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.

Aside from these nit-picks, Hybrid is a brilliant game and deserves its place in the Summer of Arcade. While there are better squad-based games available out there, Hybrid offers a very different style of gameplay and has a decent levelling system that will have you fighting for your side for quite some time. If you have the spare MSP it might be worth giving this one a go.

Overall, I think the idea of a Tour de France game appeals more than it does in reality. The reality is the game is extremely slow, tiring and offers very little frills.

With its slick Adidas branded and presentation, a pumping soundtrack and real-life sport stars, there is a coating of gloss that covers what is quite a frustrating and technically flawed game.

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!

Overall, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift – Arctic Games is a major disappointment. The unresponsive controls, the weak storyline and the poorly executed ideas are just a few of the reasons why this game isn't enjoyable, not even for kids. This is a title to avoid at all costs.

Overall, this is definitely a game to avoid. There is a slightly enjoyable title hidden within 20 hours of gameplay, but ask yourself is it really worth all that work for something that even at it's best is average.

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!

Mars Rover Landing may not be out of this world, in fact it's nowhere near, but it's something that will keep gamers occupied for a few minutes. It's a great tribute of NASA's achievements and, for the very cheap price of free, there's no excuse not to download it.

There are elements of the game that are both enjoyable and disappointing and for me I would recommend saving your money until this Summer Arcade title gets put on sale and just enjoy the summer.

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.

If you've never played a Superbike game before, Generations isn't a bad place to start. Just don't expect to get sucked into the game as it lacks some oomph and pizazz.

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.

Overall, London 2012 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games is the best attempt at an Olympics video game to date. There's a great range of mini-games and the title has been brilliantly developed, though is let down by general repetitiveness and the lifespan of the game isn't ideal. If you like the look of it, this is definitely worth at least a rental.

The Jak and Daxter Trilogy doesn't hold up very well as a remastered version of the original games.

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?

Ultimately, Cyanide seems to have released a poor excuse for a TV show to Videogame port with Game of Thrones. It's aimed at fans of the show, and you'll soon realise that Cyanide have used little imagination when creating this title, no doubt knowing that fans will lap this tripe up simply for having the title 'Game of Thrones' on the front cover.

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

Overall, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is a poorly developed video game. Despite having the potential with a great set of characters and interesting storyline, the repetitiveness of the title and the lack of variety make it a tedious game to play, that's only saved by the occasional moment of humour. This is definitely one to avoid.

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.

It is aimed at the wrong market, they should have made MUD suitable for the hardcore MX fans, despite this Milestone have done it again, well, they nearly did it again.

The story is very lacklustre and plays out very poorly, like the movie. The gameplay is great if you're judging it against a game from the previous generation. The lack of multiplayer is an unforeseen positive and it's generally a game I never want to play again. My top tip, avoid and stick to the old school Battleships game. It's far superior.

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.

Overall, Prototype 2 is an enjoyable title that is plagued with a number of problems. The repetitiveness and the easiness of the title are big factors in preventing it from being a truly great game. Nevertheless, this is a must purchase for fans of the original.

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.

Overall, Fable Heroes is a mediocre title that is lacking in depth. While the game is fairly enjoyable, it's certainly short-lived and, at 800 Microsoft Points, there's not a lot on offer. Needless to say, this will definitely whet Fable players' appetites until Fable: The Journey's release in September.

With some changes to the gameplay such as restricting some access to early tower placements, an improved tutorial and less aggressive AI, Defenders of Ardania might have been a more enjoyable experience, but with a better selection of tower defences games available out there it might be worth spending your precious pennies elsewhere.

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.

All in all, Bloodforge feels like a love letter to the God of War series written with an oversized Sharpie marker. Clunky and unpolished controls mixed with a nearly broken camera make a somewhat enjoyable hack and slash adventure frustrating and monotonous, and with its 1200 MSP price tag, it's hard to justify a purchase.

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.

In summary, The Run provides yet another aspect to the NFS series and with its Hollywood-like cut scenes and storyline, easy to pick-up-and-play driving; The Run is definitely one to run out for, however I wouldn't run a marathon for the game. If you're not a NFS freak, a simple rent will keep you occupied for more than enough time.

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.

I'll give credit to Gelid Games for their first attempt, but I feel with the experience they claim to have under their belt they may have played it too safe. A game of this type needs a dash of originality, a dollop of risk and plenty of online players in its servers. For someone fresh out of the gates I can see getting player numbers up will prove to be very tough for the developer. Releasing after the marketed juggernaut Twisted Metal and a few other online vehicular titles on PSN hasn't helped this game's progress either.

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.

In the end, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City disappoints across the boards. Dropping the ball in every aspect, the game turns the tense and extremely atmospheric Raccoon City into a dull and boring experience that feels more like a chore than a journey, only made tolerable by the 4-player co-op mode, ensuring that you don't have to suffer alone.

It can be exciting in bursts, but when you look back at it, Jane's Advanced Strike Fighters is barely fit to be sold in any retailers bargain bin.

Wrecked: Revenge Revisited has the potential to be a fantastic spiritual successor to Mashed, but it fails to get off the starting line. While the game strives in multiplayer, it's difficult to recommend a title that has poor single player content, a weak camera and unimpressive audio.

Overall, American Nightmare is a great follow-up to Alan Wake. While the script lacks real depth and tension, the gameplay makes up for it and there is enjoyment to be taken fcrom it. If you're an Alan Wake fan, this will certainly tickle your fancy until a full sequel releases.

Armored Core V has all the ingredients to be a truly awesome mech title, sadly From Software has cracked the eggs too early and cooked them at a high heat, and the result is merely an average game that will barely keep you occupied for an hour or two.

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.

Sadly though, at the end of the day, you can't hide the fact that this game is nothing more than a downloadable content package that has been put on a disc and packed into a Xbox 360 case.

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.

If you are a big Battlefield 3 player it is a no brainer to purchase this DLC, even if it is purely just to have no restrictions when finding a server to play on.

This experience alone sums up what Battlefield 3 is about. It isn't a John Rambo run and gun shooter and it shouldn't really be compared to MW3 in terms of how you play it. For players to truly understand the Battlefield experience you need to embrace the teamwork by joining a squad and calling out your spotted enemies, as after all, sometimes you also need your back covered too.

If you're an avid fan and follower of the Creed, you're sure to find plenty to please you but for those longing for answers and a step further for the series will find one step forward, two back, along with a thick fog covering up the path ahead.

By all accounts, the game itself is fantastic and much deserved of the score we gave MvC3 but there just isn't enough in UMvC3 to really set it apart as a title in its own right.

As a game for older pre-teens, Ratchet & Clank succeeds by its vibrant artwork, humorous cutscenes and painless gameplay – for anyone needing a decent challenge or engaging co-op, however, it's all been done better elsewhere.

If you like your dual stick games and don't mind shelling out 1200 Microsoft Points, this game is a must buy. Hopefully we will see the freezing issues sorted soon because if it wasn't for this, Renegade Ops would most certainly sit up there with the best of them.

Quite simply, kids will thoroughly enjoy Disney Universe and just like their favourite films, will happily go through it time and time again. If you've ever played a LEGO game in the past this will most likely to appeal to you, although don't expect the high amount of collectables that you are used to, but still, expect a ton of fun! Disney Universe is definitely a good group game to have over the Christmas period!

Overall, Rabbids: Alive & Kicking is a good compilation of mini-games, though it's hard to recommend a purchase, especially at full price. The title could have done with more single player based content; however, it's a great game for a family who are looking for some light-hearted entertainment.

Even with these issues there is only one way to describe Skyrim and that is epic. There is so much to see, do and experience that it's exceedingly easy to get lost in the fantasy. It's not a remarkable or radical departure from Oblivion, so if that game left you cold, Skyrim will too. For those who embraced that lifestyle, you will find Skyrim is Oblivion+++.

The Cursed Crusade has the founding for a really fun game but falls short in almost every aspect. Even playing co-op mode, the game doesn't really change much from the solo experience and with so many problems outside the gameplay, it's not very enjoyable. Sadly, I say this is one to miss especially as there are plenty of titles out there to keep you busy until the end of the year.

Uncharted 3 will undoubtedly be compared to its predecessor, for the two standalone leagues ahead of their genre. The sheer level of intensity, played out in the most cinematic blockbuster action packed scenes to grace a gaming platform, with a surprising level of variety and detail that resonates development passion, then there's a wealthy multiplayer on top too!

Dungeon Defenders may not be everyone's cup of tea but for those willing to give it a chance, they will have a rich game that will last quite some time if you intend to experience each class to its fullest. With a hefty price tag of 1200 Microsoft Points, some may be put off but with so many short arcade titles out there these days, it's good to finally see something that will actually be worth your money.

Mercury Hg is a nice little game that is easy to play but hard to master for some of the later levels. Although it has some frame rate issues, for 400 Microsoft Points you will happily find yourself with enough play time to justify your purchase and some easy achievements if that's what you are going for.

The Adventures of Tintin is very much a product created to sell more units and promote the film but its co-op side manages to shine. If you can forget about the poor vehicle sections or you just want a fun co-op experience with your kid, you could fare a lot worse than Tintin.

Everything about Sonic Generations oozes excellence and while some of the traditional annoyances remain, it is hard to deny the crazy speeds and pure enjoyment Sonic's latest adventures reveal.

Overall, Just Dance 3 is a great title, though there is certainly room for improvement. The track list is one of the best seen on any dancing game to date and the 'Just Create' game mode has been well incorporated and works like a charm. However, simple factors such as the poor menu navigation and difficulties with multiplayer are problematic, which could have been resolved with better implementations.

The War of The Worlds is a stylish looking and sounding game that tells a story any H.G. Wells fan would be satisfied with. Sadly, the game is brought down by poor controls and design choices, making it extremely difficult for the wrong reasons.

As someone who doesn't really enjoy Superhero games, Arkham City and I hit it off from the word go, as I was pulled into the story and role of a crime fighting genius.

To fans of the series, particularly those that haven't played the PSP games before, there's really no reason not to pick up this well packaged collection. Chains of Olympus provides an engaging story for its six hours, whilst Ghost of Sparta has some spectacular set pieces over its lengthier ten hours, with both having the solid combat and strong item utility that has made God of War so popular.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster is a fantastic game for kids and is still mildly entertaining for adults at the same time.

RAGE has certainly delivered as a step forward in first person shooters and is a refreshing change from the same old games that are released year-in year-out

Overall Burnout Crash is a great addition to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and for 800 MS Points it would be rude not to.

Overall, if Certain Affinity had pushed their ideas further, Crimson Alliance could have been a truly fantastic title. Nevertheless, despite its repetitiveness and generic story, the game is great fun, especially in multiplayer.

Forza 4 is the driving game that PD should have made and perhaps even secretly really wanted to make. Speed to the shops now and buy it, and bask in fossil fuel heaven.

Fantastically well-crafted, unbelievably atmospheric and impeccably balanced, Dark Souls will test your patience and your skill repeatedly, but the rewards are more than worth it.

Both start off with a light story and focus on brilliant gameplay, but their respective closes end with more emotion and character than you'd find most anywhere else. If you've yet to experience either, you owe it to yourself to rectify this at the earliest convenience.

In the end, Resident Evil 4 HD brings back one of the greatest games of the last generation and brings it back with style. While the graphical improvements could have been better, the game itself still plays and looks better than ever. And even with a slightly high £15.99/$19.99 price tag, it's a game that previous fans will be happy to re-visit and new players will be happy to experience.

For fans of the DeathSpank games, The Baconing will be 1200 Microsoft points well spent and continues on exactly where the second game left off but this doesn't mean new players will have to play the previous games to understand what's going on. If you like your bacon and thongs sprinkled with some fantastic humour, then look no further than The Baconing!

Madden 2012 is a considerable upgrade to Madden 2011 but there are still areas that EA need to improve in the next installment. Both online and offline the game has enough to keep American Football fans occupied for another year and with a new stat system in Superstar mode you will find yourself immersed as an RB, QB or whatever position takes your fancy. The commentary is without a doubt the game's biggest flaw, but when you get past that you will realise that Madden 12 will simply eat up the hours until EA announces Madden 13.

Gears of War 3 is undoubtedly the ultimate in the series, made especially for the fans with the formula, story and characters they've become to love grown and polished to brilliance. When it seems like all other trilogy series are reinventing themselves, Gears of War 3 stays true to its roots and has, as promised, just become bigger, better and more badass.

That said, Disgaea continues to define the pinnacle of the TRPG mechanics and Nippon Ichi is clearly the master of this genre; just don't go expecting anything shiny and brand new from this latest outing. It remains though, a must buy for any fan of the series.

A considerable step up for the series and results in a game that should suit every gamers tastes.

Although you might not get much else out of the game once it has been completed, the journey there is fun and at times a challenging one.

It's a shame that this may slip past the gaze of many for it truly is one of the best games that has been released this year. If you want your faith restored in the Driver franchise, then go out and buy Driver: San Francisco.

On the whole, Call of Juarez: The Cartel had the potential to be a fantastic game. The plot's many twists and turns would have been superb if it wasn't for the game's poor execution and the multiplayer could do with improving. Nevertheless, it's still a solid game. If you're looking for something to fill the time during the summer drought, this is the title for you.

Overall, despite a few minor complaints that many won't notice, this game is exceptional.