Very few games deserve to be trimmed of content as much as Reckoning. The inevitable plot twist only mustered an “Oh neat” out of me after so many hours of mediocre gameplay and story. There is a fun game to be found within Reckoning, but without a guide you would have no idea which quests you should spend your time on. It isn’t that Reckoning is terrible; it is more that it falls short of most of its peers and what goals it sets for itself.

The Playstation Vita is very lucky to have such a fun experience at launch. Anyone that has picked up the new handheld system needs to own Mutant Blobs Attack. You won’t be able to find a more joyful experience on the platform, and it just so happens that it is also the cheapest game you can currently buy.

It wouldn’t be Sony hardware if it didn’t have a Lumines game on it. Mechanically Lumines Electronic Symphony for the Playstation Vita is nearly identical to the original PSP release. This might sound like a criticism, but more Lumines with the core mechanics intact and lots of extras is a good thing.

If you have a Vita and didn’t try out the console version of Rayman Origins last fall, I urge you to pick this up. It is pure fun, top to bottom, and really shows off what the Vita can do. If you already played Rayman Origins, there isn’t enough new here to compel a purchase, unless you just want another run-through of the wonderful world of Rayman – and I certainly wouldn’t blame you.

The Darkness II is brutal, crass and probably not everyone’s cup of tea. It is also gorgeous, smart and a big improvement over the original in terms of game play. The narrative is constructed in a very interesting way that will keep you guessing right up to the end. This game takes what was interesting about the original, and builds upon it while also streamlining the experience.

Inspired by one of the webs most charming comics, Scary Girl finally gets her own console game to show off all that beautiful art direction. Coming into this game, I had two questions. Is she a girl and is she scary?

Repetition mixed with a weak story and a lack of vehicle customization kept Sol: Exodus from being more than a somewhat entertaining distraction. Space combat fans will find a lot to enjoy, but others may be put off by the lack of polish. It turns out that in space no one can hear you scream for Freespace 3.

If you are a Jurassic Park fanatic, you will be able to wring some enjoyment out of the locations and the aesthetic. In the end, Jurassic Park: The Game feels like it is trying too hard to be cinematic. It isn’t a particularly good movie and it’s a failure as a game.

As what will almost certainly be one of the last first party games created for the Nintendo DS, Kirby Mass Attack is a fitting tribute. It is effortlessly charming, deceptively simple, and absolutely adorable without going into the realm of cavity-causing sweetness. It allows you to choose your own level of engagement, whether that is to romp though without a care in the world, or to take on the challenge of getting every collectable and gold medal. Which ever way you go, you are sure to have a great time with Kirby Mass Attack.

The Holidays would not be complete without the release of a Call of Duty game. In fact, the economy may even have suffered without it. Fortunately for all of us Modern Warfare 3 will fill your heart with the familiar sounds of gunfire and explosions. For better or worse MW3 is extremely similar to past titles in the series. Some will find this comforting while others will be left wanting more innovation.