Funky Lab Rat is a pleasant surprise. Whilst the controls and platforming can be a bit off sometimes, the strong puzzle elements means that you will quickly forgive this and return frequently to blast through a level or two.

Overall SuperStars V8 Racing is pleasantly surprising. After a good few hours with the game it will still be pulling you back in for another go, teasing you to master that tricky hairpin, or to find the perfect car set up. Whilst many of you will be looking to Sony and a GT5 release date, I urge you to divert your eyes a little and give this a try.

Yes, it could be more visually stimulating and it's basically just an online game but it is damn good value for money and one of the more consistent titles available on the online marketplace.

It's by no means perfect and there is plenty to be overly critical or analytical about. However, it's a very solid foundation for a series that could spawn an incredibly good game in the near future.

Proving new, inventive ideas are still ripe on the vine, especially fruitful in the indie scene, Tales From Space: About a Blob is a full-fat platforming puzzler that will warm the hearts of fans who gravitate toward infectious, challenging – if a mite repetitive – gameplay.

The game is an homage to the 16-bit era, and is a reminder of everything I love about gaming. Unfortunately, repetition does sneak in, and the boss battles are a little disappointing, but if you are a fan of the genre you really should check it out.

While the gameplay might be a bit too hardcore for gamers that are easily frustrated, the upgrades in Rising mode will eventually give you the edge you need to beat every level. Just know that you will die a lot your first time through. If you're a fan of side-scrolling shooters like Contra and Metal Slug, definitely check this game out.

It's not perfect, but it represents pure arcade racing with a central device that never feels tired – the earthquake scenario managing to stretch itself over forty different events and still feel fresh at the very end, when the game turns everything up to eleven.

Legacy mode is deep and should keep players returning for a long time while the Champion mode is a triumph, albeit a fairly brief one.

A huge surprise. Whilst we went into it hopefully, we didn't quite expect such excellent gameplay in such a detailed world, and we certainly didn't expect to find revolutionary multiplayer concepts.

StarDrone is a great take on the action-puzzler sub genre. It looks fantastic (3D support is being patched in too) and has a pumping, if slightly repetitive, soundtrack. With plenty of replay potential and a lot of well designed, imaginative levels to work through, this could keep you entertained for quite some time.

The early pacing really does drag for a few stretches but the latter half of the campaign more than makes up for that and the multiplayer, while a little unbalanced, can present great opportunities for superhuman struggles powered by the ubiquitous Nanosuit.

Swarm is not only an attractive looking title but it's one that has similarly appealing gameplay as well. It's becoming more and more commonplace for downloadable titles to take up consumer attention and Swarm is certainly a game that deserves yours.

Despite being a barebones product with many flaws, the gameplay is top notch. With all the crazy over the top moves that defy the laws of logic, every match is a spectacle. This is easily the best WWE game THQ has produced in a very long time.

Without a doubt, Dynasty Warriors 7 is Omega Force's finest game to date. Long-time fans of the series will fall in love almost instantaneously, the redesigned gameplay being just as welcoming to new players.

Overall I really enjoyed playing through Mad Blocker Alpha. It will in no way convert those who have little interest in the genre, but for puzzle fans it offers a lot of content coupled with that 'just one more go' factor.

For every person who hates the board game World Tour concept, there will be someone who loves it and will be cursing this review.

It might not be as expansive as Clone Wars or as imaginative as the Harry Potter iteration but it is all the more accomplished because of the lack of those distractions.

There's a lot to like about DiRT 3 – it controls superbly (twitchy and direct but without losing the sense that there's some serious physics going on) and, once you dial down the assists, actually offers a surprisingly deep, technical ride.

inFamous 2 takes the flawed brilliance of its predecessor and improves upon almost every aspect. Missions are slightly more varied and characters are much more rounded. It breeds empathy and it encourages experimentation in the ways supporting characters play off the protagonist and each other.

The biggest issue probably lies with the not being able to get into any games on the multiplayer, but it doesn't really feel like you're missing out. The single player is strong enough on its own that you don't feel like you're losing anything significant, and of course you may be able to get in yourself.

Shadows Of The Damned provides eight hours or so of some of the best third person shooting we've seen for ages – it's well produced, expertly paced and deliciously funny.

Though by no means perfect, Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is the best way to experience Magic: The Gathering without actual playing physically. After almost two decades of circulation the core mechanics of Richard Garfield's masterpiece are as strong and refreshing as ever.

A simple idea that is acted upon with great focus and substantial ingenuity to produce a complex and compelling puzzle game.

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 has certainly impressed. Whilst Dynasty Warriors games are normally reserved for fans of the franchise, Gundam 3 seems to transcend that. The collect and upgrade element for the Mobile Suits is a genius idea, and provides the incentive to keep playing despite the somewhat repetitive nature of the missions.

In spite of its occasional frustrations, Ninjamurai is one of the most compelling PSP games released this year. The fact that it's a Minis game, at that price point, just make it all the more enticing.

Despite having one or two niggles, One Epic Game is a total blast to play. Not only that, but it's incredibly addictive and designed in such a way that you can dip in for five minutes, or sit down and spend a couple of hours playing.

It's much better than the Minis version, even if it's based on exactly the same principles, so if you liked what you played on the PSP – get this when it releases tomorrow.

What a nice surprise Hamilton's Great Adventure has been. It manages to combine all the important elements of a puzzle game, and wrap them in charming visuals with a great co-op feature. If you can forgive the odd random difficulty spike and slightly iffy camera, then give this game a look.

Resistance 3 isn't revolutionary, but it's better than Resistance 2 and, even though it's a much more singular, human tale, it feels enough like the first Resistance that hopefully fans that didn't like the second outing will give Insomniac another chance.

A pleasant surprise. It provides a good story wrapped in some very enjoyable gameplay mechanics. Whilst it does have a few niggles, there's no denying that it's a hoot to play through as you hack, slash and blast your way to the Spire. The key issue though is the lack of variety.

There is no reason why you shouldn't buy Resident Evil 4 HD if you've never played it before or don't already own a previous release. It's almost the definitive version of the game, but not quite.

It's a solid game but one which bears too many similarities to previous versions for us to wholeheartedly recommend it.

If you think first person shooters take themselves a little too seriously, Rage is the game for you. If you like shotguns, explosions, imaginative ammunition types and crossbows then Rage is the game for you. It's an unapologetic love letter to the classic FPS gameplay that inspired the most popular genre in modern gaming and it updates enough that it doesn't feel in the least bit dated.

It's quite simple really: badass vampires are awesome, inFamous is brilliant and a combination of both makes for a short but sweet adventure. Cole's "Demon of New Marais" tag has never suited him more and, for as short as it is, Festival of Blood is definitely worth sinking your teeth into.

I think the best way to break Disney Universe down is like this: If you have kids aged nine or above they will no doubt get enjoyment from the game, especially in co-op, but the repetitive nature of the levels will start to grind a couple of hours in. If your kids are younger though there's a good chance they will think this is the best thing ever.

It feels so refreshing to step out of army boots and into a tux, with GoldenEye providing a nice change from the norm. Despite not being the best FPS on the market, the game can easily stand tall and comes highly recommended for those suffering from an overdose of modern battlefields.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 might not be as much of an evolutionary leap forward as Super Street Fighter IV was to Street Fighter IV, but it's a step in the right direction.

There are no heavy plots to become embroiled in, each mission is essentially just a method of throwing you into another zany situation and then rewarding you for getting out of it. That's the strength of this game: that it just wants to make you smile.

Whilst the story may only clock in at around three to four hours, it still feels worthwhile and, in all honest, probably isn't what's going to draw most into a fighting game anyway. The arcade mode may be disappointing, but there's enough in general (particularly with the online) to keep pretty much any fighting fan happily occupied.

WipEout's lovely. Yes, the loading times are a problem (but hopefully due to be fixed a little with a patch) and some of the track design needed smoothing out a touch, but overall it stands as a showcase for a new console that's only matched by the likes of Uncharted: Golden Abyss.

Shank 2 does what a good hack n' slash sequel should: it adapts a few things with the aim of improvement and it turns up the action.

It's not quite on a par with the latest console versions but it's remarkably close, in terms of both form and function.

It's easily one of the better titles on the system. If you've any love for electronic music then the soundtrack alone is probably worth it, but as a puzzler there simply isn't anything else around that even comes close. Essential day one stuff.

This is a really well put together game that makes solid use of the Vita's touchscreen and isn't distracted by some of the other possibilities presented by the new handheld console.

Virtua Tennis 4 absolutely nails the arcade experience and kicks up some amazing graphics.

It looks fantastic on that big bright screen and the new control systems are utilised without feeling too tacked on and gimmicky - at least in the main mode.

A great game, despite the camera doing its best to spoil the party. However, this version is hard to recommend to those who have already ploughed through Sigma; there's nowhere near enough new content to warrant that.

A wonderfully fun game. It successfully captures the spirit of the earliest games in the series but without feeling dated. This generation of consoles has suffered slightly from an understocked catalogue of games that revel in their over-the-top nature and SSX is a perfect remedy for that.

Visually striking, hilarious, heart-warming and, most importantly, fun to play, we still can't believe that Frobisher Says is a free download. It may not have the substance or longevity of Uncharted or WipEout, but manages to maintain equal, if not better, replay value, ideal for short five minute bursts or social gatherings.

There's only so much a developer can do within a genre, of course, but this feels like the first time in a while that big changes have been made with such resounding success.

Unit 13′s a pleasant surprise. It offers up a really smart level structure which caters for short burst gaming, but similarly presents hours of gameplay that'll take considerable time and effort to perfect and master.

Yes, the multiplayer isn't inspiring in the slightest, but the single player campaign more than makes up for this, and no doubt by now the game can be picked up for pennies anyway...If you like shooters, you should definitely give this a look.

The systems are well explained, the controls are perfect for the pace and style of gameplay and the presentation is as great as you'd expect. One or two minor niggles aside, FIFA Street is a very enjoyable game, even though it's not the game I expected.

My main concern is with recommending it to people who already own Ultimate Ninja Storm 2, as I really don't know if enough has changed to warrant spending £40.

Yes, there are certain areas where the graphics look dated and the lack of camera control can be annoying, but past these complaints you have a collection of games with the frantic gameplay that inspired the likes of God of War & Bayonetta, and it offers a lot of fun.

It seems to add just enough to make it worthwhile for owners of last year's game, while still feeling very familiar. The Pins, Country Clubs and Legacy mode are all welcome additions, although they offer differing levels of appeal.

Yes, the visuals are dated and the story isn't the best of the franchise, but the gameplay still sparkles and is perfectly suited to the Vita.

Awesomenauts is surprisingly accessible, offering plenty of depth for those seeking it, the overall package being one that looks sublime and plays out with such a rare degree of fluidity.

Inarguably one of the finest portable fighting games to have ever been released. Boasting at least twenty hours of single-player content to kick and punch your way through. It's also one of the system's most convincing ports with a platter of mini-games and exclusive features, organically worked into the overall package.

Perhaps the best thing it does though is really hook into your emotions. You might not start off enjoying crushing workers or priests at the start of the game, but by the end you'll hate them and want to hit them with as much elemental power as you can muster. In fact I could do with squishing some right now.

Yes, fatigue does set in the further into the Trilogy you get, but it's hard to argue with a package that represents such good value with three quality games.

Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 is exactly what fans of the series will have come to expect: a clean-cut refinement with very few barriers to entry.

LEGO Batman 2 may have suffered from the series' collective fatigue in a few places, yet still stands as one of the best, most enriching puzzle platformers to grace home consoles.

Sleeping Dogs isn't original in most of its mechanics and narrative but the little things that differ from genre staples are enough to warrant your attention. The combat system is a joy and the focus on unarmed combat, rather than firepower, is quite refreshing.

We're not saying that the story mode here is any worse (or better) than previous titles in the series – it's easily on par, but it's also rather stoic in its mechanics and a few more diversions would have elevated it beyond its PS3 contemporaries. But as a platform for your own imagination (and one generously compatible with much of LittleBigPlanet 2′s DLC) it's unmatched, and as limitless as you'd want it to be.

That the lead character is a Pomeranian in a baseball cap ceases to be an issue once the compelling gameplay hooks you. Even when you're randomly eaten by a surprising tiger eight generations into an animal's lineage, you'll still be watching a tiger eat a pomeranian in a baseball cap. And that's brilliant.

NBA 2K13 is a brilliantly fun basketball game and one for all basketball fans to pick up. Casual sports game fans should also pick this up as it's good to play against others. Sure there are a few things 2K can improve, like the menu interface and the inclusion of a tutorial, but once you get a hang of it NBA 2K13 is a great experience.

Generally, Assassin's Creed III delivers most of the things that fans want. It's a fresh new setting wrapped around the familiar core mechanics. We've lost the less engaging elements that they experimented with in Revelations while adding a couple of new tricks to the range of gameplay.

This game is clearly supposed to be played with friends and in those circumstances, it can be hugely enjoyable.

ZoE2 is worth the price of admission alone just for being a fantastic standalone action mech game (and that's not including the extras included within like the special missions), though ZoE1 is a decent introduction to the series if you really want to invest yourself into the series and the backstory.

Urban Trial Freestyle is a very good stunt game that has the potential to provide hours of entertainment, especially if you like trying to break records, be they your own or others.

The tables are well crafted with some nice artwork and excellent graphics, and Zen offer some fine fan service to Star Wars fans.

It’s still definitely worth playing, but there’s a nagging feeling that it could have been better...Yes, it’s visually stunning – definitely a showcase for what Sony’s first party studios can do – but it simply doesn’t quite draw you in like it should and without that investment from the player it’s one set piece after another.

Simply put, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is the best Naruto game yet. Whilst the length of the cutscenes may put some off, the presentation, story and fighting is top notch and the game is heartily recommend to all Naruto fans. Yes, it has some niggles, but the positives more than outweigh the negatives.

Terraria is a simple game that is hard to master, and one that can easily consume your time. The only stories here are the ones you create, either by yourself or with others, and there’s a chance to construct some real masterpieces.

It's a fun shooter, with a really well implemented COOP element, it's just that sometimes that illusion is needlessly broken and it makes a mockery of your tactics.

There's stacks of fun to be had here, but you'll need focus and determination to dig the best bits out - we like it, but know what you're getting into before handing over the £50.

Look past the slightly plain graphics, which are adequate but never breathtaking, and the dodgy (but tonque-in-cheek) script and you'll find a solid game that's endlessly rewarding, packed with variety and actually far better than we ever expected.

So, if you can put up with the repetitive nature of the game, there's plenty to enjoy here.

Piyotama is slickly produced, hugely addictive, and the perfect alternative to Warhawk.

Unfortunately they’ve been over ambitious and so in taking in as much as they can, they’ve lost out on what really matters - detail, interesting missions and polish. You feel like you’ve seen everything within the first 4 hours and so finishing the games begins to feel like a chore.

Even with the option to use the Clap Hanz three-tap method to swing the club, EA just seems happy to continue to build on top of the existing foundations each year rather than pull the whole thing down and start again.

It's a brave way to use a trusted franchise, but EA have pulled it off and we can't recommend this more for hardcore Simpsons fans as they'll obviously get the most from the game. Everyone else can rest assured that this is well worth the cash.

Nicely produced, consistent but with a few flaws and some silly wingmen mechanics that often threaten to get in the way of the fun, but there’s nothing else like this on the PS3 and for that reason H.A.W.X stands out more than perhaps it might if it were a FPS, for example.

The Wheelman isn’t perhaps the prettiest game on the PlayStation 3, but it’s certainly not ugly: Barcelona looks fine, there’s plenty of variety and lots to explore but everything has a slightly flat feel to it.

It's cool, confident and well made, and occasional clipping snag aside it's a clever little game, but it's as minimal it looks and probably the single most niche PSN game available right now.

Sure, it's too easy, very similar to Star Wars, and once completed doesn't offer a huge amount of replayability, but what there is represents good value for money.

For anyone into their puzzle games it’s a well crafted, tough little title with decent presentation, neat controls and (hopefully) the prospect of downloadable treats in the future. See you on the scoreboards!

It would be nice to have a few more types of enemy rather than ninety percent being standard soldiers but what there is comes thick and fast. It is certainly not the most accomplished example of the genre though and for those people who like an FPS but are on a limited budget it might not be worth the ticket price.

Recall your fondest sandbox memories: discovering The Truth, learning to fly, or climbing the central tower in Crackdown. There’s nothing like this in inFamous. Sure, there’s some nice boss battles, some great shoot-outs and, when it’s all said and done, a decent overarching story, but the moments, the single sections that must piece together to form a whole, are rarely that enjoyable and you certainly won’t be discussing most of them with friends around the watercooler.

A well-presented, enjoyable game of football that suffers from a few issues involving sound and physics. If you loved PES 6 you will love PES 09 and in many ways I think this is the game’s biggest strength and, at the same time, its biggest weakness.

If old-school knockabout fun is your thing then SARPBC is probably the best the PSN has to offer you.

While I enjoyed Prince of Persia Classic, it’s hard to recommend to someone who has never played the original because they will see an old-school platformer and wonder what the fuss is about.

Sure, there’s no damage modeling, the crash physics are nonsense and the graphics won’t bother Polyphony - but this isn’t the point: GTI Club+ rewards continuous play with a perfectly pitched learning curve: your laps will get quicker every time until you’re in that Wipeout-esque zone, chicaning between traffic and drifting around corners without even thinking.

Wanted: Weapons of Fate is like buying a car from a shifty looking guy down an alley. It has some nice features, it works well, it may even be really, really fun, but then you realise that you’re missing a massive chunk of what you paid for and you can’t help but feel somewhat cheated.

Sure, there’s a decent game here if you can’t wait for the big hitters just around the corner, but if patience isn’t a virtue of yours then perhaps Bayonetta isn’t the one for you anyway, at least unless you’re going for the 360 version. Shame, as Bayonetta has solid principles and a sequel could very well be amazing.

It’s not a game, it’s a toy, and it’s one that will only work long term if people keep stretching. It’s a wicked idea, though, and is priced at that impulse-buy level so hopefully enough of you will take the chance with Noby Noby Boy and see what all the fuss is about.

An evergreen classic.

Ragdoll Kung Fu is a witty, charming and frantically fun game that suffers from a puzzling lack of online multiplayer and is perhaps a little bit light on replay potential.

If you’re interested in a solid, nerve-shredding jaunt through familiar territory with a few curve-balls thrown in to make the experience somewhat novel, however, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories delivers all the chills and uneasiness the series is renown for.

If you like a challenge and your games with a large portion of character, then this is definitely worth a punt.

Undead Knight offers an original take on the Dynasty engine, with plenty of huge battles to get through but it’s let down by finicky controls and a little repetitiveness.

It’s flashy, technically stunning but ultimately slightly empty. Characters vary from vapid to engaging, the FBI agent a highlight but lead Ethan tends to look bored rather than desperate. If you’re looking for a decent story with minimal interactivity to occupy a wet weekend, one cut with mystery and suspense, Quantic Dream’s latest might be right up your street, but gamers looking for anything else will be left out in the rain.

A fun dual-stick shooter that does the zombie genre well. Great for multiplayer of any kind. Lack of originality and clear repetition does hinder the game though.

There are only 20 levels, it can get repetitive repeating levels over and over again and because there are no save points it can be extremely challenging – still, great fun.

Extremely addictive it may be, but it doesn’t move the game on in terms of originality or push the limits of what can be achieved with PSP Minis, instead, Tetris just plays safe.

It’s a smart, humourous post-ironic dig at everything from Zelda to Final Fantasy which never takes itself too seriously.

Minis are primarily designed to be fun in short blasts and for £3.99, Pinball Fantasies offer up doses of small fun to help reduce boredom on the train to work. Sure, it doesn’t look particularly good nowadays and lacks longevity, but that’s missing the point somewhat.

It ultimately lacks the shear addictiveness of other web-based games or minis titles, but proof that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.

The presentation’s nice and there’s certainly a lot of ‘game’ for your money.

A solid racing game. It fails to inspire or innovate, but anyone looking for a decent racing game on PSP will find something here. Its biggest issue though, however, is that both Gran Turismo and MotorStorm Arctic Edge offer up a better standard racing game (whether you’re looking for realism or thrills and spills) on PSP.

Despite the game playing most of its cards far too early (and never really going anywhere new in later levels) Halfbrick’s biggest issue is the copy for the game on the Store which doesn’t begin to describe the mechanics properly.

It’s expertly produced, oozes charisma and energy and the characterisation is sublime.

This is your only option if you love the sport and want a console version so it’s lucky that it’s an approachable, realistic and well-realised virtual representation.

Visually the game is lovely; distinctly 16-bit era backgrounds with parallax scrolling to add some physicality, nice particle effects and trails when grinding and 3D polygonal ships atop everything.

For fans of extreme sports it’s a confident, expansive game with lots of potential and if the developers can push out some DLC down the line the multiplayer side of things will be more than an afterthought.

The Conspiracy might not appeal to fans but to a Prison Break virgin, it is surprisingly good. Yes, there are flaws and it won’t win any awards but it should definitely at least be rented. Even just for the simple trophies.

A fun online experience but I can’t see this continuing to be played long into the future with so many other shooters available. The story may be a little lacklustre but if you simply treat it as a lengthy tutorial, you’ll have a great time online.

My opinion of Anarchy: Rush Hour was quite bleak until I took it online. That changed the game completely and I’ve upped my rating in consideration of that.

There are no fancy graphics here or much customisation to help your characters advance, gain better weapons and before stronger – however, for the price this is certainly a neat, fun game and it will most definitely fill in my need for a cowboy related shooter until Red Dead Redemption comes strolling into town.

Like poker and chess, the rules of Aqua Panic are easy to learn, but the art of winning takes a long time to master.

As a standalone game, Green Day Rock Band doesn't quite offer enough content to warrant a full price release for most people. While it is fun and a very polished game, it just needs that extra spark to make it a great game like The Beatles: Rock Band.

If you're looking for a darts game for when you're on the move, or even just a darts game to play at home now and then, look no further, this provides enough entertainment at a great price.

A good, fun shooter that excels in multiplayer but fails to reach the heights it could have.

If you loved Leliana you will love this and the price will be the only thing to make you pause for consideration before hitting the 'buy' button. For anyone else it is a far from essential addition to DA:O.

Tumble's prescence at the Move launch shouldn't be underestimated – it's a very clever game with some really impressive ideas and a main mechanic that sets the game apart from the rest of the line-up.

Unfortunately, that narrative is never properly realised and the game's control issues and repetitive elements make some sections infuriating.

This game wears its heart on its sleeve in terms of what it's all about and is entirely unapologetic in the pursuit of base humour and over the top violence. If you can live with the over-keen loading screens and the infuriating lack of sense from the survivors you attempt to rescue then you should enjoy it for many hours.

The game is good; fans of tense, methodical dual stick shooters will probably really enjoy it. It's just a shame that the wider-reaching problems weren't addressed.

The fact that the many issues with glitches and bugs weren't ironed out of this release would be unforgivable if the core game wasn't so tirelessly compulsive and complex. As it is, we have to warn our readers that there are some serious problems here. Your enjoyment of the game will largely depend on how much you're willing to forgive the issues.

There are a lot of nice touches and thoughtful features, spoiled by the presentation. Ultimately though, while I couldn't recommend WRC to just anyone, it is a solid but slightly soulless game and has the official WRC license, which if you have at least a passing interest in rally games makes this the only realistic choice.

There's still good fun here, and it's exceptional value for money, but perhaps hold off until the lustre of the first game has faded a smidgen, when this retread will likely appear a little less than what it is: merely a very good – if perhaps unrequested – retake.

It's a little overpriced, too, pushing the game out at a bargain price would have been a much better idea so the game becomes an instant impulse purchase.

One of the stand-out moments is Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody, where you play the piano with your guitar and the 4 characters on stage stand like the video to the song. Sadly moments like this are too far and few between for it to be a great game.

Looked at as a game it is a fun experience that is over far too quickly. However, those that lose themselves in the Creation Mode will find the hours flying by and will be more than happy with their purchase.

Sure, it's not perfect, and you'll need to be pretty fit to get much out of it, but for £30 RRP (it's available for around £24 online) there's a solid game to enjoy here – and if you come away aching half as much as I did you can rest easy in the knowledge that you're doing yourself some good too.

There's much to like about Platinum Games' orgy of mech madness.

Blimp: The Flying Adventures is certainly an interesting title. Those who enjoy this type of 'against the clock' game will most definitely find something to like here, and combining that with a lovely hand drawn art style, and the intricacies of the Blimp makes this worth a look.

Though the campaign may only take a few hours to beat, there's plenty of content resting within the multiplayer component. Casual RTS fans will appreciate the no-nonsense gameplay, and Move control scheme (which is much more comfortable and efficient than a DS3), though there is also something here for the more hardcore fans of the genre.

SBSH is a tough game to score fairly. If you love this genre then there's no doubt this game is for you, and you can be happy with the fact that Capcom has provided a game that will keep you busy for weeks on end. For everyone else though things aren't that clear.

Just don't expect it to be all skate parks and vert ramps, this is a third person story-based game with you at the centre, it just so happens that in this case you're balancing on a bit of wood with four wheels attached.

There is a lot of fun to be had with the game; it's fast, there's a fair amount of content, and two different styles of vehicle to master. Unfortunately it's plagued with issues which can spoil the experience somewhat. If you feel you can handle these issues, then go out and get yourself nail'd… damn it!

The tables are beautiful, the score-chasing element is addictive and gameplay feels incredibly solid. The only thing holding the game back is the lack of content and the fantastic, yet narrow community features, which only work if you know friends who are also playing Marvel Pinball.

For every good point there is a bad. It's definitely an opinion splitter, and some will absolutely love it and forgive its problems, whilst others will pick it to pieces in a matter of minutes. Personally I enjoyed the story and could live with its old school origins, add in the fact it's a rather lengthy affair for a downloadable title and you have something that is worth playing.

Trinity could have been a marvellous game if not for Omega's trademark gameplay model.

Overall de Blob 2 is a real mixed bag. There is definitely a fun, solid game there but it is held back by a number of frustrating issues. Charming, but ultimately flawed.

It's the nearest to a bike equivalent of Forza that you're going to get for now but it still feels like it needs a little more work to be a true must have. Roll on MotoGP 11/12, it could finally be what every bike fan is eager for.

It's not rocket surgery by any means, but there's enough LSD inspired mind-melting on show to make it at least worth a look.

May not be the breakthrough some had hoped for, and it may not feel more engineered towards the Western gamer but it's still a good game. The gameplay, though mostly familiar, is solid offering a different pace as well as several unique mechanics to boot. If you despise the Warriors series Legends of Troy isn't likely to convert you, though as a standalone title, it's plenty of fun.

The game's core mechanics are sound, but they are the same mechanics we were playing several years ago.

Dungeon Hunter: Alliance may feel a little light to begin with, but a few hours down the line, and you may find yourself engulfed in the deepest RPG the PlayStation Network has to offer.

A fantastic game, held back by some frustrating design decisions. For every moment spent whooping in delight as you vanquish a foe, you'll spend two more grimacing as you have to mow someone's lawn, or try and pry yourself free from a lamppost. When it's good it's almost unbeatable, but the filler in-between is exactly that.

The best way to sum up L.A. Noire is that it suffers from Assassin's Creed syndrome. You'll certainly get a lot of enjoyment out of it. There's something new and refreshing about a witty, intelligent game that requires a little bit more thinking than the norm. However, it's a bit repetitive and kind of loses its way after the halfway point.

The shine is somewhat diminished by an engine that just can't seem to cope with what it's being asked to do.

A back-step for the series. Not terrible by any means, Armageddon is nevertheless a huge disappointment.

It doesn't quite hit the spot in some ways with its puzzles often too simple and unchallenging but it never feels hugely to the detriment of the game.

The course design is perhaps a little bit too traditional and reserved given the somewhat over the top racing and weaponry, but it's all nicely rooted in the Cars universe so Pixar fans will lap up the fan service.

Captain America: Super Soldier is by far the best blockbuster tie-in you're going to get your hands on this summer.

When it all clicks El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is a beautiful, exciting, fast paced game that is bursting with ideas. Unfortunately the latter half of the game fails to recreate the initial rush and the 3D platforming mechanics aren't particularly strong, leading to much frustration.

Sure, it might not be the game we were originally promised, but it's still a lot of fun. The sheer scale of the island alone is an impressive accomplishment.

It's focused and confident enough to concentrate on a very small set of mechanics without drifting off to try to cover too many bases. It almost succeeds, too, but a few odd design decisions slightly spoil what could have been a really solid game.

It's still enjoyable once you get over all the frustrations.

There's no mistaking that it's a good game. It looks nice, sounds great and is enjoyable to progress through, however, you can't help but shake the feeling that more could have been done.

If Gust had made the narrative more relevant to the gaming masses and upped the bar in terms of visual presentation, this could easily have been one of the best entries the JRPG genre has witnessed in quite some time.

Whether you can forgive the rushed dialogue text, the constant nagging and the unfinished presentation is a matter of personal patience but those who make apologies for the dodgy physics are giving Konami free reign to present another unfinished game next year. I think PES fans deserve better than this.

I can't help but feel underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, it's a competent enough game but one that suffers from a few technical issues, as well as never really managing to stir any emotions from the player. It's not bad for the money, but there's much better out there.

The weapons are still awesome and it's a very big adventure; it's easy to overlook some of the missing features when it's this much fun and it'll keep you coming back again and again for more.

With very little to compete against it on the PS3, Overkill is the best on-rails shooter for the platform. The shooting itself is easy to master and rewarding, even more so when coupled with a partner, but the overall lack of original content will still put off a few potential customers.

Road of Devastation provides an interesting take on the endless survival formula. It's robust and there's a large scope for replayability that will appeal to those continually wanting to better their score and survival rating. There's definitely a couple of hours of fun here for everyone else, but the lack of new additions will fail to incentivise those who have already gunned-down enough zombies to last a lifetime.

If you have a small group of friends with whom you usually buddy up to play shooters, PayDay is definitely worth looking into. Despite only having six playable missions, there's a ton of depth when you consider the titanic ranking system and numerous difficulty settings. On the flipside, if you're the sort who likes to ruck up with AI partners then caution is advised; going solo is considerably more time-consuming and almost impossible if playing on Overkill difficulty.

This latest iteration doesn't change much - it doesn't have to - but it does have a few tricks up its argyle-patterned sleeve.

Little Deviants is an easy game to like. It plays well, for the most part, looks nice and demonstrates what the Vita can do. It's just a shame that there's not more to it, and although the scope is there to replay beaten levels, I'm not entirely convinced you'd want to.

It lends itself perfectly to the kind of gaming which is most popular on handhelds - short bursts of easily accessible gameplay with uncomplicated controls. The multiplayer systems are great and Cross Play works wonderfully...It's a shame that the additional game modes, which arrived as DLC on the PS3 version, aren't in there from the start but this is affordable enough that optional DLC isn't necessarily a bad thing.

It's by no means a brilliant game, but it is a good piece of interactive fiction and a new approach, which we'll happily welcome with open arms. Six of them.

Sporadic in pace and quality of content, this is the area in which Reckoning borrows too heavily from its MMO ancestry and it really doesn't pay off.

By scaling back the epic-scale battle sizes and weaving in nifty mini-games, NEXT is the first title in the series that doesn't feel like a chore, an element that has plagued the franchise for years now.

The dialogue and voice acting is also well done, though can get repetitive. What lets the game down is the camera, which is a big problem as it can hinder progress and leave you frustrated.

It's tricky to see how large a market there is for a game like this but if, by some chance, you're a fan of vintage air combat from the WWII era then this is likely to have great appeal.

At its core A-Men is a clever game. The idea behind controlling multiple characters and using so many different skill sets is a good one. In my opinion, a lot of the enjoyment the game provides is often negated by the trial and error nature of the gameplay.

Whilst never breaking any new ground, MUD offers a good chunk of challenging content, coupled with an official licence and solid online mode. It won't convert those who have never played Motocross before, and it does have a few issues, but fans will find lots to like.

Sorcery is truly a game for people who want to get the most out of their PlayStation Move peripherals. And if it's just that you want, you'll no doubt love the eight or so hours of gameplay on offer. If you're more interested in a deep, magical experience then you might feel somewhat short changed – throw away the motion controls and you're left with a good, though not brilliant, and quite linear romp through this mythological, magical world.

DiRT Showdown is very much a game of two halves. The single-player is enjoyable and frustrating in equal measure, but it's the online mode that swoops in and saves the day with the combination of RaceNet, Showdown Challenges and lag-free mayhem.

Dragon's Dogma feels like the start of something big. It thrills and frustrates in equal measure, and whilst it's not up to the level of those at the top of this genre, one can't help but wonder what a Dragon's Dogma 2 could be like if Capcom act on all the lessons learned from this game. An exciting thought indeed.

Whilst Death's entry in the Darksiders series certainly has better gameplay mechanics and a better style than War's, the story fails to make a mark and the game, for as big as it is, can soon become monotonous at points.

It's fun, cohesive and meaningful yet suffers from a lapse in replayability and all-round polish.

Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise is a much better effort than its predecessor. By adding in the costumes system, 505 Games have managed to give the game a layer of depth previously missing. However, whilst repetition doesn't entirely spoil the party, it certainly takes the shine off after a while.

Mugen Souls is the very definition of a 'good' game. Whilst it'll never blow you away, and there are certainly a number of issues, there's also plenty to do and a varied cast of characters to escort you on this bizarre adventure. If you're after an RPG that isn't quite the norm, then Mugen Souls is worth a look.

The first iteration of DanceStar may not reach the heights of Dance Central or Just Dance, but we're certain this new series will be on level pegging when the next wave of rhythm games come around.

Though there are issues with Killzone HD, it should be remembered that this is an HD port of a last gen title, not a complete remake, so some bugs should be expected. For fans of the Killzone franchise, or FPS fans on a tight budget, this is well worth playing.

The game can be incredibly frustrating but this pays off with a huge sense of achievement when you finally nail a level.

Big Sky Infinity has bags of potential, with a really solid gameplay core. There are occasions where this shines through and you have an absolute blast. However, there are a number of issues that, when combined, really do drag down the score. Here's hoping for a sequel where all this potential is fully realised.

It's certainly not without its issues, and at this stage in a generation you feel like a game should probably be wielding more graphical clout, but the game's combat more than makes up for it. It's simply brilliant, and you can have a lot of fun trying out the different options it presents you. Once Dante's picked up every weapon there's simply so much available to you, and it's what sets the game apart.

On one hand the game has a load of technical problems, and is severely lacking in polish. However, it's almost impossible not to enjoy the game when you're knee-deep in dead bugs, taking on an alien spacecraft with a rocket launcher and an assault rifle.

Although they may not override the series’ fundamental shortcomings, Empires’ tactical nuances and approach to player agency make it the most refined spin-off to date.

Frame-rate aside, Sigma 2 Plus is still one of the PlayStation Vita’s more recommendable titles. The story is nonsensical and there are a couple of minor issues orbiting the game’s presentation but it still plays well, and features a fair amount of content both in and out of the single player campaign. With that said, fans of the series should approach Plus with caution, unless they are desperate for their Ninja Gaiden fix whilst on the go.

Those looking for an enjoyable platform romp will no doubt have a blast with the game, but those looking for something new may come away disappointed.

Although PLUS is a competent port of Dead Or Alive 5, it doesn’t add quite enough to warrant a re-purchase.

I would have preferred it if the narrative arc and the game’s pacing were a little more measured but this isn’t the sort of game that leans too heavily on its storyline. Blood Dragon is all about loud, brash, silly fun and in that respect it achieves its goals easily.

Penned by TV’s own George Poles, this charming sequence of interspersed brainteasers, point-to-go navigation and child-like exposition never really threatens to wow, but still manages to keep you hooked until the end, if only to find out where that admittedly brief storyline is heading.

The PS3 version isn't as smooth as the 360 version, which is a shame, and there's a hell of a difficulty curve but if you're willing to put the effort in there's a decent enough simulation-ish game here as an alternative to Activision's more arcade-like Hawk series.

It was supposed to be a revolution and CAC would lead the charge: cheap and cheerful downloadable games showcasing the PSN's future. But is a future of games this shallow what we want, no matter what the price?

The Saboteur feels a little rushed and incomplete but has an unexplainably fun side to it. Frustrating and boring at times, it does give way to some great moments and conversation pieces.

If you’re looking for a large robot game, a mindless killing game, or a Gundam game, look no further, otherwise, stay clear.

Despite a smart, exciting start, towards the end you’ll be tired of the game.

Not quite a triumph, then, but it’s leagues ahead of The Order Of The Phoenix – and if we’re being cheeky with the scores, hardcore Harry Potter fans should treat this as an [80].

Well, we’ve enjoyed our time battling the Draelus, and for the price tag it’s hard to argue against the value. There are issues that need addressing, so perhaps with enough attention Tiki Games will be able to deliver a sequel?

The major issue here is one of expectations; Pacific Rift falls well short of them. Motorstorm was a stellar introduction to the PS3 and the sequel feels like a watered-down, consumer-friendly game that doesn’t add up to the sum of its parts. If you’re looking for an arcade racer there’s more on the market than back in March 2007, and many of these have made advances while Pacific Rift is stuck in Motorstorm’s beautifully realised mud.