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!

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!

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.

If you want a simple but yet responsive shooter with some cracking controls, then Madballs is the one to download. I still felt slightly under-whelmed overall however by the experience.

Final Fantasy seems to have fallen in a rut, but if you can put up with the linearity for long enough, there is an interesting story and game at its heart. That said, even hard-core Final Fantasy fans are going to struggle to find an A++ RPG here.

I enjoyed it a fair bit and, for any Green Day fan, it's an essential purchase but I don't feel it is worth the money.

Kane and Lynch could have been a fantastic game had they have spent some more time on it. Instead we are left with a fun but short and buggy game.

MotoGP 08 had me hooked after I got the ‘small’ learning curve out of the way.

Space Ark is a fun game and at first feels shallow and a little bit of a throw away Xbox LIVE title, something the trial may put across to most gamers but, with a little patience and further pursuit you soon uncover the much needed use of strategy and planning in the later challenging planets.

Despite being able to play this game for free on alternative platforms, it's well worthy of the 800 MSPs asked – definitely one to check out.

Out of the three titles I found MotorStorm Apocalypse to be the weakest of them all. I'd admit, it is brave for its developers to take this new approach to the franchise but as a result I feel the game as a whole has been harmed, but not in an apocalyptic way, as there is still some good to come out of this game.

Toy Story 3: The Video Game is, quite simply, one of the best movie-licensed video games to be released. The game truly captures the elements of the film everyone knows and loves – providing enjoyable gameplay for gamers of all ages.

If you've never played a Red Faction game you will have a lot of fun with this one, but fans of the series may be a little put off with the changes to multiplayer however, the campaign should be enough to satisfy all your destructive needs.

If you’re a fan of fighting games then Final Fight: Double Impact is sure to make a positive impact on you.

An accomplished Sonic game leaving us wanting more.

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!

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.

It might not re-invent the wheel or “wow” you, but it’s consistently worthwhile.

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!

Bakugan: Defenders of the Core is not only a fantastic piece of fan service but a competent brawler in its own right. Its stunning cel-shaded visuals, beautiful environments and well-rendered characters perfectly capture the essence of their animé-counterparts, and it's safe to say that fans of the franchise will be in seventh heaven. Street Fighter fans need not apply but if you're on the lookout for an upbeat brawler you can't go too wrong with Bakugan: Defenders of the Core.

One shock was that the awesome 24/7 mode has been axed, in favour of the dubiously named Blacktop Mode. This is essentially a pick up and play selection of game types, designed for those that don’t understand basketball that well.

Overall, Def Jam: Rapstar is a one-of-a-kind karaoke game that fans of rap music will appreciate, despite the censoring of the songs. There's just about enough content in the game to justify a full price purchase and with downloadable content on offer, this could be a title that's around for some time to come.

Despite being able to play this game for free on alternative platforms, it's well worthy of the 800 MSPs asked – definitely one to check out.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

On the whole, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is a great title that Harry Potter fans and gamers alike will enjoy, though its short length doesn’t make the title worth its £40 price tag.

It isn't quite perfect and has a number of other launch fitness titles to compete with, but as it stands if you feel the pounds are piling on or if you want to complement your gym visits or daily exercise, Your Shape is the perfect way to feel happy and healthy this winter.

A great addition to the Halo series. Whilst it’s not perfect, the rendition to a real-time strategy was a gamble worth taking and will be enjoyed by RTS and Halo fans alike.

To conclude, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 is a step in the right direction for the series, taking it back towards its roots, though also seeing technical developments to keep up with the FIFA series.

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.

PES2008 brings nothing new to the table. It’s the same old gameplay (which isn’t a bad thing), with subpar visuals and just passable sound. There’s nothing to keep you from sticking with PES6. It’s still good enough to play and enjoy, but not even having a reasonable online game is pathetic.

The increased rider control really makes it feel like you are an MX pro, skidding round the tracks like you know what you're doing. However, the improved physics can make bikes and, especially, ATVs feel like you're riding a squirrel with a sugar high as opposed to a finely tuned vehicle – a lot of fun but ultimately out of control.

If you’re looking for a charming, fun and relaxing title to sink some hours into after a hard day, then Prince of Persia is the one for you. This is not a title that’s going to challenge or compel you to replay over and over.

Wakeboarding HD is a fun title with a simple control system that’s easy to learn but will take some dedication to master, and provides some entertaining enjoyment without getting heavy or serious.

SBK X is one for the simulation fans, and although there is a substantial arcade mode included, if that's more your racing style, you're probably better off looking at MotoGP. There's a lot to this title and a lot to like; the career mode willl definitely take some dedication to get through, but it just doesn't quite put across the thrill of bike racing the same way its competition does. For that reason, it only gets second place on the podium.

Whether Bionic Commando will be enjoyment personified will depend on one simple thing – having the dedication to master Spencer's Bionic Arm.

Overall, Apache: Air Assault is up there as one of the best simulations you can find on a console.

If you can get this game on the cheap or rental you’d be damned not to check this game out - even if it is for stunning CGI sequences, epic bosses, the odd boob shot and the brainless bashing of the undead.

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.

Overall Konami have upped their game in terms of bringing back the good old days of Pro Evolution Soccer. However with EA's FIFA series has been growing leaps and bounds each year, I'm not too sure if it's too late for Konami to gain the fans interest back.

H.A.W.X. has a lot of potential, and some nice ideas. Unfortunately it falls short off the mark in a few areas, which is a real shame.

If you're a fan of wrestling, you'll doubtless enjoy the game on a further level, but if not, it still makes a fun distraction from the class-a titles. It is an acquired taste though, so if you're not sure, this is definitely one to rent first.

Overall Konami have upped their game in terms of bringing back the good old days of Pro Evolution Soccer. However with EA's FIFA series has been growing leaps and bounds each year, I'm not too sure if it's too late for Konami to gain the fans interest back.

On the face of it, The End Is Nigh is just a brawler, and it pulls it off pretty well, but for the recently increased Watchmen fanbase, it will offer further content and backstory in which to indulge themselves and further understand the mystery, the magic and the murder that is Watchmen.

Conan is fun to play and it’s gory, but to be honest it‘s not worth its £40 RRP, maybe £25. I was expecting Conan to be poor, but it was nice to get a shock of playing a good title.

Any wrestling fan would love to play SvR 09 though, just don't expect anything too exciting in the single player aspects of the game. Worth a rent, or a cheap purchase.

All things considered and all the highs and lows of the Sega Mega Drive experience, Ultimate Collection is a good buy for any gamer old or new.

If you're considering making an investment in a massive time sink of a game, then Blood Bowl could be your answer. It is definitely a game for the reserved thinking man - there is no way it can be beaten with simple button-mashing.

If you are a SEGA nut like me, you will adore many aspects found in SEGA Superstars Tennis. You will also leave the experience however wanting more in both single player and online.

More of a stocking filler than an under the tree type of purchase.

But is it justifiable now to release a yearly installment or would they be better off releasing premium updates to current versions of the game? Only EA can answer that question, but they better start thinking fast because the series could become a little stale too soon.

If you are prone to having many house parties and find moments in which you would desperately want to embarrass yourself, or those around you, Lips could be just the game to spice the mood up a little. On the other hand if you consider yourself a ‘hardcore’ gamer or expect to enjoy Lips solo, you may be better off giving your lips a reset and wait for a successor on the 360.

It's the equivalent of getting a donkey, strapping a jetpack to it but only filling the tank halfway. It takes something old that's been way overused, attaches something new to it to add more fun, but then takes away this fun and orginality by being too short. OK, that was a terrible analogy, but you get the picture.

The multiplayer is probably the best part of this game. It combines simple fun and “pick-up-and-playability” very well.

In short, Under Siege is a fast-paced, good-looking, accessible RTS that falls down only due to its sudden difficulty spikes and unremarkable story.

Medal of Honor Heroes 2 is far from perfection and is riddled with inadequacies mainly due in part to the drab environments, but as far as first person shooters go, this is actually an eye opening experience.

Unfortunately it falls short on map variety, and graphical polish, which is what is stopping me from really recommending this game.

The Club is a bold attempt at trying something new in the next gen arena while prodding and poking us older gamers with joys of an almost forgotten age, however whether this title actually works is far more dependent on your perceptions of enjoyment.

EA Sports have achieved moderate success with their first step into the MMA space providing a game that plays well and contains some promising features that give incentive to dedicated play, however it unfortunately falls short by failing to introduce the player to the game's complexities and missing core issues such as player disconnects cutting stat tracking short.

EA Sports have achieved moderate success with their first step into the MMA space providing a game that plays well and contains some promising features that give incentive to dedicated play, however it unfortunately falls short by failing to introduce the player to the game's complexities and missing core issues such as player disconnects cutting stat tracking short.

Despite having some great gameplay, SR: TVG is ultimately let down by its serious lack of depth.

I cannot give the game the ultimate praise it deserves. It isn’t perfect (and with its satirical humour, it knows that!), and it certainly isn’t Shadow Complex, but what it is, is a nostalgic piss-take of the things we used to love.

Overall this is a great little package, even though it is one that feels like it won't be truly perfected until next year.

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.

However if you want to go solo into a new gaming experience, this is no Army of One.

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.

Whilst there doesn't appear to be much to Galaga Legions on the surface, there is a level of tactical skill in placing craft in the right place at the right time, as well as a memory game for the swarm patterns. As a twitch shooter, there's a definite addictive quality that is perfect for the arcade high-score chase.

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.

Vandal Hearts represents a good thirty hours of gaming, though much of it remains quite repetitive, the story really isn't particularly interesting and is also quite slowly paced.

Flock is an Xbox LIVE Arcade title you’ll either totally love, or udderly despise. If you enjoy the demo, the full game is worth a purchase, even at 1200 Microsoft Points.

Overall Pid is an artistic, visually and audibly beautiful game that offers a lengthy experience for the Xbox LIVE Arcade. The majority of the game has the fun, retro platforming we all know and love, but comes along with the extremely tough boss battles that haunt us in our dreams.

MotoGP 10/11 is a solid enough racer once you get to grips with the somewhat iffy handling. There are plenty of options to play with, a career mode that will keep you going and although the online racing aspect is likely to disappoint due to lack of opponents, it's decent enough when you find a lobby to your liking. The real drawback here is that things are identical to MotoGP 09/10, which again is identical to MotoGP 08. If you already have the previous title, it's debatable as to whether there's enough content here to warrant a full-price purchase, especially given the free 2010 season update for the last game. It's one to wait till the bargain bin beckons.

Fighting game enthusiasts will have a great time with Arcana Heart 3 and probably spend a decent amount of time playing it well into the next year, but for those who only like to dabble in the fighting genre every now and then this may be one to miss. Unless you are truly bored until the big titles come out at the end of the year, I'd say save your cash, unless of course you have a fetish for girl on girl action…of the fighting variety.

MotoGP 10/11 is a solid enough racer once you get to grips with the somewhat iffy handling. There are plenty of options to play with, a career mode that will keep you going and although the online racing aspect is likely to disappoint due to lack of opponents, it's decent enough when you find a lobby to your liking. The real drawback here is that things are identical to MotoGP 09/10, which again is identical to MotoGP 08. If you already have the previous title, it's debatable as to whether there's enough content here to warrant a full-price purchase, especially given the free 2010 season update for the last game. It's one to wait till the bargain bin beckons.

It's certainly a worthwhile investment for the intended audience, particularly in co-op, but one to trial before a purchase for the more hardcore audience.

If you're prepared to put up with a little bit of grinding and can deal with some of the more repetitive missions outside of the main quest, there's a lot here to enjoy. For those hankering for an Elite style fix, there's definitely an amount of homage and given that there's a distinct gap in this genre, DarkStar One is ahead of its competition.

Anyone looking for the fun, stress free pleasure of a sandbox game then this is for you.

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.

Superstars V8 Racing is a very good racing title, despite a few flaws, which will undoubtedly pass through almost everyone's radar. This is ideal for racing fans looking to pass time whilst awaiting Forza Motorsport 3 with great anxiety.

Overall, Cars 2 is surprisingly enjoyable. While there's a distinct lack of storytelling, this isn't a particularly bad thing for a racing title. The campaign could have done with being a bit longer and there's little replayability after it has been completed but, other than that, this is a great title that shouldn't be overlooked for being a kid's game.

Nonetheless, if players are willing to dedicate some time to the title and adapt to the game's slightly-unforgiving gameplay, the reward is a thoroughly entertaining Xbox Live Arcade title.

Rocket Knight certainly bares it's 16-bit brethren well, taking an interesting character with plenty of uniqueness and not spoiling it with a remake and re-visioning.

The game is still enjoyable, taking down a metallic T-Rex and seeing those limbs fly off in all directions as your katana rips through an enemy’s body is extremely satisfying. The issue is that the game feels empty, soulless; Tecmo seem to have released it for the sole reason to generate additional revenue as they no doubt begin designing Ninja Gaiden 4.

Whilst the steampunk atmosphere is really enthralling, the soundtrack delightful, the cut-scenes interesting, and complete with a level of sense of humour to the whole thing, the battle system really does have a massive and infuriating learning curve.

This is a great starting block for what future MMO gaming and online gaming could be like on consoles and while some seasoned MMO players may be left wanting more, for me it’s enjoyable enough.

Overall Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a love letter to the 1980s cult classic. Sticking to its platforming roots, the game presents a classic difficulty with a new twist on the genre. While it may not be the best of its class by today’s standards, if you’re looking for a challenging platformer with a new visual twist, you may want to give this title a shot.

Keita Takahashi should be saluted for releasing something that could have so easily fallen flat on its face. Adventurous and inventive software such as this, definitely deserves a look.

To conclude; James Cameron’s Avatar: The Game is one of the better movie-to-game tie-ins. The amount of replayability and closeness to the film, outweigh the slight repetitiveness and short-lived online play to rate the title as a one to consider.

Capcom have produced a competent racer, one with a good range of option twiddling, that's accessible to all levels of skill. However, there's nothing here that hasn't been seen before, and there are no surprises waiting to be discovered.

There are a zillion game modes to keep both hardcore and casual fans happy, and minus my troubles with Xbox LIVE I’ve enjoyed my 2K experience.

Chances are that if you liked the movie you will love the game, and if not, by all means rent the game for a week as it’s definitely worth it.

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.

Whilst the steampunk atmosphere is really enthralling, the soundtrack delightful, the cut-scenes interesting, and complete with a level of sense of humour to the whole thing, the battle system really does have a massive and infuriating learning curve.

For some strange reason the cost of this game has gone down rapidly and can be found for as little as five pounds, so even if you find it's not the game for you, you can't complain at that price.

With no major update to the visuals or sound and a lack of online players, you really have to ask the question; is it worth it for a few mechs? If you are a cult fan of the series, then yes it is. But for the new players and the guys sitting on the fence, there are far better things to spend a tenner on.