Viewtiful Joe Gamecube

Viewtiful Joe looks unique and delivers a superior side-scrolling brawler. The blend of visuals and deft storytelling also offers a depth that becomes surprisingly endearing.

Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days 360

Attempting to replicate the look and feel of a seedy underground film, Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days puts forward its unique presentation but lacks any kind of story or characterisation to pull it off effectively. I wasn't expecting a deep or soulful experience but my hope for a compelling gangster tale was quickly quashed by a dull and pointless story - absent of any likable component.

Tokyo Beat Down DS

Tokyo Beat Down is a big pulsating pun, but happily one with a big heart. Somehow this little game gave me the warm fuzzies, despite derivative brawling game play straight out of the 80's.

Killer 7 Gamecube

Killer 7 is strange, unexpected and unique. Presentation may be marred by pretentious storytelling and simple mechanics - but it still sent my mind reeling with its thought-provoking narrative and highly charged ending.

Second Sight PS2

Second Sight's intriguing psychic soldiers overcame my aversion to stealth games. The unfolding story's split between past and present was a deft directorial touch - and one that created compelling game play.

SMT: Strange Journey DS

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey is a claustrophobic RPG that constantly feels oppressive and dark. Mixing demonic battles with more adult themes this balances atmosphere with the traditional role-play mechanics. This is the kind of soulful experience that's all too rare on the DS.

Heavy Rain PS3

On progressive and artistic grounds Heavy Rain falls at every hurdle with clumsy delivery of story and characters. Visually strong but without the script to back it up. Contrived emotional moments left me feeling cold and unaffected. The vision of an interactive film may have been achieved but its lack of soul made all those technical achievements meaningless.

Knights in the Nightmare DS

Knights in the Nightmare DS is a genuine curiosity. It's the most challenging role-play I've tried for some time. It mismatches tactical adventuring with shooting elements, all wrapped up with expert storytelling that left my head and heart spinning.

3D Dot Game Heroes PS3

3D Dot Game Heroes PS3 harks back to role playing games of old. Instead of rose-tinted memories though, my experience was marred by unforgiving game play and my personal inexperience with the genre.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies DS

Dragon Quest IX DS is a detailed and interesting stride towards a more progressive role play experience. But although it's technically impressive on the DS the usually soulful Dragon Quest story feels strangely absent.