Let's start with Episode 2 (the reviews of HL2 and Episode 1 can be found through the links and we only have to add that the port towards X360 was well-done). This second episode continues where the first ended and does that with the same rock-solid quality as its predecessors. The immersive story is told in a virtuous way and integrated very subtle in the gameplay. You'll constantly be hunted by the Combine and at suitable moments be accompanied by Alyx.

Alyx, who finally has become one of those game characters that are near to your heart, plays a main role and is used better than ever to create an emotional bond with the game. Luckily it doesn't stay with that as you'll get new enemies on your plate of which the Hunters stick the most thanks to their preserverence and intelligent aggression. The Vortigaunts will compensate this a bit by helping you where necessary but rest assured: the adrenalin will flow during some of the memorable encounters.

However, this all would fall in the water if the game wouldn't play fluid and fun, which it does and a lot better than in Episode 1. There's a constant variation between different types of gameplay, interesting environments, new and exciting sections with vehicles and best of all is that everything is created with the utmost detail. The surprising ending is the cherry on the pie and the storyline keeps steering you through the hardest moments. For those gamers that look at everything the surroundings have everything that's necessary to make you experience a realistic warld. In short: Episode 2 is a pearl!

Onto Portal. A puzzle game in FPS-shape that for me personally was the highlight of 2007. Not only because of the incredibly beautiful and subtle way the storyline and setting were integrated in the Half-Life universe, but more because of the perfect gameplay and length, and the finishing with ingenious and black comedy. GLaDOS, the artificial intelligence that guides you through the game is thé character of the last year, and especially the ending credits will make you believe again that games can be fresh, original and very funny without using movies or tricks from other forms of entertainment.

You're a test subject in Aperture Science where you need to test the Handheld Portal Device. With that you can create two portals on independent places so that you can for instance shootg one at a wall and the other on the ceiling of the upper floor. Walk through one and you end up in the other. Sounds simple, but the resulting puzzles are amazing, eventhough they're based on only one idea. Challenging for your brains AND your reaction speed and due to that perfect for the FPS shape the whole will keep you occupied for three or four hours. You'll make meters long jumps thanks to using the gravity, guide energy bolts through complex combinations of portals, do desorientating sprints through walls and attack enemies in the back or just let them fall through the floor.

During all this you're encouraged, terrified or just plain fooled by the A.I. in a truly hilarious way. The last level will also completely immerse you in your role and it's certainly one to experience without knowing anything about it in advance. Also this Portal is therefore a big suggestion and one for the history of gaming.

Team Fortress 2 is probably one of the multiplayer games that people have been waiting the longest for. The first, a mod for Half-Life, introduced the concept of a team-based shooter to the world and was thanks to its speed, fun and variation one that made big waves amongst PC gamers. Where Valve already perfectly in succeeded is making playing with a couple of fixed classes appealing again. Each unit, from Scout to Demoman or Spy, has its pros and cons and offers a different way of playing. Also, and this is what makes TF2 so much fun, is that you need them all and the endless working together between classes offers at least a fun experience, at best a fantastic feeling of team work and victory.

As such the Medic can make someone invulnerable (after playing well) by putting him in some sort of healing beam. Combine this with the firepower and armor of the Heavy and you've got a deadly combination to enter a hostile camp with. The Spy is another one that can create paranoia by infiltrating the ranks of the opponent all dressed up. Hilarious when everyone starts suspecting each other!

Next to this excellent balancing TF2 has another unequalled ace up its sleeve. The graphical style not only perfectly evoces the fun and unconcerned gameplay, at the same time it succeeds to deliver the player all necessary information quickly and precisely. You won't doubt for a second who's friend or foe, and in a blink of an eye you'll see which class you're dealing with so that you can adjust your strategy instantantly. On top of that there are small details added to bring the cartoony style to life (with for instance text balloons or arrows that point at your limbs that have been splattered around) in such a way that you can only highly respect the makers.