A decent addition to Shogun 2's content library, although we still think a slightly missed opportunity to do something truly special.

Twisted Metal never escapes the fact that it feels completely old and archaic. The premise is timeless, and there should always be room for a game of mindless destruction, but the execution is poor here.

Defenders of Ardania is competently made but doesn't really excel in any particular area.

Beyond an amusing style and excellent presentation the game is as deep as a particularly dry puddle, and while I have nothing against games that offer simple thrills Shoot Many Robots doesn't make levels interesting enough to make them feel anything but repetitious – and the occasional Survival levels only exacerbate the problem, not offer a reprieve.

Overall, it's obvious to see why Jak and Daxter makes the perfect choice for a HD collection, and I knew that I would enjoy returning to all 3 of these games. What I didn't expect was to feel that the most relevant release in the package is the original, a type of game that simply doesn't get made any more.

Flight has nothing to do with Flight Simulator and the sooner people realise that the better.

To put it plainly, there is an odd disconnect between this game and Mass Effect 2. In fact, there are more ties between this game and the first game than there are between 2 and 3, and sometimes we can't help but feel Mass Effect 2 never happened.

It could have accomplished so much more, but it's hard to complain when SSX is still such a brilliant game.

Right now, Binary Domain is an accomplished and enjoyable shooter that proves excellent combat can make up for shortcomings in other areas.

To put it simply, I Am Alive is one of the most important releases this generation. Ubisoft should be commended for producing a title that challenges many adult themes. The effort is an amazingly brave and thought-provoking one, resulting in a product that is memorable and undeniably unique. People will be talking about this for years to come, and with good reason.

In the end, it's properly, wonderfully creative and brilliant – and proves that even the most disparate of series can be bedfellows if executed well.

A worthy sequel to one of the most addictive strategy games ever made. It may not have the catchy song, but war still has never been this much fun.

This is a low-budget affair however, make no mistake, but as long as your brain can get over the sound of three British blokes hamming up their lines with conviction, then you'll uncover a decent amount of charm within Da New Guys script.

Looking forward we wouldn't mind seeing some kind of abilities worked back into the game, whether off-map or unit based (Engineers, for example, don't really do anything engineering). Regardless of the future though, this game is worth getting now, pure and simple.

There's a lot to said for visuals these days though, and having played the PC version extensively we're not sure we could then go to the console with a neutral mind-set. Swings and Roundabouts, as they say, but Reckoning is a good game all round and well worth getting – no matter the platform.

Elements of the Wake story from the unresolved ending of the first game are touched on throughout the story. You'll leave this more knowledgeable, but not doubting that there will be more Alan Wake to come.

If you're after an old-school brawler it's definitely still worth your consideration – but absolutely keep in mind that this offers frustration as well as fun.

While Syndicate's a good solid FPS, it wastes its world, its unique ideas and its potential. And that's just a damn shame. Bloody corporations.

The solid base THQ built themselves two years ago has progressed massively, making this game the most complete experience yet.

Whilst it's definitely not a game that will stay with you for the action then, it's still worth noting that Asura's storyline is engaging and absolutely spectacular in comparison to most other titles.

As it is, you've got an above average third person torch-'em-up that's still got issues and will take some getting used to with the old mouse sensitivity issues.

One of the most haunting and well-executed titles of this or any other generation.

A gigantic and compelling RPG experience. It's not quite ready to topple the big guns of the genre, but despite feeling "inspired" by every RPG or fantasy ever made it manages to offer a unique and entertaining alternative. Even if it does add yet another surly scantily-clad elf girl to the genre.

Whilst the subject matter and the set-up may not be to everyone's liking, Crusader Kings II is definitely the most impressive Paradox game to date. The game mechanics are an interesting twist on a well-known genre, the code itself is highly polished, and it's just a really fun and interesting game to play.

Once I got into a mission I found it hard to stop until all my plans worked out, and even defeat often had me immediately coming back to try again. That's the mark of an addictive, fun game, which Jagged Alliance: Back In Action definitely is, but it just doesn't do quite enough to earn the really high marks.

When summarising most videogames, it's almost always important to thrust the mechanics out front as one of the primary metrics to be judged. Catherine, for the first time that I can recall in a very long while, demands to be reviewed on its narrative and thematic content. It simply cannot be ignored.

It's fair to say Final Fantasy XIII-2 is an appealing return for the much-adhered franchise. It offers some truly unique and intriguing gameplay elements that will invite newcomers whilst challenging series aficionados. This is extremely important after the failings of XIII, as it shows Square Enix are prepared to keep building on the RPG formula they shaped. Serah's adventure is an entertaining and dynamic one, signalling that Final Fantasy is moving in the right direction once again.

There's something naturally intriguing about King Arthur II – perhaps it's the setting. With so many Tolkien RPGs, historical strategy titles and tiresome modern shooters, a game that genuinely captures a new era and source material is stirring. It's by no means perfect, especially in the technical department, but let the developers work out the kinks and you'll be rewarded with a genuinely decent game.

As a straight-port with added multiplayer, developers Denki have done a decent job with Quarrel. Moving forward, there's plenty to build on in order to establish this as a successful series. When it comes down to business, Quarrel does its best to puff out its chest, but loses breath quicker than expected upon first playing. There's no doubt this is a charismatic, challenging and fun way to spend your time, if you don't mind some irritating tendencies along the way.

Despite its short-length, bland level design and forgettable bosses, The Darkness II is a thoroughly entertaining blast from start to finish. Who knew dismembering hordes of enemies would be such a guilty pleasure?

Issues with the presentation of the story and the general amount of single player content on offer are slight dings against the experience especially considering SoulCalibur's history of blending RPG elements into its single player campaigns - but even then this is the best reason to return to SoulCalibur's stage of history since the days of the Dreamcast.

If you're willing to put in a good 5-6 hours learning the foibles of the interface, and then spend the rest of your time with the game wishing it was better, there is something to be said for the setting and the heart of the action that lies beneath. It's just not enough to overwhelm the tide of poor UI decisions that unfortunately sit dominant on top.

All Zombies Must Die is a solid shooter with RPG elements and a decent level of character upgrading. Unfortunately, it's let down a little by the monotonous missions of 'kill that' or 'collect this'. Rachel isn't a particularly likable either - of course, you don't have to use her at all!

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is an essential purchase, and more content worth experiencing than just about any other game released in the past year.

There is fun to be had on the streets of San Paro though, and as the price of entry is precisely zero, there's absolutely no reason not to give it a try.

A solid puzzler but little else. What it sets out to do, gameplay-wise, it succeeds in, providing admirable and occasionally fiddly conundrums to cudgel your grey matter with. However, outside of that, there's little to charm you, little to make you 'love' the game, rather than just like it.

What is unforgivable is that All Zombies Must Die! commits the ultimate video game sin by becoming boring. Much like the classic example of Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, (that's right, I went there) quantity must not come at the expense of quality or even a basic level of enjoyment. It's a real shame because with more variety and less padding AZMD could've been so much more.

It may carry a lot of the same foundations as other MMOs but BioWare has given the genre something it has desperately needed - actual RPG - and that can only spell good things for us all.

On its own merits, the PC version of Insect Armageddon is a strong port of the most modern and proficient Earth Defense Force yet. The downloadable version is even cheaper than its console counterparts too, currently "e-tailing" for £14.99 on Steam.

Some flaws still exist including some poor camera control problems reminiscent of the era when this was originally created, but in general this is a really impressive HD remake of an underrated, under played classic that deserves the attention – and something that other HD remakes could definitely stand to learn a thing or two from.

As far as the 360-specific additions are concerned, there are a few extra environments and characters for you to get your teeth into, but the core of Joe Danger is resolutely the same as its PS3 cousin. And for once, that's a fantastic thing. If you enjoyed Trials, and if you like Sonic or even Tony Hawk, you owe it to yourself to give this a try.

We're off the opinion that the worst that can happen to a game is it being uninspiring – Northern Crusades isn't a bad game, but neither is it a particularly good game. It simply is and it's hard to give a passionate answer either way as to whether it's worth your time.

It's a comfortable Action RPG that makes up for its shortcomings with addictive fun, cool three-player co-op and a goddamned giant talking eagle. Just push a few boundaries and hire a scriptwriter next time Snowblind, please.

Trine 2 is a rare and beautifully cut gem of a game, and makes for a wonderful end to a season of extremely strong releases.

Xtreme Legends, though, is a proposition only for the hardcore Warriors fan or at a bargain basement price. With the original Dynasty Warriors 7 now reduced, picking up this package that arguably has less compelling content and asks for the original disc for some of its modes seems crazy. If you're just looking for some mindless hacking and slashing, though, this'll do fine.

I am extremely glad of Serious Sam 3's existence. It serves as a timely reminder of how shooters don't need to be highly restrictive rollercoasters that heavily manipulate the player in order to create intensity and epic spectacle.

Rayman Origins is the best 2D platformer this year, one of my favourite ever made (it's up there with Yoshi's Island), and the one game out in November everyone should play. I don't care if you've got other games to play – this one will make you feel good inside.

Rayman Origins is the best 2D platformer this year, one of my favourite ever made (it's up there with Yoshi's Island), and the one game out in November everyone should play. I don't care if you've got other games to play – this one will make you feel good inside.

Saints Row: The Third is a consistently thrilling and addictive streak through the sandbox genre's most popular avenues, even if it is as shallow as the 'GTL' lifestyle it strives to promote.

Saints Row: The Third is a consistently thrilling and addictive streak through the sandbox genre's most popular avenues, even if it is as shallow as the 'GTL' lifestyle it strives to promote.

What's here is entertaining enough, but you can't shake the feeling that the end product could have been so much more fulfilling with just a little more conviction and/or development time. Whatever their reasons though, I'll be crossing my fingers for a sequel; the concept is brilliant.

What's here is entertaining enough, but you can't shake the feeling that the end product could have been so much more fulfilling with just a little more conviction and/or development time. Whatever their reasons though, I'll be crossing my fingers for a sequel; the concept is brilliant.

Finally significant progress has been put into place, as the game's backbone is starting to feel sturdy enough to carry the weight of expectation.

Finally significant progress has been put into place, as the game's backbone is starting to feel sturdy enough to carry the weight of expectation.

An utterly rubbish game.

Jurassic Park: The Game gets the licence utterly perfect, offering a thrilling rollercoaster ride (sometimes literally) of dinosaurs, tension and action, but still wise enough to slow down, let you and the characters catch their collective breath, and unwind with a simple puzzle or two.

Jurassic Park: The Game gets the licence utterly perfect, offering a thrilling rollercoaster ride (sometimes literally) of dinosaurs, tension and action, but still wise enough to slow down, let you and the characters catch their collective breath, and unwind with a simple puzzle or two.

Although it doesn't push any boundaries, Just Dance 3 is a decent addition to the much-loved series.

If you've never played Overkill before this is the definitive version of a great game. It's something that might only be played once but will be remembered fondly after that fact as a fun experience. It's hilarious, sometimes disgusting, sometimes ridiculous and almost always fun – especially when playing with a friend.

I may have hated Oblivion, but I utterly love Skyrim. It's fixed every problem I had with the previous game and don't think I'll be uninstalling it for a good long while.

A cheap, cheerful affair that you shouldn't expect too much of.

It's just a little bit boring right now. If you want to show Paradox and Kerberos your support, then by all means go buy it, but regardless of whether you pick it up now or not, it'll probably take a couple of months of patches to be the game it was meant to be.

It doesn't achieve the rollarcoaster pace of the main series, or feel as polished, but Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One is a worthwhile excuse to get together with a group of mates and cause havoc as some of your favourite characters.

That's the story of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3: This is actually the game that the original should've been. If you've not played MVC3 or traded it in and want another fix, this is absolutely the best route to go. If you bought the original, how much do you love MVC? If you want more, go get it – the newcomers are great fun.

That's the story of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3: This is actually the game that the original should've been. If you've not played MVC3 or traded it in and want another fix, this is absolutely the best route to go. If you bought the original, how much do you love MVC? If you want more, go get it – the newcomers are great fun.

With the release of Revelations, Ubisoft have finally turned their initial concept into a truly unmissable game. Pulling the narrative together alongside some vital gameplay additions, this is the best, most complete Assassin's Creed title to date.

With the release of Revelations, Ubisoft have finally turned their initial concept into a truly unmissable game. Pulling the narrative together alongside some vital gameplay additions, this is the best, most complete Assassin's Creed title to date.

In the end, Combat Evolved Anniversary is a strange package. Its campaign feels half hearted, neither fully remaking nor preserving the original game.

The controls, simply, work. These kinds of games have had varying amounts of success on the console this generation, with things like Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 coming close but just not being good enough, but in this case Tropico makes a great case for these once PC-only genres appearing on console.

Airline Tycoon is like any good simulation – easy to pick up, devilishly difficult to master.

But, assuming you're fine with that, then Skyrim is, in a word, amazing. Sure, it has its problems, it's oddities, and again some of these are just down to how the game is made and others just need some extra patching or work done to it. There is always a danger with games like these that you'll get bored, or you'll lose your drive - Bethesda have done a wonderful job of staving off that feeling in this game.

One of the most refreshing turn-based strategy games I've experienced for some time. It's clever and deeply tactical, yet also manages to be relatively quick-paced and exciting.

I was particularly looking forward to Stronghold 3, so much so I requested the review months ago, and I still find it difficult to believe that Firefly have so spectacularly fouled things up.

Rockstar Leeds has done a great job bringing Team Bondi's L.A. Noire to the PC, which is a thoroughly interesting and at times quite addictive crime thriller. It's easy to get wrapped up in a case and wanting to uncover what really happened; sifting through the false smiles of NPCs and rubbing their nose in our superior detective work.

Although the action in the final scenes is some of the best the title has to offer, the delivery of the narrative's closing stages is rushed and ultimately seems rather weak.

It could do with a few more levels, a bonus stage, more bosses, slightly tighter controls and a load more playtesting.

It could do with a few more levels, a bonus stage, more bosses, slightly tighter controls and a load more playtesting.

Despite all the many, many problems the game has, Spellbound still programmed in the ability to stir soup. Soup your character can't actually use. They actually took development time out from dialogue, story, characters, quests, content, graphics, combat, and all the other essential RPG elements they screwed up to give your annoying shepherd an utterly pointless animation. That just blows my mind.

Unlike anything you'll have ever played. For this fact alone, it's worth a look. Even if the platforming itself is floaty, and later levels fail to inspire the same 'wow' reaction that early ones do, this is an interesting addition to the PSN.

A triumphant return for the series, albeit one slightly spoiled by a ridiculous name change and irksome DRM. Nonetheless, the game manages to be simultaneously slick and expansive, complex yet simple to learn. As I myself discovered, if you're yet to try the series, now is a good time to get involved.

I want to recommend War of the Worlds to everyone, I want to slap a high score on it and call it a classic, but I can't because it made me too damn angry. When it works it's a wonderful and challenging experience, hence the still reasonable score, but it too often doesn't.

Sadly, Battlefield 3 is only capable of being the game it should be on a decent PC. As good as it is on the console (looks pretty good for a console game, and is technically pretty stable) - it is still a shadow of it's true self. We don't know if DICE actually favoured the PC as a platform over the consoles, but we feel they did try their best. Sadly, the ageing console hardware naturally limits what is possible.

Sadly, Battlefield 3 is only capable of being the game it should be on a decent PC. As good as it is on the console (looks pretty good for a console game, and is technically pretty stable) - it is still a shadow of it's true self. We don't know if DICE actually favoured the PC as a platform over the consoles, but we feel they did try their best. Sadly, the ageing console hardware naturally limits what is possible.

If you're looking for a game to get stuck into that can be played in smaller chunks as a fun little time-sink, this is a really good way to spend that 5 bucks. Go without a coffee today.

If you're looking for a game to get stuck into that can be played in smaller chunks as a fun little time-sink, this is a really good way to spend that 5 bucks. Go without a coffee today.

It's bloated, cumbersome and little has changed from last year, and in that way bears many parallels to the game itself. However, it's also earnest, uncompromising and serves its purpose well enough, and in that sense it is equally a fitting title.

It's bloated, cumbersome and little has changed from last year, and in that way bears many parallels to the game itself. However, it's also earnest, uncompromising and serves its purpose well enough, and in that sense it is equally a fitting title.

If you've never played either of the two previous Cities XL titles this is a much better value proposition and more worth your time – as long as you understand this is a solid – but flawed – title.

It's seriously one of the best adventure games I've played in years that has words in it (I'm looking at you, Machinarium). It doesn't just tell a good story, it's tightly plotted too.

TinTin may be basic and one of the easiest games I've played in some years, but it's certainly a cracker of a game for children and gives them something to get their teeth into with its cute visuals.

TinTin may be basic and one of the easiest games I've played in some years, but it's certainly a cracker of a game for children and gives them something to get their teeth into with its cute visuals.

Is it better than last year? It offers a more complete package and the interfaces are much improved, but some of the sports lack the pace and excitement which really makes this a key party piece. It still goes down though as one of the best Kinect titles money can buy.

Some will find its look and concept tired and defunct, but slow paced strategy titles are still big business. If anything, it's good to have the choice of another franchise in English. It's just a shame that the potential for something great has been squandered by a lack of sheen.

The ending's superb (much better than both New Vegas and Fallout 3), and I never was bored or wanted to give up. It's not the full Fallout experience, but as the ultimate final test of your skills it works very nicely. Now then… when's Skyrim out again?

Orcs Must Die is fun but in a limited, begrudgingly acknowledged sense. It's lacking a spark: something compelling to make you play beyond the first five minutes, or even through the first five minutes.

In a year that has seen plenty of top-notch sports games, this is arguably the worst of the lot.

In a year that has seen plenty of top-notch sports games, this is arguably the worst of the lot.

It's testimony to Harmonix that the Dance Central series has become an essential purchase for Kinect owners. Having two players in front of the screen is tremendous fun, and adds to the game's appeal massively.