All these things combine to what is arguably the best role-playing game of the year – or at least until Skyrim.

If Red Faction: Armageddon isn't treated like it's going to revolutionize the gaming world, it won't disappoint. It's a solid third-person shooter, there are a bunch of cool weapons and nasty surprises down in those mines. At the same time, there is an immutable sense of repetition at play and things are pretty simplistic in the design department.

DiRT 3 is an extremely flexible and polished racer that – despite some bland circuit design – delivers an extremely satisfying and assured driving experience. Coupled with amusing online modes it's a no-brainer for racing fans, and the racer those who detest such games should investigate at the very least.

Dead or Alive: Dimensions is a solid 3D fighting game. From the lush character animations, to the swift and responsive control scheme, the game shines with polish. Being the first Dead or Alive game to exist on a Nintendo platform, Team Ninja have pulled out all the stops and delivered a comprehensive title. You have access to 25 discrete fighters and the moves and combos that come with them, each with multiple costumes and unique special and sound effects.

Some will be satisfied that merely having Duke's name attached to the box equals a safe punt. Those suitably enamoured in this respect may possibly be content long after the end credits roll. However, casting a critical eye to this title reveals serious fundamental flaws that Duke, by the mere virtue of being Duke, cannot possibly fix.

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.

What we are faced with, then, is a port of a game that probably worked on the Wii but which - three years later on a much different console with an asking price of eighty-odd bucks – is as aggressively inessential as its own open-world elements.

Steeldiver is a novel and varied title that should entertain the casual gamer.

SOCOM: Special Forces isn't an epic single-player game, but it's not trying to be. The plot is mostly predictable but better told than the same story in other shooters, and the glitches are surprisingly absent when you take the game online. It's very obviously oriented towards the multiplayer experience, so if that's what you're after, this is one of the most enjoyable and complete tactical combat experiences in the current console generation.

Minor issues aside, Ridge Racer 3DS proves to be a solid arcade racer with plenty of content to justify the price tag.

For casual hack 'n' slash fans then Dynasty Warriors 7 could be a bit too labour intensive and time consuming for your liking. You really need to have a genuine interest in the subject matter on display to get the most out of the game.

Rockstar has excelled in producing a truly innovative title that sets the high-tide mark for inquisitive gamers looking for a real challenge. It's not to be missed.

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.

Red River resembles a game six months of tweaking away from being a masterpiece. As it stands, it's intermittently thrilling (particularly in the larger firefights), but fans of the Flashpoint series will be disappointed by the relatively narrow battlegrounds of Red River and newbies may be utterly bored by the time the first handful of missions are completed. There's definitely room in the FPS world for the kind of cerebral, tactical shooter that this game aspires to be, and beyond a slack initial offering are riches that hint at how great Operation Flashpoint: Red River could be.

A worthy addition to the systems repertoire, and one that fills the gap nicely between pointless dreck (Nintendogs 3DS) and full-on gaming experiences to come.

Rango is a quality example of it's genre and up there with the best movie-game conversions, but with only four hours from A to Z is only really worth a weekend hire.

It's inevitable that simulation kings Maxis created Darkspore the way they did – near-plotless and mechanical – for that is all they have known since their inception. Hardcore RPG fans won't mind a bit and will revel in the variety and imagination on display, but others are advised to try before they buy.

Portal 2 manages to exceed expectations without compromising any of the core gameplay that made the original so popular, and should easily be considered one of the best titles available so far this year.

Even if gamers may have to wait for something truly definitive, Mortal Kombat represents significant, praiseworthy progress for the series. A joyful respite for long-battered fans and a highly entertaining, bloodied distraction for the rest.

The graphics are the best of any in the franchise and the musical score is perfectly aligned to the medieval setting. But Sims fans might be disappointed by the lack of freedom in this release, whereas RPG fans will probably appreciate the structured gameplay and character development laced with The Sims's typical light-hearted humour.

Shift 2 is an enjoyable racing game and you could do worse than to lay down your hard-earned for it. However, it's difficult to shake the feeling that it's merely a prettier version of the first Gran Turismo game. In a genre in need of a breath of fresh air, Shift 2 isn't it.

PGA 12 features the same kind of gradual evolution found in all EA Sports titles. The big-name improvements, such as Move support and the Masters content are welcome, and will no doubt inspire many to part company with the funds required to participate.

Although it won't be met with the slack-jawed amazement of its predecessor, Crysis 2 offers a very stylish and entertaining single and multiplayer experience with an engaging point of differentiation in the range of tactical options open to the player.

Crucially, Crysis 2 represents the maturation of first-person shooters in general. Gone are the ludicrous system requirements, and the open-world setting. Instead, the series has shifted to a more focused linear playing field, where your actions are guided by the game rather than by your own curiosity.

These gripes aside, however, there is still plenty of satisfaction to be gained from MLB 2K11, for both baseball devotees and curious cricket-fans alike.

This means that the real value to Top Spin 4 lies not in its career mode, but in online play and the 'King of the Court' mode which turns tennis into a school yard game of 'winner holds the court'. This is fully customisable and offers the potential for hours of good competition between friends. Sure, it's not 'real' tennis, but it's certainly fun.

If you're contemplating Homefront as an inclusive package, forget it. Consider it to be a better-than-expected multiplayer distraction at best, and wait for E3 in June to see if we get an apology for the campaign and an explanation as to how the sequel will be better.

It's not a bad game but it is outstripped by developer Gaijin Entertainments other offerings within the same market. Unless you're someone who really must get to the chopper, there are far better flight simulators available, including the excellent IL-2 series. Granted, it's not on consoles, but they really aren't the weapon of choice for simulations.

The game asks you to explore and to experiment, be it where you are questing or with the character you are building. If the idea of another MMO levelling grind sends shivers down your spine, Rift may not be something to invest your time in, but if you are in the market for a new world to explore that is at once both recognisable and original then Rift may just be for you.

Shogun 2 is a tour de force, plunging even the most detached and practical of real-time strategy fans into the heady waters of the Shengoku Jidai.

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.

As it stands though, Fight Night Champion presents some excellent fighting packaged in what amounts to two less than perfect game modes.

The challenge may be a little steep for newcomers, but PixelJunk Shooter 2 still lives up to the standard of quality and fun Q Games has consistently delivered.

At a mere 800 Microsoft Points, it's hardly a difficult financial decision. If you've never played it before, we can't recommend it enough. Even with its faults, even if you've played it in the past, do yourself a favour and have another go of this much loved classic.

"Quotation Forthcoming"

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.

If you're looking for a nourishing gaming experience sprinkled with the addictive sea-salt of Pokémania, then these games are for you.

If you're looking for a nourishing gaming experience sprinkled with the addictive sea-salt of Pokémania, then these games are for you.

This was a title we'd all desperately wanted to see perform well, and while the core game does offer a lot of entertainment, it's frustrating to imagine what could have been if only Eden had a bit more vision. It's clear that if there's to be another edition to the series, it's going to need some serious work in order to remain relevant.

The bottom line is that while it offers veteran FPS players nothing new, Killzone 3 does boast some of the best console FPS graphics yet, and very slick gameplay to go along with it. Lack of innovation and the horrible story aside, it's an outstanding release that all PS3 owners should get their hands on as a matter of priority.

That aside, Dead Space 2 is a fantastic shooter. It's a marked departure in mood and gameplay from the first, but these design choices have paid off enormously. A must for horror or shooter fans.

SouthEnd has produced an endearing experience that deserves to be judged on its creative merits alone, and one that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the month's high profile releases.

At its heart, LittleBigPlanet 2 is a suite of development tools wrapped up in a user-friendly, child-like aesthetic of yarn and cardboard.

The result is an enjoyable action-oriented MMO but it leads one to wonder if there is enough here to keep a player paying the monthly fee. With just 30 levels before end-game content and only two major questing zones it begs the question: Will people stay around after their 30 day free trial is over? For large swathes of the playerbase, we're guessing the answer is 'no.'

It lacks the kind of personality you'd expect with titles like these, but does offer the occasional serious challenge to those able to overlook the clumsy controls, annoying camera issues, and fairly average graphics.

New Carnival Games is a rainy weekend hire at best.

If you've played any previous version of Bejeweled, then Bejeweled 3 consists of exactly the mental image you're formulating right now. PopCap know they can't fix something that isn't broken.

Whether you have an hour to sit around and knock off 30 levels or just a few minutes between trains, Ivy will feel like a worthwhile purchase.

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.

Being released just a year after the first Saw game has resulted in an uninspired and recycled title, bringing with it the sense that this is just another shameless tie-in rushed out to capitalise on the license.

Without the pro instruments Rock Band 3 is a strong rhythm game but nothing extraordinary. With Pro Mode, and the new Pro instruments this game is a shining light in a genre that had become happy with mediocrity.

If you really feel the need to be a giant monster armed with lasers and missile launchers rampaging through an innocent city, then I suppose you could do worse than picking this up. If you've got controllers and friends to spare, the co-op mode can be a good time-waster, or an alternative to the usual party games.

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

Super Scribblenauts isn't so much a sequel as a successor to 5th Cell's innovative DS game. Adjectives allow for more creative solutions to puzzles and a tidier interface make for an superior experience, but one that players of the original may feel too familiar with.

Whether you are a casual player looking for some new levelling experiences, a manic PvPer looking for the next challenge or a PvE progression player, Cataclysm has something for everyone. Like the expansions that preceded it, Cataclysm is growing and evolving.

Those not yet completely jaded by zombie movies and games will find Dead Nation a very agreeable game, especially those looking for a reasonably challenging top-down shooter.

The Force Unleashed was a great concept and a better narrative let down by a handful of mechanical faults and poor design decisions. A sequel was always on the cards but unfortunately what we're presented with fails to meet the high expectations expected of the license.

The different modes have enough variety to add a measure of replay value, with minor changes in the gameplay and some new mazes to chomp your way through.

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.

This remake of an '80s arcade classic is a flawed yet intermittently enjoyable bloodfest with some nice touches but too little polish.

Ultimately, all you want to know is whether DJ Hero 2 is better than the original (which was by all accounts a fantastic game) and if you should buy it. Quite simply, the answer to both is, as the mighty Flavor Flav would say… YEEEAAHHH BOYEEEE!!

In spite of speculation that EA MMA would be dead on arrival there's a very satisfactory entry here, one worthy of any fighting gamer's consideration and one EA would be remiss to abandon next year.

This is a game that feels like an expanded tech demo.

End of the day, it's a must for fans of Golden Sun or indeed any fan of portable RPG games.

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.

Hot Pursuit has overdosed on the adrenaline, providing gamers with some of the fastest action this year.

Black Ops is a competent shooter that comes packed with compelling multiplayer modes and additional content.

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

Donkey Kong Country Returns could just be the best side-scrolling platformer of this generation.

Ultimately however, Epic Mickey proves to be a challenging and engaging experience. It is loving homage to an entertainment empire that has stood the test of time.

The game is a triumph for pure racing aficionados, and is without doubt the best racing simulator available on the PS3. The only real disappointment is that we knew it would be, and hoped that the wealth of new features long touted by Polyphony would be produced with the same level of dedication and perfection shown in the heart of the game.

That said, the technology on offer in Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is often outstanding and if you're self-motivated, you'll be able to overlook that problem. Besides, summer usually sees us all making crazy resolutions and making use of the technology available could very well help you to reach your goals.

If EA plans to get a firm share of the Kinect exercise market they'll need to invest a bit more time in creating a more user-friendly experience.

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.

Easily the most substantial of the early titles and one that is sure to enthral young players as well as the young at heart.

Perfect for old-school Sonic fans.

While Kinect Sports falls flat in the single player experience the fun to be had with friends carries it. Occasional motion control issues and the space required can hinder some of the fun but overall, and in a market flooded with choice, Kinect Sports holds its ground and should bring some high energy entertainment to your living room.

Together these elements make Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood the most polished experience the series has created to date. It's one that will vindicate fans and hush doubters, even if Ezio's swarthy charms are starting to run as thin as an Italian waiter shamelessly flirting with your date.

Even the most ardent of fans are likely to stab you in the throat if they find this in a stocking come Christmas, so do yourself a favour and avoid.

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

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

Blood Stone is an able shooter.

Rockstar have created one of the most imaginative and cleverly designed DLC packs this year.

Front Mission Evolved is at its core an uninspired third-person mech fighter that throws out the tenets of the series, a move that may turn off long time players. Mech fans will find it lukewarm at best and the rest of us are left to wonder just who the game will appeal to.

Essentially there's very little to whinge about with UFC Undisputed 2010 on the PSP – it's easier to play than its bigger brothers so provides a nice entry point into the genre, yet experienced MMA gamers will appreciate the depth and being able to take their fighting on the road.

What I can say is that I had a blast with it, and those who remember where Sonic came from probably will too.

Throw all of these things together and you have an excellent game that falls just a little short of perfect.

Those expecting a quantum leap forward in this release will be disappointed, however the multitudes of people eagerly anticipating the kind of clever twists and darkly humorous social commentary Lionhead excel in will not come away empty handed. The trip to Albion is well worth the price of admission.

Unfortunately Vanquish is short - about six to seven hours on first play through – and there isn't a swathe of bonus content. That said, this is the only game I have ever completed and immediately restarted, ever.

Despite its faults, or all the things that could have been more polished, there's a lot of enjoyment on offer. If only Danger Close and DICE were prepared to put in just a little bit more effort during the development process to separate Medal of Honor from the rest of the flock in this saturated genre, we could have been looking at something very special indeed.

Kung Fu Rider is essentially a terrible example of what Move can offer. Whatever you do, don't judge Sony's new motion sensing hardware on this title.

This is a development team that listens. Taking the good from the original and cutting or fixing the bad. It still carries all the horror spliced with comedy from the first and creates a world that intrigues, entertains and disgusts in equal measure.

Those accustomed to investing hours examining endless story arcs, or searching vast environments for details will certainly appreciate Obsidian's efforts, even if newcomers may struggle to see what all the fuss is about.

His work gives the game much of its charm, but even Gollum himself can't push this 12-hour puzzle-shooting-platformer adventure past 'above average' and into 'great'.

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.

Invizimals is a great idea perhaps realised too soon. It never feels as cohesive as it should due to technology limitations, and for that reason it's hard to promote it as a well constructed gaming experience. But we'd sure love to see a sequel that irons out the bugs.

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.

Like Mary Shelley's gothic creation, you'll come to discover that Lords of Shadow is no monster, even if its ubiquitous quick-time events will occasionally see you reaching for your pitchfork.