There's something undeniably more approachable and mainstream about the Guitar Hero franchise that Rock Band simply can't quite match.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is by no means the next evolutionary step in first person shooting, but it does wrap up the Vegas storyline quite nicely and the gameplay has seen some genuine, however incremental, improvement.

Infamous is more elegant and refined in design, with more of a focus on ranged combat, while Prototype is – truth be told - more frenetic and fun. Prototype is more of a spectacle and puts more power and choice in the hands of the player.

A wonderful game. It really is. If you're into your brain teasers, then this one will have you hooked.

The environments are huge, the plane list is long plus it looks gorgeous and sounds great. The action is thick and visceral; aerial stoushes can go from tense, one-on-one affairs to grand, epic encounters against swarms of enemy fighters and bombers.

The environments are huge, the plane list is long plus it looks gorgeous and sounds great. The action is thick and visceral; aerial stoushes can go from tense, one-on-one affairs to grand, epic encounters against swarms of enemy fighters and bombers.

It’s great to play a game that – in many ways – is so pure. It’s not about collecting. It’s not about leveling up. It’s not about getting a bigger and better gun. It’s about movement, style and momentum. Combat aside, DICE has taken a significant step forward for the first person perspective with this game, and you should all check it out.

While there are certainly limitations and frustrations, this is freedom in puzzle solving like we’ve never seen before. While we wouldn’t necessarily say the game is fun, it’s certainly engrossing, certainly important and certainly worth playing.

Unique to a fault. It's adventurous, dark, silly, and it'll keep you up at night whether you want it to or not.

For the veterans, however, it’s a touch too familiar, and - once again - just far too easy. There’s an awful lot of hand holding in this game, and enemies will rarely – if ever – present much of a threat.

It’s a massive game with a ridiculous amount of content. That said, bigger isn’t necessarily better. A slightly shorter game with a more unified design might have worked better.

Red Steel 2 really isn't a complex game. It doesn't need to be, of course, but it would be nice if it had better storytelling and more interesting characters.

It's a delight to give into a fantasy setting with such a dense back story, even if the gameplay still rarely breaks away from conventions established a decade ago.

Smooth controls, great combo mechanics, a variety of modes and decent level design all combine to create a game that’s about rhythm and flow. A little more vivacity in enemies, animations, environments and set-pieces would have been great, but at the end of the day The Club nails its concept and its gameplay.

This is not a title that will change your life or change the industry. It is, however, a heap of fun – a light-hearted reinterpretation of three iconic films that’s at its best with friends.

Gamers who invest time in trancing out to the rhythmic beats and understanding the intricacies of Hero Classes and Rarepons will find a lot to love about Patapon 2.

It's a delight to give into a fantasy setting with such a dense back story, even if the gameplay still rarely breaks away from conventions established a decade ago.

This is not a title that will change your life or change the industry. It is, however, a heap of fun – a light-hearted reinterpretation of three iconic films that’s at its best with friends.

Ghostbusters won't change the way you think about videogame design, but it will change the way you think about licensed games. The gameplay isn't brilliant, but this is a loving third installment to a cherished franchise, and we thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

The biggest demo you'll ever play. There honestly is more to do here than in many full-price titles, despite the fact it's merely a teaser. It's barn-stormingly beautiful and feels sublime.

Parents will love it; it gets their kids off their butts and into sports – even if it's still in front of the tube. Kids will go for the micro-games and competitive elements. Stay-at-home mums can work out pent-up anger and health-nuts might use this as the excuse they need to buy a Wii. Old people will still scratch their heads, though.

I’d suggest opting to playing with a friend, although if you have a friend to play the game with, you might as well stick to the main collection as they are significantly more enjoyable.

If you devoured it back then, be forewarned that there’s no extra meat on the bone – no extras, no real refinements beyond the Wii control scheme. If you never got into it, though, don’t let the cut-price Wii version slip through your fingers this time.

While it’s a little rough around the edges we enjoyed this game more than we thought we would. It’s far from perfect, but it’s great to see Pandemic going out with a bang.

After putting significant hours into both games we’re more than happy to give Konami a nod of encouragement and to say ‘hey, that is more like it. Now we are getting somewhere.’ But that doesn’t change the fact that FIFA 10 is a superior soccer experience in pretty much every component and in a two horse race if you’re not first, you’re last.

While it’s a little rough around the edges we enjoyed this game more than we thought we would. It’s far from perfect, but it’s great to see Pandemic going out with a bang.

After putting significant hours into both games we’re more than happy to give Konami a nod of encouragement and to say ‘hey, that is more like it. Now we are getting somewhere.’ But that doesn’t change the fact that FIFA 10 is a superior soccer experience in pretty much every component and in a two horse race if you’re not first, you’re last.

It's really solid, though never mind-blowing or even particularly genre-defining in any one area. It is, in actuality, a fairly short and straightforward adventure that you'll either love intensely for a very short time - say, over a weekend – or you'll mildly enjoy it and take your time.

The real story of Storm of Zehir is the tall tales you’ll be telling in the tavern afterwards.

The whole Trauma Center experience trends towards the sterile.

A more than competent snowboarding game. It’s just not that compelling.

Like Heroes of Mana before it, Blue Dragon Plus is mostly a solid affair, with great production values but a few significant flaws. It's surprising that the pathing and AI is still so poor this long after Brownie Brown's last game – but if it didn't bother you before, you can make the concession in this one.

It's big dumb fun, Saints Row 2 isn't going to redefine any aspects of game design - but in doing so it does deliver on Volition's biggest promise: Saints Row 2 isn't Grand Theft Auto.

Things like AI and cluttered controls will test your patience, but never enough to sour the experience or remove the sheen of quality.

It's staggeringly gorgeous, and looks and plays like a Final Fantasy title. It rarely steps away from the origins of the genre – instead playing with the 'me too!' mentality of a company that desperately wants to show the world that Square Enix can be bested.

A heap of fun.

SingStar Vol. 2 is, in many ways, a good idea streamlined and polished to a fine sheen. It’s tough to pick faults in a game that does exactly what it says on the tin and more. As a package, it’s brilliantly executed – from the song choice, to the overall presentation, everything is done to a high standard.

On the surface, Saints Row is an easy game to hate. Actually, I have a feeling that a lot of players and reviewers will write this game off for the sheer stupidity at play at all times. But to do so would be a big disservice to a game that tries hard to do a lot of things and show you a good time. Did we have a good time? Definitely.

On the one hand the new gameplay mechanics have been implemented really well, but on the other we just can't believe the team still hasn't got the risk/power shots right. Still, don't let that stop you giving this a try.

The game is thoughtful in design, mostly clever in its handling of pacing, upgrading parts and keeping you on track as you work your way towards the final encounter. But it's just not as fun or interesting as it should be.

As longstanding fans of this series, we're partly very impressed with Top Spin 3 and partly let down. On the one hand the new gameplay mechanics have been implemented really well, but on the other we just can't believe the team still hasn't got the risk/power shots right.

A heap of fun.

There’s definitely enough gameplay gold here to make it worth a look for fans of the series, but it’s a real pity that Criterion made the decision to make the game less user-friendly than it could have been.

Even with its superb gameplay and the addictive new Firefight co-op mode, a five-hour campaign is a paltry amount of content for a full-priced game. If you’re flush with cash or a mad-keen Halo devotee then ODST’s definitely worth picking up, but others might want to save their money for something else.

LEGO Batman continues using a formula that has been tried and tested and proven incredibly successful time and time again. That said; it would have been great to see some of the problems encountered in early titles remedied or improved instead of perpetuated.

On the surface, Saints Row is an easy game to hate. Actually, I have a feeling that a lot of players and reviewers will write this game off for the sheer stupidity at play at all times. But to do so would be a big disservice to a game that tries hard to do a lot of things and show you a good time. Did we have a good time? Definitely.

LEGO Batman continues using a formula that has been tried and tested and proven incredibly successful time and time again. That said; it would have been great to see some of the problems encountered in early titles remedied or improved instead of perpetuated.

A deeply flawed game, where the story is the highlight - and far more engaging than most. I certainly enjoyed my 11-12 hours with Mafia II, and those looking for an authentic-feeling mob tale should definitely check it out. This one is more than the sum of its parts.

Ninja Gaiden II is not quite the sequel we were hoping for. It’s very good, and it’s still built for those with an iron constitution (aka those prepared to replay sections over and over again until they get them right), but it’s also lazily designed and far cheaper than the original game.

A deeply flawed game, where the story is the highlight - and far more engaging than most. I certainly enjoyed my 11-12 hours with Mafia II, and those looking for an authentic-feeling mob tale should definitely check it out. This one is more than the sum of its parts.

While Mario Kart Wii is an enjoyable sequel we can't help but be a little disappointed that the same level of effort Nintendo put into Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. isn't mirrored here.

The value of the game is really dependent on your passion and commitment.

Skate 2 is great because the core mechanics have been expanded thoughtfully and we've been given a (mostly) whole new playground to master them in. It's not great because of Mongocorp security, it's not great because you have buddies you can call on, it's not great because there are are mountain trails now, it's not great because you can judo kick while bailing, and it's not great because the challenges are compelling.

GRID’s super slick presentation and the flashy bells and whistles will grab your attention, but there isn’t anywhere near enough depth to hold it. You’ve changed, Race Driver. We hardly know you anymore.

This should be a much slicker product. Still, it’s good fun for the most part, and at the end of the day that’s why we play, right?

This should be a much slicker product. Still, it’s good fun for the most part, and at the end of the day that’s why we play, right?

We found it helpful to think of this as a first-rate tech demo with a fun multiplayer component.

It looks absolutely fantastic, and is leaps and bounds ahead of previous title in the franchise. However, the age old balance issue of depth vs accessibility ultimately rears its ugly head, and the balance is tipped a little too much towards the casual player – to the extent that even fans may find themselves getting bored quickly.

Skate 2 is great because the core mechanics have been expanded thoughtfully and we’ve been given a (mostly) whole new playground to master them in. It’s not great because of Mongocorp security, it’s not great because you have buddies you can call on, it’s not great because there’s are mountain trails now, it’s not great because you can judo kick while bailing, and it’s not great because the challenges are compelling.

Take it for what it is: a hardcore niche Sim, and you might just fall in love with it.

Some overlong levels, repetitive enemies and the inconsistent effect of your powers stop this from being great. As it is, it's a lot of fun but once you've played through it a few times it's hard to imagine dusting it off years or even months down the track.

Some overlong levels, repetitive enemies and the inconsistent effect of your powers stop this from being great. As it is, it's a lot of fun but once you've played through it a few times it's hard to imagine dusting it off years or even months down the track.

It's as addictive and amusing as it ever has been, so if you can put up with the quirks and shortcomings, take The Prince for a roll.

It's clunky and frustrating and (occasionally) dull, but it's also solid and addictive and (occasionally) beautiful. Like I said: a game of glaring contradictions.

A reminder of just how good hanging out with friends and playing multiplayer in the same room can be. It's certainly not all it could – or perhaps should – be, so we can't help but be a little disappointed, but ultimately it's still a blast.

This is great mindless fun, with a huge head-nodding Fiddy soundtrack, highly competent visuals and a high score aesthetic that clicks enough to keep you playing.

The fact is, Heroes Over Europe does a lot very right; it just happens to do very few things in total.

This is great mindless fun, with a huge head-nodding Fiddy soundtrack, highly competent visuals and a high score aesthetic that clicks enough to keep you playing.

For those not fussed with the simulation scene, or want a good compromise between action and authenticity, this is your bill. It's not going to set the world on fire, win wars or change the genre – but it's fun, popcorn escapism.

It's sad, then, that Wet never really comes together nearly as well as it could've.

As a game SBK 08 is a pared back, pure racing experience that is a dream come true for two wheeled aficionados to whom realistic control is paramount. Having said that, it does suffer from a noticeable lack of polish in some key areas.

It's sad, then, that Wet never really comes together nearly as well as it could've.

A trifle repetitive and brief, The Bourne Conspiracy is a diamond in the rough. Well worth a look but it’s not going to change your life.

A game with split-personality disorder, aiming to please everyone with elements drawn from a raft of sources, but in the process it never excels in any one area.

A trifle repetitive and brief, The Bourne Conspiracy is a diamond in the rough. Well worth a look but it’s not going to change your life.

A game with split-personality disorder, aiming to please everyone with elements drawn from a raft of sources, but in the process it never excels in any one area.

The old-school controls and clumsy menus are even more evidence that not a lot of thought went into this sequel.

All things considered, Shaun White Snowboarding is a more than competent snowboarding game. It’s just not that compelling.

It’s just too hit and miss, too divorced from its stated purpose and is too anaemic in its dispensation of the funk.

So pick this one up if you've got a family to puzzle with. Five bucks isn't too bad an investment for a confirmed safe and fun time with your kids.

It’s just too hit and miss, too divorced from its stated purpose and is too anaemic in its dispensation of the funk.

Tenchu is a fun PSP effort so long as you think of it as an all-new take on the franchise. The levels you play through are self- contained puzzles and not wide-open ninja-filled action-fests. If you prefer stealth to pure swordplay, you'll surely appreciate this approach.

It doesn’t do what it says on the tin, doesn’t break any barriers and is mildly dull as often as interesting but when you’re in the middle of crossfires, your squads do what they’re told and you know that you’re about to blow up a whole mess of Nazis, it’s pretty good.

It doesn’t do what it says on the tin, doesn’t break any barriers and is mildly dull as often as interesting but when you’re in the middle of crossfires, your squads do what they’re told and you know that you’re about to blow up a whole mess of Nazis, it’s pretty good.

TrackMania DS is a decent attempt to bring a treasured PC title to the DS, and while two of the three modes are pretty playable, it never rises above ‘competent’.

If you're not fussy, like your button-mashy beat-em-ups and are addicted to either Wolverine or Hugh Jackman's tank-like physique, you'll get the most out of this. It's God of War with claws and an equally bloodthirsty attitude; flawed, fun and fairly brainless gaming.

If you're not fussy, like your button-mashy beat-em-ups and are addicted to either Wolverine or Hugh Jackman's tank-like physique, you'll get the most out of this. It's God of War with claws and an equally bloodthirsty attitude; flawed, fun and fairly brainless gaming.

Avatar ultimately falls down as a game. It's just not that interesting, compelling or fun.

Avatar ultimately falls down as a game. It's just not that interesting, compelling or fun.

The accuracy of the shooting is a little off – even though the 5-point calibration aims to fix this. The gun is only suited to righties or the ambidextrous, too.

There was a lot of meat here, and most of it never played out as it should've.

There was a lot of meat here, and most of it never played out as it should've.

Pretty average in most respects, failing to stand out in any one category. It's kind of boring, poorly structured, mostly linear and, shock, it still reeks of cash-in, despite moderate production values.

Web of Shadows is, despite good intentions and some cute ideas, pretty average in most respects, failing to stand out in any one category. It's kind of boring, poorly structured, mostly linear and, shock, it still reeks of cash-in, despite moderate production values.

A decent but unpolished strategy game built around a technological concept that only sort of works in any practical sense. An amiable attempt, but a far cry from victory.

A decent but unpolished strategy game built around a technological concept that only sort of works in any practical sense. An amiable attempt, but a far cry from victory.

It's got so much potential that, when you kick into hard mode and start noticing the touch screen's inaccuracy, the awkward hand contortions needed or the ill-conceived Duel Mode controls, you'll shake your head and wonder where everything went awry.

Unrelentingly mediocre and unrelentingly derivative. Turok is not a bad game, but almost every element, from the visuals to the weapons, the AI and the level design are regressive.