Fans will still find a few surprises this time around, including a form of multiplayer support available from a single DS card, but it's in the colour-based wisp abilities that the game tries to stand out from the crowd.

Definitely one to avoid.

A treat to behold for fans of the zombie genre or otherwise, this add-on comes recommended to anyone looking for a macabre twist on the Red Dead formula.

A treat to behold for fans of the zombie genre or otherwise, this add-on comes recommended to anyone looking for a macabre twist on the Red Dead formula.

There is little doubt that Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes will be lapped up by tactical action fans; it is mechanically robust, pleasing on the eye and has a vitality that has been sorely missing in recent Dynasty Warrior releases. Those not already enamoured with the genre will find less to enjoy here however.

There is little doubt that Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes will be lapped up by tactical action fans; it is mechanically robust, pleasing on the eye and has a vitality that has been sorely missing in recent Dynasty Warrior releases. Those not already enamoured with the genre will find less to enjoy here however.

By not changing too much from the original template Blue Castle Games have ensured that Dead Rising 2 will likely elicit as divisive a response as its predecessor. Which is fine because Dead Rising 2, a bundle of contradictions with a neat line in bespoke weaponry, isn't an easy game to love at all. Take the plunge though, and you'll find one of 2010's most singular, bloody-minded, and fascinating videogames.

As a platform-hopping back street brawler, Shank succeeds in carving its very own niche, earning a place on the hard drive of anyone looking for a brutal treat with which to stave off the remainder of the gaming drought.

With a toe-tapping soundtrack, glitzy presentation and obvious accessibility, Sonic 4 Episode 1 has much to be proud of. Gamers who recall the early nineties and yearn for a simpler time when true 3d was restricted to bad sci-fi movies should lap this title up, but there's definitely a sense that it could, or indeed should have been more.

With a toe-tapping soundtrack, glitzy presentation and obvious accessibility, Sonic 4 Episode 1 has much to be proud of. Gamers who recall the early nineties and yearn for a simpler time when true 3d was restricted to bad sci-fi movies should lap this title up, but there's definitely a sense that it could, or indeed should have been more.

With a toe-tapping soundtrack, glitzy presentation and obvious accessibility, Sonic 4 Episode 1 has much to be proud of. Gamers who recall the early nineties and yearn for a simpler time when true 3d was restricted to bad sci-fi movies should lap this title up, but there's definitely a sense that it could, or indeed should have been more.

If you can see past its shortfalls, can embrace the teeth-gnashing frustration that comes with winning everything but still coming last and if you can gather a group of like-minded people to join you, Wii Party can be a real party-popper.

For all its shortcomings, we still quite like Front Mission Evolved, especially as it manages to imbue a feeling of power in the player with its well made shooting mechanics better than many other shooters. While it is unlikely to be remembered for having any particularly remarkable features, it does what it does mostly very well.

Ultimately, H.A.W.X. 2 is a must for Tom Clancy and flight-sim fans.

Tragic in unused potential and perplexing in design, Hydrophobia never becomes more than the sum of its parts.

By not changing too much from the original template Blue Castle Games have ensured that Dead Rising 2 will likely elicit as divisive a response as its predecessor. Which is fine because Dead Rising 2, a bundle of contradictions with a neat line in bespoke weaponry, isn't an easy game to love at all. Take the plunge though, and you'll find one of 2010's most singular, bloody-minded, and fascinating videogames.

The last few years have seen the FIFA series come on leaps and bounds. This year is no different, with a welcome update to the visuals and presentation stakes, whilst again, EA have beaten down hurdles to bring gameplay to a delicate balance between realism and fun.

The last few years have seen the FIFA series come on leaps and bounds. This year is no different, with a welcome update to the visuals and presentation stakes, whilst again, EA have beaten down hurdles to bring gameplay to a delicate balance between realism and fun.

Regardless of whether Lara Croft: The Guardian of Light marks the future of the series or if is merely a side-project while the next full instalment is prepped and polished, it remains a remarkably successful experiment, and something of a bench-mark for downloadable gaming.

Elsewhere, the full offering of Guitar Hero 5's multiplayer and party play modes return, as do the addictive mini-challenges for each track (there's even a challenge which uses the Quest powers).

Elsewhere, the full offering of Guitar Hero 5's multiplayer and party play modes return, as do the addictive mini-challenges for each track (there's even a challenge which uses the Quest powers).

Elsewhere, the full offering of Guitar Hero 5's multiplayer and party play modes return, as do the addictive mini-challenges for each track (there's even a challenge which uses the Quest powers).

For all its shortcomings, we still quite like Front Mission Evolved, especially as it manages to imbue a feeling of power in the player with its well made shooting mechanics better than many other shooters. While it is unlikely to be remembered for having any particularly remarkable features, it does what it does mostly very well.

For all its shortcomings, we still quite like Front Mission Evolved, especially as it manages to imbue a feeling of power in the player with its well made shooting mechanics better than many other shooters. While it is unlikely to be remembered for having any particularly remarkable features, it does what it does mostly very well.

By not changing too much from the original template Blue Castle Games have ensured that Dead Rising 2 will likely elicit as divisive a response as its predecessor. Which is fine because Dead Rising 2, a bundle of contradictions with a neat line in bespoke weaponry, isn't an easy game to love at all. Take the plunge though, and you'll find one of 2010's most singular, bloody-minded, and fascinating videogames.

The tale is muddled and poorly executed, the action is unremarkable, and yet, for all its issues, Blade Kitten is still a playable game with enough sugary-sweet style to appeal to a younger audience – or indeed those with an interest in all things cat-girl.

The tale is muddled and poorly executed, the action is unremarkable, and yet, for all its issues, Blade Kitten is still a playable game with enough sugary-sweet style to appeal to a younger audience – or indeed those with an interest in all things cat-girl.

The tale is muddled and poorly executed, the action is unremarkable, and yet, for all its issues, Blade Kitten is still a playable game with enough sugary-sweet style to appeal to a younger audience – or indeed those with an interest in all things cat-girl.

It's not the perfect shooter by any stretch, if indeed such a thing could exist, but as a multiplayer effort there's every reason to expect the game to reach far into the coming year and beyond.

Tumble is, on the whole, what is expected from a launch title; that is, it demonstrates the technical nuance of the product, allowing users to get to grips with the new piece of kit while enjoying a decent puzzle game. The problem is, it lacks any sense of appeal in its muted visual style and cold, hard exterior, and the game never truly tests for long enough to be satisfying.

Ultimately there is every likelihood that UFC fans will be able to put up with these frustrations and in turn find the portable UFC title they had hoped for. The more casual audience however, might not be quite so patient.

Ultimately, H.A.W.X. 2 is a must for Tom Clancy and flight-sim fans.

Ultimately, H.A.W.X. 2 is a must for Tom Clancy and flight-sim fans.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep deserves to be considered as a top-tier PlayStation Portable title that combines high production values with some strong mechanics.

There is no question, however, that it offers the kind of well rounded, finely tuned experience that we've come to expect of Samus and as the linearity of the earlier parts of the game give way to more freeform exploration, it's clear that it does everything it can to satisfy both newcomers and series veterans alike.

The shorter experience and low asking price is traded in for a more accessible game than its predecessor; and whilst that may not be something neither Capcom nor Blue Castle had intended to encourage, it's certainly puts a positive spin on a concept that undoubtedly holds its fair share of entertaining sway.

It's barely the open-ended Mafia game that many were expecting, or indeed hoping for, but then it needn't be: Mafia II is of a quality that matches that of GTA and its rivals without the need for illogical side-missions.

While it may be a touch on the short side, it is still a game that has been crafted with a clear and uncompromising vision and we're happy that it has found a new home and – hopefully – a new audience on the Wii. If you have any interest at all in challenging and original game design, it really is more than worthy of your attention.

Regardless of whether Lara Croft: The Guardian of Light marks the future of the series or if is merely a side-project while the next full instalment is prepped and polished, it remains a remarkably successful experiment, and something of a bench-mark for downloadable gaming.

A quality racer that won't break the budget, we expect Hydro Thunder Hurricane to make waves this summer.

Limbo is a game about death that manages to invest the act of dying, at least in the context of gaming, with a rare impact – quite an achievement considering how often it happens.

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge is everything fans of the series would expect from a high-definition remake.

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge is everything fans of the series would expect from a high-definition remake.

Overall, it's not that Blacklight can't be enjoyed on its own merits, because it can in the most basic sense. But when held up to scrutiny and measured against those gunning for the same lucrative audience, it's hard to recommend Blacklight: Tango Down with an absolute guarantee that you'll be completely entertained.

Yet despite this, and despite it being a blast to play, we can't help but feel that Crackdown 2 doesn't quite achieve the greatness that fans of the original were no doubt hoping for.

Ultimately, whether or not Red Sun Rising succeeds or fails is a question of how much the player is enticed by either its historical setting or relatively niche genre. Awkward controls and a thunderous difficulty may threaten to spoil what is a WiiWare title of unrivalled depth and value, yet if you're ready to battle unforgiving AI, you'll find plenty of bang for your buck.

Takistan is still home to an erratic framerate, temperamental engine and the kind of sloppy AI that remains completely oblivious until you start firing.

By the simple virtue of being a more cleverly designed game than those from recent history combined with the clear love and appreciation for the source material, Lego Harry Potter firmly stands out as the most accomplished title in the Lego series yet.

By the simple virtue of being a more cleverly designed game than those from recent history combined with the clear love and appreciation for the source material, Lego Harry Potter firmly stands out as the most accomplished title in the Lego series yet.

Lacking in depth and diversity but not completely devoid of charm, the game is a playable yet troubled effort that warrants little more than a one-night rent.

Lacking in depth and diversity but not completely devoid of charm, the game is a playable yet troubled effort that warrants little more than a one-night rent.

Hugely enjoyable for the most part, Toy Story 3 can certainly be considered amongst the best of film to videogame tie-ins.

Hugely enjoyable for the most part, Toy Story 3 can certainly be considered amongst the best of film to videogame tie-ins.

Earthworm Jim HD is the very definition of a remastered classic.

It has a ridiculously high replay ability factor, it's a game that is dressed in its proverbial Sunday best with regards to both aesthetic and technical ability, and it makes the age-old videogame designer headache of creating an experience that is "easy to pick up, hard to put down" look easy.

All in all, it's well worth a purchase if you're yet to get into the series, and a worthy addition to the mounting pile for fans.

All in all, it's well worth a purchase if you're yet to get into the series, and a worthy addition to the mounting pile for fans.

Snoopy: Flying Ace is an enjoyable, well designed and great looking title – in fact, selling as it does for a measly 800 MS points, its production values are nothing short of astonishing.

What Obsidian has crafted is a decent first attempt that shamelessly borrows elements from some heavy-hitting titles in an attempt to make them its own. While we refrain from using the term 'unique' in any capacity, somehow the result feels fresh enough to warrant at least a single playthrough.

What Obsidian has crafted is a decent first attempt that shamelessly borrows elements from some heavy-hitting titles in an attempt to make them its own. While we refrain from using the term 'unique' in any capacity, somehow the result feels fresh enough to warrant at least a single playthrough.

Played in the right spirit Doom II is still a cracking action game. This XBLA re-release, at 800 points, represents good value for money.

On the whole however, it's hard to resist the basic level of fun that Blur's overall design attributes bring about.

On the whole however, it’s hard to resist the basic level of fun that Blur’s overall design attributes bring about.

If you've already been won over by last year's instalment though, THQ and Yukes have delivered a solid sequel that serves a strong warning to any would-be competitors – two rounds are down and they have no intention of giving up the fight.

If you’ve already been won over by last year’s instalment though, THQ and Yukes have delivered a solid sequel that serves a strong warning to any would-be competitors – two rounds are down and they have no intention of giving up the fight.

If sociable gaming is your thing, then prepare to put the pedal to the metal for a quirky experience that encourages a creative hand and patient mind. Everyone else should take it for a test drive first.

Games Distillery should be applauded for creating a well balanced, slickly presented shooter that, while it may do little to break down genre barriers, is occasionally inspired, always solid and consistently entertaining.

Despite its flaws, it has class in abundance, which fans of any type of genre will surely appreciate.

For all its achievements in aesthetics and game structure, perhaps the most significant feature of Red Dead Redemption is the way Rockstar has invested the experience with such a sense of nostalgia and poignancy, by stripping the open-world back to an era in which the telephone is the height of technology, an era which, in all its naivety, doesn't yet realise how fast the tide of progression and modernity will be.

For all its achievements in aesthetics and game structure, perhaps the most significant feature of Red Dead Redemption is the way Rockstar has invested the experience with such a sense of nostalgia and poignancy, by stripping the open-world back to an era in which the telephone is the height of technology, an era which, in all its naivety, doesn’t yet realise how fast the tide of progression and modernity will be.

When you finally take the key out of the ignition, step out of your hotrod and observe all the carnage that Split Second has wrought, the overriding impression is that this is one slick game.

When you finally take the key out of the ignition, step out of your hotrod and observe all the carnage that Split Second has wrought, the overriding impression is that this is one slick game.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is in many ways a very unassuming title; it slinked onto the scene with relatively little fanfare and has had few expectations placed on it by gaming fans, many of whom will likely dismiss it as 'just another Prince of Persia' or (at worst) a shoddy movie tie-in.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is in many ways a very unassuming title; it slinked onto the scene with relatively little fanfare and has had few expectations placed on it by gaming fans, many of whom will likely dismiss it as 'just another Prince of Persia' or (at worst) a shoddy movie tie-in.

Lost Planet 2 is an ambitious and enthusiastic title that is sadly lacking in focus, with a single player experience that falls some way short of the competition and a multiplayer campaign that is diminished by unconvincing AI opponents.

While it won’t be to everyone’s taste, for those with whom it does click, there’s every chance it will become something of a defining experience and the source of many nightmares to come – rousing stuff indeed, and for 1200 MS points it really shouldn’t be missed.

Super Street Fighter IV is a celebration of the Street Fighter series that adds a final, glossy lick of paint to the already sublimely polished original and, while it is unlikely to woo new fans, those already hopelessly addicted to Had?ken’s and Tatsumaki-Senp? Kyaku’s will be in their absolute element.

That said, should you have a penchant for beating your personal score and an extra 240 points to spare, then this Indie outing may well be worth a look. Everyone else can (probably) leave the princess with the monsters.

For those with fond memories of whittling time and money away in the arcades, Final Fight Double Impact is well worth a look.

Splinter Cell Conviction may still demand patient planning but when a well-conceived scenario pays off and the air fills with the cries of frightened soldiers, the sense of empowerment becomes palpable – indeed outright addictive.

Tied in with the absorbing and unique practice of continually upgrading your ship by collecting enhancements (after all, there can’t be many Breakout-clones which afford the paddle their own inventory screen?!) and AlphaBounce is an excellent advertisment for what can be done with ancient concepts given a fresh aesthetic (or: how creating a surface impression of depth can hide innate repetition).

It’s artistically weak, lacking in substance, and as a result is somewhat cut adrift from the rest of the battling pack.

Though it has a fair few flaws, Just Cause 2 remains a high octane love letter to anyone who delights in exploration and destruction.

It’s by no means a bad game, in parts it’s still devastatingly delightful and for 800MSP you could do far worse, but if you haven’t been on board before just don’t expect any fireworks.

Frustrating, taxing – Metro 2033 is also a curiously compelling refuge from the mundane.

But for now there're very few games that can match God of War 3's cinematic sensibility, its dynamics, its carnage.

And this is a shame; Fragile Dreams has the potential to be a classic survival horror, but instead its merely a slightly flawed, quirky, original and triumphantly Japanese addition to the genre.

Relic’s current RTS formula has almost become a subgenre of its own, and with Chaos Rising they effortlessly prove themselves masters of their domain.

There’s certainly a market for pick up and play arcade thrills, but Scrap Metal simply isn’t delivered with enough gusto to make much of an impact, with the looseness of many elements resulting in a game that is ultimately quite forgettable.

While nowhere near as technically accomplished as its Western peers Yakuza 3 nonetheless deserves to be experienced for the depth of its central character and its peerless depiction of contemporary metropolitan Japan.

With the game sporting high production values and an encouraging learning curve, it’s easy to recommend Toy Soldiers.

In this instance however, developer Etranges Libellules have crafted a game of rare quality, movie spin-off or not.

Fun, challenging and frustrating in just the right measures, the collection highlights the respect Sonic holds as an old-school entity, even though the years that followed spelt disaster and led to his dethroning as a modern icon.

It may struggle to satiate the hunger of the solo gamer, but the multiplayer offers enough content and variety to make it a title well worth dipping into; and for 500 points, that’s not a bad deal at all.

It definitely treads a very thin line, balancing interactivity and spectacle, but it is a balancing act that it gets absolutely right.

Whilst it wears its influences on its sleeve and won’t supersede Mario Kart DS as the handheld racer of choice, All-Stars Racing ensures a thrilling duel to the finish line.

Mario Kart may still hold the crown overall but All-Stars Racing is certainly the closest Sega has come to its own Smash Bros, and in its own little way suggests that, putting aside the welcome updates of classic franchises like After Burner, the still-mighty company has finally learnt to accept – and even revel – in its status outside of the hardware race.

The series has been off the radar long enough to appear fresh and this is exactly how it feels, making it easy to recommend to anyone after a solid game based on the AVP franchise.