Aion is very close to being a perfect example of the current idea of how a fantasy based MMO should be implemented. I would even suggest Aion might be the climax of the typical design elements of the genre. There was room for 1 more player in fantasy based MMO’s (as long as they were a major player) and Aion has taken up that spot, and definitely pushed some competitors out of the picture by doing so.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Halo 3: ODST is a good action game. Unfortunately, for many gamers, the price tag will be an issue and will play a huge role into the decision of buying, rent it or get it later when its price drops. Add to the fact that Firefight isn’t supported by a matchmaking system, the offering of a standalone disc that contains the multiplayer mode of a game that millions of folks already own (minus three maps) and that re-uses most of what we’ve seen in Halo 3, Microsoft and Bungie have put a small cloud on their cherished franchise that I hope it will never show up again.

I had so many mixed emotions playing through SMT: Persona. At times, the story kept me wanting more but the tedious combat, annoying first person perspective and high amount of random battles made me literally drop my PSP in disgust. If this is your first experience with the Persona series, this is not the game to start with; even those who are familiar with the series will probably only enjoy certain aspects offered.

TMNT: Smash Up isn’t a bad game really. It has competent, if not sluggish, combat, a great license and some fantastic looking unlockables. My problems with the game stem from all the chances that weren’t taken and the missed possibility a game like this has.

Ubisoft have done almost everything right with Cloudy. It’s not a game that re-invents the genre by any means, but it’s an enjoyable romp that never overstays its welcome.

If there was some actual replay value in the game and AI/pathfinding was improved along with some User Interface tweaks I would easily say this was a buy, but right now I am right on the edge of saying buy or stay away. Perhaps in a few months of patches the game will have improved enough to nudge me one way or the other.

I will be the first to say that an RTS game on a console is not the best platform for this genre. But the Command and Conquer series has been one of the best for the console thus far. Real time strategy games are some of my favourite type of games to play but sadly this version feels more like an add-on. Not that that’s all bad, but I was expecting more for the 800 MS points.

I am sure the “Grindhouse” graphics and audio will annoy some people to death, those brave enough to see the games beauty behind the rough graphic filters, rock-a-billy music and blood n’ guts gameplay will find much entertainment in this game. Certainly one of the few new gaming franchises that are a true must buy this summer. Rubi and WET totally rock.

I am sure the “Grindhouse” graphics and audio will annoy some people to death, those brave enough to see the games beauty behind the rough graphic filters, rock-a-billy music and blood n’ guts gameplay will find much entertainment in this game. Certainly one of the few new gaming franchises that are a true must buy this summer. Rubi and WET totally rock.

After being released on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 back in June, we are glad to see that the same greatness and fun has been brought to the PC version. Plus, all the premium content released for the consoles versions is being offered here for free Being priced $40, the PC version is certainly a very good deal.

The Need for Speed franchise has grown up. Dropping the street racing concept and moving to be a legit racing "simulation" was a good move. Not only did they name the game Shift, but I think they shifted into a new and exciting direction for the Need for Speed franchise.

Although the game carries the name SHIFT, don’t expect a faithful simulation replica of the console version. While it’s not your perfect racer, it packs enough punch to entertain you at a reasonable price. Now, if you have played Gran Turismo, you might see it as a huge backward step but let’s be reasonable here…EA Bright Light didn’t took five years to develop this one.

NHL 10 continues to keep the long-running franchise a success and a delight to play. The additions to this year are certainly not as drastic as NHL 09 were, but the fine tuning does enough to make the overall product an enjoyable one.

NHL 10 continues to keep the long-running franchise a success and a delight to play. The additions to this year are certainly not as drastic as NHL 09 were, but the fine tuning does enough to make the overall product an enjoyable one.

NHL 2K10 has the style, but unfortunately, the substance just isn’t as compelling on the Xbox 360/PS3. While the Wii has a shiny new control scheme and a drastic upgrade in content, the HD console versions are merely last year’s game with a new coat of paint. This is a game that plays it too straight and doesn’t take any risks. While it’s more polished than previous games in the series, it just isn’t bringing anything really new to the table this year.

NHL 2K10 is the most complete sports package on the Wii. While it may take some time to get the nuances of the controls down, this is the most satisfying version of the game on offer. Forget HD, this is all about gameplay, and it delivers.

While Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is not as good as the first Marvel Ultimate Alliance in many ways it is still a game that action gamers, RPG fans and those comic book fans will love if they can look past its flaws. I have to admit I did expect more from this game, but it was a riot to play through from start to finish. This is a must buy.

Scribblenauts is one of those games that no matter how the visuals and sounds are, if the gameplay delivers, everything will be fine. Although it has several issues with the controls due to an over-sensitive touch screen, the game’s imaginative and funny nature isn’t hugely affected. In the end, you won’t regret the purchase.

NHL 2K11 is incredibly different from it's new competitor. It's much more sim-centric and has all the features that hardcore fans could possibly want. Which makes it somewhat disappointing that the motion controls - the selling point for the console - came off so poorly.

If games like Pong and Super Mario Bros. managed to pique the interest of mom and dad to play with their kids in the living room, there’s no doubt that The Beatles: Rock Band will make the rest of the family join in and have a great time. Don’t get me wrong, the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games have done great things but I think The Beatles: Rock Band is the ultimate multi-generation gathering videogame.

If games like Pong and Super Mario Bros. managed to pike the interest of mom and dad to play with their kids in the living room, there’s no doubt that The Beatles: Rock Band will make the rest of the family join in and have a great time. Don’t get me wrong, the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games have done great things but I think The Beatles: Rock Band is the ultimate multi-generation gathering videogame.

While most of it seems like deja-vu, I was able to see an improvement from most of past Cabela games, especially that pathetic Dangerous Hunts game from last year. If I had a hunting game to recommend to someone that knows squat about hunting, give this one a try but don’t expect the greatest game of all time. Its fun while it lasts.

Only absolutely die-hard Genesis and Sonic fans will appreciate the game for what it is. If appeals to you, then by all means buy it but please remember you can also get this game and so many others for less than 30 dollars with the Sonic Ultimate Genesis Collection compilation.

It is a beautiful game that is a victim of its own success as the story so badly eclipses the gameplay. Muramasa is an imperfect jewel. It’s a precious stone for sure, but the cut’s not quite right.

For those who have been hoping for an incredible flying game to play on their home consoles, the wait is over. The variable controls, the authenticity and the sheer enjoyment of taking down Axis planes is something that everyone can enjoy. From top to bottom, IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is an absolutely incredible journey and certainly one of the biggest surprises of the year; don’t hold back, pick this one up.

For those who have been hoping for an incredible flying game to play on their home consoles, the wait is over. The variable controls, the authenticity and the sheer enjoyment of taking down Axis planes is something that everyone can enjoy. From top to bottom, IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is an absolutely incredible journey and certainly one of the biggest surprises of the year; don’t hold back, pick this one up.

It is the quintessential rallying experience and really your only option for a racing game that not only gets the spirit of rally right, but also features it as the primary game mode. It’s fun, exciting, and the first game in five years to get me perched on the edge of the couch, coaching my car through turns by twisting my controller in the air. It’s brought out my inner five-year-old and I couldn’t be much happier.

It is the quintessential rallying experience and really your only option for a racing game that not only gets the spirit of rally right, but also features it as the primary game mode. It’s fun, exciting, and the first game in five years to get me perched on the edge of the couch, coaching my car through turns by twisting my controller in the air. It’s brought out my inner five-year-old and I couldn’t be much happier.