Your interest in this game will be entirely dependent on whether you already played the original, or if you're rearin' to play it again. Metal Gear Solid 3D is a great showcase of what the 3DS can do and what kind of experience it can offer, I just wish that showcase didn't retread old ground.

The reliance on story as a driving part of the experience, the cruel difficulty, and many similarities to the first game might put some fans off. But engaging combat, addictive demon collecting, and gameplay that can only be rivaled by the first entry make Devil Survivor 2 a worthy title in the Shin Megami Tensei series.

Though some of the minigames can be boring and uninspired, others can be a hoot while playing with friends.

The obtrusive HUD and messy atmospheric bits aren't bad enough to ruin this, but as with some of the questionable facets of this game, you can't help but wonder how much more fun it would be without them.

At its most basic levels, The Show is fun, playable, and lifelike in a family-friendly way, but it has the depth, intensity, and detail for franchise or career growth that can suck in stat fans and drag them all through this season and beyond.

Conceptually, the Yakuza series might appear to have "jumped the shark," but Sega has designed the game well enough and with such enthusiasm that you can't help but be impressed.

Too many quirks and glitches still exist in the gameplay for me to fully immerse myself into the sport. 2K12 makes pitching more challenging and stands out as the most polished aspect of the gameplay. Very little has been added in the way of game modes this season, but the standards still play true to form.

If you enjoy a game with simple pick-up-and-go golfing mechanics, don't mind a hefty challenge from time to time, and love to customize your characters from head to toe, then Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational is worth picking up for your PlayStation Vita.

If you're tired of repackaged or remade franchise games for the Vita, do yourself a favor and go to hell. Army Corps of Hell is blasphenomenal.

This is the framework for a feature-packed, capable shooter, but it falls over with some questionable AI and occasionally clunky cover-based controls – twitchy aiming and sometimes disobedient snap-out-of-cover mechanics from 'AAA' games such as Gears of War or Metal Gear Solid.

Offers an adequately suspenseful adventure and expands the series' lore, just barely making it worthy of the Silent Hill name.

If you enjoy action games with quirk and charm, I can't recommend Binary Domain enough. It has all the hallmarks of an unpolished gem - except it's actually polished.

Just like Portal 2, Vessel is about a universally recommended game as can exist. It's charming, entertaining, stimulating, and a hell of an experience for the price point.

The tension-inducing design present in I Am Alive's mechanics extends to its checkpoint system, which I would describe as torturous.

What you'll remember when you're done with ME3 is not the glitches, it's the adventure and the characters you shared it with. As a trilogy, it is one of the most well-realized pieces of science fiction ever created. As a videogame, let's just say I hope I'm alive to see a series of this scope again.

There are so many aspects of this game to which I can say "if only"… if only the camera worked right, if only the controls were tighter, if only there were more to do than find keys and kill the same dudes over and over again. But the game is what it is, and the bad seems to outweigh the good at every turn.

Street Fighter X Tekken has given me everything I've dreamed of and more from a fighting game.

A broad comprehensive battle system makes each fight worthwhile, if a bit repetitive. The story is told at the right pace and will keep you interested throughout the entirety of the game. But the experience isn't entirely perfect, with some odd sound issues, a knack for getting you lost, and 3D visuals that should never be used.

Once in a while a game comes along that makes you proud to be a gamer. It's the kind of game you want to show your parents to prove to them that it's not all explosions and fast cars. It's the kind of game that you want to tell Roger Ebert to go play after he makes inflammatory statements about how video games can never be art. And it's the kind of game that given the right platform and exposure, has the potential to resonate with an audience that doesn't usually care about games. Journey is one of those games.

If you've never played any version of Lumines before and you're looking for a solid puzzle game for your new Vita, then this title is certainly worth your time. But if you'd rather save your money and stay home with your block-dance-party-game, then Lumines Electronic Symphony is a bit of a tougher sell.

Touch My Katamari is FUN - fast-paced, zany fun.

Syndicate is an incredibly ambitious, stylized, but definitely flawed game. I'm confident with another attempt, Syndicate could be something really special. I just hope that it gets the chance.

The way the action slows down to zoom in on a brutal kick is reminiscent of how similar camera tricks worked for Street Fighter IV. This enhances Asura's Wrath greatly and turns a game that might've been a generic brawler into a positively memorable one.

Career mode and online play offer up what you'd expect from a tennis game, albeit an uninspired experience that doesn't distinguish itself from its competitors. The game is helped by two unique and effective control schemes that offer up a completely new way to play.

Its vibrant and original art is slick and well animated, its excessive gore and cliche-action-movie-style cutscenes are funny and satisfying in equal measures, and its fast, challenging gameplay is suitably visceral and deeply satisfying. But it's way too short, and the lack of campaign co-op is an epic disappointment, especially considering its presence in the first game.

The core fighting system has been ported perfectly to the 3DS and the animation is very well done, but everything else has been stripped down to the bare essentials. Substantial lag makes most online matches unplayable, and just two single player modes doesn't give too many options for replayability.

WipEout's core experience – fast races, awesome music, and incredible graphics – are better than they've ever been in WipEout 2048. However, the game's more experimental features like motion controls and touch interface fall flat.

One of the most delightful games I've ever played, and the price is decent for the amount of content. For gamers interested in music or gaming oddities, this game is a must-buy, though it's a harder recommendation for a self-professed hardcore gamer that hasn't powered up his Wii in years.

I can't help but feel like there could've been more to Gotham City Impostors.

A great port from the console versions. All the original characters and modes are there. And with the ability to challenge other players online and offline, gives it an even greater replay value.

While gameplay is overall a great experience, I would like to see more control given to my fighter when it comes to the sway system, and I'm not completely sold on the new submission mini-game.

If you're looking for a game that will suck you in with a compelling narrative and deep, strategic gameplay, look elsewhere. But if you're a fan of dumb, loud, addictive fun, you could do a lot worse than Twisted Metal.

Ultimately NeverDead is a failed opportunity to do something special. Too many bad design choices hold back the overall experience. Repetitive gameplay, constantly having to recover your limbs, useless supporting characters, poor controls, the list goes on. The real curse for the main character isn't immortality, but forever being a part of this game.

There's a lesson to be learned from Golden Abyss. Don't treat your games like tech demos. I understand the need to make the masses aware of all the cool things your device can do but there's plenty of better ways to do that than shoe horning touch controls into a game that doesn't need them. That said, there's a lot to like about Golden Abyss.

If you look at The Simpsons Arcade Game from today's standards then the game is pretty terrible, with overly simple controls, rough graphics, and a very short campaign. But looking at the game through the eyes of a fan of the original cabinet from 1991 the game fares much better. It has what you'd expect a game based on The Simpsons to have: similar animation, fun gameplay, and entertaining multiplayer.

A ton of fun, but if you're the kind of gamer who craves action, excitement, and a plot to keep you coming back for more, this isn't for you. Rather, this was made for gamers with kids around the house, or players who have a living room that frequently hosts friend-filled parties.

Yes, Reckoning is a Big Huge game. The sum of those parts don't all gel together in some kind of revolutionary way, but the influence from them stands out sufficiently that fans any of those games will find something to love here. Be prepared for the long haul if you intend to see the epic conclusion, but don't expect the next generation in open world free option exploration, though allegedly there are numerous conclusions…but that will take just another epic wade through this world to discover.

In so many ways, The Darkness II is an improvement over the original. The controls work better, the action is more straightforward, and you don't have to play Pikmin with a bunch of surly little demons. It's just more engaging and fun all around. But while its changes are noticeable, they're also subtle; this isn't a completely different game, it's more like a refinement of what worked before.

Now that I'm done crying about content, let's get down to the real reason to play Soulcalibur V. The gameplay has been improved for the better. Regardless of my gripes, it won't stop me from trying to be the best Chun Li-with-a-sword player I can be. This Soulcalibur is definitely worth playing.

At its core, this is a really good game with a winning gameplay mechanic, but its flaws often grind the fun to a screeching halt.

The fact that Amy's concept was so intriguing sadly magnifies the feeling of gross letdown in its execution.

Recommending Final Fantasy XIII-2 is an interesting proposition. If you don't like menus and cutscenes, Final Fantasy XIII-2 won't change your world view, because they're still there. However if you, like me, have been waiting for a reason to like Final Fantasy again, this is it.

If you're a fan of the character somehow, that shows you like things that are "unique" and have a "dark" "personality," and are not at all manufactured in order to appeal to an overplayed "edgy" aesthetic. As such, this game is for you, because that means you have mediocre taste. Everyone else, save your valuable time and effort.

If you're looking for a game that can be picked up, enjoyed, and promptly placed back down for another time, not to mention at a price that won't break the bank, Choplifter HD is a solid, recommendable purchase.

I was disappointed with this game. Killing zombies with friends is a fun, if short, adventure, but highly repetitive gameplay makes the game stale. A great deal of backtracking and monotonous quests holds the game back even further. The nail in the coffin is no online multiplayer, because this game is just screaming to be played with friends over Xbox Live.

Despite the elimination of the ability to deliver late hits and other illegal moves, NFL Blitz remains a fun arcade experience that can finally be taken online.

Those looking for a solid platforming experience probably won't find a better one on the 3DS.

Though a handful of lacking options ding the game's value, Fortune Street is still a blast to play. It marries the classic sensibilities of a board game while embracing the complexity afforded by video games. If you have a stack of board games in the closet, this game is made for you.

Professor Layton this is not, but imitation it tries. Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights fails to capture the magic that it is trying to emulate. Repetitive puzzles and a lack of player interaction during gameplay will leave you wanting much more.

Sonic CD is Sonic at his finest: fast, fun, and challenging. The past and future versions of each stage coupled with collecting every Time Stone means a good deal of replay value in a small package. Decent controls and a good soundtrack make the game an overall solid package.

Afterfall: Insanity gives fans of gritty, horror-action games a whole helping of what they enjoy. Despite its issues with a simplistic combat system and sometimes unintentionally comical cut scenes, the game is otherwise considerably solid.

Sonic Generations for the 3DS is by no means a bad game, it is just a disappointing one. Being able to play as both Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic in an assortment of old and new stages is a great idea, but everything is over very quickly.

With Pushmo, not only do 3DS owners have a solid game that shows off the system's visual capabilities, but we've also got a truly fantastic title that's really at its best on this particular console.

Even with the small problems here and there, Trine 2 offers an old-school gaming experience with a new, unique spin. It's already a great game with its engaging puzzles and addictive gameplay; add cooperative multiplayer to the mix, and Trine 2 is a must-have that can bring friends together for some excellent adventuring.

Bad games happen all the time, and so do brand-extending cash-grabs. But when a game is this blatant in how it wants to take consumers' money-by mashing up long-standing franchises with mostly solid reputations-it's cause for disgust.

There is a good game somewhere in the hybrid FPS/arcade title Xotic, but it's buried beneath gameplay mechanics that don't go well together. Collecting points, going for high scores, and zipping through levels for the fastest time is both fun and challenging, but having to slow the pace down to hunt and kill every enemy in order to advance takes away from what could have been a great title. Overly complicated controls and confusing visuals don't help either.

The deepest, richest, and greatest installment in the already-rock solid franchise, and it's the most compelling reason to go out and buy a 3DS. Now go do it already. I'll see you on the track.

You get an awesome experience at an absurd value with Serious Sam 3: BFE. Not only is the campaign incredibly substantial, but it offers an experience not seen since Painkiller.

As a downloadable title, Voltron offers a surprising amount to enjoy. I never thought I'd like this game as much as I do-but it's difficult to overlook the main flaws of unbalanced difficulty, a lack of levels (there are only about a dozen) and only three chances to play as Voltron.

The in-depth fighting mechanics and awesome animation and visuals give KOF its own space alongside other mainstream fighters. The King of Fighters XIII is definitely an improvement over the last installment, but is still plagued with troubled online play.

NFS: The Run is a fast, frantic, and thoroughly enjoyable racer. The idea of a movie-encased racing game is an excellent one, and despite the fact that EA's first attempt lacks due tact or sophistication, the over-the-top plot does add extra context and excitement to the basic premise of driving at ridiculous speeds.

The game definitely has a bigger roster, badder presentation, and better gameplay. The new controls are easy to pick up and fun to play.

LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of the movie franchise and juxtaposing it with all things LEGO. The light difficulty might be off-putting for seasoned gamers, but it is perfect for family gaming and younger players.

Inventive, original, whimsical, and fun as shit. Excepting some minor control hiccups, it's nearly the perfect platformer. If you think for one second that time has passed the platformer by, give Rayman: Origins a chance to prove you dead wrong, because it absolutely will.

Once again a 3DS game fails to realize its huge online multiplayer potential.

A good dance game that uses solid gameplay mechanics. While the visuals are distinct, they're lacking on a technical level.

Even though the game gets repetitive you're constantly receiving rewards and increasing your stats, which makes the game addictive.

When a game's stated purpose is to relax the user, but it winds up doing the exact opposite, that extra credit can only carry it so far. Above all, there are some wonderful experiences to be had in Leela, but they're forgotten as soon as the frustrations set in.

There's a lot of reverence and respect shown for this game here. As a value proposition it may not make a lot of sense and in more ways than one the campaign shows its age, but for hardcore Halo fans, those factors really shouldn't matter.

Revelations very much feels to me like a team checking off items from a list. Ezio, Altair, and Desmond are here; there's parkour; there's combat; there's a bad guy, eventually; there are puzzles; there's a big beautiful world to explore. The problem is, they never seem to cohere into a single experience, and the kind of passion and quality that has made this series so good in the past is missing.

The biggest hurdle towards recommending this game for the 3DS is the fact that it's so widely available on other platforms, and for less money.

Not only one of the best Zelda games, but one of the best games ever made. It will take you places you've never been and show you sights you've never seen, so ignoring it just because it's on the Wii would be a damn shame.

An experience unlike any other. It never takes itself too seriously, it remembers that games should be fun and they should entertain. It's not that any particular part stands out above the other, rather, on the whole, everything is just downright awesome. The character creator alone warrants multiple playthroughs and the story is literally only half the game.

The story is decent at times but fails to compare to the magnitude of the original books' story. Leveling up and getting new gear is fun, but the combat becomes repetitive quickly.

Mahjong Cub3D is exactly what it needs to be - a collection of mahjong puzzles with a neat gimmick that works well with the 3DS's display.

Sometimes I feel like role-playing games have forgotten about the whole "roleplaying" part of the genre. So it's refreshing to play a game like Skyrim that imbues so much effort into immersing you in its world. Quit your job. Divorce your spouse. Give your children up for adoption. Do whatever you need to do to find the time to play Skyrim.

The multiplayer is a cut above the rest, with a ton of options and the ability to customize a huge number of details on any of the maps you set up for Private Matches.

If you're jonesing for classic, Rare-made GoldenEye and your N64 is nowhere to be found, then the updated Reloaded is definitely a must-buy. But if you don't already have an attachment to the old game, there isn't much here for you.

Despite the fact that PixelJunk Sidescroller isn't that bad, it isn't that good either. It's a mildly-entertaining-but-shallow offering from a studio that's usually at the pinnacle of PSN development.

Playing Kirby's Return to Dream Land is a combination of nostalgic fun and the child-like charm felt from every Kirby title.

Contra and Metal Slug are the KFCs of the 2D shooter world. And this game is literally like hardboiled chicken–enjoyable for the price, but is no gourmet dish.

At just under two hours of story here, it's kind of hard to recommend this to someone looking for an engaging narrative, even with some improved mechanics. However, if you've got 100 percent of everything in InFamous 2 and have the itch to collect more then Festival of Blood should be up your alley.

Battlefield 3's multiplayer is brilliant, which is really no surprise for this series. It perfectly combines the absolute chaos of open warfare with the methodical, calculating play that makes modern military shooters so satisfying.

If you do have friends who can't get enough of heists, then Payday is a fine choice and an arguable target for a lawsuit from Michael Mann.

Though the underlying action RPG mechanics are well done, constant grinding through improperly balanced levels brings the game down a couple notches.

On paper, the ideas that went into this its creation must have come from a place of passion and excitement for a rich period in history. But then I remember that I actually played this unlikable, unfair, and unfinished game for many, many miserable hours, and the only person I feel bad for is me. Don't go near this thing, or else you'll be cursed with damnation, too.

If a game's quality is based solely on its replay value, then Guardian Heroes for the Xbox 360 is as good a game as Gears of War 3 or Call of Duty: Black Ops. While Guardian Heroes has plenty, unfortunately games aren't rated entirely on replay value.

If Uncharted 3 proves anything, it's that Naughty Dog may be the most versatile studio in videogames. Their ability to craft tightly paced cinematic action, lighthearted narratives, endearing characters, and paint it with technical wizardry is unparalleled. Every single aspect of Uncharted 3, including its surprisingly robust multiplayer, is staggeringly well-executed.

Aliens: Infestation is a bit of a mixed bag: blasting through aliens in a desperate fight for survival that is both challenging and fun. Unfortunately these parts of the game are separated by a lot of backtracking that is both tiresome and frustrating.

Even when the experience turns alien in the run-in to the conclusion it's visually impressive at the very least.

Only the most ardent Dead Rising fans should buy this game.

Tweaks to the My Player mode as well as the growth of the Legend concept has led this franchise to even greater heights. A wonderfully tasty mix of presentation and solid gameplay make this game a keeper, even in a year when the actual NBA may never appear.

Interesting puzzles, HD graphics, and a great soundtrack make for a one-of-a-kind puzzle experience. Tight controls keep things from being overly frustrating and a couple of extra modes add variety to the mix.

I'm glad that this game didn't focus on four different versions of Spider-Man, like Shattered Dimensions did, delivering a more focused gameplay experience overall. But it seems like that focus became too narrow, leaving out the rest of what makes the character great: crazy-awesome villains and Spidey doing "whatever a spider can."

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon not only attempts something new in the arcade flight space but absolutely nails those goals and intentions.

I expected some goofy fun from NBA Jam: OFE and got a thoroughly well-developed, competitive game that's both faithful to the Jam legacy and has legs to last.

Combat is extremely fulfilling due to the fact that you can string together attacks, counters, gadget quick attacks, and special moves completely flawlessly.

A bite of fillet mingon is still better than a whole McDonald's burger. While The Missing Link doesn't deliver the robust experience of Human Revolution, it's the only way to experience more Deus Ex. That alone is worth the price of admission… just adjust your expectations accordingly.