Don't let the colorful graphics fool you though, Sine Mora is a shmup for the hardcore and is a unique entry into the fading genre.

This game's better than last year's, but it's not necessarily worth going out and getting if you have the last couple outings.

Street Fighter x Tekken should be looked at for any fighting fan, as it's a blend of both universes layered on top of some truly interesting and unique mechanics.

If you are into games such as the classic game Metal Slug or other 2D side scrolling massive carnage action style games, then listen to RIP OFF and purchase Shoot Many Robots!

If you can take it for face value, knowing it's a QTE heavy experience and you like the Japan and anime style, you'll without a doubt enjoy your time with Asura. For everyone else though, it has charm, amazing visuals and sound, and a certain uniqueness that's a spectacle to be soon, albeit a short one.

If you like a challenging post-apocalyptic platforming adventure game, then line up your 1200 MS points because this game is worth every penny.

While Syndicate has a great premise and story, the story telling is paced too slow to keep interest high, a plot twist you'll see coming because it's been done many times before, and sadly the ending is very disappointing and unsatisfying. Syndicate in the end felt very mediocre aside from a few of the weapons and the boss fights. I know I'll forget this game in a short time, and if it wasn't for the interesting co-op, it probably would have been scored lower.

I would recommend it to somebody who craves a proper tennis experience without being an over the top comedic look like Virtua Tennis, and is sick of the Top Spin series. Otherwise, casual gamers looking for that fun sports title to play with their friends for hours should pass. Give EA another year or two to work this one out.

Without question Mass Effect 3 has now become the new pinnacle entry into the trilogy by introducing a plethora of new innovations and improvements on already solid aspects.

Don't come looking for 'answers' from the first game, or everything to be wrapped up in a nice present either. Come for what Alan Wake does best; entrap you into a world of fear and unknowing with brilliant writing and narrative.

With numerous endings, extremely challenging bonus bosses, and a pokemon-like addictiveness of trying to catch them all, Final Fantasy XIII-2 definitely surpassed my expectations and I'm glad that many of the shortcomings of XIII have been addressed and fixed. If you were let down with XIII, give XIII-2 a shot, you might be impressed with all the improvements and changes.

SSX is finally back and the wait has been worth it.

While the original Trine proved that a great side scrolling puzzle platformer can still be every bit as enjoyable as most games today, Trine 2 takes those wonderful qualities and injects new innovations and enhances the strengths of its predecessor.

This Fable-esque game is one that anyone who enjoys the genre is going to have a good time with for the thirty plus hours it'll take to complete as it opens itself to many different play styles, here's to hoping for a patch to fix the quest markers and my 'frozen' character though.

If you enjoyed Jackie's first outing, you'll enjoy it once again here, albeit a short return back into hell.

So to sum everything up: We have a Batman game without a Batman, we have generic first person shooter gametypes and controls, average graphics, below average sound, and no real feel that makes you think you're fighting crime like Batman.

When the dust settles, and you head to your local game store, or big box to buy Undisputed, you won't be disappointed.

If you want a fighting game to be a success, then nothing can be held back and all punches must be thrown. Soul Calibur V does take a couple shots that would normally stagger and cripple other fighting games, but the spirit will always live on as it brings gamers smooth, beautiful combat combined with a strengthened multiplayer system to provide hours upon hours of enjoyment.

It's a fantastic little title for children of all ages, and to be honest, I probably had more fun than I should have, as I was climbing up on my furniture to avoid the lava and jumping into the ball pit that appeared in my living room. Why? It was fun and I felt compelled to see what happens.

For 800 MS points All Zombies Must Die does provide some entertainment, however with the absence of online co-op play, lackluster graphics and sound, this is a game that will become very boring very quickly.

I mean, in the end, kudos to Ubisoft for trying, but I don't think the world needed this game. At one point, a loading screen urges you to join a gym or dojo to master yourself. Good idea.

While the game in its essence is a side scrolling adventure, the frustrations of combining poor gaming controls with a lackluster HD graphic remake and next to nothing audio work make the 1200 MS point price tag an undisputed rip off of the gaming community.

If you're looking for a fun way to sweat without feeling like you're truly working out, then Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 is a safe choice that will keep you interested in coming back day after day.

If you have kids or a bunch of friends that get together for gaming nights, it's a decent party game that should entertain and embarrass. If you'll mostly be playing alone, it's not nearly as fun and gives little motivation to keep on playing after you've tried each game.

This is unfortunately not a good detective game, nor is it a good game period.

While Worms Ultimate Mayhem tries to deliver a fun and entertaining way of destroying invertebrates, there is just too much going against this title that could justify a purchase of any amount other than free. There is a bunch of content, however the camera system is just too broken to allow you to enjoy the game, and when combined with the AI and other aspects, Worms Ultimate Mayhem should be one that gets passed over.

It won't take too long to unlock everything in the game and once you're done playing each event a few times, there's very little reason to keep on playing unless you really want to move up the leaderboards by beating scores.

As far as tower defense style games go, Orcs Must Die is one of the best available and will find you literally glued to your seat trying to overcome the challenging story mode for hours upon end.

What Black Eyed Peas Experience does right is make you feel like you're in a club atmosphere rather than just trying to learn some moves by yourself. Does it beat Dance Central? Maybe if you're a huge Black Eyed Peas fan, but keep in mind there's no other music here other than theirs (which is probably why you'd be buying it anyways).

It won't win you over if you didn't click with it the first time, but if you enjoyed your time in this crossover, the new characters and updates should keep you hooked for a little while longer.

All in all, this game brings you closer to the true capabilities of the Kinect. It's a bit limited in terms of gaming options, but it's a good addition to the family's Kinect library in any event.

This game brings the right amount of humor, and the right amount of interactivity to make it a winner, and probably the best game of the entire Lego franchise so far.

It's a shame Rayman Origins came out during the busiest time of year with all the other huge games now out, as it's sure to be overlooked, but if you love platforming games, pick this up without hesitation.

Is Bejeweled 3 worth the MS points? Well if you enjoy a great puzzle game by yourself then yes, but if you would rather play with others online then no

For what it is and who it caters towards, kids that have lots of energy should really enjoy pretending to be a super hero with a plethora of super powers.

It has a perfect balance of complexity and entertainment, and for how in-depth it really is, I never become too flustered (aside from never keeping enough cash flow on hand).

Anniversary does a fantastic job at retelling a story by staying true to its legacy and also being an overhauled experience that many of us have probably forgotten over the years. If you were too young when Halo was released, or never played it for some reason, pick it up and you can see how the phenomenon all began.

While it's true that there are a lot of similarities to be seen between Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and Revelations, that doesn't necessarily make it a bad thing. Assassin's Creed Revelations delivers on a lot of great qualities that has made the series a success and innovates and evolves what was good into great.

Ultimately while GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is loosely based off of the original source material, the big question is, should you part with $60 to pick up this game? If you are looking for a beefed up version of the Wii title, then without question as you will find a lot to enjoy with GoldenEye 007: Reloaded. However, if you are a purist then unfortunately you will not find this game filling that void.

Once again, I will continue to stress WWE has done the right thing giving exclusive licensing rights to THQ. If you purchased SvR 2011 and are wondering if you should be rushing out to buy '12 - I would say give it a rental and make your decision based on that.

The first game set the standard for the dancing genre on Kinect; the sequel raises that bar by adding a solid multiplayer that you don't have to fuss with and a tutorial mode that should be able to teach dancers of any skill many dance moves to use in real life should the opportunity arise.

While this game does deliver some amazing gameplay experiences, there are multiple times when you sit there thinking that this game could have been better. That doesn't mean however that Battlefield 3 doesn't deliver at all; it means that gamers will just have to be patient as DICE and everyone work out all the details to deliver the Battlefield 3 experience we all know is out there.

Saints Row: The Third maintains the collaborative efforts of Volition Inc. and THQ while moving way beyond the foundation of the first two Saints Row titles.

It's hard to recommend if you've already played Dead Rising 2 as it's fundamentally the same game for the most part. If you haven't though, then definitely pick it up as this is the version to get as there's really no other game like it.

If you have kids between the ages of 4 to 10-ish, and you desire to play video games with them, run out and buy it ($69). Recommend it to others. Our industry needs more family games like this.

With a driver level and an improved Autolog, The Run is a fun time regardless of the campaign's shortcomings. Challenges and multiplayer is what's going to keep The Run in your Xbox 360 during the holidays and I would suggest a purchase of the game if multiplayer is what you want to invest the majority of your time into, rather than the story.

With all apologies to Ubisoft, and all respect to their successful gaming franchises, there should not be a 2013 edition unless it's made authentic to the TV show. Pay Steve Harvey for his licensing time and voice, pay attention to the quicker pace of the game, and please pay attention to the little details, which make such a huge difference in these types of games. Let's also see the rules return to what millions of people the word over are used to as well please.

Every aspect of Skyrim is done to pinpoint perfection and has the makings of a game that will be played and enjoyed by millions for years to come.

Overall, Infinity Ward (what's left of the original gang) and Sledgehammer Games have stayed loyal to the Call of Duty and Modern Warfare brand in the name of all their loyal fans.

Just Dance 3 is clearly more geared towards people that have no problem letting go of their inhibitions, don't embarrass easily, and are not shy in the slightest. If you have no problem making a fool of yourself and like to wear funny wigs and clothes at a party, you'll feel right at home dancing to the set list.

Everything feels like quite a step down from Shattered Dimensions which was only a year ago. Beenox dropped the ball with Edge of Time; let's hope next year's Amazing Spider-Man game can make up for it and hope this was just a rush job, since we're aware of the quality they're able to create.

This game is the best basketball gaming experience out there already, and little things for in-game customization and the addition of a couple more gaming modes will only continue to make anybody think twice about trying to compete.

While a few things could use some revision work, overall this game is a masterpiece for Tolkien fans and shouldn't be missed.

So now the stage has been set, the characters are all in place, the battle lines drawn, and Batman is up against his greatest challenge yet.

Forza 4 may only have incremental updated features from Forza 3 but it's still an amazing time to be had and the best simulation racing game to date.

X-Men Destiny isn't inherently bad; it's just unfinished and unpolished with a few poor design choices that make for a shallow experience.

Is it worth 1200 MS Points? When you and your friends join up to discover the treasure and mystery that abounds in these lands, then it is a steal.

Now gamers on the console have the chance to finally enjoy one of the most influential games that has ever been released.

As we approach the engagement zone, we are treated to one undeniable truth and that is Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is the premier flight game for the Xbox 360. There are a ton of new innovations packed in every area and aspect of this game and with the included support of the Ace Edge flight stick, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is the king of the skies. Now marshal your talent and focus pilots for it's time to fly.

If you enjoy games to relieve stress, this isn't the game for you. If you love feeling accomplished for completing something innately difficult, then you'll feel right at home.

I still don't get how making breakfast or taking a bath can take up half the day, but the real fun in Sims 3 Pets comes from recreating all your past and current pets over the years.

Fifa in a whole just never stops being fun, and this game is no exception.

If you like the mystique of F1, don't hesitate to go out and grab this game. If you're a fan of one racing style, but not F1, I'd still say give it a go. If you don't like auto racing at all, but want an over the top racing game to play in your spare time? This probably isn't it, unless you're into a highly precisioned, more realistic racing style.

It's a short ride but it's an entertaining one that a Kinect owner should experience.

It's a simple yet fun arcade style racer that shouldn't be passed up if you've been yearning for something Mario Kart-esque or want to remember how fun Crimson Skies was in a way. At 1200 points it seems a little steep but if you're a fan of the power-up racers you'll thoroughly enjoy it.

Rise of Nightmares suffers from the syndrome of great ideas but poor execution.

This game is so diverse, and so large in its overall experience that there's almost too much to keep you interested for another full year.

In the end, Rage plays similar to what may be a cross between Red Dead Redemption, Red Faction and a (not red) racing title, but it does so in traditional Id Software style: unique gameplay, tonnes of re-playability, over the top weapons, vehicles and destruction all wrapped up with a story second to none (believe me, there are some twists but the advancement of the story becomes just as intriguing as the gameplay itself).

DSF is all about driving and that's a good thing as it's not trying to be a GTA game in any aspect.

This game gets a thumbs up from me, and if you're looking for a fun afternoon of mindless fun kills where you don't have to go out of your way to find the action, Space Marine is one of the best ways to do it on the 360.

Call of Juarez has been downgraded and is disappointing in every aspect of gameplay and design.

If you crave a bit more outside of just football and legacy modes, NCAA is the all comprehensive product you're seeking.

To be fair, when Dead Island shipped, it did have a fair share of issues, and to be honest some of them were game breaking, however most, if not all of the issues, have been resolved and Dead Island is shaping up to be a sleeper hit of 2011.

Hands down Gears of War 3 is going to bring you not only one of the best stories you ever went through, but one of the best and most addictive multiplayer experiences ever to hit consoles.

While there are only a handful of stealth games in the genre, DXHR deserves to be among the top of the list with the other greats despite its flaws.

This game isn't THE must get in the history of football games, but it's still a very good one, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it if you need your NFL gaming fix this year.

This game is a game of beauty, of love, of loss, but most importantly this is a game that showcases every aspect of El Shaddai, or God Almighty.

Whether you've played 'Splosion Man, or you are new to 'sploding, Ms.'Splosion Man is a lot of fun, and when you combine that with all of the other great things you can do it makes it a pretty amazing deal. Priced at just 800 MS points, I would say this game is a definite must have and a great addition to any gamers collection.

Overall, if you can get past the limited movement of your trench, the drab color scheme, and the annoying voice over, Trenched is a fun game that can occupy you for hours by collecting loot, leveling up and killing your way to the top.

Supergiant Games is forever on my radar from now on and I cannot say enough great things about how much I enjoyed my time saving the Bastion.

Thankfully, I was given the task of trying out Cars 2: the Video Game and each of the major concerns I had were quickly dismissed and replaced by an outstanding amount of entertainment. This isn't to say that there weren't any issues, but rather that the issues are relatively minor, outmatched by enjoyable gameplay and all wrapped up in a family friendly bow.

UFC Personal Trainer does a great job at making you feel like you're actually training in a UFC gym by some of the greats rather than looking silly in your living room.

While I enjoyed FEAR 3 because I'm a fan of the series, I don't think the average person picking this up will know all the missing tidbits of knowledge the game doesn't give you to piece it all together.

While it probably won't rush out and win game of the year awards all over the place when all is said and done, it will contend for a lot of your time right out of the box and is more than deserving of it.

If the online actually 'worked' and wasn't completely useless I know I would have enjoyed Dungeon Siege III much more and for a much longer period of time like I did the original two games, sadly now I have a game I finished in a few days and is already on the shelf to collect dust.

Once you get sucked into the beautiful world of Wonderland you'll be drawn in and amazed with how unique McGee's imagination is about a story we all knew growing up. This is not your friendly Disney version of Alice in Wonderland or anything even close. This is Amercian McGee's twisted and amazingly complex Alice that tells a tale of a girl who's on the brink of losing her mind and what she must to do save it and Wonderland.

Rather than tweaking and improving, they dropped the idea altogether, which nowadays seems to be a death knell for a game in this genre. Co-Op multiplayer, however, is always good fun if you can find patient gamers looking to spend an afternoon hashing out strategies and taking down enemy forces with brains over brawn. For everybody else, however, seeking that goodtime first person shooter where you can cycle through co-op friendlies and every man for himself gunfights, move on. This isn't the game for you.

Graphically, this game isn't as crisp as the EA titles, though I would say Activision did well to represent all possible sponsors to give this a better sense of realism and the game does have a lot to work with for future years.

Overall Rush'n Attack: Ex Patriot, despite its flaws (poor audio, platforming and overall game play), kept me coming back for more as the story progressed.

While Child of Eden is a short adventure with only 5 main stages that you'll complete the first time in less than two hours, the replayability comes with collecting unlockables and trying to beat your friends on the leaderboard.

It feels like Brink is trying to take Team Fortress 2 to the next level and while it has many of great ideas, it's the perfect example of why mashing a bunch of different ideas together doesn't always work.

For what it's worth, however, this is a fantastic game by every stretch of the imagination. Those who have waited 4 years for another installment will not be disappointed.

I will continue to sound like a broken record, but it's true. At a day and age where you can hold 60 bucks in your hand and have dozens of suitable unique gaming options in-hand, the Lego franchise is very quickly falling behind in my mind's eye for where my gaming money should go.

Nothing in the game was really all the memorable other than the final confrontation (which was a fun boss fight) and the standoff between the leaders. With very little to do in single player other than hunt for hidden Autobot and Decepticon symbols and the odd objective for specific achievements, it's hard to justify and full priced purchase right away, even if you're a Transformers nut like myself.

If you are looking for a great 4 player side scrolling adventure then look no further.

Overall, this isn't the quintessential Kinect game, but really, the only reason is because it's strictly a Michael Jackson game, and MJ isn't for everyone. That being said, this is what a Kinect game should be.

As a whole, this is the best Red Faction title to date. I missed the 'sandbox' style of Guerrilla but I enjoyed the story focus (and not having to travel from one end of the map to the other) to complete objectives.

Dirt 3 is simply a solid racing game. While it may not bring any crazy new features or mechanics, the complete and polished package it brings makes up for it in stride.