Kinect Sports Season 2 is really only worth it if you're a brand new Kinect gamer and need something general to justify your purchase. Friends and family will get a kick out of it too, but you won't be compelled to play the game again on your own.

If the tablet came with Pictionary instead of just the bland drawing and coloring book software, I could totally see the appeal. But with the game retailing at a full forty dollars and the uDraw a very full eighty bucks, I just can't really recommend it.

There's just not much here, and what is, feels rushed and half-hearted.

The game is also huge. There isn't a staggering amount of terrain compared to other titles in the series, but Skyward Sword gets every last ounce of mileage out of each area. It takes a few hours just to complete each sub-section before reaching a new dungeon, followed by a few more for the dungeon itself. There's a strong 30–40 hour adventure here before even considering the multitude of sidequests you can take on.

That said, WWE '12 is a decent offering that gets the job done without much fuss and deserves to be in any WWE fan's collection.

As far as HD collections go, this one is packed to the gills. A $40 price tag like ICO had would have been a little sweeter, but at $50 you're still getting five amazing games (don't forget MG1 and 2) for less than a new release would cost. The fact that this includes (most of) the Substance and Subsistence versions, coupled with Peace Walker being available in a far more refined form, makes it a rare instance of a collection you might want to purchase even if you already have some or all of the originals.

It's not perfect, nor is it flawed in that regard apart from being a tad outdated. Even though it is largely a remake, there is still plenty of fun to be had playing this title all over again.

The best Rayman game in the series and one of the best games this year.

If you enjoyed the original, don't hestitate to pick up the new game and import your songs over. But don't buy a Kinect just for Dance Central 2. Don't run out and pay full price for the game if you're only going to enjoy it during a party. There's sure to be a sale sooner than later.

Super Mario 3D Land is one of the best Mario games in recent memory. It's better than New Super Mario Bros. and just about on par with Galaxy. A few months back I stated that Ocarina of Time 3D was the premier reason to own a 3DS. That is no longer the case. Mario is still Nintendo's man to move hardware, even if he is a bit late to the party.

Nearly everyone who's kept up with Assassin's Creed thus far will feel like the latest falls a little short of catipulting Ezio and company past the previous outing. These yearly releases are truly a double-edged hidden blade. If the overarching plot kept moving forward at its previous pace, I'd be faulting it for leaving so many gamers behind. In this case, it'll disappoint the most dedicated fans by retreading a lot of ground to keep everyone up to speed.

Other than the Strike Packages, MW3 really is nothing we haven't already seen. This does not say you won't get your first-person shooter fix. As a standalone game, it's worth every penny and will undoubtedly keep players occupied until the next installment, but as a sequel, it's disappointing.

Saints Row: The Third doesn't give a crap about precious modern design with its storyworlds, complex strategy-based gameplay systems, and magniloquent commentaries on the state of humanity. All it cares about is showing you a good time-how you want it, when you want it, and where you want it. It's instant gratification for days on end. I don't know about you, but I'm already sold on Saints Row: The Fourth.

If you've just got to have more Deus Ex: Human Revolution, The Missing Link is more than worth its $15 asking price. If you really enjoyed this year's stealth-action RPG hybrid, you might want to wait for the desire to playthrough the game again or for the DLC to go on sale. Otherwise, The Missing Link could have stayed missing.

Since this is obviously an "M"-rated title, it's a great way for classic players to feel like kids in an arcade… but grown up and filthy enough to get into a grindhouse flick and see some nasty stuff go down.

A testament to the strength and importance of games that create living, breathing worlds, while affirming the value of long-term commitment over instant gratification. The absence of companion control, though a glaring flaw, ultimately does not spoil its purposeful, refined, and genre-defining design. Endlessly replayable and a phenomenal landmark in gaming, Skyrim deserves a place in every true gamer's collection.

Creativity covers up many of the imperfections, the artwork in the backdrops is unrivaled in a kids game, and best of all, it's extremely entertaining.

There are much better shooters on the market. It's time to hang up the cummerbund and bow tie and enjoy your martini with another game.

Part of me wants to really praise Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact for not being what the Naruto fighting games have been, and part of me wants to just play Dynasty Warriors.

Renegade Ops is a fun, if repetitive, vehicular twin-stick shooter that looks great, has a satisfyingly dumb story, and lots of cool explosions. It's a little weak solo, but you could do far worse than spend six hours with a buddy, gleefully blowing things up together.

Many people might be turned off to Rocksmith due to its lack of party game appeal, but that's not what it's about. It's about making a difficult instrument easy and fun to learn, and it accomplishes that.

It isn't amazing, but it's a competent effort and certainly one of the better LotR games to come along. Isn't it about time that the smaller characters, bland as they are, got their due?

One of the most technically impressive adventures you can find, matched with a detailed and unique multiplayer, all while making it easy for a newcomer to pick up and enjoy. Drake's Deception is why most gamers play video games-experiences that keep us awed and engaged, and extra content to keep us coming back for more.

You won't find a better multiplayer experience.

The presentation is the game's highlight while the gameplay, unfortunately, doesn't meet that same degree.

After all of the dizzying, head-spinning tricks learned from playing Air Conflicts: Secret War, maybe you'll actually want to take control over real flying machines. Just don't get the idea on my Southwest flight next week. This isn't the flight simulation people will write home about, but it gets a thumbs up for trying.

Though the character customization may be enough for fans to spend hours in Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi without complaint, the limited combat system doesn't encourage much thought. Preventing projectile spamming by employing quick-time events and coin flips merely replaces one problem with another. A cleaner, skillful, more polished fighting system would, ultimately, have been better.

When it comes down to it, you've really got to ask yourself if Forza Motorsport 4 is for you. There's a ton of content and laypeople like myself will get sucked in when they realize that the enjoyable, speedy racing will unlock them tons of new cars. Still, if you've never dreamt, then what's the point of driving?

The structure of the game is the same, fighting bosses is janky, and if you've played any Dead Rising game, the bulk of the experience is going to feel a bit stale.

Yes, it feels extremely stiff and archaic at spots, but it's still playable and totally worth diving into.

It controls well enough, it has enough story and conversation to move things along, it hits the nostalgia button beautifully… what more could I ask for in a classically-inspired game?

Rocksteady's heavily modified Unreal Engine is a sight to behold as well. I'd go so far as to say the developer has beaten Epic Games at its own technology with Batman: Arkham City handedly surpassing Gears of War 3's highest visual achievements. The entirety of the open world is detailed, vibrant, and packed to the gills with content.

Does a lot right-and well, at that-to make it worth your time and money to jump into the cockpit. Give it a spin even if you're just an action shooter fan, but if you're specifically into the source material (i.e. dogfights, pew pew, vrrrmmm!), this is an experience you won't want to miss out on.

A great fetch that celebrates why we love cute, little animals so much.

It's a colorful, cute, and innocent title that will kick your ass if given a chance.

Getting tired of shooting rockets back and forth? Play in the skills challenge or, better yet, hop in a story mode and really wreak havoc. But bring your game when playing online; there definitely are some Worms veterans on the scene.

A well-made children's game. And I'd better manage to convince some of you of this notion because, damn, I'm still suffering from some tennis elbow after all the arm swinging I've done.

Combining a score-attacking arcade game, the addictive challenges of Call of Duty, varying vehicle mechanics, and all the humor and absurdity Haflbrick can muster, Jetpack Joyride is a godsend of mobile gaming. While you still won't sit and enjoy the game for hours, it's an ideal burst of entertainment in the doctor's office, before boarding a plane, or on the can.

It's easy to pick up, simple to get a hold of, and while it's not terribly challenging, it's fun. That's perfect for the DS, if that's what you expect from the handheld.

To put it frankly, unless you are some die-hard, old school fan of Pro Evolution Soccer, save your pennies and stick with FIFA. PES 2012 isn't a terrible game at all, but head-to-head, it's not the one controlling the ball; it puts on a show that your little brother might like.

The Last Spectre doesn't mess with what has made the series popular. The charm, colorful art, orchestral soundtrack, and of course the puzzles remain intact.

It all gets old a little too quick-even faster if you don't play with friends. But if you do, or you were a fan of the old-school NBA Jam titles (or you're just stuck in the 90s like me), then NBA Jam: On Fire Edition is a slam dunk.

Enjoyable in the briefest of playtime. While the overall concept turns Burnout's Crash mode into an addictive, destructive puzzle game, the graphics and sound will have you reaching for your console's power button.

Enjoyable in the briefest of playtime. While the overall concept turns Burnout's Crash mode into an addictive, destructive puzzle game, the graphics and sound will have you reaching for your console's power button.

Like an MMA rookie about to get into his first cage fight, Supremacy MMA is wild and energetic but inexperienced and rough around the edges. It's got guts, grit, and growl, but not enough stamina to last a full match, especially when stacked up against other games that cost $49.99.

Like an MMA rookie about to get into his first cage fight, Supremacy MMA is wild and energetic but inexperienced and rough around the edges. It's got guts, grit, and growl, but not enough stamina to last a full match, especially when stacked up against other games that cost $49.99.

FIFA 12 should be applauded for its attention to detail. The little things make a huge difference with sports games and there are some minor details that help push this year's title past the rest.

FIFA 12 should be applauded for its attention to detail. The little things make a huge difference with sports games and there are some minor details that help push this year's title past the rest.

If you're a Resident Evil 4 veteran that has played through its many reissues over the years, there's not really much to be impressed by this release on the current-gen consoles. Even so, Resident Evil 4 is still a terrifying ride, especially if you missed it the first time around and would like to experience one of the most influential games from the past decade.

If you're a Resident Evil 4 veteran that has played through its many reissues over the years, there's not really much to be impressed by this release on the current-gen consoles. Even so, Resident Evil 4 is still a terrifying ride, especially if you missed it the first time around and would like to experience one of the most influential games from the past decade.

F1 2011 is full of detail but keeps things simple, a solid racing title across the board.

F1 2011 is full of detail but keeps things simple, a solid racing title across the board.

At its best, Rage is the most varied and engaging experience id Software has ever developed. At its worst it feels like mowing the lawn after Saturday morning cartoons. There is so much to love in the wasteland, but quests can feel like they took a back-seat to work on the engine. Games don't have to focus so exclusively on graphics anymore.

If you want a challenging, briefly terrifying, often maddening game with plenty to explore, experiment with, and beat your head against, this is your game.

These two games make a superb collection which I highly recommend at a mere $40. Even if you already own copies of both games, you'd do well to pick it up for the HD, stereoscopic 3D, and Trophy support at such a bargain price.

It's the kind of game where it becomes good if you don't stop and think about its lack of polish at every turn. But really, it's an enjoyable romp through zombie land, as long as you have friends to back you up.

It's the kind of game where it becomes good if you don't stop and think about its lack of polish at every turn. But really, it's an enjoyable romp through zombie land, as long as you have friends to back you up.

It's a puzzle game that doesn't involve pointing and clicking or falling shapes, which is good to see, but it leaves much to be desired with its blunt limitations, uninspired presentation, and painfully slow pacing.

It's a puzzle game that doesn't involve pointing and clicking or falling shapes, which is good to see, but it leaves much to be desired with its blunt limitations, uninspired presentation, and painfully slow pacing.

I wouldn't say I'm disappointed with Star Fox 64 3D, and it will prove to be one of the few must-haves at this point in the 3DS lifecycle, but for purists like me, there's something missing. I wouldn't trade the portability for the world, but there's still some ghostly reason to pull out the Nintendo 64 and play the game as it was originally released.

As a package, Gears of War 3 is simply the best. Small nags you may be left with--like less than stellar dialog or some overpowered attackers in Beast Mode--fall by the wayside as balanced competitive multiplayer, deep Horde Mode mechanics, and a driving campaign win out. Epic Games have trimmed the fat and churned out one lean, purposeful Gear, ready to stomp some locusts back into the ground.

The real problem is that it's not changed. At all.

With incredible sensitivity to the brand, Space Marine lets you pound thousands and thousands of Orks into the ground, it just doesn't know when to quit.

With incredible sensitivity to the brand, Space Marine lets you pound thousands and thousands of Orks into the ground, it just doesn't know when to quit.

There is a fair bit of content to hack your way through, if you don't mind the repetitive and unfriendly-ness that this game hits you with if you decide to undertake your spelunking alone.

Player interaction has to be the best feature of actual gameplay.

Player interaction has to be the best feature of actual gameplay.

Resistance 3 treads a line between homage and original work, loads the player up with amazing guns to play with, packs in a passably stocked multiplayer mode, and offers an amazing single-player campaign.

No amount of zen can keep a player from dying so many times and feeling so helpless that they punch through a poster for a band they actually like. If you appreciate an abusive relationship however, this is the way to go.

No amount of zen can keep a player from dying so many times and feeling so helpless that they punch through a poster for a band they actually like. If you appreciate an abusive relationship however, this is the way to go.

Though The Baconing is more or less just another DeathSpank title, with an okay story and final boss, it shows the franchise is consistently at the top of its game. Its silly brand of humor and graphics are iconic and show off the action RPG genre, which is privy to generic hack-and-slashery.

Though The Baconing is more or less just another DeathSpank title, with an okay story and final boss, it shows the franchise is consistently at the top of its game. Its silly brand of humor and graphics are iconic and show off the action RPG genre, which is privy to generic hack-and-slashery.

Enjoyable, if only because of the satisfaction that comes with virtually and successfully ruling a nation while getting rich. Actually, it's a bit like a really elaborate Communist Farmville, which shouldn't be-but absolutely is-awfully addicting.

From the small screen to the big one (well, your television), God of War: Origins Collection won't disappoint. Though it's just yet another collection, it's hard to argue with two solid titles for $40.

All in all, Madden NFL 12 lives up to its franchise's basic standards as a hard-hitting realistic football game. Besides all the new fancy updates and sparkly things that dangle on the screen, loyal Madden-ists and newcomers can enjoy mostly everything Madden has to offer.

All in all, Madden NFL 12 lives up to its franchise's basic standards as a hard-hitting realistic football game. Besides all the new fancy updates and sparkly things that dangle on the screen, loyal Madden-ists and newcomers can enjoy mostly everything Madden has to offer.

An acceptable port, which simply adds online features (no duh) and some extra unlockable artwork. However, its strength is mainly carried by the smooth, solid gameplay already inherent in Third Strike and not by its newfangled embellishments.

An acceptable port, which simply adds online features (no duh) and some extra unlockable artwork. However, its strength is mainly carried by the smooth, solid gameplay already inherent in Third Strike and not by its newfangled embellishments.

It sports refined, detailed gameplay that's tailored to the way you want to play, backed up by some of the best level design in the last decade. The glitches blemish the experience just enough that they should have warranted a little more development time, but at the end of the day, this is still a great game that no one should miss out on.

It sports refined, detailed gameplay that's tailored to the way you want to play, backed up by some of the best level design in the last decade. The glitches blemish the experience just enough that they should have warranted a little more development time, but at the end of the day, this is still a great game that no one should miss out on.

Even if you're not particularly a fan of tower defense games like me, simply controlling your units, getting combos, and using the special barrage weapons will win you over.

While the sometimes automatic nature of Ms. Splosion Man is enough to make me turn it off for a few minutes every session or two of playing, the rest of the game just screams "I'm too hard and you better quit"... and I'm the sort of player who digs a challenge.

It's your basic shooter without any impressive features and that's the problem: It's a game that doesn't stand out from the rest. It feels like the game was developed with an idea, but the idea wasn't executed to its fullest.

The gameplay is addictive, the movements you make are fun, and getting animated with friends will be endlessly entertaining. Just know that if you've already experienced Halfbrick's juicy karate simulator on another platform, you won't find anything new. That is, of course, aside from the multiplayer (slap-fighting) fruit slicing.

Unless you're a completionist, I see little need to spend your precious sovereign on this one.

Unless you're a completionist, I see little need to spend your precious sovereign on this one.

Unless you're a completionist, I see little need to spend your precious sovereign on this one.

This cut-and-dry fighting will get a bit tedious and boring for some, especially since Captain's moveset barely changes throughout the game, but it's easy to forget how more casual game players will appreciate the simplicity.

When you sit down with Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, you're in for a visual feast, colorful, foreboding, intriguing, and worth every penny. And thankfully, the gameplay is solid. Gange's art is fantastic and even if you don't have fun, you'll probably be compelled through the game just to see what the next area or boss fight is like.

New games are thin and uninteresting.

Its mature themes, both sexual and religious, never step beyond the bounds of vulgarity and are treated respectfully and provocatively: It's actually mature. For that alone, and paving the way for a new modern hybrid of video games, Catherine should not be forgotten to the lamen silence of the lambs.

Its mature themes, both sexual and religious, never step beyond the bounds of vulgarity and are treated respectfully and provocatively: It's actually mature. For that alone, and paving the way for a new modern hybrid of video games, Catherine should not be forgotten to the lamen silence of the lambs.

One of the best written DLCs for a Fallout game ever. It plays a strong part in the post-New Vegas story that the DLC packs are building, With that said, it's also one of the worst paced, with some of the most boring fetch quests you're likely to find in any Fallout game. It feels like an excuse to deliver excellent dialogue and humor, but with very few instances of quality content to actually play through.

One of the best written DLCs for a Fallout game ever. It plays a strong part in the post-New Vegas story that the DLC packs are building, With that said, it's also one of the worst paced, with some of the most boring fetch quests you're likely to find in any Fallout game. It feels like an excuse to deliver excellent dialogue and humor, but with very few instances of quality content to actually play through.

One of the best written DLCs for a Fallout game ever. It plays a strong part in the post-New Vegas story that the DLC packs are building, With that said, it's also one of the worst paced, with some of the most boring fetch quests you're likely to find in any Fallout game. It feels like an excuse to deliver excellent dialogue and humor, but with very few instances of quality content to actually play through.

From Dust is the God game for the rest of us, shallow enough for arm-chair deities, deep enough for messiahs who want to come to Earth and shape the world elbows deep. As one of the few games you can actually relax with and still enjoy to its fullest, From Dust should be in your library.

Bastion advances video games as art. In the same breath, it can challenge your thumbs and make you wonder about the possibilities of its world.

Despite the ease of earning all of the Achievements/Trophies, the $50 retail price is a bit steep for the content when there is no multiplayer and the story, what little there is, isn't worth playing through again.