Blur is a solid fast paced racing game with strong A.I that pushes your driving skills to the maximum. When combined with the games combat element it makes playing Blur an intense and energetic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Blur is a solid fast paced racing game with strong A.I that pushes your driving skills to the maximum. When combined with the games combat element it makes playing Blur an intense and energetic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Overall, this is a really fun racer, I can't emphasise enough how much the customisation adds to the game.

Alan Wake may not be the most innovative title in terms of game play, but it does serve up a solid playing experience.

Red Dead takes a familiar recipe, adds a skilful blend of western elements, and the result is something really rather special. Easily the best Wild West game to date.

Red Dead takes a familiar recipe, adds a skilful blend of western elements, and the result is something really rather special. Easily the best Wild West game to date.

In the build up to its release, Lost Planet 2 was seriously hyped up but as is so often the case in the games industry it sadly fails to live up to its billing offering nothing more than an at best an average shooter and one that is left to hardcore fans of the original rather than the gaming masses.

Whilst some of the changes in Skate 3 may not be evident at first they are all worthwhile. However, the new skate park editor and co-op team play really make this latest iteration standout and make it a worthwhile acquisition for Skate fans.

Whilst some of the changes in Skate 3 may not be evident at first they are all worthwhile. However, the new skate park editor and co-op team play really make this latest iteration standout and make it a worthwhile acquisition for Skate fans.

In the build up to its release, Lost Planet 2 was seriously hyped up but as is so often the case in the games industry it sadly fails to live up to its billing offering nothing more than an at best an average shooter and one that is left to hardcore fans of the original rather than the gaming masses.

Overall, this is a brilliantly executed puzzle game that captures that “just one more” gameplay that makes a truly addictive puzzle game, with simple rules and simple controls that make it playable by the full range of DS owners out there.

If you don't own FIFA than this is a very good football game to test your skills against, but FIFA 10 owners shouldn't instantly dismiss it as it features just enough tweaks to make it worth a look.

If you don't own FIFA than this is a very good football game to test your skills against, but FIFA 10 owners shouldn't instantly dismiss it as it features just enough tweaks to make it worth a look.

It’s bold and brash, and for as long as your interest holds, pretty good fun too.

It’s bold and brash, and for as long as your interest holds, pretty good fun too.

Overall, Prison Break – The Conspiracy should have been a fitting tribute to a very clever TV series, but turns out to be falling more in line with the final series – a big anticlimax.

Overall, Prison Break – The Conspiracy should have been a fitting tribute to a very clever TV series, but turns out to be falling more in line with the final series – a big anticlimax.

Many games have promised a no limits playing experience, and many have failed to deliver this. However, Just Cause 2 has easily achieved this allowing you to travel to the remotest of locations and play the game in an extremely creative way, which makes it very easy to over look the repetitive nature of the mission.

Many games have promised a no limits playing experience, and many have failed to deliver this. However, Just Cause 2 has easily achieved this allowing you to travel to the remotest of locations and play the game in an extremely creative way, which makes it very easy to over look the repetitive nature of the mission.

This is thoroughly deserving of a place in your DS slot and you’ll probably still be playing this when they actually invent warp drive engines!

Metro 2033 may not be the most innovative survival shooter to ever have graced the genre, but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed in the blink of an eye. The game serves up an unforgiving world with gameplay that at times matches it perfectly.

Metro 2033 may not be the most innovative survival shooter to ever have graced the genre, but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed in the blink of an eye. The game serves up an unforgiving world with gameplay that at times matches it perfectly.

The game is epic in scale and brutality and despite offering almost the same experience as past games key refinements and a never slowing pace mean the game provides a heart pounding experience that can't be missed.

Resonance of Fate is a welcome breath of fresh air in the bloated, clichéd JRPG world, Tri-ace have managed to craft a very tactical, hardcore battling system that is far from forgiving, but has some excellently unique ideas.

Resonance of Fate is a welcome breath of fresh air in the bloated, clichéd JRPG world, Tri-ace have managed to craft a very tactical, hardcore battling system that is far from forgiving, but has some excellently unique ideas.

The multiplayer aspect does offer some hope, but this is definitely one title that seems destined for the scrap heap.

Yakuza 3 certainly has its flaws! However it does possess a certain charm and offers quite a bit of variety that make it quite enjoyable, however some may not be able to stick with it that long.

The mix of strategy and survival shooter works surprisingly well, some niggling flaws however stop this XBLA title living up to its full potential.

Despite many improvements Battlefield: Bad Company 2 single player campaign still doesn’t serve up a truly great playing experience, its perfectly playable, solid and even quite enjoyable but just lacks something special. However, the games weaknesses in this department like so many other great shooters can be overlooked by an absolutely brilliant multiplayer experience that is simply unmissable, if you like intense online action you could be in worse company, than Bad Company.

Despite many improvements Battlefield: Bad Company 2 single player campaign still doesn’t serve up a truly great playing experience, its perfectly playable, solid and even quite enjoyable but just lacks something special. However, the games weaknesses in this department like so many other great shooters can be overlooked by an absolutely brilliant multiplayer experience that is simply unmissable, if you like intense online action you could be in worse company, than Bad Company.

It serves up a brilliant dose of retro platform action in not just one but four classic games, all of which seem like a perfect fit for the Nintendo DS.

Lips: Party Classics doesn’t really do anything to expand the series in any way, but unlike most music games features a track list which is probably one of the best to grace such a game, of course it’s all down to taste but with something on offer to cover most players music choice the game should prove to be a hit at any party.

Overall, Greed Corp offers an intriguing new twist to strategy gaming, putting you under just a little more pressure when considering your moves – it won't hold your attention for long but while it does, it will keep you quite entertained.

Lazy Raiders is solid, but never really progresses to essential.

Overall, Greed Corp offers an intriguing new twist to strategy gaming, putting you under just a little more pressure when considering your moves – it won't hold your attention for long but while it does, it will keep you quite entertained.

The experience and immersion it offers truly make this psychological thriller unmissable.

Napoleon: Total War may have its flaws, but it offers the best of the strategy genre, giving you access to both turn based and real-time play that fit together seamlessly and will keep any armchair general firmly placed in the command seat.

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing, may not offer the most compelling single player racing experience but does feature a good level of variety.

Up against such revered and critically acclaimed competition, Risen cannot help but come across as a shabby, underdeveloped pretender with none of the polish or insight shown by much older games.

In a time of heavy duty epics, there will always be space for well crafted gaming snacks to fill the moments when you don’t have 2 hours to spare, or just want something less serious to play. And, at 800 points, there certainly isn’t much of a financial disincentive- I strongly suggest you give it a try.

Aliens vs. Predator may not have met my expectations or fond memories of the 1999 original and I can’t help feel a little disappointed in this game which feels like it needed more time to refine and think out some core ideas.

Sure, it won’t be to all tastes, and it seems to do everything it can to put you off from the start, but for those with a taste for original ideas and an eye for careful design, Darwinia+ should be near the top of your download queue.

Whilst Bioshock 2 may feel very similar to the original game, it does expand on the characters and story that were introduced in the original game and once again allows you to create a very customisable playing experience through the use of Plasmids and Tonics.

Whilst Bioshock 2 may feel very similar to the original game, it does expand on the characters and story that were introduced in the original game and once again allows you to create a very customisable playing experience through the use of Plasmids and Tonics.

Whilst Bioshock 2 may feel very similar to the original game, it does expand on the characters and story that were introduced in the original game and once again allows you to create a very customisable playing experience through the use of Plasmids and Tonics.

As it is, we have a solid and very playable game which will no doubt entertain genre fans, but never dares to do much more than parrot good ideas that came before in a slightly grosser way. It’s hard to dislike, but for the same reasons hard to love, too.

As it is, we have a solid and very playable game which will no doubt entertain genre fans, but never dares to do much more than parrot good ideas that came before in a slightly grosser way. It’s hard to dislike, but for the same reasons hard to love, too.

All in all, this is a mixed package and as I said at the beginning I found it hard to get into. It is an RPG that taken on its own merit is an interesting experiment of combining elements of MMORPG into a console game.

The game still probably won’t appeal to RPG purists due to it being focused heavily towards the action gamer, but if you liked the original than the sequel is unmissable.

The game still probably won’t appeal to RPG purists due to it being focused heavily towards the action gamer, but if you liked the original than the sequel is unmissable.

The action is fast-paced and easy to get to grips with, but my major gripe is with the lack of modes on offer and the rubbish rewards for completing the main Arcade mode.

MAG may not be the most original shooter to ever grace the online multiplayer scene, but it is very playable providing gamers with massive and intense online matches.

Dark Void is probably going to go down as one of the most disappointing titles of the year, after all of the expectation and hype. With a bit more time spent polishing and developing key elements and its story this could have become a “classic” as the potential is their for all to see, however in its current form it will sadly slip into the void of mediocrity that has claimed so many third person shooter in the past.

Dark Void is probably going to go down as one of the most disappointing titles of the year, after all of the expectation and hype. With a bit more time spent polishing and developing key elements and its story this could have become a “classic” as the potential is their for all to see, however in its current form it will sadly slip into the void of mediocrity that has claimed so many third person shooter in the past.

Dark Void is probably going to go down as one of the most disappointing titles of the year, after all of the expectation and hype. With a bit more time spent polishing and developing key elements and its story this could have become a “classic” as the potential is their for all to see, however in its current form it will sadly slip into the void of mediocrity that has claimed so many third person shooter in the past.

If you enjoyed the no nonsense co-op shooter action of the original game than Army of Two: The 40th Day with its enhancements and extra polish maybe a worthwhile addition to your games collection.

If you enjoyed the no nonsense co-op shooter action of the original game than Army of Two: The 40th Day with its enhancements and extra polish maybe a worthwhile addition to your games collection.

Overall, the lack of variety in terms of events and lack of any single player modes apart from the challenge mode makes this a well presented package but ultimately a disappointing one!

Overall, the lack of variety in terms of events and lack of any single player modes apart from the challenge mode makes this a well presented package but ultimately a disappointing one!

Yes, there is some humour but the gameplay, graphics, and audio and almost everything else is dull, repetitive and uninspiring! It is not terrible but is terribly average. All in all, you’re best off avoiding this Hazard!

Yes, there is some humour but the gameplay, graphics, and audio and almost everything else is dull, repetitive and uninspiring! It is not terrible but is terribly average. All in all, you’re best off avoiding this Hazard!

Darksiders may be made up of some fairly standard action game components, but everything it does, it does brilliantly. The game never feels boring and always entertains due to the amount of variation and the epic boss battles cap of a very solid playing experience.

Darksiders may be made up of some fairly standard action game components, but everything it does, it does brilliantly. The game never feels boring and always entertains due to the amount of variation and the epic boss battles cap of a very solid playing experience.

Bayonetta may not be the easiest game to follow or be to everyone’s taste, but is full of original ideas.

Bayonetta may not be the easiest game to follow or be to everyone’s taste, but is full of original ideas.

Overall Divinity II – Ego Draconis, despite some frustrating aspects proves to be an enjoyable playing experience.

Guitar Hero Van Halen may not feature the greatest selection of tracks that will appeal to general fans of the franchise. However, it does provide those looking for a more interesting challenge, giving you access to one of the most intense collections of songs to grace a Guitar Hero game for sometime, definitely one just for hardcore Guitar Hero’s.

Guitar Hero Van Halen may not feature the greatest selection of tracks that will appeal to general fans of the franchise. However, it does provide those looking for a more interesting challenge, giving you access to one of the most intense collections of songs to grace a Guitar Hero game for sometime, definitely one just for hardcore Guitar Hero’s.

This is a loving and professional revision of a solid game, and as such is well worth the points, especially for those with fond memories of gaming in the 90’s.

Overall it’s a solid game which will appeal to fans of Mercenaries 2, but sadly serves as a demonstration of lost talent with Pandemic paying the ultimate price during these difficult times.

Overall it’s a solid game which will appeal to fans of Mercenaries 2, but sadly serves as a demonstration of lost talent with Pandemic paying the ultimate price during these difficult times.

Colin McRae’s Dirt 2 has made the transition from console to PC incredibly well, offering much the same in terms of play as before. However, the PC version has also brought some excellent tweaks which have added an edge to the experience, making Colin McRae’s Dirt 2 an unrivalled and unmissable off road racing experience.

Avatar – The Game seems to have all the building blocks in place to provide gamers with a decent movie licence for once, and the first few minutes of play may trick you into thinking that’s exactly what you’ve got. Sadly though some blatantly obvious design flaws shine through and spoil what’s on offer in the game.

Avatar – The Game seems to have all the building blocks in place to provide gamers with a decent movie licence for once, and the first few minutes of play may trick you into thinking that’s exactly what you’ve got. Sadly though some blatantly obvious design flaws shine through and spoil what’s on offer in the game.

On the face of it, it’s a very simple turn-based affair but behind these easy to get to grips with game mechanics beats the heart of something much more complex but amazingly playable and enjoyable!

But sadly, Ride simply lacks the same quality providing and unimaginative playing experience that never seems to get out of the blocks and you may feel you’ve being taken for a ride with this game, especially considering its price!

But sadly, Ride simply lacks the same quality providing and unimaginative playing experience that never seems to get out of the blocks and you may feel you’ve being taken for a ride with this game, especially considering its price!

The bottom line is fun - with a friend or 3 in tow, L4D2 is an absolute blast.

The PSP version maybe slightly down scaled when compared to the PS3 version, but unlike many franchises that have made the transition to a handheld platform LittleBigPlanet on the PSP has managed to capture the feel of the original.

Apart from the issues (which hopefully, there will be a cure for sooner or later), World Adventures is a very promising start to The Sims 3 expansion.

As you would expect from a Call of Duty title, Modern Warfare 2 offers an intense and exhilarating single player experience with the only disappointment that it doesn’t last very long.

As you would expect from a Call of Duty title, Modern Warfare 2 offers an intense and exhilarating single player experience with the only disappointment that it doesn’t last very long.

Dragon Age: Origins doesn’t really serve up anything we haven’t seen before in a roleplaying game. What it does, it does well and gameplay in the title is near perfect!

J&D feels too safe, too 2001, and I couldn’t help but feel that my time would be better spent elsewhere.

PES 2010 may not have been able to topple FIFA as the leading football game but it’s clear the series is getting back on track and obvious improvements have been made over last years game.

PES 2010 may not have been able to topple FIFA as the leading football game but it’s clear the series is getting back on track and obvious improvements have been made over last years game.

Overall Band Hero is basically everything we’ve already seen from Guitar Hero 5, however the music featured in the game opens the franchise up to a whole new audience of wannabe pop stars.

Overall Band Hero is basically everything we’ve already seen from Guitar Hero 5, however the music featured in the game opens the franchise up to a whole new audience of wannabe pop stars.

Overall Band Hero is basically everything we've already seen from Guitar Hero 5, however the music featured in the game opens the franchise up to a whole new audience of wannabe pop stars.

The football side of things is fairly solid, but sadly the game includes too many duties that simply aren’t part of being the manager of a football club. Then there’s the personal life aspect to deal with and coupled together they really stop the title competing with rival games. Often leaving you overwhelmed and spoiling the playing experience on offer, which is a shame as it will probably drive football mad gamers else where.

Graphically it’s awesome with an excellent soundtrack to accompany the high octane action onscreen, it is a shame that the loading times seem to take so long as you’ll be waiting to get stuck in again as quickly as possible for some high quality fighting fun!

Graphically it’s awesome with an excellent soundtrack to accompany the high octane action onscreen, it is a shame that the loading times seem to take so long as you’ll be waiting to get stuck in again as quickly as possible for some high quality fighting fun!

As a whole it is a good package but one that will fail to appeal to older gamers.

If you like the Guitar Hero games there’s a good chance you’ll love DJ Hero and I recommend it as probably the best music game I’ve ever played.

If you like the Guitar Hero games there’s a good chance you’ll love DJ Hero and I recommend it as probably the best music game I’ve ever played.

Despite a number of small disappointments, Forza Motorsport 3 is definitely the definitive racing title on Xbox 360.

Borderlands maybe a relatively simple mix of shooter action and RPG elements, however, it will mainly appeal to shooter fans rather than those looking for an immersive roleplaying experience.

Despite having a very similar feel Family Game Night 2 offers an overall better experience then last years game due to the selection of games on offer in the title. Don’t expect a thrilling single player experience though as this isn’t what the games about.