With 45 increasingly challenging battlefields to cross, and a surprisingly well-made arcade bonus game to boot, Non Flying Soldiers will satisfy your puzzle fix

The game isn't quite as pick-up-and-play friendly as Temple Run, requiring more finger agility due to the constant switching between lanes, but once you get started it can be just as difficult to put down.

Too often it requires multiple playthroughs of the same level to earn enough money to advance. The levels themselves also tend to last a few more waves than they should given the amount of repetition. But if taken in short bursts, tower defense fans will keep coming back for the strategic and action-multitasking Commando Jack has to offer.

Resources can also be used to open shops, which can upgrade your weapons, magic and skills to help you survive further into the dungeon. Each dungeon run is scored, with your ultimate goal to reach a score of 10,000,000, hence the game's title. It will take dozens upon dozens of attempts to even come close to that score, but each failure is met with the compulsion to try just one more time in this addicting RPG puzzler.

With Deadlight, Tequila Works has clearly taken inspiration from the critical and commercial recent success of Limbo on Xbox Live Arcade. The gameplay in this original survivalist horror title nods to PlayDead's masterpiece, but that is not a bad thing.

iOS platformer fans could certainly do worse than to pick up SolaRola, but there are several far more polished and fun examples of the genre available on mobile devices.

For a more traditional challenge there is also the survival mode, which drops blocks at timed intervals for a fast-paced challenge. It all plays fantastically on the iPad, and makes for a unique twist puzzle fanatics will enjoy.

As a simple hack and slash game, ORC: Vengeance is a good fit for mobile. But while it may look the part of a console or PC quality game, it lacks much of the depth and customization of its dungeon crawling contemporaries.

Purists and fans of the original will get their nostalgia's worth with Spy vs Spy but it was clearly made with only the most ardent of original fans in mind. Even they may wish to leave their memories in the past, as some of the rough edges that were forgiven 29 years ago are downright jagged today.

Though not without its charms, the mediocre gameplay and unambitious level design makes Brave feel more like a downloadable release than a fully-fledged retail title.

If taken in quick bursts, Party Wave can be pretty fun, but once you've seen the first four or five levels, there aren't going to be many surprises to keep you going.

However, it is rather irritating that one of those extra units is something so essential as the medic class, which gives those willing to pay more a significant advantage. Even with that drawback, Great Big War Game lives up to its name and is a great pick for any strategy game fan.

Fieldrunners 2 is definitely geared towards tower defense veterans, so newcomers to the genre will quickly become overwhelmed, but those looking for a new strategic challenge to conquer will get a lot out of this sequel.

Fur Fighters: Viggo on Glass is the full Dreamcast game adapted to the iPad without being locked by in-app purchases, so there is a lot of content to keep you coming back. That is, assuming you can cope with the touch controls.

In a perfect world, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD will lead to a brand new game in the series, because the core mechanics are just as fun as ever. But the bare-bones presentation around those mechanics may not be quite the return to form for which fans had hoped.

While The Dark Knight Rises doesn't quite live up to its cinematic namesake, Gameloft deserve credit for capturing the feel of the Arkham titles if not the depth and challenge. It's very true to the film without being a classic in its own right, so the so-called Nolanites will no doubt find something to appreciate here.

With better controls, Fix-It Felix Jr. could actually be something really special on mobile devices. Even with its faults, Fix-It Felix Jr. is still a charming homage to classic 8-bit gaming.

The game can become a bit of a grind as more challenging missions may require multiple attempts, but the core swinging mechanic remains fun throughout. Knights of the Round Cable captures the feel of an easy to learn, difficult to master game with controls perfectly suited for touch devices.

The core puzzles are identical to last year's game, so Cassie's Contraptions fans may not feel the need to buy the same game again, but brainteaser fans will enjoy the creativity from the community-built stages.

As Resident Evil continues to follow the Michael Bay school of thought on tension and Silent Hill struggles to finds its identity, Project Zero is really among the premier survival horror game franchises.

In closing, The Secret World might well have worked better as a third-person action adventure with a co-op focus, rather than a fully-fledged MMO. Had the developers gone down this route, it could still have delivered that thrilling story-based experience, but also provided more in-depth combat mechanics. As its stands, it feels like a collection of inventive ideas that haven't been used to their full potential.

Overall, Inversion is a game that feels instantly familiar, and not in a good way. The game lifts heavily from more illustrious sources, while its own unique selling point, gravity powers, never feels fully exploited. But equally, the game is a solid and reasonably well-produced shooter that is fun to play, particularly with other people. As long as you don't expect a revolution, you will have a good time battling this particular alien invasion.

The Amazing Spider-Man is one of the more successful movie tie-ins in recent memory, with a solid if short single-player campaign and an enormously enjoyable web-swinging mechanic. The sense of freedom and fun gleaned from swinging through Manhattan makes the latest Beenox release one worth checking out, despite its shortcomings. Much like Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker, the development team is starting to get to grips with its powers, pointing towards a greater adventure still to come.

AXL is set apart from its predecessors through a unique boost system. Players gather orbs throughout the track to fill their boost meter, and must slam on the breaks to charge and release for a burst of speed. This adds a bit of risk to boosting so that it isn't always the magic win ability.

While the puzzles are fun and challenging, it is the game's presentation that puts it over the top. The world of Nihilumbra is gorgeously realized through fantastic artwork, animation and a haunting soundtrack.

If you're looking for Frogger, this is the best mobile version. Just turn down the grating music and don't expect much replay value from the bonus modes.

The game even features matchmaking based on your skill level, ensuring that you and your opponent are evenly matched. With so many asynchronous multiplayer games popping up, it may seem easy to skip the latest craze, but passing on Outwitters would be a huge mistake for even the most casual strategy fan.

Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise is one of the best mini-game compilations on the Wii, which is quite remarkable considering the competition.

Before long each death will seem like a new dare, taunting you to try just one more time. After all, next time will be different, with a new layout offering the possibility of new outcomes. As you slide deeper and deeper into Spelunky's depths, you can almost make out the sound of the game laughing at you.

Judged purely on its merits as a piece of downloadable content, 'Dawnguard' doesn't quite live up to its rather steep 1600 Microsoft Points (£15 / $20) price tag. The plot, missions and marquee features aren't as strong as they could be, failing to leave much of an impression past the relatively brief questline. However, it's the little things that help Dawnguard capture that Skyrim magic, leaving players thirsty for more.

The developers at The Game Bakers already proved they could make a great game with Squids last year, and now with Squids Wild West they have turned it into one of the deepest and most enjoyable franchises on iOS.

Dead Trigger has style to spare, but the reliance on in-app purchases kills some of its substance.

As the difficulty gradually ramps up the longer players survive. Death is frequent, but the menus quickly bring you right back into the action for a constant stream of telling yourself 'just one more try'. Unstoppable Fist is aptly named, as once you get started it's a hard one to put down.

Despite The Amazing Spider-Man's ambitions, the game's imprecise controls aren't suited to letting players do whatever a spider can.

While Final Fantasy has lost its way in recent years, Theatrhythm is a warm, wonderful reminder of why you fell in love with the series in the first place. While your mileage will depend on your familiarity with the series, in its own right this is a fun and quirky rhythm game full of neat ideas, but for long-time Final Fantasy fans this is nigh-on essential.

In summary, The Ratchet & Clank Trilogy collects three games that everyone should play in one affordable bundle. Extras might be few and far between, but Idol Minds has done a great job rendering the titles in HD. It's cross-genre gameplay at its finest, complete with memorable characters, expert level design and one of the best arsenals this side of Borderlands. A highly recommended trip down memory lane.

There are lots of events that can be enjoyed time and time again, although far less than the 46 advertised. Motion controls add very little, but do at least offer new ways to experience the game, alongside a plethora of game modes. While London 2012: The Game may fall short of Gold, it's certainly deserving of a respectable Bronze.

Lollipop Chainsaw is silly, short-lived fun that won't appeal to everybody, but shouldn't fail to leave a lasting impression on players who stick with it to the end.

Spec Ops: The Line lacks innovation or polish in its gameplay, but makes up for it with a story that genuinely has impact and meaning. Whilst the ending is a bit limp, the overall narrative raises serious questions about the duty of a soldier, and how far that goes. Whilst the multiplayer does not quite hit the same heights, this is still a shooter that stands on its own and is not afraid to show the ugly side of the Call of Duty dream.

Taken on its own, Asphalt 7 is the best game in the series so far, but it does little to differentiate itself from its predecessors aside from price.

Centipede Origins keeps the classic formula intact, while introducing fun new elements and a vibrant visual style to update it for modern smartphones.

Pocket Planes is a free-to-play title, but the intake of both coins and cash come at a fairly consistent rate, allowing a player to progress without actually making an in-app purchase.

Quantum Conundrum is a fun and thought-provoking take on the physics-based puzzler. It's quirky and challenging with enough depth to its mechanics to keep players persevering when the going gets tough. If lateral thinking is your thing, you can't go far wrong with this one.

Despite feeling instantly familiar, LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes isn't just more of the same. It improves the core gameplay of the series, adds new features and characters, offers a long, engaging and well-presented story and swaps the hub area for a visually rich and fun-packed Gotham City to explore. There are issues that need addressing in the open world, but this is still the best LEGO game in the franchise so far.

Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor is the first genuine hardcore Kinect game, something that makes it so much more appealing. Despite some flashy visuals and a hard as nails single-player mode, there's a sense that Heavy Armor would be a little dull if played exclusively with a controller.

The Game of Thrones video game takes a while to get going, but perseverance is rewarded with an engaging story full of tough choices and interesting dilemmas. Unfortunately, the plot is let down by poor storytelling, sloppy visuals and mediocre gameplay, despite a relatively deep combat system.

Virtual Fighter 5: The Final Showdown shows its age when compared to triple-A contemporary fighters, but it works well as a budget-friendly downloadable release. While the single player modes don't offer a wealth of longevity, there's enough bang for buck value to be found in the online multiplayer to keep the fanbase happy.

It's remarkable that a game as lengthy as Dragon's Dogma and with as little plot development manages to hold our interest through to an excellent finale. The combat system is undoubtedly the glue that holds the game together, providing a compelling reason to keep playing.

DiRT Showdown is not just a spinoff of DiRT 3, and that is not because DiRT 4 is in development deep within Codemasters. The game is a deliberate shift in the DiRT series to a new direction, without upsetting core rally fans by changing or dropping the trademark precision racing. It could be said that DiRT Showdown is to DiRT what the Zombies mode is to Treyarch's Call of Duty; fun, violent and never takes itself too seriously.

Resistance: Burning Skies can be linear and its mission objectives predictable, but it has the look and feel of a fully-fledged shooter, and that's something you won't find elsewhere. The visuals look almost on par with its PS3 forebears on the smaller screen and the gameplay endeavours match them in scope and intensity. In theory, it should be a classic, but a weak story and straightforward missions makes it only surface-deep.

Gravity Rush is one of the most impressive titles to land on the Vita to date. It's rare to see a project with such lofty ambitions executed so well. The bold new mechanics are complemented by an engaging story, striking visuals and atmospheric soundtrack. If you were looking for an excuse to purchase the Sony handheld, look no further than this must-have gem.

As the first part of a planned game trilogy, it ends on a cliffhanger, leaving plenty of room for the developers to improve future iterations. However, if this first outing is any indication, perhaps The Doctor isn't quite ready for primetime gaming yet.

Future Soldier could have ended up a real mess - and some hardcore Ghost Recon fans may still think it is - but the majority of players will find a really engaging game in both single and multiplayer. Ubisoft has managed to simplify some of the tactical aspects of the series and unite them with a broader action focus.

The mechanics of Mario Tennis Open are fine and should have been the base for another excellent handheld Mario Tennis spinoff. However, aside from a few bright spots, everything surrounding the tennis feels uninspired and in particular those looking for a solid single-player experience will quickly grow bored.

Max Payne 3 is an excellent shooter, providing hours of entertainment in both single and multiplayer modes. While it does prove occasionally repetitive, and isn't as sophisticated as some shooters on the market, its compelling plot and stylish storytelling techniques make up for most of the game's shortcomings.

What we have now is a Sonic game that takes a step forward from Episode 1, but is still a step back from a game half a year old. Sonic 4: Episode 2 certainly isn't the worst game to grace the series over the years, but not even the most steadfast Sonic fans will fondly remember Episode 2 as one of their favorites, if it is remembered at all.

Sever issues aside, players who approach Diablo 3 expecting a definitive dungeon crawler won't be disappointed. The basic formula is largely unchanged, but comes highly polished and bolstered by robust character customisation and strong co-op support. If hacking your way through hordes of demons and gathering loot hold any appeal, you won't find a better alternative.

Mortal Kombat on Vita is a solid port of a top-drawer fighter, but little more than that. if you already own the home consle edition, it's pretty much a question of how much the opportunity to play it on the go with added mini-games appeals.

It may be a little short of original ideas and the controls can be fiddly, but blockbuster titles like this are what we need to take tablet and smartphone gaming to the next level.

One thing you can say about MUD: FIM Motocross World Championship is that it's not short on in-game content and activities, even if they're poorly executed. But MUD: FIM Motocross World Championship fails to appease arcade enthusiasts or simulation fanatics, muddying the waters between two gameplay styles.

That is the dilemma of Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition. What is there is fun, but incomplete; with each purchase there is an investment of trust that Minecraft will grow and evolve on Xbox 360 as it continues to do on PC. Of course, those venturing into Minecraft's world for the first time would never know that pieces of the puzzle are still missing.

In closing, Sniper Elite V2 does a lot of things right. The tactical components have been well thought out, despite predictable enemy AI upsetting the balance somewhat. Minor issues aside, headshot enthusiasts and stealth fans will find much to love here.

Unfortunately, outside of Expedition, the rest of the package fails to score. Challenge mode has potential, especially when the tournament kicks off, but the lack of qualifying rounds, fully licensed teams and extras leaves this FIFA 12 expansion falling short in front of goal.

While Fable fans may be put off by the lack of a new chapter in the franchise's grand story, it's hard to deny the charm of Albion's miniature puppet incarnation. How long that charm will last depends entirely on how many friends join you.

Just like its predecessor, Prototype 2 excels as an open-world killing field, in which you can wrench anyone asunder in gory cascades of blood and guts. Underneath, it's a pretty standard action game featuring mundane missions that offer no real challenge, wrapped in a story that lacks substance and originality. But those players who can turn off their brain and just enjoy the ride will find Prototype 2's flavor of blood-soaked action a rather guilty pleasure

By no means the worst movie-based video game we've ever played, Battleship: The Game has some nice ideas, but fails to follow through on the concept. The marriage of real-time strategy and first-person action should elevate the title beyond the dreaded movie tie-in, but ends up feeling massively underdeveloped. One for the weekend perhaps, but Battleship: The Game's redeeming qualities are lost among a sea of mediocrity.

Trials Evolution takes the original's winning formula, improves the presentation, adds new game modes, multiplayer content and caps it off with an unbelievably deep level editing suite, giving the sequel near infinite replay value. Far from a lazy follow-up, or a quick cash-in, Trials Evolution takes a massive leap forward, proving beyond any shadow of a doubt that Xbox Live Arcade releases can hang with the best of them. The clue is in the name, this is a sequel that has well and truly evolved.

Fez is ultimately a game about games much in the same way Hugo is a film about films. Fez can be very demanding to get the most out of it, but without ever actually asking anything of you. Do not play Fez to beat it, but play to explore and get lost in its puzzles and pixilated world.

The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition is one of the most engaging and immersive games of this console generation, drawing players into a complex narrative, full of character, an excellent script and a rich gaming environment.

Rhythm Thief & The Emperor's Treasure features some excellent rhythm action gameplay, a well-executed narrative and an interesting array of colourful characters. While there are some pacing issues, particularly during exploration, and the odd mini-game that isn't quite up to scratch, this is largely a very successful marriage of music and adventure. If they ever made Professor Layton: The Musical, Rhythm Thief & The Emperor's Treasure is what you'd be left with, a charming game perfectly suited to the portable.

Despite slight control problems that can hamper portability - and unfortunately the multiplayer - there's an awful lot to like in Kid Icarus: Uprising, making Pit's return one well worth the wait.

Remains the definitive video game golfing experience.

Despite suffering from many of the same issues that typify Microsoft's motion controlled experience, Kinect Star Wars is actually a very good game. The presentation is superb, and while some game modes are more fleshed out than others, none feel like they've been tacked on or overlooked.

The unimpressive visuals make a mockery of the HD moniker, while the lack of extras and bonus material does nothing to entice long-standing fans. Silent Hill HD Collection isn't short on scares, but it's lacking in almost every other department.

Lacks the sparkle of games such as Split/Second or Burnout. The destruction elements feel a bit weak, the cars control poorly at times and the computer AI is truly merciless. The biggest problem, though, is the lack of a proper tutorial in the game, a sure-fire way to alienate many players almost instantly.

Bit.Trip Saga may be lacking in frills, but it certainly isn't short on thrills. Granted, there are occasional problems with the 3DS controls, while the lack of extras compared to the Wii release is a little disappointing, but overall Bit.Trip Saga is an entertaining collection of games well suited to the small screens of the Nintendo 3DS.

The game has a lamentable amount of bugs and the combat is rather basic, but you will still have fun playing it. Intelligent level design means that the campaign is engaging pretty much throughout, but it's the sense of atmosphere that really brings back some of the Silent Hill magic.

While FIFA Street doesn't have the depth of its annually-updated bigger brother, the latest release is a much more rounded product than past iterations. For the most part, the developers have succeeded in combining the sparkle of street football with the fundamentals that make the beautiful game so appealing.

The problems with the computer AI make the single player a bit of a chore, and while the online co-op action is frantic and fun, it's also chaotic and lacking a bit of flow. There are quite a few glitches in the campaign, including zombies disappearing into scenery, or just disappearing entirely, and the set piece battles are hardly jaw-dropping.

With this being EA's sixth add-on to the game, fresh ideas are beginning to look thin on the ground with concepts from previous packs re-emerging. That said, Sims fanatics will always be hungry for new content, so there's no reason why this won't be another roaring success.

Much more than an amalgamation of two classic series. The game builds on Street Fighter IV's award-winning formula by introducing innovative new mechanics, and the result is one of the most tactically rich fighters on the market.

A very familiar experience, but it's also one that is well-presented, well-designed, and, most importantly, enjoyable to play.

A triumphant return for the series. It may not be the most realistic extreme sports sim out there, but it captures everything fans have loved about the franchise since its 2000 debut, and brings a raft of innovative new features to the table. You won't find a better snowboarding experience elsewhere.

Could have been a thriller if there was more content for players to sink their teeth into. The gameplay hits all of the right notes, and is enjoyable enough to whisk you away, but you'll come crashing back down to reality once the playlist has run dry.

Zipper Interactive should be commended for its efforts to inspire replay value, but not necessarily for its level of imagination.

If I Am Alive were to be described in a single word, that word would be bleak. It is unapologetic in its presentation and unafraid to cross lines that most games never dare to approach. Those crossed lines are certainly through its subject matter, but also in its gameplay through the possibility of causing permanent damage to your stamina bar. It all comes together to make I Am Alive an uncompromising game of survival, quite unlike anything else on the Xbox 360.

While there is a definite finality to Mass Effect 3, the wealth of plot-based variables are likely to inspire second, third and fourth playthroughs, not just of the latest game but of the entire trilogy. Mass Effect 3 is truly unique in this respect, leaving no stone unturned and offering full closure, yet still leaving players with countless 'what ifs'. It's these unanswered questions that have driven the Mass Effect experience, and will motivate players to see their mission through to its glorious end.

Limited multiplayer options aside, Lumines Electronic Symphony blends puzzle, rhythm and visuals together in an almost euphoric way. What looks like a humble block-shifting affair at first glance is actually one of the best titles in the PS Vita's launch lineup. Throw in one of the best soundtracks you're ever likely to hear and we have an excellent purchase on our hands.

Asura's Wrath is undoubtedly a niche title, and the lack of extended player input will leave some feeling a little short changed. For those with an appreciation of Eastern animation and quirky video games, however, Asura's Wrath is one of the more intriguing releases of this year, not to mention this console generation.

The fact that Journey has so effectively condensed the experience into a two-hour interactive poem is an astonishing achievement. It is the evolution of Jason Rohrer's art game Passage, bringing an unmatched humanity to the experience through its multiplayer.

It's one of the most unique and charming looking games you'll ever play, and the pick-up-and-play value makes it perfect for a handheld. Minor control issues prevent it from achieving perfection, but it's still perhaps the most effective showcase of the Vita hardware to date.

A game best played in short bursts. Extended sessions prove slightly tedious, while a few poor design choices mar what is otherwise an enjoyable, albeit shallow, action game.

The dual-stick shooter impresses from both gameplay and visual standpoints, without bringing anything new to the genre.

Who would have thought that a budget digital title would actually outshine some of the big guns of the PS Vita launch lineup? It's the perfect amalgamation of old and new that will please MotorStorm fans and the nostalgia brigade alike.

The game is almost on par with FIFA 12 on the PS3, though the animation marginally falters on occasion. The player likenesses are impressive, and the stadiums rendered in vivid detail. Overall, it's a fantastic looking game.

The game does what the series has excelled at since day one, provide an accessible golfing experience that anyone can enjoy. Unlike some of the other titles in the Sony platform's library, this one doesn't rely on gimmicks. Its focus is solid gameplay, depth and charm, and it has these things down to a tee.

While Starbreeze Studios may have some trouble convincing die-hard Syndicate fans to open their hearts and minds to the series' new style and direction, its multiplayer offering should breach many a gaming session for some time to come.

F1 2011 is a laudable attempt at scaling down a sophisticated simulation racer for a handheld platform, but it would have benefited from stronger AI and more challenge. In its defense, it caters well for newcomers due to its casual Challenges mode and forgiving level of difficulty, but still falls marginally short of expectations.