The is approaching its first birthday, yet, for the most part, the current catalogue of software available for Microsoft's first-to-market next-generation console has disappointed in both aesthetics and originality. While the obvious quality of games such as Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, 2, Just Cause, and have provided moments of genuine admiration, the 360's opening twelve months have been littered with far too many bland and pseudo next-gen offerings. Doubters need only look toward the utter dross of Over G Fighters and Dynasty Warriors V, the distinct disappointment of Ninety Nine Nights and Enchanted Arms, and the weakly polished rehashing of sporting franchises such as 06: Road to FIFA World Cup, NHL 2K6, NBA 2K7, and MotoGP 06.

However, the past twelve months has at least provided with a substantial bedding-in period, one that has successfully seen the American software giant stealing the jump on its competitors and reaping a cushion in excess of 6 million units. But rival next-gen offerings are closing in, and with 2006 existing as somewhat of a lean software year, it's about time that Microsoft and its third-party contributors stepped up and provided the 360 faithful with plenty of good reasons not to defect to the incoming PlayStation 3 and Wii.