The best game of this generation, nothing more needs to be said.

Believe the hype. Arkham City is one of the most important games made for this generation and it's also a masterclass in design, execution and treatment.

The captivating storyline and uniquely brilliant gameplay make this arguably the best game on the PS2.

While the GC version is superior in key areas, RE4 is still an absolutely fantastic game and arguably this generation’s finest.

Simply a remarkable game that hasn’t been witnessed for years. The amount of detail and care that was put into this game shows, resulting in one of the most fascinating experiences for any platform.

If you’re a Civ fan this game is a must, if you’re a fan of strategy games this also is a must.

It's hard to imagine Zelda getting any better than this. Quite simply, one of the best games ever created.

There are a few technical issues; the frame rate does drop at times when things get hectic and there is some very noticeable pop-in when you're driving through the city.

A gaming masterpiece that provides an experience unlike any other.

Simple. If you own a PC and are willing to devote your life to a great game, you need to buy this.

Fantastically creative, wonderfully cute, and most of all splendidly fun, LittleBigPlanet reminds us of what 'play' is all about.

Half Life 2 Episode Two equals Half-Life 2's achievements and in many cases vaults over the high bar which it created. Brimming with great story telling and excellent action it is almost a must play for anybody even remotely interested.

Bayonetta is the new Queen of action games, making other games in the genre feel redundant by comparison. Kratos, Dante and Ryu… eat your heart out because Bayonetta is here.

Uncharted 2 is a masterfully crafted game that not only blurs the lines between game and film, but sets a really, really high benchmark for action games to come.

As close to a perfect game as any you will play this year, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is an exuberant masterpiece of game design. Challenging yet accessible, imaginative yet aglow with nostalgia, this is a game for everyone which posits Nintendo as a master at the height of its power.

In a realm where creativity can so often be found lacking, Limbo stands out as one of the greatest independent games you're likely to find.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the definitive RTS experience that bends the genre to its will, and is one of the best PC exclusive titles to be released in years.

It's a game that deserves every superlative attached to it, a title so well-rounded and technically superior that it demands to be played. [Offline review only - includes multiplayer]

It has taken everything which made Metroid Prime so stunning in the first place and molded, defined and enhanced it into something that is even more stunning.

The single-player campaign doubles the length of the original, and is crammed with even more hilarity and devious puzzles than ever before, as well as extending the concept with the introduction of larger environments and new mechanics like the gels. The co-op is amazingly fun, and while the story is less complex, the gameplay is even more concentrated insanity than the single player.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D is a lovingly remade version of a all-time classic, and is currently the best reason to own a Nintendo 3DS.

A deep breath of fresh air for an arguably stagnant genre, Xenoblade Chronicles is essential gaming for anybody with a flavour for role playing. It represents the absolute best of what traditional Japanese RPGs could be, and triumphantly what Japanese RPGs should be.

ICO and Shadow of the Colossus are two of the greatest games ever made, and they're still as emotionally gripping and visually astounding as before. This is the closest you'll get to perfection in 2011.

Dark Souls is one of the defining RPGs of this generation that goes above and beyond the genre to bring us something terrifying and unforgettable. An unmissable gem for the daring.

Realistic, challenging, gorgeously presented and chock full of solid gameplay, NBA 2K12 is the new benchmark for solid sporting titles.

Sonic Generations is, quite simply, the greatest Sonic game ever produced. Regardless of whether that statement still holds any relevance today, this game is a triumphant victory for Sonic Team and for the blue hedgehog himself. Stand proud Sonic, you deserve it.

Just about the finest example of core, yet accessible, Western RPG and open-ended gameplay. In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Bethesda have realised the game they wanted to make since the inception of HD gaming.

A magnificent homage for the 25th anniversary of one the biggest franchises in gaming, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword provides a compelling gaming and artistic showcase for the indefatigable potential of the medium as a whole, and a reason to have gaming as a hobby.

Something else that could have people reaching for the eject button is the sheer number of races and license tests required to complete the game. Loading up the Race menu to be greeted with seemingly hundreds of races, including massively long endurance races, is extremely daunting at times.

If, however, you're new to MMORPGs, found World of Warcraft too generic and boring, or found that it required too much time investment, you could do far worse than giving Lord of the Rings Online a shot.

Superb graphics. Arguably the best on the PS2, with beautifully detailed environments, excellent character models and a silky framerate that pictures could never do justice.

The seamless way in which the DJs react to the in-game environment, and from an intertextual standpoint, merge better with the player's situation far more effectively than in the previous games is just inspiring.

It features everything that makes a great RPG great, and offers a lot more that many don't. Shadow Hearts: Covenant is one of the unexpected surprises of the year.

The graphics in this virtual world are amazing. The characters are rendered beautifuliy, and they move and interact with the environment perfectly. The system requirements for this game is low but the graphics are still spectacular.

One of the strongest multiplayer shooters on the market. With classes that compliment each other, a brilliant squad system, and fast, furious gameplay, Battlefield 2 is about as much fun as online shooters get. An easy contender for game of the year.

The best version of one of the top games of this generation - buy it now.

As a signpost to the potentially thrilling future of videogaming and an experience like no other title before it, it's almost unquestionably a ten.

Refreshingly different, packed full of options and technically polished in every area. Along with "Advance Wars," it’s a must own title for all DS owners.

Whilst Burnout Legends feels more like Burnout 3.5 it is still a highly recommendable arcade racing game, it is easily the best racing game on the PSP, and quite possibly the best title on the handheld yet.

The whole cross-com idea, while a reasonably good addition in the single player mode, is an invaluable addition to the multiplayer. Combined with the use of the marker system, communication has never been easier making it the best multiplayer game on the machine currently.

It’s not the hardest game in the world, and it doesn’t quite match Zelda in depth when it comes to puzzles and combat, but it’s a beautiful game, it’s lengthy, it’s packed full with fresh ideas and, most of all, it’s an unforgettable experience that should be experienced by as many people as possible.

A wonderfully crafted world with plenty of things to see, do, achieve and kill. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has absolutely everything. An essential purchase.

Whilst the game isn't as impressive as San Andreas, it's still incredible and some aspects that were missing from "GTA III" have been included in LCS like motorbikes and more aggresive police.

Alan Wake is an absolute masterpiece of great storytelling engrossed in a deep backstory, accompanied with brilliant complementary gameplay to an amazing degree.

Micro to macro, creation to community, Spore is a wonderfully imaginative and engaging experience. Don't expect great gameplay - instead, expect creativity you never knew you had, and a real attachment to the creatures in your virtual petrie dish.

Excellent. A game that you must play at all costs. One or two concerns, but otherwise great.

One of the Xbox 360's best moments to date. Gears of War trades off innovation for the sake of high-class production, solid gameplay and enjoyable combat. A must.

One of the purest forms of fun in gaming today. Unless your music tastes lay elsewhere this is something that should be in every PS2 owner’s collection.

Mario Kart at its absolute finest. Miss it at your peril.

The Forge and Theatre modes redefine what it is to make a game "for the fans", as they are substantial and influential additions to the game and have the potential to build Halo 3 even further then it has ever been before.

As the first game to truly establish the balance between a console game and portability, Daxter is arguably the best game on the PSP.

Bold, fun, unapologetically arcadey and oh-so-lovely to look at, OutRun 2006 deserves a prized spot in the collection of any discerning gamer. The best racer of 2006 so far.

An excellent compilation and current-gen send off for the MGS series.

Simply the best platformer to be released on any handheld.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas returns the series to form with one of the most innovative, fresh, intense and enjoyable experiences that you can have with a console shooter.

Arguably a better game than its predecessor in every way. Level design is more intelligent, puzzles require more thought, and the boss battles are more cinematic than ever before. In terms of the storyline, the first game has the edge.

Despite AI-related complaints and the lack of an online mode, it’s with great ease that Virtua Fighter 5 can be declared the greatest 3D fighting game ever created. Its depth is unparalleled, and the diversity of its fighting styles overwhelming (in a good way).

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is an essential purchase for Wii owners which finally shows what the Wii is capable of, not only technically but in regards to control too.

One of the finest portable adventures ever created, and yet another high point for one of gaming's greatest franchises.

The definitive PSP gaming experience.

BioWare have set a new standard in storytelling, and if you have even the faintest interest in RPGs or science fiction, then this game simply demands to be played. While there are some technical issues and awkward gameplay decisions that are hard to ignore, when it comes down to it, Mass Effect is so compelling that most people will be able to push the issues aside and immerse themselves in one of the most detailed game worlds every created.

Titan Quest is a godsend. It has been a while since we’ve played a quality action RPG, and Titan Quest fulfills our expectations perfectly. The game is deep, the combat is enjoyable, the game looks superb and there’s just so much to do. While the game borrows a few gameplay elements from Diablo II, Titan Quest does enough to feel fresh and offers enough variety to ensure that newcomers and fans of the genre will enjoy the experience.

Just like the physics, the trained ear will noticed that all the engine noises are unique, and change with exhaust modifications. Not only that, but they sound just like the real thing, which will no doubt send motoring enthusiasts to their happy place.

BioShock's combination of a compelling story, increased interactivity and fantastic gameplay raises the bar for all future first person shooters.

One of the better experiences of 2007 and one of the few to genuinely deliver something of a 'new' experience.

Bigger and better in practically every way.

Even those who normally don't consider themselves fans of music games will enjoy Guitar Hero II, it's so easy to pick up and play yet so incredibly difficult to put down. An instant classic.

Dawn of War was, and still is, a superb real-time strategy experience, and Dark Crusade only adds to what is probably one of the best sci-fi RTS series to date.

A resounding success and the best sci-fi strategy game currently available.

The surprisingly deep combat, impressive AI, immersive cut-scenes, lack of loading and smooth frame rate combine to deliver not only one of the PlayStation 3's best games yet, but one of the best games yet this generation.

The best of the best comes to the Wii, and it's a resounding success. A great port, and great motion control.

A fantastic expansion and worth every cent, Beyond the Sword offers plenty of new content to properly upgrade the world of Civilization IV. A must buy for fans of the game.

While some may find retrying certain sections repeatedly due to some of the puzzles being genuinely challenging a little bit annoying, the entire game is so compelling that you'll more than likely just be more inspired to give it another go when you happen to make a mistake.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village is a wonderful combination of style and substance that will keep gamers entralled for hours.

Approachable controls, film-like cut-scenes and great graphics make Syphon Filter Logan's Shadow one of the best PSP games of 2007.

Call of Duty 4's engrossing story, realistic graphics and compelling gameplay makes this shooter one of the releases of the year.

The new cities are fantastic; the handling model still hits that perfect balance between fantasy and realism and the sheer amount of things to do, plus its online multiplayer means you be playing it for a long time to come.

Guerrilla have defied the claims that they could never reach the visual clarity of that infamous 2005 trailer and they defied claims that gameplay would be lacking. They haven't done anything really 'new', nor have they made a game that redefines the way we play FPS games. They've made a game that sets the benchmark for what level of quality FPS games should aim for, and stands strong against this generations biggest FPS games, proudly presenting itself as a vicious shooter that will grip you by the throat, and won't let go.

Darksiders is a fantastic debut for Vigil Games and an addictive adventure destined to spawn a cult of worshipers.

Wrath of the Lich King is an epic gaming experience that will suck you in and never let go. A must for WoW veterans.

Dead Space is easily the most atmospherically intense, genuinely scary and well-built survival horror experience of this current generation.

Wipeout HD is the best PSN game yet, jam packed full of content and polished to a shine. Highly recommended to anyone with a love for speed.

Team Fortress 2 is, at heart, a gloriously simple game that's been created with style, panache and an undeniable love of gaming. It's the kind of game that you want to show to people who don't play games so that they understand and then either get involved or go away. There is life before Team Fortress 2, and there is life after. After is better.

Patapon reminds us that there is still room for originality in gaming. Easily one of the must-have titles on the PSP.

Despite a steep learning curve for newcomers and the odd disappointing feature, Fight Night Round 4 is the ultimate boxing game and one that revels in both the skill and brutality of the Sport of Kings.

Immersive, expansive and funny to boot, Fallout 3 makes the end of the world something to look forward to, indeed.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 offers a unique and unforgettable Japanese RPG experience that even succeeds at being significantly different from what Persona 3 offered. Persona 4 is the kind of game that will win back gamers who grew tired of the genre a long time ago.

Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 reminds us why the service is called Xbox Live Arcade, offering up an old school high score chasing extravaganza that's more addictive, varied and even better looking than its predecessor.

Pacific Rift is what the original MotorStorm should have been, and is a must for any racing fans with a knack for destruction and chaos.

Braid is the unique gaming experience that the critical press always cries out for and tells us to get so that more can be made.

Batman: Arkham Asylum successfully blends action, stealth and the Batman universe to create what is arguably the best comic book game ever made. Don't miss it.

Remarkably, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars as fleshed out as it could possibly be. Simply, it does what many DS and PSP games that originated on the consoles have failed to do. It provides the experience of the GTA console games while smartly catering for the platform, both in terms of portability and functionality.

Street Fighter IV combines accessibility, nostalgia, depth and sheer technical prowess to deliver one of the best games we will see in 2009.

You have a straight-forward yet remarkably compelling story to follow, an ambitious and vast landscape full of discovery and extra tasks that complement the main game without taking away from it.

Flower is not only a breath of fresh air, but a gust of glorious wind on which your spirit will soar. This is a work of art, a quiet classic, and a game which will be remembered and discussed in reverent tones for years to come.

Bad Company 2 is a great single player experience, but a near Godly multiplayer one. A must play for shooter fans, especially in the PC community.

BioWare have not only built up a fascinating, rich universe, they've made another fantastic game in which you get to be a part of it. A masterful piece of video game storytelling and a great action RPG to boot.

Demigod shines brightest in its multiplayer, and rarely stops shining. A must for RTS fans and something to look into for multiplayer junkies.