When all has been blown up and collected, Saints Row: The Third is a fun romp that doesn't take itself too seriously, made up with memorable extrusions of pop-culture.

When it comes down to it, Rage is a pretty-faced attempt at combining elements done better in other games.

Nevertheless, there are two ways to look at Gears of War 3: it's the best of the series; and, it's not a disappointing ending.

Dead Island's teaser trailer made it look as if the game was going to be one to actually bring the emotional conflict to the forefront, something they almost achieve in once instance out of many. Instead, the game's released as but another vehicle for insipid violence.

Many of Space Marine's shortcomings are somewhat understandable should this (hopefully) be in for a long-run franchise. There might be breakout hits, but Relic's new shooter appears to be focused on getting key features nailed down on its first pass, rather than spreading itself thin with totally useless aspects.

Here and there it's in need of some attention, but as a first attempt from a new studio, at a crowd favorite nonetheless, the groundwork is certainly there to build upon.

It's a perfect bargain bin timesink, maybe.

Like the grindhouse films it draws inspiration from, Shadows of the Damned might not be for everyone. It's mature sexual content (and immature sexual humor) that's woven together with gore-splattered gameplay set to a unique and refreshing sense of style. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable experience that never flags.

While we won't be seeing Dungeon Siege III on anyone's "Best of the Year" lists, it's still a well-made hack-and-slash game, and one of the better examples of the genre on this generation of consoles.

The game makes no major missteps, but neither does it surprise, innovate or evolve the genre in any significant way.

I can't and won't say Guerrilla was a perfect game, but it was far and beyond more ambitious and entertaining than Armageddon.

Though its gameplay is less successful or interesting than its presentation, LA Noire definitely advances the art of digital storytelling.

DA2 is certainly a well-acted and better-looking game by dropping its ported qualities, but without the thoughtful structure and fully realized world like that of Origins, it's one that exists in the hyphenated space of "action-RPG" where the first 5 hours are almost identical to last 30. The demo was a good taste of what Dragon Age 2 could have been, it's just a shame it never goes anywhere beyond that.

Rift looks fantastic, and is a lot of fun.

For fans of Fight Night, everything they know and love about the series is still here, looking and controlling even better. For everyone else, the Champion mode is the game-changer, and it's hard to imagine anyone who is a fan of good storytelling not getting pulled in deep. Clichés or not, Fight Night Champion scores a KO.

Though its story lacks imagination and its one-note pacing cries out for greater variety, Killzone 3 looks fantastic and contains an incredible wealth of detail and excellent action. It plays every bit as good as it looks and a compentent multiplayer component guarantees an extended life beyond the single-player campaign. The story may disappoint you but squaring off against the Helghast is still remarkably satisfying.

Bulletstorm's frantic action and M-rated, blood-drenched gameplay harken back to earlier generations of shooters, but its richly detailed design, outstanding visuals and the innovative Skillshot system mean that the game easily transcends its "return to roots" vibe for an experience that's easily one of this year's best.

If you enjoyed the original, then chances are you will still like this release, but sadly this isn't the kind of driving game that will make your heart beat out of your chest.

As a sequel, de Blob 2 doesn't change much of the formula from the well-received-yet-under-the-radar Wii game, and a greater variety of platforming will be needed to continue to make the franchise a success. For now, however, there's just enough quirkiness and unadulterated playfulness to make it an enjoyable game.

There's a lot to love for longtime franchise fans and new challengers alike with fighting that's excitingly frantic.

As with any newly-minted MMO, the game now is probably not what it will become, and whether there is enough depth and content to sustain the monthly subscription price is an unanswered question. For certain though, fans of the beloved DC comics, action gamers, and MMO veterans will all find something to enjoy in DC Universe Online.

An interesting premise and setting is torpedoed by a lackluster presentation, and while Bleedout definitely kicks things up a notch for high-level players, it's hard to recommend Crimecraft for the kind of long-term commitment an MMORPG typically requires.

Priced at 15 bucks, Vietnam occupies that middle ground between a full-blown sequel or expansion, and a less ambitious map pack.

Though some cutscenes still use their original assets, making for grainy, pixelated graphics and distorted sound, and you can't switch between series games without completely exiting from the disc, The Sly Collection continues to exhibit why good, older generation titles do well to bundle together in quality remastered editions.

With hours of violent action capable of being employed, Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage is certainly an easily rentable option if you're looking to kill time as mercilessly as the in-game enemy, but anything beyond the re-skinned Dynasty half only proves to be a chore.

With hours of violent action capable of being employed, Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage is certainly an easily rentable option if you're looking to kill time as mercilessly as the in-game enemy, but anything beyond the re-skinned Dynasty half only proves to be a chore.

At around 10 dollars, Pigsy's Perfect 10 will remind fans of what they dug in Enslaved, not all that long ago. Clever, entertaining, and generous, I only hope that Ninja Theory continues to create DLC as strong as this.

Acclaimed for their Burnout work, under the Need for Speed banner, Criterion Games shows they can double-dip in a category and succeed with telltale execution.