In subscribers' hands imminently and arriving on newsagent shelves tomorrow, the issue features an exclusive look at Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, the Burnout creators' cops and racers themed entry in the series. With a brand new engine, new game-loop and the same cheek-pulling speed you remember from Paradise City, we explain why Criterion's collision course with EA's golden franchise is one you won't want to avoid.
We also talk to California-based developer Trion Worlds on its plans to redefine the massively multiplayer online experience through titles such as MMORTS End Of Nations and MMORPG Rift: Planes Of Telara, and take a look at the future of Facebook, the social networking site which has become the largest gaming portal in the world.
Elsewhere in the issue, we conclude our series of retrospectives on the games we identified as the greatest of the last decade with look back at Grand Theft Auto 3, examine the realities of life in the Korean professional Starcraft scene, and consider the way Sony's Minis are changing the rules of digital distribution on handhelds.
There's more, of course, including an interview with Takeshi Kajii and Hidetaka Miyazaki, producer and director of PS3 RPG Demon's Souls on the genesis and development of the title, and a look at the changing fortunes of Game, the UK's largest videogame retailer.
Previewed: El Shaddai, Dead Space 2, Dead Rising 2, Test Drive Unlimited 2, Medal Of Honor, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, Call Of Duty: Black Ops, Ilomilo, Blacklight: Tango Down, Slage, Ghost Trick, Okamiden.
Reviewed: Red Dead Redemption, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Blur, Prince Of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, Alpha Protocol, Joe Danger, Modnation Racers, Chaos Rings, Trauma Team, Bit.Trip Runner, Ivy The Kiwi, Dodogo, Rocket Knight, Flipper.
Time Extend: Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
Making Of: It Came From The Desert.