The addition of the utterly pointless narrative and the run-of-the-mill gameplay just make this game unnecessary. Sure it kills some time and is, on occasion, enjoyable, but if it had dropped the dead weight it could have achieved much more.

The simplified gameplay mechanics and additional balancing ideas should provide a more level playing field to start off on. Longtime series fans, however, are likely to be left cold by this stripped-down title, which eschews the combo-juggling they are used to.

It is just sad that when the sport is on the crest of a wave of popularity, Cyanide couldn’t have done something to make their simulation more appealing to the general populace.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel and really struggles to get going, but for the most part it’s a nice variation on many mechanics we already know and love.

The Serious Sam Collection is what it is: loud, stupid, colourful, amicably-offensive and a lot of fun – and for your money you’re getting an absolute wealth of shoot-em-up content.

Unfortunately, while its combat is initially exciting, the enjoyment doesn’t hold up after multiple chapters of the same gameplay.

Very good at what it does, but what it does isn’t revolutionary. It bears some obvious similarities to certain mobile games, such as Angry Birds, but doesn’t come close to matching them on any level, and one could argue it might be more suited to that platform.

Structurally it’s a mess, with most missions playing out as grind-fests through dull-as-dishwater locales, and with the kind of misogynistic portrayal of supposedly-strong female characters that gives the genre a bad name, this is the very worst that JRPGs have to offer, and we can only recommend that you divorce yourself from any thoughts of shelling out your hard-earned cash on it.

Nothing has truly changed a great deal but new additions to combat gel well with the outrageous, barbaric choreography.

Although a great deal of repetition is involved, and the slow controls may be enough to put people off, Kokuga is a decent example of a genre that isn’t getting enough new ideas these days.

The voice-acting is one major problem, but the slow pacing of the story is another low point. Overall, the entire package is a fun little distraction.

One of the best mobile games I’ve ever played. Its simplicity and rewarding nature is a cut above most App Store fodder, and I’ve never had so much trouble tearing myself away from my phone. It’s better than BBQ ribs.

The game excels in nearly all aspects of the genre and adds a few fresh ideas but, in the end, it may struggle to succeed due to the aversion some people have to a game of this type. But with its simple UI, logical puzzles, fantastic plot and beautiful setting, it’s an excellent place to start for those who have never dabbled in an adventure game.

A frustrating, often ugly game that fails to impress on almost every front.

Considering the lengthy campaign, Pikmin 3 is great value for money. Offering multiple ways to play, it is so incredibly well-designed that it’s hard not to feel impressed with the confidence – and that’s without considering how beautiful it looks in HD, or how wonderful it sounds (the soundtrack is luscious).

Stealth Inc: A Clone in the Dark is a belter: occasionally frustrating and sometimes incredibly demanding, but always enjoyable and well-crafted throughout. An essential purchase for any Vita owner who likes a challenge, with the (now) standard added bonus of cloud saving across both Vita and PS3.

The game itself isn’t as good as many other infinite runners and, while the art does look appealing – staying true to its comic book roots – there’s no denying that the sluggish gameplay and repetitive nature take a lot away from what could have been a rather enjoyable gaming experience – particularly for heavy metal fans.

Like controlling the destiny of your very own, highly entertaining anime, Attack of the Friday Monsters works like a charm.

Decent sound and visuals at least indicate there was some thought put into its development, but it doesn’t make up for the complete lack of substance in terms of gameplay.

Shoot em’ Up fans will love it, and I have a feeling newcomers to the genre will be drawn in by its stylish looks and awesome soundtrack. Whack it on and take it for a spin – Bit.Trip Fate is another cracker.

Point and click adventures have a hard enough time drawing new players in without games like this tainting their waning reputation. This is definitely not the saviour of the genre; it’s sadly just one to avoid.

The obvious limitations of the platform hinder the scope of the title, but it does try to bring a different gameplay experience.

There’s a good puzzle game in here somewhere, but the way in which it’s presented is simply too cold and uninviting.