DJ Hero 2 is an excellent music-game thanks to the solid gameplay and fantastic music in the game. Who doesn't want to scratch on hits from Justice, Dr. Dre and Salt N Pepa? Before you know it, you'll be behind the turntables like a professional DJ again.

Guitar Hero has become even more user friendly. The experienced player will have a problem with the minor flaws and the lack of improvements. As a party game Guitar Hero 5 has succeeded.

Got rid of your handheld because you only play games on your phone? A shame, because with Luigi’s Mansion 2 it's proven how refined a game on the 3DS can be. It’s drenched in a comedic vibe, which keeps things fresh while exploring, puzzling and fighting ghosts for the considerable time it takes to complete the game.

The PC-version of Assassin’s Creed II is a copy of the console-version, with two new levels, decent keyboard- and mouse-control and a hideous DRM-security which will be a huge turn-off for many gamers. Other than that Assassin’s Creed II is still a great game that improves on the original.

Conviction manages to make stealth a mass market feature. Mark and execute is a fantastic addition. The co-op missions are the highlight of the game. It’s just too bad the singleplayer lacks big, open missions like in the old games.

Badland turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The game takes you on a special journey through a beautiful world. From the environments and sounds to the deadly obstacles and puzzles, all elements work seamlessly with each other and it feels like one harmonious whole.

If Ghibli would ever produce a game… it'd be over in two hours. Luckily the animation-studio started working on their game with Level-5. The result is an immensely expansive and typical Japanese RPG, with all of its negative and positive consequences. Above all, Ni No Kuni is a magical journey that'll make you feel like a kid again, in a surprisingly adult wizards-world.

UFC Undisputed 2010 kicks the original game on almost all accounts. The gameplay has been tweaked until it’s almost perfect. It’s too bad the new modes aren’t as good as we’d have hoped and the lag is really irritating. But overall, this is as good as you can get with the fighting sport. A better product compared to the original in almost every way.

The Sly Trilogy feels surprisingly fresh, even though the games are from the PlayStation 2- era. For three games for less than the price of one, there's no excuse to let this collection of great games pass.

This is a fighting game that has been made with love, that much is clear. It looks the part and plays the part. Even though the controls are overly simplified, fighting fans will lose themselves in the game thanks to all the characters and options. A fantastic addition to the weak offer of hardcore games on the Wii.

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition is a perfect port and then some. Everything its bigger console-version brother had, you'll see return on the smaller screen of the 3DS. The extra options are fun additions, but don't really improve on the game itself. That brings us to a nice and simple conclusion: are you sick of Street Fighter IV yet, or what?

This may not carry the Tomb Raider-name, but it has everything you can ask from a woman like Lara. And if that's still not enough, the highly intuitive co-op offers a semi-naked spear throwing friend to keep you company. In fact, this is better than Tomb Raider has been for a long time.

Despite not being the long-awaited revolution in the RTS genre, the game still offers tons of gameplay. Multiplayer is a very solid addition to the genre and same goes for the single player. Despite the fierce competition, the game will probably attract its share of followers.

The reason why Red Faction exists is the fact that we love to break stuff. A thing that this game does best. And it doesn't feel old after a couple of hours, because you can always choose a different way of playing. The boring story, somewhat dull surroundings, and few graphic hiccups won't change that. Guerrilla feels like a fresh new start for the series.

Let's just say it: Hotline Miami isn't for everyone. It's brutal, bloody and extraordinarily unforgiving. Thanks to Hotline Miami, the 8-bit top-down shooter genre gets put in the spotlight again after Retro City Rampage. It deserves the attention. Well, if you can stomach countless retries and a dozen smashed skulls.

Pure puts the arcade back in arcade racer. Simple and fun are the two keywords that describe Pure. Even though the lack of depth won't let you play for long, the game is easy to pick up. And that's what it's about in a game like Pure.

Locoroco 2 might be a little less unique than its predeccesor, but its concept is still going strong. The overal atmosphere and gameplay elements will most likely turn a smile on your face. And for a more than decent price the game is almost mandatory for every PSP-owner.

Crysis 2 is an amazing game that doesn't live up to its full potential. The storytelling is au contraire to the new action system and amazing visuals, quite horrible. The game plays like a dream though, contains amazing actions sequences and offers enough variation in its somewhat linear missions. But it's the Nanosuit that makes Crysis 2 stand out from the crowd, which is also the case on the multiplayer front.

Soul Calibur IV just oozes quality. It is a very polished game that is crammed with a variety of different play modes. The game is an absolute must-have for every fan of the genre. Because it is easy to pick up and play, Soul Calibur IV is also suited for those unfamiliar with these games.

Soul Calibur IV just oozes quality. It is a very polished game that is crammed with a variety of different play modes. The game is an absolute must-have for every fan of the genre. Because it is easy to pick up and play, Soul Calibur IV is also suited for those unfamiliar with these games.

Had enough of the limitations of circuits? Looking for a fun party with lots of speed, hefty competition and loud thumping music? Enough reasons to delve into Forza Horizon. It's not the 'next best thing' regarding free roaming racing games, but it is a good step in a new direction for the franchise.

Football Manager 2011 is the best management game out there. It's not only great due to its Excel-esque gameplay, but also due to the possibilities to communicate with almost everyone. It finally feels like you really are a football manager.

Assassin's Creed 3 will be the best game of the year for many gamers. It's not the prettiest game, it doesn't tell the best story and doesn't have the most brilliant gameplay. But it portrays a world we can lose ourselves in like no other, which is filled to the brim with interesting characters and content, and it hardly ever bores.

Fate of Two Worlds is certainly entertaining. It doesn't matter if you have graduated from the traditional Street Fighter-school or if you don't know the difference between a Hadoken and a Dragon Punch. This game has over-the-top action and a low difficulty so that everyone can get enjoyment from this. However, it comes at the cost of balance between characters.

Pure strategy, complex but solid controls and an irresistible multiplayer make Frozen Synapse a surprise hit. It's not a beautiful looking game, but ignore the basic presentation, because this is a game everyone should try at least once.

Guitar Hero has become even more user friendly. The experienced player will have a problem with the minor flaws and the lack of improvements. As a party game Guitar Hero 5 has succeeded.

To get the most out of Chaos Rising you should also have Dawn of War II. Still, the improved campaign, new maps and addition of the Chaos Space Marines to the multiplayer won’t disappoint both new and existing players.

Far Cry 2 isn't able to deliver on its expectations, but is still a high quality shooter with lots of freedom and one of the most beautiful settings ever. The developers could have been more creative with the mission structure though.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village offers a great mix of entertaining puzzles, easy and challenging. Even the option to buy certain hints will never let you solve the puzzle. True, the hints will clarify a lot, but will never give you an answer. The game sets your mind at work and you'll soon discover that on any giving moment of the day you start thinking about a solution. If you like puzzle games this one shouldn't be missing from your collection.

Unstoppable Gorg starts of like a pretty standard tower defense-game, but quickly introduces more depth and becomes one of the hardest games of its kind. Combine that with a dosage of good humor and fast gameplay, and it's a fun game when you have some time to kill. But it'll never keep you hooked for long.

This is still the same Mario Kart as you've played over and over again. You still drive in karts, trying (and failing) to avoid different projectiles while crying foul at the competition. It's also just as addicting as ever.

If you've got nothing going on with Metallica then it seems a little illogical to buy this game. But you'll probably buy it anyway if you're a Guitar Hero or Rockband fan. The game deserves that much attention. Especially Guitar Hero veterans will love the rocky numbers that are enclosed in this package. On the other hand, the little flaws and the inferior career-mode (in comparison to Rock Band) can be too much of a problem for the casual rocker.

Boom Blox is a fantastic game. The puzzler can certainly be called a classic in it's genre. The puzzels are diverse, challenging and are fun to play. The smoothness of the controls and the the physics of the buildings are something which we have never seen before.

Far Cry 2 isn't able to deliver on its expectations, but is still a high quality shooter with lots of freedom and one of the most beautiful settings ever. The developers could have been more creative with the mission structure though.

Lords of Shadow defies the boundaries of what Castlevania should be, but it works. The game pulls you in medieval times, but the gameplay, presentation and story are without a doubt as modern as you can get. The ghost of old Castlevania flows through the game, while being fresh enough to make it feel like the start of a new franchise. Both fans and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy here.

After Canabalt, Adam Saltsman delivered another great game. Hundreds tickles the senses, tests your patience and agonizes the brain in way we can appreciate. A recommendation for everyone who enjoys a challenge and simplicity.

The reason why Red Faction exists is the fact that we love to break stuff. A thing that this game does best. And it doesn't feel old after a couple of hours, because you can always choose a different way of playing. The boring story, somewhat dull surroundings, and few graphic hiccups won't change that. Guerrilla feels like a fresh new start for the series.

When playing the single player, Battleblock Theater is nothing more than a fun 2D platformer that’s challenging enough, but doesn’t do anything exceptionally well. It isn’t until playing the multiplayer that the game really comes into its own and becomes a absurd and very entertaining party game. The controls leave something to be desired and its pace could be quicker from time to time, but thanks to the excellent level editor and a few brilliant mini-games, it takes a while before Battleblock becomes a bore.

DmC: Devil May Cry is a fantastic game and a very successful reboot of the franchise. The new Dante is very convincing, just like the dark world and accessible gameplay. The increased accessibility might not fully cater to Devil May Cry-fans of old, but there's something for everyone here.

Trials Evolution Gold is a very entertaining game with lots of spectacle, variation and challenges. It’s a shame that Redlynx didn’t go through much effort to create a worthy port to PC’s though, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it can easily be recommended.

InFamous is, in a nice way, a new type of game. The climbing onto building-part is truly from another level, your electric superpowers more than okay and Empire City a place that gives you goosebumps. The basics are so good that it lets you forget the minor flaws with ease. InFamous is a must buy and will offer hours and hours of gameplay.

Space Invaders Extreme is a surprisingly pleasant sequel to the original game. The gameplay and style have been overhauled to fit more in this time and it only has a positive influence on the concept. The game just works and is a great addition to anyone’s collection.

The Old Republic is a high quality MMO that Star Wars-fan will absolutely love. Graphics, sound and story fit perfectly within the diverse Star Wars-universe. The game owes a lot to MMO's like World of Warcraft and Lord of the Rings Online, however, many things we've seen in other games really shine in the capable hands of BioWare. The Old Republic is a game that will especially impress those new to the genre.

Far Cry 2 doesn't quite live up to its expectations, but its in total a great shooter with more freedom then you can chew. It scores extra points with the original setting and superb transition from real life to your tv. True, the leveld esign could have been more creative, the storyline with a little bit more depth and the thousand and one control points a little less annoying, because that's the reason why Far Cry doens't get that monster score.

In the previous Battlefield games we had to do without the singleplayer mode. Fortunately Bad Company is changing that.

Call of Duty: World at War has a good, but not so memorable single player experience and a fantastic multiplayer. The cooperative mode is the best thing about the game, so people without Xbox LIVE Gold should wait for the game to appear with a budget price.

Crysis 2 is an amazing game that doesn't live up to its full potential. The storytelling is au contraire to the new action system and amazing visuals, quite horrible. The game plays like a dream though, contains amazing actions sequences and offers enough variation in its somewhat linear missions. But it's the Nanosuit that makes Crysis 2 stand out from the crowd, which is also the case on the multiplayer front.

Guitar Hero World Tour offers a more than welcome evolution to the series. With superior instruments, a powerful tracklist and extremely addicting gameplay it has already earned a place in Guitar Hero history. Playing the guitar is still going strong, but with the change to play the drums or even sing a line or two, the game offers enough variation. Not every new feature is a direct hit, but if you liked any of the previous Guitar Hero games than you will have no trouble in liking this one. And if you're looking for the best music-party game the choice is even easier. What are you waiting for? Rock on!

The ambitious PlanetSide 2 tries to make a massive and chaotic shooting game more alluring, in which it hasn't succeeded completely. It's a never ending, somewhat brainless deathmatch that is quite entertaining thanks to is firm and well balanced fundamentals. If the development continues on this path, PlanetSide 2 can only get better.

Street Fighter X Tekken isn't as ground-breaking as Street fighter IV, but it offers a wholly different and most of all innovative look on a well established formula.

Except for the new graphical coat it was given, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is a very accurate port of the excellent DS-game. It could have been a tad faster though, keeping the console audience in mind. It's a shame though, that the few flaws of the game's formula have not been addressed.

This action-adventure game offers a perfect mix of gameplay elements, although each of them separately come of as a bit stale. Combine this mix with an intriguing story, and you'll end with a meal that'll fill you up the brim, which will likely be toppled by the delicious HD-dip sauce that comes with it.

F1 2010 is the Formula 1 game we longed for. There are some remarkable flaws and 'living the live' isn't that great, but even Schumacher would be excited about the race-experience itself.

Sound Shapes is an interactive piece of art. The easily accessible gameplay makes for a fun 2D platformer on its own, but the music and visuals really turn some heads. Even when creating something in the editor you'll think you're in paradise, a place where everyone can be an artist.

Fight Night champion fights the good fight in upholding the tradition that each part is better than its predecessor. It's realistic, atmospheric, spectacular where necessary and exercises an approach on sports that other sport-games only dream of. It's too bad though that EA decided to give players who pay an extra fee an unfair edge over their online competitors.

Resident Evil 5 starts with bang. An original setting and zombies that are just waiting to get shot are a perfect start. But a soon as your surroundings changes from a beautiful African landscape to dark and boring industrial complex, the gameplay turns a bit sour and transforms into a standard action game. An action game with the limitations of the horror genre. Resident Evil fans are probably dying to know how the story unfolds, but gamers with little knowledge of the previous games will find it nothing more than an average action game.

This second collection of ports is an ode to the growth of developer Ready at Dawn. Chains of Olympus feels like good practise, but Ghost of Sparta can stand tall next to the console God of War-games. Together they form a lovely, if not always consistent collection of adventures for Kratos to fight through.

Top Spin 4 lacks the polish of a truly fantastic game, but does have a potent balance between accessibility and depth. This fourth instalment is on all fronts better than its predecessor and works especially well online. It's a nice overture for the new tennis season.

UFC Undisputed 2010 kicks the original game on almost all accounts. The gameplay has been tweaked until it's almost perfect. It's too bad the new modes aren't as good as we'd have hoped and the lag is really irritating. But overall, this is as good as you can get with the fighting sport. A better product compared to the original in almost every way.

Monster Hunter Tri is seriously addictive. You keep on looking for the best weapons and it feels like a reward when you find something better. Then there are the fantastic online options, where four hunters can bring down a big monster. The only downsides are the rough edges, like the sometimes tricky controls and basic animation.

Outland is without a doubt a good game. The switching between light and dark works well in this platformer, and gets assisted by great smooth gameplay. Include the cooperative elements and you've got a game that belongs at the top of downloadable titles. That Outland doesn't belong to that elite is because of the sometimes very artificial and stale level design.

There aren't any huge changes compared to previous outings, but just like last season, Football Manager 2012 is the best football manager available. A new training system and proper online mode would be appreciated next year though.

The real fans undoubtly have DMC4 in their homes already and may think the positive in the game outweights the negative. With that said, the game wasn't able to win us over like "God of War" did. Devil May Cry might have a better fighting-system and more boss battles, but falls short aside from that. Not a must-have in the genre at all.

If you've got nothing going on with Metallica then it seems a little illogical to buy this game. But you'll probably buy it anyway if you're a Guitar Hero or Rockband fan. The game deserves that much attention. Especially Guitar Hero veterans will love the rocky numbers that are enclosed in this package. On the other hand, the little flaws and the inferior career-mode (in comparison to Rock Band) can be too much of a problem for the casual rocker.

Exactly the right things have been made more simple and the essence of the game is still there.

Spore is a one of a kind videogame. It offers endless possibilities and gives the gamer a game within the game. But in the process of giving you everything you want, EA has forgotten to include some depth and gameplay. As a design program Spore deserves an A+, as a videogame a little less.

Fate of Two Worlds is certainly entertaining. It doesn't matter if you have graduated from the traditional Street Fighter-school or if you don't know the difference between a Hadoken and a Dragon Punch. This game has over-the-top action and a low difficulty so that everyone can get enjoyment from this. However, it comes at the cost of balance between characters.

Killzone 3 might miss an abundance of multiplayes modes and the singleplayer isn't perfect. But that shouldn't stop you from buying this game. As an experience Killzone 3 waltzes over pretty much all of its competition of the same genre. Guerrilla knows what makes Killzone different from other shooters and combines those elements with some refinements in its controls, variation and style, which makes Killzone 3 into what it always should have been.

F1 2012 is a racing game with guts. It rewards players that invest time in practicing, but those who'd want to take it to the extreme receive even more. Codemasters could've put some more time into providing the game with some new elements though.

Stacking makes use of some inventive gameplay mechanics that lets the player decide what kind of experience it wants to get out of the game. Accessibility, clever puzzle design, a charismatic world and oodles of fun are what developer Double Fine whips up into this delicious little game.

Dice took everything we loved from Battlefield and added more action packed gameplay. Battlefield 1943 offers a great multiplayer experience and total destruction, but tends to get repetitive because of a lack of modes.

A mysterious story and original puzzles come together to create an intelligent game for everyone. The game is perfect for all ages and Nintendo has even translated the dialogue to our own language. The only thing missing are some more challenging puzzles and more surprises in the story.

The game is an excellent new addition to the series despite the fact that it knows little innovation. The gameplay goes deep and demands from the gamer some form of commitment. If you're willing to give these extra miles than you will experience a great basketballgame with superb plays.

Mortal Kombat is a morbid celebration of recognition. The game does everything you'd expect from a product of the franchise. Especially online the qualities of the fast gameplay come to fruition, but offline the game doesn't let down by any means. It's too bad though, that the storymode, a large part of the singleplayer, isn't more than a few cutscenes intertwined with a bunch of fights.

Crysis Warhead is a short but more than powerful extension of Crysis. The meager five or six hours that you'll be spending on the game are going to be packed with beautiful nano-suit adventures. The graphics still look like a digital Mona Lisa, your freedom seems endless and the story is getting clearer. Until the next big Crysis is coming out, this one will do just fine.

The real fans undoubtly have DMC4 in their homes already and may think the positive in the game outweights the negative. With that said, the game wasn't able to win us over like "God of War" did. Devil May Cry might have a better fighting-system and more boss battles, but falls short aside from that. Not a must-have in the genre at all.

After the Hot Persuit remake lifted the Need for Speed franchise to new heights, Criterion does it again with Most Wanted. The emphasis on free-roaming, social interaction and over-the-top action with impressive cars make the new Most Wanted a very refreshing racing game. Everyone who likes speed and competition, even in the slightest of forms, owes it to themselves to play this game.

This Xbox 360 edition is the best Worms game to date, but the concept could definitely use an overhaul.

Split/Second has great graphics and introduces a couple of interesting new gameplay modes, but in the end the weak controls in the PC-version, the cheating AI and the lack of variety keeps this game from becoming truly great.

After porting all of its classics successfully to iOS, Sid Meier proves himself once again with Ace Patrol. It feels wonderfully refreshing and the dogfights combine accessibility with an intelligent layer of tactics. It's ruthless when failing a mission though, but that's compensated by a look that breathes sympathy and fun multiplayer modes.

DJ Hero is all about one thing: experiencing music, that one moment where you are totally in the zone and the music becomes part of you. With 93 great mashups that is no problem at all.

Remove its witty jokes, countless fun references and memes, and Guacamelee! is still a game more than worth playing. The 'Metroid-vania'-style works well, action and agility complement each other greatly and the challenge is amazingly balanced. Too bad that the cooperative mode just isn't up to standards.

It seems almost impossible to not have a special place in your heart for Bulletstorm. People Can Fly could have spent more energy in creating a more substantial multiplayer, but the singleplayer and Echoes-mode make up for a lot, if not all of it. The unique gameplay, ballsy humour and colourful environments make us take our minor griefs with the game for granted.

Fallout: New Vegas does not introduce shocking new gameplay elements, but it combines excellent atmosphere with a story that is worth checking out. The game has many memorable moments and incredible depth. Which is why it is a shame bugs, long load times and disappointing visuals take some punch away from the experience.

Dragon Quest V shows a lot of similarities with Dragon Quest IV. What makes this title a little bit better than Dragon Quest IV is its storyline. The gameplay tweaks just add up to an already terrific concept. That's why Dragon Quest V scores better than its predecessor.

That Need for Speed Shift was going to be more of a simulation wasn't a big surprise when Slightly Mad Studios got the job. It is however a surprise that the game ended up being this good. Thanks to the cockpit-view, the sense of speed and the eye for detail, Shift takes the Need for Speed-series back to the top.

Gran Turismo 5 is like a restored classic car: beautiful on the outside and it drives like a dream, but in time you'll miss the modern parts that new cars have.

Developer Black Box has made a great evolution on the successful concept of Skate by making Skate 2 a bit smoother and by giving San Vanelona a drastic make-over. The new features are more than welcome, even though they sometimes lack finesse on the technical level as well as the way you move your character throughout the game, preventing the game from getting a higher grade.

FTL: Faster Than Light is basically an incredibly simplistic spaceship simulation. The choices you make during the game, make for a complex and challenging experience though. Graphically it might look fun and cartoony, but it's an incredibly hard and unforgiving game in which a small mistake can lead to a game over screen. Despite the high difficulty it's a game that you'll restart constantly, because you'll want to improve on yourself and because it'll stay fun.

Darksiders II embraces the ancient dungeon-principles from games such as Diablo and The Legend of Zelda. This traditional mixture makes the series unique today and a pleasure to play, what unfortunately doesn't take away from the fact that Darksiders II plays it safe compared to its predecessor. But we can hardly call that a flaw, because Darksiders II delivers on what it does best, and that for over twenty hours.

Borderlands mixes up RPG and shooter and this works well. Don’t expect a Fallout 3 though, because this is an entirely different product. This really feels more like a shooter at most times.

His moustache remains the same, but other than that Mario finally went for a new and modern look. New Super Mario Bros. U does honor the history of the old plumber and brings back all the known characters and worlds, which are now more alive than ever. The graphical leap also allows for more experimentation with gameplay, which shows in a more challenging and fresh platformer than you might expect.

Trine 2 is what the original should have been. The world looks like a fairytale come to life, puzzles are more original and the online mode is a logical addition. But thanks to the lack of new gameplay elements, Trine 2 often feels like a polished version of the original.

UFC 2009 is a delicious fighting game and hopefully the start of a successful franchise. A franchise Mixed Martial Arts-fans have been waiting for. The learning curve is pretty steep, but it makes the taste of success, when you do get the hang of it, a lot sweeter. A must buy for fighter fans.

Rift has and offers more than we can expect from such a new online-RPG. The game has an amazing level of polish and reeks of pure quality. And even though we've seen all elements of the game before, studio Trion managed to give every one of them their own twist, what makes the whole larger than the sum of its parts.

Virtue's Last Reward is as obscure as its title might make you suspect. Most gamers have never heard of this game and most of them are might as well steer clear from it. But those who are up for a large dose of storytelling and traditional puzzles, couldn't wish for better entertainment. We have an excellently written science fiction horror story and interesting relationships between the main characters to thank for that.

Keep an eye on Ronimo Games. Without any notice they released an RTS game with a new and fresh perspective. This approach does have it disadvantages in the form of difficult camera positions, but in the end Swords & Soldiers is all about have a blast. With special thanks to the original gameplay, good graphics and great humour.

Except for the new graphical coat it was given, Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is a very accurate port of the excellent DS-game. It could have been a tad faster though, keeping the console audience in mind. It's a shame though, that the few flaws of the game's formula have not been addressed.

Child of Eden is proof that the phrase "better with Kinect sensor" isn't meaningless. The game is challenging and plays wonderfully. Even with the controller it remains to be a special experience that seamlessly blends sound, music and video. It's a given that you'll play this game a lot, but that doesn't take away from the fact that only five worlds and a short story mode make it feel very limited.

Vanquish is no greater literature, but that's ok. It's pure pulp, and combined with all the basic shooter-elements that are woven in professionally, and the absurd mix of explosive gameplay and cheesy one-liners, this is one strange but satisfying package. A fantastic game for the fanatic gamer and one of the biggest surprises of the year.

Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan is a double sided blade that cuts both ways. It´s the most accessible game in this series of traditional first person dungeon crawlers, but offers enough resistance for both newcomers and veterans. And where there's a challenge, there's satisfaction.

Delivers on a unique cooperative experience that has you sneaking through levels as a member of a team of four burglars, with the right composition of classes. It won't be long before you'll get sucked into the charming atmosphere developer Pocketwatch Games established here. Alone, or with ill-intentioned players, it loses a lot of the charm and gets really hard during later parts of the game. Only play Monaco with accomplices.

Vanquish is no greater literature, but that's ok. It's pure pulp, and combined with all the basic shooter-elements that are woven in professionally, and the absurd mix of explosive gameplay and cheesy one-liners, this is one strange but satisfying package. A fantastic game for the fanatic gamer and one of the biggest surprises of the year.

F1 2010 is the Formula 1 game we longed for. There are some remarkable flaws and 'living the live' isn't that great, but even Schumacher would be excited about the race-experience itself.

It seems almost impossible to not have a special place in your heart for Bulletstorm. People Can Fly could have spent more energy in creating a more substantial multiplayer, but the singleplayer and Echoes-mode make up for a lot, if not all of it. The unique gameplay, ballsy humour and colourful environments make us take our minor griefs with the game for granted.

Persona 4: Arena is the result of an especially improbable, but successful marriage. Developer Arc Systems bring us one of the deepest and at the same time most accessible 2D-figheter ever. Atlus on the other hand, worked on the presentation with enough love and care to give Persona 4 a worthy successor. Do know that you're getting into though. Whoever wants to play a fighting game a few hours a week, will merely crush the tip of the iceberg.

Dice took everything we loved from Battlefield and added more action packed gameplay. Battlefield 1943 offers a great multiplayer experience and total destruction, but tends to get repetitive because of a lack of modes.

Kid Icarus: Uprising is the best Nintendo 3DS-game, that you don't actually want to play on a 3DS. It has a fun single player, a cool story with and a well excecuted multiplayer. Unfortunately, you're bound to get cramps in your hands and fingers if you don't use the stand that comes with the game.

Anno 2070 pushes the series to incredible highs and is amongst the best in its genre. The easy to learn controls and rules, new online options and the way you can build while preserving nature all make this the best strategy game of 2011.

Since the announcement of No More Heroes it was clear that this is a special game. Good humour, nice fights and a great graphic style makes this game a real quality product. Although the game has some minor points, it's a 'must-have' for everyone who likes the genre.

Halo 3: ODST is a great game that transcends its label of add-on. The singleplayer is powerful, Firefight is brilliant and the extra disc with the Halo 3 multiplayer is a great bonus. The price tag makes the game a must-buy for every Halo-fanatic and a great entry point for those who are unfamiliar with the series. It remains a point of discussion if the hype around Halo 3 was justified, but with Halo 3: ODST, Bungie deserves every praise it receives.

The interesting characters and the unique gameplay make Ghost Trick a game that can be enjoyed for hours. The search for solutions of puzzles, combined with the many plottwist, give the game a vibe present in the old point-and-click adventures.

PixelJunk Monsters used the popularity of the Tower Defence-concept quite handy. Too bad there isn't an online co-op or a level creator though. It doesn't take away the fact that this is currently one of the best games available at the Playstation Store. So if you are looking for fun, challenge and addictiveness, then run like hell to your Playstation 3 to download the game on your harddisk for only 4,99 euro!

Resident Evil 5 starts with bang. An original setting and zombies that are just waiting to get shot are a perfect start. But a soon as your surroundings changes from a beautiful African landscape to dark and boring industrial complex, the gameplay turns a bit sour and transforms into a standard action game. An action game with the limitations of the horror genre. Resident Evil fans are probably dying to know how the story unfolds, but gamers with little knowledge of the previous games will find it nothing more than an average action game.

Angry Birds Space is a refreshing new take on a well known concept. Figuring out how to launch the birds most effectively has become much more challenging due to the importance of gravity. The game feels fresh and is at least as addicting as its predecessors.

Black Ops 2 is a good and complete Call of Duty-game. The Zombie-mode is once again very entertaining and the single player the best yet thanks to the moral choices it presents players with. The multiplayer still plays the same way after all these years, which makes sense, but is slightly disappointing for those who hoped that the new setting and structure would've caused it to change. All of the modes are a lot of fun though, but to enjoy it you'll have to bite through pretty outdated graphics.

This is a very well rounded basketball game, made by and for fans of the sport. The countless details and different facets of the sport are perfectly recreated in the game. The graphics are insanely realistic, but the frame rate suffers sometimes because of it. Still, this is the best basketball game of this season.

Digital Reality wants to breathe new life into the shoot-'em up genre with Sine Mora. At a glance they succeed with beautiful backgrounds and lots of variation. Other satisfaction can only be extracted from getting the best high scores, because the story is simply all over the place.

That Need for Speed Shift was going to be more of a simulation wasn't a big surprise when Slightly Mad Studios got the job. It is however a surprise that the game ended up being this good. Thanks to the cockpit-view, the sense of speed and the eye for detail, Shift takes the Need for Speed-series back to the top.

Bangai-O is a one of a kind videogame. The only game that you can compare it with is the first installment of Bangai-O. And that's equally good as it is bad. Good, because it's totally different then anything else. Bad, because it will be hard for players to get accustomed to the series. In all fairness Bangai-O is a very good game but it gives the player litte chance to ease into the game.

A beautiful adventure that you can’t put down for the first thirty hours. The second half isn’t as gripping as the first, though. It’s interesting that the game sways away from the previous games in the series, but not everyone will be pleased with the linear gameplay.

Matching the success of Angry Birds while introducing a new concept seemed like an impossible task for Rovia, but they succeeded with Bad Piggies. It combines that 'I'll-quickly-play-a-game'-feeling with challenging 'build-and-reach-the-finish-line'-puzzle gameplay. It's funny, addicting and last but not least: it doesn't have any birds in it.

Borderlands mixes up RPG and shooter and this works well. Don’t expect a Fallout 3 though, because this is an entirely different product. This really feels more like a shooter at most times.

Given the fact that the gameplay still appeals lets us know we are dealing with a good quality product. So if you are looking for a nice fighting game with a beautifully worked out multiplayer, then Bleach: The Blade of Fate is definitely your game.

Lumines: Electronic Symphony is one of the best launch games for the Vita. The soundtrack and its design are great and the puzzle mechanic works well for long and short sessions. It's just too bad it's so expensive.

A brilliant game design that leaves you begging for more. And for online leader boards! Why didn't they include those? That would make sense.

UFC 2009 is a delicious fighting game and hopefully the start of a successful franchise. A franchise Mixed Martial Arts-fans have been waiting for. The learning curve is pretty steep, but it makes the taste of success, when you do get the hang of it, a lot sweeter. A must buy for fighter fans.

The first impression that Terraria might give could come off as a bit stale due to its flat 2D-look, but that look just conceals the immense depth it contains. Real adventurers will be entertained for hours on end by exploring the different environments, fighting countless different monsters and by creating new equipment. The best thing: its low price.

The Tomb of Sammun-Mak isn't as strong as season opener The Penal Zone, but still delivers solid puzzles and hilarious jokes. Furthermore, the many references to earlier episodes and the strong origin story are bound to put a smile on the faces of every fan of the original two seasons.

Just Cause 2 is the ultimate transition of the explosion-filled, stunt-heavy blockbuster action movie to the videogames medium. The spectacular grappling hook action takes place on the beautiful, humongous fictional island state of Pauna. The few flaws don’t hurt the overall experience at all.

Reus is a very good, well balanced game. The developers understand the essence of a godgame like no other and gave the genre a new twist. An original and challenging concept with which the Dutch Abbey Games put themselves on the map.

If Resistance 3 turns out to be the last game in the series, Insomniac can look back without any shame. The series hasn't gone out like a candle, but like fireworks. Sometimes the game is a little rough around the edges, but at the end of the ride you have enjoyed yourself, screamed and laughed. That's more than we expected from a developer who had little experience in the genre at the start of this trilogy.

The tower defense-game Orcs Must Die! 2 isn't that different from its predecessor, but it does have the cooperative mode we longed for. Additions like more enemies, extra weapons and a new game-mode make it better and more balanced than the original. The multiplayer just completes the picture. This sequel feels more like an expansion than a completely new installment though, but the low price makes up for that.

Nintendo successfully adds another dimension to Picross. Thinking in three dimensions takes some getting used to, but after a while you can create the most beautiful figures from the grey blocks.

Original and filled with character. Winterbottom is a charming platformer that reminds one of Braid. Maybe it’s not as brilliant as that game, but it’s still a wonderful ride.

Lords of Shadow defies the boundaries of what Castlevania should be, but it works. The game pulls you in medieval times, but the gameplay, presentation and story are without a doubt as modern as you can get. The ghost of old Castlevania flows through the game, while being fresh enough to make it feel like the start of a new franchise. Both fans and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy here.

Darksiders looks like the result of a head-on collision between the Zelda and God of War-franchise. But instead of a big mess, both fuse together to form a hybrid with the best elements of both, combined with a great story. The game won’t win any awards for originality, but thanks to its long playtime, strong puzzles and great alteration between elements and scenery we can only conclude that Darksiders is already one of the first great games of 2010.

Gravity Rush is the best, prettiest and most unique game for the PlayStation Vita to date.

Alan Wake is a decent port with a few console-characteristics that cause a few annoyances. But PC-gamers finally have the option to enjoy Alan Wake's unique and gripping story.

The song 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' by Daft Punk describes inFamous 2 like no other. The story hits you harder than its predecessor did, the gameplay works better and faster and Cole feels stronger with his new powers. That the game isn't much deeper, is a fact you'll take for granted while taking over the world as a hero or villain.

Outland is without a doubt a good game. The switching between light and dark works well in this platformer, and gets assisted by great smooth gameplay. Include the cooperative elements and you've got a game that belongs at the top of downloadable titles. That Outland doesn't belong to that elite is because of the sometimes very artificial and stale level design.

If you want a taste of the real deal, Football Manager 2009 offers a great alternative. The improved graphics aren't all that, but all the other extras are undoubtatly a big plus for the series. And considering that the extras are build on a more than solid base the only conclusion you can make is that Football Manager is, again, the best in i's genre. Even the little flaws can't prevent that from happening.

Torchlight is the ultimate rival for Diablo. The game doesn't introduce something new to the genre, but that's forgiven by the atmosphere it provides and the Blizzard-like level of polish. Thanks to its small price tag and the addictive nature of the game, it comes highly recommended for everyone.

An excellent football game that even excels FIFA 10 in some ways. But in the end this is still a basic version of that game and together with a few rough edges it keeps the game from becoming truly fantastic.

Contra 4 is a respectable comeback of the series to its original form. The game brings good memories and is something every gamer should have played once. It might be difficult in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it you will be rewarded. Not everyone will like the game, but those who do will enjoy one of the best times in their life.

Rhythm Paradise is fun to play. Even though the game has no groundbreaking gameplay elements and has it share of flaws. Furthermore Rhythm Paradise distinguish itself through a unique style of audio and visual and it's rhythmic gameplay. Add a low price tag and you've got yourself a interesting videogame.

Stacking makes use of some inventive gameplay mechanics that lets the player decide what kind of experience it wants to get out of the game. Accessibility, clever puzzle design, a charismatic world and oodles of fun are what developer Double Fine whips up into this delicious little game.

What moves a developer to make a game that looks like it created out of cut-outs from old magazines and newspapers? Sceptical as one can be, we are glad to say that And Yet it Moves managed to turn us around. Copying and pasting has never been this original. With its quirky art style and brain-twisting puzzles, it is nothing short of a small piece of art.

In essence Hitman: Absolution is still the stealthy murderous game you know. As usual there are dozens of ways to take out your targets, lots of disguises to wear and the environment can be scaled and used the way you want to. It's also as hard as you remember it, but doesn't linger in the past mostly due to an increased focus on action and it being easier to play and. Graphically the game looks wonderfully dark, the interface has been completely redone and Agent 47 is easier to control than ever. The artificial intelligence leaves something to be desired, but aside from that Absolution is a fine Hitman-game.

Alan Wake is all about the story. It is told very well and constructed in such an intelligent way, that you want to complete the game in one blow. Even though the gameplay itself good, it’s not nearly on the same level.

Eddie Riggs is the character that brings together the entire metal world and the smartly written story. His charisma and wit make Brütal what it is. The game mixes genres in unusual ways, but it’s a shame the side-missions all look alike and the game is pretty short. But it’s always a sign that you’re playing a good game when you’re left wanting for more. Brütal Legend isn’t the best game of this year, but it certainly rocks the most.

GTR Evolution feels like the most complete but also last installment in the series. The next one will probably be more like a revolution than an evolution. And with for good reason. Evolution is starting to look a little outdated. Just don't let this stop you from buying this game. GTR Evolution offers you an all-in-one package of cars and tracks in a racer that's almost as good as the real thing.

The wonderful hack-and-slash action combined with fluent animations and a beautiful visual presentation make Dust: An Elysian Tail an adventure that you don't want to let go. Fortunately, there's a lot to see aside from the main story in the world of Falana, as to postpone your goodbye with the game quite a bit longer.

F1 2011 is better than F1 2010 on all fronts. A great combination of challenging gameplay and the right race feeling makes this a must-have for all racing simulation fans.

One of the best first person shooters available right now. The game has a unique character thanks to the required combination of tactical insight and pure skills. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive's gameplay won't appeal to everyone, but that's also its greatest strength.

Pokémon Platinum is in fact one of many variants on the first few parts, with the marginal note that the game lacks any form of renewal. Nevertheless Pokémon Platinum still offers a very decent roleplaying game that makes good use of the online capabilities of the Nintendo DS. If your not familiar with any of the preliminary titles that this one will be a perfect opportunity to get accustomed to the series.

The fun you can get from Do It Yourself is totally dependent on the effort you want to put into making your own minigames. If you only want to play the little games, you can find much better games in the WarioWare series. But if you love making your own games, you'll find yourself engrossed in this game for weeks.

Defense Grid is one of the best Tower Defense-games and offers a great introduction to the genre on the Xbox 360. The game is well build, very addictive and even a pleasure to watch.

Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is just like a hot dog. It doesn't have to change in order to be tasty. Ubisoft has put on a great sauce with the A.C.E.S.-system, objects you can shoot through, and a great cooperative mode. And believe us it will be the best hot dog you ever tasted.

Dance Central shows what Kinect can do for gaming. The gameplay is forgiving enough t o ensure even players without any sense of rhythm stand a chance, and the Break It Down-mode can teach virtually anyone the dance moves required. The menu controls need some work, but even the sporadic problems with recognizing more subtle moves, the fun isn't spoiled.

It's a compliment that the fifth Layton-game in the last five years is such a joy to play. The world of the puzzling professor is more charming than ever, partly thanks to its great three-dimensional animations. Although the unchanged formula of finding and solving puzzles won't reel in any new fans, the Miracle Mask is a safe purchase for any Layton-fan.

Anno 1404 has excellent production values and gameplay, visuals and sound complement each other well. The eastern theme gives the game a new dimension, without getting overly complicated. It's a great game to start your summer holidays.

Very few games have Monster Hunter Tri Ultimate's depth. It's a survival simulator and one of the best co-op multiplayer experiences on consoles. The lack of matchmaking and a decent explanation regarding the game's mechanics are only minor gripes. This is the best the Wii U has to offer.

The controls might look simple at the beginning, but you'll soon find out that the game has more depth than you thought.

Minecraft is an excellent port of the famous PC game. At a glance you'll have a hard time noticing the differences. The Xbox 360 version is way more accessible though thanks to a way clearer crafting system. Veterans should skip this version, because the PC-version boasts many more options.

This is a very well rounded basketball game, made by and for fans of the sport. The countless details and different facets of the sport are perfectly recreated in the game. The graphics are insanely realistic, but the frame rate suffers sometimes because of it. Still, this is the best basketball game of this season.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is one of the better arcade racing games in the App Store thanks to its fantastic graphics and smooth controls. It doesn't match its console siblings due to a lack of depth and expansiveness, but offers a relatively serious racing experience given its limited form.

Revelations is the proof that the 3DS is really a powerhouse. The circle pad makes controlling the game a great experience as well. The cooperative Raid-mode is a fine addition. The action-sequences in the main game weren't necessary, however.

Saints Row is a playground for adults, a not so subtle satire of modern culture and entertainment. It's also the opposite of Grand Theft Auto. It's very rough around the edges, unfortunately, and isn't that much different from its predecessor. Still, it's proper fun.

Super Stardust Delta is an amazingly excecuted twin stick shooter that Works greatly on the PlayStation Vita.

What looks like a kiddy game for some gamers, may well be serious business for others. And that's the case with Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise. With an upgraded interface and a lot more Piñata's to choose from, this sequel is more than worthy of his predecessor.

An excellent football game that even excels FIFA 10 in some ways. But in the end this is still a basic version of that game and together with a few rough edges it keeps the game from becoming truly fantastic.

Shift 2: Unleashed might not be the realistic racing game of which the developers speak, but it does offer an intense racing experience we haven't seen before on the consoles. You literally experience the race through the eyes of the driver which offers a lot of exciting moments which will keep you interested from start to finish.

Unreal Tournament 3 is a fantastic shooter that you'll enjoy for weeks to come. There's great balance here and there are five new maps. A sure bet for fans of shooters.

Dyad is like an incomplete informative flyer on drug usage. The 'racing game' comes with an obvious manual, but no one will explain to you why you're hanging in front of the television with dilated pupils an hour later, staring at the explosion of color and sound that appears to be emanating from the screen. Let the epilepsy-warning be seen as an invitation to one of the most amazing trips in recent years.

Top Spin 4 lacks the polish of a truly fantastic game, but does have a potent balance between accessibility and depth. This fourth instalment is on all fronts better than its predecessor and works especially well online. It's a nice overture for the new tennis season.

The best episode of Tales of Monkey Island up until this point. The puzzlers are a lot of fun to solve and the characters as original as we're used to from this series. Let's hope Telltale keeps gaining momentum.

Blur is one of the most addictive and fun racing games we've played in a long time. The intense action, great reward system and excellent balancing let you enjoy every race. Even the varying difficulty in the singleplayer can't change that.

Football Manager Live is the Valhalla for every football manager. And after all those years it's finally possible to let your customized team compete against human players. Without ever ruining the gameplay they made the series famous. However, the fun comes with a price. Literally. But even with a high price tag the game remains the best in its genre.

Darksiders looks like the result of a head-on collision between the Zelda and God of War-franchise. But instead of a big mess, both fuse together to form a hybrid with the best elements of both, combined with a great story. The game won’t win any awards for originality, but thanks to its long playtime, strong puzzles and great alteration between elements and scenery we can only conclude that Darksiders is already one of the first great games of 2010.

PixelJunk Shooter 2 once again proves that creative minds have all the space they need on the current generation of consoles. The mixing of different elements (like water, lava, gas and oil) is innovative, works extremely well and is expertly executed. What makes this interesting from start to finish are the different elements each level brings with it.

Whoever wants to try something new in 2013: Antichamber has got you covered. The psychological journey developer Alexander Bruce takes you on makes you forget everything you know about videogames, and everything about the world around you. There is a chance that your brain isn’t ready for this type of psychological violence, but whoever dares to surrender themselves to Antichamber won’t be disappointed.

Whoever spent dozens, or even hundreds of hours playing Skyrim, and still wants more, Dragonborn offers a great solution. A new area offers about fifteen hours of great entertainment of the same high quality we're used to from the original game. A lack of new elements and a few disappointing moments do bring it down a notch.

BioWare set the bar quite high for themselves with the Dragon Age: Origins. With big-but-subtle changes, the developer tries to address a larger audience with the second game, but this doesn't mean that these changes aren't fit for the hardcore demographic. On the contrary, Dragon Age II keeps the deep RPG-elements and the gratifying story that turned the first part into such a well received game.

Condemned 2 is a pleasant but also frightening game in which the gameplay feels quite fresh. The fighting system works great and the murder investigations are a good way to involve the player into the storyline. Unfortunately the game doesn't stay as fun as the first few missions.

Eddie Riggs is the character that brings together the entire metal world and the smartly written story. His charisma and wit make Brütal what it is. The game mixes genres in unusual ways, but it’s a shame the side-missions all look alike and the game is pretty short. But it’s always a sign that you’re playing a good game when you’re left wanting for more. Brütal Legend isn’t the best game of this year, but it certainly rocks the most.

Fallout: New Vegas does not introduce shocking new gameplay elements, but it combines excellent atmosphere with a story that is worth checking out. The game has many memorable moments and incredible depth. Which is why it is a shame bugs, long load times and disappointing visuals take some punch away from the experience.

Metro: Last Light can be mentioned in the same breath as big games like BioShock and Half-Life 2. Developer A4 Games proves to be very capable on a technical level, and they didn't make any concessions to the experience. When it comes to the gameplay, the developer might retain some of their (somewhat strange) own rules, but does this solely to improve the action.

Stretch your fingers and invite three friends if you want to play Castle Crashers, because the game is literally a multiplayer button-bashing frenzy. The gameplay offers not much more than pressing the buttons as quickly as possible, but the humor and the fun of wreaking havoc with three friends makes the game worth the buy.

Pro Evolution Soccer goes deeper than ever. Thanks to some well thought out additions, the gameplay can be altered more to the players wishes. Newcomers might have some trouble climbing the metaphorical ladder in the arena's (which are still devoid of any atmosphere), but PES-purists can go nuts. Is PES 2013 the ultimate soccer game? It's not, as long as its budget doesn't get a decent boost. It, for instance, lacks licenses and other decorations, but impresses with attractive, unpredictable and assertive soccer.

Flight Control HD does not offer much content, but the simple and rewarding gameplay mechanics make it an ideal game to pick up and play. Controlling air traffic and letting planes land is fun to do and make this game a safe download.

Legend of Grimrock is perfect for the diehard Dungeon Master fan, and those who are unknown with the genre. For the fans, it represents pure nostalgia. For all others it means a challenging, addicting and oppressive gameplay experience.

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, as proven by Tekken 6 for the PlayStation Portable. This pocket-sized game impresses more than its console counterpart. It’s quite possibly the best fighting game on the PSP to date. The minor improvements in the game play make the game as a whole more balanced. Only point of critique is the weirdly chosen final boss, but when you look past that, the game is packed with quality.

Mario Kart Wii is a great new game in the series. It still plays like a dream and is perhaps the most enjoyable game of the last few years. Even the additions of motorcycles, Wii-Wheel and online mode are suprisingly good. Mario Kart Wii even does something which most other games lack: It brings fun.

Split/Second has great graphics and introduces a couple of interesting new gameplay modes, but in the end the weak controls in the PC-version, the cheating AI and the lack of variety keeps this game from becoming truly great.

Crusader Kings 2 isn't a traditional RTS. The countless intrigues, relationships and family issues that you have to deal with, might make it seem more like a relationship-manager than an actual game. Still, it's quite refreshing and thanks to the countless choices it makes for a great political playground. Every play session is different and opens up a new story, but in return it requires a lot of insight and empathy.

As soon as you cut open your first cyborg and crush his blue core, you’ll have seen enough to know that Metal Gear Rising is a stylistic murder fest with an amazingly satisfying balance between brutality and finesse. Platinum Games proves once again to be the master of hack & slash, without losing that intriguing Metal Gear appearance. Metal Gear Rising is a fantastic spectacle, that unfortunately ends too quickly.

Birth By Sleep fixes a lot of things. The story is easy to digest and the focus is on discovering new Disney-worlds. The combat system is the most refined version of the system in Kingdom Hearts ever and the game isn't a step down graphically from the PS2-games.

Dethroning Mario Kart is an amazing achievement in and of itself, and in that Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed succeeds. It does this as a gorgeous homage with big and small characters from SEGA's franchises, with great courses and gameplay. It's not hard to be impressed by this lovingly crafted, expansive arcade racer.

Yes, we laughed when we heard about the 'casual' panda's and Pokémon in the world's most well-known MMO. But we admit it: our first impressions were incorrect. Mists of Pandaria is a worthy expansion of World of Warcraft, that's meant for the more serious WoW-player, ironically enough.

A beautiful adventure that you can’t put down for the first thirty hours. The second half isn’t as gripping as the first, though. It’s interesting that the game sways away from the previous games in the series, but not everyone will be pleased with the linear gameplay.

Red Alert 3 is at first a very enjoyable, fun and a more than decent RTS game. The three factions all pack a punch and equally offering you enough depth gameplay wise, without being to unbalanced. Over-the-top action was never this much fun and this is just the thing that makes Red Alert 3 one of the best RTS games ever. And that's something that even the little flaws can't prevent.

Mario Kart has a reason to be jealous. ModNation Racers has fantastic AI, balance and of course endless amounts of creation options. The small problems in the track editor can be taken for granted, but the handling of the karts and the agonizing load times keep this game from pole position.

Enslaved takes players 150 years into the future, in a world where both creation and destruction flourish. Its overwhelming beauty of nature entangled with machinery requires a moment to digest. Sadly, the game rarely allows for such sightseeing. Instead players are forcibly dragged through every scene of the game, which then comes to an abrupt close. Ultimately they are left with a very convincing movie, without the gameplay to back it up.

Halo Wars can be classified as the first successful console-RTS. The development team kept an eye on the limitations of the player, put in a fair amount of action and turned Halo Wars into a real console game. Gamers that have never played a RTS or stopped playing it because of its high complexity will find Halo Wars a very entertaining game. Die hard RTS fans will find it a little bit less entertaining.

The creators succeeded in reviving the SSX-franchise. The slopes are varied, challenging and incredibly fast. There is always challenge to be found, especially in the expansive multiplayer, but new players shouldn't have any problems picking it up.

Botanicula is one big orchestra, and the mouse cursor is the choirmaster. It's sometimes too much of a puzzle game, sometimes too little, but always a treat to listen to and observe.

Scared of a challenge? Then you might want to avoid Joe Danger 2: The Movie. Speed-maniacs, score hunters and generally thick players on the other hand, should dive right into this well worked out action game. Besides, it'll offer plenty of laughs with its insane gaming-moments.