A pleasant surprise. It provides a good story wrapped in some very enjoyable gameplay mechanics. Whilst it does have a few niggles, there's no denying that it's a hoot to play through as you hack, slash and blast your way to the Spire. The key issue though is the lack of variety.

Sure, it might not be the game we were originally promised, but it's still a lot of fun. The sheer scale of the island alone is an impressive accomplishment.

When it all clicks El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is a beautiful, exciting, fast paced game that is bursting with ideas. Unfortunately the latter half of the game fails to recreate the initial rush and the 3D platforming mechanics aren't particularly strong, leading to much frustration.

Both are presented in crystal clear 1080p, and run at thirty frames a second. Compared to the original Ico, the difference is immense, although very few of the assets have been touched which gives the games an almost 'emulator' look to them.

Resistance 3 isn't revolutionary, but it's better than Resistance 2 and, even though it's a much more singular, human tale, it feels enough like the first Resistance that hopefully fans that didn't like the second outing will give Insomniac another chance.

What a nice surprise Hamilton's Great Adventure has been. It manages to combine all the important elements of a puzzle game, and wrap them in charming visuals with a great co-op feature. If you can forgive the odd random difficulty spike and slightly iffy camera, then give this game a look.

First person shooters come and go – and whilst Bodycount isn't likely to leave that deep an impression on the world after it's all over, it does leave a bloody wound accompanied by a ridiculously brash round of machine gun fire. A brave attempt, then, but one seemingly too hampered by its faults to really shine.

One of the best HD updates we've seen since the trend of updating past games for current machines kicked off.

I can't help but feel slightly frustrated when summarising my time with Bleach: Soul Resurrección. It's an enjoyable game, wrapped in solid gameplay mechanics, but is let down in several areas. The fact it can be finished so soon is very surprising, although not as surprising as the lack of online (or even offline) multiplayer, bearing in mind it worked so well for the latest Naruto game.

The perfect example of a game that has actually aged better over time. There's something for everyone even if you never got into it twelve years ago. While the high level of execution may take some time to get adjusted to, it's ultimately worth it. The online multiplayer not only provides a near lagless experience, it moves the genre forward in terms of features and technology.

It's obvious how much time Eidos Montreal has spent on Deus Ex: Human Revolution and behind the wonderful design is a solid game with a plot that will keep you guessing. This is a quality product in the same class as Dead Space 2 and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and I'm sure it will be in many of the 2011 awards lists.

It's much better than the Minis version, even if it's based on exactly the same principles, so if you liked what you played on the PSP – get this when it releases tomorrow.

Going into Sniper: Ghost Warrior with fairly low expectations, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. Despite some of the heavy-handed mechanics and under-developed online portion there is still an enjoyable experience to be had.

Going through the story for the first time is an intriguing affair that ultimately makes you question the type of person you truly are, maybe even more than you'd like to admit. While the difficulty might be too much for some people to handle, it's an experience that is just as rewarding as it is punishing.

Despite having one or two niggles, One Epic Game is a total blast to play. Not only that, but it's incredibly addictive and designed in such a way that you can dip in for five minutes, or sit down and spend a couple of hours playing.

In spite of its occasional frustrations, Ninjamurai is one of the most compelling PSP games released this year. The fact that it's a Minis game, at that price point, just make it all the more enticing.

Captain America: Super Soldier is by far the best blockbuster tie-in you're going to get your hands on this summer.

The course design is perhaps a little bit too traditional and reserved given the somewhat over the top racing and weaponry, but it's all nicely rooted in the Cars universe so Pixar fans will lap up the fan service.

It's a contemptible step back for a series which always had the fun factor on its side and it might just be enough to kill the entire franchise. This is a perfect example of why it's not always a bad thing when games get cancelled.

It's exactly what anyone would expect of a film tie in game. Functional but underwhelming. The smattering of effective ideas is eventually overwhelmed by mediocrity.

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.