There are a number of frustrating annoyances that hold the game back from its lofty attempts at fighting game superstardom, but when the dust settles the gorgeous visuals and responsive, pick-up-and-play fighting engine come together to form an enjoyable Super Hero smash-fest that is worth a good rent if nothing else.

The gameplay is fast, intense, challenging and addictive, and the amount of variety the game consistently manages to come up with is staggering.

If there’s any huge issue with Worms 4: Mayhem, it’s that there’s no massive leap into uncharted ground here.

A big improvement over the first game, although the more arcade-like AI won’t please the ultra hardcore b-ball purists out there.

A phenomenal game of basketball, handheld or otherwise, that I’ve found myself coming back to over and over again for hours upon end.

Though always attempting to up the ante on their long time rival, this year’s FIFA actually seems more of a step back when compared to the 2005 iteration.

Though always attempting to up the ante on their long time rival, this year’s FIFA actually seems more of a step back when compared to the 2005 iteration.

If there's any huge issue with Worms 4: Mayhem, it's that there's no massive leap into uncharted ground here.

Though always attempting to up the ante on their long time rival, this year's FIFA actually seems more of a step back when compared to the 2005 iteration.

Though always attempting to up the ante on their long time rival, this year's FIFA actually seems more of a step back when compared to the 2005 iteration.

This title does have a weaker story when compared to the other Pokémon RPGs, which only helps to expose the fighting engine for what it is: a monotonous series of button presses resulting in a win and a quick trip to the Pokécenter to get your Pokémon ready for the next fight.

Everything in Ties That Bind creates a solid experience that still scares the ever-loving crap s*** out of us all in the office.

Vastly superior to nearly every single movie-based video game I’ve personally played throughout the entire year. That being said, the game still doesn’t have what it takes to compete with the big boys of the action/platform genre.

If you consider yourself well versed in the lingo and culture of all things Gundam, then the "complex" controls and familiar plot elements will bring a huge smile to your face.

Vastly superior to nearly every single movie-based video game I've personally played throughout the entire year. That being said, the game still doesn't have what it takes to compete with the big boys of the action/platform genre.

Although not all of the DS’s features were utilized (mainly the touch screen), the challenging gameplay and DS download function more than made up for this.

Whatever else is coming, you’d best believe I’ll be there with bells on... and you should as well.

If a strong narrative and clever puzzles sound right up your ally then Trace Memory is a thrilling experience you won’t soon forget.

If you're currently, or ever have been a fan of Konami’s Dance Dance line of games, DDR Extreme 2 is a must have title that will keep you dancing for many nights to come.

By far the best game compilation I’ve ever seen assembled. Games like Ghosts N’ Goblins, Final Fight, Commando, Mercs and Forgotten Worlds are well worth shelling out the cash for alone, then consider there are 17 other smashing displays of nostalgic arcadey goodness and its easy to see why this disc deserves a spot in your game collection.

The rich visuals are some of the best on the Xbox this year, the multiplayer games are there if you've got an Xbox Live itch that needs scratching and the Map Editor is definitely the best on the console.

Whatever else is coming, you'd best believe I'll be there with bells on... and you should as well.

By far the best game compilation I've ever seen assembled. Games like Ghosts N' Goblins, Final Fight, Commando, Mercs and Forgotten Worlds are well worth shelling out the cash for alone, then consider there are 17 other smashing displays of nostalgic arcadey goodness and its easy to see why this disc deserves a spot in your game collection.

Another one of those games that has great potential and introduces a new take on an aging genre, but after playing through the story mode once there’s not much there to keep you coming back for more.

Everything in Ties That Bind creates a solid experience that still scares the ever-loving crap s*** out of us all in the office.

Clearly the best game in the series yet, no ifs ands or buts about it.

Everything in Ties That Bind creates a solid experience that still scares the ever-loving crap s*** out of us all in the office.

Whatever else is coming, you'd best believe I'll be there with bells on... and you should as well.