More extras would've been good, but overall this game is about the journey, not the destination. And what a refreshing journey it is.

I'd be hard pressed to say that there is a moment of silence in Vanquish' 4-6 hour campaign, as Sam tears through the Russian opposition. Yes, you read that right, 4-6 hours, but every hour is an adrenaline rush hardly seen in shooters in recent memory.

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.

Gameplay that constantly changes with each weapon you pick up and challenges galore, especially in the arena. The presentation is also top notch, a true sign of dedication from Joe "Mad" Maduriera and his team.

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.

One of the more impressive aspects of Halo 3: ODST is the soundtrack, a symphony of fantastic and epic music that will inspire players to fight their hearts out every minute of the campaign mode. More than once while playing the subtle music ran a chill down our back, reminiscent of something available in only the most intense of films. Overall the title is exactly what we expected it to be, a different look at one of the most beloved franchises on the Xbox 360 console.

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.

After beating the game every way possible in each and every mode (in co-op and on the solo) we can honestly say that we want more, more zombie killing please?

An immensely enjoyable game that is suited not only to the hardcore, but the casuals as well.

Graphical hitches and gameplay tweaks aside, it's still one of the best first-person shooters out there, loaded with exciting moments and a story that – wait for it – is actually worth experiencing. Throw in the hours' worth of addictive multiplayer and you have something that'll hook you well into the next generation.

It really sneaks up on you and delivers an ultimate fighting experience, and not from the usual source that you'd expect. Everything clicks to some degree, and the number of modes, along with online functionality, will really teach you a thing or two about fighting games.

A welcome return to the "bullet hell" tradition, but offers enough new content and goodies like leaderboards and extra modes to keep it from being just another offering in the genre. It might be too tough for some, but hey, you gotta learn your skills somewhere, right?

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

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.

But even with the new online options and, not to mention, the ability to create custom conferences in the dynasty modes, NCAA Football 10 isn’t a huge leap forward for the franchise – unless you want to count their suicide leap towards making gamers play for extra content and features already included on the disc.

The animation is superb and the backdrops look exquisite.

I had a blast with the game, but in the interest of full disclosure, I enjoy simple addictive fun sometimes. The game isn't deeply challenging or fully fleshed out as far as gritty open-world games go, but I can't say it wasn't a fun ride. More puzzle platformer than anything.

UFC 2009 Undisputed is one of the best real-life fighting games out there on the Xbox 360 and should by no means be ignored by sports fans across the globe, especially those that have been waiting to spill some blood on the octagon floor.

Even though Madden NFL 09 is not perfect in any shape or form it is the best football experience available on the Xbox 360 and should be checked out by new fans of the series as well as twenty-year veterans. The new features tossed into the game give Madden 09 a bit of everything for everyone who enjoys football.

Loaded with options benefitting both single play and online interaction, it's got just about everything a fan would truly want except you still can't make Gretzky bleed.

All in all, P.B. Winterbottom is a wonderful casual game experience and it will keep players craving for more. P.B. Winterbottom is now available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace at a reasonable price of 800 Microsoft Points so don’t worry it won’t break the bank.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow may not be a Castlevania game, but that certainly doesn't hold it back from being a fantastic monster hunt that gives me hope for future 3D games featuring the Castlevania tag.

What a great and “fun” way to start the New Year of video gaming, developer Vigil Games have a true action experience on their hands with Darksiders.

If all retro games received remixes this compelling, you would hear gamers begging for them rather than bemoaning them.

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.

Fans of the first-person shooter genre will find that Battlefield: Bad Company is an all right game with a few interesting features that’ll keep their attention for a few days or so. But when you have played all of the eight maps and finish the lousy storyline, players will venture back to their favorite FPS – whatever it may be – after their short diversion through Bad Company.

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

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.