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Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - Platinum (PS3)

Sony
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Game of the Year - Platinum (PS3)

Ubisoft
Heavenly Sword - Platinum (PS3)

Sony
Final Fantasy IX (Platinum)

Atari

As with the other games in the series, Final Fantasy IX has the ability to grab your attention from the time you fire it up until the last boss is put down. Previous entries into the game's lineage took a more dramatic cinematic route to do what a role-playing game does best--tell a story. That style led to some complaints from headstrong fans and role-playing gamers alike. In response to this, while not sacrificing what new technology they've built into the series, SquareSoft has backtracked a bit. To put it simply, they've gone back to their roots.
But even players with no experience in this series can pick this up as a new game. Final Fantasy IX's story follows a group trying to stop Brahne, the evil Queen of Alexandria, in her quest to rule the world. Zidane, a skilled thief, teams with a young mage, a royal knight and a princess, who all soon discover that the queen's threats are fronting an even more sinister plot involving a powerful sorcerer named Kuja. It's your job to control the eight playable characters--each of whom begin the game with one weapon, one piece of armour and one special power--and to uncover Kuja's motives before he carries out his deadly plan.
The game's opening sequence sets the stage for what's to follow and, as we've come to expect from the CG wizards at SquareSoft, what is an utterly amazing visual scene. Long-time fans will revel in SquareSoft's decision to return to the disproportional-character look of the past.
Like VII and VIII, Final Fantasy IX uses the ATB (Active Time Battle) system. With each character learning the abilities and commands appropriate to his or her job class.
An Active Time Event (ATE) lets you see events that are happening elsewhere. For example, while you are controlling the main character in a town, you can view what the other characters are doing in another part of the same town. This function provides additional information and behind-the-scenes details about the story and the characters.
The game's visual splendour touches even the most ordinary scenes, such as shadows in the street alleys and the mazes of cobblestones. Final Fantasy IX's colour palette does a remarkable job in creating interest on every single object, location and person.
This will be SquareSoft's last venture on the PlayStation for the Final Fantasy Series, with its awesome graphics, a good story, and random battles that reveal curious bits about each character, Final Fantasy IX is an epic adventure that'll have long-time fans of the acclaimed series beaming with pride and joy. As for everyone else who has yet to experience the Fantasy, now is the time! --Stuart Miles
Motorstorm - Platinum (PS3)

Sony
Assassin's Creed - Platinum Edition (PS3)

Ubisoft
Final Fantasy VIII Platinum

Sony

SquareSoft has always had a sure-fire hit when releasing any of their Final Fantasy titles, and Final Fantasy VIII should be no exception. The basis of a good RPG (role-playing game) has always been the story; spectacular graphics are secondary. Final Fantasy VIII's, involved and interesting storyline is filled with great twists, well-developed characters, suspense and romance. As an added bonus, the graphics are beautiful. Everything--from the low-lit jazz club to the steam-filled railroad tunnels--is gorgeous and perfectly sets the mood and tone of a scene.
The game mechanics are standard fare for an RPG: acquisition of items and spells, turn-based combat, experience points earned in combat allowing advances in levels. From exploration to battles to dialogue, Final Fantasy VIII has it all. However, Final Fantasy VIII falls to that great weakness of RPGs: random battles. While necessary for advancing in levels, the battles occur with such frequency that they can grow annoying, making for a tedious game experience.
The epic storyline spans four discs--over 40 hours of gameplay--and is based around a mercenary cadet who finds himself caught up with an underground rebel faction. He winds up in a plot to assassinate the sorceress who has just seized power from the president.
You could complain of limited replay value, but this gripe is of no consequence; the game is such a satisfying experience, it doesn't require replay. Final Fantasy VIII is easily worth both the hype and the wait. You can't buy a much better game. --John Cocking
Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer Platinum (PS)

Sony Computer Entertainment UK

The feisty little adolescent dragon is back in Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer, a sequel that is far superior to the original. Both Spyro fans and those who didn't play the first game will revel its exploratory greatness. Gone are the impossible tasks, unbeatable enemies, and fragmented game flow. This game sports superior controls, more colourful and faster graphics, a tighter story, achievable goals, and plenty of gameplay variety. Don't be fooled by Spyro's cuteness--this isn't a children's-only game. With multiple goals and side quests, a fantastic soundtrack by ex-Police band member Stewart Copeland, and a veneer of understated humour, this is highly addictive. The playfulness of the main character comes through in the exploration of the otherworldly levels using the new moves, including super high jumps, rapid underwater swimming, and extended flight and hovering manoeuvres.
Determined explorers are always rewarded--sometimes with an ice hockey match or other sub-game, sometimes with riches enough to learn a new move or uncover a new area. Simply put, Spyro 2 is one of the best action/adventure games for the system. Despite the fact that this game is a sequel, it manages to bring a fresh new look and feel to PlayStation gaming. --Jeff Young
Silent Hill Platinum (PS)

Konami

A downright creepy "survival horror" title, Silent Hill succeeds where most Resident Evil-inspired titles suck: keeping you hooked and instilling you with fear throughout the game. Players are cast as Harry Mason in his desperate search for his daughter, who mysteriously disappeared after their car crashed into a gully outside of a desolate resort town.
The 3-D environments in Silent Hill are bathed in fog or darkness, making its dismal setting all the more eerie; this also allows for some spectacular lighting effects when using a flashlight in the dark. Granted, there are some pretty coarse graphics being obscured here, but it's a fair trade-off, considering the game's short load times.
Silent Hill is played from a third-person perspective, viewed from both fixed and moving camera angles. As with similar games, the viewpoint can be awkward at times, especially during combat, which here is so clunky that you should try to avoid it whenever possible--something you should do anyway, as this isn't Tomb Raider.
Rather than resort to cheap scare tactics, Silent Hill features a gameplay twist that works very well with its limited visibility environments. Harry carries a radio with him that crackles with static whenever the game's nasties are near, and continues until they are no longer in the vicinity or have been killed off. (Enemies may require further whacking when they're down, as they like to play dead.) Additionally, the supported Dual-Shock controller pulsates in a heartbeat-like fashion whenever you are moderately or seriously injured. --Joe Hon
Crash Team Racing - Platinum (PS)

Sony Computer Entertainment UK

PlayStation owners no longer need to borrow their friends' Nintendo 64 in order to have a rollicking good old time racing virtual turbo-charged go-karts through outlandish environments. Crash Team Racing does an excellent job of re-creating that same thrill on the PlayStation.
Crash Team Racing has all the marks of the kart-racing genre, including big-headed characters driving diminutive go-karts, power-ups to increase speed and slow-down opponents, and thematic tracks with multiple paths for exploration. What CTR adds to the mix is fairness: tighter-turning cars are rewarded for precision driving, skilful jumping, and strategic placement of booby traps. Sure, the playing field is level, but the better the driver, the better chance he or she has of winning consistently without any annoying "catch-up code".
The one-player game is wonderfully presented as an exploratory adventure, while the multiplayer mode is a split-screen must-play for anyone with a PlayStation (and, of course, friends). Twenty-five tracks, twelve characters, and responsive control make CTR the gotta-have racing game. -- Jeff Young
Resident Evil - Platinum (PS)

Avalon Interactive
Spyro: Year of the Dragon - Platinum (PS)

Sony Computer Entertainment UK

Following on from the hugely popular PlayStation Series Spyro is back in Spyro-The Year of the Dragon and this time he is cuter than ever.
The story starts with the same old adage of an evil leader taking hostages and then you as the only one who can save them and the world from this tyranny.
All sounds familiar so far, well you are wrong, because once you get past the cut scenes of all your family's eggs being stolen and you being the only one that can get them back, you are presented with a wonderful array of colours, scenery and graphics that play with your senses.
I know that seems to be going over the top a little, but imagine graphics that are slightly better than Rayman 2, yet with a little dragon with very hot breath and you'll get the picture.
With the exception of the Rayman series, normally when a game is this graphically luscious, the levels and actual gameplay suffers, but not here. Spyro is a full 37 levels packed with everything from running to skateboarding, with a learning curve that will suit old fans and newcomers alike.
With other characters available as well, the story isn't just about Spyro and his flames, as you chase around after the eggs and every gem you can lay your hands on to access the secret levels and add bonuses.
This title has appeal to all ages really, whether it's the younger gamer for the colours and the non-violent gameplay or the older player who is looking for a new challenge, you will find it all here. --Stuart Miles
Gran Turismo 2 Platinum (PS)

Sony

After the monster hit that was Gran Turismo, the sequel Gran Turismo 2, has a more than mammoth task ahead of it, but surpass it does and by some distance. The two gaming discs contain an Arcade version to get you racing straight away, or the Simulation mode where you have to race for cash to buy and upgrade your cars. Realism is the core of GT2 so you really do have to get your racing gloves on.
The range of cars is offensively large--everything from the Toyota Yaris to the Dodge Viper is covered. The attention to detail is fantastic, the cars sound and perform like the real thing and the upgrades available cover everything from alloy wheels to a racing weight flywheel for your engine. There are a number of different driving licences to pass and you have to have a particular class of licence to race in the different leagues, which get progressively harder, but reap richer rewards. To really succeed in Gran Turismo 2 you have think like a racer--slip-streaming and power sliding around corners to get the edge on your opponents are just some examples.
The two versions of the game provide a great balance between a serious sim and quick multi-player arcade action, making it a worthwhile investment. While the gameplay sits on the realistic side, so it takes a little time to get totally proficient behind the wheel. Having said that, once you master control of your machine, you really do have the power. If driving is your thing Gran Turismo 2 is a must. --Chris Hall
Oddworld - Abe's Oddysee - Platinum (PS)

Atari
Gran Turismo Platinum

Sony

Gran Turismo is the new definition of a great racing game. With wonderful graphics, TV-like replays and an entire host of cars to chose from, this instant classic goes beyond a driving game into the realm of driving simulator.
You can choose between the arcade version (featuring classic cars such as Corvettes and Aston Martins) or the simulation, which is the true heart of the game. The simulation starts you on an entire racing career beginning with a cheap used car and second-rate tracks. You will find yourself longing for the Dodge Viper as your sad starting fund puts you behind the wheel of a used Honda Prelude or Mazda RX-7. As you win races, acquire money and earn advanced licenses, you are able to buy better cars and race in more competitive matches right up to the GT World Cup.
Complete with cunning renditions of actual car models and a very playable interface, this game is great for the serious racing simulation fan and the casual gamer. It promises instant action and the kind of gradual advancement that keeps gamers playing for weeks. While the license tests can be hard, the fun track design and sheer number (140-plus) and variety of cars to choose from makes this an exciting race experience. --Allen Stewart
Dancing Stage Euromix - Platinum (PS)

Konami
Crash Bash Platinum (PS)

Sony Computer Entertainment UK
Pandemonium: Platinum (PS)

Crystal Dynamics
Tomb Raider 2 - Platinum

Eidos

Lara Croft is back--and repackaged. The sequel to the top-selling action adventure game Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II offers a stunning game environment decorated with 3-D graphics that are improved from the original game in the series.
While regular fans will immediately feel comfortable with the controls and gameplay of this sequel, Tomb Raider II may initially intimidate players not familiar with the series. The controls do seem a little awkward at first, but you can safely learn the ropes by exploring the numerous training exercises accessible in Lara's house.
Once trained, you're ready to jump, roll, run and shoot through multiple levels of action. This sequel brought considerable improvements on the original, including bigger and better levels. In addition, there are more enemies to contend with. This title is a must-have! --Mike Byer
Tomb Raider - Platinum (PS)

Eidos

The first of the now-famous Tomb Raider games is a must-have for every gaming fan. You are Lara Croft, a tough, beautiful, sophisticated female Indiana Jones--think of a British Demi Moore in a fedora. Lara climbs walls, leaps chasms, and generally defies gravity using impressive gymnastics. All of her actions are intricately modelled to produce the life-like athleticism that made Tomb Raider--and Lara Croft--famous.
But Lara's got more than good looks and smooth moves to help her on her globetrotting quest for relics. Like guns. Lots of guns. Lara begins her adventures with her trademark pistols, wielded John-Woo-style: one in each hand. She eventually works her way up to Uzis and even adds a handy shotgun to her arsenal, perfect for taking down a troublesome tyrannosaurus found in some steamy Tibetan lost world.
Here's the story: having made a name for herself as a finder of antiquities, Lara is hired by a mysterious woman to find an artifact believed to have come from Atlantis. Lara travels around the world, plumbing the depths of long- or best-forgotten locales. As she discovers clues to the artifact's whereabouts, she also uncovers the true motivation behind her employer's search. The intriguing plot is told through gorgeous computer animation movie-cut scenes interspersed throughout the game's episodes.
As you venture to and through various ancient tombs, a host of enemies and puzzles await you. In fact, it is the puzzles that will keep players interested even after the challenge of slaying enemies has passed. Also hidden throughout the game are a number of secret rooms and hidden treasures, unnecessary for completion of the game but adding a level of complexity and replay value. Being one of the few video game characters to grace mainstream magazine covers, Lara Croft is part of video game history. --Allen Stewart