Brütal Legend is a bit of a mixed bag. Though it offers its fair share of brilliance and ingenuity, it suffers from a hodgepodge of conflicting gameplay mechanics that bar its admission into gaming excellence.

The finest first-person shooter experience since Bioshock. It is a great pity that so many people will pass this game by.

Marvel Vs Capcom 2 may not be on the cutting edge of console fighters at this time, but it's stylized combat and charm delivers something for everyone.

You really should not have had to pay for Broken Steel. It should’ve been included on the original release, but it’s so worth it.

It's no Burnout beater, but this is about as close as anything will get to matching the intensity, lunacy and destructibility of Criterion's baby. Consistently enthralling, Split/Second's fiery formula brings a new lease on life to the arcade racing genre - we can only hope it's a franchise that's here to stay.

Revengeance can now be considered part of the pantheon of action games, right alongside of Devil May Cry 3, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and other classics. Platinum created a deep and rewarding combat system, layered it on top of an action packed story that captures the most outrageous moments of the Metal Gear Solid series, and added their own signature mark.

Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep isn't just a spin-off; it's an evolution of the series that makes helpful tweaks to combat and introduces interesting new worlds.

Faith is very by the numbers in terms of the level of storytelling with a few hiccups in tow, but I have a feeling that like The Walking Dead, it’ll ramp up as time goes on. Whether you’re a fan of Fables or not, I see a lot of potential in The Wolf Among Us, and I’ll be following its progress beyond a shadow of a doubt.

ModNation Racers successfully revitalises the kart racing genre into the next generation with a big cheesy grin stamped on its face. A few niggles aside, this is fun and frantic racing with a sterling set of tools that will have you returning on a daily basis just to see what the kooky community will cook up next.

King's Bounty: The Armored Princess is a great game if you fall into its target demographic. Those looking for something more than a single-player strategy/RPG hybrid should look elsewhere.

The game has its flaws, but they didn't stop me from falling in love with the game. I just didn't fall quite as hard as I wanted to.

This reinvention of You Don't Know Jack is one of the best the series has had to offer, given all of the new features for this current generation.

Simply put, this game warrants a purchase whether you have NCAA Football 11 or not.

Catherine is a truly rare experience that combines arcade-style gameplay with one of the most engaging, emotional narratives seen in a videogame. While Atlus has done little to reconcile the game's disparate styles of play, it doesn't damage the overall experience. While the tower climbing sequences may not be for everyone, those that enjoy a good puzzle should seriously consider picking Catherine up.

Blur is a great power-up racer that is at times held back by difficult game mechanics. But ultimately, it is an addictive, exhilarating experience that will keep that carrot on a stick at an unreachable distance for a long time.

It's a solid, if rather unnecessary, sequel in a venerable series. If only more franchises' "average" efforts were this much fun.

If you’re keen on games that are easy to learn but difficult to master, Nidhogg is for you. The combat system is incredibly fun, and there are so many heart-stopping moments packed into each round that it’s tough to keep count. Once the online issues are fixed, it’ll be a source of constant competition for months to come.

VVVVVV offers clever platforming, a superb soundtrack, and challenging gameplay. But it's extremely short, and the $15 price tag is asking a bit too much.

Old World Blues is one of the best Fallout DLCs yet. It's funny, it's packed with content, and it offers solid rewards for players who are looking to add to their Courier's arsenal. If you skipped on the previous two content packs, make sure to pick this one up.

In the end, those who expect all the bells and whistles that have come to grace more recent fighting games, you may pass this up and feel no remorse. Same goes for those who already own a previous installment of VF 5 and feel content. Albeit, for die hard fans, those looking for yet another fighting game to add to their library and those who have strayed from the franchise but are still curious, this can be a good investment.

Stick it to the Man is a really weird game, and that’s part of the reason why I enjoyed it for what it was. It’s like watching a particularly dark episode of Duckman or Rocko’s Modern Life, and while it may not be as classic as the subject material, it’s still definitely worthy of the same conversation. I kind of just wished it knew what it really wanted to be.

Although it's not the perfect, laugh-out-loud ending we all wanted, The Rise of the Pirate God is still one of the best chapters of the five part series.

While Metro 2033 isn't without its faults, if you embrace its strong suits and allow yourself to become immersed in this impressive post-apocalyptic environment, you will surely enjoy yourself.

The game looks great, the battles play great, but the amount of handholding and overly intrusive, repetitive dialogue turn the game into a chore when it should’ve been as refreshing as a good night’s sleep.

If you can get past all the problems that plague the PC version, you'll discover an extremely fun and addicting FPS that sprinkles in some RPG elements, and a "bazillion" guns, to create a unique experience unlike anything else.

Whether you actually do end up getting all the DLC, or can only choose one, just make sure you get Broken Steel.

Any Wii owner who is even mildly interested would do well to pick Bit.Trip FLUX up.

In the end, Captain Scarlett offers pretty much more of the same amount of fun found in the core game, and it never really progresses any further than that.

Let's face it, Base Jumping is out of the comfort zones for most of us, but Aaaaa! presents a thrill-inducing, skill-testing rush of a game that everyone should try.

For those that have the means and already enjoy the campy humor of Borderlands, Zombie Island of Dr. Ned may be just what you’re looking for. For those who are trying to stretch their gaming dollar, this is a tougher recommendation to make.

Amalur is a game that makes no pretenses about what it is. Every town has people in need, every monster needs killing, and every cave and dungeon needs exploring. You'll want to keep taking on quests because maybe you'll get a new sword that does more damage and looks cooler. Its dedication to enhancing player-power makes it a joy to play, even if a few minor issues keep it from true excellence.

Simply put, this physics engine works and works really well. There hasn't been one game that I have played where my jaw didn't drop in amazement.

Overall, even without online play, Jamestown is a great title that's worthy of any shmup fan's time. The mechanics are solid, the presentation is great, and the price is right – I can't wait to see what Final Form does next.

If you liked Punch-Out!!, Rage of the Gladiator will be your favorite WiiWare purchase... ever. If you've never tried Punch-Out!!, this is a solid, low-cost alternative with personality, and a great way to test your reaction time.

Problems notwithstanding, if you're a shmup fan who is waiting for the next big Treasure or Cave release, or just looking to blast some aliens, for $1.99, you could certainly do a lot worse.

An overall better game than its predecessor, Puzzle Quest 2 expands upon and streamlines the formula to produce one of the most enjoyable puzzle games ever.

It has to be said that Trendy Entertainment had sought to build a co-op focused game early on, and they achieved their goal, even though the final product has one super buff arm and one mediocre arm.

There is something to be said for the entertainment value of wrestling games, but for a series that is supposed to be bettering itself with each new year, this just isn’t good enough.

There is a lot to like about this year's "Tiger Woods" but, unfortunately, there is also a lot wrong as well. For those who haven't picked up a golf game before this will be a welcome surprise. For hardcore fans, though, it is likely to leave you wondering where all the new features are.

At least $10 worth of entertainment, especially if you're an electronica aficionado or an ambient game/puzzle junkie. The mid-game shift from "mellow" to "frantic" will lead many gamers to never complete it, however, and it will leave a bad taste in your mouth after the blissful sweetness of the early levels.

Blood Dragon came out of nowhere and blew me away. As a child of the 80s and 90s, it was a wonderful blast through the past that I couldn’t stop playing. My only major complaint is the brevity of the package, but if you’re the kind of person who always goes for 100% completion, there’s more than enough game here for you to enjoy.

Wii Sports Resort expands upon the enjoyment and accessibility of it’s predecessor in nearly every aspect.

Brigmore Witches brings about a satisfying conclusion to the Dishonored narrative, and like Knife of Dunwall before it, not only augments the over-arching story, but stands on its own. If you can pick up a copy of the game at some point with all the DLC in tow, I’d highly recommend it for Daud’s two DLC tales alone.

Despite these issues, Mutant Mudds is an immediate purchase for fans of platformers. It offers up hours of entertainment alongside of crisp retro graphics and an amazing soundtrack, among tons of other throwbacks and homages that are sure to please fans both old and new.

There is an intuitive and intelligent game to be found, it just takes quite a bit of patience, learning and experience to find it.

It has to be said: IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is not for everyone. However, what Birds of Prey does achieve is a stunning landscape, deep storyline, and arguably the best combat flight multiplayer ever created for a console.

Without multiplayer, Ascension would be a weaker package. It’s only slightly above average on the grand stage of action, and is marred with technical problems, a lack of polish, and a lack of a poignant narrative. But overall, the experience is still a positive one, and Sony Santa Monica did a great job bringing competitive play to the franchise.

I cannot think of a single thing you could buy for that money that would give you as much entertainment and sheer fun as this title.

Skate 3 manages to remain the skateboarding game to beat but ultimately lacks the evolution and balanced, challenging experience that gamers expect from a third installment in the series.

A beautiful game. From the graphics to the core mechanics, players will be amazed at how well it is designed.

Despite the two-part approach, Knife of Dunwall is DLC done right. It takes the core fundamentals from the original game without sacrificing the integrity of it and provides its own spin on the formula. Honestly, at this point I wish Daud was the main character of Dishonored to begin with. If you even slightly enjoyed Dishonored, this is a no-brainer.

Every game has its flaws, and Red Steel 2 is no exception. But what it lacks in heart, it more than makes up for in cajones.

Fable III is a good game; its new ideas can't really elevate it to greatness but it's fun, well-written, and creative

Don’t pass this one by. Sitting at less than half the standard price of a 360 or PS3 game, A Boy and His Blob offers more entertainment and replay value than most Wii titles can attest to.

Retribution is a solid stand alone expansion that I would have no problem paying $50 for... and it retails for $30.

Zen Pinball should please fans of the genre, but those who don’t fancy themselves pinball wizards should be wary.

Finding its stride, The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood is the best episode thus far. The puzzles will make you think while you laugh your way through the stellar adventure, and try not to fall to Stan's seizure-inducing coat.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 provides features that won't be for everyone but is ultimately an enjoyable experience. If you haven't experienced the Tiger Woods franchise in a while, this is a great year to come back.

Ultimately, Undercover is basically another LEGO game. Although it could have done a lot to sway non-fans like LEGO Batman 2 did, it sticks to preset conventions far too often, and doesn’t take nearly enough risks.

Snoopy Flying Aces is an absolute blast to play and offers one of the best experiences available on XBLA. Don't write it off just because of a certain famous beagle.

Overall, Toki Tori is an absolutely brilliant puzzler with great graphics and even greater puzzles to solve.

Not the definitive Lunar update, but the timelessness of the gameplay, story, and music wrapped up in a shiny new package make it easy to see why Lunar is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPG's of all time.

It’s a welcome reprieve from games with highly complex battle systems or overwrought narratives, and takes you on a beautiful, if occasionally frustrating, trip.

Call of Pripyat is not only a return to form for the series, but a breath of fresh air for an increasingly stale genre. Recommended for fans of the previous games and newcomers alike, this is how a real PC FPS should work.

Skate 3 manages to remain the skateboarding game to beat but ultimately lacks the evolution and balanced, challenging experience that gamers expect from a third installment in the series.

With a few fixes to its economy and more free tracks in a future update, Forza 5 will grow into one of the best racing games ever made. It’s beautiful, it shows off the designs of vehicles in a way that’s never been done before, and the Top Gear license is used to enhance the experience. If you’re a casual racing fan who finds themselves overwhelmed easily, Forza 5 is your huckleberry.

All in all, the mission is a bit on the short side, but if you’re either a fan of Mercenaries or the original Resident Evil, odds are you will enjoy this pack for $5.

After years of playing second fiddle in the action-adventure genre, Yakuza 3 finally makes some waves with an engaging, cinematic experience that will punch you right in the face, but in awesomely brutal fashion.

While Metroid: Other M is infused with a dose of style and flare the series has been lacking, the horrible control scheme and overly emotional story ruins the whole experience, making the game extremely aggravating to play.

The game is simple, addictive and silly. Whilst it changes very few elements from the original, minimal change was needed to recapture the tremendous amount of fun.

Scribblenauts' amazing amount of content is only let down by the techology that powers it.

While it may be a step up for the franchise, it doesn't do anything radical that will sway non-fans. LEGO Batman 2 may encourage more exploration, but thematically, and gameplay wise, it's still relatively simplistic.

Monday Night Combat's frenetic pace makes it a lot of fun to play, especially with friends, but there's no denying the multiple aspects of the game that have room for improvement.

Whether you have played the prior Tropico titles or not, the blend of politics, construction and economy make this a fantastic game if you can stick with the learning curve.

Tales of Monkey Island is a blast to play, but feels a little short, even for episodic content.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 provides features that won't be for everyone but is ultimately an enjoyable experience. If you haven't experienced the Tiger Woods franchise in a while, this is a great year to come back.

Looking past the demo complaint, Dead Rising 2: Case Zero is more like a pre-release DLC, helping to bridge the gap between the two main installments with an enthralling story, and provides enough zombie skull-bashing that'll keep even the most sadistic of us pleased for hours to come.

Tekken has never been a series for everyone. But for those with a penchant for challenging fighters, as well as a decent TV and online setup, Tekken 6 has the potential to become your ideal multiplayer game.

If you can get past the game's mission-based structure and lack of replay value for the common gamer, you'll find an epic tale of betrayal and intrigue in Assassin's Creed that really shouldn't be missed.

Judged on its humor alone, DeathSpank is a great game. However, some major problems often mar the gameplay, making it more fun to laugh with than it is to play

Dissidia: Final Fantasy mixes a near perfect fan service with tight gameplay, unrivaled visuals, and an extensive amount of side-content. This IP should not be passed up.

Dead Rising 2 is a fantastically fun title, so long as you approach it from the right point of view.

Devil Summoner 2 is a huge improvement over the first and another great installment in the Shin Megami Tensei series that both newcomers and series veterans can enjoy.

Catherine is a truly rare experience that combines arcade-style gameplay with one of the most engaging, emotional narratives seen in a videogame. While Atlus has done little to reconcile the game's disparate styles of play, it doesn't damage the overall experience. While the tower climbing sequences may not be for everyone, those that enjoy a good puzzle should seriously consider picking Catherine up.

Fat Princess is a gem that's marred by some issues that would otherwise make it the best game on the PSN.

Lego Harry Potter is THE best Lego title to date regardless of your love or hate of the subject matter.

All in all Age of Zombies is a fun little throwback to the simpler days of Smash TV. Older gamers may be off put by the rather juvenile humor, but the almost hypnotic gameplay make up for it.

Overall, Ghostbusters The Video Game excels in the gameplay department, and somehow manages to give us an updated experience of the same old ghost catching troupe we know and love.

Retro City Rampage is a labor of love, and one you will not want to miss.

It’s an improvement over last year’s iteration, but if you’re getting a next-gen console, you definitely want to wait to upgrade for feature parity with the PC version.

All in all, I see a lot of classic Treyarch in Escalation (for some people, for good or bad). While people may not have the best things to say about Treyarch's programming ability, when it comes to level design, I think they have first person shooters down pat. Unless you're completely bored of Black Ops, I'd highly recommend picking up this map pack – even over the first one.

While Dragon Age II doesn't quite measure up to it's predecessor, the streamlined approach was a solid effort - if Bioware can somehow marry the best parts of Origins and Dragon Age II, it will produce one of the best RPGs the world has ever seen.

Greed Corp nobly attempts to simplify the genre, but takes it a few steps too far.

Pigsy's Perfect 10 is easy to recommend. Its stellar gameplay and vastly different feel make it a must-play for anyone with a copy of Enslaved.

The reckless racing style of Arctic Edge is certainly suiting for racing on the go, and the fact that Bigbig managed to fully retain the spirit of MotorStorm is truly commendable.

Unless you inject nostalgia directly into your veins, you'll find that Perfect Dark just doesn't hold up.

A charming experience that costs nothing to play. Free Realms has something for virtually everyone to appreciate.

For casual players, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 improves upon enough to provide a challenging, enjoyable experience. However, for hardcore players, the appeal of the new game mechanic changes and game modes may vary.