Syndicate is by no means a bad game, many of its elements work perfectly fine - the problem is that they don't work that well when combined, resulting in a grinding of the individual cogs rather than a smooth clockwork motion.

It's difficult to work out exactly who Little Deviants is aimed at. The system is too flash and fragile for kids, but the games are too simple and irritatingly cutesy for adults. Further work on each of the games would improve this no end, as would a cast that packs a bigger punch.

There's not enough depth to justify long play sessions, but long sessions are not really the point here. What Everybody's Golf does is provide a great escape in short bursts and it packs just enough in to keep you coming back to it time and again.

Asura's Wrath is, without doubt, one of those games that some people will love for one reason and others will hate for the very same reason. I say embrace the madness and run with it. Let your inhibitions regarding quick-time events and cut-scene heavy games go and, if you like the kind of anime this is based on, you might just find a gem. I did.

In short, Crusader Kings II is a majestic feudal sandbox, the greatest generator of hilarious medieval soap opera ever created and Paradox Interactive's best title to date.

That being said, this is still an Uncharted game. Every Uncharted game comes with a certain base level of precision and execution, and that hasn't been lowered here. Golden Abyss gets a pass, but it doesn't come with honours.

Essentially, WipEout 2048 is the perfect advertisement for what the PS Vita is capable of in terms of in-game aesthetics. It also serves to demonstrate that the system's games do not need to engage with all of its features to pass Sony's certification criteria.

Submission system issues aside, UFC Undisputed 3 is a great recreation of an incredibly complex sport. Compared to a TV broadcast, fights can still feel slightly mechanical but perhaps that's a symptom of videogames in general rather than the design of this particular one. If you like the UFC, this one's a no-brainer.

Right now, Grand Slam Tennis 2 echoes the debut of the Fight Night series, a franchise that has consistently galvanised its quality. Would you bet against EA to do this again?

King Arthur II is less ambitious but more refined than the glorious, sprawling reach of the original. Where that game threw everything into development and didn't seem to care what stuck, King Arthur II has opted to remove (rather than improve) the parts which didn't quite function correctly.

There's no doubting that The Darkness II is a fun game, but it could have been so much more than that. Improved pacing could have solved the second act woes and defining a more meaningful way of communicating the narrative would have made the plot and character development more engaging.

An impressively strong showing from 38 Studios. Considering it's an original IP, the team have created a wonderful world for us to explore, and it wont be going anywhere. From the fantastic combat to the polished visuals and audio design, this title has so much to offer. The comparisons in quality to Skyrim shouldn't be laughed at - Reckoning is the first title to offer a legitimate challenge to the Elder Scrolls juggernaut.

For all intents and purposes, Catherine makes a mockery of the term video 'game' and what most people associate with the term. Yes, Catherine is a game, but it's also so much more than that. By placing you so elegantly into Vincent's world, and doing so in a way that makes you feel as though you are Vincent as opposed to 'just' playing as him, Catherine manages a level of intrigue so rare in the boxed console game space.

This is a genre that is hardly lacking for content. Unless you're a true hack 'n' slash nut, I recommend you look elsewhere.

Soul Calibur V is a game worth your time and effort, mastering its systems and dispatching opponents in a blaze of high-tempo violence is immensely satisfying. Newcomers may find the going a little tough, but the well-balanced cast means you'll not be left biting the dust for too long.

Almost the opposite of its predecessor: a lesser story that isn't particularly well told, but with a staggering amount of exploration, side-quests, post-game content, and surprisingly deep mechanics.

As an affordable, accessible leap back into the shoes of a space fighter ace, Sol: Exodus is a success.

As with many other HD collections, this triple-pack offers the definitive way to play some truly classic titles. Series veterans and newcomers now have the opportunity to experience these games in HD, and it shouldn't be missed.

If you're hankering for some PS1 platforming of old but can't find the console in the clutter of the attic, this title should fulfill that need for the day or two it takes to complete.

If you're lacking the time-attack obsession gene, or get easily discouraged by tricker games, Dustforce probably isn't for you. Everyone else, get your brooms at the ready.

A brave attempt to fuse battlefield strategy and tank sim, let down by baffling UI and feature-starved maps.

Decent flying/shooting action with inertia, humour, and a number of design decisions that combine to provide endless amounts of frustration.

Taking into account that All Zombies Must Die! will set you back only about £8, it's not a terrible purchase. But it isn't one that is easy to recommend, even at that price. If you're desperate for something to play while you wait for new post-Christmas content to hit for real then give it a shot.

For the most part, I'm deeply impressed. In terms of sheer gameplay mechanics SWTOR is a WoW-alike, yes, but it's a highly polished WoW-alike, and that does make a difference.

Like almost all DLC it falls well short of mimicking the impact of the original game, but that's to be expected from a three hour/1200 MS Point experience.

If you like RPGs, strategy or even action games, you'll love this; it looks great and it's pretty addictive. The free-to-play model means you've got nothing to lose by trying it out. Whatever the case, this is one of the finest free-to-play MMOs to date.

As it stands though, this is a very accomplished fighter that offers well executed gameplay and some enjoyable modes.

You will either love or hate Sam 3 based on what it does, and what it aims to do. It's a Serious Sam game, in every way, for better or worse.

Great level design, glorious visuals, and a fantastic backing track come together to create a very special package indeed.

The joy here comes from the interaction and the allowing of yourself to be caught up in the world on offer. Yes, if you're over the age of 12 or not a Disney fanatic you'll grow bored of it but everyone else will be having a great time.

Like a smoke filled wheel spin, it looks good but it gets you nowhere.

Despite the faults though, Revelations remains an intriguing proposition because of gaming's finest Italian hero after that plumber in dungarees. Seriously, if there was an Oscar for game characters Ezio would walk it more often than not. If you're less entranced by Mr Auditore then Revelations is a more difficult sale.

Considering Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary is being sold at a reduced price, I really can't see any reason not to take the plunge given how well the gameplay still holds up and the tender way in which it's been repackaged. Whether you're a veteran looking to experience the original magic for a second time or a newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about, this is an excellent package.

Any game that lets you play as an obese woman with metallic skin, purple Mohawk, pink thong, no top and a love for streaking and slapping guys around the face with a giant purple dildo bat is okay in my book. If intelligence is cyclical then Saints Row The Third is so dumb that it's smart.

The bottom line is that, most of the time, Skyrim is a genuinely amazing game.

As a whole package Call of Duty is soundly, confidently and expertly put together.

It is the best Sonic game we've had in years - though that's hardly saying much. Flawed at times, Sonic Generations is an enjoyable game and one that's easy to like. The failings of Modern Sonic bring the quality down, yet some moments also show what can be done well with a 3D Sonic game.

So, in conclusion, GoldenEye 007: Reloaded packs one of the worst single player modes of any FPS to appear on 360, PS3 or PC in recent years, but it goes some way to making up for it with its split screen multiplayer. Its biggest accomplishment is that it demonstrates there's still a life for such games and that multiplayer in an FPS doesn't have to exist exclusively in the online arena.

This is just the kind of game to remind you what smaller, imaginative developers can do while others are focused on big explosions and less personality.

Overall this is a wonderful addition to the PixelJunk stable and the pick of the bunch in terms of executing a single minded approach.

For a contemporary take on the Sim City formula, CitiesXL 2012 is probably the best option around. Just be aware that it holds this title by virtue of being pretty much the only option around.

It's still Hydrophobia, but I'll happily state that this is the best version of the game yet.

The War of the Worlds is absolutely not for everyone – those with high blood pressure or weak wills need not apply - but if you fondly remember the games name-checked above, or if you enjoyed Limbo but want something less artsy, less creepy, and less spider-y, this is certainly worth a shot. I'm not going to pretend it doesn't have issues or that it didn't drive me half-mad with frustration, but equally I'm not going to hide the fact that I had a lot of fun dying my way through a ruined London.

It's no longer as astonishing as it once was, but MDK2 HD is a solid update to a solid platform/shooter/puzzler that anyone who isn't afraid of a lack of signposting should contemplate.

Still, as a complete package it in no way lives up to the expectation. Only one of its three core elements (single player, co-op and multiplayer) is worth your time, the other two feeling as though they've been added merely to increase the number of potential bullet points on the back of the box. Depending on which elements you're interested in Battlefield 3 will either be your game of the year, or your letdown of… well, the year.

Well, I certainly had a better time with it than with Serious Sam: Double D (an indie title, like this one, commissioned by Croteam to help promote Serious Sam 3), but the game doesn't quite live up to the potential of its premise.

Might & Magic: Heroes VI can still be fixed with adequate patching, because the bugs really are its biggest problem.

A stunningly constructed action game that puts the competition to shame. The quality comes not only from its individual elements, but from the seamless manner in which they're connected. Essential.

The Missing Link is inessential in terms of how it affects the main Human Revolution narrative, but it's a well constructed, self-contained chapter with terrific level design that's comparable (in places superior) to the base game.

I can't really recommend Okabu to anyone who plays a lot of games or who fancies a real brain-teaser, but those wanting to introduce a younger non-gamer to your favourite pastime may have a way of doing so.

The series' domination of the management genre is not in question, but there are still areas where it could step up its game.

No matter what though, what can't be denied is the quality and entertainment-factor of the overall product. Whether you like Batman or not, you'll find much to like here. In the matter of only two games, Rocksteady has managed to create a Batman franchise that provides us with not only the best videogame incarnation of the Caped Crusader, but the best videogame incarnation of any superhero.

If you're a rugby aficionado then you'll probably be picking Johan Lomu up simply because of the lack of choice. However, while not perfect, this is no rush job and worth a look for those who consider themselves causal fans of the sport. It's by no means perfect but, for a series that has been gone for so long (and one that many presumed dead), there's a lot to be impressed by.

Cheesiness aside, Assault Horizon is an endlessly thrilling and mature addition to a franchise that continues to soar above its competitors.

So while single player is pretty much a write-off, and none of the game modes really do the Game of Thrones license justice, multiplayer House vs House offers a relatively original take on medieval power struggles. Pray that enough of a multiplayer community sticks around, because this is a title where you'll want to wait for a sale.

Those who've never played Crysis before and who fancy an excellent shooter with a goodly amount of freedom shouldn't hesitate to pick this up. This sort of action hasn't really been done much since the game first launched, and it's rarely been done better. If you already have Crysis and a PC that can run it, though, you can safely skip this: while a worthy port, it doesn't quite match its originator.

A massive game boasting near endless replay value alongside all manner of improvements over previous entries in the series. The best racing sim of this generation.

If the style doesn't put you off, buy this. Now.

Despite the difficulty and the uncompromising approach of From Software, what makes Dark Souls so special is the sense of accomplishment that it generates when you get things just right. There's never a moment when the game feels unfair, even the most abrupt (seemingly random) deaths are preceded by some kind of warning.

The core gameplay is well designed and executed and there's plenty to do if you fancy a change of pace. With the FPS genre currently defined and dominated by standardised modern-military shooters, Rage comes as a very welcome breath of fresh air.

It's a cruel irony that the one major change made to the Worms formula over the years only serves to erode the fun of the original incarnation. Implemented differently, perhaps 3D could have worked. Yet when its presence adds camera issues, reduces the power of weaponry to destroy scenery and elevates water-deaths to an art form, it's only reasonable to conclude that it is a failed experiment.

And that's where the final fact comes in to save the day: the price. Mercury Hg is a mere 400 Microsoft Points, and it's certainly worth every penny. It doesn't do enough with the interesting concept and it's not a hugely lengthy title, but it'll give you a good few hours of enjoyment, and it's hard to ask more than that for £3.50.

Each one has its flaws (with linearity being Lonesome Road's biggest drawback), but overall they're a fantastic, collective achievement by Obsidian and should make the (surely) inevitable New Vegas 'Collectors Edition' a must-buy for anyone who hasn't yet sampled these expansions.

Each one has its flaws (with linearity being Lonesome Road's biggest drawback), but overall they're a fantastic, collective achievement by Obsidian and should make the (surely) inevitable New Vegas 'Collectors Edition' a must-buy for anyone who hasn't yet sampled these expansions.

If Red Orchestra 2 appeals then I daresay you'll have a great deal of fun, but you might want to leave it a month to see if things improve.

That being said, PES should still be top of your shopping list if you're after a game that takes the most exciting elements of the beautiful game and concentrates them into one package.

That being said, PES should still be top of your shopping list if you're after a game that takes the most exciting elements of the beautiful game and concentrates them into one package.

If you're looking for a realistic, thoughtful and exhaustive recreation of the beautiful game then Fifa 12 is the best option you've ever had.

Once again, Fifa redefines what we expect from a football sim. Improved defensive systems and physics, along with expanded game modes, result in an even more beautiful 'beautiful game.'

Aside from improved visuals and the (admittedly rather welcome) handling changes, there's no radical departure from the TrackMania formula here. If you read that as a criticism then, well, maybe you've already overdosed on previous releases. For everyone coming fresh to the track, TM2 is a rapid-paced, rapid-restart extravaganza and still an absolute delight.

To be blunt, TS2012 is a hard game to score. It's a fearsomely niche title (and I play Paradox strategy games for heaven's sake) with a fanbase who'll be judging it by a completely different set of criteria. To them, the interest may be in how accurately the Horseshoe Curve is represented or the potential for inclusion of their favourite engine. My job is to critique it as a game.

It's a light game but with a lot of entertainment for 800 Microsoft Points, and while you might not play for hours at a trot I daresay you'll keep coming back to it. Burnout Crash doesn't quite have the weight for me to call it a must-have, but it's certainly a must-strongly-consider.

It's a light game but with a lot of entertainment for 800 Microsoft Points, and while you might not play for hours at a trot I daresay you'll keep coming back to it. Burnout Crash doesn't quite have the weight for me to call it a must-have, but it's certainly a must-strongly-consider.

One step forward, two steps back...

If you're a fan of Formula 1 and/or F1 2010 then this is a must buy, the new features and improvements making it more than worth your time, money and effort. Anyone not so ingrained in the sport will struggle to see the upside of spending another £40, however. No matter what though, this is a better game than last year and (once again) the bar of expectation has been raised going into F1 2012.

If you're a fan of Formula 1 and/or F1 2010 then this is a must buy, the new features and improvements making it more than worth your time, money and effort. Anyone not so ingrained in the sport will struggle to see the upside of spending another £40, however. No matter what though, this is a better game than last year and (once again) the bar of expectation has been raised going into F1 2012.

Gears of War 3 is a brilliant piece of blockbuster game design that shows, when in the right hands, the 360 still has more to give. More than that though, this is a fittingly spectacular finale to the Marcus Fenix trilogy and evidence that no matter how loud, how brash, how violent a game may be it can still be intelligent and emotionally affecting.

Despite flaws it's a cheap and extraordinarily satisfying way to scratch that racing itch – and if enough people do so, that multiplayer problem might cease to be a problem at all.

But while Sengoku has the stable basis of a game, its biggest problem is a feeling of emptiness.

Perhaps more than any other long-running series that has featured on the current generation of hardware, Madden NFL 12 has that classic end-of-console-era feel to it. The team have seemingly stopped trying to improve the game in any major way and are waiting for the next generation to take things to the next level.

Perhaps more than any other long-running series that has featured on the current generation of hardware, Madden NFL 12 has that classic end-of-console-era feel to it. The team have seemingly stopped trying to improve the game in any major way and are waiting for the next generation to take things to the next level.

For once, I think the experience can be summed up by the main menu. It's very pretty. It also has a transitional animation, in between sub-menus, that lasts four seconds. Want to change your graphical settings, then load an old game? You're going to spend about thirty seconds just watching a transitional animation repeat. Pretty, functional, and then hopelessly irritating for no good reason: that's Hard Reset.

Think of Dead Island as a B-game and you'll be fine. It seems like a bit of an insult to reel off the old cliché of "if you can ignore the bad stuff and only look at the good," but for Dead Island that line actually rings true.

There are much better Men of War games out there. This one is a gruelling quagmire.

Even more so than the likes of Child of Eden or Okami, El Shaddai is one of those rare games that's worth playing simply for the quality of its art direction alone, crushing the idea that only games with standout gameplay are deserving of your time.

If it wasn't for that second act, Resistance 3 would be looking at a higher score. However, given its duration and the disappointment it heaps upon you, it's that middle third that prevent it from living up to the potential it clearly possesses. It's certainly worth playing but, equally, it's certainly not a classic.

Still, it's a generally fun romp, so let's close on a high note: the ending sets the stage for a sequel with plenty of scope for fantastic areas. If Hothead continues to work on the gameplay side of things and gets the environment back up to par, we'll be in for something truly spectacular next time.

Tropico 4 is a fantastic game, there's no denying it, but its core audience is the one that's likely to be most disappointed with it.

As it stands this is a game that's quirky and fun, offering a welcome change from what we've come to expect from the genre, but ends up trying too hard to be smart and misses the target with many of its peripheral ideas.

But enthusiasm alone can't cure fatal problems with the flat, tedious gameplay; and while almost everything about Serious Sam Double D sounds and looks fun, it is barely any fun to play at all.

Driver: San Francisco would be an easy game to recommend if the mission design of the single player campaign were on a par with the quality of its technical elements. As things stands though, it seems that some good gameplay ideas have been wasted on level designers that simply didn't know how to make best use of them.

Driver: San Francisco would be an easy game to recommend if the mission design of the single player campaign were on a par with the quality of its technical elements. As things stands though, it seems that some good gameplay ideas have been wasted on level designers that simply didn't know how to make best use of them.

Despite the flaws, disappointments, and learning curve, I'd certainly recommend Star Ruler to 4X fans with a warlike bent. If you're prepared to spend a good few hours getting into it and learning via trial and error, if you won't get too upset by the outlined problems, and if you're not scared off by lots of numbers, then you'll find an entertaining, substantial, and surprisingly cheap game of galactic domination.

TS:CW provides plenty of semi-mindless macho thrills, but, like a one-hit wonder, if you ever tire of the main hook it'll all fall down. Much like ... well, toy soldiers.

Despite the quality of the combat, the emphasis on gameplay options, the diverse set of augmentations and the substantial side-missions, what will stay with me about Human Revolution is its focus on creating a rich, believable world filled with interesting characters, themes and conflicting ideals. The mere fact that it aims for such lofty narrative heights is commendable, the fact that it achieves them is worthy of celebration.

An aggressively contemporary take on a classic series that'll divide as many as it conquers.

Although the game is hampered by a collection of small problems (camera blur, imprecise controls and dubious AI pathfinding), there are enough moments of simulated natural wonder to submerge those doubts. It really feels good to be a divine dick again.

It's nice to see Dragon Age II content that avoids the pitfalls of its base game, but it's a shame that there isn't more to it.