FFXIII-2 combines the best of FF XIII (combat and world), and a new, original structure which clearly prompts the player to involve himself in the unraveling of the game. It's sufficiently well-executed and unique to charm most of the fans, even though one comes out of the adventure with a strange feeling. A feeling of a Square Enix who put more focus on exploration and secondary quests than the conclusion of its story or the challenge of its combat. But the freedom feeling that was so absent of the previous game is back there, even though in an unexpected form, and the content is rich. A good game, even though it will not enter the inner circle of the cult Final Fantasy titles.

FFXIII-2 combines the best of FF XIII (combat and world), and a new, original structure which clearly prompts the player to involve himself in the unraveling of the game. It's sufficiently well-executed and unique to charm most of the fans, even though one comes out of the adventure with a strange feeling. A feeling of a Square Enix who put more focus on exploration and secondary quests than the conclusion of its story or the challenge of its combat. But the freedom feeling that was so absent of the previous game is back there, even though in an unexpected form, and the content is rich. A good game, even though it will not enter the inner circle of the cult Final Fantasy titles.

For its second coming on the 3DS, Resident Evil treats itself to a splendid come back on the frontlines. Visually stunning, diabolically paced, and at last correctly smoothed out in terms of gameplay, the adventure is a delight, even though it completely lacks... revelations.

Stepchild of a successful series, Dungeon Hunter 3 fails to justify in-app puchases and seems to be annoying as well.

It's hard not to fall for such an offer, of 3 great games for less than a full retail HD game. But at the same time, one can't help but notice some lazyness in the remastering process. Efforts have been reduced to a minimum, with no additionnal content whatsoever, and there are even some technical shortcomings (frame rate drops on MGS2 and 3). For the nostalgia, for the collection, for the fans, or those who never had the chance to play them, it's still a cult saga with memorable sequences.

It's hard not to fall for such an offer, of 3 great games for less than a full retail HD game. But at the same time, one can't help but notice some lazyness in the remastering process. Efforts have been reduced to a minimum, with no additionnal content whatsoever, and there are even some technical shortcomings (frame rate drops on MGS2 and 3). For the nostalgia, for the collection, for the fans, or those who never had the chance to play them, it's still a cult saga with memorable sequences.

SoulCalibur is a stunning exemple of technical excellency in an iOS game. Unfortunatly, the lack of Story and Multiplayer modes, something that makes a difference between a good and a bad game in that genre, can only be considered with regret.

Classic but effective, Zenonia 4 is enlightened by its stunning graphics. Despite numerous in-app purchases, the game stays true to the series by being a solid Action-RPG with nervous gameplay.

Dustforce is an elegant and demanding platformer experience for time-attack fans. You'll have to spend a while mastering the controls, especially when playing with a keyboard rather than a gamepad.

Megaman saga is by nature nervous and challenging. The only reward this iOS remake will give you could be the satisfaction of having this great name of platform gaming on your iPhone.

The concept, gameplay, challenge and atmosphere of Choplifter HD are quite good. It is a nice trip back in the 80's, even if it is far from being a must-have today, as the game is particulary repetitive and its price is quite high.

The concept, gameplay, challenge and atmosphere of Choplifter HD are quite good. It is a nice trip back in the 80's, even if it is far from being a must-have today, as the game is particulary repetitive and its price is quite high.

If iOS becomes the new favourite platform for puzzle games, Blueprint 3D is one of the most original and well designed that we have seen. The amazing controls turn the game into a thrilling experience that can capture your attention in an instant...

With the hugely popular Angry Birds, and the unique Sword and Sworcery, Jetpack Joyride forms up the tryptic of the smartphone/tablet typical must-have games. It's pure action, through a single move : touching the screen to control the Jetpack, and survive the randomly generated traps as long as possible. It's highly addictive, filled with nice bonuses to unlock and blessed with a very nice artistic touch, typically referencing the video game world... just grab it!

If I were to recommend the game to a friend, I'd argue that it would be better to know, beforehand, that the production values and the playability really lack polish, before choosing to purchase it. It's so much so that it can, from time to time, completely ruin the experience. Despite this huge shortcoming, Amy has an atmosphere, stress-inducing and game world that are all powerful enough to overthrow the rest... if you're one to be hugely tolerant and really in need for a horror fix.

I found this on Desura, an indie-only Steam-like, and it could raise an interest among several people : an adventure game where a metalhead is trying to survive a zombie invasion. The two australian developers are aiming at giving us fun, and I must confess that the dialogs and brilliant situations are, indeed, quite funny. It's not hilarious, but it's nice. other than that, sure the 8-bit metal music feels weird, and the visuals are clearly ugly... but one can get used to it, and if it wasn't for the quite perfectible interface, it's 6 hours of decent fun and adventure for a very low price.

CRUSH3D is not only characters that look like the ones of my german schoolbooks, it's also a very good way to relive those horribly solitary moments, standing in front of the blackboard, trying to solve some math problem in front of everybody. It's so difficult that you may get a headache from playing it, trying to use the perspective, and to play with the size of 2D and 3D elements in order to progress in the subconscious of the hero. It's smart level design, no doubt, but the overall art direction isn't really strong, and the difficulty may seem too much too soon. Those who will stick around despite those shortcomings will find true bliss in torturing their brains in order to wrap them up around it.

Katawa Shoujo is more of an interactive ebook than a full fledged dating sim, but by using a faire, smart, and humourous tone in dealing with its disabled characters, it takes by surprise all those who could have tagged Four Leaf Studio as a band of pervs.

If BioWare can deliver a good load balancing for the real launch of the game, The Old Republic is geared up for success: the franchise works as well as we'd have hoped, the game remains pretty classical, but well-rounded, and there's this added bonus of the BioWare games that we came to know and love: the story. Actually, Eight stories, one for each class, supported by other narrative elements for every quest. It makes for a massive content to discover, enough to remain occupied until BioWare fixes the little balancing issues, refines the interface, fixes some bugs and the like. With Wookies, it would have been nearly perfect for an MMO launch.

Zen Pinball 3D offers four tables to be played : Excalibur, El Dorado, Earth Defense! and Shaman. Too bad those aren't new from the XBLA and PSN versions, and that the comfort of the 3DS screen isn't really one that suits certain camera angles. But the game still remains a good flipper title, with fair visuals, and once its 3D has been tamed, it's a good companion for nomad players who love to get extra balls.

A PlayStation 2 success coming to the 3DS, Tales of the Abyss is a modest but polished adventure. A riche heir, a quest, and all of a sudden, the truth. A "lost in time" episode that comes back from 2006, with dated 3D graphics, without the in-your-face attitude from today, nor an open-world extravaganza with weird looking characters ; only to tell a good story that already proved itself as such. It's a classic, smooth, JRPG experience for 2011.

Chair took everyone by surprise with the first episode. This follow-up strengthens the basics, and adds up to the formula with deeper tactical elements in its combat, and more variety (alternate routes, etc.), even though the concept remains the same. For this price, it's a good experience to be had, but mind the fact that it's designed for the latest gen iOS platforms, and may not be as pretty or fluid on previous ones.

The trio of heroes is back in Trine 2 with an identical concept, but an adventure that got richer in terms of gameplay, also showing more mastery. In terms of visuals, they will probably set a mark in the history of videogames : it's a real success that needs to be played by both fans of the original an newcomers.

It may have "Super" in its title, but that's not how we'd describe this title. Extremely repetitive and plagued by a gameplay that's as deep as a dry pond, Super Pokémon Rumble is a one-button action game where you bash Pokémon toys in tiny areas to add them to your collection and benefit from their powers. Arena combats are available as well, but if the fans may see that as a simple yet enjoyable venting entertainment offer, most will see that as an underwhelming title designed to squeeze out some quick bucks out of an over-successful franchise. Guess where we stand.

FM2012 will be delightful to its usual fan-base, by betting on its traditional qualities and strengths. By fine-tuning its simulation on details that matter, Sports Interactive clearly targets purists, all the while risking to lose the newcomers. For the fans, Football Manager 2012 is a success, but others will probably be put off by this demanding experience.

We'd have loved to have some finesse in the driving, or more subtle tracks, but it's not the case. NFS the Run on the 3DS is an arcade racing game in which you just drive straight. It still offers a nice speed feeling, numerous challenges and and nice solo adventure, but its gameplay is too rough. If it's a real racing game you're looking for, that's not it.

Sadly, when it's time to balance out the pros and cons of this 3DS version of Sonic Generations, it's clear the cons outweight the pros. It's pretty, fluid, offers player versus player races, it doesn't provide the thrill of the original Sonic Generation dual gameplay, old Sonic and new Sonic, because there are no 3D levels, only 2D ones you can play with either Sonic. The solo is super short, level design is flawed, and secondary missions dull. Clearly not on par with the HD versions.

With almost ten years of thrilling races behind them, even the most fine-tuned racing fireballs can show signs of fatigue. But rather than risking a break-down, Nintendo was smart enough to dismantle its Mario Kart core formula in order to correctly refreshen each and every one of its clogs before putting them back together. As an added bonus, the mechanic repainted it nicely and added some of the latest technologies. The end result roars at soon as the engine starts, and promises to run nicely for quite some time thanks to solid online features.

Serious Sam comes back to get rid of waves of ever-stronger ennemies. Something it doesn't quite do at the beginning, though, but the action starts to ramp up later on. Of course, SS BFE isn't the top of the crop technically, but it's the only FPS of the lot offering this type of gameplay... it will undoubtedly find its fans (if the price drops a little).

We were expecting a serious competitor against Layton. Lautrec is aiming for more than a succession of riddles, with added exploration, stealth, and a hint of RPG-styled combat. But it doesn't really seduce in any aspect of the lot. The only real success is the atmosphere, and the bits and pieces of knowledge you can get on the city of Paris.

We knew the Black Eyed Peas had the knack to excite dance floors, but now that they are invited in your living room, they become perfect home entertainers. The Black Eyed Peas Experience is a success, thanks to its positioning between the very casual Just Dance 3 and the requiring Dance Central 2. With a gratifying and fun gameplay, this Ubisoft title developped by the japanese iNiS nails it with a rich playlist, festive atmosphere and polished production.

Back to the roots for the little pink guy with Kirby's Adventure Wii. The creature eats again, and can now have three friends with it to join the party. The game is super easy, and doesn't invent anything new, but it remains the original Kirby we know and love, and it works.

Raw and beautiful Versus Fighting, here it is! KoF XIII gives its pride back to the series. But it sacrifices some accessibility in favor of this new richness, even though it includes some tutorial modes that are well-crafted. But if you have time and motivation to spare in order to dive into it, this episode is a really good one, even though it still doesn't come near a Blazblue or SFIV in terms of online play.

Raw and beautiful Versus Fighting, here it is! KoF XIII gives its pride back to the series. But it sacrifices some accessibility in favor of this new richness, even though it includes some tutorial modes that are well-crafted. But if you have time and motivation to spare in order to dive into it, this episode is a really good one, even though it still doesn't come near a Blazblue or SFIV in terms of online play.

This journey back to the roots of Professor Layton is as much a way of discovering his past as it is one to draft a first sum-up of the series before it moves to the 3DS pastures for a new trilogy. Confident about its formula, Level-5 offers treasures of riddles throughout an adventure that focuses on characters rather than on the plot, as enticing as it may prove to be. So, even though the formula doesn't really evolve, it still concludes this run with subtle touches here and there to improve the lot.

Undoubtedly prettier and more incisive, this WWE 12 still suffers from some deep technical issues that undermine the fun. Even though the gameplay really did benefit from an added dynamism, it lost in terms of precision and variety. The matches, are less enticing and more repetitive, and sometimes chaotic when there's more than 2 brawlers on the ring.

Undoubtedly prettier and more incisive, this WWE 12 still suffers from some deep technical issues that undermine the fun. Even though the gameplay really did benefit from an added dynamism, it lost in terms of precision and variety. The matches, are less enticing and more repetitive, and sometimes chaotic when there's more than 2 brawlers on the ring.

If you're new to the over-the-top combat games and didn't yet try the Marvel vs. Capcom series, it would be pure madness to miss this one. On several levels, it's purely spectacular. But if you already payed Marvel vs Capcom 3 last february and are not a pro, maybe it's time to say no, thanks. Unless you're rich.

If you're new to the over-the-top combat games and didn't yet try the Marvel vs. Capcom series, it would be pure madness to miss this one. On several levels, it's purely spectacular. But if you already payed Marvel vs Capcom 3 last february and are not a pro, maybe it's time to say no, thanks. Unless you're rich.

As impenetrable as ever for most people, this Dynasty Warriors 7 Xtreme Legends is first and foremost worst than the original version. It too heavily balanced on the "further in" experience, and completely forgets about the gamers who don't own the 7th episode, but without even succeeding in proposing somthing really worthwhile or essential to those who do. Only for the most hardcore fans.

It would be easy to consider this Shinobi as true heir to its ancestors, since it's a sidecroller with a high difficulty and a white ninja. But unlike the cult ons on the Genesis, Shinobi on the 3DS doesn't answer to the required visual, technical, and narrative standards of its era. Its difficulty is more the result of collision bugs than careful or creative level design, and its general atmosphere is poor, at best.

This adaptation of the best-seller, narrated perfectly by Patrick Stewart, but the visuals and animations are clearly sub-par. For a platformer reminiscent of Limbo, it's particularly bad, since it makes the levels hard to read, and the poor gameplay doesn't help at all, making it frustratingly difficult. Too many shortcomings for a title that could have been quite nice, too bad.

Grand Knight History is the RPG surprise of this summer in the japanese production. One that tries to further the debate, all the while bursting free from the clichés of a genre by throwing away the story, mostly irrelevant here. Vanillaware's game doesn't look for an easy exit by making such a choice, but by focusing everything on its game system, it also succeeds, since it provides a mesmerizing pleasure to Tactical RPG and Wargames fans.

Rather old-school in its approach, Rayman Origins still remains a game that fits well with today's standards. Its gorgeous, blessed by an exceptional soundtrack, it's beyond reproach in terms of fine-tuned gameplay, for a 2D platform approach that's super rich, and intense in terms of challenge. As fun and enticing in solo play as it is in multiplayer, it has almost no shortcoming.

Rather old-school in its approach, Rayman Origins still remains a game that fits well with today's standards. Its gorgeous, blessed by an exceptional soundtrack, it's beyond reproach in terms of fine-tuned gameplay, for a 2D platform approach that's super rich, and intense in terms of challenge. As fun and enticing in solo play as it is in multiplayer, it has almost no shortcoming.

This is a game targeting the younger ones. Easy to play, those new olympic trials include football, cycling, badminton, beach volley, kayaking, and horse riding. Globally, they are well implemented, and there's the "dream challenges", which offer a new take on some classic sports through action, racing and platforming levels to boost the content. It's perfect for a birthday with chocolate cake, fun and accessible, but that's if you haven't reached puberty yet.

Anno 2070 was expected to take itself very seriously, but the way it deals with the eco theme is caricatural. Too bad. However, the anticipation background remains refreshing for the series, and the gameplay keeps everything the fans liked. Blue Byte doesn't change the formula, but adds a couple layers of richness to the content (three factions, scientific research, community bonus). Only the combats would gain by being completely re-thought.

The Need for Speed series made quite a name for itself in the arcade driving genre with Hot Pursuit, the previous game. Developped by another studio, The Run isn't as rich as was its predecessor, and also suffers from some issues with its AI, playability, and extremely short solo play. All this combined makes it a little disappointing, but its far from being a complete failure. The Autolog and multiplayer save the day.

The Need for Speed series made quite a name for itself in the arcade driving genre with Hot Pursuit, the previous game. Developped by another studio, The Run isn't as rich as was its predecessor, and also suffers from some issues with its AI, playability, and extremely short solo play. All this combined makes it a little disappointing, but its far from being a complete failure. The Autolog and multiplayer save the day.

Indeed, despite some impressive work to overhaul this classic, Halo CE did age a little here and there. But this remake also proves the genius behind some elements, which were kept intact, like its core gameplay, AI, and universe that still withstand the comparison with today's standards, 10 years later. With its attractive price and comprehensive offer, added bonuses, it's hard to miss for the fans and those who missed the episode that started it all but loved the others.

This fourth game gets, at last, the series in the HD era. But let's keep cool: the end result remains dated in terms of animations and presentation, despite the visual overhaul. Following the opposite trend from this shortcoming, the game system offers a richness and modern tactical genius like no other. Its odd and funny story tone, mature jokes and satirical atmosphere are even cooler than before. If you like the TRPG genre, or want to try it, don't hesitate. Beware though : this game is quite the time sinker, you may very well get lost into it.

A platformer of great quality, visually stunning, and offering an interesting architecture filled with funny and interesting details making a brilliant use of the stereoscopic 3D. It sure is a little too easy for the most part, probably because of it wants to remain as accessible as possible, making its first few levels a walk in the park for the fan, but its charms work nonetheless. It's hard to look elsewhere once you started diving into its worlds, before actually finishing them entirely... as expected, it's a must-have of the platform.

Saints Row revises its structure and reduces its sandbox angle in favor of a more coherent and polished world and gameplay experience. The campaign missions are packed with fun, surprises, and new stuff, and worthy of praise on their own. Even though one will feel a little less free and overwhelmed with stuff to do than with the previous episode, the trade-off is worthwhile.

Saints Row revises its structure and reduces its sandbox angle in favor of a more coherent and polished world and gameplay experience. The campaign missions are packed with fun, surprises, and new stuff, and worthy of praise on their own. Even though one will feel a little less free and overwhelmed with stuff to do than with the previous episode, the trade-off is worthwhile.

Without taking the crown of the Kirby of all Kirbys, the one that swallows its ennemies, transforms and holds its breath to fly, the ten little gluttons of Kirby : Mass Attack are a good example of a smart use of the tactile interface of the DS. It takes a little of Pikmin and Mario in the best possible way, even though one might feel like it's getting repetitive on the long run.

ACR has its shortcomings, but they're nothing compared to the pleasure this title delivers. Large, more polished and varied, quite pretty and offering an adventure and a story more enticing than ever, the solo play doesn't disappoint, even though it's still based on the same tricks and elements established a few episodes ago. It may be time to alter the formula. Ben even so, the multiplayer has been refined, all the while becoming more accessible. Overall, it's an action-adventure must-have.

ACR has its shortcomings, but they're nothing compared to the pleasure this title delivers. Large, more polished and varied, quite pretty and offering an adventure and a story more enticing than ever, the solo play doesn't disappoint, even though it's still based on the same tricks and elements established a few episodes ago. It may be time to alter the formula. Ben even so, the multiplayer has been refined, all the while becoming more accessible. Overall, it's an action-adventure must-have.

One thing's for sure: Skyward Sword will divide. Its numerous qualities, among which the changes of scenery, the ingeniousness of the puzzles, make it able to provide us with a quest rich with intense moments, but some imprecision and lengthy sections prevent it from becoming the new and reformed shiny prince the series needed. If the Wii MotionPlus gameplay enables the immersion to go a step further, it requires a rigorous play style and will spawn some frustrations when it sometimes (rarely) doesn't work perfectly well. A beautiful adventure remains, still, proud to be the hallmark of the 25th anniversary of Link, Zelda & co... but not sufficiently sparkling to eclipse the infinite magic of the Ocarina of Time and Link to the Past episodes.

Quotation forthcoming.

Quotation forthcoming.

No, War of the North is not the blockbuster expected by the most enthusiastic of the fans. If it wasn't supported by such a strong license, it would even stay under the radar. But here we are : the fact that it remains so true to Tolkien's world and references it so well, with some true epic moments (the combat against a giant, the journey mounted on an eagle, the encounter with a dragon...) just saves it. Despite the numerous bugs and an energic but average combat system, it works : one always wants to make progress, and discover more. Lastly, the split-screen play has but one merit, to exist, since it's so chaotic to play. On the other hand, the online co-op is a real plus.

Take what you loved in Morrowind, cut out what you hated in Oblivion, multiply by 10, mix well, and there you go: you get Elder Scrolls V Skyrim. With its deep background, enticing prophecy, new gameplay mechanisms, Skyrim mesmerizes us into diving in its world completely and forgetting about the usual shortcomings of the series (except the poor animations - they really are too bad to be overlooked). If you like the series, but don't love it, get this game. If you love the series, you better get yourself a pair of fresh undies, and fast.

Modern Warfare 3 concludes the trilogy with a solo campaign that goes beyond my expectations, and a multiplayer with subtle yet efficient revisions. It boasts better balancing and takes into account the supportive players more than ever compared to the regular solo guns blazing hero. Quite comprehensive, it also re-introduces the beloved Spec Ops mode, and the launch of Call of Duty Elite grants him the best available service in that category. Even though in terms of production values, and scope of the competitive multiplayer, Battlefield 3 harms Activision's champion, it remains a title that is firmly anchored to its traditional strengths, and doesn't get lazy. The lovers will be ecstatic, the haters gonna hate.

Modern Warfare 3 concludes the trilogy with a solo campaign that goes beyond my expectations, and a multiplayer with subtle yet efficient revisions. It boasts better balancing and takes into account the supportive players more than ever compared to the regular solo guns blazing hero. Quite comprehensive, it also re-introduces the beloved Spec Ops mode, and the launch of Call of Duty Elite grants him the best available service in that category. Even though in terms of production values, and scope of the competitive multiplayer, Battlefield 3 harms Activision's champion, it remains a title that is firmly anchored to its traditional strengths, and doesn't get lazy. The lovers will be ecstatic, the haters gonna hate.

A combination of the best of Sonic, Sonic Generations reinvents, while staying true to the myth, and serves the fan well, whatever its generation is. It's an anthology of the musics, the pictures, the bosses, characters and levels we loved the most during those past 20 years of Sonic games, and one that, while not perfect (some gameplay imprecisions do subsist), remains a must-have for the Sonic lovers.

A combination of the best of Sonic, Sonic Generations reinvents, while staying true to the myth, and serves the fan well, whatever its generation is. It's an anthology of the musics, the pictures, the bosses, characters and levels we loved the most during those past 20 years of Sonic games, and one that, while not perfect (some gameplay imprecisions do subsist), remains a must-have for the Sonic lovers.

The sport lovers are indeed in a good place for this year's end. If Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge doesn't reach the level of other sports games like Top Spin 4 or NBA 2K12, it still remains a deep and enticing game, for the specialists and the newcomers alike. Its simplified gameplay and rich content make it a benchmark, even though one can still rant about some inconsistencies in terms of immersion. Shortcomings that will probably be fixed for the next edition, already announced for a september 2012 release.

We knew about "game design", but with PixelJunk SideScroller, we can now talk about Designer Games. The tasty neo-modern look of this Q-Games shoot'em up isn't everything there is to it: the game itself is a very good one, maybe a little light though, for shoot'em up pros or otherwise.

With a lot of gameplay mechanics taken from Sports Champions, which give a good feeling of playing a hero perfectly mimicking or own moves, this PS Move only game works perfectly well. The playability and accessibility, both excellent, allow the player to quickly dive in this quest, even though it's a little repetitive (the genre tends to be). Visually nice, and funny, Prince Edmund's quest is a good PS Move game.

With this new episode, the saga comes back with a new multiplayer formula. Whether it's played by two, three, or four players at the same time, the gameplay combining cooperation and competition delivers fun... but despite some nice efforts, it remains a little redundant, and less inspired overall than the old solo episodes.

Start the Party : Save the World works very well. The mini-games are fun, all with a friendly atmosphere. But in terms of content, there is only twenty "missions" and no different game modes to create some competition… That's not enough. At 10€ on the PSN, why not, but not at 30€ boxed.

For a small fee, Bike Baron offers a really fun cross/trial bike game. It is a great success from every point of view: super playable, and with cool animations, it allows you to run with an old guy's bike on many chaotic levels, in 4 different difficulty settings (Easy to Extreme). Those challenges are easy at first, but they quickly become very difficult and addictive. The game even features a track editor, with the ability to share your work with others. An excellent surprise on iOS platforms.

Cities XL 2012 is more of an add-on for the 2011 edition. A nice little city builder game, easy to tackle at first, but with a very nice learning curve. But it's still very light compared to last year's edition, the new things are not that numerous, making it more of a die hard fan acquisition.

For their first 360 game, the raving rabbids deliver a mixed experience. The augmented reality enabling the rabbids to spawn in your living-room is fun, but lacks precision. The main issue resides within the fact that those levels do not constitue the majority of the game, more classic ones are, and they lack originality and rythm. The animated styled mini-games are funny, but we've already seen much better with a wiimote in hand in Wario Ware.

Your children are in the mood for a get together at the carnival? This is the perfect title. In this magical atmosphere, there are dozens of little events such as rifle shooting or mini-bowling and basketball, as well as tickets to spend on balloons and other accessories. The PS Move controls are very accurate and the game is fun... but not for longer than an afternoon, given its lack of variety and really deep gameplay.

A game that slashes gameplay in favor of dynamic visuals, very true to the anime. But the illusion of pretty graphics quickly disappears, revealing dull combats, repetitive gameplay, and other shortcomings. Even the most hardcore fans will not find this fun for a long time.

A game that slashes gameplay in favor of dynamic visuals, very true to the anime. But the illusion of pretty graphics quickly disappears, revealing dull combats, repetitive gameplay, and other shortcomings. Even the most hardcore fans will not find this fun for a long time.

Payday: The Heist is like a Left 4 Dead with cops and robbers, where we play the bad guys. It offers (at least on PC) a solid co-op experience, with an good atmosphere. Too bad there is no Versus Mode.

This 3DS version has the merit of offering more or less the same experience than the HD versions (minus the voice-overs, and a lesser visual prowess); but it also inherits its shortcomings. A repetitive gameplay, very short lifespan, and underwhelming action sequences.

Ratloop Asia offers us a nice conversion of their web title. The differences aren't legion, but anyway, the game was good. The blend of puzzle, action, dark humor and good music is spot on. A very nice little game to boost up your mood.

Dance Central is everything one could expect from a good sequel. As precise in it movement recognition, it now boasts a two player offer, an enhanced solo mode, and a very decent learning curve. It may be this last point that drives a choice between DC2 and Just Dance 3: the first is more demanding and deep, the second more aimed at immediate fun.

Kinect Sports Season 2 is not the enhanced, upgraded, an richer game we were waiting for. Instead of that, we get 6 new sports, of which only darts and golf are really something to come back to, the rest being less fun than what the original offered.

With a perfectible but thrilling solo, Battlefield 3 adds a new weapon to its arsenal. But its main one remains, no doubt, its multiplayer, as comprehensive and awe-inspiring as ever. With killer production values, one will forget the annoyances of Battlelog and Origin. It's a must-have.

This 3DS remake of the cult Cave Story fits the bill. It's nicely re-done, all the while keeping what made the original a brilliant game. Perfect gameplay, inspired level-design, mesmerizing musics and enticing plot: no element of this remake can disappoint the fans of good old action platforming "oldschool" games in 2D. A gem of passion you have to play.

We thought the added horsepower of the 3DS could have given a new breath to the FIFA franchise on Nintendo's portable line, but it's not. It might yet be satisfying for kids, but this 3DS FIFA doesn't have much in common with the HD versions, it even lacks some official licences. Also, there is no online play.

A nice blend of Tower Defense and Action/RPG gameplay, Dungeon Defenders uses the carrot (characters with a persistant progression even when you fail) and the stick (a Dark Souls-like difficulty) with talent. The artistic direction and really punishing gameplay may be its worst shortcomings, but playing cooperatively with three friends still is a very nice experience.

A nice blend of Tower Defense and Action/RPG gameplay, Dungeon Defenders uses the carrot (characters with a persistant progression even when you fail) and the stick (a Dark Souls-like difficulty) with talent. The artistic direction and really punishing gameplay may be its worst shortcomings, but playing cooperatively with three friends still is a very nice experience.

The theme, the design and the gameplay of Okabu make a good first impression for a game targeted at younger audiences, sadly, it quickly collapses because of an excessive repetitiveness, perfectible ergonomics, and some bugs and lack of challenge. Too bad!

This new version of Tetris adds nothing great to the good old formula. Augmented Reality is good fun for 5 minutes, but nothing here really overshadows Tetris DS, which was actually much more interesting and fun.

Uncharted 3 has but one shortcoming: it's where we wanted it to be. To an exhilarating solo adventure, even though it's less surprising and a tiny bit less well-paced than the second episode, add in a gorgeous multiplayer offer that's well-crafted and well thought-out. Drake and his friends take us on a marvelous journey once more, but the formula may have found its own limits with this third episode, at least on this generation of machines.

The 8 to 12 years old kids can easily add 10 points to our review score, which reflects the less transgenerational qualities of Skylanders when compared to Pokémon. But the concept alone, with its little monster toys, works perfectly well, and even on a 34 years old like me... I'm going to keep playing with my kids. Their eyes simply spark when I put a toy on the portal and it materializes in the game!

The 8 to 12 years old kids can easily add 10 points to our review score, which reflects the less transgenerational qualities of Skylanders when compared to Pokémon. But the concept alone, with its little monster toys, works perfectly well, and even on a 34 years old like me... I'm going to keep playing with my kids. Their eyes simply spark when I put a toy on the portal and it materializes in the game!

Without the existence of Dead Rising 2, Off the Record would have probably be worth a better review score, but the common material with the previous game is a little too much not to think that Capcom simply played its recycling card again. Indeed the game is cheaper than the previous episodes, but it's not enough to justify the pruchase if you already did the second one.

An honest action game, Spider-Man : Edge of Time demonstrates the ability of Beenox to manage the hero rather well, even though this episode doesn't surpass the previous one. There still a lot to cover before Spidey becomes as much of a videogame must-have as Batman did. It would require better environments, as well as a more ambitious storyline and storytelling with more than simple and usual game mechanics.

Unavoidable rendez-vous for the old-school games amateurs, the Xbox Live Arcade offers now a much justified remix of Guardian Heroes, odd mix between 2D brawler and RPG blessed by a iconic music score. Most developers would have failed, but Treasure prooves, 15 years later, that they stroke the right balance between a demanding technical approach and the pure visceral fun of beat'em all gameplay.

If Jackson and Spielberg seem to have won their gamble in adapting Tintin on the silver screen, sadly, it's not the case of Ubisoft for its game. Not that it's a bad game in itself, but this Tintin and its 2D gameplay is far too repetitive, and the 3D sequences on a plane or motorcycle aren't very convincing. If you top that with a 4 hours time to finish it (at the most), and despite a coop mode, nice musics and polished dialogs, you're in for a disappointment if you're looking for something on par with the movie, or the original comic books.

As accessible and fun as ever, Just Dance 3 also boasts a fantastic playlist, with various genres of music. You can now create your own choregraphies when playing with Kinect, and on the Wii like on the 360, it's enjoyable with four players. It's meant to be fun (so it's super easy), and it works.

Blackwell Deception will appeal to point'n click lovers: the puzzles are solid without being frustrating, the characters duo and story are nice. If you didn't know about the game, don't hesitate to start from the beginning of the series. The only shortcoming: it lacks a good artistic direction and some ambition to give it a real touch.