Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor 
Space-strategy sims are not a common sight, but thanks to Stardock, that void was filled with the original Galactic Civilizations, a game that lets players create and conquer entire alien galaxies through careful diplomacy or by bringing in fleet after fleet of custombuilt battleships. Two years on, the game has won awards and now there’s an even better upgrade: Twilight of the Arnor. While the original was all about overhauling the game play, its sequel added more ships, more weapons, more star bases, more defences. Best of all, you get to build and control a deathstar-class spaceship with a larger battle map which, as any previous Gal Civ gamer will know, takes hours to complete. 
Available on PC. Price not available at press time. 

Grand Theft Auto IV 
As if sex and violence weren’t enough, now the infamous series integrates a concept that involves avoiding cops while drunk-driving and other crime-ridden activities to enrage parents. In this fourth instalment players take on the role of rough guy Niko Belli. Detailed to the last pothole and rooftop vent, there are now four additional boroughs to explore, plus extra areas outside of Liberty City. Players can now climb obstacles, drive cars, steer boats and pilot helicopters, making the world of GTA more sophisticated than ever before. 
Available on PS3 ($89), Xbox ($74.90). 

King’s Bounty: The Legend Hallelujah! Gaming company 1C has resurrected the late ’90s Sega Genesis game using the same tactical, turn-based RPG fighting system on a hexagon map (remember them?). Players can quest, gain gold, chalk up experience points and recruit allies, but combat is the game’s focal point. Each unit has its strengths and you can spend your experience points on making your characters stronger, or use them to cast summons to win the battle. Decisions, decisions…the graphics are not the most technologically advanced, but the game wins full marks for resurrecting nostalgia. 
Available on PC. Price not available at press time.