Well worth checking out if you can stomach lots of blood, cheesy dialogue, some overly scripted moments, dreaded QTE, in fact all the ingredients that make an action packed game that's more expected than inspiring.

Beginners and casual gamers with little patience will likely be turned off by the difficult Drift Competitions and Driver Duel races (when playing against the A.I.), but otherwise, SHIFT offers a highly customizable and engaging player experience that is welcoming to both racing-sim lovers and arcade racers alike.

It’s good. It’s really good. Fans of the NHL games will not be disappointed and newcomers to the series will find one of the deepest, enjoyable, and most engaging hockey game EA has ever put out to date.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is fun to play and has some commendable features, however it feels like it's not quite hit the mark when compared to the first game.

The single and multi player experience are superb allowing total novices through to experts to play along and still enjoy the music and in my own honest opinion, that is what makes a game count!

Sonic & Knuckles may not be my favorite Sonic game from the Genesis days (that title still belongs to Sonic 2), but when you’re asked to pick a favorite from your favorites, can you really go wrong? Not really, and you can’t go wrong here, either.

It's an enjoyable romp and one that's worth looking into if you've got younger gamers or are looking for a game that will keep you entertained without teasing your frustration levels.

Fans of flight combat simulators will surely spend plenty of time doing missions and unlocking the extra aircraft but simply put, the game offers little else that stands out for the average gamer.

If you're not so fond of the realistic or simulation based racers such as Forza Motorsport or Race Pro, and prefer the more approachable, and more importantly arcade racers such as the likes of the Project Gotham Racing series, GRID and of course the original DiRT, then Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will certainly appeal as the finest racer of 2009, even if it is somewhat over shadowed by the dated original.

ection 8 really brings some neat new concepts to the table while at the same time drawing on a wide variety of ideas from other games such as Planetside, Tribes, Counterstrike etc.

As a Watchmen fan, it was impossible for me to not enjoy this game. For anyone else, however, there just isn’t enough substance to warrant the ridiculously overpriced cost.

A worthy and worthwhile purchase if there ever was one during the closing moments of the Summer.

There's eye candy galore for one, and more importantly the gameplay, exploration and levelling-up will keep you coming back for more.

All of the parties responsible for this deserve to be called into question, and all gamers should question whether or not this subpar and frankly embarrassing title justifies further purchases from any of the three companies involved.

Overall, this is a massive leap from previous years.

If you’re looking for an addictive, fun skill game that anyone can enjoy and you’re shopping on a budget, look no further than Trials HD for just 800 Microsoft Points ($10.00 / £6.80).

If you’re looking for a quick beat-‘em-up to play with your friends, or you just want to ride the TMNT nostalgia train, Turtles In Time Re-Shelled is a solid buy for 800 Microsoft points ($10.00 / £6.80). Cowabunga, dude!

MvC2 isn’t an enhanced version of the original, nor does it usher anything new for old gamers to toy around with. In fact, it’s pretty much a port for the die-hard and dedicated fighting fans who want the game on their shiny, new Xbox 360.

King of Fighters XII isn't a bad game per se but and should please die hard fans of the series who will lap up anything SNK throw at them. Yet anyone else is going to perhaps look at the game in disgust and see a title that should have been placed on the XBLA at a low price point and been done with it.

‘Splosion Man has personality and humor to spare, and it’s easily one of the most polished side-scrollers you’ll ever have to pleasure of playing.

If you've been looking for a game for the younger gamer of the household to spend some time with, then this furry adventure is currently sitting at the top of the pile.

When it’s all said and done, MIBI is a blast to play. The single player mode is robust, and the competitive multiplayer portion of the title will keep players coming back for more.

All in all, Battlefield 1943 is one of the highest quality multiplayer games you’ll find on Xbox Live Arcade, and for the asking price, it’s one of the best deals, as well.

Between all of the solo gaming available, the tons of fun you can have on Xbox Live, and the potential for more of both with DLC, you're looking at a great purchase for just 800 Microsoft Points ($10 / £6.80).

Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is an enjoyable romp into the murky and dust filled world of yore.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is a welcome game and one that doesn't just follow the tried and trusted formula of the 'movie tie-in' video game.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is not a game to fully understand, rather, just a game to play. It's got some weird themes, equally unusual characters but is vibrant and easy to get into.

Since Garou: Mark of the Wolves is just 800 Microsoft Points ($10 / £6.80), there’s a good chance that its target audience will find this as a must have and get a lot of time and enjoyment out of the game (especially if you can find consistent online competition). If you aren’t an aficionado, though, Garou won’t do anything to change your opinion.

For 800 Microsoft Points ($10 / £6.80) this is a must have for puzzle game fanatics, and a worthwhile purchase for those looking for a fun, relaxing, and addictive way to spend their leisure time.

Fight Night Round 4 continues the wonders of the previous game, while adding more depth to your boxing experience.

Transformers 2 is undoubtedly a game aimed squarely at pleasing both fans of the films as well as the original series, and Luxoflux’s effort to deliver a solid game experience nearly succeeds, but an inexplicably clumsy control scheme and questionable gameplay mechanics such as the always-on timer and meaningless secondary objectives hinder a great deal of the enjoyment that the game has to offer.

Overlord II is nothing revolutionary to its Overlord counterpart, and it could have easily just been a one off, but in case you missed out, Triumph studios have brought you more of what Overlord does best, just don’t go in expecting anything more.

For 800 Microsoft Points ($10 / £6.80), Rocket Riot is a fun, chaotic gem of an Arcade game with enough unique firepower to keep you blasting blocks for a pretty long time.

Even though they do, in fact, Save The World in their first appearance on the Xbox 360, unless you’re a die-hard Sam & Max fan or just itching for a new adventure game to immerse yourself in, you’re better off Saving Your Money.

This game really is the same old song and dance.

If you're after a game which isn't overly complex, smothered in excessive violence, has a tangible yet far fetched and uncomplicated storyline, then Alex and his powers should be right up your street, alley, road or city, whatever suits.

I feel any true fan of the Virtua Tennis games can be happy with Sumo Digital’s work with Virtua Tennis 2009, as they have kept the perfectly solid gameplay mechanics and modes as solid as they were, but tweaked and adapted where deemed necessary.

The usual tweaks and additional features help improve an already decent title that is sure to delight many golfing fans.

CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars is a uniquely fun multiplayer shooter than will satisfy old school fans and give them, and competition hungry new schoolers, a solid alternative to the bigger games on the market that require a larger online time investment or statistical paranoia.

THQ and Volition have truly outdone themselves with Red Faction: Guerrilla. They have effectively “mined” the eight-year-old franchise and struck gaming gold, combining several recent yet tried–and-true gameplay mechanics with a spectacular physics engine, top-notch production values and a great story, resulting in a worthy (and easily the best ) sequel to the franchise as well as a highly original product in its own right.

The first open-world FUELled outing however will certainly be worth trying out for those that look to master every racing game, for other gamers, there's certain enjoyment to be had here, though it's not all adrenaline-fuelled, perhaps taking a test drive before purchasing would prove a wise decision.

I find it hard for myself, and anyone else for that matter, to forgive the scroll list of technical, chorographical, and design issues that are presented with this game.

In closing, UP is a solid game for youngsters, short and to the point, there's some easy to manage gameplay that is neither taxing or overly complex.

Make no mistake, UFC 2009: Undisputed IS the best UFC game to date, and while it is far from perfect, at the very least THQ and Yukes have created a solid base on which build a successful and long-running franchise.

Terminator Salvation copies tried and trusted formulas that work in other games, and regurgitates the ideas into something so basic and uneventful that the homage paid to the games it copies is totally lost.

Bionic Commando as a third person action game is pretty average and not necessarily the most accommodating of games - especially in regards to the masses of gamers who want instant gratification pick up and play experience.

BSP is a worthy WWII game, and although the period is perhaps more worn than most, still feels like there's a lot of fresh ideas to be had here.

Absurdity aside, Sacred 2 is a great buy for anyone looking for a big, long, dungeon-crawling RPG with lots to do and lots of co-op options.

For fans or even gamers just interested in action hack n' slash games a like, you can't do wrong to invest some time in Wolverine's latest gaming outing, for the most part it offers up a visceral ride of gory action.

Velvet Assassin is very much an enjoyable game, it might not have the high production values of some of its peers, but in general offers a tense, thrilling, and engaging gameplay experience throughout.

I initially tried to justify the cost of the content based on all content included, and while for those who are still addicted to the row, these newly mentioned toys in the sandbox will be greatly welcomed. For the rest of us though, the new, incredibly-short story arc, ultimately acts as a big tease and unless you're addicted to Saints 2's multiplayer offerings, you will probably feel robbed of your 800MSP by the corrupt government that is the Ultor Corporation.

Even for the hardcore fans I’m sure re-iterations start to grind, and although Gundam 2 is a step out the Chinese and Japanese historical fantasy books, it’s still feeling rather stale.

Although Outrun will always have a special place in my gaming heart, time has certainly moved on and even with enhancements the title struggles to really impress. Its main saving grace is the fact that Xbox Live Arcade is perfect for those quick 5-10 minute gaming sessions and OutRun fits the bill perfectly.

If you've not played the first game, then you'll no doubt be well pleased at having two chunks of fresh gaming to satisfy your hunger. For anyone else, the return to nostalgic realms is pleasant, but the over-familiarity of Dark Athena, might leave you burned out.

The Godfather II is not a game that should be played because it is “bigger and better” than its predecessor, as it is certainly not as long or as deep an experience, but instead it should be at least given a chance for its satisfying and plentiful on-foot action sequences and the addictive new strategy and resource-management elements which The Don’s View brings to the table.

In closing, Ninja Blade offers a welcome slice of action gaming that is not only simple, but effective at the same time.

The gameplay is fun enough to make you want to come back, just not fun enough to make you never want to leave. On the bright side, there is co-op play, so if you and a friend are looking to shoot the breeze while you whack away at some bad guys, this just might be your cup of Bancha.

This game really does pay homage to Metallica and this is a game fans definitely need to purchase.

The Wheelman is a solid driving game which is perhaps let down by some poor handling (for an arcade game) and some sub-standard graphics.

The premise behind Stormrise is pretty decent, commendable in fact as there are some good ideas on offer, yet the execution leaves little to be desired.

WWE Legends of WrestleMania succeeds in its goal of being a welcome nostalgia trip down memory lane. Long-time wrestling fans will certainly appreciate reliving this experience from the earlier years of WrestleMania.

I've enjoyed the simplicity that is Monsters vs. Aliens, and with a story that's as far out as the aliens themselves has been easy to get into and easy to play.

Whether you’re looking for a solid party game to play with your friends (online or off), or you’re a parent trying to find a board-game-slash-babysitter without the mess of missing pieces, Sorry! Sliders does a good job fitting into the occasion…especially since this version of Sorry! Sliders is cheaper than the actual board game itself.

Capcom have done wonders with keeping the elements that made RE what they are, but also moving it forwards just enough to remain fresh.

Lara's Shadow offers a decent slice of adventuring but costing 800 points seems a little steep considering there are no extras or real incentives to experience the level again after completion.

If you're after more antics with the prince and princess, then I would recommend this additional content, as a worthy addition to the game. If you're still up to your eyeballs in the original then I would say hold off until you've fully exhausted the game first.

The End is Nigh, while on the short side, is a good game, it's easy to pick up and master, and is satisfying to dish out some punishment.

Ensemble have created something really special, they have managed to make a genre previously inaccessible to console audiences and turn it around into something that’s easy to play and heaps of fun.

If you like aerial shooters, then you'll probably rush out and buy HAWX regardless of what anyone else says, and to be fair you'll certainly get your monies worth if you delve into all modes on offer.

Eat lead has its humor going for it, and perhaps is the only reason the game should be played.

Snowboarding games on the Xbox 360 are few and far between, but Stoked seems like a solid one which hits a good balance between testing patience and fun.

Exit 2 establishes a personality for itself without a story, a romance subplot, or a robust class tree. It’s just a guy, his coffee, and a whole lot of puzzles, but hey, turns out that’s really all you need.

I've been pleasantly surprised at how solid the game is. It's far from perfect, completely cheesy, copies other games, but ultimately offers a fun no-nonsense shooting experience.

Horror and shooter fans alike may find some cheap thrills within Blood Trails, but ultimately the majority of the game is quite simply a very unsatisfying experience.

In closing, Beneath the Ashes is a commendable slice of Tomb Raider adventuring, but still feels like it was part of the main game, that was either left on the cutting room floor, or withheld for the purpose of exclusive content.

Race Pro isn't likely to be a game that finds its place among the favourable pile of recent Xbox 360 racers, the fact that it's a simulation racer however will likely have it appealing to the more enthusiast of realistic racing fans.

Street Fighter IV is certainly a grand entry for the series this generation. Although we have had some of the older games appear on the XBLA, this new game undoubtedly provides an unadulterated fighting experience that has been worth the wait.

Rockstar have themselves laid it out on the table, and with it, delivered the single greatest piece of downloadable content to hit the Xbox Live Marketplace.

FEAR 2 is a welcome addition to the series, is an enjoyable single player experience and well worth the price of entry.

Either way though, this is a most welcomed remembrance package from SEGA and as always supporting their fans well, now all we need is some more license agreements for releasing all of those other legendary gaming accomplishments.

X-Blades is a solid title, and although it might not be as accomplished as some similar games in the genre, it certainly is a valiant effort.

R-Type Dimensions is pretty expensive for such an old game with such short levels, which makes this a game best suited to side-scrolling fanatics or people who just have money to burn.

Despite some glitches, simplistic level design, some repetition, its brevity and perhaps music that you're not going to agree with, Afro Samurai is an enjoyable experience and well worth picking up. I would also suggest if you're unsure to rent first, although fans should rush out and buy it because the game captures everything you know and love perfectly.

Despite its occasional control flaws and sometimes unfriendly camera, Skate 2 still delivers a refreshing experience that continues to leave all other games of its kind, including the now archaic Tony Hawk franchise, eating asphalt.

Lord of the Rings: Conquest is an average game at best, which could have been improved in so many ways – better graphics, more refined combat, decent camera etc.

Interpol is an interesting Xbox Live Arcade game and one that offers easy pick-up and play mechanics. It’s a puzzle game that you can play in small doses and is well worth it for keeping non-gaming family members and friends entertained.

Rise of the Argonauts is not a terrible game, and in some respects is quite enjoyable, especially in regards to its story. However, the low production values in the gameplay and graphics department, does mean that you’ll possibly find enjoyment is severely hindered and your patience somewhat tested.

It’s got all the right ingredients to make it well worth playing and remembering once the game disc is placed fondly back into its case after completion.

I’d recommend to anyone who’s into RPG’s to at least try The Last Remnant via a rent, you’ll probably won’t be able to complete it, but it’s the only way you’ll find out whether it’s a game you can enjoy while turning a blind eye to obvious downfalls.

Don’t be fooled by the cute and cartoon looking game presented here. Because beneath the surface there’s some intricate and clever design that will test even the most ardent of fans and gamers.

A Kingdom for Keflings provides a light but unique strategy experience that is pretty much one of a kind on XBLA.

Tomb Raider: Underworld is a concise, consuming and meritorious addition to the franchise, which is well worth playing for fans of adventure, puzzle solving and action (despite a lack of cohesiveness in the action department).

Left 4 Dead is THE best game I've played in years, and offers one of the best new multiplayer experiences available on the market.

More forgiving Most Wanted fans will find a lot to like in NFS Undercover.

You're in the Movies, will easily appeal to kids, but adults are sure to find this game just as entertaining.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is an admirable beat 'em up, although it's not the over-the-top, and excessively satisfying Mortal Kombat experience that you may be familiar with, though beat 'em ups seem to be few and far between these days.

Shaun White Snowboarding ultimately is more of an uphill experience than it is racing down an icy slope.

Mirror's Edge has been a joy to play and I've fully appreciated what DICE have tried to achieve here, although not everyone will.