The versatile gameplay, muscular pacing, and addictive Raid mode make it one of the most well-rounded entries in the series.

All in all, the multiplayer component of Mario Kart 7 is solid, addictive and fun.

Even though it's short, pricey and put together by some sort of writing B-team, Raam's Shadow is the best Gears of War 3 DLC yet.

Rayman Origins is a rare beast, both as a side-scroller and a clever game with a ton of heart. This is a game with a sense of humor and a sense of joy. Fans of the genre would be fools to miss it, as would anyone who appreciates artistic and eccentric game design, or who wants a non-traditional but extremely solid multiplayer title.

Gamers who experienced Nate's extraordinary journey to find Shangri-La in 2009 should recognize the familiar gameplay, but still welcome this new adventure with open arms and a Sully-sized hug.

I didn't expect to be blown away by WWE 12, but I also didn't expect to be so disappointed by the final game. While the virtually limitless possibilities of Universe 2.0 do give the game an incredible amount of replayability, the questionable AI and disappointing second version of Road to Wrestlemania leave much to be desired.

On the surface, the changes made to F1 2011 over its predecessor seem small, but once you start a career mode or get to grips with car setup, you'll find that the game really is the huge overhaul they claimed it would be.

If you somehow never played RE4 on the GameCube or PS2 then you owe it to yourself to download this game right now. It doesn't matter if the graphics could have been a little, tiny bit better because the gameplay is something that cannot be improved. This is the epitome of game design and a truly awe-inspiring masterpiece.

While the Gears of War 3 campaign will be better remembered for its variety and pacing than dramatic heft, it's the send off the Gears series deserves; one with enough content to keep it in our minds and disc trays for months to come. Whether you're craving some closure on the saga of planet Sera, or simply want as much multiplayer bang for your buck until Modern Warfare 3 arrives, you owe it to yourself to play Gears of War 3.

Ultimately, Dead Island is fun and deserves to be played, but I recommend waiting a bit until the game is patched into a more stable state. Visual gaffs are one thing, but problems with auto-save that have the publisher recommending you avoid multiplayer, the game's best feature, are a complete red flag.

Being free and highly accessible, AOEO will certainly score with casual gamers, but the repetition and lack of depth make it hard to recommend dropping coin on premium content.

What is appealing about Anomaly: Warzone Earth is its value for money. For as little as $1.99 you can have a visually stunning tactical game that's as good as any on PSP or DS. As far as iPhone games go, it's certainly one of the top ten available, without question.

If you are interested in casual play, you're much more likely to enjoy Super Street Fighter 4 or Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix, both of which are already available on PS3 and 360. If you didn't find joy in the fireball hurling antics of other SF titles, this one won't sway you either. You should probably hold off for Soul Calibur V. If you are a fighting enthusiast with an Arcade Stick, a lot of patience and a vast hunger for competitiveness, you'd be hard pressed to find a better experience than Third Strike.

There's plenty of exploration to be had in the cities built on top of each other (think: Futurama), challenging gameplay that requires thought-out strategy and 21 categories of game-defining augmentations. I love how augmentations are so well tied to Adam Jensen's multi-layered, sci-fi narrative as well as the gameplay.

So nobody on Fear 3 has reinvented the wheel, but they've sure gussied it up.

As the title might suggest, Alice is maddening. Somewhere wrapped in a straightjacket and thrown in the dark recesses of Madness Returns is one of the best games of the generation. But it's floating amidst a sea of inadequacies that prevent it from reaching its true potential.

It is flashy and it is confident to the brink of arrogance, but it rides that reputation proudly and delights everyone who plays it along the way.

Again, it's more of a misunderstanding than anything. Capcom thought gamers wanted a bare-bones, stand-alone version of Mercenaries, and that's what they made.

To give Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D anything other than a maximum score would be an insult.

Despite the strong online component, MotorStorm: Apocalypse still doesn't do enough to stand out.

inFamous 2 is as close to an essential PS3 game as you're going to get in the run up to Uncharted 3, and with the inclusion of the UGC feature, it might even last you until then. Cole McGrath isn't winning any awards for emotional input, but he is tearing the house down with his acrobatics and incredible firepower. When you play this, you'll feel like a real superhero, or super villain, and whichever way you swing, you'll love every minute.

So it came to pass that Molyneux's latest epic was brought unto Windows. Though it was a port lacking in polish, with graphics below those of the modern age, the people embraced it as a rarity. Gritty but immature, dark yet not steeped in the occult, it stood out amongst the science fiction and horror-fantasy that dominated the marketplace.

Like many of the fictional detectives of the era, LA Noire is flawed, but it gets the job done. More importantly, if leaves you hoping for more adventures.

The setting is cool, the parkour is sort of neat, the focus on objectives over Team Deathmatch is admirable, but there's really nothing special about Brink.

Even though I was only interested in Outland for its looks at the onset, playing the game gave way to one of the more memorable gaming experiences I've had in recent months. From the growing complexity of the level design, to the vibrant and simple presentation, to the way in which developers Housemarque were able to create a universal mythology that truly speaks to the hero inside all of us, Outland has set the bar for downloadable titles in 2011.

It's hard to sum up a game like Portal 2. It doesn't have enough shooting to be a shooter, but it's not abstract enough to be a puzzle game. It's unique and challenging enough to attract the hardcore, but its offbeat humor and intuitive design will make it a hit with casual players.

Stacking is one of the most charming games you'll ever find, a refreshing break from the ubiquitous shooters flooding the market. It may not have much replay value, but you will still enjoy your stay in the whimsical, unique world of Charlie and his fellow stacking dolls.

Stacking is one of the most charming games you'll ever find, a refreshing break from the ubiquitous shooters flooding the market. It may not have much replay value, but you will still enjoy your stay in the whimsical, unique world of Charlie and his fellow stacking dolls.

Don't just skip the cinematics, skip Mindjack altogether. Playing this game made me wish it were as easy to enjoy a crummy videogame as it is a B-movie, but really, Mindjack is worse than that. It's more like a student film.

Don't just skip the cinematics, skip Mindjack altogether. Playing this game made me wish it were as easy to enjoy a crummy videogame as it is a B-movie, but really, Mindjack is worse than that. It's more like a student film.

Crysis 2 may not be the new killer app, but it's the complete package when it comes to shooters.

Crysis 2 may not be the new killer app, but it's the complete package when it comes to shooters.

Crysis 2 may not be the new killer app, but it's the complete package when it comes to shooters.

WWE-All Stars is an all-star beginning for this arcade wrestling series. It's almost as fun as Aki's N64 wrestling games and it features a roster of legends and superstars that aren't available in Smackdown vs. Raw.

WWE-All Stars is an all-star beginning for this arcade wrestling series. It's almost as fun as Aki's N64 wrestling games and it features a roster of legends and superstars that aren't available in Smackdown vs. Raw.

Homefront's campaign misfires all revolve around poor pacing and a lack of identity. It's not as polished or as fast-paced as Call of Duty: Black Ops or Bulletstorm, but it's also not as tactical or true-to-life as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising. Its multiplayer, where those issues aren't a problem, is worth a look, even if you have to pony up for $10 when renting it without an online pass code.

Homefront's campaign misfires all revolve around poor pacing and a lack of identity. It's not as polished or as fast-paced as Call of Duty: Black Ops or Bulletstorm, but it's also not as tactical or true-to-life as Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising. Its multiplayer, where those issues aren't a problem, is worth a look, even if you have to pony up for $10 when renting it without an online pass code.

Bulletstorm is the NFL Blitz of first-person shooters.

Bulletstorm is the NFL Blitz of first-person shooters.

With this sequel, Visceral Games has masterfully expanded on the first Dead Space. They've revved up the series with tougher guns, a bigger setting, and online multiplayer, but kept the spirit and, most importantly, the scares of the original in tact.

With this sequel, Visceral Games has masterfully expanded on the first Dead Space. They've revved up the series with tougher guns, a bigger setting, and online multiplayer, but kept the spirit and, most importantly, the scares of the original in tact.

With this sequel, Visceral Games has masterfully expanded on the first Dead Space. They've revved up the series with tougher guns, a bigger setting, and online multiplayer, but kept the spirit and, most importantly, the scares of the original in tact.

The Defiant Map Pack is our first official look at the creations of someone other than Bungie, and I'd say the franchise is in good hands. The maps deliver exactly what fans expect: great design, beautiful artwork, and fast-paced action. Yes, the Firefight map could benefit from another vehicle but otherwise, if you're a Halo: Reach fan, this purchase is a no-brainer.

With easier to see note icons and the new strumming mechanic, Guitar Hero is the definition of "you get what you pay for" in the music game app world.

If you haven't picked up Unwound Future yet, do it. If you haven't played any of these games yet, what are you waiting for?

Raskulls is a well constructed game. It's very clear what developer Halfbrick wanted to create here, and I believe they were successful.

If you're still a fan of music games, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is another good, solid entry into the series. However, while Neversoft is in a position of releasing serviceable titles every year, but don't seem capable of making real fundamental changes to how the game is played.

If you're still a fan of music games, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is another good, solid entry into the series. However, while Neversoft is in a position of releasing serviceable titles every year, but don't seem capable of making real fundamental changes to how the game is played.

Dead Rising fans - you know who you are - are going to love this game. If you still bust out your copy of the 2006 original, do yourself a favor and pick this up.

Dead Rising fans - you know who you are - are going to love this game. If you still bust out your copy of the 2006 original, do yourself a favor and pick this up.

Some people treat action games of this sort as a distraction; others revisit them obsessively, always looking to beat a high score. No matter how deeply you plan to dive in, you'll be getting a lot of game for your $15 with Dead Nation.

While the plotline is moronic, there's still a little fun to be had from James Bond 007: Blood Stone. I wouldn't recommend buying it, but shooter fans may find a little fun in a weekend rental.

Gran Turismo 5 is an enormous achievement; the product of an unrivaled passion that shows itself in every mode of play.

While it's cute, has great music, has its fun moments, and introduces a great new job system with the crowns, the tediousness and lack of interest make it a subpar RPG.

While the plotline is moronic, there's still a little fun to be had from James Bond 007: Blood Stone. I wouldn't recommend buying it, but shooter fans may find a little fun in a weekend rental.

A World of Keflings is a great improvement over the original game.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta fills in another piece of Kratos' past. With more innovative gameplay mechanics and brand new magic and weapons, it's entertaining and engaging, especially for fans of the franchise.

Raging Blast 2 is pure fan service, a toy box that lets kids reenact fights between their favorite Dragon Ball characters. If this is what you want, great, because it's all you're getting.

Raging Blast 2 is pure fan service, a toy box that lets kids reenact fights between their favorite Dragon Ball characters. If this is what you want, great, because it's all you're getting.

Your enjoyment of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions will depend on how much you agree with Bobby Kotick's assessment of the previous entries in the series. If you truly believe they sucked, skip Shattered Dimensions as it's more of the same (just without the open world New York). But if you enjoyed them, you'll want to give the game a shot as it's another entertaining Spider-Adventure that's more linear than recent games in the series, but still a lot of fun.

Your enjoyment of Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions will depend on how much you agree with Bobby Kotick's assessment of the previous entries in the series. If you truly believe they sucked, skip Shattered Dimensions as it's more of the same (just without the open world New York). But if you enjoyed them, you'll want to give the game a shot as it's another entertaining Spider-Adventure that's more linear than recent games in the series, but still a lot of fun.

If you like puzzle games, Mario games, Donkey Kong games, games you can pick up any time on the go and jump into without missing a beat, adorable games, or even if you just like a good brain-teasing challenge, you will absolutely love it.

Overall, Fable III isn't a bad game, but neither is it a step forward for the franchise. The nasty bugs, the sluggish and uninspired story, and lack of difficulty make it the least enjoyable of the series.

GoldenEye 007 is the best multiplayer game on the Wii.

If you're new to the Call of Duty series, you're in for a real treat with the single player, and the multiplayer will welcome you with open arms. If you used to like the series and have either gotten fatigued with the template or turned off by the last entry, this game deserves at least a rental, but I'd recommend a purchase. If you simply love the franchise, period, you've probably already prestiged once or twice already devoting countless hours to the online portions.

If you're new to the Call of Duty series, you're in for a real treat with the single player, and the multiplayer will welcome you with open arms. If you used to like the series and have either gotten fatigued with the template or turned off by the last entry, this game deserves at least a rental, but I'd recommend a purchase. If you simply love the franchise, period, you've probably already prestiged once or twice already devoting countless hours to the online portions.

Dead Rising fans - you know who you are - are going to love this game.

Medal of Honor is more than just a reboot of a storied franchise. It takes the FPS genre to a whole new level.

Medal of Honor is more than just a reboot of a storied franchise. It takes the FPS genre to a whole new level.

Medal of Honor is more than just a reboot of a storied franchise. It takes the FPS genre to a whole new level.

Unexciting shooting sections and boring beat 'em up levels make Comic Jumper's four-hour adventure feel a lot longer than it is.

Hydrophobia features a compelling world and premise that's reminiscent of the creepy, built-up universes of BioShock and Half-Life. But, unlike those masterpieces, this seemingly unfinished XBLA game features too many narrative holes and missing gameplay elements, making it seem like there was more work to be done.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is definitely a rebirth for the Tomb Raider series. A meaty puzzle-based platformer that will definitely have fans asking for more, it is $15 well spent.

The realism is improving with every new game that EA turns out, making the game more and more enjoyable for soccer fans and general sports video game enthusiasts alike.

It would take some effort to screw this franchise up, but just a little more effort on advancing the gameplay would have been nice.

For the most part its gameplay tweaks feel natural, a refresh of the core Civilization gameplay. After twenty years, there is still something very addictive about clicking "next turn." For a gamer, Civilization is a standard, an essential.

Space Invaders: Infinity Gene is a fantastic new twist on the Space Invaders theme.

The streamlined gameplay of Mafia II makes for a story that's simple to follow and easy to get sucked into for 12 hours. I just wish I could say the same about the environment. The open world is full of life and detail, but there's no encouragement to stray from the game's 15 chapters.

The streamlined gameplay of Mafia II makes for a story that's simple to follow and easy to get sucked into for 12 hours. I just wish I could say the same about the environment. The open world is full of life and detail, but there's no encouragement to stray from the game's 15 chapters.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is definitely a rebirth for the Tomb Raider series. A meaty puzzle-based platformer that will definitely have fans asking for more, it is the perfect conclusion to this year's Summer of Arcade and 1200 Microsoft Points ($15) well spent.

This downloadable reincarnation could've introduced Maverick to a new generation of flight combat fans who haven't seen the film. With lackluster campaign missions, empty-looking levels and awkward dialogue between every other character but your own, this is almost guaranteed to not happen.

Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days has no redeeming qualities and isn't even worth a rental, unless you were into the first game and want to see where the story has progressed. Really, though, even then, there is not enough in here to warrant paying $60, or even $40.

Kane and Lynch 2: Dog Days has no redeeming qualities and isn't even worth a rental, unless you were into the first game and want to see where the story has progressed. Really, though, even then, there is not enough in here to warrant paying $60, or even $40.

It's not a bad game, it's just not the Castlevania we wanted.

This makes the entire four hours seem like a 2D version of Portal, and that's a welcome experience on XBLA.

Call it Crackdown 2, Crackdown 1.5, or if you're really snide, a Crackdown expansion pack, but no matter how you slice it, Crackdown 2 is a fun game that's exceptionally playable and enjoyable even if it's not as original as it could be had the game received more development time.

It's arguable whether or not it's the ultimate version of the game, but if you want a great PSP RPG to last you more than a few weeks, Persona 3 Portable is your game.

Puzzle Quest 2 lives up to fans' high expectations and delivers a fun and lovingly addictive evolution of our favorite gem-matching RPG.

APB is clever but inconsistent, though Realtime Worlds has proven to be a developer to watch. This game shows that they understood the lay of the land back in 2005, when APB was initially conceived.

To say that Treasure has done it again is a bit redundant at this point. Treasure always does it again. And Sin and Punishment: Star Successor is no exception.

High Moon Studios managed to create a living & breathing world – I know, kind of ironic for a game about robots, isn't it – that did justice to the source material.

Transformers: War For Cybertron is damn near everything I would have asked for from a Transformers video game. High Moon Studios managed to create a living & breathing world – I know, kind of ironic for a game about robots, isn't it – that did justice to the source material.

It's a golf game. There's very little you can do to make it awful or incredible, but this latest installment in the Tiger line found a way to improve realism and enjoyment in a product that will be subject to its most intense scrutiny to date.

There's much more worth mentioning here - the lobotomized AI, the nonexistent collision detection, the bare-minimum sound design, and cliché characterizations - that make Alpha Protocol feel like a four-year old game.

There's much more worth mentioning here - the lobotomized AI, the nonexistent collision detection, the bare-minimum sound design, and cliché characterizations - that make Alpha Protocol feel like a four-year old game.

Blur has excellent production value and packaging, but fails to engross with a lack of original and compelling gameplay.

It’s a horror game that doesn’t rely on clunky controls and denying the player supplies to produce tension. It’s an action game with pages of novelized story to read. Yet every element of the game is cohesive and feels right as you play it.

It gives players a satisfying, open-world experience – those who want to follow the main story can do so in about 15 hours, while the completionists will have a field day with all of the side missions and other items added into the game