PES 2010
(All Formats) The big gaming question of the year – of any year – is which is better: FIFA or Pro Evo? But there just isn’t a straightforward answer. The improved player likenesses are incredible and the gameplay in PES 2010 really shines when you’re whipping balls into the box. But there are some infuriatingly dodgy moments, like when the keepers constantly get beaten at the near post. An imperfect but hugely fun, arcadey football game.

Borderlands
(Xbox 360, PS3, PC) We’ve been aching for a decent, shooting-focussed RPG since we blasted through Fallout 3’s final missions pack and this is just the game. But don’t expect a Fallout clone – the action is fast and furious, the graphics look like a comic book and there’s an intriguing plot involving a desolate and deadly planet and a race to find a vault of alien technology.

Forza Motorsport 3
(Xbox 360) It’s hard to believe how much better Forza 3 is compared to its predecessor. It looks outstanding and is packed with multiplayer modes and practical ways to change the difficulty level (from removing the racing line to limiting the damage your car can withstand). There may be lots of racing games out there – but this is without a doubt the one to choose.

GTA: Chinatown Wars
(PSP) Although it was designed for the DS, Chinatown Wars actually works a lot better on its new home on the PSP. The screen’s bigger, the graphics are better and there’s no fiddling to grab the stylus when you trigger a mini-game and to then have to put it back when you’re done. And, as an added bonus, there are now extra missions woven into the story.