FOOTBALL MANAGER 2010
The Football Manager series is the Ronseal of the videogaming world - it does exactly what it says on the tin - and the 2010 edition is no exception. It's not been set in World War II, you can't start as a level 55 Death Knight manager and you'll never be trapped inside your stadium by hordes of flesh eating zombies (FA rules clearly state that match tickets cannot be sold to the undead).

Read on to find out what's new this year and how the developers have built on last year's big new addition, the 3D match engine...

MACHINARIUM
It's well worth straying off the beaten track these days, because for every triple-A title with a multi-million dollar budget, there's a gaming gen developed on a shoestring and with no advertising campaign to sing its praises.

Machinarium is one such game, a charming graphic adventure that might be mechanical in its setting but still has more heart and soul than most graphic adventure games. Read on to find out why.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! - A RECKLESS DISREGARD FOR GRAVITY
Yes, we agree - this game has arguably the most insane title ever and had us chuckling too.

Sadly though, it isn't a Bill & Ted tie in (you know, the scene in Bogus Journey when they're falling into Hell), but don't worry because this first person action game is not only unusual but pretty addictive and enjoyable as well, adding to the increasingly long list of independently developed and published classics of the current generation.

SHATTERED HORIZON
Although the idea of yet another first person shooter might not have you enamoured, you only need to take a look at the screenshots to see that this one at the very least looks a little different to the norm.

Set in the near future, the game boasts zero-gravity combat and equips you with a space suit and a jetpack to give you the freedom to come at the enemy from any angle that you choose. It sounds good and looks good, but is it actually any good? Float inside for the answer...

ZUMA'S REVENGE!
Our relationship with Zuma is something of a love-hate affair; we love it because it's so wonderfully addictive, an original puzzle game that can be played in short bursts or for hours at a time, hypnotising us with its engaging and strategic gameplay. And we hate it because it ruins our social lives!

Now it's back and ready to get revenge - we're not quite sure for what exactly, all we know is that this time it's personal! Get ready to put your life on hold all over again...

AI WAR: FLEET COMMAND
A computer intelligence has betrayed its creators and started attacking them (Skynet, anyone?) No one is safe from this smarter, faster, emotionless enemy, so the fate of entire human existence lies in your hands. Can you meet the challenge and outthink this master strategist?

Arcen Games have produced something far beyond your average space warfare game but is adding some unconventional twists enough? Read this astronomical review to find out...

PEGGLE NIGHTS
Peggle lovin', had me a blast,
Peggle lovin', hooked me so fast,
I found a game, that addicted me,
Puzzling, fun as can be,
All my days, driftin away, uh-oh
Now there's Peggle Nights!

Will this latest version of the classic puzzle game keep you up all night all over again?

MAJESTY 2: THE FANTASY KINGDOM
You would think that a king would be happy to have a peaceful reign but, unfortunately, King Leonard wanted to be remembered as a heroic king! So, he brought forth a demon from hell and his reign came to a demonic end.

Put on your finest crown and matching royal gown as you prepare yourself for some indirect real-time strategy. That's right, you don't have direct control over your minions - read on to find out more...

CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER 2010
The makers of Championship Manager must have been slightly disappointed when, a couple of seasons ago, the decision was made to change the name of the division below the Premiership to 'The Championship'.

In a stroke this gave the impression that the biggest name in football management games might only be a second tier effort - but is this year's edition from publishers Eidos and developers Beautiful Game Studios good enough to play in the big league?

CITIES XL
Although it might seem like there are endless derivative clones of established genre hits swarming the shelves, there are plenty of original and innovative games around if you're willing to seek them out - and Cities XL is one such game, which merges the city simulator with massively multiplayer online gaming.

Certainly an idea with merit, has it been built upon a solid foundation and will there be enough gamers to take up residence within its virtual borders? The answers, as always, are inside...