Killzone: Liberation

Halo wasn't the first shooter. Halo wasn't the first to introduce online multiplayer. Halo wasn't even the first Bungie game to feature an armored peacekeeper and sexy female AI battling aliens in outer space. Halo, in many ways, is unoriginal.

Yet no other series – with the possible exception of Grand Theft Auto – has had such a clear, obvious and indisputable impact on the videogame industry over the past decade. To welcome the release of Halo: Reach tomorrow, which also marks the end of Bungie's involvement with their best-selling creation, here are seven of the franchise's biggest influences...

Top 7... Sadistic moments in games
The games that let you revel in pain inflicted on others.

Dante’s Inferno
Shane’s seen EA’s latest licensed title.

Killzone 2 is finally out!

Sony's handheld has gone through some rough patches since its release in early 2005, but it's still the most impressive piece of handheld hardware you can own for less than $300. With its big, high-definition screen and games that approach the PlayStation 2 in terms of visual quality, this is definitely the handheld of choice for players who demand top-notch

Impressive as PSP has been so far, this is the year it really takes off. Some very big titles are coming, but not all of the most promising stuff is high-profile. At least, not yet. So take a look through this top 10 and make some notes. You really don't want to miss out. Tomb Raider: Legend By Eidos | Out May 9, 2006 Legend is gorgeous for a PS2 game, and almost as gorgeous running on the diminutive PSP (we're not guessing; we know). Better still, beneath the striking looks lies a Tomb