Virtual Tennis 2009 is definitely a more detailed experience than what we’ve seen in Wii Sports.

It's good in the sense that it takes a specific aspect of multiplayer from cover-based shooters and does it better than most. However, said aspect won't appeal to everyone. Moreover, Hybrid is a hard sell at 1200 Microsoft points - in addition to the micro-transactions you will need to unlock every weapon.

Sort of like that dream you had once about being a bird, but with more feather collecting and fish.

Drawbacks aside, there is still so much here that adds to the base Sims 4 game I have to mark this as a “must have” for Sims 4 players.

Poor pacing, clumsy scriptwriting, and an overall lack of polish (even by indie standards) make it all to easy to bow out before this monster can sink its claws into you.

What really sold us on the game was the audio. If it wasn't the John McEnroe ear bashing in practice, or the wonderfully choreographed commentary in each match, it was that little bit extra where you have the option to choose your own serving exultation. All are perfectly done and top off what feels like a realistic play experience.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 may not be that unique, or that good, but it certainly takes a familiar theme and then moves off at strange angles, pushing ideas far more then you might initially expect, taking something familiar and, for good or bad, making it true to its own rules.

When the battle’s done with and the bodies are rotting where they fell, Star Wars Battlefront is still at heart ‘Battlefield for Star Wars fans’ - and that’s what makes it great.

Really proves authentic flight combat simulators can work on consoles.

For now, our recommendation would be that if you're looking for a fighting game that skimps on story and has just a handful of options, but still delivers tournament-ready credentials, look no further. Killer Instinct is making a brash play at the top table and, as far as we can tell, it's got the goods.

This game is a great use of the Wii's technology, and combined with Disney characters, art and music themes we know and love, this is a charming game, and it's not too cutesy for the older kids in your family - although your emo teenager will probably turn their pierced nose up at it.

Rugby Challenge is not without its problems. But there is depth behind its flashy veneer. Perhaps most importantly, there doesn't seem to be anything that ruins the game by overbalancing it. It embraces different playing styles, and rewards learning the skills associated with each.

This is a Star Wars game that reminds you how brilliant Mr. Lucas’ creations can be. But I can’t stress this enough – there are plenty of frustrations to be encountered amongst the brilliance too.

Seasons is to The Sims what MSG is to cooking (minus the possibly toxic side effects): it enhances the overall experience. Even if you've played it to death already, the simple application of weather and seasonal content guarantees plenty more mileage from the original game.

For the average fan, Madden 25 on Xbox One offers little in the way of upgrades, making it hard to justify dropping another $120 for the game. On the other hand, for the hardcore Madden player (and I know there are a lot of you in New Zealand), the improved realism offered by some of the mechanical changes under the hood make this a hard game to pass up.

But, good or bad, it's just more of the same. Not a recommended buy, unless you've lost your copies of the original Dawn of War and the other expansions, and still have a hankering to play.

As an XBLA download, Tooie is fantastic value. Much cheaper than the actual cartridges go for these days.

A thoroughly enjoyable Kinect experience and highly recommended for the wee ones this Christmas.

Remembering that players won’t need Second Son to play, it’s a great opportunity for new-comers to the InFamous series to get stuck in. But those who got their fill with Deslin’s earlier adventures, you probably won’t find much new on offer here - apart from an interesting new character to get to know.

The biggest draw here is the inclusion of many movie clips and sound bites. It’s pretty cool sitting back and watching a clip, and then pretty frantic as you realize you should have been paying more attention when the questions continually stump you. Oh, and if you aren’t much of a movie buff, you may as well stop reading now.

It's a competent first pass 3D pocket football game, of that there's no question. It's fun to play and the 3D genuinely aids in comprehension of the proceedings.

And that's really about it. Like Wii Sports, you will probably have a lot of fun while the Kinect technology is still new and exciting, but after that wears off, you'll only bring this one out for parties or over-energetic kids.

At risk of repeating other reviews, Battlefront has the form of a Star Wars game that feels like it’s still in the making. Whether from time constraints or by design, every ostensible grandeur and moment of fantasy it does so well to impress can be experienced with a day off. Its glamour and gloss only makes more regretful how little there is. After a ten-year hiatus, Battlefront is only a figment of what it wanted to be.

Drawn to Life is by no means a bad game, it's just a simple one with innovative mechanics thrown into the mix.

It consistently challenges you to make use of your latest ability and 'Metroidvania' nuts can take great pleasure in the rewards of backtracking, while it doesn't penalize players who don't.

Gravity Crash is an old fashioned two dimensional fight against inertia. While there are a few things that bring it into the 21st century such as the bright neon colour palette, the online/multiplayer components and the build-a-level editor, it’s a simple game (simple in a good way) that is engaging, interesting and hard. Just like games in the olden days.

Combine all of the above with a plentiful array of button mashing moves and abilities, and you’ve got a heck of a lot to play with.

Intense and a refreshing change of pace for a shooter, but only if you have the right team beside you.