Ayumi's is a dumbed down airhead heroine, in a title that's simple and easy to play; it's hack-and-slash all the way. From that view point, X-Blades wholly fulfils its raison d'etre.

Retro fans will no doubt rejoice, as will gamers who love the pad breaking frustration of a challenge.

Greatest of all, this is a game that's easy to relax with, as a wind-down to the more usual murder-death-kill of many modern games. Bejewelled 2 really is a gem of casual gaming.

Afro Samurai is a game that is a wonder to behold, but actually looks more fun than it is.

As a sequel, it can never be counted as being as innovative as the original, but Skate 2 has taken the very best offered in Skate and ironed out most of the creases.

Whilst Skate 2 isn't polished to a gleaming shine, sporting issues with the environment, both getting stuck on it and manipulating items within it, it is an accomplished game.

There is enough in the short story mode that hooks you in and keeps you entertained, even if it may only be for an afternoon or so. Let’s hope we see maw from The Maw, in the future.

Star Wars: Battlefront stood ahead in a long list of rubbish Star Wars licenses games, and it seems that this time around Pandemic have fallen on the wrong side of the fence, sitting amongst many poor Lord of the Rings licensed games.

A disappointing experience. Whilst there are moments of greatness; such as playing as an Elk and splattering fields of Orcs with boisterous branches, the rest is a travesty.

This game might appeal to fans of looking for items in small images but that's it. I'm not really sure how they could have improved the game overall. Maybe get rid of the stupid plot which has nothing to do with the game, reduce the stupid price tag of 800 Ms points and you might have something to keep you occupied for 30 minutes or so.

Doritos: Dash of Destruction isn’t the best of games available from the Xbox LIVE Arcade, but for free it is a must-download – especially for achievement junkies looking to earn some easy GamerScore.

Rise of the Argonauts rises to the challenge but comes crashing down. It feels like a cut-down RPG, despite the rather broad dialogue options.

Even as I come to the end of the review, I’m still pondering whether Banjo-Kazooie is worth the 1200 Microsoft Points tag. Yes you get a fun-filled adventure which many players will enjoy, but the lack of replayability is an off-putting factor.

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.

Fans of the original will be pleased to know that no radical changes have taken place with the engine.

As long as you don't enter into the story looking for a masterpiece, you should enjoy it.

An accomplished Sonic game leaving us wanting more.

A great game where many hours can easily pass by without you noticing.

While the camera is still iffy at times and puzzles not as challenging as I would have expected, the fascinating storyline provides enough twists and turns to keep you engaged.

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.

Left 4 Dead is a fantastic game. Not exactly flawless, but tremendous fun. And by tremendous fun, I mean the equivalent of riding the best roller-coaster in the world, whilst eating the best piece of cake in the world, whilst the most beautiful woman in the world does unspeakable things to you.

The framerate is so shockingly bad, it effects the entire enjoyment of the experience.

All in all I am really disappointed in Need for Speed Undercover. EA have focussed more on the cut-scenes and sound of the game and have forgotten about what actually made the Need for Speed series fun many years ago.

As a fan of fighting games in general, with fond memories of the Mortal Kombat series, I find it a shame that the new direction that the developers have taken one of the most renowned series in gaming as one of shallowness, filled with generic design flaws.

Overall the game is bland. As bland as the colour of the snow. As shallow as a frozen puddle. As frustrating as Shaun White himself. Ubisoft tried to take the crown from the likes of Amped and SSX but tripped on the carpet leading to the crown and spiked themselves on the Royal sceptre nearby.

If you are tempted by the style of gameplay and fancy yourself as a perfectionist when it comes to avid competition, be sure to make the jump as Mirror’s Edge is one of the more promising titles this autumn.

Mirror’s Edge is without doubt a beautiful game, that can both thrill and frustrate with equal measure. Those willing to live with the evils of pixel perfect button timings will get a lot of pleasure from the game.

Red Alert 3 adds some welcome changes that really add to the C&C formula.