This long running franchise shocked everyone when it became one of the very best online multiplayer shooters in the world. It's very strong single play campaign should not be overlooked but the compelling multiplayer built around challenges and leveling is what made this game such a hit. A great array of maps, weapons, gameplay modes and a really solid feeling that differentiates it from the more arcadey Halo 3.

While not being officially a Cthulu game this is the best adaptation of Lovecraft that gaming has ever managed. Following a variety of characters throughout history as they face up against dark forces shaping the world. Featuring a sanity gauge designed to disturb the player and a really well crafted magic system for use in combat.

Final Fantasy VII is game that made RPGs what they are in the west, making a big generational leap from the classic 2D top down games to a full 3D interactive world. Historical context aside Final Fantasy VII tells a huge story, full of real characters and is backed up by really solid RPG mechanics and whole heap of mini-games and other ways to keep things fresh the whole way through. It's overzealous fanbase have given the game a slightly tarnished reputation but this is still a truly great RPG.

Standing alongside CoD4 as the joint kings of modern online shooters, Halo 3 is focused on moment to moment excitement in the gameplay. A huge range of weapons, maps, game modes and a really strong and varied single player campaign make this one of the definitive shooter experiences.

JSRF is a vibrant and colourful world revolving around urban graffiti. You grind around a futuristic Tokyo taking on the street gangs and authorities for dominance. With a stunning soundtrack and high speed gameplay.

While the length and regularity of Hideo Kojima's cutscenes has always proved controversial, the quality of the gameplay in Metal Gear has rarely been called into doubt. Often cited as popularising the stealth Genre, Metal Gear did more than just force you to hide in shadows. Over the course of the series the game has evolved to allow you to play however suits you best. On top of which the game is full of many interesting gameplay twists and equally unfathomable story twists.

Brief and minimalist, Portal shows that you don't need an 8 hour epic to make a great game and that first person gaming doesn't have to be so damn serious. Working through clinically barren labs with only a deranged AI promising you cake for company soon turns into one of the funniest games of all time. This game has spawned many a tired internet meme and with good reason. This was a triumph.

Tim Schafer's bizarre and hilarious action, puzzle platformer has you entering worlds of dreams tackling people's secrets and demons. Each new mind you explore is inventive in its own way. Packed full of quirky characters all with their own hilarious dialogue. A truly charming and lovable game.

One of the best refinements of the arcade racing genre, a truly playable racing classic. Without all the complexity and graphical sheen of more modern racers Ridge Racer still stands alongside contemporary titles in terms of enjoyable driving.

The creative team from Silent Hill moved on to create this hybrid stealth horror game. With time bending story and gameplay this is one of them most inventive twists on the survival horror genre.