The epic science-fiction trilogy concludes, and Commander Shepard faces his greatest battle yet. Set in the distant future, the Mass Effect series of games are about a character called Shepard, a human whose military, political, and personal life are heavily intertwined with the fate of the galaxy. In the previous two games, we see Shepard take on the immense threat posed by the Reapers, an advanced life form that bring carnage and destruction to entire civilizations. In this final chapter, Shepard must come face to face with an entire fleet of Reapers, who have invaded his home world (Earth) as well as many other planets. Shepard is also faced with the threat of Cerberus, another human interest group, with vast amounts of technology and funds at their disposal, whose leader, the Illusive Man, seems determined to use to control the Reapers in order to use them to further his power. Picking up where ME2 left off, this third instalment carries all of the progress made by the previous games, and adds a massive dimension of tension to the story. The impending doom of Earth and the galaxy creates an awesome atmosphere to play this game within, and the action which follows is equally as impressive. Battle scenes are fine tuned, superbly directed, and the plethora of creatures and aliens on offer add depth to the game play. Some of the characters from previous games reveal themselves, making it an even more enjoyable experience for anyone deeply rooted in the ME franchise. Some criticism has been raised over the choice of ending for the games, and indeed the choice to end them at all. This certainly has credence. However, anyone who has been on this journey with Shepard from the beginning must see it through to the end, and the continuing use of plot-changing choices is excellent. Overall, this game is a knockout. The cut scenes rival any modern gaming experience, the depth and variety to the game play is fantastic, and the aforementioned tense atmosphere has made this the game of 2012 so far.

Skate 3

Skateboarding games hold a dear place in my heart: from the early days of Tony Hawk Pro Skater, to the modern Skate games, there is something special about the combination of gaming and skating. As franchises go, Skate revolutionised the way we enjoy skating games, but this newest addition fails to add much to the party.

An enjoyable game, Skate 3 continues with the hard work that 1 and 2 did, giving a smooth and enjoyable game play, with plenty of variety when it comes to missions and tasks. There is still the bevy of street contests to compete in, and the photo/film missions, as well as the notorious Hall of Meat challenges which test a player’s ability to annihilate themselves at a given location. All these fun factors are still there, but with very little new ones.

The concept of Skate 3 is to build your own skating company from the ground up, and make it into a success. Completing challenges means more money for your company, and as you become a bigger success, the challenges become equally harder. However, there seems little depth to this plot, and not much actually happens as you progress. It seems like a lacklustre attempt at a game, and a kick in the shins for the loyal fans of the franchise. They have attempted to increase the online presence of those playing the game, but this seems like a weak attempt at development.

If you have played the other two games, you don’t need to play this one. There is only a few changes, and they don’t excuse the price you will pay to try them out. A short lifespan in your machine, and then a dust collector on the shelf, Skate 3 is unworthy of the skating games legacy.

Batman: Arkham City (2011)

A mighty successor to Arkham Asylum, this time, Batman is locked inside a prison in the heart of Gotham, that is five times bigger than the Asylum.

Few games have ever come along of this calibre, and if you have played, and loved, the first instalment, you will know where I am coming from. The Batman series has managed to create its own league within the games industry, with very little competition.

Arkham City follows many of the traits of its predecessor, but adds extra gadgets, abilities, and new game play in order to make it fresh. The result is an enthralling game, with an amazing storyline, a great script, and captivating characters (drawn from the original comics, such as: Mr Freeze, Two-Face, and, of course, The Joker).

The most impressive element to this game has to be this city-wide prison that is housing countless criminals, as well as political prisoners, and the lonely Bruce Wayne. Headed by a skilful, yet, evil, Dr Strange, the prison was supposed to be Gotham’s answer to its endless crime problem, but has instead created a breeding ground for notorious gangs and thugs. Gliding through these dark city streets, and skimming water or hanging from vantage points is an essential part of the play, and something that does not tire.

Most games opt for a half-hearted script, in order for the game to keep moving, however, the Arkham games have some of the best dialogue and character development going. Some of the scenes with baddies are so brilliantly staged, they seem more like high quality films than game sequences, and the cut scenes are moments you want to relish and enjoy, not skip and move on from.

If I were to highlight any criticism, it would be that the Riddler challenges became a little tedious after a while, due to the vast quantities of them. But, apart from that, every aspect of this game is enjoyable, and it is a world I will go back to again and again.

Assassin's Creed II

A new assassin’s story, this time following a character called Ezio around the cities of Rome, Venice, and Tuscany.

Following on from the first game, the beginning of AC2 sees the main character of Desmond escape from the evil corporation of the first game, and begin a new project with a rebel group including Lucy (the nurse from the original). They send Desmond back into the life of Ezio, a simple womaniser living in Italy during the 15th Century, who becomes a dangerously brilliant assassin after several members of his family are hung in a complex plot against their family.

We follow Ezio through his journey to becoming a famous assassin, as well as his revenge. He finds the support of his uncle who teaches him new skills and gives him shelter. But as Ezio stalks his prey, picking off each member of the conspiracy against his family, he discovers a deeper more complex plot afoot, with far more grave consequences.

Alongside the main plot, there is the usual bucket load of additional missions, such as contracts for murdering criminal targets, delivering messages across cities, and taking part in foot races against the clock. As well as the typically frustrating tasks of collecting items such as statuettes, viewpoints and feathers. All of which add to a very varied and fulfilling gaming experience.

The climbing is even more detailed, allowing the player to pretty much scale anything, adding the ability to jump even higher as you get further into Ezio’s skills. The cities are a remarkable feat, such beautiful detail and grandeur, and the flow of them makes for brilliant journeys. The fighting is much improved, giving your assassin new moves and skills, as well as the ability to taunt your opponent, which is a fun addition.

The Italian aspects of the game really appealed to me, being a lover of the nation and culture, and using the actual dialect in places gave the game a real sense of authenticity. Also, the wonderfully eclectic mix of religion, power, violence, and honour made for a brilliant representation of a turbulent history.

Be warned, this is a engulfing experience, players may end up spending months trying to complete everything there is on offer, but if you liked the first game, you will love this one.

Undead Nightmare

An add-on game for the brilliant Rockstar game Red Dead Redemption, but this time, instead of chasing villains, you are shooting zombies!

You continue the game as John Marston, the same character used in most of RDR, and the storyline picks up after he has been reunited with his wife and son. They live back on the ranch, and spend their days farming. But one night, a man they know as “Uncle” comes to the house looking like a creature from the grave, and begins to attack the Marston family. The man manages to infect John’s boy by biting him, who then bites his mother, turning them both into zombies. John quickly ties them up so that they wont go on a bloodthirsty rampage across the land, and instead, goes off himself, in search of answers for this deadly curse.

It is a rudimentary plotline, and one that does not get much more complex as you play the game. John has a few run-ins with some of his old acquaintances across the nearby towns, and a few of them give him suggestions as to what is causing the uprising. Your job, alongside finding an end to the nightmare, is to protect as many of the towns as you can from the zombies, aiding the survivors in whatever way you can - either by fighting with them, or giving them your precious ammo.

Cleansing churches is also a large part of this game, going around burning coffins and then taking out the remaining blood-demons, which can be a tough task. They have to either be shot in the head, or burnt.

Initially my experience with this game was quite negative. I found the hordes of zombies quite difficult to handle, and was often just running away from them. It was not until I gathered an extensive arsenal of awesome weapons that the real fun began. Some of the instruments of death you collect along the way are brilliant, such as the explosive rifle, or Holy Water.

Riding across the landscape, at first can seem ethereal, but soon gets tiresome. I recommend using the “travel to location” option at any of you home bases, which allows you to emerge in many of the different towns and locations across the map. It saves bucket loads of time.

Another tip, there is a quest to find the “mythical creatures” at random points as you travel. I urge you to follow them, it will make your experience of the game twice as good when you find them.

Overall this was a fun game, but one not worth the still high price tag attached to it. It is quite short, tedious in some places, but manages bring another “life” to what is an already amazing game (RDR).

Mass Effect 2

The continuation of the legendary science fiction action game, it combines everything that is great about gaming, storytelling and breathtaking visuals.

Mass Effect is a futuristic world where humans exist alongside countless other alien races, some of which are friendly others which are not so much. In the first game the objective was to stop an evil Spector named Saren from destroying the universe with a Reaper. The second game picks up where it left off, but now Shepard must solve the mysterious colonial abductions which are taking place randomly across the galaxy, whereby humans are being wiped out from planets leaving no trace.

Having completed the first Mass Effect, I was urged by my gaming-brothers-in-arms to carry straight on into the sequel, and I am extremely glad I did. Many of the career choices you make in the first game have dramatic consequences in the second, if you choose to continue with your saved game. Everything from the way your character looked, to the background of his character, as well as important decisions from the storyline can all be carried over, enriching the experience greatly. I thoroughly recommend, also, to play the first game before getting started with the second, you will find the experience far more rewarding.

Many improvements have been made in this sequel; the fighting aspects have been made far more fluid, the guns are better, the powers are less confusing, and once you get used to it, they are far more entertaining. The storyline is very compelling, Shepard travelling to different planets trying to establish a mammoth team of extraordinary fighters from difference species, in order to fight this looming evil presence that is stealing humans. The whole game has been enlarged, spreading over two discs, and the vast quantities of unexplored planets and systems can offer hours of entertainment.

If you are unwilling to immerse yourself into such a demanding game, spend the time that it requires to enjoy it fully, you may find this game repetitive and even boring. But for those who enjoy not just playing games, but experiencing them, this is a game that has so much to offer, and the whole Mass Effect series is likely to be one the greatest achievements in modern gaming. By combining games, allowing you to make choices and decisions that will have a knock-on effect in the next game, the creators have made an absolutely addictive gaming experience, one that I urge any serious game player to embark upon.

Bring on Mass Effect 3!

Mass Effect

A science-fiction game that boasts amazing playability, intricate character/story development, and a whole host of incredible creatures, planets, and missions.

As a relatively baby to the modern gaming world, a game based in space is not my usual forte. In the past I have preferred less involved games, that are a pick them up put them down kind of style, rather than being glued to the screen for hours. However, Mass Effect kept me in front of my 42” solidly!

In the game setup process, you are able to create your character: how they look, what type of fighter they will be, and also, choose from several back stories which will shape the course of the game you will play. Once you enter the game, you quickly enter an enthralling plot, with vivid characters who you interact with in a variety of ways. Some will become your shipmates, others will become tense enemies. As you take on missions, you develop not only the story, but also your character. They pick up new talents, new weapons and training, as well as a catered personality. You are able to play as the person you want them to be by choosing from several responses when faced with dialogue or an event. This freedom is absolutely terrific, as it makes the game feel suited to your needs as a player: rather than having a character who does whatever he wants in cut scenes, you have the ability to make a few decisions that have drastic effects on your storyline.

This is a game to really throw yourself into, it demands attention, and the longer chunks you play it in, the more enjoyment you get out of it. The fight scenes, at first, seem clunky and overly complicated, but once you master the fighting style, they are an excellent mix of dangerous action and precise decision making.

The script is a little cheesy in places, but this is something which I found endearing as I progressed. Characters interact in a way which seems typical for the genre, but sheer diversity of people and places makes it very exciting.

This is an excellent game, worth spending hours playing during rainy weekends and nights after work. If you like getting heavily involved into a story, some great fighting, and spectacular locations/characters, then I urge you to play.