The game is a visual treat, with some great character models and environments, in spite of the industrial look of most levels. The ghost effects look especially convincing, with some nice stylized visuals to convey their movements.

This is a gritty, brilliantly made shooter that will shake you up more than once, backed by a powerful story and the kind of action that you'd come to expect from a top-tier entry in the genre.

It’s the best RTS on the Xbox 360. Though this isn’t stating much, any forthcoming RTS will undoubtedly have to compare to Halo Wars in the future. Ensemble Studios did their job in creating an accessible RTS that newcomers won’t have too much trouble playing thirty minute sessions.

The different challenges range from easy to exhaustingly difficult, and the gameplay is so addicting that you'll want to complete every one. The level design and multiplayer components are subpar, but Joe Danger: SE makes up for it with a stellar career mode that will keep you playing all night "for just one more star."

At times the graphics are flawless, and there is a super-smooth frame-rate, but it’s let down by some basic presentation issues and strange cut scene effects.

The animation is superb and the backdrops look exquisite.

This is the way to make a comeback for a series.

This decision by the developers, to focus on action over boredom, will help EndWar interest a more broad type of gamer.

Kameo has finally come out from beyond that massive shadow of past Rare accomplishments and while they may not have reinvented the wheel, it does offer up an incredibly fun and addictive experience that no fan of the genre should miss.

Trials HD is at the same time both a perfectionist's wet dream and horrifying nightmare. Who would have thought the Summer Of Arcade game with the worst name and simplest concept would be among XBLA's finest games?

MX vs. ATV Reflex may not be perfect on all levels but simply put it's the best off-road racing game on the market.

If you're a dedicated Bejeweled player or you're looking for a great party game to tackle with your friends, Bejeweled Blitz Live is a smart choice. It's only 800 Microsoft points ($10), and well worth every penny as you gain new skills and bump up your score into the stratosphere.

We're sure devoted fans will love what Konami has done with The Simpsons Arcade Game's home release, and now it can be introduced to a new generation of players who will discover just how joyous it is. It's a blast from the past that has very little going against it, outside of its length. However, the replay value, particularly from playing alongside friends, easily makes this one worth the D'oh!

NBA 2K9 is an amazing title that is just a little spit and polish away from perfection.

Whether a newbie or a hardcore veteran, you owe it to yourself to check out the King of Fighters XIII – especially at its discounted price of $50.

The game successfully drives home the themes of poverty and desperation. The voice acting is also up to task, delivering solid performances throughout to keep you engrossed in the story.

If you have been waiting for a music game that is a bit different than the others and includes the best playlist of pop-songs, put on a disguise and go pick-up Band Hero.

N+ is a reminder that flashy graphics and high concept gameplay are not necessary to create a killer casual game. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.

Although Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 lacks in multiplayer diversity and a story mode that makes some kind of sense, its fighting action is as enriched as ever, and the presentation knocks our socks off.

One of longest titles available on the Arcade, and one of the best. The simple to understand, but hard to master, style of gameplay and solid online experience makes this an easy choice for best puzzler on the Arcade.

It sets the bar for what is possible from an Arcade title. It is a fantastic, polished RPG that will leave you happily setting aside points for the sequel.

From the moment you put the disc in the tray, everything about this game says “first class”, until you try to play on Xbox Live. If you’re a gamer that is not completely turned off by wretched multiplayer support, then DiRT should be a welcome addition to your library.

While it has some of the typical RPG gripes, the combat, story, and presentation are worth dealing with a little grinding to experience.

Overall Fight Night Round 3 is a great game on its own merits, bringing with it some of the best commentary in any game, which is extremely informative and can really help during bouts.

You just need to have an open mind about what's fun, and odds are Super Meat Boy will have you liking it provided you have enough patience to let its design philosophy sink in.

Let’s cross our fingers that EA and Digital Illusions are already hard at work with new maps, vehicles and classes for downloadable content. We can’t tell you a reason not to pick up Battlefield 1943 via the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the ultra-low value of 1200 Microsoft Points; it’s available now.

These games may not compare to the powerhouses of today, but the extra content, eclectic selection of games, the low price tag, and no fear of jail time, almost every video game fan will find something they love in Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection.

Unbelievably fun and unique.

A great NHL experience that all but the most strategy-deficient gamer will enjoy. This ain’t your daddy’s NHL game.

It will tie you over nicely until the highly anticipated FIFA 09 hits store shelves. When I described it as a mixed bag my reasons were such; good graphics, excellent sound, lack of real depth, superb game play but lacklustre online options.

In a dry spell of arcade releases, Final Fight: Double Impact is a must download.

It’s got the great gameplay innovations from FIFA 2010 and should keep rabid fans busy until FIFA Soccer 2011.

With its great visual style, simple mechanics, quality level design, and goofy sense of humor, Twisted Pixel has created a game that makes even its most maddening parts a good time.

The presentation, while slightly flawed, is amongst Eurocom's best work, and the gameplay delivers, both in single and multiplayer.

The mountains are impressive, offering lots of jumps, hidden paths and design diversity to make you feel like you're going through Russia, Siberia, whatever, without confusing the terrain.

There are a mass of improvements over the first. Especially regarding the survivor AI that was extremely poor in the first game. While the survivors aren't exactly intelligent by any means this time around, they are at least capable of following you and pushing other zombies out of the way while you work your way back to the safe house.

They took the old formula and added some new features making Marvel: Ultimate Alliance one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had on the 360 to date.

Whether you’re a FPS, RPG or racing fan, this is a must-play game and with multiple different gameplay types, it’s guaranteed to keep you busy for an endless number of hours.

Undertow is one of those great games where the demo and description do not do it justice. It is one of the most addictive, challenging, and deepest games Live Arcade offers.

If you are looking for a mature title that features some of the best action-adventure gameplay on Microsoft’s system look no further than Dante’s Inferno.

Addictive and compelling.

The random costume drops and incredibly clever Achievements will keep gamers playing this one for weeks on end; beyond that, the addictive gameplay will make it hard to put down the controller, even with the few obvious blemishes in Live gameplay and limited single-player levels.

Despite the limitations the Xbox 360 controller presents to a game of this type, EA has done an exceptional job porting this game from the PC.

This Assassin's Creed is a noteworthy conclusion to the current saga, and it leaves us wondering just what kind of butchery awaits us when Ubisoft releases the next game in 2012. Hey, if it's something of this quality, we'll gladly take it. Blood, guts and all.

Despite a few minor complaints, Toy Soldiers is a tower defense game well worth checking out, on Xbox LIVE Arcade right now.

While LEGO Harry Potter doesn't pull any punches with the cut and paste LEGO formula, the world surrounding it has been wonderfully imagined culminating into a fantastic experience for anyone who can hold a controller.

Monday Night Combat combat looks great and the design is very colorful with a humorous tone that creates a fun universe that you'll find yourself lost in.

It's loaded with options, wildly offbeat characters, and the kind of online action that a good fighting game deserves.

What De Blob 2 lacks in online interactivity and (to some players) overall challenge, it makes up for with its charming presentation. The graphics are colorful and absolutely stunning, moving at a fresh 60 frames per second.

Had Tekken Tag Tournament 2 come with more side modes and an end boss that actually gave you a chance to win the game without killing yourself, it would've been something of legend. But even with these flaws, it's still one of the best fighting games out there.

The tour mode is one of the best campaign's found in a sports game yet, with the leveling of the players on your squad creating a bond that I didn't think possible for this type of game.

Although everything is not perfect in Soulcalibur IV it is still one of those games that every 360 owner should have in their collection.

In conclusion, Burnout Revenge for the Xbox 360 is the best racer out there in my opinion. If you are more into the action of racing and the wrecks then look no further, this is the racing game for you.

It’s combat may be unoriginal and the game may not be revolutionary, but it’s a truly solid adventure, with a good story, good controls that leave you with a yearning for exploration, and also discovery that is yet to be achieved by any other Xbox 360 title.

The graphics, sound effects, and controls are only a bonus to everything else that makes up a quality racing title. For a first attempt on new hardware I have to commend EA for a job well done.

Realms of Ancient War isn't perfect, but it's one of the best new downloadable titles of 2012 and a good excuse to invite over your friends to go dungeon exploring in search of the best loot on the hardest difficulty setting.

At times it’s frustrating and you’ll die more than you’ll succeed, but when you actually do accomplish a mission, it’s all worth it.

The Locomotion engine allows players to move more realistic[ally] than the previous iterations of the Madden series. Players will now move in ways never seen before in an EA Sports football game.

It’s no secret that MvC2 is not a very accessible game and doesn’t bring anything new to the fighting game table like Street Fighter IV and BlazeBlu, but if you are looking to hone your MvC2 skills on more than those in your immediate vicinity, or just think that Wolverine vs. Megaman would be a dream match, there is little reason not to pick this game up the next time you log online.

It's the sort of game that would've been exclusive to arcades, causing you to take the trip and insert tokens with excitement.

There's enough action here to almost fill two games, and that's really saying something.

Although the controls could use some tightening, the overall experience screams with pure and pleasurable-rage-induced-bloody-action.

FIFA Soccer 09 is a step in the right direction with online play, but fails to have intelligent computer AI to give you a challenge by your lonesome. The on-field controls have improved though, at times, you won’t notice it since you’ll be exceedingly frustrated by your teammates kicking the ball out-of-bounds.

While the game certainly wasn't without flaws, I found them to be a bit more forgivable given the overwhelming amounts of fun I was having with the game.

The catalogue of songs is among the greatest selections for Metallica fans, even if they aren’t into rhythm. Sure, not every Metallica single is presented, but for the 30 or so tracks provided, there’s a plethora of singles for fans of the metal gods.

Defense Grid: The Awakening is not overly original within the tower defense genre, but does everything so exceedingly well in an anemic XBLA genre that it is impossible to resist.

Skate has changed the way skateboarding games should be designed and played. Hopefully this is a wake up call to Tony Hawk developer Neversoft to be more creative and less complacent.

Though it's more on the tactical side than straightforward action, Enemy Unknown brings plenty of challenge, along with thoughtful gameplay and more-than-acceptable management options. Developers, take note – this is how you bring a franchise back.

With a solid fifty-fifty mix of simple and difficult achievements, and ridiculously addictive multiplayer gameplay, at 800 points Small Arms is one of the best purchases you can make on Xbox Live Arcade.

Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit has its flaws with its unresponsive controls and repetitiveness. However these small flaws can easily be overlooked when you look at what all Hell Yeah! has to offer with its exquisite graphics, entertaining gameplay, fun music and nonstop humor.

It would've been great to have multiple people battling the dark simultaneously, but this is the next best thing, very competitive and lots of fun. And with different weapons to upgrade to, it just keeps on going.

This is one of the better values you can get for your buck right now, and proof positive that Twisted Pixel is gonna do just fine on the retail front.

It's a superb fighting experience that's just as hardcore as anything Capcom or the Mortal Kombat team have to offer.

It's a better experience than any of the Saints Rows and fantastic filler as we wait for the next Grand Theft Auto. Anyone that is a fan of either sandbox or action titles should give this one a shot and not miss out on what is sure to be a serious 2012 sleeper hit.

This is a time-travelling FPS done right and it's too bad that the game lacks any sort of hype, as it is a much stronger showing than a lot of recently released FPS titles, multiplayer aside. If you like guns, Soviet world domination, and a time-hopping protagonist, then I would recommend taking a peek at the game.

Even though the gameplay was left untouched, the game now runs smooth as silk which was one of the biggest frustrations when trying to play multiplayer on the original version of the game due to the massive drops in framerate.

If you are looking to fill the void left after you completed Skyrim then I can refer no other game than this one. It has everything you expect from the Elder Scrolls series and the combat is really good beyond its minor flaws.

Galactrix is a must-own for puzzle game fans looking for an upgrade from last year’s sparkling debut.

While Dance Central 3 is lacking in innovation, it's straight up fun, just as Harmonix's sequels have been in the past.

A solid shooter but nothing remotely close to a "Call of Duty 4" caliber game. It has its shining moments and any negative attributes are, for the most part, diminutive save the camera.

The character development elements of career mode are well emplaced and coincide nicely with the unique features of training mode and the participation of your player in different regionals, opens, and slams.

Enchanted Arms is not perfect but it is very close and will keep JRPG lovers busy for quite some time (around 80 gameplay hours to be exact).

Though an extremely linear experience, the game will eat up a good twenty hours of your time the first play, and rewards those dedicated enough to go back for a second go-around with additional items and achievements not attainable your first time through.

Though Shoot Many Robots is just missing that very slight edge to make this a classic alongside Metal Slug and Contra, it's a damn good competitor, and the kind of game that thrives life into the run-and-gun genre again.

Fans of the Ridge Racer series will love 6, and those who abandoned the series after 4 should try again with 6. Racing purists will hate it, but if you’re looking for fun over realism, and can see past the fake licenses and niggles, hours of fun are waiting to be had.

It’s literally a heaven for any metalhead looking for an extraordinary collection of metal and all of its subgenres. The art direction of Brutal Legend on the other hand is what pushes the visuals to the next level. Granted, the game isn’t the most beautiful game of 2009, but it’s definitely one of the more impressively designed titles to reach the Xbox 360.

The gameplay is engaging (if not completely problem free), the presentation is quite fitting and the multiplayer components are excellent. Feel free to go Section 8 on your wallet and buy this game with extreme Prejudice. You won't be sorry.

It won’t make you jump out of your seat, but it definitely works.

Even those who only listen to a tune or two are bound to enjoy what this game has to offer, between its simple gameplay and boisterous community features. We had a great time with it, and we don't even wear derbies and gold chains. Well, not yet, anyway. (Just wait until the tour.)

Project Gotham Racing 4 has superb graphics for a racing title, some decent controls, and one hell of an offline/online package. As I said before this is the flagship title of the series and with new developers coming on board it is going to be hard to beat in the future.

Although the high difficulty scale (even with the unlimited lives) may leave some people thinking twice about taking on this adventure, the inventive presentation and fun gameplay definitely make up for it. Comic Jumper: The Adventures of Captain Smiley is a wickedly creative action game that you shouldn't miss.

King of Fighters XII is a balanced, beautiful game to witness and a fun start for the franchise's next generation, but it absolutely is a case of unfulfilled potential, especially considering it's supposed to be "the year of the fighter."

It’s a great game with fantastic style and quality, no matter what age. Don’t miss out on it.

In the end, it hints strongly at a sequel, leaving you salivating for more. That is all you can really ask of a game.

Dragon Age II doesn't quite carry the torch as well as Origins did, thanks to a few lesser items in gameplay and the lack of a genuinely moving story. That said, it's still a splendid action RPG with hours worth of gameplay going for it and plenty of choices that will make you want to play through it repeated times.

To simply spell it out, Need for Speed: Shift is the racing title that fans have been waiting for.

Once you’ve accepted the imaginative environment and characters for what they are, then you’ll be able to cruise easier, with the wind blowing in your fur, and a vast, exciting world to leave in the dust.

What stands out about Hard Corps: Uprising is its art style. Rather than stick with the routine Contra design that's worked so well in previous games, Konami turned to Arc System Works, the folks behind BlazBlue and Guilty Gear. The effect is astounding, and not the least bit distracting.