DiRT 3 proves to be a worthy outing, and in comparison to its predecessors offers enough bang for its proverbial buck in terms of overall content. However, the addition of the new Gymkhana free-style mode may give long-time DiRT fans more than they bargained for, and not necessarily in a good way with regards to the progression of the Tour mode. Gymkhana aside, and what we have here is another fine addition to the series that offers up plenty of incentive to rev those engines and get down n' dirty on the race track once again.

Duke Nukem Forever should have been released as an XBLA or PSN game for around 1600 - 2400 points which then you could have overlooked the fact that it really cannot compete with the big boys. There is fun to be had here if you're a Duke fan, but whether it's worth the price of entry is debatable and whether it was worth the 14 year wait is something for the history books to document.

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale is a game that means to serve the fans, but is a let down in so many areas. With the stellar Torchlight hitting the marketplace as well, the only thing Daggerdale has on it is cooperative gameplay, and it even does that poorly. Only the most hardcore D&D fans should venture forth, everyone else should cast a haste spell and run away...quickly.

Hunted: The Demon's Forge isn't going to win any awards for originality or for its looks, but what it does provide is a welcome action adventure game that can be enjoyed by most gamers willing to overlook the somewhat dated presentation. The gameplay is solid and the characters likeable enough to encourage players to stick with it. If you're after a co-op or solo game that rests in the done to death fantasy realm, then you'd do well to have a look at Hunted as it's enjoyable and well worth the price of entry.

As a whole Two Worlds II is a definite step up from Two Worlds in almost every regard, and it especially shines through with its in-depth and thought out quest lines. Two Worlds II isn't however a match to the bigger western RPGs out there, e.g. The Elder Scrolls series. This is let down by the overly convoluting interface and control system that makes the gameplay feel like a generation behind.

Destined to prematurely hit the bargain bucket of game stores worldwide, Thor fails miserably in its bid to reignite the action and excitement that this summers blockbuster superhero smash brought to the big screens in waves. Predictably as a videogame movie adaptation, Thor fails epically. Interestingly enough though, as a cure for long-term insomnia, it can't be highly enough recommended.

In its own right this is StreetFighter, which is a cracking game for casuals and at tournament level and will continue to be so for years to come.

Outland is a well-done sidescrolling action game that integrates its bullet hell mechanics well. It brings a little something new to an old genre, giving it a bit of fresh life. When looking at a genre where it's so easy for companies to cut corners and make one just like any of the others, seeing a game that really goes the extra mile is a good sign and worth supporting. It might not have as much content as some may want, but it's still an worthwhile experience.

In conclusion, Red Faction: Armageddon succeeds at being an enjoyable and entertaining sequel despite itself. Compared to its predecessor, it lacks the freedom of exploration, mission variety and more regrettably, the competitive online player that helped put Guerrilla on the map in this console generation, but on the positive side, Volition's narrower focus on the single-player campaign and online co-op has resulted in a significant trimming of fat, leaving a lean, mean and undeniably fun game that continues to revel in destruction, which is the calling card of the franchise.

At 800 Microsoft points, Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury is an absolute steal, and anyone looking for a solid action-packed shmup, or just a good time filled to the brim with explosions, would be remiss to not give it a good, hard look.

The first Templar just reeks of average, and perhaps the budget afforded to Haemimont only allowed for that. Whilst the story is largely forgettable, you'll be mildly entertained with the quirky action that rides throughout. The odd puzzles are welcome, and the mixture of styles help make for a more rounded experience.

Attention to detail in every level makes Vanguard Games initial entry in the XBLA seem like they have been around for a long time. Gatling Gears is a blast to play alone or with a friend as you trample you way through waves of the empire's forces in a universe that seems to be expanding upon itself. Fans of dual stick shooters will be pleased with the challenge the game presents and the overall presentation. If you're itching for something different then this is a perfect addition to your game library and will provide hours of enjoyment.

Sega's Virtua Tennis 4 is by no means a grand slam winner, though it is certainly championship material as at it's core there is entertaining and and addictive gameplay on offer. The overall package may be tainted by the addition of the poorly placed Kinect functionality, though erase that from your mind and what we have here is a feature rich tennis title that no doubt belongs in the gaming collection of any tennis fan, or any gamer that gets a thrill out of hitting a little green ball both offline and on.

This may have surpassed Spider-man and Blade as my favorite pinball board of all time because the challenge it offers and all of the different modes that you can unlock during play. The Fantastic Four table does Zen Studios and the Marvel License proud by creating a visually stimulating experience that will keep players coming back trying to best their previous score. If you have downloaded the game and have a few extra points this is one themed table you won't regret purchasing.

When one considers that there are full $15 games and even some free demos available on the Xbox Live Marketplace that provide more content, replay value, structure and enjoyment than Alive does for $40, this is enough to give any gamer pause.

L.A. Noire is a grand and technically superior game, and possibly a bit too big for its own good. whilst there's no denying that you'll be hooked into the story and intrigued by the presentation, the gameplay perhaps lets the overall experience down.

Brink really is a mixed bag. Stick with it, accept it for its faults, love it for its ingenuity, and there's a lot of enjoyment to be had here. Perhaps that's asking too much of today's gamer though, and inevitably, many will be put off by its short campaign, somewhat generic gameplay, laggy online experience and ultimately, the failure to deliver on its own hype.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is another excellent spin on a fantastic movie world, that does justice to both its source material and the standard of Lego games preceding it. With great visuals and scenery bringing such life to a rich, crazy world of ships, pirates, damsels in distress and turbulent seafaring life, it's hard not to fall in love once more with the cute charm, unique character and addictive gameplay that Lego Pirates has in strides.

This game is a complete mess from start to finish.

The Fancy Pants Adventures will not knock the ball out of the park in any department, but it still is a very competent side scrolling adventure game. Gamers that love a Mario style adventure game will no doubt enjoy their trip into Mr Fancy Pants world. At 800 Microsoft Points, The Fancy Pants Adventures will satisfy fans of the platform genre, and not damage the pocketbook too much.

So another year, another Tiger game and if it has been a while since your last golf outing the Masters is a great addition to your game collection. However if you still have last year's game there really isn't a whole lot to get excited about other than the new additions of adding a caddie and playing in the Masters tournament. EA sports seems to be able to tweak just enough to their annual games to draw people in and it's easy to see that every detail is taken to recreate a solid experience from the controls to the genuine looks and sounds of golf.

Great effects, highly enjoyable gameplay, smooth graphics and a soundtrack to die for will all win you over and immerse you into the world of the King of Pop, as you take the stage and make it your own, feeling every bit as special and exciting as the very man who laid the foundation for you.

Overall, the gameplay is repetitive but ultimately fun in very small doses, and with plenty of content included, means you do get your monies worth. If you're a fan, then this is an essential purchase despite desirable features which appeared in other games being absent; such as create a character, tactical 'Risk' like options upgradable body guards and such like. Sadly this means you're left with a bare bones yet interesting game rather than the all encompassing ride a game with a "seven" in the title should be.

Clearly Call of the Dead is Treyarch's most ambitious Zombie's outing yet, and they've gone some way to secure the likeness and voices of this cast of legendary characters to wrap them up in Escalation's DLC package. With an excellent cast and rejuvenating gameplay that keeps you on the move, Call of the Dead will certainly keep lovers of the undead coming back for some time in the hopes of outdoing their previous best.

Kinect Sports Calorie Challenge is not a serious bit of fitness programming for everyone's favourite Kinect enabled game. It's loose, bare bones and lacking in features. It would have been nice if calories were tracked outside of the mini games and in standard modes as well, and even better if players were allowed to choose which events they'd like to play rather than have them chosen for you by the AI. If you're after a serious fitness game for Kinect, then it's recommended you look elsewhere, if its a bit of fun you're after with the aim of tracking calorie loss, then this is worth checking out.

If you've been looking for the next game to buy for the kids, then Rio is most certainly the game to buy, that is provided there's a couple of gamers to join in the escapades. Better still, get yourself involved as well, as Rio proves to be a simplistic entertaining romp for all gamers despite its cute and cuddly looks.

If an enjoyable Kinect experience is what you're after, at the budget price right now it would be crazy to miss Carnival Games In Action!

If you enjoy fighting games, you'll enjoy this one, and with so much to unlock it's got plenty for you to do and keep you busy. If you're a fan of Street Fighter IV who has never liked Mortal Kombat, I do suggest you give this one a try as I think both games are very well made.