Dimensions is a consummate example of the handheld fighting game. It's packed with content (the highlight of which is a Chronicle mode which recaps stories from past DOA games), and brings back fond memories spent playing the Dead Or Alive games across previous generations.

Dirt 3 is overall a thoroughly impressive beast, both creatively and technically that will surely please most fans of the series.

Dirt 3 is overall a thoroughly impressive beast, both creatively and technically that will surely please most fans of the series.

As a free-roaming title intent on affording gamers the experience of a supercharged, structure-hopping badass, Infamous 2 succeeds in a variety of ways.

Though it may have its faults, the vast majority of the content is a first-person shooter fan's wet dream, even if it doesn't deliver the kind of nightmares you may be hoping for.

Though it may have its faults, the vast majority of the content is a first-person shooter fan's wet dream, even if it doesn't deliver the kind of nightmares you may be hoping for.

At 800 Microsoft Points, some might turn their nose up at this Kinect-enabled version of the mobile favourite, but Fruit Ninja Kinect genuinely doesn't deserve such quick dismissal.

The series might have been written off by many gamers after the lacklustre Driv3r, but in embracing the fantastic and relocating the series to San Francisco – arguably the spiritual home of the car chase – Ubisoft Reflections have re-acquired John Tanner's mojo, and his tires are well and truly smoking again.

Make no mistake though Human Revolution, for all its modern trappings, remains a game that requires commitment, offering the sort of long and deep single player experience that seems to be so rare these days.

There can be no doubting he pleasure in revisiting the wonders of gaming past, and Starfox 64 3D still stands today as a beacon of impeccable design, but at this present moment the 3DS's balance seems too heavily skewed towards looking back, retromania over reinvention. On the other hand, this is a superb package, and a robust reminder of just what the 3DS is capable of. Starfox 64 3D, then: it's the console's second-best game, just behind Ocarina Of Time 3D.

For now though this is the definitive Forumla 1 videogame, and pretty damn essential for fans of the sport.

It looks great, has a suitably OTT plot, plenty of explosions, a solid online experience and has enough depth to reward committed pilots – all of this adds up to make it a very tempting alternative for anyone who fancies kicking off the bloody, muddy boots of the foot soldier to instead soar high into azure blue skies.

The Secret Of The Unicorn is an extremely successful tie-in to what is a controversial film.

Despite its unquestionable quality however, the praise we can lavish on Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is tempered slightly by a sense that the template might be reaching its breaking point and that even more treasure could be found with a little more diversity to accompany the astonishing moments of technical and cinematic wizardry.

At no point does Forza Motorsport 4 feel as impactful as its predecessor did two years ago, but that certainly doesn't mean it's an inferior game. In fact, its refinements and production values are executed so well that it is arguably not only the best game in the series, but the best driving simulator on the market. If you missed out on the third entry, then Forza 4 is highly recommended. But if you're not quite ready to delve back into an experience that is largely unchanged from the last outing, then you might not find much worth coming back for.

The final compliment we can pay to the game is this: if George Lucas needs any tips on how to make a PlayStation Move Star Wars game…he need look no further than Medieval Moves for an ideal template.

Camera issues and the trial-and-error nature of the gameplay won't appeal to everyone, plus the release price doesn't quite fit with the length of the game, but fans will be more than pleased with what's been accomplished here as it's almost entirely for the good of the franchise.

Joe Danger: Special Edition is the definitive version of the game and one that the plucky stuntman can be proud of.

Although not the complete overhaul that some may have desired, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a surprisingly bold and distinctive sequel.

All in all, Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack is a polished and well considered sequel to the underrated original that's humorous, hugely playable and frothing with ideas.

The Jak and Daxter Collection is one of the best high-def re-releases about and represents great value for money in terms of bang for your buck.

Capcom has delivered on the potential of the cross-over template admirably and created a game that's hugely engaging, always entertaining and feels like an easily justifiable extension to both Street Fighter and Tekken brands. It is disappointing that the online element isn't yet up to scratch, but when this issue is resolved Street Fighter x Tekken should have no problems standing on its own two feet.

This is a game which has a free version, so as long as you have a device capable of using it, and at least one friend (or randoms to prey upon with your crude pictures of scrawled genitals) then this game makes for the perfect time-sink. And once you've got it and enjoy it, why not pay the 69p, you cheap sod? It's just over a third of a quid for this much fun!

Every now and then, a videogame genre can get shaken up by the arrival of a title that pushes it in new or interesting directions, and Ridge Racer: Unbounded is one such title; through its inspired drift mechanic, weighty physics and ingenious level creation tool, it pushes the genre to new heights of challenge and is all the more rewarding for it.

It's been years and Max Payne has aged both as a character and as a series. It's visually impressive and spins a compelling yarn, featuring a protagonist who walks the line of insanity yet remains likeable due to his inner humanity. That said, it goes to show that there's still only so much that can be done with a third-person shooting game set in the real world, becoming limited by the endless mobsters and hired guns. It's anything but perfect, but as what amounts to a gritty and playable action flick, Max Payne 3 could be just the ticket for those empty summer months.

Cynics will point out the shortcomings of the single-player campaign and lament the fickle nature of the online experience, but both criticisms struggle to stand up to closer inspection; the former fulfils its role well enough and the latter is (sadly) a given with any game of this type. Through Starhawk's dynamic arenas of combat and broad, deep and well-implemented toolset, LightBox Interactive has delivered a call to arms that deserves to be heeded.

Playing Thomas Was Alone brought to mind a lyric from the song 'Darky' by Californian Nu-metallers (hed)PE; in which singer Jared Gomes growls 'One foot on the moon, one foot in the cave' – a sentiment that perfectly encapsulated the duality of the experience on show here; Thomas Was Alone embraces the new while keeping one foot firmly rooted in the past.

Mighty Switch Force screws with your noodle while forcing you to try and speed through the levels to meet the ungodly fast 'par', always taunting you with your slowness.

It will undoubtedly prove to be too much for some – whether it be too loud, too fast or just too out there; but should it sink its hooks in (pun intended), Dyad will foster obsession and with plenty of levels, Trophy challenges, a remix mode and the lure of online leaderboards, there is plenty of content here to feed the addiction.

The result is a game which has universal appeal – a return to the brightly-coloured skill tests that anyone who grew up with earlier generations of console will remember fondly. What is more, the constant emphasis on learning and mastering the game's rules and then improving on scores and times makes Joe Danger 2 a perfect game to return to time and again.

Its stripped-down approach recants the necessity of plastic contraptions to enjoy the series' extensive and vast soundtrack; and assuming your catalogue is butch enough, Blitz has more than enough staying power to maintain a headline slot.

As a package, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron's lack of ambition is countered by an obvious fondness for the Transformers themselves and the amount of polish that has been lavished on its presentation and mechanics. Gamers looking for something new will find little here to draw them in, but as a celebration of Hasbro's iconic cast of characters there is much here to be recommended, and plenty for High Moon Studios to build on should it get another chance to work with the robots in disguise.

Watching the cute little characters cutting down cute little enemies, using familiar abilities and items, exploring old themes… It's done something I never thought possible. It's made me nostalgic for Final Fantasy games. Even Final Fantasy XIII. Again, I love the idea of the Final Fantasy saga, and this allows me to explore it and remember all the things that made it great, all while having a great rhythm game, to boot. There are enough unlockables to keep you going back for 'just one more song'.

In conclusion, Borderlands 2 is a significant improvement on the original; it sharpens up the narrative, the core game progression, the visual theme and many other fundamental aspects that needed adjustment.

You're getting a short yet solid single-player mode that demands a love for the 'combat evolved' formula – it's a first-person shooter that is linear to the core, though we hope to see this change in future instalments. The story could have used some tweaking, but fans will still find an enjoyable experience with challenging gameplay and vicious enemies.

Super Paper Mario on the Wii showed that Nintendo is unafraid of experimenting with the franchise, and although Paper Mario: Sticker Star has a few minor missteps and a few missed opportunities (where is the sticker collection StreetPass mini-game?) it is still an adventure of considerable charm and intelligence and is hugely entertaining throughout. It also does more than most to vindicate the 3DS's now much maligned 3D screen, proving that – if used correctly– it still has the ability to wow. Its hero may be flat, but Paper Mario: Sticker Star will leave you feeling anything but.

The best thing to do when you put on Dance Central 3 is to embrace shame, put your dignity aside and get dancing. Oh, and then there's the latest DLC, which includes Gangnam Style. You know you want to horsey dance. Oh yes you do.

Overall, I have to confess that I wasn't expecting a huge amount from Playstation All-Stars, but it surprised me. The Supers system provides a good twist on the Super Smash Brothers formula, it's obviously been lovingly put together and it's simply a great deal of fun. It's definitely a game that's worth playing.

It positively crushes the gameplay of the fourth installment and does away with the overused backtracking. With a story that finally explores the truth behind Dante's supernatural heritage and reveals the decisions that lead him to become a hero, DMC achieves something no previous installment could not. It's the art direction and technical problems that let the package down, and they often do so in a big way. We encountered visual hiccups galore, shaky animations and a major crash on our PS3 review copy, yet the game remained enjoyable to the end.

The cuddly charm of BattleBlock Theater tells only half the story – the game boasts a horde of smartly designed puzzle platforming stages as well as a multiplayer suite goofy enough to raise some pure and honest laughter. Whether on your own or with and against some friends, there’s plenty worth chewing through here.

It may not reinvent the wheel, but Guacamelee! leaves you satisfied that you’ve experienced a game crafted by a talented studio with a genuine love for what they do.

As a single player game, you’re able to take your time, case the joint and find effective ways to complete the map. Like Metal Gear Solid and other stealth games, it’s satisfying to get through each area, work out guard patterns and find the perfect hiding places. As a multiplayer game it’s a whole different monster. Sure, an organised group can probably best a level as quietly and efficiently as single player, but with offline play and friends like yours, you know what it’s going to be like

CastleStorm represents the best of its muses’ ideals – namely those belonging to the tower defense genre and Angry Birds – and fuses them into something specially made and distinctly enjoyable. Minor quirks don’t leave a damaging impression, either, which can’t be said for every joyously destroyed playhouse castle you’ll come into contact with along the way.

Regardless, if you like exploration, stress, permadeath, free-roaming games and don’t care about how the arm hair on your man looks, then this is definitely a game for you.

The iconic series has always been first and foremost about the driving, and Polyphony Digital has managed to encapsulate that perfectly. It’s just a shame that some of the more endearing bells and whistles have had to be removed.

SOCOM: Confrontation is a game delivered with conviction and a clear sense of its identity, and that it will be embraced and loved by veterans of the series is without question. However, its single-minded pursuit of realism is also unfortunately its greatest downfall, making it at times more frustrating than enjoyable.

In spite of some medium-sized annoyances, there are no game-breaking problems here, and there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had for players who like a sprinkle of terror on their gaming pie.

While Darksiders is an undeniably confident package, it’s a shame the developers have fallen back on a succession of barely disguised facsimiles from proven classics to fill in the mechanics of their game.

Whilst not raising bars and lacking the ability to set new standards, F.E.A.R. 2 is nevertheless a great example of a ‘typical’ genre piece that we can recommend to shooter fans, without doubt.

Saints Row 2 is as unremarkable as it is entertaining, but if you’re willing to forgive it for its myriad of flaws and technical vulgarities, there’s a fairly meaty game at the heart of it all that should, if nothing more, satisfy your criminal cravings until Rockstar's first wave of downloadable content.

Brutal Legend has clearly been a labour of love for Double Fine Productions, and this is reflected in the degree of ambition demonstrated on nearly every level. Unfortunately, like the LOVE and HATE tattoos emblazoned on the knuckles of many a Hell’s Angel, with one you must have the other, and Brutal Legend is no exception.

Volition’s Geo-Mod 2.0 tech is leagues ahead of anything that we’ve seen previously, but you can’t help but think that Guerrilla is ultimately little more than a glorified tech demo.

It’s in desperate need of some more variation, but Dawn of War II is luscious, visceral and fast-paced.

Quite frankly, we’re as stunned as you are. Just take one look at that box, that exploitable genre, that celebrity-endorsed title; everything about Wheelman screams disaster, except the game itself.

De Blob's wickedly funny story gives the game a wonderful charm. It may have its flaws, but De Blob is exactly the kind of game we’d like to see more of on Wii - bright, playful and gosh darn fun.

The hidden object aspect of the game is solid and never falls on the side of frustration, but the minigames could do with being more varied and taxing. Ultimately, Death in Scarlet comes highly recommended for those looking for a game light on difficulty but heavy on intrigue.

Dark Void poses something of a dilemma. On one hand, it is an extremely enjoyable, quirky and lovingly crafted B-movie adventure delivered by a developer with obvious ambition. On the other hand, however, it has a number of fairly significant rough edges with elements that don’t stack up quite as well when compared to other titles in the action adventure genre.

Sadly Guitar Hero is starting to succumb to its heritage of being Rock Band's old man, and slowly growing out of touch with the gaming generation. Guitar Hero: World Tour doesn't offer anything of any substance over Rock Band, especially with its less than stellar selection of tracks and a disturbing lack of atmosphere.

The latter part of Resistance 2 is altogether more successful than its opening, with some diverting puzzles, nods to Valve's storytelling technique and a well-considered balance between checkpoints. But the fact that its levels are so sparse and the production values so surprisingly low suggests this isn't a game in which every action should be savoured, rather one to plough through at full pelt. Look for revolution in Resistance 2 and you'll be found wanting.

It’s an interesting, and occasionally incredibly entertaining middle-ground, but one that ultimately requires a bucket load of patience.

SNK Arcade Classics Vol.1 ticks all retro-gaming boxes admirably, offering a satisfying and varied selection of authentically emulated games that deserve to be played, rather than left to gather dust in SNK’s vaults!

BioWare has created a rare beast with Sonic Chronicles; a beginner's RPG that is pitched perfectly for the hedgehog and handheld’s younger followers to identify with, while still possessing its developer’s unmistakable sheen of quality.

When put up against the competition PES feels outdated and crude, crumbling under the weight of expectation that each annual iteration brings. The additional modes may make it the best PES on the current crop of consoles, but the rigid animations, pathetic commentary system and shoddy online component all add up to a game that just hasn’t progressed since the PS2-era as much as it deserved to.

Metal Slug 7 is what it is; a resolutely old school, unashamedly non-progressive and brutally tough side-scrolling shooter and, in many respects, SNK should be applauded for bringing an authentic Metal Slug experience to the DS.

Many will be put off by Yakuza 2's lengthy cutscenes, or bored by the lack of variety in the gameplay; but for those for which the game clicks, it is a title that will be hard to forget. The boldness of its narrative and the confidence of its mechanics make Yakuza 2 a slice of Japanese gaming that is well worth experiencing.

The Legend of Kage 2 pays homage to its 22 year old father extremely well, with a traditional feel that should really excite fans of the side-scrolling genre.

There is a deep and rewarding combat system in place likely to please fans and newcomers alike but the series is fraying at the edges due to technical limitations both online and off.

Sadly, the biggest advancement of Football Manager 2009 - the 3D match engine - is also the most underwhelming. Without eye-massaging graphical capabilities, it's hard to see why any FM veteran would choose the 3D option, relegating the much-hyped addition to an intriguing novelty, yet a novelty which will surely be slowly improved upon year after year.

Take Ultimate Collection for what it is – an inexpensive assortment of classic SEGA titles – and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal on the market.

Although simplistic on the surface, Burn Zombie Burn does have hidden depth that’ll keep players engaged.

A must for all Dead Space fans, then, but what it lacks in scares and scale it makes up for in visceral heart-pounding action.

No Gravity: The Plague Of Mind is yet another PSN oddity, joining the ranks of Everyday Shooter, Flower, Noby Noby Boy, Flow etc. Like them, it’s a title that thrives on its idiosyncrasies, succeeding in ways that you probably weren’t expecting.

So, SingStar Queen does exactly what it says on the tin. And with SingStar’s recently released wireless microphones, there’s never been a better time to unleash our inner Freddie Mercury.

AYIM is a novel, fun and incredibly infuriating game that will pass the time, just don’t expect it to turn your world upside-down.

The series has been off the radar long enough to appear fresh and this is exactly how it feels, making it easy to recommend to anyone after a solid game based on the AVP franchise.

Staggeringly beautiful and with a surprisingly gentle learning curve, Blazblue has much going for it, but its delayed release means it is unlikely to generate anywhere near the sales it arguably deserves.

Altogether more successful than other recent Xbox 360 forays into the lifestyle gamer territory (You’re In The Movies anyone?), Lips excels because it feels like there is a clear vision underpinning the franchise, one that has gone from the first idea to the final design with a cohesion lacking in the actual tracklisting.

Frustrating, taxing – Metro 2033 is also a curiously compelling refuge from the mundane.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is in many ways a very unassuming title; it slinked onto the scene with relatively little fanfare and has had few expectations placed on it by gaming fans, many of whom will likely dismiss it as 'just another Prince of Persia' or (at worst) a shoddy movie tie-in.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is in many ways a very unassuming title; it slinked onto the scene with relatively little fanfare and has had few expectations placed on it by gaming fans, many of whom will likely dismiss it as 'just another Prince of Persia' or (at worst) a shoddy movie tie-in.

With the game sporting high production values and an encouraging learning curve, it’s easy to recommend Toy Soldiers.

Fun, challenging and frustrating in just the right measures, the collection highlights the respect Sonic holds as an old-school entity, even though the years that followed spelt disaster and led to his dethroning as a modern icon.

For those with fond memories of whittling time and money away in the arcades, Final Fight Double Impact is well worth a look.

If sociable gaming is your thing, then prepare to put the pedal to the metal for a quirky experience that encourages a creative hand and patient mind. Everyone else should take it for a test drive first.

Games Distillery should be applauded for creating a well balanced, slickly presented shooter that, while it may do little to break down genre barriers, is occasionally inspired, always solid and consistently entertaining.

Played in the right spirit Doom II is still a cracking action game. This XBLA re-release, at 800 points, represents good value for money.

Yet despite this, and despite it being a blast to play, we can't help but feel that Crackdown 2 doesn't quite achieve the greatness that fans of the original were no doubt hoping for.

Hugely enjoyable for the most part, Toy Story 3 can certainly be considered amongst the best of film to videogame tie-ins.

Hugely enjoyable for the most part, Toy Story 3 can certainly be considered amongst the best of film to videogame tie-ins.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is a challenge. It will challenge your perceptions of today’s shooters, challenge your ingrained behaviour but also challenge your patience.

As a platform-hopping back street brawler, Shank succeeds in carving its very own niche, earning a place on the hard drive of anyone looking for a brutal treat with which to stave off the remainder of the gaming drought.

Ultimately there is every likelihood that UFC fans will be able to put up with these frustrations and in turn find the portable UFC title they had hoped for. The more casual audience however, might not be quite so patient.

Ultimately, whether or not Red Sun Rising succeeds or fails is a question of how much the player is enticed by either its historical setting or relatively niche genre. Awkward controls and a thunderous difficulty may threaten to spoil what is a WiiWare title of unrivalled depth and value, yet if you're ready to battle unforgiving AI, you'll find plenty of bang for your buck.

For all its shortcomings, we still quite like Front Mission Evolved, especially as it manages to imbue a feeling of power in the player with its well made shooting mechanics better than many other shooters. While it is unlikely to be remembered for having any particularly remarkable features, it does what it does mostly very well.

For all its shortcomings, we still quite like Front Mission Evolved, especially as it manages to imbue a feeling of power in the player with its well made shooting mechanics better than many other shooters. While it is unlikely to be remembered for having any particularly remarkable features, it does what it does mostly very well.

For all its shortcomings, we still quite like Front Mission Evolved, especially as it manages to imbue a feeling of power in the player with its well made shooting mechanics better than many other shooters. While it is unlikely to be remembered for having any particularly remarkable features, it does what it does mostly very well.

With a toe-tapping soundtrack, glitzy presentation and obvious accessibility, Sonic 4 Episode 1 has much to be proud of. Gamers who recall the early nineties and yearn for a simpler time when true 3d was restricted to bad sci-fi movies should lap this title up, but there's definitely a sense that it could, or indeed should have been more.

With a toe-tapping soundtrack, glitzy presentation and obvious accessibility, Sonic 4 Episode 1 has much to be proud of. Gamers who recall the early nineties and yearn for a simpler time when true 3d was restricted to bad sci-fi movies should lap this title up, but there's definitely a sense that it could, or indeed should have been more.

With a toe-tapping soundtrack, glitzy presentation and obvious accessibility, Sonic 4 Episode 1 has much to be proud of. Gamers who recall the early nineties and yearn for a simpler time when true 3d was restricted to bad sci-fi movies should lap this title up, but there's definitely a sense that it could, or indeed should have been more.

So, if you've already sat through an excruciating wait for your next fix of this hugely popular franchise then strap yourself in and prepare to play long into the coming year. For everyone else, there's always Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit.

Fans will still find a few surprises this time around, including a form of multiplayer support available from a single DS card, but it's in the colour-based wisp abilities that the game tries to stand out from the crowd.

Overall, Def Jam Rapstar is an excellent entry to the rap karaoke genre and goes some way to achieving what fans would have been wanting from the game. With a little bit more fine tuning here and there, Def Jam Rapstar has the potential to be a very serious contender within the music game market.

Overall, Def Jam Rapstar is an excellent entry to the rap karaoke genre and goes some way to achieving what fans would have been wanting from the game. With a little bit more fine tuning here and there, Def Jam Rapstar has the potential to be a very serious contender within the music game market.

The game exceeds our expectations in nearly all areas and certainly rates highly in our minds-own check-list of movie cash-ins.

The game exceeds our expectations in nearly all areas and certainly rates highly in our minds-own check-list of movie cash-ins.

The game exceeds our expectations in nearly all areas and certainly rates highly in our minds-own check-list of movie cash-ins.

Ultimately, Who's That Flying? is a spirited, enjoyable and interesting release that, while not quite managing to mine its central concept to its fullest, is nevertheless worthy of a place in your collection.

Thus, while it may be difficult to call Ivy The Kiwi? an innovative title, particularly because so much of the gameplay harks back to a five-year-old Nintendo DS near-launch title, Ivy's exploits are a breath of fresh air in today's gaming landscape.

DC Universe Online is a bold, ambitious and challenging attempt to bring a subscription based MMO experience to the PlayStation 3.

Our complaints might well fall on deaf ears though, because whilst Two Worlds II is no technical masterpiece (with clipping issues, horrific drops in frame rate, draw distance, screen tearing), the role-playing it contains is certainly entertaining and thoroughly engaging.

It actually pains us to be so negative about De Blob 2, as there is plenty here to love or even adore. The visuals are sumptuous; the characterisation of Blob, his friends and the gloriously dastardly Inkies is nothing short of sublime. It is also consistently diverting, the problem being that it only rarely feels essential.

It actually pains us to be so negative about De Blob 2, as there is plenty here to love or even adore. The visuals are sumptuous; the characterisation of Blob, his friends and the gloriously dastardly Inkies is nothing short of sublime. It is also consistently diverting, the problem being that it only rarely feels essential.

For all the added modes and interaction, simply strapping yourself into the seat of a Bugatti Veyron and unleashing power on the asphalt roads to no pre-destined destination is what makes Unlimited 2 memorable.

For all the added modes and interaction, simply strapping yourself into the seat of a Bugatti Veyron and unleashing power on the asphalt roads to no pre-destined destination is what makes Unlimited 2 memorable.

Even when it's at its most curiously punishing, Swarm is dexterous enough to reward those who put the time into learning its methods and also satisfies with the type of cartoon violence that makes for a very endearing and well-made game on the whole.

Even when it's at its most curiously punishing, Swarm is dexterous enough to reward those who put the time into learning its methods and also satisfies with the type of cartoon violence that makes for a very endearing and well-made game on the whole.

It's a game whose RPG-stylings will lend themselves well to super-powered speed runs many months from now, whose light touch and hidden depths could well create something of a cult following.

The challenge/reward loop will simply not click for many, with the touch-screen controls being little more than a clunky irritant attached to a slow-paced and slightly directionless game.

Overall then Cars 2 is a loveable excursion into the world of Pixar. Built with all the efficiency and character that you'd expect from the movie studio's cinema work, it demonstrates that what may not work so well as a film (unless of course you are six, in which case Cars is the best thing ever) does just fine in the style of a knockabout children's action racer. Grown ups can play as well.

Should you find yourself with an abundance of MS points this summer and not much to play, you could still do worse than give this a whirl.

Through its boldly chosen subject matter, ravishing good looks and slick mechanics El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is without question a title that deserves to be played – the big question mark that hangs over it is whether you'll engage with it enough to care or to want to come back for second helpings.

Through its boldly chosen subject matter, ravishing good looks and slick mechanics El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is without question a title that deserves to be played – the big question mark that hangs over it is whether you'll engage with it enough to care or to want to come back for second helpings.

Overall Resistance 3 is a notable step up in the series and has a lot of offer; it is highly polished and c some enjoyable set-pieces and encounters.

So there you have it – Move Mind Benders; three games, one disk and a small financial saving. The justification for the creation of the Move Mind Benders package may be a little flimsy- and it might not be the most exciting compilation of all time – but all three games included have plenty to offer and are all good reasons to dust off your Move motion controllers if you've not used them for a while.

This is a simple, welcoming escapade that can (and probably should) be ignored by the vast majority of adult gamers this holiday season. Those with children or younger siblings however, would do rather well by giving this a look.

Overall, Zen Pinball 3D is a successful entry-level debut for the series on the 3DS. It contains few surprises and the re-use of old assets is disappointing, but such is the quality of the experience that these are easier to overlook.

Although Kirby's Adventure Wii lacks the dazzling visual inventiveness of Epic Yarn, its chunky, vibrant look is never less than charming, and is complimented by a style of play that eschews challenge for a subtly enveloping comfort blanket of Nintendo delight.

Overall the latest entry in the Professor Layton series in unlikely to convert those who haven't enjoyed the other games in the series, but if you are a fan then this is a great entry with a good variety of puzzles and an intriguing and involving story that gets better as the game goes on.

Despite its issues, Crush 3D offers a slickly presented, quirky and idiosyncratic experience that delivers spatial puzzles that will definitely stretch your grey matter. Unfortunately, it can also test your patience as much as your lateral thinking, a factor that isn't helped by an annoyingly up-beat soundtrack. So, while Crush 3D's mechanics are wonderfully illusionary, its biggest trick may be in hiding such an exacting and demanding puzzler underneath the breezy, happy-go-lucky presentation.

Bean's Quest isn't perfect, but it provides a spirited and slickly presented slice of platforming action for iOS gamers, with six challenging worlds that offer good value for the £1.99 asking price.

It's distinctly lo-fi in terms of visuals and environmental detail, and far from being either groundbreaking or epic, but the bold manner with which the aesthetic and set of mechanics support an overall theme of survival and hopelessness ensures I Am Alive is an experience worth undertaking.

When the credits roll, Escape Plan leaves you satisfied of time well spent; getting know its cast of charming characters is a pleasure and its gameplay is largely on the right side refreshing. Though it arguably rarely feels essential, it is a quietly charming game that feels perfectly at ease with its glacial pace, and it is this – along with Lil and Laarg's PVC-clad charisma – that ultimately enables Escape Plan to meander its way into your heart.

Like Dead Rising 2: Case Zero, this is short, and is going for 400 points, which is barely anything. It's not so long that you get bored, and it's not so short that you feel robbed with the cost, unlike a full retail game which can outstay its welcome. The Walking Dead Episode One is a great experience which makes an overused genre interesting once more and tells a nice tale along the way. Hopefully the next episodes can keep the momentum going.

As a well-presented game that looks the part and sells itself on speed and accessibility, Sonic 4: Episode 2 is slightly better than the previous effort in a number of ways and yet, there's still room for improvement.

It's a good world with a few flaws, and as long as you're okay with having to repeat certain bits and learn from your mistakes, then it's definitely worth your time.

Despite all its shortcomings, Dragon's Dogma if an often enjoyable and interesting experience.

Dawnguard is a mixture of old and a little something new, but it's also a case of success and failure. In trying to present an epic pilgrimage, the game becomes exasperating and a chore, but in attempting to do new things it occasionally sets itself apart from the side-quests discovered in the main game. There's nothing earth-shattering or fresh from an artistic standpoint, but Dawnguard has its high points, a very welcome companion and as well as new powers for you to play around with. Whether or not you consider this worth the 1600 MS points will depend on just how desperate you are to return to the world of Tamriel.

If you like Marvel, it's one of the less egregious Marvel Comics tie-ins and the 3D does make a pretty game prettier. There are certainly better experiences in the current selection of 3DSware, but for the budget price, you get a lot of mileage. Now if only I could keep Iron Man in that suit and blasting his enemies for more than five seconds. That's what happens when you trust a drunk superhero.

There's a lot of depth for a downloadable title game, and Mutant Mudds contrasts strikingly with the first wave of DSiWare games, showing how the service is evolving.

Although DanceStar Party doesn't exceed expectations, it competantly meets them and the whole thing is delivered with the same kind of glossy accessibility that SingStar fans have come to know and love.

The five sports are well executed and there's plenty to keep you playing – from the core events, challenges, online scoreboards and multiplayer. In many ways it feels indicative of motion-controls reaching a maturity of sorts; sure, the carefree magic of its youth may be fading, but it still delivers a polished and satisfying, if slightly uninspiring selection of sporting goodness.

Get beyond the cynical positioning of Forza Horizon and you'll find a racer that is, ironically, as efficient and refined as it's older, more mature, siblings. Whether it can build a community as effectively as the Motorsport games is unlikely, but Horizon, for all its familiarity and reluctance to experiment, is still a fine addition to the Xbox 360's roster.

When playing to its strengths, Hitman: Absolution is a genuinely great game. Overall, though, it feels slightly disappointing, simply because it doesn't spend enough time playing to those strengths.

For better and for worse Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a game as crazy and nonsensical as its title, but because of that strong core, it’s one that just about makes the cut.

It is a game heavily invested in gaming’s history and nature in its debts to retro graphics styles and the platform genre but also one which combines them with the medium’s new direction in its use of the auto-scrolling form.

Sadly, there are weaknesses here that are exclusively down to the new additions to the game, and this makes it tough to call Ascension a particularly great game in its own right.

In refusing to slap a number 4 in the title, Epic Games itself is admitting that Judgement categorically isn’t the next great leap for the series, and we’re assuming that will come with the next generation. But as a reminder of why Gears of War became one of the most influential shooters of its generation, Judgement is a welcome curtain call, even if it isn’t the grand finale that some would have wanted.

Castlevania: Mirror of Fate is stupid in a good way and robust enough to be an enjoyable challenge. While the boss battles go on a bit too long and the plot is bonkers, it’s a good use of a platforming style often forgotten.

There’s no escaping that it feels like something of a throwback to the PS2, but there’s also an undeniable charm in the story and characters that might just have you playing to the end. Sly and the gang haven’t quite brought their A-game, but for fans of the series and lovers of the long-forgotten platformer, Thieves in Time is a steal.

Fast and frenetic, Nano Assault Ex is a game that will test your reflexes in a series of short bursts perfect for that bus ride home.

In Diggs Nightcrawler Sony have definitely hit on something, even if whatever it is doesn’t fit comfortably within any particular art-form and it will be interesting to see whether or not the high production values on show here can be sustained for future Wonderbook releases.

If you are fine with crazy difficulty in your platformers then it’s a really rewarding game to play and so beautiful it puts the NSMB series to shame.

Being let loose with the Force and given some spectacular scenarios to work with makes for an excellent game in premise, but LucasArts just haven't nailed the basics. Disappointment of the year? Quite possibly.

Homecoming is an assured and welcome entry into the series that will be appreciated by fans of survival horror, though to gamers unfamiliar with the ways of Silent Hill, it may come across as slightly anachronistic in the face of such efficiently tooled thrill-rides as Dead Space.

With the solid wrestling system at heart, TNA had potential to be one of the better wrestling titles out there, but there just isn't enough content offered to recommend a purchase.

What Obsidian has crafted is a decent first attempt that shamelessly borrows elements from some heavy-hitting titles in an attempt to make them its own. While we refrain from using the term 'unique' in any capacity, somehow the result feels fresh enough to warrant at least a single playthrough.

What Obsidian has crafted is a decent first attempt that shamelessly borrows elements from some heavy-hitting titles in an attempt to make them its own. While we refrain from using the term 'unique' in any capacity, somehow the result feels fresh enough to warrant at least a single playthrough.

Though all the usual punches, grapples and reversals are present, the already weak SmackDown system crumbles under even the gentlest of nudges, a situation not helped after being treated to TNA Impact's impressive mechanics earlier in the year.

Chocobo's Dungeon does what it does best in one area only, the Mystery Dungeon area, and people unfamiliar to the formula will more than likely struggle to get into things. Having said that, it's the only game of its kind on Wii right now and by giving it a lot of time, Mystery Dungeon fans will get a lot out of it - given they don't mind the cruddy presentation.

What Afro Samurai has in visual style, it lacks in design finesse.

There really is no denying that MK vs. DCU is a simple game at heart, which makes it ideal for playing with a few mates who don't really specialise in fighting games. But its simplicity ultimately proves to be its downfall as, after a week or so of playing, your fighting skills will have outgrown everything that the game has to offer. Competent but unessential.

The worlds have a vibrancy that recalls the original PlayStation games, special effects are suitably dazzling and the whole affair is efficiently produced whilst making the most of the host hardware. It's close to being the sort of Spyro game that, judging by their PS3 Ratchet & Clank adventures, series creators Insomniac would have made had they still an active interest in all things purple dragon, and an appropriate way to mark Spyro's 10th anniversary.

As far as sandbox games go, it is pretty rudimentary, with an incredibly limited range of mission types. If, however, you slip on Spider-Man's famous skin-tight costume expecting little more than a high-camp, sandbox beat 'em up, you will not be disappointed.

Luckily such design oversights are quite rare, but an overall polish doesn’t change the fact that this 10 year old remake is suffering from an identity crisis. If the charm and appeal of Cornet’s world gets its claws into you, you’ll be hooked. If not, you’ll be bored before the end of the third chapter.

RACE Pro is a racing game for racing fans and, to its credit, never tries to be anything else.

Hand of the Heavenly Bride is a solid, old-school adventure with the same problems and delights that any title from the period has. If you’re supporter of the series or just a sucker for this type of action, then you probably won’t be disappointed. But for the rest of you, HotHB does nothing that will change your stubborn opinions.

There is a simple pleasure to be had if you leave all of your expectations at the door and, if you can overlook its painful neglect, the multiplayer may keep you occupied until the more prominent shooters arrive later in the month. But unfortunately, Quantum of Solace turned out to be a bit more George Lazenby than Sean Connery.

A flawed, yet incredibly enjoyable, history lesson.

The same flaws that have always plagued the game still persist, yet Exit is just too charming to be mad at. Its more fiendish levels are brilliant, and the visuals and general uniqueness produce a game that is simply enormously likable.

It doesn't do anything particularly outstanding to persuade MotoGP virgins to dip their toes in two-wheeled waters, but to say the game does little right would also be doing it a disservice. This instalment of MotoGP feels like a new beginning for the sub-genre, and as such deserves sampling by most. The petrol heads amongst us, especially.

The excellent qualities of Second Evolution are always at war with its meandering, trifling aspects.

From the moment you set sail aboard Buccaneer you get the immediate sense of quality thanks to a deliciously crafted gameworld, where beautifully sculpted islands nestle amongst the oceans, themselves as visually impressive as anything else you'll likely find in any big-budget equivalent.

Ultimately, Uprising’s existence is something of a mystery. Its single player campaigns (created due to the demands of Red Alert fans, according to EA) make for a diverting - though not particularly tactical - few hours, but the inability to play any of its new missions with a friend, or use any of its additional units in a multiplayer battle will severely limit its appeal.

With Ninja Blade, From Software commits the cardinal sin of the action game developer; it allows the action to become boring.

Gameplay-wise, A Darker Shade of Grey just pips Death in Scarlet to the post on variety, even if it does this by sacrificing the core gameplay mechanic.

Fans of the series will no doubt relish the opportunity to spend some more time with the duo, and even those not so enamoured with them will still find something to enjoy – that is if they are able to put up with its shortcomings.

It turns out that EA, first with FIFA and now with Need For Speed, had the answer to beat the cynics all along: simply make a good game.

But, whilst its flaws bring it down, the game always remains charming, consistently throwing friendly, lovable moments in your direction.

Despite the raising of the level cap, we find it difficult to recommend Broken Steel – its shockingly unimaginative lean towards near constant shooting is remarkably unlike what we’ve come to know and love about the game.

So while it’s hard to fault the efficiency of Visceral’s final product – all carping aside, the controversial license has at least been handled with a certain care given that this is a videogame and not an academic study – Dante’s Inferno is too familiar, too regressive and too content to do the necessary minimum to recommend wholeheartedly

Despite some obvious talent on the part of Griptonite Games, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines smacks a little too much of an unloved, unwanted by-product birthed from the success of the franchise.

If Croteam had added in some extra content or thrown in The Second Encounter it would be an essential purchase, but instead it ends up as something I’d only recommend if you’ve got cash to spare.

On one hand, MAG is an ambitious experiment that has delivered on many of its promises – it genuinely offers lag-free 256 player online battles with a huge potential for team work. On the other hand, it is a game that struggles to find a sense of purpose beyond this, or a real sense of identity.

And this is a shame; Fragile Dreams has the potential to be a classic survival horror, but instead its merely a slightly flawed, quirky, original and triumphantly Japanese addition to the genre.

It’s by no means a bad game, in parts it’s still devastatingly delightful and for 800MSP you could do far worse, but if you haven’t been on board before just don’t expect any fireworks.

Lost Planet 2 is an ambitious and enthusiastic title that is sadly lacking in focus, with a single player experience that falls some way short of the competition and a multiplayer campaign that is diminished by unconvincing AI opponents.

Takistan is still home to an erratic framerate, temperamental engine and the kind of sloppy AI that remains completely oblivious until you start firing.

That said, should you have a penchant for beating your personal score and an extra 240 points to spare, then this Indie outing may well be worth a look. Everyone else can (probably) leave the princess with the monsters.

There is little doubt that Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes will be lapped up by tactical action fans; it is mechanically robust, pleasing on the eye and has a vitality that has been sorely missing in recent Dynasty Warrior releases. Those not already enamoured with the genre will find less to enjoy here however.

There is little doubt that Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes will be lapped up by tactical action fans; it is mechanically robust, pleasing on the eye and has a vitality that has been sorely missing in recent Dynasty Warrior releases. Those not already enamoured with the genre will find less to enjoy here however.

Niggles aside, Sonic Colours is a step in the right direction, albeit a well overdue one and is for the most part an entertaining ride. It's just a shame that the domineering conclusion from the final product is promise, still leaving us waiting for the definitive 3D Sonic title.

As a game, Kung Fu LIVE is by no means a great one…in fact, it's barely even a good one –the technical demands and lack of immediacy in the controls can be frustrating, and underneath the technical showboating is a fighting game of the most rudimentary kind.

As it stands, Ghost Mania is a diverting but non-essential 500 point purchase.

Astroslugs is a cute, playable, but sadly forgettable game.

I can't recommend it enough if you can understand how unwieldy controls can actually make a racing game better. Otherwise, I suggest you stay away from Nail'd entirely, as its unintentional tendencies towards being completely off-the-wall will do nothing to appease your simulation sensibilities.

While Rearmed 2 may be misguided in trampling across its legacy in certain areas, it also makes successful winks to its heritage as well as – most importantly – providing a fun, robust experience.

While Rearmed 2 may be misguided in trampling across its legacy in certain areas, it also makes successful winks to its heritage as well as – most importantly – providing a fun, robust experience.

As a full-priced title, we simply can't recommend WWE All Stars at this point in time, though anyone that wants to throw caution to the wind and revel in the undeniable appeal of WWE's past and present colliding will still find plenty to justify their decision.

It is frequently nail-biting but falls short of being consistently engrossing, but Codemasters have stayed true to their ethos of simulation – at the cost of spectacle – which is worth examining if you tire of being an one man army.

It is frequently nail-biting but falls short of being consistently engrossing, but Codemasters have stayed true to their ethos of simulation – at the cost of spectacle – which is worth examining if you tire of being an one man army.

Aliens: Infestation is slickly produced and generally fairly engaging, but it's not quite an essential experience.

On the surface, Dead Rising 2: Off the Record has more than enough content to satiate, but the question really comes down to this: are you sick of Dead Rising? If the answer is 'yes', then it would be wise to avoid this re-imagining of the previous game in the series. For those who say 'nay' however, it's still good advice to remember that this game, in spite of its better parts, is still something you've mostly experienced already.

Overall, Danger Alliance offers a good looking, well produced and accessible turn-based strategy experience that can be recommended if you're looking for a light-hearted strategy-based distraction.

All this adds up to a game that feels somehow stuck between being a full blown new Ratchet and Clank title, and a smaller co-operatively focused side story, and as such it doesn't quite satisfy as either.

Those who absolutely must have a slice of Tekken action this year will no doubt find something to enjoy in Tekken Hybrid. The game is a rather thin package that won't appeal to anyone unaccustomed to the series, and indeed, this would be a terrible place for them to start.

This isn't a criminal case of shovelware, but we can't give it a full stamp of approval either… and so whether it's worth investigating depends greatly on how much you enjoy playing portable detective.

There's no denying the core concept remains fun, frantic and often enjoyable, but it feels slight and the game's long ingrained mean streak and occasionally sneering tone only serves to highlight how far the industry has come in the last decade. Peek closely enough under that shiny new coat of paint and you'll soon find evidence of rust.

To conclude, were there even the slightest concessions to moderation in Skullgirls' aesthetics, and a few small but fundamental UI changes, it would be a superb entry-level fighting game which allows a player new to the genre to leap in and through practice become a master. But as it stands, the relentless sexuality on display is ineffective as parody and serves only to reinforce the belief that games are designed for young men who read FHM.