Hair-tugging difficulty spikes and a harsh entry barrier for newcomers are enough to drag White Knight Chronicles II from being a good game into the pool of mediocrity.

What really lets it down is the overwhelming sense of just being a visitor in someone else's game when you play online.

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 has certainly impressed. Whilst Dynasty Warriors games are normally reserved for fans of the franchise, Gundam 3 seems to transcend that. The collect and upgrade element for the Mobile Suits is a genius idea, and provides the incentive to keep playing despite the somewhat repetitive nature of the missions.

A simple idea that is acted upon with great focus and substantial ingenuity to produce a complex and compelling puzzle game.

It doesn't quite hit the spot in some ways with its puzzles often too simple and unchallenging but it never feels hugely to the detriment of the game.

As it is, this feels like it could just be a re-skin of any one of a dozen poor quality Wii shovelware titles that we all feared when Sony's Move controller was first showcased and we would have difficulty endorsing that kind of product to anyone but the youngest, most easily amused.

Though by no means perfect, Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is the best way to experience Magic: The Gathering without actual playing physically. After almost two decades of circulation the core mechanics of Richard Garfield's masterpiece are as strong and refreshing as ever.

Shadows Of The Damned provides eight hours or so of some of the best third person shooting we've seen for ages – it's well produced, expertly paced and deliciously funny.

The biggest issue probably lies with the not being able to get into any games on the multiplayer, but it doesn't really feel like you're missing out. The single player is strong enough on its own that you don't feel like you're losing anything significant, and of course you may be able to get in yourself.

For those who take the risk, there is a satisfying game to be enjoyed, mainly thanks to the simplistic yet diverse combat mechanics as well as drop in co-operative play. It's an ideal purchase for younger gamers anticipating the release of the film, but for anyone else, caution is advised.

A back-step for the series. Not terrible by any means, Armageddon is nevertheless a huge disappointment.

The shine is somewhat diminished by an engine that just can't seem to cope with what it's being asked to do.

inFamous 2 takes the flawed brilliance of its predecessor and improves upon almost every aspect. Missions are slightly more varied and characters are much more rounded. It breeds empathy and it encourages experimentation in the ways supporting characters play off the protagonist and each other.

Overall, despite the potential of an action RPG using a Dungeons and Dragons rule set and just how great the game should have been, Daggerdale falls short in most areas.

The need to grind before you can unlock more, admittedly well designed, tracks and areas is bothersome but the rewards for doing so are ample enough that it is certainly worth sticking it out if you're ready for your next mud-spattered racer.

The best way to sum up L.A. Noire is that it suffers from Assassin's Creed syndrome. You'll certainly get a lot of enjoyment out of it. There's something new and refreshing about a witty, intelligent game that requires a little bit more thinking than the norm. However, it's a bit repetitive and kind of loses its way after the halfway point.

A fantastic game, held back by some frustrating design decisions. For every moment spent whooping in delight as you vanquish a foe, you'll spend two more grimacing as you have to mow someone's lawn, or try and pry yourself free from a lamppost. When it's good it's almost unbeatable, but the filler in-between is exactly that.

There's a lot to like about DiRT 3 – it controls superbly (twitchy and direct but without losing the sense that there's some serious physics going on) and, once you dial down the assists, actually offers a surprisingly deep, technical ride.

It might not be as expansive as Clone Wars or as imaginative as the Harry Potter iteration but it is all the more accomplished because of the lack of those distractions.

In all honesty if I hadn't have been playing it for review I wouldn't have finished it.

Looking for a deep and meaningful single player story? Then step away. Looking for an intense online shooter with more guns than Texas? Come on in, the water's fine.

For every person who hates the board game World Tour concept, there will be someone who loves it and will be cursing this review.

This isn't just an amazing game; it's an 800 MSP warning shot across the bow of all £40 retail games currently in production. The downloadable titles are here, and getting better with each release.

The gameplay is by far the best in the series, the visuals are as detailed and gory as ever, and the presentation is second to none. This game changes the way we look at fighting games from a single player perspective.

Overall I really enjoyed playing through Mad Blocker Alpha. It will in no way convert those who have little interest in the genre, but for puzzle fans it offers a lot of content coupled with that 'just one more go' factor.

Games like this don't come around very often, and if you miss out on this one you'll be skipping one of the finest examples of the medium the industry has to offer: Portal 2 is compelling, exciting, wildly capricious and, most importantly, laugh out loud funny. And who knows, maybe there'll be a surprise waiting for you – at the end.

Dungeon Hunter: Alliance may feel a little light to begin with, but a few hours down the line, and you may find yourself engulfed in the deepest RPG the PlayStation Network has to offer.

A massive disappointment. It has all of the elements of a true classic, but ultimately falls short due to poor execution.

Without a doubt, Dynasty Warriors 7 is Omega Force's finest game to date. Long-time fans of the series will fall in love almost instantaneously, the redesigned gameplay being just as welcoming to new players.

Just a shame really. The curse of the boring game.

The game's core mechanics are sound, but they are the same mechanics we were playing several years ago.

Despite being a barebones product with many flaws, the gameplay is top notch. With all the crazy over the top moves that defy the laws of logic, every match is a spectacle. This is easily the best WWE game THQ has produced in a very long time.

Swarm is not only an attractive looking title but it's one that has similarly appealing gameplay as well. It's becoming more and more commonplace for downloadable titles to take up consumer attention and Swarm is certainly a game that deserves yours.

The early pacing really does drag for a few stretches but the latter half of the campaign more than makes up for that and the multiplayer, while a little unbalanced, can present great opportunities for superhuman struggles powered by the ubiquitous Nanosuit.

Unfortunately, Slam Bolt Scrappers isn't the immediate arcade classic some will have been hoping for. The repetitive gameplay and lack of online multiplayer leaves the overall package feeling somewhat lacklustre. With that said, Scrappers' split-screen competitive play is almost second to none.

May not be the breakthrough some had hoped for, and it may not feel more engineered towards the Western gamer but it's still a good game. The gameplay, though mostly familiar, is solid offering a different pace as well as several unique mechanics to boot. If you despise the Warriors series Legends of Troy isn't likely to convert you, though as a standalone title, it's plenty of fun.

StarDrone is a great take on the action-puzzler sub genre. It looks fantastic (3D support is being patched in too) and has a pumping, if slightly repetitive, soundtrack. With plenty of replay potential and a lot of well designed, imaginative levels to work through, this could keep you entertained for quite some time.

It's not rocket surgery by any means, but there's enough LSD inspired mind-melting on show to make it at least worth a look.

Distinctly average then, PlayStation Move Heroes trades off some legacy brand IPs without ever really giving them room to shine or, indeed, interact. It's a frustratingly shallow collection of styles, dressed up as something more than it ultimately ends up as.

Overall I'm very impressed with Top Spin 4. Whilst it doesn't bring anything new to the table, everything it does bring is refined to within an inch of its life. It looks nice, it plays superbly, and it is deeper than a conversation with Professor Brian Cox. Your move, SEGA.

A huge surprise. Whilst we went into it hopefully, we didn't quite expect such excellent gameplay in such a detailed world, and we certainly didn't expect to find revolutionary multiplayer concepts.

It's the nearest to a bike equivalent of Forza that you're going to get for now but it still feels like it needs a little more work to be a true must have. Roll on MotoGP 11/12, it could finally be what every bike fan is eager for.

Legacy mode is deep and should keep players returning for a long time while the Champion mode is a triumph, albeit a fairly brief one.

For those who only want to extend their singleplayer experience, at £7.99, The Da Vinci Disappearance is a hard sell, despite how brilliantly crafted the new missions are. However, for those who also enjoy the online multiplayer, it's an absolute no-brainer, adding hours of additional replay value.

A much improved game engine and a new art style gives the realm a cleaner, more attractive look and its inhabitants a more distinctive appearance. Minor niggles aside, this is without a doubt the best story-driven fantasy RPG available on consoles at the moment.

With such a diabolical amalgamation of defunct mechanics and monotonous mission design, it will take half an hour tops to tire of Knight's Contract and shelve it for good.

It's not perfect, but it represents pure arcade racing with a central device that never feels tired – the earthquake scenario managing to stretch itself over forty different events and still feel fresh at the very end, when the game turns everything up to eleven.

Hands down a must own title for fans of the series. Even if you only have a passing interest in the genre, this is a game that you shouldn't miss out on.

Overall de Blob 2 is a real mixed bag. There is definitely a fun, solid game there but it is held back by a number of frustrating issues. Charming, but ultimately flawed.

The game is filled to bursting with flaws and yet I found myself becoming curiously affectionate towards it. Yes the AI are baffilingly dim, gameplay is incredibly inconsistent, characters and plot are both clichéd and dull, graphics are nothing to write home about and the package as a whole does nothing to warrant your hard earned cash.

Trinity could have been a marvellous game if not for Omega's trademark gameplay model.

While the gameplay might be a bit too hardcore for gamers that are easily frustrated, the upgrades in Rising mode will eventually give you the edge you need to beat every level. Just know that you will die a lot your first time through. If you're a fan of side-scrolling shooters like Contra and Metal Slug, definitely check this game out.

The game is an homage to the 16-bit era, and is a reminder of everything I love about gaming. Unfortunately, repetition does sneak in, and the boss battles are a little disappointing, but if you are a fan of the genre you really should check it out.

Overall, The UnderGarden is not a terrible game. It just failed to bring anything to the table that kept me amused for more than a few minutes at a time.

Proving new, inventive ideas are still ripe on the vine, especially fruitful in the indie scene, Tales From Space: About a Blob is a full-fat platforming puzzler that will warm the hearts of fans who gravitate toward infectious, challenging – if a mite repetitive – gameplay.

For every good point there is a bad. It's definitely an opinion splitter, and some will absolutely love it and forgive its problems, whilst others will pick it to pieces in a matter of minutes. Personally I enjoyed the story and could live with its old school origins, add in the fact it's a rather lengthy affair for a downloadable title and you have something that is worth playing.

Mindjack is a sheer disappointment.

As a multiplayer game, then, Killzone 3 will rise to the top of many a PS3 owner's collection. As a single player game it's really good – inventive, impressive, even smart in places, but generally playing to familiar strengths: solid gunplay, but wholly linear, and rarely pushing the envelope in terms of gameplay mechanics.

The tables are beautiful, the score-chasing element is addictive and gameplay feels incredibly solid. The only thing holding the game back is the lack of content and the fantastic, yet narrow community features, which only work if you know friends who are also playing Marvel Pinball.

There is a lot of fun to be had with the game; it's fast, there's a fair amount of content, and two different styles of vehicle to master. Unfortunately it's plagued with issues which can spoil the experience somewhat. If you feel you can handle these issues, then go out and get yourself nail'd… damn it!

It's by no means perfect and there is plenty to be overly critical or analytical about. However, it's a very solid foundation for a series that could spawn an incredibly good game in the near future.

DC Universe Online is ground-breaking; it's innovative and downright addictive.

Naturally, those that didn't really get on with the first Dead Space will find that little (literally) has changed save for the location and a richer sense of characterisation, but for those of us that adored Clarke's first adventure this sequel represents everything we could have wished for: it's bigger, better and more beautiful but without straying from the core principles that mapped out the former.

BioWare may just have done something incredible: Mass Effect 2 is a genuine contender for Game of the Year 2010 and for the same title in 2011.

There's a wealth of entertainment to be had with LittleBigPlanet 2 – it's a game like no other and with no equal in terms of the flexibility it offers to gamers.

If you have seen and enjoyed Tron: Legacy, then it may be worth picking up Evolution to explore the universe a little further. However, if you happen to be a gamer with no connections to the series, it's difficult to recommend.

Once again Ninja Theory has created something magical. Pigsy's perfect 10 is a great example of how to do single player DLC.

Yes, it could be more visually stimulating and it's basically just an online game but it is damn good value for money and one of the more consistent titles available on the online marketplace.

Rock Band 3 is what we've been wanting since the release of the first Guitar Hero; it's what we've needed. The perfect music game is here, right now.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta is the perfect swansong for Ready At Dawn, their mastery of the PSP unmatched, and it's also a fitting climax to a portable sadly suffering in the shadows of endless rumours of a successor.

Overall SuperStars V8 Racing is pleasantly surprising. After a good few hours with the game it will still be pulling you back in for another go, teasing you to master that tricky hairpin, or to find the perfect car set up. Whilst many of you will be looking to Sony and a GT5 release date, I urge you to divert your eyes a little and give this a try.

If you just pretend the egregious FPS story mode doesn't exist there is a good amount of enjoyable content here and for those that have enjoyed previous Time Crisis games this is an obvious choice.

Just don't expect it to be all skate parks and vert ramps, this is a third person story-based game with you at the centre, it just so happens that in this case you're balancing on a bit of wood with four wheels attached.

SBSH is a tough game to score fairly. If you love this genre then there's no doubt this game is for you, and you can be happy with the fact that Capcom has provided a game that will keep you busy for weeks on end. For everyone else though things aren't that clear.

Saw II: Flesh & Blood is a shameless tie-in with the minimal amount of effort undergone to get the title out the weapon-fitted door.

Funky Lab Rat is a pleasant surprise. Whilst the controls and platforming can be a bit off sometimes, the strong puzzle elements means that you will quickly forgive this and return frequently to blast through a level or two.

Though the campaign may only take a few hours to beat, there's plenty of content resting within the multiplayer component. Casual RTS fans will appreciate the no-nonsense gameplay, and Move control scheme (which is much more comfortable and efficient than a DS3), though there is also something here for the more hardcore fans of the genre.

Blimp: The Flying Adventures is certainly an interesting title. Those who enjoy this type of 'against the clock' game will most definitely find something to like here, and combining that with a lovely hand drawn art style, and the intricacies of the Blimp makes this worth a look.

What it all boils down to is how likely it will be that you will return to the game to beat your high scores, as the main modes won't see you much past the two and a half to three hour mark.

If played in small doses then Kung-Fu LIVE delivers what you would expect; a bit of a laugh with the "oooh look I'm on screen" factor. Ultimately it is shallow though, and repetition soon sets in.

There's much to like about Platinum Games' orgy of mech madness.

Who's That Flying?! is a great game. It's evident that it's from the same studio as Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess as the visuals share a similar style, the sense of humour is spot-on and the presentation is slick and way above most minis out there.

Sure, it's not perfect, and you'll need to be pretty fit to get much out of it, but for £30 RRP (it's available for around £24 online) there's a solid game to enjoy here – and if you come away aching half as much as I did you can rest easy in the knowledge that you're doing yourself some good too.

Dead Nation is a polished, enjoyable, undead romp through a world laid waste by an outbreak of nightmarish automatons. With its simple yet effective control system, not to mention a colourful class of foes that can override the screen – and your senses – in their hundreds at any one time, it's a triumphant if admittedly somewhat repetitive jaunt.

This latest Need for Speed is the best it's been for years, and although it's naturally not going to be a game for everyone (and up against the juggernaut of Sony's exclusive Gran Turismo 5 next week) anyone looking for a solid racing game this Christmas with a significant emphasis on online competition should find this is well worth investigating, especially if you liked the demo.

Auditorium HD is as pure a game as we've seen on the PlayStation Network: a beautiful, well measured game that's confident in its own concept enough to play off a single idea throughout every level it offers. A little bit raw around the edges, but a wonderful game.

Looked at as a game it is a fun experience that is over far too quickly. However, those that lose themselves in the Creation Mode will find the hours flying by and will be more than happy with their purchase.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops features an exhilarating campaign mode, arguably the best in the whole series with a compelling narrative.

One of the stand-out moments is Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody, where you play the piano with your guitar and the 4 characters on stage stand like the video to the song. Sadly moments like this are too far and few between for it to be a great game.

Without question, this is one of the best games of 2010.

It's a little overpriced, too, pushing the game out at a bargain price would have been a much better idea so the game becomes an instant impulse purchase.

The balance of simplicity and depth throughout is impressive and should draw in new players without disappointing old fans of the series.

There's still good fun here, and it's exceptional value for money, but perhaps hold off until the lustre of the first game has faded a smidgen, when this retread will likely appear a little less than what it is: merely a very good – if perhaps unrequested – retake.

DJ Hero 2 acts like Activision have listened to feedback from the first game and the good points read like a checklist of improvements. Better music? Check. More single player modes? Check. More freedom to influence the audio? Check.

There are a lot of nice touches and thoughtful features, spoiled by the presentation. Ultimately though, while I couldn't recommend WRC to just anyone, it is a solid but slightly soulless game and has the official WRC license, which if you have at least a passing interest in rally games makes this the only realistic choice.

Despite a few small niggles, NS:UNS2 impresses from first to last.

The dilemma over whether to purchase the game comes down to your willingness to knuckle down and learn how to play a basketball game. It will take work but you won't find a better virtual outlet for your passion once you do.

I desperately want to give it a ten purely for its fantastic story, but a fantastic story does not a good game make – it needs the gameplay to back it up and that's where Enslaved falls down in places. What we are left with is a flawed masterpiece, but one that you definitely need to play.