From atop this Total War: Shogun 2, eleven years of experience are looking right at you. The gameplay The Creative Assembly crafted for this new title is breathtakingly rich, almost intimidating, but fans will still feel right at home since the new elements aren't plenty. For newcomers, the challenge can be hard to overcome because the ruleset of the game isn't very well explained, but Shogun 2 also becomes, because of this, an adventure that is all the more satisfying to conquer. Metacritic.

Quotation forthcoming.

Knights Contract seems to have strong qualities... at first. A sexy witch with interesting powers, which is ultimately too limited ; a super strong knight, which is uninspired in his fighting style; an atypical universe, which is finally overwhelmed... and the complementarity gameplay couldn't save this duo. They are not made for each other, as this title is repetitive and dated in many ways. Do not sign this contract!

Obsidian delivers a first DLC that matches their Fallout: New Vegas : tense, captivating, despite its linearity. With a tiny bit more difficulty! Once more, we'd almost forget about the aging 3D engine of Bethesda and the poor AI. I experienced it like a little pen & paper RPG scenario of a single night. My thanks to the Obisidian Game Master.

Obsidian delivers a first DLC that matches their Fallout: New Vegas : tense, captivating, despite its linearity. With a tiny bit more difficulty! Once more, we'd almost forget about the aging 3D engine of Bethesda and the poor AI. I experienced it like a little pen & paper RPG scenario of a single night. My thanks to the Obisidian Game Master.

Obsidian delivers a first DLC that matches their Fallout: New Vegas : tense, captivating, despite its linearity. With a tiny bit more difficulty! Once more, we'd almost forget about the aging 3D engine of Bethesda and the poor AI. I experienced it like a little pen & paper RPG scenario of a single night. My thanks to the Obisidian Game Master.

Dragon Age II is blessed with a deep universe and a ton of content, but it's sadly undermined by its technical side. Even though, visually, the game goes beyond the original, it still forgoes some elements of its predecessor in order to become more action-oriented, which is a choice that will most probably keep dividing opinions. We'd have hoped to see this sequel install the franchise as a must-have by correcting the shortcomings of the original. Instead, we'll have to make-do with finding it most entertaining indeed, but without any added praise. Too bad.

Dragon Age II is blessed with a deep universe and a ton of content, but it's sadly undermined by its technical side. Even though, visually, the game goes beyond the original, it still forgoes some elements of its predecessor in order to become more action-oriented, which is a choice that will most probably keep dividing opinions. We'd have hoped to see this sequel install the franchise as a must-have by correcting the shortcomings of the original. Instead, we'll have to make-do with finding it most entertaining indeed, but without any added praise. Too bad.

All the ingredients of the original are there : an original gameplay mechanic centered around the "coloring" of levels and groovy, interactive musics, funny cinematics, an overall easy-going atmosphere, and an above average production value... but deBlob 2 is never able to surprise as much as its predecessor, as the innovation factor was consumed with the original episode. On top of that, this sequel suffers from a poorly paced rhythm, and a repetitiveness you soon feel too much. Too bad for those who ere expecting much of it. Despite all this, it still remains a very decent platformer with an original twist, a lot of qualities, and most of all, a ton of charm.

The benchmark of boxing games on consoles is setting the bar once more thanks to EA Canada's talent. They didn't transform the franchise completely, proposing instead an even more realistic rendering and a very alluring accessibility. Maybe some hardcore simulation-craving gamers would find some things to argue about (like some shortcomings in terms of gameplay precision, a lack of realism on some specific moves) but it would be a shame not to play this new reference of virtual boxing.

The benchmark of boxing games on consoles is setting the bar once more thanks to EA Canada's talent. They didn't transform the franchise completely, proposing instead an even more realistic rendering and a very alluring accessibility. Maybe some hardcore simulation-craving gamers would find some things to argue about (like some shortcomings in terms of gameplay precision, a lack of realism on some specific moves) but it would be a shame not to play this new reference of virtual boxing.

The launch of an MMO, even a well-crafted and solid one like Rift, is but a doorway to the land of perpetual development, with as many chances to succeed than to fail. This is probably why Trion chose to deliver a game that feels comfortable, and functional, with only light touches of innovation - a solid foundation upon which to build. While I'm awaiting to discover what they will propose during the upcoming year, I'm savoring the arrival of a new big MMO on the market, and the pleasures of playing with it.

This new Black & White pair of Pokémon games take the necessary and welcome step further in evolving the series. The gameplay's more dynamic thanks to the combat in threes, 3D integration is perfect, new animations for the little animals are welcomed. Communications and trading are easier than ever thanks to new online features. And since the dialogs are better written, and often funny... No doubt remains, Black & White are able to paint new, revived colors on the famous licence!

This new Black & White pair of Pokémon games take the necessary and welcome step further in evolving the series. The gameplay's more dynamic thanks to the combat in threes, 3D integration is perfect, new animations for the little animals are welcomed. Communications and trading are easier than ever thanks to new online features. And since the dialogs are better written, and often funny... No doubt remains, Black & White are able to paint new, revived colors on the famous licence!

Beyond Good & Evil HD could undoubtedly have gone to further lengths in modernizing this cult title, with reworked textures and 3D models, but its qualities remain as effective as ever. A title full of variety, dense and accessible, combining all sorts of game mechanics for an adventure with a unique atmosphere.

Sure, Kirby is extremely easy, and not really innovative, but it still is a quite refreshing experience. With high production values and an enchanting atmosphere, its a delicious journey through Dreamland's kingdom. If the youngest of gamers can dive in with closed eyes, platformers aficionados will have trouble looking the other way with its lack of challenge. If you are able to enjoy its naive world, you will discover a peace-inducing title, with a solid gameplay. Touching, warm, and reassuring like a sweater weaved by Grandma.

Does Bulletstorm revolutionize the FPS? Clearly not! Nevertheless, it adds a personal touch to the genre by making a real scroring game like in the old times. All of this in an adventure which is not perfect, but refreshing and fun at once... and the game system is really excellent. Frankly, if you like the genre, do not hesitate to make yourself happy!

Does Bulletstorm revolutionize the FPS? Clearly not! Nevertheless, it adds a personal touch to the genre by making a real scroring game like in the old times. All of this in an adventure which is not perfect, but refreshing and fun at once... and the game system is really excellent. Frankly, if you like the genre, do not hesitate to make yourself happy!

Does Bulletstorm revolutionize the FPS? Clearly not! Nevertheless, it adds a personal touch to the genre by making a real scroring game like in the old times. All of this in an adventure which is not perfect, but refreshing and fun at once... and the game system is really excellent. Frankly, if you like the genre, do not hesitate to make yourself happy!

Remakes of this quality level, I'd have any day. Tactics Ogre, with its appealing storyline and universe, was already a cult title. This PSP version corrects its shortcomings, enriches it, with revised visuals and new features or adjustments that make it more accessible to newbies, while keeping its unbelievably deep and rich gameplay intact. A rare jewel that will probably remain in your PSP for quite some time.

Quotation forthcoming.

MVC3 will, no doubt, seduce any fan, thanks to its spectacular gameplay and production, but also thanks to its accessibility and varied cast. But, when your take some time to think about it a little, it's hard not to consider that Capcom's title stays quite light in terms of game modes, of online play, and almost insulting in its DLC policy. It remains a awe-inspiring show of sound and lights, with a unique atmosphere. Hard to miss.

Even though its game system works, and you're the type of gamer that is patient and motivated, Lord of Arcana doesn't win from the comparison with Monster Hunter, from which it draws most of its design without trying to conceal it. Let's be clear : it doesn't match its model, in terms of fun nor content or variety, nor even in terms of combat or richness. We'd need to completely forget about Capcom's franchise in order to enjoy Lord of Arcana despite its shortcomings.

Despite its average production and an obvious lack of ambition, Trinity remains a nice and solid game, one, however, that is closer to a beat'em all like Dynasty Warriors or N3 than to a real action-RPG. Most games of that genre have a tendency to become tedious after some time, and Trinity can be no exception : if you like more subtle and narratively rich games, be warned.

Gray Matter entails thanks to a very good story from Jane Jansen, with good characters and rich situations. But the gameplay will be a disappointment for point & click fans. Too easy, it also suffers from some real flaws in design, shortcomings that have a knack for killing an atmosphere that the production values already have trouble to maintain... If the story is all that matters to you, then it's well worth playing.

The feeling that remains after playing Mindjack, is that the game had a really nice concept, but screwed it over completely half-way through. Wait, not half-way, even sooner... like, right at the beginning. And so, we end up playing a poor action-shooter game, with no taste whatsoever, with average visuals at best, super repetitive action, not even able to correctly copy what's out there.

Stacking, the lastest title of Double Fine, combines original gameplay with a scenario full of a nicely sick humour. The challenges are divided in several levels, allowing the brain-lazy to enjoy the story, while others pick their brains trying to complete the game at 100%. But the art direction by itsleft is worth the small price asked by the developer for this little jewel of an adventure / puzzle game. So play with dolls!

Killzone 3 shows a great variety, both on the environments side and the gameplay side, while respecting of course the DNA of the series. The single player campaign is more pleasant than in Killzone 2, and the multiplayer is really solid. As expected, Guerilla offers us a very good shooter, which stands out as a landmark of its kind on PlayStation 3.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem is the worthy successor of the previous episode released on the DS. A fine puzzle game to pick your brains with. Short at first, it still fulfills its goal with additional challenges in the "+" mode, and the editor. It may not be revolutionary concept-wise at all, and even become a little tedious for some, but fans of the genre will be satisfied, thanks to great production values and a solid level design.

DC Universe Online sales were good and well deserved. The work on the PvP side of the game is interesting, and gives it a hardcore flavor that is both nice and unexpected for a first PS3 MMO. More comfortable on the PC, DCUO has the content it needs for the casual gamer, the group of friends, or the large guild with the PGM attitude. Now, SOE only has to correct some shortcomings and give us more clues about future content! Sure it's only just come out, but, go go, back to work!

DC Universe Online sales were good and well deserved. The work on the PvP side of the game is interesting, and gives it a hardcore flavor that is both nice and unexpected for a first PS3 MMO. More comfortable on the PC, DCUO has the content it needs for the casual gamer, the group of friends, or the large guild with the PGM attitude. Now, SOE only has to correct some shortcomings and give us more clues about future content! Sure it's only just come out, but, go go, back to work!

Deadly Premonition is the unlikely meeting of Shenmue, Silent Hill and GTA, in a Twin Peaks setting... An unexpected mix that comes bundled with awful visuals and terribly old-school gameplay, but remains full of interesting things to discover. It mesmerizes the player thanks to a strange atmosphere, a compelling story, a cast of weird but terribly consistent characters, and a solid storytelling... In short, this is a unique gaming experience that will be be rewarding to players who can actually... endure it! See for yourself if you're ready to dismiss big (big) gameplay and visual shortcomings, to eventually discover a little shiny treasure... The cheap price (25 euros) may help you take that risk.

TRON Evolution, even though it bridges the gap between the two movies, remains quite dispensable, even for fans of the universe. Its gameplay, a mashup of cheesy combat and pale wallrun-based stunts copied and pasted from other more respectable games, bores more than it entertains. Even though its technically and visually correct, its dreariness and lack of pace nullifies its original ambitions.

Modern Combat Domination is quite pleasant, without being either a AAA title. You can have fun with it, as it is classical but really efficient... and with that price, that might interest FPS fans.

Magicka is a kind of innovative beat'em all where you combine different types of magic to annihilate your enemies. In order to master your powers, you will need to be both able to multitask and finger-agile, since the keyboard/mouse controls are quite complex! And the resulting challenge is high. With a little work and force of habits, one will discover an extra-fun gameplay and a hilarious adventure, solo or in coop for 2 to 4 players. All this for less than 10 dollars ? Go get it!

On paper, Breach is like Bad Company 2's multiplayer, in a low-fat, zero-sugar, ultra-light version. What we see here is a considerably less deep game, that one quickly dries out, and remains unable to bring anything new to the table.

Unless they have developed a sudden passion for the hardcore action RPG genre, PC gamers who were not customers of last year edition will not suddenly fall in love with this one. As for Xbox 360 gamers, they can probably consider giving it a chance, now that he does have frame-rate problems anymore and offers nice reworked graphics. Finally, the fans will be delighted for sure by this new, very long campaign.

Mario Sports Mix has a nice Wiimote gameplay, and both Volleyball and Dodgeball mini-games will grant you a nice and funny afternoon. But beyond that... with but four sports and repetitive game mechanics, the title seems to be a little stingy compared to Wii Sports Resort or the Mario & Sonic series. On the Wii, Mario Sports Mix comes only as the third wheel.

Infinity Blade is but a series of endless duels in the same environments. Once you figure that out, it does undermine its promise, but even though the battles can get repetitive, the combat system is deep enough to enjoy. It's a good game, because it was designed for nomadic use, and with this low pricepoint, it's exactly what iOS users could be asking for.

Far from being a void attempt at the genre in digital form, Faery is charming thanks to its freshness and classic world revisiting the forgotten tales and legends. But it will will quickly show its limits to the RPG fans, because of its not-so-deep gameplay. Despite its limitations, Faery remains an interesting proposition, if you have already consumed all the must-have games of the downloadable offerings out there.

Anticipation for Dead Space 2 was especially high. It could have gone to the dark side, forgetting about those moments when the tension rises... and nothing is clearly shown. But for the best, it was able to keep its soul intact. And by raising the bar in all aspects (production values, horror, pace), it appears as the definitive master of the survival/horror genre.

Anticipation for Dead Space 2 was especially high. It could have gone to the dark side, forgetting about those moments when the tension rises... and nothing is clearly shown. But for the best, it was able to keep its soul intact. And by raising the bar in all aspects (production values, horror, pace), it appears as the definitive master of the survival/horror genre.

Mass Effect 2 is one of the greatest games of 2010 on the 360 and the PC, and remains so on the PS3. Epic, thrilling, the original story of this space adventure has been enhanced with the inclusion of the DLC add-ons already released on the other platforms. A must-have.

Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded is one of the finest games available on DS and gives pride to the action, always carried by an addictive gameplay. However, its wacky scenario that does nothing to advance the story of the saga, and the feeling of replaying the first Kingdom Hearts game in a strangely altered version, will clearly disappoint fans. This episode is still much more fun than 358/2 days and could be a good introduction for those who have never experienced the adventures of the Keyblade bearer.

Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves costs the price of a good Royal Kebab, but unfortunately it is not as invigorating... The game ends after one hour of play only. However, this title is nice and provides a good cooperative and smart use of the PlayStation Move.

If the Sandbox idea exists in many games, LittleBigPlanet 2 goes far beyond, almost inventing a new genre we could call "toybox". The user can become a true game designer, and draw inspiration from the really nice Story mode and the multiplayer mini-games, all the way up to designing the proverbial cherry on the cake.

Even though it's not as much of a must-have as Super Meat Boy, Flower, or Limbo are, ilomilo is a nice little game full of charm and cleverness. It will probably seduce the puzzle fans. Its price and its poetic and polished world will conquer the others.

We were waiting for this game passionately, and maybe with too many high hopes. But "It's About Time" is disappointing, and really, doesn't measure up to the legendary trilogy. There's no real excitement playing through this first episode, and it's quickly forgotten once finished. Now, let's pray that Telltale will be able to spice things up and reach the 88 mph bar with the next episode.

Unless you're willing to try each and every one of the strategy games that are released, I really don't see why I should recommend this game to you. With average graphics at best, no real gameplay value, and a boredom generating ability that strikes pretty soon into the game, Patrician IV doesn't stand a chance next to its competition. Sure, on paper the idea was praiseworthy and its developers seem to have had some good intentions, but it clearly lacks ambition. Too bad.

Unless they have developed a sudden passion for the hardcore action RPG genre, PC gamers who were not customers of last year edition will not suddenly fall in love with this one. As for Xbox 360 gamers, they can probably consider giving it a chance, now that he does have frame-rate problems anymore and offers nice reworked graphics. Finally, the fans will be delighted for sure by this new, very long campaign.

In order to dance in front of a TV, without any degree of real interactivity, just buy a DVD to learn some dance steps rather than this joke of a game that is Zumba Fitness

When DICE buffs up the formidable war machine that is Battlefield Bad Company 2, their star multiplayer franchise, they use every last bit of cultural and movie folklore surrounding this cruel and well-covered conflict. Polished to the extreme, Vietnam enhances all the more the fun it gives us, and those typical moments of bravery.

When DICE buffs up the formidable war machine that is Battlefield Bad Company 2, their star multiplayer franchise, they use every last bit of cultural and movie folklore surrounding this cruel and well-covered conflict. Polished to the extreme, Vietnam enhances all the more the fun it gives us, and those typical moments of bravery.

No need to Argue, Continuum Shift is a real gem, like its predecessor was. Its 2D visuals are more impressive than ever, is gameplay modes comprehensive, its characters unique and the changes they went through balanced the game enough to make it one of the top fighting games on HD consoles. Even the Online Versus play has been enhanced, and is now more comfortable, with solo play in-between duels like in SSFIV. Last but not least, BBCS has tutorial modes and a system to ease some combos, to ease in newcomers and make it more accessible.

No need to Argue, Continuum Shift is a real gem, like its predecessor was. Its 2D visuals are more impressive than ever, is gameplay modes comprehensive, its characters unique and the changes they went through balanced the game enough to make it one of the top fighting games on HD consoles. Even the Online Versus play has been enhanced, and is now more comfortable, with solo play in-between duels like in SSFIV. Last but not least, BBCS has tutorial modes and a system to ease some combos, to ease in newcomers and make it more accessible.

If Pang : Magical Michael doesn't renew enough the appeal of the original franchise for the gamers who already know it, it doesn't come out diminished of this redesign either. A proof that its formula can endure the test of time. Perfect for short sessions in between subway stations : it fits the bill !

Like Yoshi Touch & Go, Ivy the Kiwi? is a nice little game you can treat yourself with like a snack. Not much to keep playing it though, since both the gameplay and content are too light for the long run.

This DS game isn't as bad as its HD counterparts, despite its average graphics and some flaws of playability. Too bad the story isn't really well put, the levels so short and really uninspired, and the close-range targeting failing more often than not. It could have been a very nice game without those flaws.

Quotation forthcoming.

Outerlight (The Ship) came up with a boosted version of its favorite genre: the murder game. And works rather nicely ! For 5 euros / 400 Microsoft Points on Steam and Xbox Live Arcade only ? Seriously : it's a good deal.

Undoubtedly generous, Blazblue Calamity Trigger Portable is gracefully ported to the PSP, with numerous modes of gameplay, its rich and deep combat system, excellent production values, and divine soundtrack. If you love the genre, it an excellent title for the PSP, despite its d-pad that can render the initial fights a little tricky, and the lower resolution of the sprites compared to the HD versions.

Atelier Rorona is not directed specifically to RPG fans, but rather adventurous young girls who will take their first steps in a world of stylish packaging and simple, but repetitive, routines.

Force Unleashed II isn't a bad game, far from it actually. But its very short adventure, lack of polish, and imprecise gameplay prevent it from being anything more than a cheap steam-venting endeavor. Despite some nice ideas (usually borrowed from the killer apps of the genre, but poorly implemented). From a fan service standpoint, though, it clearly works with customizable light sabers, a ton of alternative badass-looking costumes for Starkiller, and additional challenges to have players compete over the internet.

Force Unleashed II isn't a bad game, far from it actually. But its very short adventure, lack of polish, and imprecise gameplay prevent it from being anything more than a cheap steam-venting endeavor. Despite some nice ideas (usually borrowed from the killer apps of the genre, but poorly implemented). From a fan service standpoint, though, it clearly works with customizable light sabers, a ton of alternative badass-looking costumes for Starkiller, and additional challenges to have players compete over the internet.

Sonic The Hedgehog Episode 4 seems to be more of a Sonic the Hedgehog 1.2 (calling it "A.5" would put it too close to the brilliant Sonic 2...). The levels don't surprise, the soundtrack bores, and more importantly the blue hedgehog's inertia and dullness make it a real disappointment in 2010. We'll try not to resent it too much, since it's a rather cheap downloadable game, but it's still a very short game as well. Love is blind, so some may still enjoy it, but we'd rather advise them to try out the DS games, which are closer to today's expectations of a 2D journey with the supersonic hedgehog.

Sonic The Hedgehog Episode 4 seems to be more of a Sonic the Hedgehog 1.2 (calling it "A.5" would put it too close to the brilliant Sonic 2...). The levels don't surprise, the soundtrack bores, and more importantly the blue hedgehog's inertia and dullness make it a real disappointment in 2010. We'll try not to resent it too much, since it's a rather cheap downloadable game, but it's still a very short game as well. Love is blind, so some may still enjoy it, but we'd rather advise them to try out the DS games, which are closer to today's expectations of a 2D journey with the supersonic hedgehog.

The worst defect a video game can have, is to be so poorly designed and/or implemented that it becomes unplayable. Which is the case of Sonic Free Riders, a perfect example of an opportunistic product, a rehash of an older title repackaged to take advantage of Kinect's launch window. Movement caption is poor, the environments are confusing, the menus probably are the work of the devil himself... to sum it up, this surfing experience was more of a nightmare than the dream we'd all love to play thanks to Back to Future 2.

Pokémon Ranger: Tracks of Light is an excellent alternative to the main series, and will probably make up for the wait until Black & White arrives. Pretty, well paced, Tracks of Light is a nice adventure, perfect for children, far from the cheap spin-off.

As an action platformer, Naruto VS Sasuke is a fair and nice game to play. Its greatest flaw is the amount of similar titles on the DS, to which it doesn't offer anything new. If you're an unconditional fan, you'll still find a well crafted game, but if you're used to playing Naruto games on the DS, this may be a waste of time and money.

How to describe this new Naruto on the Wii ? An error, a joke, rip-off, an infamy ? Hard to tell, but one thing's clear : the game is completely and utterly disastrous. It's like the fillers of the anime : uninspired, tasteless, and botched.

Quotation forthcoming.

Quotation forthcoming.

Like Yoshi Touch & Go, Ivy the Kiwi? is a nice little game you can treat yourself with like a snack. Not much to keep playing it though, since both the gameplay and content are too light for the long run.

DBZ Tenkaichi Tag Team won't surprise anyone, but it has mastered its subject nonetheless. With a lighter but comprehensive Story Mode, punchy combat, and its news 4 player combat mode, it's a game perfectly suited for the PSP. However, it's still undergoing the fact that the franchise is running a little out of breath, given that it has spawned so very many games before it.

We expected just another installment of DBZ, with the same story, the same battles, with no originality... We were wrong! Dragon Ball Raging Blast 2 pushes the limits of the genre with a new combat system that makes all possible. A beautiful game, super fast, comprehensive and very technical. One of the really best DBZ fighting games.

If your bank account can withstand the investment for those pro instruments, or even if you want to keep playing the old way, Rock Band 3 is now the new benchmark of music games for groups. The Keyboard is a true bonus, especially in pro mode, and the Pro Guitar a real challenge for die hard gamers. Still blessed with its spot-on gameplay, as a videogame, it is beyond reproach and will entertain you for hours. But in terms of music teaching tool, we're not quite there yet. Only time will tell if the public will follow, and if the pro mode will indeed lead to new vocations, like the drums addition in the original Rock Band did. But Harmonix made progress and invested in innovation, while its competitors laze, and one may only applaud for that.

If your bank account can withstand the investment for those pro instruments, or even if you want to keep playing the old way, Rock Band 3 is now the new benchmark of music games for groups. The Keyboard is a true bonus, especially in pro mode, and the Pro Guitar a real challenge for die hard gamers. Still blessed with its spot-on gameplay, as a videogame, it is beyond reproach and will entertain you for hours. But in terms of music teaching tool, we're not quite there yet. Only time will tell if the public will follow, and if the pro mode will indeed lead to new vocations, like the drums addition in the original Rock Band did. But Harmonix made progress and invested in innovation, while its competitors laze, and one may only applaud for that.

What a formidable tribute this Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is for the 30th birthday of Pac-Man. Addictive, thrilling, psychedelic, this frenzy-inducing downloadable title reinvents the classic gameplay with subtleness, without spoiling the substance of the original. Being able to refresh such an oldie without crushing it... kudos !

Kinect Joy Ride is typically the game that would have won everything to be playable with a traditional controller. Playing it with your body is a real stress, as it is completely approximative and capricious. Even with all your patience and goodwill, it's a failure you have to quickly forget!

Undoubtedly, Camelot has faithfully reproduced the GBA episodes' formula, and that includes its old-school narrative approach. With the exception of the brilliant transposition of this universe in 3D, the actual changes are not so numerous. Of course we can find some nice adjustments, but they fail to balance out a lack of personality. We still think all the qualities of a Golden Sun game are still there : a solid RPG with an excellent combat system, good puzzles, and of course an army of oh-so-useful Djinns to collect.

Apache : Air Assault is for a niche audience. So if you're not a chopper fan, don't even consider it. If you are, but a little, then Apache will offer you some nice sensations. Too bad its interface is so basic, its staging non-existent, and its solo campaign lacking diversity in the missions, because Apache would have been a real benchmark, with a position to appeal to a larger audience.

Splatterhouse is for people who want 100% bashing and 0% brains, and who won't care too much for current production values or gameplay standards. The mask and Corrupted story is nicer to follow than we expected, and there's enough content there to quench your thirst for B-Movie style blood. But it still has a more shortcomings than good surprises... a simple title for simple tastes.

Super Scribblenauts fixes most of the flaws of the original, but isn't yet fully able to fulfill the tremendous potential of its brilliant base idea. A fault we can pin on puzzle levels that seem more restrictive than previously, despite the inclusion of adjectives and a decent physics engine to offer a better frame around the player's creativity. It still is a gem of emergent gameplay for all lovers of sandbox experiences, a title unlike any other.

If you like the rail shooters, and own a PS Move, The Shoot is a nice deal. It's still a little expensive for a game you'll finish soon enough, but on the other hand, FPS games with less-than-6-hours solo campaigns are legion... It's also a nice way to start playing with your PS Move.

You can't judge a game like SAW II as you would any blockbuster, because it is the kind of guilty pleasures some are fond of... Of course, if you hate the SAW movies, choose another way to do it, since SAW II is clearly aimed at fans of the series... fans who are treated with respect here.

What a formidable tribute this Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is for the 30th birthday of Pac-Man. Addictive, thrilling, psychedelic, this frenzy-inducing downloadable title reinvents the classic gameplay with subtleness, without spoiling the substance of the original. Being able to refresh such an oldie without crushing it... kudos !

Monopoly Streets does have some aces to play, but can't make us forget that it's still funnier with the real tabletop version.

Quotation forthcoming.

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom could have been a great game. Its touching characters and well crafted gameplay make it a good game, blessed with a distinct personality. That's always something, but the concept lacks any sort of innovation. Even though you've most probably already played something very similar, you'll probably cruise through the 15-or-so hours of the game with ease, to discover the end of this friendship story.

Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom could have been a great game. Its touching characters and well crafted gameplay make it a good game, blessed with a distinct personality. That's always something, but the concept lacks any sort of innovation. Even though you've most probably already played something very similar, you'll probably cruise through the 15-or-so hours of the game with ease, to discover the end of this friendship story.

Crossboard 7 is a fair game as a Kinect launch title, but most will probably forget about it quite quickly. The overall design is clearly targeted at younger gamers, which makes it much less appealing for older ones, but its movement recognition and simple challenges make it a nice (and physical) entertainment to occupy rainy Wednesdays.

FlingSmash is a refreshing game, but its innovating gameplay isn't really deep enough. It still works quite well though, but here's the second flaw : it's really short (4 hours) and repetitive (especially when playing coop). You can always come back to it for scoring purposes, or enjoy some not-so-inspired mini-games.

Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage is a very pleasant surprise for the old fans. When stripped of its IP, it is certainly difficult not to blame him for some weaknesses (a basic level design, poor graphics - still unprecedented for other Hokuto no Ken games), but what many would look as a weakness has also some sort of "curious old-school charm".

Fighters Uncaged has few content, and is flawed by a poor movement recognition and an underwhelming game system. Its atmosphere is non-existent, the opponents are more of a joke than a challenge. Steer away from that game.

The Fight is enjoyable despite some flaws. You have to be so cautious to play it the right way, so cautious to move your arms the right way, that you quickly lose that feeling of freedom.The gameplay is still fun and interesting when you decide to persevere.

Far from being a void attempt at the genre in digital form, Faery is charming thanks to its freshness and classic world revisiting the forgotten tales and legends. But it will will quickly show its limits to the RPG fans, because of its not-so-deep gameplay. Despite its limitations, Faery remains an interesting proposition, if you have already consumed all the must-have games of the downloadable offerings out there.

Sure Dead Nation isn't reinventing anything, but it comes for a good value packed with a true gameplay intensity exceeding even some of the Holidays blockbusters. It's a really an exhilarating experience, sometimes even a exhausting one when the action skyrockets. An efficient game, simple but tense, we can thank Housemarque for.

Indeed, this collection doesn't add a lot of significant stuff, the mini-games aren't all that interesting. But without a doubt, for fans of platformers who didn't get a chance to sink their teeth into the episodes of this incredible franchise, it's a golden opportunity to play 3 great games who didn't age a bit, except maybe the original.