I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone other than existing tennis fans. However, if you just so happen to be a tennis aficionado and you want an alternative to some of the other tennis games on the market, Grand Slam Tennis does just fine.

To me, Super Stardust Delta is all about the Arcade mode, and the Arcade mode is simply amazing. The gameplay is solid, and the graphics and sound are astounding. If you want a cheap, entertaining demonstration of what the Vita is capable of, hold off on Uncharted and try out Super Stardust Delta.

Sure, the multiplayer is interesting and the unlocks might keep some gamers entertained for a while, but it won't be long before playing the same ten tracks on repeat becomes fairly monotonous.

Compelling to read and very well-translated, Hakuoki invites players to experience all six of its character storylines.

An entertaining minigame collection, and it never tries to be more than that. It's certainly a lot of fun when you are still experiencing that warm fuzzy feeling after unboxing the brand new Vita, but I'm pretty sure that six months down the road, we'll be remembering the more substantial Vita titles like Uncharted and WipEout 2048 instead.

What really matters here is that, yes, Golden Abyss feels like an Uncharted game. If you own a Vita already, this is the game you should be playing right now. It looks and sounds fantastic, the "ledge painting" is a great new feature, and it gives us another story of our favorite treasure hunter Nathan Drake. Sure, it's not perfect.

At the end of the day, vehicular combat is fun. Unlike all the kart racing games we have played over the years, Twisted Metal is just about blowing your opponents up, and that's simply an enjoyable pastime.

The bottom line is that Paradox Interactive knows its audience, and the developer hand-crafted Crusader Kings II to fit the needs of its dedicated fan base. This is not an accessible game, and it does not pretend to be. If you want an update to the original Crusader Kings, or if you want to play Sengoku in the context of a different culture, Crusader Kings II is a must-buy. If not, stay away.

The fighting engine has been polished to a sheen, and those who want to play the title at a competitive level will find that it is designed in such a way that they can develop their own fighting style fairly easily. Those who are just fans of the UFC, though, and want a game that captures that experience, will find that the game is lacking in the accoutrements that would make it a great hobbyist work as well as an intricate and involved fighting game.

If you don't get sick of the five maps, you will play this one for quite some time as you climb through all 1,000 levels of advancement.

If you are wondering whether or not you should buy Shank 2, first ask yourself whether or not you liked the original Shank. If the answer is yes, then Shank 2 is an automatic buy. Its cooler, smoother, has a seriously dark sense of style, and the Survival Mode will probably keep you occupied for longer than you would think. If the answer is no, then let me say that Shank 2 is an improvement over the original in every way. The controls are tighter, the gameplay is more fun, and the game feels far less cheap.

If you missed any one of the original three Jak and Daxter titles, 40 bucks is more than worth getting to play these classics in HD. However, if you are a longtime fan, only pick this collection up if you have 40 dollars burning a hole in your pocket. It's fun, it's pretty, and it reminded me why Jak and Daxter was an awesome series, but that's all I can say for it.

While not the first game to be called a hybrid of action and RPG, it certainly is the hallmark of the former, with the robust content that's generally expected of the latter. If you were hoping to be connected to the characters like you did in some of R.A. Salvatore's great fantasy novels, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. But Amalur is still a beautiful and immense world with plenty of secrets to discover and combat that is ceaselessly satisfying.

The story is one of the best in Resident Evil's recent history, and the shooter controls are pretty much perfect.

The Darkness II is everything I wanted a sequel to The Darkness to be. It's almost excessive in its violence, the combat is addicting, the hand-drawn Graphic Noir art style is gorgeous, and underneath it all is a game with a heart and a truly interesting story. Jackie's a supremely messed-up individual, but we still love him because of all the crap he's willing to go through in order to save Jenny. If you're looking for any of these things, The Darkness II won't disappoint.

If I'm being brutally honest, aside from the dismemberment and decapitation mechanics, NeverDead is a goulash of sterile platitudes and worn-out stereotypes. It's great for a few chuckles right out of the box, but once you've been playing for a while, the game's shortcomings start to pile up pretty quickly. Perhaps my disappointment was magnified because the game had so much potential, but ended up being the same game we all played numerous times ten years ago.

It's addicting, it's difficult, and it updates the best parts of the original while staying true to its classic gameplay.

The best strategy titles cause players to become obsessed with their various systems, and to lose sleep playing late into the night. To the contrary, in King Arthur II, I found myself skipping battles whenever I could, and I stayed up late playing only because I had to write this review. That doesn't mean there's nothing to enjoy about this title, and, as they say, your mileage may vary. Only one thing is for certain: If you buy this game, you will spend a lot of time being read to.

It's still fun, the characters are still bursting with personality, and despite my misgivings about the style, the story is still memorable. It's not a complete departure for the series, but the move away from classic characters may be indicative of the series as a whole turning away from its roots. And that may be something to worry about when we finally get around to talking about SoulCalibur VI.

Story gripes aside, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is just hands-down better than Final Fantasy XIII. It has more replay value, a more compelling battle system, an open world, an innovative exploration premise, and much more. If Final Fantasy XIII's laundry list of flaws turned you off to the Final Fantasy franchise, then Final Fantasy XIII-2 will get you back in.

A well-made and fun game that will put your vocabulary to the test, and at a price of just $5, it's a good buy for Risk and Scrabble fans. It will be especially fun for gamers who have friends online who share their tastes. However, some aspects of this game are quite frustrating, so expect Quarrel to become a pleasant diversion, not an addiction.

2012 may just be getting started, but AMY is already a contender for the worst game of the year. The game has no point, is extremely disorganized, and controls like three blind mice on Mars. Pretty much everything available on the Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network is better than this.

Exactly what it needs to be: stupid good fun. The only thing it's missing is that old pizza parlor smell.

If the idea of a Star Wars MMO appeals to you, The Old Republic will be worth the cost of admission.

Voltron: Defender of the Universe is a poorly designed cash-in on a franchise that hasn't been relevant in years. It's particularly telling when the announcer is your absolute best feature, stating "Voltron will return after these messages" when you pause, then "And now back to Voltron" when you resume play. That's right: the best part of the game only appears when you stop playing. I rest my case.

Voltron: Defender of the Universe is a poorly designed cash-in on a franchise that hasn't been relevant in years. It's particularly telling when the announcer is your absolute best feature, stating "Voltron will return after these messages" when you pause, then "And now back to Voltron" when you resume play. That's right: the best part of the game only appears when you stop playing. I rest my case.

It's not bad by any means, it's just a shame none of it feels like something you need to experience; instead, RAAM's Shadow ends up feeling like a bland desert after an incredible feast.

Far from perfect, and its simple gameplay and (mostly) shallow puzzles aren't going to entertain one for long. Still, it's an extremely solid movie tie-in and a mostly seamless platforming experience, with polish where it counts.

Far from perfect, and its simple gameplay and (mostly) shallow puzzles aren't going to entertain one for long. Still, it's an extremely solid movie tie-in and a mostly seamless platforming experience, with polish where it counts.

With a good amount of unlockable content and plenty of multiplayer options, this is a biggest and deepest Mario Kart experience yet.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy succeeds primarily because it sticks to the original Ace Combat format without trying to dress the series up as something it's not.

It's disappointing that despite its great level design and adrenaline-fueled shootouts, Serious Sam is not always fun to play. But that's the fact of the matter. Unless you can deal with a wide range of frustrating quirks, you're probably better keeping this one off your Christmas list.

Tekken Hybrid costs forty dollars, which is a reasonable price considering you're getting a full game, a full movie, and a demo for Tekken Tag Tournament 2. If you're a Tekken fan, this is probably worth checking out. If not, there's a small chance Tekken Prologue might convert you.

At the end of the day, WWE '12 gives fans exactly what they want: a cohesive and fun wrestling game. There aren't a whole lot of different ways to do that.

At the end of the day, WWE '12 gives fans exactly what they want: a cohesive and fun wrestling game. There aren't a whole lot of different ways to do that.

Overall, King of Fighters XIII is a very fun game to play.

Overall, King of Fighters XIII is a very fun game to play.

Shinobi is certainly not a game for everyone, and definitely too much of a burden for Nintendo's regular audience.

Minecraft is so much more than a game by now; it's a potentially generation-defining phenomenon.

There's a ton of content here; enough that the forced repetition of old levels could have been avoided.

There's a ton of content here; enough that the forced repetition of old levels could have been avoided.

The self-guided approach and wealth of unlockable content makes this one trip to Disneyland you can't complete in a day.

It's not that there isn't a lot to do. It's that there isn't a whole lot of reason to do most of it, and what is worth doing is locked behind hours of dull, introductory gameplay.

It's not that there isn't a lot to do. It's that there isn't a whole lot of reason to do most of it, and what is worth doing is locked behind hours of dull, introductory gameplay.

An incredible story the first time through, but aside from some tricky achievements and a second ending, there's really nothing to bring you back for subsequent playthroughs.

An incredible story the first time through, but aside from some tricky achievements and a second ending, there's really nothing to bring you back for subsequent playthroughs.

Essentially more of the same.

There are three types of people who might want to get this game. The hardcore gamer has probably already pre-ordered it, so that's a no-brainer. The newbie who didn't get vanilla MvC3 gets to have all that and more for twenty bucks cheaper, so that's also a no-brainer. Then there's the casual gamer who already has a copy of vanilla MvC3. Make no mistake, you are buying the exact same game again, just with a lot more stuff added to it. If that's worth 40 bucks to you, then pick it up.

There are three types of people who might want to get this game. The hardcore gamer has probably already pre-ordered it, so that's a no-brainer. The newbie who didn't get vanilla MvC3 gets to have all that and more for twenty bucks cheaper, so that's also a no-brainer. Then there's the casual gamer who already has a copy of vanilla MvC3. Make no mistake, you are buying the exact same game again, just with a lot more stuff added to it. If that's worth 40 bucks to you, then pick it up.

Fan of the Harvest Moon formula will find plenty of play value here, though veterans may be frustrated by the lack of control they have over the game's progression.

The big issue I have with Saints Row: The Third is that it doesn't feel like its content, varied though it may be, has much of a purpose outside of the main campaign. The open world really seems to exist more as a way to prolong the experience by forcing a player to travel to the origin point for the next mission rather than simply having it begin outright.

The big issue I have with Saints Row: The Third is that it doesn't feel like its content, varied though it may be, has much of a purpose outside of the main campaign. The open world really seems to exist more as a way to prolong the experience by forcing a player to travel to the origin point for the next mission rather than simply having it begin outright.

Does so many things right. It's an action game for people who like cars, or perhaps a racing game for people who like action. In fact, it's both of these things at the same time. Too often racing games get repetitive and lose their luster about halfway through. The Run takes a simple formula and amps it up to appeal to junkies of both genres.

Does so many things right. It's an action game for people who like cars, or perhaps a racing game for people who like action. In fact, it's both of these things at the same time. Too often racing games get repetitive and lose their luster about halfway through. The Run takes a simple formula and amps it up to appeal to junkies of both genres.

The game lacks a coherent story, visual polish, and meaningful new gameplay elements. Though running around and stabbing people is still fun, Revelations has lost some of the spark that made its predecessors feel so amazing.

The game lacks a coherent story, visual polish, and meaningful new gameplay elements. Though running around and stabbing people is still fun, Revelations has lost some of the spark that made its predecessors feel so amazing.

All in all, this is a welcome return to an adventure that changed the face of gaming a decade ago.

Skyward Sword finally brings satisfying swordplay, delivering on a promise made five years ago.

If you've never played these classics, you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy this instant. If you've played them before, this is a budget-priced return to some of the most influential video games ever made. Either way, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is $50 you won't regret spending.

If you've never played these classics, you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy this instant. If you've played them before, this is a budget-priced return to some of the most influential video games ever made. Either way, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is $50 you won't regret spending.

In the end, Skyrim will be hailed as both the best and worst title of the year depending on whom you ask. RPG gamers who look for subtle storytelling and endless replay value are going to love every minute. But gamers that have even a slight problem with impatience will quickly become frustrated. However, even the most devoted naysayer has to admit that Skyrim is at the top of its genre, and that's no small feat.

In the end, Skyrim will be hailed as both the best and worst title of the year depending on whom you ask. RPG gamers who look for subtle storytelling and endless replay value are going to love every minute. But gamers that have even a slight problem with impatience will quickly become frustrated. However, even the most devoted naysayer has to admit that Skyrim is at the top of its genre, and that's no small feat.

The levels are incredibly fun to play, but there are omissions likely to leave Mario fans shaking their heads.

Unfortunately, point-and-click games don't lend themselves to replayability. The time you spend with The Dream Machine, though, will be immensely enjoyable.

Largely feels like an iterative title...This isn't to say that Modern Warfare 3 is at all a bad game-it's an attractive and polished effort with tight controls, addictive multiplayer, and the sense that one is truly on a battlefield, rather than carrying on a miniature war behind the scenes.

Largely feels like an iterative title...This isn't to say that Modern Warfare 3 is at all a bad game-it's an attractive and polished effort with tight controls, addictive multiplayer, and the sense that one is truly on a battlefield, rather than carrying on a miniature war behind the scenes.

There's a fair amount of content here, but it's tedious and repetitive enough that you won't want to play it for very long.

There's a fair amount of content here, but it's tedious and repetitive enough that you won't want to play it for very long.

Even with all of the overly nostalgic conciliations, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is a genuinely fun game in and of itself. Activision has made some incredibly intelligent decisions in their revision strategy (Daniel Craig is the first Bond actor who can believably kill a Russian since Sean Connery), but in the end, nostalgia just isn't a strong enough foundation to build a truly great game on.

Even with all of the overly nostalgic conciliations, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is a genuinely fun game in and of itself. Activision has made some incredibly intelligent decisions in their revision strategy (Daniel Craig is the first Bond actor who can believably kill a Russian since Sean Connery), but in the end, nostalgia just isn't a strong enough foundation to build a truly great game on.

A 20-hour classic adventure story for $30? Sold.

With tons of unlockable content, you'll most likely play each stage several times.

With tons of unlockable content, you'll most likely play each stage several times.

Pretty much the exact Kirby game we all wanted. Sure, his animal companions aren't involved (seriously, Nintendo, bring them back), but the same gameplay that made Kirby Super Star so much fun back in the 90s is present and accounted for.

Fun but flawed. While the anime cutscenes are awesome, the story is more often told through extremely slow moving walls of text. While the characters all have their original voice actors (or very similar voice actors in the case of some of the villains), the music is very generic. While the battles have lots of satisfying quick time events and cutscenes, the load times in the game are absolutely criminal.

Fun but flawed. While the anime cutscenes are awesome, the story is more often told through extremely slow moving walls of text. While the characters all have their original voice actors (or very similar voice actors in the case of some of the villains), the music is very generic. While the battles have lots of satisfying quick time events and cutscenes, the load times in the game are absolutely criminal.

The fun platforming, inspired level design, and bevy of character suits all make this a game worth experiencing. Although the formula is a bit derivative, Disney Universe has such a unique style that you won't notice it that much.

The fun platforming, inspired level design, and bevy of character suits all make this a game worth experiencing. Although the formula is a bit derivative, Disney Universe has such a unique style that you won't notice it that much.

This is easily one of the stronger Move titles, though that's not saying much with the peripheral's current line-up. As it is, Overkill is a foul, brutal, and loveably twisted game that's surprisingly varied, has a good amount of content, and, most importantly, is fun to play with a friend.

It's an excellent story, but once you've played it once there's not much to do besides go back and do it again, trying not to die for the game's most challenging achievements.

There are plenty of songs to dance to in the exhibition mode, and newbies will appreciate the exhaustive training mode.

The only thing that is frustrating about BF3's multiplayer mode is EA's new Battlelog service. Battlelog is a browser-based interface that forces PC players to exit their game and reconnect if they want to change game modes. All in all, the function seems tacked-on and cumbersome.

The lack of any real meaningful content beyond a linear action-based story mode does hurt this title, and makes it somewhat forgettable in the grand scheme of things. However, if you are just looking for a fun action game with some great 3D, Pokémon Rumble Blast fits the bill quite nicely.

This one just doesn't have enough going for it to be legitimately called an "Ultimate Ninja." Maybe next time, Naruto fans.

The folks at Firefly knew what they had to do to win back Stronghold fans, and they mostly did it: Everything that annoyed people about Stronghold 2 is gone, and some great new features have been added. Nonetheless, Stronghold 3 needs a few patches and maybe a price cut before it can starting winning new fans for the franchise.

The pacing, storytelling, drama, and comedy roll together to give one of the most remarkably cinematic experience in gaming today. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception simply raises a bar that didn't even need to be raised. But now that it has, we will never want to go back.

A game with a message doesn't have to be boring, but this one doesn't work very hard to break free from the stereotype. Okabu is just a little too generic to be worth your time, which is a shame, considering I would have liked to play a fun game about saving the planet.

After the first few hours, "free" becomes an illusion and the gameplay gets monotonous.

Mahjong definitely isn't the most popular puzzle game out there, but Cub3d makes it feel modern and relevant. Simply put, if you are a puzzle fan, you'll enjoy Cub3d.

An insanely enjoyable game that more than makes up for its lack of polish with its devilish charm. It's worth every penny of the twenty-dollar asking price.

The amount of content available in this game is quite impressive.

Actually pretty fun, and considering that the game is only twelve dollars on the PlayStation Network, it's a pretty good deal if you are looking for a 2D run and gun shooter. It's no Contra, that's for sure, but it's tongue-in-cheek, goofy, and generally enjoyable.

A few imperfections aside, developer Trendy Entertainment hit the nail on the head with Dungeon Defenders: It's unique, deep, addictive, and cheap.

A few imperfections aside, developer Trendy Entertainment hit the nail on the head with Dungeon Defenders: It's unique, deep, addictive, and cheap.

Ratchet & Clank aren't far off from being the quintessential co-op duo. They just need a few of the wrinkles ironed out.

This "broader scope" is actually where Arkham City delivers tenfold upon expectations. While in Arkham Asylum, players got a really good sense of Batman "trapped." Now, Arkham City isn't so much about Batman being trapped in the city, but about the inmates being trapped inside Arkham City with Batman. And we couldn't be happier about it.

Takes the formula we loved in Arkham Asylum and advances it to a level I would have not thought possible in this medium. In Arkham Asylum, I felt as if I was playing a Batman tale; in Arkham City, every takedown I preform makes me want to scream "I am Batman!"

This game is a worthwhile investment if you've got young kids, or if you are incredibly young at heart. It may not be very complex, challenging, or long, but its heart is definitely in the right place. And that's what makes Once Upon a Monster a stand-out game.