With its stunning visuals, enormous substance and strong online community, it’s a fighter that comes easily recommended. You see, good things really do come to those who wait.

Whereas younger gamers may not understand some of the game’s references, there’s still a lot of enjoyment to be had from the game and, with a campaign as long as a number of retail titles, you certainly get your money’s worth. At 1,200 Microsoft Points, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is a must purchase.

The campaign could be a little longer and as said above more tracks is a must if they make a sequel, but for right now if you do buy this game you’ll walk away knowing that it’s been 800 points well spent.

In closing, it is worth picking up and mastering this game. There is a level system and unlock system that will reward players as they progress with multiple costumes, multiplayer badges and icons for your character. For any fan of the DC universe there is a huge array of characters with a great story mode and each has their own little story in the battle mode.

If you enjoy platformers, cats or fun and laughter, then pick up this game and you won’t regret it.

BioShock Infinite is an excellent game and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Once you finish the game it will make you play the original BioShock all over again, which is truly saying something about this release.

All-in-all Crysis 3 is a great package, despite burning bright half as long. It may have not been exactly what all the fans wanted, but it does a great job of trying to appease as many as it can without sacrificing too much. Add to this a decent, if not groundbreaking multiplayer suite and you have a solid FPS that is more than worth a look.

Initially, Terraria is tedious and many players will be put off by the slow-pace and the constant dying at the beginning of the game. However, with a little persistence, this is an enjoyable title with depth.

Overall, Gears of War: Judgment is a brilliant addition to the Gear of War series. While some gamers may question whether the short campaign and the few changes to the multiplayer is worth the hefty price tag, there’s hours of enjoyment to be had, just like its predecessors also offered. With the inevitable summer drought approaching, this is most definitely a game to consider purchasing.

Overall the game has enough content to keep children and adults entertained for hours. Not only is the game informative and fun but the access to the season pass for the America the Wild TV Episodes will also give players the feeling they are getting more worth from their initial purchase. While not the deepest game for the long-term, it will certainly educate your children and maybe some adults about things in the wild.

Ultimately Platinum has managed to deliver on the vision that Kojima first announced back in 2009, and it's a roller coaster ride from start to end. The gameplay is the forefront of importance for the genre and it’s there that they’ve certainly managed to deliver.

To put it lightly, Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is one of the best games I have played in years. From the moving story and characters to the amazing visual style and game design, there is little to complain about here.

This reboot is gritty and brutal, casting Lara in a new, grittier light and you will see Lara in a different perspective than we originally know her by. Tomb Raider feels similar to the Uncharted series, and has really made a welcome return to consoles.

With a new storyline and Connor’s new ability, this DLC still feels like the main game in its sense but with a few tweaks here and there.

Putting the game’s flaws behind, Dead Space 3 is still a fantastic game, the gore and additional cooperative missions house some intriguing effects, and the tension of hallways filled with enemies never fail to keep you coming back for more.

WWE 13 might not have any real competition when it comes to wrestling video games, but nevertheless it’s a great wrestling game and any fan should have this in their collection. The Attitude Era game mode was so nostalgic I smile thinking about it. Reliving those moments is worth it alone.

With a humorous story and plenty of fun to be had in multiplayer modes, this game is well worth the selling price, but it still has a few little flaws. Skulls of the Shogun is a really nice arcade game, and with not many AAA titles out in these early months, this game will keep you occupied for some time.

Arena brawlers are underrepresented within the fighting genre, and Anarchy Reigns is a welcome nostalgic trip back to simpler days.

Whether you are looking for a short escape from the backlog of games, a treat before the gaming year begins or simply a pleasant arcade title that is actually worth the Microsoft Points, The Cave is worth picking up and will cater for most player's wants in an adventure game. Plus, everyone loves a good laugh and this one will leave you with a sore stomach!

Devil May Cry still has its flaws and are readily visible in the game; the camera angles can be frustrating at times, for instance when Dante jumps off a wall in mid-air he will miss the platform that he was meant to land on and fall down. If you over jump a platform you will just fall off and lose a small portion of your health. The soundtrack is really upbeat throughout the game with hard rock but can soon get rather annoying.

Is the expansion pack worth the 1600 Microsoft points? Well if you want to have a couple of new tracks and also multiplayer events then this content is in your spot, but there is more to spend 1600 points on and this content is not it. Playground studios have made a decent attempt to bring the rally experience to Horizon but let things slide with not letting you explore the Colorado area and see the sites away from the busy streets.

For Kinect owners who love Fable, The Journey is a must buy and will likely result in many hours being spent traversing Albion, enjoying a charming story with interesting characters and likely finding a new love the Xbox 360 peripheral. If you're on the fence about whether or not you need another Kinect game or you're trying to find an excuse to purchase a Kinect, Fable: The Journey is by far one of the reasons to pick up this piece of kit.

Overall, LEGO Lord of the Rings is a precious addition to the LEGO series. The game manages to keep the same charm and humour of the previous titles, and the new features are all very welcome.

F1 Race Stars is a great little game, perfect for those F1 fans who don't want the seriousness of Codemasters Racing's top dog F1 2012.

In closing go and pick this game up. With the flood of FPS's we have seen and the huge amount of titles launched before Christmas, Agent 47's return should not be overlooked. There are two games I would recommend this year and Hitman: Absolution is one of them. A really enjoyable game that offers hours and hours of replayability whether through leaderboards and challenges in the campaign, or through the very awesome and cleverly conceived Contracts mode.

Despite being a fan of the franchise, I am still surprised by just how good Far Cry 3 is. It looks the part, has great varied game play, an interesting story and hours of fun for your hard earned cash. If you are looking for another game to add to the Christmas list you can't go wrong with Far Cry 3. After the wait and worry, Ubisoft have produced an undoubted contender for game of the year.

Dead or Alive 5 is a serious contender for the best fighter of the year with interesting characters, an in-depth fighting system which is easy to play yet hard to master so appeals to a wide range of players and also brings something new from its predecessor. If you're only buying one fighting game this year, Dead or Alive 5 would find a perfect space on your shelf.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a remarkable title that takes three types of racing genres and somehow successfully combines them in such a way that your heart will vigorously pound with excitement, while your adrenaline enriched soul will never tire of the lush environments and epic races.

Playstation All Stars Battle Royal is an amazing fighting game wrapped in an idea we have seen before. When it comes down to it, what makes a great game in any genre is balance and All Stars has it in droves. Although some will never see its brilliance, I would maintain that once played it could change the mind of many a sceptic. Add to this a return for some of Playstation's well missed characters and awesome value for money in Cross Buy and you have one of the most refreshing fighting games in years.

Overall, Cherry Pop Games's first endeavour has left us with a fantastic billiards game featuring stunning visuals, great audio and even better physics. The lengthy, albeit difficult career mode, will give you plenty of play time but perhaps for the wrong reasons. If you're looking for a realistic, stylish, and fun billiards game, Pool Nation is the crème of the crop.

There is a lot contained within Call of Duty: Black ops 2 and I am glad I bit the bullet and made the purchase. The team at Treyarch definitely feel like they are winning the race in terms of trying to bring innovation to the series compared to the very worn-out Modern Warfare franchise. The multiplayer experience is starting to feel old now, even with the fact that when you prestige you don't loose all your weapons. However with multiple endings for the campaign, Strikeforce missions, and an improved Zombie mode, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 was worth the wait and was an enjoyable game. The single player campaign is short at about 6 -8 hours, but there is plenty to keep people interested if they enjoy the multiplayer aspect of the game.

This is THE best Halo game yet, and although the campaign in short, there's an abundance of content to keep Halo 4 in your disc tray.

Each year we are given a new Need for Speed title and this has been one of the best in a long while.

Overall, Assassin's Creed III is an excellent addition to the series. While there a number of bugs and the protagonist isn't someone players will feel particularly attached to, the lengthy campaign, the range of objectives and the well thought out multiplayer ensure there is plenty of replayability to keep gamers occupied. This is a title that should be on every Christmas list.

XCOM is something we don't get too often nowadays; a challenging, different, bold game that is not afraid to try new things and also a successful reboot. Yes it has some issues but not nearly any bad enough to stop you playing. And yes, it is hard but that should be commended. No one said saving the world would be easy.

The Unfinished Swan is best seen as an interactive bedtime story. There are no enemies to kill, the threats to Monroe's safety are few and far between and there's nothing too taxing to figure out, but that's not what this title is all about. If you sometimes tire of the triple A titles and enjoy seeing what else the medium of games can offer, or you have enjoyed creations like Journey over the past few years, then Unfinished Swan should be on your list of games to purchase.

007 Legends is a great slice of fun for a Bond fan, but doesn't do anything for someone wanting a decent shooter as it falls short when it stands alongside its completion. With so many shooters on the market, it is a shame to see a licence that has so much promise not get the game it deserves. I enjoyed the experience but when I think of Bond in videogames, those N64 days will still remain the most prevalent.

DLC nagging aside, Forza Horizon is a solid arcade racer, if not the hardcore open world sim some were hoping for. There are plenty of challenging and enjoyable game hours here to be had, not just across the single-player mode, but in terms of leaderboard chasing and online racing, so long as the lobbies remain populated. It is great fun exploring what Colorado has to offer and a worthy driving game to sport the Forza name.

Overall, Just Dance 4 is a great addition to the series. While it's not much of an upgrade on its predecessor, this is a title that will not fail to get people on their feet to dance at a house party. This is the most fun you will have in multiplayer with Kinect and a great stocking-filler this Christmas.

Like this review, the Zombiesaurus DLC is extremely short. It's similar to the Sugar, Spice and Not So Nice DLC in the fact that it can be completed from blueprint to blueprint in around two hours. However priced at 320MS Points it's extremely great value for money and you know exactly what you're getting, especially if you're a fan of A World of Keflings.

Finally, visually the game is simply outstanding, one of the best looking games to grace the Xbox 360. It runs perfectly, with animations that are simply awe-inspiring and tag-team switchovers which look simply stunning. This may not be the ideal game for those select few 'hardcore' fighting fans, for the rest of the world Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is by far the best choice in its genre.

For fans of the original Borderlands this will be a must buy, but for those who are still on the fence, it's time to come down. Borderlands 2 has everything that made Borderlands great while improving on the things that players found dull in the first game – most notably the bland environments. Although we are going to see a lot of games releasing next month, if you still haven't picked up Borderlands 2, I would highly suggest you go out and grab it right now!

Despite all its crazy new features, what you know and love about the NBA2K series is all here and it plays better than ever. If you are a veteran fan, an NBA lover or just want a great sports game experience to play with friends or alone, look no further than 2K13. Sure the menus aren't great and there could be a more competent tutorial, but these are very minor points in other wise amazing experience. Make no mistake 2K are still very much king of the court.

Overall Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is a great step in the right direction for the series. There's still plenty of areas that can be improved, specifically the online aspect of gaming, yet more licenses and the menu system could do with an overhaul, but if you're looking for an alternative to *the other game*, or are a Pro Evolution Soccer loyal through and through, you will not be disappointed with what's on offer here.

Overall the Sugar, Spice and Not So Nice DLC does exactly what it was supposed to do; provide new life into an excellent arcade game. Even if it is a little short, at only 320MS Points it is considered a bargain in this day and age. If you enjoyed playing A World of Keflings, you really should pick up the content now.

Overall, FIFA 13 is EA's best football title to date. While there are a number of bugs that still need to be ironed out, there's enough content and improvements to the gameplay to justify a purchase. EA Sports have created a title that football fans will be playing up until the next season.

If you're one for puzzle games and enjoyed Portal, Quantum Conundrum will be right up your alley, but the complexity of the puzzles later on in the game may deter the average gamer. This said, whichever category you fit into, Quantum Conundrum will surely entertain you for its 1200 MSP price tag and if you're stuck to find something to play, it is well worth the pickup.

So does Dishonored stand up on its own two feet? It most certainly does! On the surface it is easy to compare previous games we have loved, and it is easy to see similarities in style and gameplay, but these are elements that have clearly been learned, honed and enhanced to make Dishonored a title that lives high up in the rooftops of being one of my favorite games of 2012 so far.

Overall, for 400MS Points you can't go wrong. Nowadays developers can get a bit carried away with DLC pricing but RedLynx have remained sensible and for any fan of Trials, it's a complete no brainer.

Overall F1 2012 is a great step forward for the F1 series. It's extremely fun and highly addictive and with the amount of game modes available, it even caters for the recreational gamer. Although the AI could do with some beefing up, this is a racing game that should definitely be on your 'to get list'. I'm off to set some lap records in Monte Carlo.

All in all Kinect Sesame Street TV is a good experience for kids.

You can look past the lagging issues online and in GM connected, you can look past the increased difficulty in slap-shots and face-offs, you can even look past the inability to make serious trades offline all because NHL does exactly what it should once you step out on that ice. It's a great experience, one which will no doubt have hockey fans hooked from the get-go. NHL '13 looks stunning, feels unique and has enough features to keep the NHL fan-base more than happy until NHL '14 is released.

Don't let the 1,200 Microsoft Points price tag put you off. There is plenty of enjoyment to be had from Joe Danger 2: The Movie. While the developer, Hello Games, could have been more ambitious in moving the game forward, returning players will be happy with the new content that's on display. That's a wrap!

When all is said and done Oddworld Stranger's Wrath is a great addition to a great series. Yes it has flaws and it is by no means perfect, but what it lacks in some technical areas it makes up for in charm and originality. You don't have to be an Oddworld expert or even have played any of the previous titles to enjoy Stranger's Wrath, but if you are in need of original design and atmosphere with some great humour thrown in then you may just want to check out everything Oddworld has to offer.

For fans of the genre Machinarium is a welcome addition. If you are a Playstation Plus member then there is literally no reason not to give this unique (if a little short) experience a try. For non Playstation Plus members the £6.49 shouldn't break the bank, however if you are a fan of Point-and-Clicks then searching the game out on Steam may be cheaper and in the end will make it more of the experience that it was clearly intended to be.

Despite its flaws, Rainbow Moon has a lot going for it. With an amazing levelling/combat system and solid visuals and story, there are many worse games in this genre. It is also worth mentioning the value for money here. If Rainbow Moon hooks you, it's around 200 hours of game play for the 100% and all for only £9.99 (£7.99 for Playstation Plus members). However its lack of balance and time required for completion is sure to put off some players who will not find what they are looking for on this expedition.

Overall, The Worms Collection is a great assortment of Xbox Live Arcade titles that any Worms fan would be crazy not to purchase. While Worms: Ultimate Mayhem is a weak inclusion, Worms and Worms 2: Armageddon plus its downloadable content certainly make up for it.

The Kinect compatibility is a neat twist, alas I think EA will improve on this in future instalments, for now though it seems a little gimmicky. There are a few issues, most notably with the Defensive mechanics within the game and a few drunken animations. Despite this, for NFL fans there can only be one game that you just have to buy this year, that is of course Madden '13.

This is a great shooter, perhaps the best we have had this year, so far, and it is definitely a game that is looking to be on my top 5 list of games for 2012. We have been lucky to have some great titles come out this year and we still have some exciting titles on the release schedule too, but don't make an error and miss this gem. I really hope we get a third game in this series.

If there was ever a game deserving of the word beautiful in it's description, it's Journey. The game is stunning to look at, satisfying to play and oozes atmosphere from every angle of its dynamic story and immersive world. Sure it's short by regular game standards but Journey is not a regular game. If your ready for an experience that will surprise you, move you and stick with you for many years after its done, then maybe this is the Journey for you.

Sound Shapes is a refreshing change of style and pace for the PSN. Although not perfect it does a lot of things that have not been seen (or heard) before and should be commended for doing so. Add to this a small price tag and cross-play features and you have a great package that no PS3 owner should ignore.

In closing, I can't help but think a local co-op option would have been a great addition that would have attracted a wider audience. If you couple this with the fact that Rock Band 3 songs are still unable to be imported, there are a couple of things that stop this from being a 100% scoring game, but nonetheless, it is still a fantastic entry into the rhythm game genre.

Darksiders 2 doesn't quite manage to reach the heights of its predecessor, but it does deliver a solid action-adventure with more than enough style, depth and complexity to maintain engagement throughout. Its greatest weakness lies in its inability to advance the series story, leaving you once again longing for the true sequel as hinted by the first's conclusion with the coming of the four horsemen.

Overall, Dust is a great game that should not be overlooked. This year's 'Summer of Arcade' has been a bit disappointing, and out of all the games released Dust:An Elsyian Tail has got to be the ruling champion. There are some big budget boxed games coming out towards the end of August, but they should not eclipse this great game that should be on everyone's 'to buy' list.

Going back to the opening question and whether there is anything bad about Sleeping Dogs, there are a few rough edges here and there but absolutely nothing to write home about. The overall experience from start to finish is brilliant and the only disappointment is the wait you'll have until some DLC hopefully comes out. Even if you're currently playing something right now I urge you to stop and go buy this right now!

Twisted Metal isn't perfect, but most gamers will enjoy this game regardless of genre-loyalty. Twisted Metal is one of the most rewarding multiplayer experiences a gamer can have.

In summary, Inversion is a pretty good shooter that is worth being looked at by any fan of the genre. It is an enjoyable playthrough but not something that screams for a repeat performance.

While there are plenty of games coming out in the next few months, which many you will have your eye on, if you can spare the coin one month and fancy a mellow title with a charming story and detailed battle system, Brave: The Video Game may just be the game for you!

It may not be winning any awards, that's not to say that this is one of the most captivating shooters currently available to Xbox 360 users. The morality of your choices has never been so well presented as they are in Spec Ops: The Line and for that reason alone it's a game that everyone should experience, if only for a few short hours.

As far as Kinect games go Wreckateer is one of the better ones available, and at 800 Microsoft Points you really can't complain for several hours of gameplay.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD, while not perfect, is a great game that features some of the best levels from the first two Tony Hawk's games.

Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man is one of the best Spider-Man titles to date. The well-written storyline and some brilliantly executed features make this game very enjoyable to play, though its repetitive nature and the lack of a real challenge lets the title down. This is definitely a game to consider during the summer game drought.

Although some of you may not want to spend you're hard earned cash on a game that may only last twenty to thirty hours, I'd urge you to give Lollipop Chainsaw a chance. With so many sequels coming out these days it's fantastic to see a refreshing and unique game hit the shelves and let's be honest, how can anyone reject a game that is filled with lollipops, chainsaws and short skirts?

It is another great addition to the LEGO game franchise and a real progression from first LEGO Batman.

Overall, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is the best tactical shooter to date. Despite a number of small problems, Future Soldier is a very entertaining game on the whole and, with a lengthy campaign and plenty of game modes to be getting on with, you certainly get your money's worth. If you're looking for a shooter to pass the time until Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Halo 4 release, this is certainly worth considering.

Tekken Tag Tournament feels fresh and sharp, even over ten years later, but it's a pity that everything in the game comes unlocked as there's less incentive to play the full roster of characters in order to open up the hidden characters or Tekken Bowling, but there will be those (lazy) people pleased by Namco's choice. It can be easily picked up for under £20 now, so if you can't wait for TTT2 to arrive or you were a big fan of the original, it's definitely worth a look.

Sniper Elite V2 is a fantastic game and is definitely something different from the usual shooter we have come to know and love. While the close combat can be frustrating at times, the sniping is brilliant, and there's nothing better than getting that kill cam right between the eyes of an enemy. If you're looking for something fresh to play this is a must buy.

The Sniper Challenge isn't part of Hitman: Absolution so it's definitely worth pre-ordering if you're a fan of the series. Asides from the fact there's only one level, the game is fun and addictive and it's not a bad incentive to pre-order Hitman: Absolution. Better than some extra guns anyway, that's for sure.

Dragon's Dogma excels in every single aspect I could hope for, and also exceeds that hope to the greatest degree. Yes, it may not be perfect, but I can't think of any game that is perfect. However, Dragon's Dogma is the soul reason I play video games. It's fun and it's a masterpiece. That's all that can really be said.

If you want to be shown how a PC port should be done, then look no further than The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.

If you've already finished the main storyline of Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning and you've had a good time exploring the main land for all the other side quests, The Legend of Dead Kel is a fantastic side adventure that ranges from four to ten hours of gameplay, more than worth the mere 800 Microsoft Point price tag.

Dead Island may lack that top level of polish, and even have its own awkward moments, but it's a game worth playing, and easily worth your money. The gameplay is deep, the visuals can be breathtaking (at times), and every bit of it is fun. This game earns itself a spot in the ranks of the best zombie games and RPGs around. There's still plenty of fun to be had with zombie games.

It's safe to say that Max Payne 3 is a fantastic game and with a hefty single player and extensive multiplayer it will keep you entertained for hours and hours. The story is gripping and will have you wondering what happens next, and with the integration of crews to the multiplayer there is even more reason to make regular visits to the city of São Paulo.

While Starhawk does have its faults (particularly in the single player campaign), the multiplayer is deep, fun, decisive, and completely innovative. I don't think I've had a much better multiplayer experience in a long time. Starhawk has redefined the third-person shooter genre with intelligent strategy. I credit it with nothing less than successfully shoving itself back into the world of multiplayer gaming. It is arguably the best multiplayer experience the PlayStation 3 has to offer so far in 2012.

With the lack of the customisation and overall support of the PC version, veterans may find the game a tad gimped, at least for the time being. But for newcomers, or strictly console gamers, The Xbox 360 version is the perfect time to jump in.

Overall, Zumba Fitness Rush is a great fitness tool. Even in small sessions, players will burn a considerable amount of calories and there's great satisfaction in doing a workout. While more tracks would have added more replay value to the game, this will inevitably be solved through the release of downloadable content. This is a great way to keep fit in the comfort of your own home.

As a customer I much prefer the downloadable content route in replace of the £39.99 standalone title. The content is perfect to get you in the mood for the European championships, and for 1800MS Points your wallet won't take such a big hit.

Overall, Trials Evolution is definitely one of the best Xbox Live Arcade titles available, if not the best. The title improves on everything from its predecessor and goes one step further with the incredible track editor and the addition of multiplayer. Other developers take note: this is how sequels should be done.

If you have played the previous games Mass Effect 3 is a must have title, and even if you haven't it's still worth checking out, even if it's just for the multiplayer.

Sadly though it isn't too long before you get a bit tired of playing through a game that didn't need to be as deep or complex, where the old SSX formula didn't entirely make its way fully into the game. Let's hope SSX fans get to ride in much better conditions next season.

One of the finest details in the game is its graphics and the use of sound in the game.

Overall, Soul Calibur V is a great fighting title. While the campaign could be majorly improved on, the improvements to the gameplay, the in-depth "Creation" game mode and the good online game modes make this a must purchase for fans of the series.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning isn't the RPG to end all RPGs, the characterisations might be a little dour and the plot a little to straight-laced for its own good, but its still an excellent example of a hybrid genre – and a triumph for 38 Studios and Big Huge Games in every sense that counts.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a step in the right direction for the franchise and it is clear Square Enix have listened to fans and implemented a lot of the changes they wanted. One thing that will be frustrating is the ending, or at least one of the ten possible ones, and that it's left on somewhat of a cliff hanger which would indicate some lengthy DLC or another sequel. Other than this it's definitely a great game and for any RPG fans a must have.

So if you own a Kinect, and you aren't playing Zumba seven days a week, The Gunstringer is a game you shouldn't pass up. With its lowered retail price and accurate controls, the game delivers on the Kinect's promise of an innovative and fun game experience. With the only flaws being the length and 'sitting' mode, The Gunstringer is a game all Kinect owners should try.

NBA 2K12 is definitely a game any basketball fan should own and a game that will keep you occupied until 2K13 is released at a minimum. If I had more online friends who played the game I know I would have enjoyed the online experience more than I did, so it's definitely a game you should check out if you know a few friends who would also play. Casual sports gamers should at least rent this game and see if it tickles your fancy. Swoosh!

Overall, Rayman Origins goes where very few games have been able to go before and has shown that it is possible to revive a classic and to make it even better. It's excellently developed and is great fun to play from start to finish. Minus a few little problems, Rayman Origins is one of the most underrated games of 2011, which is certainly worth playing through.

It's by far the most realistic football title on the market and there are plenty of game modes to keep players entertained. FIFA 12 is a must own title for football fans who will no doubt be playing up until the next instalment.