. This means that you'll find an impressive quantity of content but a meager supply of new features. One feature to note is the ability to download and play content created by other player - a feature that will in theory provide an endless supply of new content for fans of the first game.

It's safe to say that the combination of Wii and on rails shooter doesn't exactly spark excitement for a new product, and as such a game Dead Space Extraction has received a healthy dose of doubt from fans of the original game. But the fact of the matter is that Extraction is a great game true to the formula and atmosphere of the original Dead Space. Despite the technical limitations of the Wii the presentation in Extraction is great, and had it not been for the short length of the storyline and lack of an online mode we'd have no problem raising the grade a notch. Nevertheless, this is one of the best games on the Wii and the best on rails shooter yet.

This an addictive and equally fun puzzler that actually manages to throw in a storyline in between the puzzling. Even though the plot is quite superfluous it does work. If you're in the market for a fun and addictive puzzler for the Nintendo DS you should definitely give this one a try.

The latest iteration of the Tiger Woods franchise is as close to golfing perfection as you can come. There is a wealth of content to be found here, the controls work great and the overall atmosphere is great. If you're into golfing in any way this is a must buy.

To control your soccer team by giving them orders via the Wiimote can be difficult and frustrating at first, but the fact is that this is a really excellent interpretation of the PES concept for the Wii. If you own a classic controller you can experience this in a fashion similar to the PS2 editions. Had this title supported two player matches in all the modes this would have been a triple A title. Instead it's just a really good soccer experience for the Wii.

Taking the simple and aged concept of Punch Out and updating it for a modern day console is no obvious feat, but Next Level Games has definitely pulled it off with grandeur. The boxing is fun, the roster of fighters is both charming and well assembled and the different modes offered does give this title some bang for it's buck. Although there are some flaws to be found they are nowhere near enough to deter gamers from punching their way through what's definitely one of the most entertaining experiences you'll find on the Wii.

For starters, this is not the Need for Speed of yore. Shift represents a true attempt from EA to create an authentic racing experience, a successful attempt that brings the Need for Speed name out of the shadows and into our racing hearts. Shift is meant to be experienced from the cockpit view where the rattling of your head at collisions and the blurring of your vision at high speeds work together to immerse the player in the experience. Neither the career mode nor the online mode are especially varied and the appeal of the game is limited to those with an affection for realistic racing experiences. Nevertheless, Need for Speed: Shift is a return to form for the franchise.

Although this is a scaled down version of the Anno experience we've come to know on the PC it still has enough depth to captivate us through for hours with it's appealing blend of intuitive controls and charming graphics. The controls are well adapted to the unique control scheme of the Wii and the presentation does a god job of conveying all that's going on at any given time. If you're in the mood for a fun and well made strategic experience of a less hardcore nature, this is the game for you.

The sheer amount of content and all the different activities you can partake in makes Yakuza 3 a great value for it's price tag. Despite the massive amount of mini games and activities the diversity doesn't diminish the quality of the overall experience. This game does require a healthy dose of patience though, but for those who commit to this title the reward is a long and entertaining experience.

Donkey Kong Jungle Beat was released in 2004 for the Nintendo Gamecube. Although it garnered favorable reviews it sold poorly. Now, with the advent of porting Gamecube titles to the Wii with new controls under the "New Play Control" moniker, gamers everywhere once again get the opportunity to enjoy the game. Though it might be a rehash of an old title we can't hold it against such a fun and entertaining experience perfectly suited for the Wii audience.

A crazy adventure filled with humor, charm and entertaining gameplay elements when the rabbit’s tries to reach the moon in a shopping cart.

An excellent version of a great game. I don't even miss the parts that was removed from the PS3 version. It looks good, has great control, a lot of characters and fits the handheld formula well.

Being the sequel to the phenomenal Bioshock this title certainly has a lot to live up to, but Bioshock 2 does manage to deliver an engrossing and entertaining experience. There are virtually no innovation when it comes to the core concept and gameplay though and exploring Rapture often feels like a rehash of the first game. Despite the lack of new ideas the game is still very entertaining and the plot maintains the high standard set by the first game.

There is a new feeling on the pitch. It’s a little rougher and a bit clumsier but a lot can be recognized from PES 2009, a bit too much even. I would like to have seen more new animations and better control of the ball. Finally the career mode have received a massive upgrade, there is now a lot more manager options together with the Champions and Europe League licenses. In the end the step forward on the field isn’t what I hoped for but it is definitely worth your time this year.

The great success that was NHL 09 prompted EA to stay with the proven formula. What we get with NHL 10 is the same solid foundation of it's predecessor with minor tweaks to everything from gameplay to animations and AI. Passing and board play is now more realistic and when things don't go your way you can choose to let your fists do the talking. Despite some issues with framerate performance and AI intelligence we do feel that EA has taken the NHL franchise yet another step in the right direction.

At first glance it's easy to write Mini Ninjas off as a cute and quirky action adventure game, but the fact of the matter is that there is a surprising level of depth to be found here. With the ability to switch between different ninjas, gathering ingredients for potions and using magic spells in different ways all sum up to an equally cute and varied experience. There are flaws - such as a dodgy camera and a lack of real challenge - but these are not enough to deter from the thoroughly enjoyable experience that is Mini Ninjas.

Playing Shadow Complex it's impossible not to draw references to old two dimensional classics such as Super Metroid and Bionic Commando, sources of inspiration that developer Chair Entertainment openly recognizes. The 2.5D game engine not only looks great but works great, offering the player an intense and enjoyable journey all the way through. The adventure might be a bit on the short side, but given the quality and entertainment you're offered here there is no reason to let this one pass you by. One of the best packages you'll find on Xbox Live.

Halo 3: ODST is, as a single player experience, a very short one at roughly five to six hours for the main campaign. The structure of said campaign would benefit from focusing more on the action oriented parts, which are great, instead of shoehorning stealth elements into the mix. As per usual the campaign does grow when experienced with up to three friends in four player co-op, and the same goes for the multiplayer co-op mode Firefight. Add to this a second disc with the complete Halo 3 multiplayer experience and you've got a delectable smorgasbord of Halo treats.

The Beatles: Rock band is a slick package with beautiful presentation, a fantastic roster of songs and the welcome addition of multiple vocal melodies. There are only 46 songs available on the disc and songs can't be imported from previous Rock Band titles, an omission that's somewhat remedied by tons of upcoming DLC songs. Playing The Beatles: Rock Band is a fantastic journey through the career of the Liverpool fab four. If you're a fan you won't want to miss out on the experience.