A rambunctious, thrilling, attitude-laden thrill ride. The design is slick and highly effective, the presentation is vintage DMC (while adopting a fresh flair), the combat offers fantastic variety and endless entertainment, and the story is a big improvement.

Anarchy Reigns can be lots of fun, but the muddled and clichéd story doesn't help the campaign, and neither does the general repetitive nature of the gameplay.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two has the right idea. It encourages youngsters to work together, that magical Disney quality is prevalent, and the overall design is actually quite good. But a shroud of poor mechanics and outdated technical elements dooms this potentially enjoyable adventure from the start. Bad AI, loose control, collision detection issues, and vague, sometimes boring objectives keep getting in the way.

The great design and high level of creativity is to be commended and appreciated, the game provides an effectively immersive environment, and Harry Potter followers should really love the style and the chance to become a virtual wizard. The end feels anticlimactic, there's no multiplayer option, and there are a few small technical bugaboos but other than that, this is a really solid step in the right direction.

There are a few irksome issues, including an abnormal amount of dialogue and some seemingly cheap design choices, but this remains a great downloadable title and one that's destined to push you.

You won't be overwhelmed by its quality but you're almost guaranteed a good time.

Despite the mechanical and control issues, the apparent cheapness of some of the many deaths, and a few poor decisions, the game does have at least some appeal.

Guardians of Middle Earth is a solid MOBA and one well worth your time and effort, especially if you've enjoyed similar titles. It doesn't sacrifice or change much in comparison to other MOBA experiences, and at no point do you feel like you're playing something that's watered down.

Co-op is always a blast, the campaign is lengthy and ceaselessly involving, and the promotion of freedom and player choice is amazing.

The set pieces are fantastic, the audio features some of the best highlights you'll hear this year, and there's plenty of player choice/freedom available in most missions. The difficulty is just about right (even though Agent 47 is a little too resilient, in my opinion) and fans of the series should be happy.

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has a lot going for it. I find the single-player a tad disappointing, the learning curve can actually feel too steep for certain characters, and you may start hearing about various combat balancing issues (I'll bet money on that). But the control is rock solid, the entertainment is always of a certain quality with virtually no glaring flaws or drawbacks, the diversity and variety of the roster is absolutely fantastic, and the multiplayer could definitely attract a great many people.

An example of innovative interactive mastery.

Nothing more than a half-assed rush job, resulting in a monotonous, glitch-riddled, highly repetitive portable experience. The game looks like hell, the AI is terrible, the story is meaningless, and the controls just aren't right. There is some legitimate entertainment to be found in the multiplayer, but that aspect is so terribly plagued with technical mishaps and an overall ho-hum feeling that it's not reason enough to warrant a purchase.

An interesting blend. It consists of everything I expected to see and a few things I didn't, the latter of which surprised me. I can't say the Strike Force missions were a good idea but at the very least, they're a departure from the norm. And the addition of player choice is definitely a plus. As for the rest, the high production values, Hollywood-esque presentation, relatively intriguing campaign, and a multiplayer that delivers on all counts, it's hard to say this year's CoD falls short. Some can say the multiplayer is too similar but hey, this is Call of Duty. The fans know what they like by now.

This offers plenty of bang for your buck, the racing flaws aren't critical, the appreciated variety and diversity adds that patented LBP flair, and playing with friends never gets boring. It should make for a worthy addition to any holiday wish list.

Liberation isn't the stellar, revolutionary experience I had counted on. They just don't do enough with the story or protagonist, the experience feels somewhat dull and lifeless at times, and the game can chug significantly. Still, I think it's critical to point out that in relation to other portable adventures, this is really very impressive.

The Move is in dire need of AAA software and although I can't say Sports Champions 2 qualifies, it's definitely a must for Move owners who enjoy being active while indoors.

Given that kids are the primary target audience for Wicked Monster Blast!, the confusing and often difficult nature of the minigames sort of work against it. It's a shame though, since there really is some fun to be had with this game.

The Unfinished Swan isn't exactly a masterpiece, but at least it aspires to mastery. There are few titles that take such obvious risks and attempt to give an increasingly mainstream population of gamers an inspired, original adventure.

Assassin's Creed III is unavoidably, inescapably epic.

First and foremost, "fun" was the order of the day when Criterion sat down to make this game. The user-friendly, extraordinarily streamlined presentation, slick technical elements, and emphasis on freedom is all conducive to that little yet all-important three-letter word: F-U-N.

The campaign is just a depressing mix of missed opportunities and one firefight that feels exactly like the one before it. The AI is erratic, the story isn't well presented, and the even the overall design doesn't feel inspired. The general control is reliable and responsive, some parts are quite satisfying, and the multiplayer really is entertaining for long periods of time.

The DOOM 3 BFG Edition still boasts some decent thrills here and there, it controls fine, and the atmosphere remains impressive. However, id Software didn't do enough (if they did anything) to upgrade the presentation, so we're left with glaringly old-fashioned technical elements that hinder the quest at every turn.

007 Legends has its moments but they're too often lost beneath a continual onslaught of repetitive, often tedious, and definitely mindless action. The worst part is that this isn't faithful to the revered franchise; it's faithless.

The solid story, the fantastic voice performances, the unbelievably well designed city, the attention paid to every small detail, the sheer amount of ridiculously fun skills, and the focus on player creativity is all amazing.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a triumph of inspired strategy creation. The critical will focus on the minor shortcomings, perhaps because it's not exactly like the first XCOM, but the polish, relative depth, and overall intensity is absolutely unquestionable.

It's just an insane rollercoaster ride chock full of ecstatic highs and depressing lows. The highs win, but only because it's fun to watch that desperate boxer go nuts in the ring.

If you want a break from the hectic and edge-of-your-seat intensity found in the blockbusters, give your brain a chance to churn.

Dead or Alive 5 is, to be precise, a game without any identity issues. It knows what it is, it knows its fans like it that way, and it doesn't want to change too much.

It should've given us more of an excuse to keep playing by ourselves and the coin usage for power-ups is dumb, but the production values are high and playing just never gets old. And I can't seem to stop.

A great throwback; a retro game that isn't entirely retro, an old-school experience that reminds us of times long gone. It's self-deprecating and totally loony, it's vibrant and rewarding, and although a bit on the short side, you'll want to play it again…and again (ideally with a buddy).

This is some crazy bang for your buck and you won't regret a second of it.

It can be a little tough to get used to and there are a few small hiccups here and there, but for the most part, LittleBigPlanet PS Vita is among the elite portable experiences available. Get it.

Very much a nod to the ardent fans. And I think that's great. I believe they could've done a little more with the presentation and tried a few new things here and there, and I would've made the Fight Lab more user-friendly, but there's no doubt that this sequel is precisely designed to put a smile on the faces of the faithful followers.

The Ratchet & Clank Trilogy is a must for anyone who loves the series.

Yes, it's just Madden but the "just" part is sort of an insult to a series that has delivered so consistently. They just need to recognize that a few more important steps must be taken as we enter a new generation…

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is indeed a blockbuster movie in the form of a video game. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed. The control won't let you down, all your favorite characters are here, there's enough variety and diversity in terms of missions and gameplay elements, and you always feel super powerful.

Legasista sometimes feels a bit repetitive and I never felt emotionally invested in the story (despite the charming and even emotional theme). But with plenty of depth, nicely drawn characters and enemies, solid control, and that aforementioned "addictive gene," there's a lot to like.

It has its problems but I seriously doubt most action fans will be disappointed. I can almost guarantee enjoyment.

The combination of many different gameplay types melded into a cohesive style results in a heady experience, and one you don't want to end. There are a few problems with the technical solidarity and I'm not all that impressed with the story, but everything else, from the art design to the music to the silly high fun factor surrounding the combat and exploration; it creates an undeniably appealing package.

One of the more innovative and atmospheric titles of the generation. In addition to the platforming issues, I had some problems with online connectivity, but both complaints are (relatively) minor. All in all, you're looking at a completely original experience that combines a number of different elements into one undeniably appealing package.

A special game that is both unique and stylish. The developers (those capitals stand for Right Square Bracket Left Square Bracket Games) do a great job of blending slick music with a surprisingly accessible (albeit sometimes out of control) gameplay mechanic.

Does a lot of things well, even if the pacing, depth, and overall immersion isn't where it needs to be. The basic control for each event is mostly intuitive and solid, there are a ton of events, using Move adds a lot to the gameplay, and skill supersedes luck (as well it should, of course). The technical elements are pretty good, too. We just require more in the way of "oomph," more reasons to keep the player coming back for more.

When you're out and about and you've got some downtime, your fancy new Vita is just begging for some classic stealth action. If you're a fan, it's a no-brainer.

The bottom line is that Rainbow Moon is put together fantastically well. It really is a very solid and complete package from top to bottom. There's enough depth to satisfy even the most hardcore, the blending of strategy and traditional elements is both innovative and extraordinary, the feel and style is just beautiful, and yeah, the hours can really melt away.

Lacks some of the polish and refinement that would make it a really solid, even addicting title. We spend too much time indoors..., the story is a little lame, and the difficulty is scaled back a little too much. But it's easy to pick up and play, exploring the city never gets boring, and fans of the web-slinging hero can spend a lot of time battling, upgrading, and just soaring along.

There are several great ideas here, but they're sort of mired beneath the weight of a generic shooter. The multiplayer isn't overwhelmingly great, either, and despite a really solid story with a lot of potential, a few compelling characters, and an immersive, challenging environment, Spec Ops: The Line doesn't make good on its lofty claims.

A step in the right direction for a series that was flirting with stagnation. With 50 available characters, a slew of corresponding skills and abilities, an open world that encourages exploration and discovery, a halfway decent story, and rock solid control, this one is quite the package.

There's a lot going on in DiRT Showdown and despite the small lack of satisfaction I personally noticed, and the relatively low number of environments, I had a lot of fun.

The game strikes the right chord and that chord doesn't lose its appeal; it stays in tune throughout and somehow manages to remain pleasing and amusing.

This lets you invent and create with a variety of intriguing tunes, and the Move compatibility makes it feel that much more involving and dynamic. It just lacks some punch as there is no real competition, and the production feels less robust than past entries in this well-received and popular series.

It doesn't fire on all cylinders all the time. It can be disappointing and frustrating. But at the end of the day, you will reflect and conclude that all in all, you're experiencing what could be a memorable adventure.

It has a lot going for it; first and foremost is that unbelievable innovation and blending of genres. The combination works surprisingly well and the control is fine, even if the physics and collision detection is a little off. The experience as a whole is too erratic.

For a portable shooter, it's really quite good but for a Resistance entry, one finds it somewhat lacking. Still, it's well worth a look.

It's that addictive feel that permeates much of Gravity Rush. I don't think I've ever played a game that challenges me so much on a basic mechanical level, and still fulfills just about every need I have for top-notch interactive entertainment. It's a bizarre marriage, one that has you smile and grit your teeth simultaneously.

On the one hand, this game really shows how the Move can be extremely entertaining, even if it doesn't necessarily showcase its technological capability. There's also the lovely presentation and style, which I adore, and the variety, accessibility, and pacing that really turned out great. On the other hand, it's too short, the advanced spells don't always work, and adults may find it a tad underwhelming.

Max Payne 3 is a rip-roaring success on many levels. It relentlessly hammers at your emotions and nerves and keeps you perched on the edge of your seat. The borderline unfair difficulty towards the end of the campaign, noticeable issues with the shootdodge, and a couple minor glitches notwithstanding, this is one hell of an experience.

Datura suffers from some obvious mechanical issues but remains a very interesting and even unique title. It's short, a little too abstract in some ways, and a tad slow at times, but the quest itself, while not exactly memorable, is always intriguing and even oddly relaxing.

A great multiplayer game that should've shipped without a single-player option. If you want to give us a multiplayer tutorial, then just do that. The story is weak, I don't really care at all about the character, and there's very little difference between the campaign and the online action.

The control is just about right, the graphical presentation is loaded with beautiful animations, the roster is huge, and there's a ton of content. The story is still totally lame, the Challenge Tower can sometimes feel unfairly tough, and the AI is…well, MK AI, but those aren't deal-breakers.

The experience survives on intensity and shameless entertainment. Technically, it isn't exactly overwhelming, and there are other issues that pop up here and there. But with a large variety of attacks, a nice open world, and plenty of reason to experiment with your absurd abilities, you can really lose yourself in this dark, bloody, undeniably titillating world. Just don't expect much beneath the surface.

They sort of cut you loose without much in the way of detailed explanations, the camera can still go screwy, and while the touchscreen feature is cool, it just doesn't mean much in the long run. Outside of that, this will absolutely deliver plenty of bang for your buck.

A decent assembly of last-generation classics, even if Capcom didn't do quite enough with the package.

An inspired and entertaining fighter with lots of appreciated imagination. The design, style and animations are its strong point, and the intricacy of the gameplay mechanic is solid without being too intimidating. There's not quite enough content in this package, it can get pretty damn frustrating, and the control isn't always perfect, but there's a lot to like.

One of those games that just has to be experienced. Even if it's not your cup of tea, you'll probably be thankful that you tried it.

There's a brutal, harsh overtone throughout that involves some explicit content and things of that nature, but it's all essential. And as I said before, if you get all anal about the control, the lack of total realism, and some erratic AI, you're going to be disappointed. But I think adventures like this are all about the experience.

The lack of any real direction, the somewhat loose control, and the hitches and glitches can damage the experience, but if you love blasting through destructible terrain, laying waste to everything in sight (including your opponents), and you can really get a hold on the driving, you're almost guaranteed to have a blast.

A decent game with missed opportunities due to technical and mechanical drawbacks. On the plus side, I really think the hardcore followers should be able to deal with the fighting eccentricities, because they're so…well, familiar.

Raccoon City is just [p]lain boring to me. There's nothing here I want to return to. The game can be fun with other people, there are a few patented Resident Evil scares, and the controls work fine (provided you're willing to put up with some clunkiness). But everything else about it is really…I dunno, "meh."

All I can say to the dedicated followers is this- Play the game on Hard Mode. It's really the only way you'll make it feel like Ninja Gaiden. But even that can't erase the bad camera, occasionally faltering frame rate, disappointing visual presentation, the lackluster online, and oh yes, the disappearance of other weapons.

A good game. I have to say that again. It's "good" from the standpoint of a reviewer who can't really find any major glaring flaws, although there are obvious minor issues. The caveat is that those minor issues become far more irritating when you start to get tired of a military game that's too much rinse-and-repeat with no answer for "Why the heck am I doing this?"

A solid RPG with a compelling, fun battle system, a mostly traditional setup, a few appealing characters, and a story that gets better with time. It's dragged down by some pacing issues, occasionally mediocre voice acting, and a slow start, but that shouldn't deter the hardcore fans.

Many might question the new Pandora and Gem features, and the final boss is a colossal pain in the ass, but there's no denying the extreme responsiveness, fluidity, and depth of the gameplay.

A gorgeous, endlessly appealing blend of engaging gameplay and fantastic storytelling. Role-playing aficionados will adore the emphasis on the captivating narrative, the familiar characters keep you interested, the combat areas are larger and battles are more dynamic overall, and the freedom of choice cements the entire masterful experience.

The depth really isn't here, and even Mr. Miyagi gets a little tiresome after a while.

MLB 12: The Show is yet again the victor. More than anything, it just feels like baseball.

The control is good (if a tiny bit loose), the tracks are well designed and challenging, the different events mean you can always stay diverse, and the various vehicle classes do indeed have a major impact on your racing. I'm not the biggest fan of any of the camera angles (although I eventually stuck with the top-down one), and the production isn't as slick as I might've expected, but…The game is fun. Simple.

There just isn't quite enough here to warrant a full-price purchase in my eyes. You've got the 15 songs and a Battle Mode but that's about it.

A fine game that features excellent commentators, a cleaner, slightly more detailed on-the-field presentation, and a challenging yet rewarding pitching mechanic. The hitting and fielding is good, too, but it isn't quite as robust as the pitching, and there are a few remaining production issues. Clipping is obvious, for example, and the camera isn't always your best friend (although this is usually during foul balls). It's just a little too much "been there, done that," despite the positives.

A mesmerizing and extraordinary experience. It successfully taps into the deepest parts of ourselves, allowing us to simultaneously reflect and explore.

The whole thing feels flat, uninspired, and utterly unimpressive.

As I said at the start, it's just high-flying insanity to the max. The control is reliable and responsive, the courses are expertly designed, there's great variety in both the locales and the events, the satisfaction level is crazy high, and the production values are equally high. Yes, it gets unforgiving (and frustrating), there's no standard split-screen option (still a bizarre omission), and the AI makes almost zero errors, but above all else, there's no mistaking the entertainment factor. It's not only evident, it's oozing from the damn screen.

It's not a huge challenge but so what? Makes ya feel good for a while, and we all need that every now and then.

Syndicate really shines when you get together with a few people. The campaign really isn't bad at all – and I don't want to give the impression that it is – but having a ton of info thrown in your face doesn't necessarily mean you're fleshing out a story. And the pacing is off, too.

Doesn't stray from a winning formula, offers the portable world dual analog sticks (which cements the experience), and brings in a new touch-based mechanic that actually affects the gameplay in a positive way. There isn't quite enough content, the camera does seem to be a bigger problem than in past entries, and I miss a few of the more unique modes found in other titles, but there's no denying it: this is Katamari and the fans should really enjoy it.

Doesn't do much in terms of story, little of what you learn or obtain in terms of skills and tools seems necessary, and the combat is seriously flawed. But beneath that beats the heart of a competent stealth adventure, which is difficult to find these days.

Little Deviants has some ambition and creativity and it's often inarguably amusing. But the generic, bland nature of the goals in each game mode, the lackluster presentation, and the erratic and unreliable control hinder it big time. Worse, there's always a pervading sense that this is less a game and more of an incomplete production with only hardware features as the inspiration.

A competent and in many ways, impressive, action extravaganza. The gameplay and combat hold up well over time, but the technical aspects don't, and those same problems still exist, which is disappointing.

It looks absolutely incredible on the Vita, the environment is endlessly immersive and imaginative, the overall creativity is impressive, and the controls rarely let you down.

It looks fantastic, the franchise trademarks are here (most all of which are of a super high quality), and the blend of high-tech touchscreen and traditional controls is a triumph for the next generation of portable entertainment. You'll spot a few of the aforementioned sacrifices but they're not likely to ruin your fun.

Technical elements aren't impressive. Career setup is annoying and unrealistic. Gameplay isn't anywhere near authentic enough. Move functionality isn't quite right. General lack of solidarity and consistency.

I think a little more could've been done; a little more in the way of innovation and freshness. Because even a die-hard follower like me felt a touch a ho-hum going through the events.

There's plenty of content, it's flashy and pleasing in so many ways, the presentation is singularly appealing, and the gameplay is rock solid. The load times are oddly slow and visibility can be a problem but for the most part, this is a highly enjoyable experience.

The button-mapping can take some getting used to, the story isn't particularly thrilling (although it is gross and oddly engaging), and the online issues are real. But the level design is awesome, the music is great (love Rob Zombie!), the action is ceaseless and well implemented, and the potential for addictive online multiplayer is there. Heck, it's darn close as is.

A slightly better game than its predecessor, primarily because the gameplay has been solidified. It feels faster and more reliable; by direct comparison, the first was just a little more irritating and not quite as sound.

I still can't decide if it suffers from a lack of identity or if it successfully blends various traits and styles. I do know the storyline and quest objectives could've been better, and I know this super fast-paced action may cause RPG purists to go, "uh…this is an RPG?" Yeah, it is. One you want to play? Well, one you want to try, at least.

In some ways, The Darkness II feels like a more straightforward, less ambitious and less well-rounded title when compared to the original. And I'm sure that's where much of the criticism lies.

Soul Calibur V is a competent, good-looking fighter that's great with multiple players. It has much of the charm and style that has been the franchise's calling card over the years, and diving into the mechanic will yield rewards for the patient. But the story campaign is so goofy and nonsensical, the lack of popular characters will annoy some fans, and overall, it just feels like a lesser-quality installment despite the lack of any glaring flaws.