The developers at Relentless Software have put a huge effort into ensuring the franchise gets a worthy portable version. It isn't going to set the world on fire, but as far as hand-held quiz shows go, this has to be at the top of the list.

Look past certain design flaws - and certain mechanical issues – however, and you'll find a highly enjoyable, highly addictive golf game that's accessible to all types of player, from the kid in the back seat during a car ride to the most dedicated gamer.

However, Brink is unified by its art direction, its smooth presentation and a fine user interface. Even if the maps lack some visual variety, their structure is incredibly difficult to fault. Players who can look past the hyperbole and ignore the fat will find underneath a sleek, highly refined multiplayer shooter long on balance and tactical gameplay.

Addictive.

My Friend Pedro is a stylish side-scrolling shooter with tight core gameplay. Its Shootouts are tirelessly cool to look at, and the action remains entertaining throughout the four or so hours it'll take to get through. Unfortunately, the excellent gameplay is hindered by a drab, uninspired art style. Those looking for a story should keep looking, but if you just want a fun romp filled with bullet-ballet, Pedro more than delivers on the action front.

Minor flaws aside, The Sims 3 is a decent port of the PC version and extremely playable on the Xbox.

The Cave clings to some genre tropes that we could do without in 2013, but the game is redeemed by its wicked sense of humour and wonderful presentation. A must for puzzle fans.

Although it fails to provide any real competition to the bigger action titles out there, Wolverine is fast, fun, and definitely angled at fans of the comics. It might not have the longevity required to be considered epic, but if you can ignore the repetitive nature of the combat you'll have a blast.

People will either really love it or really hate it with the odd few sitting around the middle.

Armello is a solidly-constructed and enjoyable turn-based title that offers a unique setting and plenty of depth.

Despite all these criticisms, UFC 2010 is by no means a bad game. As a matter of fact, it's still pretty fun. Thing is, I can see the incredible game that it could be, and am disappointed that it's not quite there yet.

While unlikely to be the game that sells millions of gamers on the Wii U as a system, ZombiU is a strong game and its purchase a no-brainer for those who own the console already.

It's not that Settlers 7, when viewed in it's entirety, is a necessarily bad game. The difficulty curve will be seen as a challenge for the more grizzled player, and having a challenge is obviously preferable to a cake-walk. It's more that the game doesn't really know what it wants to be.

In its desire to to be stewards worthy of the prestigious Arkham series, Warner Bros Montreal has played it too close. Arkham Origins is well executed and sure to keep fans satisfied, but it doesn't dare to bring enough new ideas to warrant higher praise.

Good gameplay but it’s nothing new apart from the background story behind the world of F.E.A.R.

A solid game with fantastic sound and visuals. However, unpolished aspects of gameplay will cause frustration. Ultimately, Force Unleashed is unlikely to be remembered for anything other than its excellent story.

Need for Speed is an excellent racing title with a laid back attitude and plenty to enjoy – if you can get past a few of the glaring design choices that is.

A fair instalment in the series that should leave fans happy enough but eager to move on.

SoulCalibur V is meant to be played with people; anybody expecting a rich experience from the singleplayer, like that found in earlier entries in the series, will be disappointed. Play with friends or online and it's easy to quickly discover a deep and rich fighting system that can be a lot of fun.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But don't overdo it to the point that it starts to feel dull either.

Outlast gets the visuals and sound right, has some great mechanics, and will provoke feelings of dread and horror in even the most jaded gamer. It's cat-and-mouse sequences are a repetitive dirge, but elsewhere this is a strong first offering.

Remember when 2D side-scrollers were on the cutting edge of video gaming? Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero will appease both retro fans and current-gen gamers with pure, honest, no frills gameplay.

This is one of the better movie spin-off games we have seen on the DS in a while. Great game play that will appeal to speed freaks, however the car combat aspects are under done and disappoint when compared to releases of this game on other platforms. The difficulty level may put off the younger player.

The game has what many modern, and slightly more polished titles don't have; a real sense of fun.

A realistic driving simulation that suffers from a lack of graphical complexity. RACE Pro is nipping at the heels of some big-name competition, but ultimately doesn't quite make the grade.

If you want an RTS that requires a command to be issued every second then you're still going to need that PC, but in the meantime R.U.S.E. in an acceptable distraction for those willing to skirmish online.

Together these features make Skate 3 a robust installment in the series and without a doubt, the best skating game currently on shelves. But whether there’s enough here to draw in new audiences is another matter.

This could well be a surprise hit for those willing to invest the time. Despite a lack of polish, there's a relatively deep story for fans of mythology.

A simple fighting game, designed for fans of the Naruto.

A nifty way to squeeze more mileage from your Buzz! buzzers, and to fend off that dreaded school holiday boredom. Overall a polished product which offers quality entertainment, although bear in mind it’s strictly for the kids.

The Wonderful 101 shows that Platinum's mischievous streak and fondness for over-the-top action remains undiminished. It's an enjoyably bonkers title that makes good use of the Wii U's touchscreen and as such, is a bright spot in that console's slowly-expanding library.

Life is Strange got off to a so-so start, but strong storytelling and impressive choice and consequence mechanics boost its first season. Soon the world really gets its hooks in, and you'll enjoy it despite yourself.

The DS version of the classic Populous title is a nice trip down memory lane, but lacks the complexity and ease of control found with the original.

State of Decay is a fun romp and so is this new-gen re-release. The lack of meaningful changes make it hard to recommend to those that own the older version, but everyone else should dive head-first into its zombie catastrophe scenarios.

Probably best to consider this game as a track pack for Guitar Hero World Tour, with looser timing and an arguably better choice of songs. It does seem like money grab however, and we can't help but think offering it as a DLC pack may have been a wiser move.

Is it the best FPS on the Wii? That's a tough question, but even if it's for the splitscreen offline multiplayer action – then GoldenEye 007 is a must-own for any Wii gamer.

Resistance 3 gets a whole lot right with a handful of inspired design choices that help it to stand out in the largely predictable first-person shooter market. Even so, some of that first-person shooter unoriginality remains meaning Resistance 3 never quite reaches its true potential.

The question MAG makes us ask is, does this title herald the approach of massively multiplayer online games for next-gen consoles? It's a bit rough around the edges, but with any luck we'll look back on MAG and admire it for its ambition, and consider it a step in the right direction.

Some missteps have been made between the first game and this sequel but Dragon Age II stands on its own as a solid, brawling RPG, and is a worthy addition to the world of Thedas.

A fun multiplayer and solid single-player, but certainly feels its age. Perfect for gamers who miss the original, and for those who want a taste of classic PC gaming.

A decent, fun game, but the excitement is much too short-lived.

His previous foray into videogames left the self professed P.I.M.P. more than a little L.I.M.P. But Swordfish Studios have pumped the lead back into 50 Cent’s pencil with the very respectable Blood on the Sand.

An excellent choice for newcomers to the series; for long-time fans it's a bit like watching a remake of your favourite classic movie: predictable, with no major surprises in store... but certainly no less enjoyable than the original.

With around five hours of content and a more engaging story, inFamous: First Light is easy to recommend to players familiar with the universe. New players should consider starting elsewhere.

Left Behind shares many of the traits that make The Last of Us so good, but as a prequel, it is unable to surprise the player with its parent game's trump card – its plot. Even so, it's an enjoyable companion piece to the best game of last year.

Arctic Edge for the PSP is a capable racer with plenty of spills and thrills for those well versed in the genre.

Some will prefer the gameplay of PES 2011 to its EA Sports counterpart (certainly more players than would have in 2010). However, for casual fans and trainspotters alike, the depth and breadth of leagues in FIFA 2011, combined with its continued high-quality gameplay, will leave PES waiting until 2012 for another shot at the title of top football franchise.

Super Mario Party may not do everything perfectly, but it's easily some of the most fun I've had the Switch since launch. The boards are a bit dull but the overwhelming amount of great new minigames makes up for any short-falls with aplomb.

For Guitar Hero fanatics, Warriors of Rock will be well received, although it may struggle to restore interest for those who stashed their guitars away after World Tour.

Sébastien Loeb Rally Evo is a fantastic rally game with it’s heart in the right place, but occasional technical woes stop it from reaching its full potential.

This could well be a surprise hit for those willing to invest the time. Despite a lack of polish, there's a relatively deep story for fans of mythology.

This latest Trivial Pursuit title is a great take on the classic board game. Although suffering from a few issues, it still has a lot to offer for armchair trivia veterans and casual enthusiasts alike. Ultimately the success of this game will be tied to the frequency and quality of DLC.

Super Mega Baseball is an enjoyable throwback to a time when sports games were for everyone rather than just enthusiasts.

Assassin's Creed III is different to the titles that have come before it. It's an open-world game with strong stealth inclinations, rather than a stealth game set in an open world, and for Ubisoft to manage this delicate evolution without entirely alienating an existing core of stealth gameplay enthusiasts is a remarkable feat.

Dance Central is by no means a perfect game. A disappointing multiplayer and a music selection with no real sense of fun detract from the experience. Even so, as a release title there are hours of entertainment to be had alone or with friends.

Darksiders Genesis is a welcome addition to a solid franchise and does a good job at expanding on the universe. Despite the shift in camera perspective, the game retains its signature blend of combat, puzzles and platforming and is a joy to play. Small issues like a woeful map and occasional bugs get in the way of the action a little, but the addition of co-op and the excellent gameplay more than makes up for any shortfalls. Genesis is a must-play for fans of the series and those looking for some solid action on the Switch.

A charming ‘chill out’ game best suited to younger players. A good candidate for the Christmas stocking.

Same old game, new tracklist… ‘nuff said. If it’s shiny new features you’re after, check out the PS3 version.

SSX's first foray since 2008 is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but the core game is as addictive as it ever was. In lieu of any other serious contenders on the horizon, there's enough of it here to keep the groms happy until the next run.

Rainbow Six Siege delivers on its promise of tension, tactics and teamwork, but it might not be worth AU$70; there are bugs both big and small that need squashing, there's no server browser, and connection errors are too common. There's something else to consider, too: PC players have been abandoning multiplayer-only titles in record time this year.

This latest Trivial Pursuit title is a great take on the classic board game. Although suffering from a few issues, it still has a lot to offer for armchair trivia veterans and casual enthusiasts alike. Ultimately the success of this game will be tied to the frequency and quality of DLC.

When it comes down to it, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the best in the series. The graphics are great and the subject matter lends itself perfectly to the stylistic slapstick of Lego games.

Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition, despite its flaws, is definitely worth getting for both old fans and new.

Lords of the Fallen copies, but it does so from great sources in a mostly competent fashion, and adds in a few neat systems of its own.

For a title with a famous author's name brandished on its cover like a medal of honour, frankly, Future Soldier's writing stinks. There's little to recommend the singleplayer experience, but ironically, those heading online to the plot-free pleasures of team multiplayer will discover the game's true strengths.

Blackbird Interactive clearly understands what makes Homeworld such an esteemed series, and for the most part Deserts of Kharak delivers. Only a relative lack of content somewhat lessens an otherwise excellent RTS.

His previous foray into videogames left the self professed P.I.M.P. more than a little L.I.M.P. But Swordfish Studios have pumped the lead back into 50 Cent’s pencil with the very respectable Blood on the Sand.

Guacamelee is a solid, well-paced Metroidvania-brawler hybrid with style to burn and a fun spin on a doddery old narrative. It also tries desperately hard to be funny, though, and it falls well short of the mark.

There is no doubt that the driving mechanics of Rivals are fantastic, and most of the game's systems are a success. However, it's a multiplayer-oriented game that fails to bring players together, and the content elsewhere is merely good.

There's no big-budget fanfare for this title, no horde of developers, no committee meetings and embargo dates. Instead you have a clean, honest arcade naval shooter for a little over thirty bucks.

It looks like Zelda and plays like Dynasty Warriors. Yep, it does pretty much what it says on the tin.

This could well be a surprise hit for those willing to invest the time. Despite a lack of polish, there's a relatively deep story for fans of mythology.

Buzz gets a few enhancements and new features for the PS3 version, but it’s the same game we’ve come to love and still the best quiz game around.

LEGO DC Super Villains is fun, but doesn't reinvent the brick. While playing on the strengths of titles that came before, Villains leans hard into the humorous and quirky narrative one expects from a LEGO title.

For fans of puzzling games, Limbo can certainly help you with that head-scratching itch. However, for those with only a passing interest in the genre, Limbo's difficulty curve, its lack of gameplay direction and its depressed setting could prove a barrier to enjoyment.

The first of two scheduled DLC packs for Assassin's Creed II, we can't help but think the content within should have made an appearance on disk when the game was released.

The Old City is rich in evocative sets, but it's too eager to impress with its cleverness.

A faithful game conversion of the popular animated TV show, The Brave and the Bold casts a familiar hero in a series of madcap adventures with friends and foe alike. It's not perfect, but it sure is fun.

FIFA Manager 09 contains every detail a micro-management nut could possibly want, and probably a few they won't. For the mainstream football game enthusiast this will probably be a snore-fest, but the true management fan will be more than satisfied with the depth on offer.

Dead Island caters to a variety of play styles. Those after a quick, tense singleplayer campaign can race through it, or alternatively players can take their time and explore the expansive island of Banoi. Either way, the zombie horde will occasionally prove overwhelming and the game includes more than a few frights, but the best way to play the game is co-op with friends.

The combat system isn't the best, but it's not really trying to be, and everything is implemented in a way that fits the storyline and character development. It's a rare game that makes players care not just about a character, but about the relationship between the characters, and Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom has achieved just that.

A decent, fun game, but the excitement is much too short-lived.

The campaign is really where the bulk of the entertainment is to be had, despite the astonishing omission of any kind of co-operative play. It's just a shame the writers felt as if they needed to try to impress the audience with such B-grade subject matter.

The strain of realism that should run through this title is simply too weak to provide a point of leverage, and whilst the game is certainly admirable in many respects, it simply doesn't offer the kind of experience once associated with the franchise.

Singularity cherry-picks the best concepts from a wide range of FPS titles and stitches them together in a credible, and ultimately successful way.

Fat Princess is hugely entertaining, however communication problems may prevent the game from retaining a large fanbase.

Forza Motorsport 5 is a great game hindered by a lack of content – the offering of cars and tracks here is simply too skimpy. The Drivatar system impresses though, and is a rare game feature worthy of its own silly portmanteau.

Treyarch has hit back at detractors with a comprehensive take on the Call of Duty mantra.

When the wondrous becomes the familiar and we begin to peek behind the warped Victorian-Gothic façade, we discover an action platformer that lacks strong differentiation.

This game is not a step forward for Ubisoft or the Prince of Persia series and anyone expecting new and groundbreaking experiences need not bother.

Another year, another Rock Band release. Following on from the success that was The Beatles: Rock Band, it's back to basics for this Green Day homage.

For those looking for the complete reinvention of the wheel will have to wait a bit longer. But Mario Party 9 has had enough tweaked in it to breathe some much-needed life back into the series.

Driveclub is incredibly well put together but slightly bland, and is hampered by a lack of distinct personality.

The Division is a great shooter that's primarily let down by glitches, drabness, repetition, and a thoroughly underwhelming first raid.

Web of Shadows is an improvement over previous Spider-Man titles, but still lacks the punch we expect from such a popular movie-based intellectual property. A poorly told story coupled with mediocre and often repetitive action sequences have thwarted this titles chances of blockbuster glory this Christmas.

For those gamers who are all about the action, who care only about how many times the lead character can swear, and only want to smash everything in sight there is still a decent experience to be had. Certainly, if playing simply to relieve some stress, there's plenty of relief in gallivanting around a virtual world shredding enemies with giant knives.

Space Hulk: Tactics is probably the best video game adaption of the classic board game yet, with decent presentation and some welcome additions. But the faithfulness of its adaption only highlights the limited tactics offered by the board game's basic setup, and its lower budget makes for a lack of polish in some areas. Strategy buffs may be diverted for a bit, but won't fall in love.

It's a charming little create-a-platformer that will endear itself to you even if – like the real article – it never truly takes flight.