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DONKEY KONG COUNTRY RETURNS WII Fourteen years after his last side-scrolling adventure, Donkey Kong Country does indeed return and is better than ever. Astonishing level design and gameplay that builds on, rather than replicates, the old action will have platform lovers addicted. Great graphics, a two-player mode and a stack of variety keep it lively and fun throughout. A must-own!
MICHAEL JACKSON: THE EXPERIENCE WII Jacko busts out his moves Michael Jackson may be on screen you need to six feet under, but we’re follow suit, holding the expecting to see more of Wii’s controllers so that him than ever over the the machine knows how coming years. This includes you’re performing. You an intriguing new game actually end up dancing for the Nintendo Wii, in like the legend himself. Up which fans get to act out to four-players can join in their ‘thrilling’ fantasies. It’s the fun, and you can use a primarily a dancing game, microphone to try your luck with players confronted at singing, too. Versions of with a host of Jackson’s the game on the PS3 and favourite songs delivered 360 are expected early with the familiar backdrop next year. of his music videos. As JAMES BOND 007: BLOOD STONE PS3, 360, PC, DS While we await a new Bond film, this game ably fills the gap. This all-original story has you playing the spy as you travel across six locations trying to prevent the usual evil-doers from releasing a devastating biological agent. Daniel Craig stars with Judi Dench and singer Joss Stone as the love interest. Thirdperson shooting, hand-tohand combat and frantic driving ensure 00 Action.
MONOPOLY STREETS PS3, 360 The classic board game gets wonderfully reinvented as a full 3D game world in Monopoly Streets, with animated characters bringing life to the addictive money squabbling. Despite looking super cute, a host of game modes ensure you can play the game just how you and your family desire ensuring gamers of all ages can enjoy it. Four players can join in the fun... or should that be, the fight?
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GOD OF WAR: GHOST OF SPARTA If you ever wanted to know just how powerful a handheld can be, take a look at Ghost of Sparta - it has graphics and gameplay that match most full console experiences. Forming a narrative bridge between God of War 1 and 2, this game sees Kratos pursue his long lost brother Deimos. Great new weapons and slick combat make this the PSP’s best action title.
DANCE CENTRAL XBOX 360 Made by the same brains who created Guitar Hero, Dance Central is without question the best of Kinect’s launch games. Using the device’s amazing technology, the game takes an accurate reading of your body and monitors how you move as you bust out the dance moves shown on screen, scoring your effort. It works amazingly well, and is buoyed by a great tracklist.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 1 PS3, 360, WII, DS, PC There has been a game for each of the Harry Potter films and much like the quality of the movies, the visuals and sense of freedom have improved dramatically with each iteration. It will come as no surprise that at the business end of the series, combat takes centre stage, although there is some stealth based gameplay, too. Kinect owners can make gestures to cast spells, which is particularly cool. DEF JAM RAPSTAR PS3, 360, WII There are a number of cool karaoke games out there, but very few provide a fun experience for hip-hop fans. Def Jam Rapstar, however, focuses on just that with a range of modes designed to test out your rapping ability. The massive tracklist is star-studded, including the likes of Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, Public Enemy, Kayne West, Salt ‘n’ Pepa, Wu Tang Clan, Outkast, Diddy, 50 Cent and 2 Pac.
EPIC MICKEY WII This game is set to put Mickey Mouse back into the spotlight in a big way. You play a devious, more sinister Mickey, traversing the Disney landscapes with a magic paintbrush wiping out or creating the world as you see fit. Epic Mickey mixes up the open-world platforming with combat, RPG elements and sidescrolling level transitions, plus it looks a treat. The Mouse is back!
WORLD OF WARCRAFT: CATACLYSM PC The greatest MMORPG of them all receives its third expansion pack and boy does it bring a lot to the table. This includes a complete visual reworking of much of the game’s areas, as well as new story-focused quests. The level cap increases by five to 85, and brings with it a stack of new dungeons to tackle. There are also two new races in the Goblins (Horde) and Worgen (Alliance). Plenty for fans of all levels.
WORDS Chris Stead
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