Though it still suffers from some of the nagging problems that have plagued the series for years, the game does a great job giving hardcore fans what they crave while still being accessible to the casual player. This year’s game is an enjoyable sports entertainment experience, even if it just feels like a new coat of paint at times.

It has beefier online modes, a few graphical improvements (most notably in the weather effects), real-time weather, and Precision Putting – but all of this is forgettable if you played Tiger Woods 09.

It’s by no means better than the original, but it does produce a similar play through of exhilaration that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.

San Francisco has been faithfully re-rendered, down to every street block and tourist spot. And you can easily view and zip to events on a map using a useful HUD that shows you where everything is. The characters look great, too, and, thankfully, they never get out of the car to run around, like they did in Driver 2. This is one smooth-looking ride, baby.

Beautiful, it plays great, and is an amplified breath of fresh air.

The game is a feast for the senses with great graphics and fantastic audio although replay value is reduced by the fact that you are doing virtually the exact same thing game in and game out, regardless of game play mode.

Even though we liked the original game in limited ways, The Darkness II is a fresh sequel that avoids the pratfalls of most comic book licensed games, instead opting for ridiculously bloody gameplay, a solid (for the most part) presentation, and a multiplayer add-on that doesn't feel like a cheap addition, for once.

EA did one hell of a job with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 making it easily the best golf game I have ever played on a home console, having a perfect mix of arcade type golf and simulation style that those hardcore fans are going to love.

If you are a fan don’t let my words keep you from playing Skate 3, it’s a great game with plenty to see and do, it’s just more of the same.

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.

There isn’t much replay value in King Kong. With the lack of any sort of Live/Co-Op play, you won’t find yourself going back to the game once you have beaten it.

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.

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

Between all the unlockable and hidden items in the game, replay is almost required. Despite some issues with the camera and odd occasional lag over Live, you will do so happily.

Though Fable III doesn't change the formula too much from what worked in Fable II, it's a strong continuation of the series for Peter Molyneux and Lionhead Studios. It's got great replay value, between the side quests and moral judgment calls, and the presentation, though not quite flawless, is truly fit for a king.

The figures may cost you a small fortune – especially if you're a parent – but the light-up ones leave a lingering effect that all ages will enjoy. The ability to play co-op, or battle against your buddy in the Arena, is just a cherry on top. So grab your wallet and join the romp-filled journey.

The major selling point for me is the quickly paced and varied game play. The career mode is not an obstacle to replay value like Top Spin 2, but rather a fantastic compliment to the bevy of minigames.

The replay value is good with the multiplayer game modes, and if you get really bored you can spice things up with some cheat options.

Golf games are not the types where you typically feel compelled to get each year's version. If you have another golf game already, it is hard to recommend shelling out another $60 for what amounts to a few small upgrades.

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.

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.

There are some intense moments here, from working your way through a rotating house (while struggling to stay alive) to killing "shadow people" with the help of explosive barrels, which you summon with your flashlight. It's very cool.

Nevertheless, Naruto: The Broken Bond certainly has plenty for the anime enthusiast. The game flows smoothly, and everything in it feels just like it does in the cartoon. The only problem with this is that the game sometimes sacrifices its gameplay to deliver this very authenticity, and you might find yourself wondering why you shouldn’t just go and watch the anime instead.

Ultimate Carnage makes excellent use of what the Xbox 360 has to offer including fantastic online play and superb graphics. If you like console racers and destroying cars and scenery, this title is worth a look. The fact that this game was released as a $50 bargain title, and has strong replay value, makes it a no-brainer.

Contracts is a huge addition, and one that'll add months of replay value long after you complete the single player mode. Throw in a "killer" presentation and you've got one of the year's most surprising sequels.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 has the single best story mode I have ever played in a sports game, mainly because it features interactive storylines and well written dialogue and superstar match-ups with an exciting climactic ending.

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.

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.