Despite the difficulty and the uncompromising approach of From Software, what makes Dark Souls so special is the sense of accomplishment that it generates when you get things just right. There's never a moment when the game feels unfair, even the most abrupt (seemingly random) deaths are preceded by some kind of warning.

A stunningly constructed action game that puts the competition to shame. The quality comes not only from its individual elements, but from the seamless manner in which they're connected. Essential.

A bare-bones port can't sully one of the outstanding titles of this generation.

Bigger, crazier and more diverse than original. A role-playing shooter that raises the bar for both RPGs and shooters. Wonderful.

Guild Wars will be in my hard drive for a very long time. I anticipate that this game probably will pull quite a few people away from the pay-per month MMORPG's that are currently out there and will develop a very strong following.

The graphics in Oblivion have to be seen to be believed. Screenshots do not do the game justice. This game deserves a "game of the year" nod just for its artistic beauty.

The most impressive and useful feature of DOA is the ability to counter an advance by another fighter. Bear in mind that countering requires precise timing and practice is the only way to perfect this art. I am still learning.

Brilliant.

By concentrating on iteration rather than re-design, Valve have created a sequel that improves upon the original and yet stays true to its memory. The puzzles, the story and the expert way in which players are taught to use the new tools all combine to create what is very possibly the most absorbing game the puzzle genre has ever seen.

Bastion does plenty of talkin' for itself, and it's all worth payin' attention to. Been a long time since a game came along with a story this well told, too. For those who need it, the combat's smart and satisfying; sharp as a machete and firey as a mortar. There's a world out there to discover, rich and unique. Seems to me that should be something worth your while.

So while there are problems this game is still a cracker. It's one of those games that reminds PC gamers why they prefer PC gaming over console.

The water effects are incredible and the attention to detail in the graphics engine is unbelievable. The sound in the game is well done and the music fits perfectly.

Polished and full of the "little things" that take a game from good to great. I do not think there will be any fan of the Sims series that will disappointed with this title.

The environments in Doom 3 are exceptional. The lighting and lack thereof is so well composed that, given the appropriate system, you will bleed into that reality. It does not look like a game.

When it's all said and done, Battlefield 2 is one of those games that justifies upgrading ones computer and splurging for the sometimes-pricey broadband connection. It's a fulfilling experience through and through.

When it's all said and done, Galactic Civilizations II strives to be an in-depth strategy game that creates a unique universe with an AI smart enough to compete. It not only meets that goal but surpasses it with ease.

Very well conceived and produced. I am not sure if any but the most die-hard naval sim fans will be able to truly appreciate what they have at their fingertips when playing.

Since the game was released I've had a cracking time with GRAW, it's a fantastic 360 title, and while I wished the single player campaign was a little longer, it does offer everything you could hope for.

Although I have tried to avoid saying it, Joint Operation: Typhoon Rising beats "BF1942", period.

I was treated to an excellent flight simulation, a deep level of customization, nice looking graphics and a sense of accomplishment when I was able to perform satisfactorily in some of the more challenging elements of the program (try formation flying).

Keeping with the tradition of earlier Elder Scrolls games, there are quite literally miles of terrain to explore. Thankfully Oblivion has a built in teleport option which allows you to instantly travel to any area you've uncovered.

A worthy sign off from Bungie who create another masterpiece to end its tenure with the Halo series.

One of the absolute best fighting games on the market, catering to button-mashers and league competitors alike.

A game well worth playing. It lasts much longer than any game should have to, squeezing out new experiences wherever possible.

Without question one of the finest racing games available today. Fantastic.

Uncompromising in design and steeped in car loving snobbery, GT5 is a petrol head's dream. For gamers it's good, for car enthusiasts it's quite brilliant.

Super Meat Boy ScreenTight controls, a fantastic cartoon presentation, a huge amount of stuff to do, a difficulty so well-judged that it rarely feels unfair, and a speedy respawn that gives an intense one-more-go feel add up to make this an absolute must-have for anyone with a 360 who doesn't mind a challenge and who enjoys platform games.

If you're thinking about picking up a copy of L.A. Noire (and I recommend that you do), don't judge it as you would other third-person, open-world games. It's not trying to be a new GTA, Red Dead or Saint's Row. It's not about action, it's about investigating. It's not about changing the course of history, it's about experiencing a history. It's not about random encounters, it's about planning, watching and reading encounters. That may not sound like many people's cup of tea at first, but stick with it and you'll reap the rewards.