IGN

When you shut down Battlefield 3 and let the Frostbite 2-powered dust settle, it certainly has some problems. But DICE's adoration of and expertise with the online experience permeates every aspect of its multiplayer. Regardless of the narrative missteps or the occasional glitches, Battlefield 3 offers an unforgettable, world-class multiplayer suite that's sure to excite shooter fans, whether they fired their first bullet in Battlefield 1942 or have just now heeded Battlefield's call of duty.

House of the Dead: Overkill -- Extended Cut is one of the best reasons to own a PlayStation Move in months, but that's more a reflection of the weak Move lineup than the game being anything other than a solid light-gun shooter. I liked playing though this game, but when the credits rolled, I was fairly ready to move on.

Spider-Man: Edge of Time ultimately disappoints. It’s a step down from Shattered Dimensions, offering a less interesting plot, fewer Spider-Men to play as, and less fan service. As a finished product it just feels rushed. It should be noted that this review pinpoints many complaints that will ultimately be forgotten when in the midst of an epic web-swing.

Rocksmith is not perfect, and comes with a few design foibles and caveats that keep it from excellence. However, as a new IP and a ballsy take on the floundering music genre, Rocksmith is an awesome first step. The technology is fantastic, and while the gameplay could use some tweaks, the dynamic charting system is a great sign of things to come.

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time represents the pinnacle of the Ratchet & Clank series, so All 4 One feels like a step backwards. But the fun multiplayer components and laugh-out-loud story make Ratchet and Clank's latest journey a worthy one, and bring a distinct new experience to the franchise. I loved collecting bolts and solving puzzles with a friend and on my own, even if the visuals and combat aren't quite as sharp as they used to be.

I enjoyed my time with it and want to play more with my friends. Working together to get the loot and the insanity of trying to get out alive are tense, enjoyable experiences. Issues like the clipping and generally "blah" presentation keep PayDay from being an amazing experience, but they don't stop it from being a good time.

While owners of last year’s The Sims 3 might feel ripped-off with this pet-centric new title, it’s a fun jumping off point for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to tackle a virtual life. Whether it's purposefully terrorizing humans or watching your dog head off to work in its own cab, The Sims 3: Pets is a fun and funny way to tackle a virtual life – but that’s if you can get over the stuttering animations and load times.

When a game is this colossal, this rich, it's hard to see how it could possibly be bettered, match engine excepted. Is it worth shelling out 30 quid for once again? Ask that same question when it's quarter to three in the morning and you're looking around the room for someone to high-five as you've just survived your first season in the Premier League with your beloved MK Dons. Some may look at Sports Interactive and detect a faint glimmer of complacency, but just because Football Manager's opposition have all but given up, this doesn't mean the king can't rule his kingdom.

The mini-games are varied and engaging and never overstay their welcome, and the characters are full of personality. Even though it's a little on the short side, there are plenty of reasons for kids to keep coming back again and again.

A Game of Thrones: Genesis's sluggish campaign further suffers from poor pacing, and the end game almost always devolves into ham-fisted warfare punctuated by dull combat one of its weakest facets.