Game Guru’s been playing games for years and he only hand-picks the best for G@MER4Kids readers. It doesn’t matter if you’re into action, platformers, or puzzlers, Guru will deliver entertaining reviews of the coolest games in each and every genre. If you find it here, you’re guaranteed it’s worth playing! It'll be one of the best of its kind. So you should check out this section before going out to buy games...
SKYLANDERS GIANTS
PS3/Xbox 360/Wii/3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
No one in the known universe could argue against the fact that the original Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure was an absolutely HUUUUUUUUGE hit! In fact, it's one of Guru's fave games of All Time - a blockbuster fusion of collectible figurines and videogame, a brilliant innovation which proved to be a real winner!
It's not surprising then, that the sequel Skylanders: Giants is nothing short of fantastic!!! Recently, Guru was lucky enough to score a copy of the Starter Pack thanks to his good pals at Activision (thanks Tash) and he hasn't stopped playing since - hence the tardiness of this review. Guru was totally blown-away by the new Skylanders game. To sum it up in two words - it's FREAKIN' AWESOME!!!
As the name suggests, the new Skylanders not only introduces a bunch of wild and wacky new characters, but eight of them are actually Giants... And when Guru says they're Giants, he means the collectible character figures are double-the-size of normal Skylanders. They also appear that way in the game too - This is BIG, really, really BIG!!!
There are around forty-eight new characters to get your hot little hands on including some way-cool re-designs of old faves (Trigger Happy looks crazier than ever, sporting a Gattling Gun) & new LightCore Skylanders that actually glow! Guru's been playing around with a bunch of them over the last week or so and he's gotta say he's uber-impressed!!! Cooler still, the characters from the original Skylanders can be used in Giants and retain all of their abilities, except now, they all have an extended Level Cap of 15. Great news for fans of the original game with extensive Skylander character collections!
Guru had a real blast putting the Giant known as Tree Rex through his paces. It's way-cool having a gargantuan Skylander that might move a bit slower, but is hugely powerful and can unleash absolutely tons of destruction in the gameworld. Tree Rex literally eats up the screen, effortlessly pounding down the opposition (and anything else) with his massive tree-trunk fists and unstoppable shoulder charges!
Then there's Jet Vac a bird-beast warrior that sucks big time - but in a good way! This ballistic buzzard is a force to be reckoned with, sporting super suction abilities made possible with his vacuum gun. Honestly, Guru wishes this guy would come over to his place and clean up his bedroom and Man Cave (a.k.a. Games Room) with his super sucker, 'coz trust us, it needs it!
Guru also checked out the different Elemental Arenas for a bit of competitive and co-op biffo with his good friend Joshinator, not to mention, some brilliant co-op action and adventure in the Story Mode. Almost everything in Skylanders Giants is bigger and better than the original, making it an awesome gaming experience for the whole family.
This is easily one of the best kid's games this year, so it's time to dust off those Portals of Power, and get set for one of the most exciting and fun Action RPG (Role Playing Game) experiences that can be had on console. With another brilliant batch of cool figurines to collect (the 2 standard figs, 1 Giant in the Starter Pack will get you going), Skylanders Giants is a MUST HAVE for everyone’s X-mas wish list - Be sure to check it out!!!
POKEMON Black& White Version 23DS/DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Finally!!! Guru has finally put in the hard yard, and hammered his way through the glorious adventure that is Pokemon Black & White Version 2, and he’s gotta say it’s freakin’ AWESOME!!! Hmmmm…no surprises there really! Pokemaniacs the world over will have already raced out and grabbed the game, but for those of you that haven’t, this really is the must have DS/3DS title of the year! So you better start scribbling and put Black & White Version 2 at the top of all those X-mas Wish Lists.
So what are some of the new goodies you’ll discover, while exploring more of Unova than ever before? Well, you’ll notice that additions like Pokemon World Tourney which allows you to show off your skills against iconic Champs and Gym Leaders from past Pokemon titles and PokeStar Studios where players can star in their own movies with their fave Pokemon.
If that wasn’t enough, there are also wild Fun Fest Missions where up to 100 players can connect and play locally (totally awesome fun), and you’ll quickly discover that Gym Battles are far more complex affairs than in previous titles in the series. This is an absolutely HUGE game (which is the reason why Guru’s taken so long to get this review online), which offers tons and tons of replay value both in cool spin-off activities and multiplayer battles. Once again, Nintendo have outdone themselves by creating one of the best handheld gaming experiences around. Pokemon Black & White Version 2 is a must play for anyone with a DS – it’s brilliant stuff!!!!
LEGO BATMAN 2: DC Super Heroes
PS3/Xbox 360/Wii/3DS/PS Vita/DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
LEGO are always jamming as much fun and humour in their videogame spins on the flicks, books, and comics, we all know and love. They've already done everything from Star Wars and Harry Potter, to Indiana Jones with stacks of success, so it was a no-brainer when LEGO Batman swung into action!
This sequel to LEGO Batman further expands the fun and games beyond just Batman and Robin, to include a bunch of awesome super heroes from the DC comics universe. So it’s time for you all to pull on your capes and help Batman and his super friends fight the good fight to defend Gotham City from all manner of evil doers.
As you'd expect, the baddies are a despicable bunch, with The Joker and Lex Luthor teaming up and unleashing all sorts of carnage and mayhem on the streets of Gotham. On the good-guy side to help the Dark Knight and the Boy Wonder are the iconic "Man of Steel" Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Wonder Woman, to name a few.
There's absolutely tons of fun to be had, particularly when players team up with a friend in Co-op, taking control of LEGOized versions of their fave DC super heroes. Gotham City's LEGO alter-ego looks amazing and there's amazing vehicles to tool around in, on top of the cool super abilities at your disposal. You'll also be collecting lots of new suits and gadgets, to help you along the way.
All in all, LEGO Batman 2 delivers action, entertainment, and laughs in true LEGO style! As you'd expect, it only gets better when you team up and play with family and friends. This is great fun for everyone and a must play for LEGO and DC comic fans - awesome stuff!!!
NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. 23DS / 3DS XL
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Mario is back for another thrilling dose of Super Mario Bros. platform adventuring, and this time he'll be commin' at you in 3D. The awesome debut of New Super Mario Bros. 2 coincides with Nintendo's release of the bigger and better 3DS XL, so you just know that the game is gonna be HUGE!!!
As you'd expect the game delivers big time - it's an '11' on the Fun Factor scale of '1 - 10', so there'll be no disappointments for all you Mario fans out there. All your fave Mushroom Kingdom characters make an appearance in cameos alongside the mustachioed star himself, as he embarks on an epic quest to rescue his beloved Princess Peach.
Guru will give you a bit of a hint here... this time ‘round it’s all about the gold coins. The main aim of the game is to survive all the dangerous enemies and obstacles, while collecting one million of those shiny little suckers! And believe me, when the Guru says he was on a mission to get every single last one of them - but hey, that's how we roll...
The good news is that our little plumber friend has a bunch of tricks up his sleeves, with the funky Racoon Suit transforming him into Racoon Mario. Wearing these groovy duds Mario can use a nifty 'tail swipe' move and is able to 'float' and 'fly' as he races through levels at super speed! In addition to this, he also has his trademark 'Jumbo Mario' change-up which super-sizes him, perfect for putting the smack down on his opponents. Then there's the 'Gold Mario' and 'Fire Mario' power-ups which will leave his enemies seeing great balls of fire!
There are an absolute stack of wicked worlds to play through and explore. Guru also got a kick outta the 'Coin Rush' game mode where you get three random levels and only one life to get as many gold coins as possible - it's way cool! Better still, 'Co-Op' mode allows you to team up with a friend, and you'll even get to score the coins they earn while playing with you. How brilliant is that?
New Super Mario Bros. 2 is available both on cart or can be downloaded via Nintendo’s e-shop. All in all, there's hours and hours of platforming fun to be had here with Mario and the gang. This is the sort of fast-twitch gaming never gets old and the eye-popping 3D visuals make Mario look better than ever before! Go team Mario - you're onto a winner here!!!
RHYTHM THIEF & the Emperor’s Treasure
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
It’s a fantastic mash-up of gameplay styles! Rhythm Thief pinches much of its gameplay and visual style from the Professor Layton adventures, replacing the crazy puzzles with nimble-fingered “rhythm” sections.
This funky little 3DS adventure will have you tapping your toes through the streets of Paris, while delivering oodles of musical mayhem along the way. Players control Raphael (and his criminal alter ego Phantom R), as he steals priceless artefacts from museums and galleries, following the trail of his long-lost father.
Together with his faithful canine companion Fondue, they must pull off “musical” heists, avoid the police, find his father, and solve a mystery involving Napoleon Bonaparte himself!
It’s a wildly twisted plot and tons of fun to play. The entertaining “music rhythm” sections even grade a player’s skill. All in all, Rhythm Thief can’t be beat!!!
Cartoon Network: PUNCH TIME EXPLOSION
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
CN Punch Time Explosion is an over-the-top brawler that brings all your fave Cartoon Network characters together in a smash ‘em, bash ‘em, battle to save their universes.
They’re all here and ready for action – Ben 10, Chowder, Dexter, Samurai Jack, and even the Powerpuff Girls.
You just know it’s gonna be a wild, wild ride! If you’re looking for some comic-book styled beat ‘em up action, this one’s for you!!!
LUMINES Electronic Symphony
PS Vita
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
If you enjoy chilling-out to a bit of Electronica while solving Puzzles, the Lumines series of games will be right up your alley! Mixing some of the best electronic music from legendary artists like Underworld and The Chemical Brothers with addictive Tetris-inspired block-dropping puzzle action, this latest series instalment dubbed Electronic Syphony is gonna rock Sony’s latest handheld console, the PS Vita.
Sporting a bunch of cool new modes and features, players will now need to master fresh strategies by using the “Chain Block” and “Shuffle Block” to maximize their Combos and Block Clearing capabilities – all in all, it’s brilliant stuff! One of Guru’s fave launch titles on PS Vita, Lumines: Electronic Symphony totally rocks as a musical puzzler and is easily one of the best in the genre. Easy to pick up and play, but fiendishly difficult to master, this is an awesome, must-play Vita title!!!
SKYLANDERS: Spyro’s Adventure
PS3 / Xbox 360 / Wii / PC / 3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
The legendary purple dragon is back for more action, adventure, exploration and magic, in an awesome new fusion between toys and videogames. Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure introduces a new way to play, where you collect character figurines and then zap them into the virtual videogame world, where they come to life.
There are over 30 different characters players can control, all of which have unique abilities and strengths. Players can choose from the fiery Eruptor, crazy gold-slinger Trigger Happy, harpoon toting fish-head Gill Grunt, and of course, winged wonder Spyro the Dragon; just to name a few. The game itself is an exciting mix of fantasy-styled action which includes both Co-op and Versus Multiplayer mayhem. It all adds up to wicked fun for Spyro fans!
Skylanders is an innovative new way to play videogames which allows you to collect cool character figurines and then teleport them into the game via the Portal of Power so they can take an active role in the adventure. Guru hasn't had this much fun in ages and the collectible figures are great because each new one unlocks a character, item, or additional area of the game. Better still, all your character's stats remain magically inside the figurine, so you can rock up to a mate's house with your figures in tow, and continue your adventure even if they have Skylanders on a different console format! How awesome is that? You get to take your Skylander heroes wherever you go and all your hard work levelling them up stays with them, for real! All in all Guru thinks that we'll be seeing a whole lot more of Skylanders in the coming year - it's brilliant fun and one of the coolest gaming ideas in ages, so be sure to check it out!
SPYRO’S SKYLANDER SECRETS!!!
Guru delves deeper into the wild world of Skylanders…
Spyro’s new adventure takes the series in a whole new direction, introducing a bunch of heroic new characters with cool powers which can be added to the game by purchasing collectible figurines. A fusion of collectible toys and videogames, players collect figures (see some of the cool characters below) and then zap them into the videogame via the Portal of Power. Then these characters can then be played in a fantastic fantasy-styled action game. Each of these heroes has unique powers and abilities that will help you in the game. Check out Guru’s Game Guide below to get all the inside info on the Skylanders:
YOUR WICKED WARRIORS
Check out their incredible abilities…
SPYRO
Element: Magic Primary Attack: Fire Breath Secondary Attack: Horn Charge
Upgrades Include: Flight – Spread Fire – Aerial Head Bash
This legendary Purple Dragon has embarked on many adventures in the Dragon Realms and now heroically defends the Skylands from the forces of evil.
ERUPTOR
Element: Fire Primary Attack: Lava Lob Secondary Attack: Eruption
Upgrades Include: Magma Bombs – Volcanic Eruption – Lava Flow
This hot-headed Lava Creature is sure to erupt at the first sign of trouble. A volcanic force of nature, Eruptor’s a heroic hot-shot who’s burning for a fight.
GILL GRUNT
Element: Water Primary Attack: Harpoon Gun Secondary Attack: Water Cannon
Upgrades Include: Triple Harpoon Shot – Water Jet Pack – Water Launcher
There’s something a little bit fishy about this Harpoon toting Gill Guy. He hates Pirates (they kidnapped his Mermaid gal pal) and he never lets evil off the hook.
TRIGGER HAPPY
Element: Tech Primary Attack: Gold Coin Shooters Secondary Attack: Safe Cracker Bomb
Upgrades Include: Pot-of-Gold Bomb – Super Charged Gold Blasters – Gold Nugget Slinger
This kooky Goldslinger (as opposed to Gunslinger) shoots first and asks questions after. His origin is unknown, but there’s little doubt he’s a real golden blast!
IGNITOR
Element: Fire Primary Attack: Flaming Sword Secondary Attack: Fire Spirit
Upgrades Include: Blue Flame Fury – Fire Flourish – Armor Leap
Once a knight, who was fused to his magical suit of armor and transformed into a heroic Blazing Spirit, Ignitor is all fired up to protect the Skylands from evil.
WIPEOUT 2048
PS Vita
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Guru's always loved the WipeOut games! It's almost as if they were specifically created to show-off the latest and greatest PlayStation console. So the awesome PS Vita has landed, and of course, WipeOut tears onto the scene with thumping techno tracks, blistering speeds, and “edge of your seat” anti-grav racing! Slick and flashy thrills is what WipeOut 2048 is all about and fans of the series won't be disappointed with this gorgeous looking handheld version!
As you'd expect there's stacks of twisted tracks to race on, single player's a blast, but if you're looking for a real challenge, check out Vita’s Crossplay feature. This allows you to race head-to-head against other Vita and PS3 owners - wicked stuff! WipeOut 2048 makes a lively comeback delivering futuristic racing “thrills and spills” that just can’t be beat!!
KINECT RUSH: A Disney Pixar Adventure
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Ever wanted to star in a Pixar flick? Well, now you can with Kinect Rush! Using the magic of Kinect, players can scan themselves into the game, becoming a unique character exploring one of 5 Pixar worlds.
Team up with all your fave Pixar characters to solve puzzles and uncover all manner of hidden secrets. Disney-Pixar join forces with Kinect to bring some innovative “body moving” family entertainment to Xbox 360 – this one must be seen to be believed!
KID ICARUS: Uprising
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Guru knows that Nintendo fan-boys and fan-gals have been hanging out for a Kid Icarus game for absolutely ages! Well finally it's here, and now the little known hero Pit (a bow wielding angel) will be able to strut his stuff for the first time in almost a quarter of a century. Pit made his videogame debut in Kid Icarus on NES, and is now back with a vengeance in a fantastic new 3DS title, which is sure to set new standards in handheld gaming.
Having an angelic winged hero starring in the game sets the stage for lots of action-packed combat on land and in the air. Pit must do battle with the evil Medusa and her deadly Underworld Army, which sees him facing off with all manner of creepy creatures. The combat is fast and furious, and it's split into 'Air' and 'Land' battles. There’s also some great Multiplayer to be had, as well as AR Card support – which is truly awesome!
This blast from the past is a slick re-boot of a NES Classic, which will hopefully put winged hero Pit back on Nintendo's 'A' character list. Spectacular 3D visuals, action, adventure, and innovative controls make this one a must play for anyone with a 3DS - not to be missed!!!
Kinect STAR WARS
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Star Wars and Kinect – what a team!!! This is the one that all you budding Jedi out there have been waiting for! Now players can unleash their Dark Side simply by moving their bodies.
Kinect Star Wars offers something for everyone and while it’s not the greatest Star Wars game in the galaxy, there’s still more than enough fun for fans to get excited about!
SUPER POKEMON RUMBLE
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Calling all Pokemaniacs!!! Calling all Pokemaniacs!!! Has Guru got some AWESOME news for you! Super Pokemon Rumble is the first fully-fledged Pokemon game to be launched in 3D!
This brilliant brawler allows Pokemon Trainers to do battle using a powerful team of wind-up toy Pokemon. As you’d expect, there are a bunch of Pokemon to befriend and lead off into battle – with over 600 in all to discover.
Additionally, there’s a great collection of game modes including Battle Royale (last Pokemon standing wins), Team Battle, and of course Multiplayer modes. This one’s sure to hit the spot, until we get to experience the gaming goodness of the next (hopefully 3D) Pokemon RPG adventure that should appear later this year (Pokemon Grey anyone? or maybe… Pokemon Rainbow, as Nintendo have done nearly every other colour) – Guru just can’t wait!
This is a must play for all you Pokemaniacs out there, the first Pokemon game on 3DS – it’s totally awesome!
MARIO PARTY 9
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Mario and the gang are back for another Mushroom Kingdom flavoured smorgasboard of family fun. This is the 9th instalment in the Mario Party series and the mix of virtual board game and mini-game mayhem is still going strong!
It’s the perfect remedy for those rainy days. This time around a new Party Mode allows players to zoom around the board in one vehicle, taking turns in the Captain’s Chair, as well as, a frantic Boss Battle Mode which sees up to four players teaming up against a collection of Mario’s world famous Bosses, including his arch nemesis Bowser.
There’s even a Mini-Game Mode for those of you who’d prefer to ditch the board games and get straight into the action. Mario and the crew return for another entertaining board game adventure filled with cool Mini-Games and wicked Boss Battles – It’s fantastic family fun for everyone!!!
BOOM STREET
Wii
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Guru has little doubt most of you will have already played one of the many Mario Party games out there, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Aimed at a younger gamer crowd, the Mario Party titles are basically virtual board games starring Mario and Co, with a few mini-games and challenges thrown in for good measure.
Players can invest in property and shares, while playing as their own Mii, Mario, DK, or Bowser. Even those blue goopy guys from Dragon Quest are along for the ride! All in all, Boom Street is Nintendo’s spin on a virtual board game that’s fun for all ages – true gaming gold!!!
RATCHET & CLANK: All 4 One
PS3
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
There’s little doubt Ratchet & Clank’s latest, dubbed All 4 One, only gets better when you play it with family and friends. This action-packed 4-Way Co-Op, shoot ‘em up platformer, is sure to keep fans of the series happy, but it also gives them a chance to team-up and play with their mates. This time around, one of Doc Nefarious’ darstardly plans have gone off-the-rails and now he must bury the hatchet with his two worst goodie-two-shoes rivals – Ratchet (the yellow alien cat-creature known as a Lombax) and his best bud Clank (the robo side-kick), if they hope to save the Universe.
Throw in the bumbling blow-hard superhero Captain Quark for good measure, and you have a humorous platform adventure full of deadly obstacles, brain-busting puzzles, and death-defying boss battles! Each player takes control of a member of this heroic (and not so heroic) quartet and must work together to save the day. All 4 One is a cool new Co-Op twist on Ratchet & Clank’s ever popular gameplay formula – check it out and you’re sure to have some fun!
POKEPARK 2: Wonders Beyond
Wii
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Enter the wonderful world of Pokemon and embark on an amazing adventure with Pikachu, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.
These PokePals will need to use all their special PokePowers, if they hope to make their way through PokePark and discover the mysterious Wonders Beyond in this entertaining sequel.
It’s up to you to help Pikachu and his pals save the missing Pokemon and discover the many Attractions, Activities, and Boss Battles in the park. As you’d expect, you’ll also meet and befriend a ton of Pokemon too! Pikachu and his PokePals return for another fun-filled adventure in PokePark, where they must discover a mysterious new world and save the missing Pokemon - cool!
POWERUP HEROES
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Earth is under attack and it’s up to you (and your Xbox Avatar) to save the day in this wild Kinect twist on the legendary Smash Bros. Brawl! Players use their own personal Avatars and transform them into superheroes using awesome super-suits with unique abilities and powers. There are around 20 suits to collect, so expect a wide variety of superpowers at your disposal.
Players can do battle in single player, local multiplayer, and online multiplayer (both co-op and versus), and all of it is controller-free fighting action, all made possible, through the magic of Kinect! When it comes to beat ‘em up, slam ‘em down, brawl-tastic, 4-way multiplayer mayhem on Kinect, you can’t go past Powerup Heroes – it’s wicked fun for everyone!
LEGO HARRY POTTER: Years 5 - 7
Xbox 360 / PS3 / Wii / PC / 3DS / PS Vita / DS / PSP
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
The legendary boy wiz is back for his exciting final years at Hogwarts, with a nifty LEGO twist, of course! Join LEGO Harry and his friends as they perfect their wizardry skills and face the ultimate challenge - He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
As you'd expect, mixing LEGO with Harry Potter guarantees oodles of magical fun, with players exploring new settings like the Ministry of Magic and Godric’s Hollow, not to mention, learning powerful spells. You’ll also become a master at duelling, a must, if you hope to defeat Voldemort. Add tons of humour and a bunch of unlockable characters, and playing Harry has never been so much fun - It’s magic!
BIT.TRIP Saga
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
Being a huge fan of Retro Arcade Classics, it’s little wonder the Guru is such a huge fan of the Bit.Trip series of games, that have been available for a while now as downloads for the Wii and iDevices.
They bring back fond memories of blocky heroes (like Bit.Trip’s own, Commander Video), funk-a-delic bleep-bleep music (better known as Chip Tunes), and fiendishly challenging gameplay that’s simple to pick-up and play, but extremely difficult to master.
The series included six instalments: B.T Beat, B.T Flux, B.T Core, B.T Void, B.T Fate, and Guru’s all time fave, B.T Runner. Bit.Trip Saga brings all these brilliant games together on 3DS. A single cart of retro gaming goodness that can be played in 2D or 3D – groovy!
One of Guru’s fave retro-flavoured videogame series comes to 3DS with eye-popping visuals and slick new controls. Simple addictive gameplay, uber-cool chip tunes, and a compilation of all six Bit.Trip games, make this wickedly awesome!!!
SUPER MARIO 3D LAND
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
Mario returns for another cool platform adventure, and this time he’s going 3D!!! That’s right friends, through the magic of 3DS our favourite heroic plumber is delivering more cliff-hanging thrills than you can poke a Goomba at. The challenges will actually pop out at you while playing in 3D! Mario’s abilities are better than ever too – with the awesome Tanooki Suit making an appearance, and a cool Rolling Somersault Attack helping him lay the smackdown on enemies.
Throw in some new baddies like ink-spitting Piranha Plants and you’ve got a Mega Mario Marathon - Nintendo you’ve done it again – fantastic stuff!
CRUSH3D
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
One of Guru’s all time fave puzzlers makes its way to 3DS and there couldn’t be a better game suited to it. CRUSH3D has players switching from 3D to 2D and back again, changing your perspective, and helping you solve a series of brain-busting puzzles. Help Danny overcome a series of increasingly challenging obstacles and enemies – sounds simple, but it’ll CRUSH ya!!!
RAYMAN ORIGINS
Xbox 360 / PS3 / Wii
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
That little armless, legless hero Rayman is back, this time, in his very own adventure and there isn’t a Raving Rabbid to be seen! Going back to the series’ roots, Rayman Origins goes back to the beginning, delivering an awesome mix of “old school” 2D side-scrolling platform action, and slick high-def cartoon styled visuals.
Better still, this new Rayman adventure includes 4 Player, Jump In / Jump Out Co-Op, which means that up to three mates can join you on his latest quest. The additional players take control of Rayman’s best buddy Globox or one of two wizards called Teensies, that join in the fun. Featuring over 60 Levels of obstacles, challenges, enemies, and Bosses, not to mention, hidden secrets and alternate routes, spanning a dozen different environments – this is the platform adventure that all you Rayman fans have been waiting for!
MARIO & SONIC at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Wii / 3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
They’re at it again!!! That unstoppable mustashioed plumber and his speedy blue hedgehog rival are both battling it out for gold in the London Olympic Games! This latest instalment in the Mario vs Sonic series transports players to the 2012 Olympics in London, and allows them to choose from a bunch of videogame faves representing Team Sonic and Team Mario. They’re all here, ready to go for gold: Tails, Peach, Eggman, Bowser, Shadow, and Luigi. Competing in challenging Olympic Events like Athletics, Swimming, Soccer, and even Table Tennis. Best of all, for the first time ever, players will be able to experience all the sporting thrills in 3D on Nintendo’s 3DS – cool!
RAVING RABBIDS Alive & Kicking
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Those rowdy Rabbids are back, and this time they’re unleashing their own style of humour, carnage, and mayhem onto Kinect! That’s right folks, now Xbox 360 owners can play around with the Rabbids - without controllers – as they invade your own living rooms. You’ll get to interact with those bodacious bunnies as they pop up everywhere, causing all sorts of mischief!
In addition to the Rabbids taking over the family home, there are also a kooky collection of mini-games for you, your family, and friends to go wild in! Expect some really cool 4-way controller-less multiplayer, that’s sure to tickle your funny-bone. All in all, the Raving Rabbids are as crazy as ever and no fan will want to miss this wacky new instalment in their awesomely popular series of videogames!
STAR FOX 64 3D
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Considered one of the all time classics on N64, Lylat Wars (a.k.a. Star Fox 64 in the U.S.) was the first game cart to introduce players to Rumble Pak feedback in their gameplay, making those deep space dog-fights all the more realistic! Given a new lease on life on the 3DS, this re-vamped Star Fox port delivers some great aerial action for fans of the genre. The game looks a million dollars too, with polished up visuals and gameplay that really lends itself to 3D.
The space combat looks way cool, and Guru quickly discovered that in addition to the standard control system, Star Fox 64 3D can also be played using the Gyro Sensor. This means that pilots can fly their ship by moving around the 3DS! How cool is that? Add some frantic 4-way multiplayer battles (via DS Download Play – that is, you only need a single cart for multiplayer) and you have all the makings of a classic space shooter re-born - freakin' awesome!!!
APE ESCAPE
PS3 (PS Move)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Those funky monkeys are making their Move onto PS3, and that means tons of fun for everyone! This PS Move instalment of the ever popular Ape Escape sees those crazy space chimps invading Earth, and they’re driving Mankind absolutely bananas. It’s up to you to stop those pesky primates using the Move motion controller, which transforms on-screen, into a wide variety of groovy gadgets ranging from the Monkey Net and Slingshot, to the Banana Zapper, Smasher, and Ape Vacuum. Ape Escape’s filled with tons of monkey mayhem, there are even a couple of multiplayer mini-games in addition to Story Mode, and a huge Monkeypedia to check out – cool!
Wii PLAY: MOTION
Wii
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
It’s been a little while since Guru’s scored a new Wii title and Wii Play: Motion is just what the doctor ordered! A cool collection of crazy motion-controlled games, that are simple to pick up and play, and are best enjoyed with family and friends. In addition to the 12 challenging activities to check out (Guru’s faves being Nintendo’s take on Whack-A-Mole, and the brilliant Cone Zone which sees players teetering around with towering ice-cream cones), the bundle comes with a Wii Remote Plus controller, which is always a handy thing for multiplayer sessions. All in all, this one’s great fun for the younger gamers out there. But don’t let age stand in the way of having a great time!
DRIVER: San Francisco
Xbox 360 / PS3 / Wii / PC
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
If you’re looking for something more than your typical Arcade Racer, there’s little doubt that Driver: San Francisco will deliver in spades! In a genre that’s been done to death, it’s great to see some devs thinking outta the box, and you don’t get much further out, than the latest instalment in the Driver series. Once again you play detective John Tanner, except this time – and here’s the kicker – he’s in a coma. Stuck in a hospital bed, put there as a result of a crash, during the high speed pursuit of an escaped crime lord, it looks like Tanner will have to shift down a gear.
Lucky for him, the guys at Ubisoft Reflections invented “Shifting”, the body-hopping ability that lets Tanner (and You) seamlessly take possession (literally) of any Driver and their Vehicle on the Map. As cool as this all sounds, you won’t really understand the true brilliance of this concept until you face-off against seven of your mates, leap-frogging around the Map in the mayhem-filled multiplayer modes – it’s fast… furious, and freakin’ fantastic!!!
The Legend of ZELDA: Ocarina of Time 3D
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
The original N64 version is a legendary adventure classic and easily makes the cut as one of Guru’s Top 10 Videogames of All Time! Now Nintendo have brought Link’s greatest adventure to 3DS, showing-off just how incredible a gaming experience their new handheld console can deliver. While Ocarina of Time is over a decade old, the gameplay hasn’t lost any of its shine, with this 3D re-boot capturing all the charm and excitement of the original dungeon-crawling adventure. Better still, while the game itself has remained the same, all of the visuals and animations have been given the once over, making this amazing 3D version of the game the best-looking out there.
There are also some nice touches like the use of the 3DS Gyroscope to allow Link to look around the gameworld by moving the console, and Touch Screen control of the Map and Inventory on the Lower Screen. Other additions include an optional Hints & Tips Movie System which is unlocked with special stones found in the game (perfect for Newbies or younger gamers), a re-vamped Master Quest difficulty to re-play a harder version of the game, not to mention, a challenging Boss Battle Mode which allows players to face-off against the many cool Bosses, one after another.
Featuring an engaging storyline, and action and adventure that’s truly epic in scale; Ocarina of Time 3D introduces this incredible “blast from the past” to a whole new generation of gamers. In a word – AWESOME!!!
SHINOBI 3D
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
If you’re a fan of retro games, you’ll already have heard of Sega’s legendary ninja side-scrolling platformer, Shinobi. Well the good news is it’s being given a three-dimensional spin on 3DS, but will be keeping the classic 2D gameplay which made the original such a hit. Players can expect tons of martial arts combos, acrobatic attacks (both ranged and melee), not to mention, a big dose of powerful Ninja Magic!
CUBIC NINJA
3DS
Single Player
Rated: PG
WOW! Here’s a 3DS title Guru found irresistable, but that’s just how he rolls!!! But what do you expect when you mash together Ninjas, Puzzles, 3D visuals, and Tilt Control? Cubic Ninja sees players take control of a square little ninja dude who must overcome a series of dangerous obstacles and deadly enemies (like Woofbot and Scorchbot) which stand in his way while on his quest to save the Princess – it’s twisted, literally!
GREEN LANTERN: Rise of the Manhunters
Xbox 360 / PS3 / Wii / 3DS / DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Like comic-book superhero flicks, videogames based on these iconic characters have become a dime a dozen. What is surprising though, is when one sticks out as an entertaining beat ‘em up, when the title character isn’t one of the many “heavy hitters” of the comic world, like Superman, Spider-man, Batman, or X-Men.
Green Lantern may be one of the lesser-known comic-book heroes out there, but Guru found he really packs a punch, offering up bucket-loads of mindless sci-fi action wrapped in a tight green lycra bodysuit. There’s little doubt that we’ve been there and done that before. However, Green Lantern is still stacks of fun, especially when you team up with a mate and take ‘em along for the ride – check it out!
TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon
Xbox 360 / PS3 / Wii / 3DS / iPad
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: M (console) / PG (handheld)
Inspired by the latest blockbuster Transformers flick, Dark of the Moon makes for a pretty satisfying smash ‘em & bash ‘em videogame experience, as long as you’re not expecting too much. It’s all here; giant transforming robots, tons of action, huge explosions, and absolutely tons of destruction. This time around a new Robo Mode makes the cut – now players can choose between Robot Mode, Vehicle Mode, and the new Stealth Force Mode (a fusion of the first two) – which transforms their Mech into an “armed to the teeth” Deathmobile jam-packed with oodles and oodles of ammo. There’s even a cool co-op mode, if you want to mash Robos with a mate!
PORTAL 2
Xbox 360 / PS3 / PC
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Here’s a ripper little title that takes a well worn genre – the First Person Shooter (FPS) – and gives it a crazy, mind-bending puzzle twist. Forget about running around with huge guns blasting slimy alien invaders, WW2 soldiers, or intergalactic space marines! Portal 2 is all about thinking before you shoot, and hopefully, solving the series of physics-warping puzzles which are put forward by a computer A.I. called GLaDOS, which is nuttier than a fruit cake.
Players return as Chell, who’s been put on ice for several hundred years of stasis. When she awakens, Chell discovers GLaDOS is as looney as ever and once again must out-wit her crazed computer rival by solving increasingly complex platform / puzzle challenges using the incredible ASHPD, better known as the Portal Gun. Rather than shooting bullets, the ASHPD tears a hole in reality, creating a wormhole joining two points. By shooting the gun twice, players create an “in” portal and an “out” portal. Jump into the “in” portal and you’ll teleport to the “out” portal. Simple really… now all you have to do is survive a bunch of life threatening puzzle levels, which is easier said than done – brilliant!
LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean – The Video Game
PS3 / Xbox 360 / Wii / 3DS / DS / PSP
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Ahoy there me gamers!!! Here’s the latest and greatest LEGO game yet. An absolute treasure trove of laughs, action, platforming, combat and puzzles; for all of you to ‘sink ya teeth into, me mateys’! Throw in splashes of that wild LEGO humour and the funniest pirate on the planet, Captain Jack Sparrow, and you’ve got all the right ingredients to have some fun with your family and friends. The LEGO games have always impressed (Star Wars, Indy, Potter, and Batman, all totally ROCKED!) and Guru’s stoked that they’ve kept the ball rolling with LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean.
Join Captain Jack and his crazy crew of misfits on an exciting adventure that spans The Seven Seas. Explore and re-live LEGO-ised scenes from the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean films, laugh at the zany LEGO cinematics poking fun at the flicks, and then; find and collect stacks and stacks of LEGO Studs and hidden Mini-Kits. So grab your eye-patch, sword, and peg-leg (or a parrot if you’ve got one!), and any or all of your mates, and get set to walk the plank in what is probably the biggest pirate party ever!!!
PILOTWINGS Resort
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
Take to the skies in this legendary Nintendo classic that’s been re-vamped for 3DS. Piloting your own aircraft has never been this much fun, so get ready for a wild ride as you take over the controls in Pilotwings Resort. Players can choose from a hang glider, airplane, or rocket belt (basically a jet-pack BOOYAH!!!), to zoom off into the big blue sky over Wuhu Island. Each of these cool aircraft deliver their own style of flying, so be sure to check ‘em all out thoroughly.
The name of the game is to put in heaps of air time, get your flying skills up to scratch, and then blitz a bunch of challenging missions testing your piloting prowess. It’s stacks of fun too, with a ginormous bunch of entertaining aerial activities to master; everything from flying through rings to bursting balloons. You can even just kick back and enjoy cruisin’ the skies above this exotic tropical isle, soaking up the incredible 3D scenery. So grab your pilotwings, your 3DS, and take off on a high-flying adventure. Up, up, and away!!!
PES 2011: Pro Evolution Soccer 3D
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Pro Evo Soccer makes the leap to 3D, in the first soccer title on the 3DS. Featuring Local Multiplayer matches and StreetPass challenges, players can mix it up with their mates. Soccer fans are going to go wild over this handheld slice of sports gaming action – cool!
DEAD OR ALIVE Dimensions
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Fans of fighting games will already know the awesomeness of the D.O.A. series, which now takes gameplay to the next dimension on 3DS! Featuring a duo of Multiplayer goodness with Local and Internet VS / Co-Op play, not to mention, downloadable content via StreetPass and SpotPass, this is a fantastic handheld version of the classic beat ‘em up, ideal for you older gamers out there!
DRAGON QUEST IV: Realms of Reverie
DS / DSi
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
If old-school Role Playing Games (RPGs) are your bag, you’ll have stacks of fun in this 3D take on the Dragon Quest series. You know the drill, explore strange lands, put together a powerful party of adventurers, and do battle with all manner of bloodthirsty monsters in an exciting journey that spans two worlds.
STEELDIVER
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
You’re captain of a submarine, embarking on underwater missions and engaging the enemy in hostile waters. Use the 3DS Gyro Sensor to simulate your periscope, rotating your view, as you take aim and fire a volley of torpedoes at enemy targets. Delivering a 3D underwater experience like no other, you’ll think you’re Capt. Nemo!
POKEMON Black & White
DS / DSi / DSXL
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Calling all you Pokemaniacs, it’s time to party, ‘coz the latest Pokemon game is here!!! It’s bigger and better than previous re-boots of the series, and it also has more new content than Guru’s ever seen in a Pokemon sequel. Now it’s no secret Game Guru’s a huge fan of this hit series, so he’s always excited when a new Pokemon title comes his way. But this time he was blown away by the sheer amount of new content that has been jammed into that little cart!
For starters, Pokemon Black & White version sports over 150 new Pokemon which we’ve never seen before. If that wasn’t enough, it also delivers a brand new region to explore called Unova, complete with urban cityscapes like Castelia City. There are even version exclusive areas to explore like Black City (Black vers.) and White Forest (White vers.), which are located in the same place on the map.
Throw in changing seasons (which can actually affect Pokemon) and an awesome pair of Legendary Pokemon, Zekrom (White vers.) and Reshiram (Black vers.) and you’re onto a winner! Best of all, there’s an absolute stack of online, wi-fi, and multiplayer options, including 4-way video-chat with friends – it’s utterly amazing; making Black & White the best Pokemon game ever!!!
SESAME ST: Once Upon A Monster
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Here’s a quirky Sesame Street title for Kinect that’s jam-packed with humor and fun for everyone! Best suited to younger gamers, players will join Elmo, Cookie Monster, and their monsterous mates, for tons of Storybook adventures. So move your body and play with the Sesame Street crew in the entertaining Once Upon A Monster!
KIRBY’S EPIC YARN
Wii
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Well, Nintendo have done it again, pulling another awesome Wii platformer outta the bag with Kirby’s Epic Yarn! When it comes to “old school” 2D side-scrolling platform action, nobody does it better than Nintendo, and they’ve given that ultra-cute pink puffball Kirby a whole new lease on life, by giving him a cool new look.
Inspired by fabric, textiles, wool, string, and cotton; they’ve stitched together a unique world, awesome bosses, and a morphing hero made from pink twine. Gone are Kirby’s suck ‘n spit copy attack abilities, in favour for full-on morping transformations. Now Kirby can turn into a UFO, a Firetruck, and even a Dolphin, to use their special abilities against obstacles and enemies. This is one of the most incredible looking games released this year, making it a must for anyone who enjoys platformers!!!
DANCE CENTRAL
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
If you’re looking for a Kinect party game that allows you to get down and boogie, Dance Central is one of the best around. Sporting a great selection of music tracks and true full-body dance control, there’s as much fun to be had (if not more) watching the wanna-be “dancers”, than actually playing the game – wicked fun!
KINECT JOY RIDE
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Kinect Joy Ride is a crazy little racer in a similar vein to Mod Nation Racers or Mario Kart! The only difference here is, Kinect will have you clutching an imaginary “steering wheel”, which is a pretty bizarre experience the first time you play! It’s fun though, and that’s what counts! So if you’re after some fast, stunt-filled, driving action this might fit the bill!
THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G (console) / PG (handheld)
The “King of Pop” gets the Kinect treatment, and fans are delivered the ultimate Michael Jackson experience. Dance like him… Sing like him… Kinect allows you to Moonwalk into Jacko’s world for a day! Jam-packed with all of his hits, The Michael Jackson Experience is a must play for fans of his legendary music and performances!
ANIMAL CROSSING
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
One of Nintendo’s all time faves gets the 3D treatment and Guru’s gotta say he likes what he sees! Players become a part of a community of talking animals and live a wonderful virtual life. Make friends with the townspeople and your neighbours, send letters, give gifts, do favours, and have tons of fun, in this charming 3DS game.
COMBAT OF GIANTS: Dinosaurs 3D
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
The Combat of Giants series is back for another prehistoric brawl of epic proportions – this time in 3D! Previously, we’ve fought with Dinos, Dragons, and Mutant Insects, but this 3DS instalment returns to the Jurassic classic of huge terrible lizards in all their glory. This is frantic beat ‘em up action at its best – COG is monsterous fun!
LEGO STAR WARS III: The Clone Wars
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
Guru’s always been a huge fan of the LEGO series of games, and LEGO Star Wars III is no different! Taking inspiration from The Clone Wars animated series, players get to take control of their fave LEGO-ized characters and do battle in the Star Wars universe. As you’d expect there’s tons of hilarious LEGO-styled cut-scenes, lots of exploration and collection, not to mention, truckloads of platforming action!
Like the previous LEGO Star Wars games, the characters all have unique abilities to help solve puzzles and reach “hard-to-get” areas. Additionally, some awesome space combat levels have been thrown into the mix… oh, and did I mention it’s in glorious 3D? This is a must for Star Wars fans on the go – the Force is strong in this wildly entertaining 3DS game!
Tom Clancy’s GHOST RECON: Shadow Wars
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Taking a healthy dose of inspiration from two of the biggest blockbuster DS “strategy & tactics” titles (Fire Emblem & Advance Wars), Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars brings Turn Based Strategy to the 3DS! Sporting a hi-tech Tom Clancy styled storyline, players take control of highly trained covert operatives known as Ghosts. They’ll embark on a series of missions deep into enemy territory, and it’s up to you to ensure they meet their mission objectives and come out alive.
Working on a grid-like system of terrain, players must strategically move their units/operatives, take out enemies, and fulfill their objectives; on a turn-by-turn basis. To succeed in their missions, players will need to take into account “line of sight/fire”, the layout of the battlefield, and the position and strength of opposing units. Shadow Wars delivers a challenging mix of strategy and tactics, which is sure to be a hit with fans of this genre!
RIDGE RACER 3D
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a full-blown “need for speed” or you just love hooning around wildly twisted circuits in true arcade style, Ridge Racer 3D is sure to deliver the adrenaline-charged thrills and spills that you’ve been waiting for! Of all of the 3DS titles, this one really utilises 3D in a practical sense, helping racers to gauge their drifts through crazy twists and turns, while calculating the distance of your opponents.
As you’d expect, there’s a tasty selection of circuits and game modes, not to mention, a “credit system” which earns players “points” for racing. These “points” can be used to score new “cars” and “upgrades”, which is great incentive for winning races! Add some blistering 4-way multiplayer mayhem in the head-to-head races and there’s little doubt that Ridge Racer 3D is a winner when it comes to handheld racers – it’s pure turbo-charged awesome!!!
KINECTIMALS
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single Player
Rated: G
We’ve all seen virtual pet games before, but Kinectimals takes things to a whole new level. Players can interact with a handful of cute cubs (Panther, Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah) in an entertaining animal adventure. There are stacks of challenges for you and your cub and it’s amazing how Kinect allows players to pet and play with their pets. You can even circle around them in the virtual world – totally awesome!!!
KINECT ADVENTURES!
Xbox 360 (Kinect)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
If you like extreme sports challenges, you’re gonna love this energetic mini-game adventure. Players will wave their arms and legs, and jump all over the place in exciting challenges like River Rush, Space Pop, Reflex Ridge, and 20,000 Leaks. Add a mate for extra entertainment, and you’ll both be screaming with laughter!
NINTENDOGS+CATS
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
WOW!!! If you thought that Nintendogs was an awesome spin on the whole virtual pets craze, just wait till you get your hands on Nintendogs+Cats on 3DS. Not only do the pets look and act like real pets, they’ve also got a true 3D feel. You won’t believe it when Kitty or Pup hangs it’s little paws over the edge of the screen – amazing!
PAPER MARIO
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
One of Mario’s best gets the 3D treatment. If you’re into platform adventure games it doesn’t get much better than this! The unique paper cut-out style is perfect for the 3D platform and the visuals look truly amazing. This is easily one of the best 3DS games out there – don’t miss it!
RAYMAN 3D
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
Finally!!! Rayman returns in his most epic adventure, a re-boot of the blockbuster hit Rayman 2, which was originally released on Dreamcast. It’s been given an impressive 3D spin and the visuals look a million dollars. Guru’s really missed Rayman and all his antics, so if you’re into platform adventures, this one’s a must!
SUPER STREET FIGHTER IV: 3D Edition
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
One of Capcom’s awesomest beat ‘em ups ever comes to 3DS sporting incredible manga styled visuals and a ginormous roster of 35 brilliant fighters. All your faves are here, everyone from Ken, Ryu, Cammy and Chun-Li, to Vega, Honda, Guile and Blanka. Best of all it’s up to you if you want to play in classic 2D or amazing 3D!!!
MARIO vs DONKEY KONG Mini-Land Mayhem!
DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Age old rivals Mario and Donkey Kong face-off once again in an exciting mix of action and puzzles on DS. It’s the grand opening of Mario’s theme park and the first 100 visitors get a free mini Pauline toy. As luck would have it, DK is visitor 101, so he misses out! No way, DK figures he may as well grab the real thing. So with Pauline in tow, DK causes all sorts of mayhem in the park and it’s up to Mario and his Minis to stop him. Using the stylus, players must place girders, springs, ladders, pipes, and conveyor belts to guide the Mini Marios to the exit of each level. It’s challenging fun, and you can even create and share your very own levels – you’ll love it!
de BLOB 2
PS3 / Xbox 360 / Wii / DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
One of Wii’s all time greatest hits, a colourful Aussie grown platformer, has finally been given the HD treatment. That’s right folks, deBlob’s back and he’s ready to paint the town red… yellow, blue, orange,purple, and green!!! The good news is that our heroic colour crusader is just as cheeky as ever; he’s brimming with attitude and humour and he’s ready to party on Xbox 360 and PS3 too. This means the brightest, sharpest, and most colourful cartoon visuals you’ve ever seen, not to mention, the PS3 packs in optional 3D and PS Move controls.
LEGO Ninjago: The Videogame
DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
GO NINJA, GO NINJA, GO NINJA… GO!!! Guru’s a huge fan of the LEGO series of videogames and here’s the latest based on LEGO’s new Ninjago line of building blocks. The game is an action-packed follow-up to LEGO Battles on DS and it’s an awesomely entertaining adventure. LEGO and Ninjas - what a mix! So Guru figured he'd try his hand at Spinjitsu and found himself in Chop Sockey Heaven!
LEGO Ninjago is the action-packed follow-up to the handheld Real Time Strategy (RTS) game LEGO Battles. Guru loved getting all Medieval in the original, so it was with much excitement that he dove into this Ninja-fied spin on the LEGO series. The good news for fans is, that the winning formula played in Battles returns, with an uber-cool martial arts flavour! Players will embark on a series of campaign missions (42 in all) guided by an ancient master of Spinjitzu – Sensei Wu. Through the course of the game players will learn the art of Spinjitzu and build an army of LEGO Heroes (chosen from 30 unique characters) to do battle with the evil Lord Garmadon and his skeletal minions.
As with all LEGO titles, it’s all about “Building & Playing”, so players get to Create and Upgrade their Units, collect LEGO Studs and Mini-Kits, and unlock hidden Heroes as they explore the LEGO environment. You can even choose some wicked multiplayer mayhem, battling it out against your mates. If you’re a LEGO videogame fan you won’t want to miss it!
OKAMIDEN
DS
Single Player
Rated: PG
Okami was a brilliant videogame which took adventure to new artistic heights on PS2 and Wii! Sporting a vibrant Japanese inspired visual and audio style, not to mention, a unique magic paint brush play mechanic; Okami was easily one of the most memorable videogame experiences of the last decade.
Now this fantastic gameplay can be experienced on DS, in a new sequel called Okamiden. Still sporting a slick Japanese flavour, Okamiden has been given a healthy dose of cuteness in keeping with the DS format. It takes place after the events of Okami and follows the heroic exploits of a young Sun God (in the form of a Wolf pup) who is summoned to restore peace to the land. Using the DS Stylus as the magic Celestial Brush works a treat, making this a must for DS adventure fans everywhere – awesome stuff!
MOTORSTORM Apocalypse
PS3
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
When it comes to off-road arcade-styled racing thrills, it doesn’t get much better than the MotorStorm series on PS3. This latest sequel dubbed Apocalypse takes things in a new, completely over-the-top direction, which is sure to inject a healthy dose of excitement into the genre. Gone are the dust-bowls and jungles of previous instalments, replaced by an archaic coastal city which is being ravaged by a devastating natural disaster. What better backdrop for one of the most treacherous racing comps on the planet? Players can expect real-time destruction with evolving routes, stacks of motorised mayhem, and tons of turbo-charged car-nage – Guru lapped it up big time!!!
EPIC MICKEY
Wii
Single Player
Rated: PG
Mickey Mouse isn't really a character that comes to mind when thinking about videogame heroes, but Disney have done a pretty good job of making him one, in Epic Mickey. With a vibe that's darker and more gritty than Disney's usual fare, players are transported to the Wasteland, an alternate Disney universe.
Sporting a mix of 2D and 3D platforming action, and Mickey's unique paint and thinner abilities, Epic Mickey brings a brand new twist to Disney-styled adventures. Allowing Mickey to change the environment in Wasteland, making objects appear and disappear by using paint and thinner is inspired. It also adds some much needed originality, to what is essentially your typical platform adventure - great stuff!
THE SLY TRILOGY
PS3 (PS Move functions)
Single Player
Rated: PG
Stealthy Sly Cooper is the criminal mastermind behind countless legendary heists and gross acts of thievery! He's the most famous (or is that, infamous?) anti-hero in the racoon world, and with the help of his partners in crime, Bentley the Turtle (the brains) and Murray the Hippo (the brawn), he's entertained PS2 owners in a trio of thrilling adventures.
Now Sly and his band of merry thieves have been given the HD treatment - not to mention, 3D 'o vision too - and has set his sights on PS3! Sly has never looked so flash, sporting vibrant Hi Def colours and tons of detail, along with some PS Move mini-games thrown in for good measure. It all comes together as an entertaining collection of platformers (Sly Racoon, Band of Thieves, and Honour Among Thieves) delivered on a single Blu-Ray disc. Filled with action, humour, and thrills, The Sly Trilogy is ideal for gamers of all ages - brilliant fun!
DONKEY KONG COUNTRY RETURNS
Wii
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
If you're looking for some platforming monkey business that's full of crazy challenges, bosses, and adventure, Donkey Kong's just the ape to help you get your game-on! Join the irrepressible DK and his bodacious banana buddy Diddy, as they embark on a jungle adventure that's guaranteed to entertain. Jam-packed with platforming mayhem, vine-swinging shinanigans, and mine-carting madness, this crazy videogame only gets better when a mate joins in the fun in the 2-player co-op mode!!!
Those troublesome Tiki's are up to no good, controlling the innocent animals on Donkey Kong Island to get them to raid DK's precious banana stash. As you'd expect the King of Kong is not amused, so with Diddy in tow he heads off on a quest to get 'em all back! Armed with cool moves like DK's Ground Pound and Diddy's Peanut Pop Guns, these funky monkeys are going to lay the smackdown on those terrible Tikis!
SUPER MONKEY BALL 3D
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
If you’re looking for some monkey mischief and love your “tilt & roll” puzzle games, why not join AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon, and Baby for some wild 3D hi-jinks which are sure to drive you bananas!!!
Super Monkey Ball 3D delivers the traditional fast-twitch rolly-polly puzzle mayhem that we’ve all come to expect from the series. There are absolutely stacks of challenging puzzle tables to roll your monkeys around in, and through the magic of 3DS, they look absolutely stunning. It’s a breeze to control too, using the in-built 3DS motion sensor or the nifty Slide Pad. Either way, you’re gonna have a whole lotta fun!
In addition to the mind-melting puzzles, there’s also some fantastic 4-way multiplayer action to be had. These include a wacky monkey-styled kart racer inspired by the cult classic Mario Kart, and an entertaining “last monkey standing” Battle Royale brawler that’s jam-packed with 3D biffo action – groovy! So grab your mates and your monkeys, and roll out for some fabulous frenzied fun!!!
DJ HERO 3D
3DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
We never expected that we’d see ourselves scratching and mixing it up on 3DS, but after taking it for a spin we’ve gotta say that DJ Hero 3D totally ROCKS! Maybe the experience isn’t as realistic as using the DJ Hero Deck Controller, but it more than makes up for it in funky beats and eye-pulsing 3D visuals – cool!
RABBIDS 3D
3DS
Single Player
Rated: G
BBWWAAAHHHHH!!!!! The Rabbids are back with another truck-load of crazy
time-travelling platform antics that are sure to tickle your funny bone! Wreak havoc through history in this hilarious side-scrolling platform adventure, and customise your bunny buddies with over 40 hip historical costumes – it’s a blast!
SUPER MARIO ALL-STARS: 25th Anniversary Edition
Wii
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
To celebrate Mario’s 25th Anniversary (that’s right folks, it’s been 25 years since Mario first appeared on the videogame scene), Nintendo have gone all out to create an awesome Collector’s Edition of classic Mario titles on Wii. Retro nuts will go wild over these chunk-a-delic, pixel-tronic platformers which still offer challenges a plenty, for anyone game enough to try!
While “old school” visuals may not impress by today’s standards, these 2D gems have tons of charm and are so hardcore they will at times punish even the most seasoned gamer. Included on the disc are the three legendary NES games that started it all, Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, & 3, not to mention, Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels. If that wasn’t enough, a way-cool Mario Soundtrack CD also comes in the package, as does a 32 page booklet on the history of Super Mario Bros. making it a must have for Mario fans!
THE SHOOT
PS3 (PS Move)
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: PG
Here’s a ripper Point & Shoot title that really shows off the fun that can be had with Sony’s new PS Move controller. It’s arcade action all the way; as you blast through a bunch of mayhem filled action-movie sets, to show off your shooting skillz and nab the legendary title of Ultimate Action Star.
Everything’s destructible and every set has a new theme with unique enemies, everything from Robots and Cowboys, to bad-guy Gangsters. Guru’s played similar games on Wii, but nothing has looked this slick due to the tight controls and vibrant HD visuals that PS3 has on offer. So if you’re looking for an over-the-top blast-fest, The Shoot might just hit the spot!
PROFESSOR LAYTON & The Lost Future
DS / DSi
Single Player
Rated: PG
Prof. Layton is back with his loyal assistant Luke, and they’re heading off on another
brain-teasing adventure, their third on DS. Sporting a charming anime style, some great voiceovers, and a stack of challenging puzzles (over 165, in all) which are woven into the time-twisting storyline, this is the same tried and tested formula which made the previous Prof. Layton games so entertaining.
This time around, the mystery involves a confounding letter that Luke from ten years in the future sends to Luke in the present day. Of course this all leads to lots of exploration, conversations with kooky characters, and ultimately puzzles. Lots of them, and they only get more challenging as they game progresses. The Lost Future is the perfect way to give your mental muscles a thorough workout – fantastic stuff!
NEED FOR SPEED: Hot Pursuit
PS3 / Xbox 360 / Wii / PC
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Anyone that reads Guru's blogs would know he's a huge fan of the BurnOut series of arcade racers. He’s been playing them right from the start, and they’ve only gotten better as the years have gone by. Guru just can’t get enough of the over-the-top car-nage and thrills that these games offer.
So it’s no surprise, that when it was announced that Criterion Games (the devs behind BurnOut) were the new creative force driving the latest Need For Speed title, he was hanging to jump in the driver’s seat and take it for a test drive. The good news is that Hot Pursuit is a lightning fast, adrenaline-charged race experience. It’s jam-packed with cool cars and has been fuel-injected with tons more excitement! It was total genius letting players go crazy online, in head-to-head multiplayer matches that see drivers on both sides of the law (Street Racers & Pursuit Cops), battle it out for sportscar surpremacy - AWESOME!!!
SONIC COLOURS
Wii / DS
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
Now while Sonic Colours does have a few of the gimmicks we've been seeing of late, like his funky “Colour Powers” which the heroic hedgehog can unleash by collecting coloured Wisps, this game is still all about platforming and speed - which is a good thing!
The darstardly Dr. Eggman’s up to his old tricks again. He’s built a massive Interstellar Theme Park and has kidnapped an entire alien race – known as Wisps – to power his diabolical plans for world domination. It’s up to you, to take control of Sonic and race your way through a series of challenging levels to stop him. The gameplay in Sonic Colours is fast and furious, flipping the platform mayhem between 3D and “old school” 2D, offering the best of both worlds, for all you Sonic fans out there!
LittleBigPlanet 2
PS3
Single & Multiplayer
Rated: G
If you’re anything like the Guru, you’ve probably always dreamed about making your own videogames! In recent times, there have been several games that did a pretty good job of allowing players to create their own characters and levels (the original LittleBigPlanet and ModNation Racers are great examples), then show them off for the whole world to see and play.
LittleBigPlanet 2 kicks things up to the next level with an in-built Game Creator featuring powerful tools that allow you to make whole games, not just levels. Sack Boy and Sack Girl are back with a brand new Story Mode that’s jam-packed with puzzles, challenges, and absolutely tons of crazy entertainment. Once again, friends and family can join in the fun, and you’ll be able to share your creations with other LBP fans, not to mention, download and check out theirs – wicked!
This is AWESOME with a capital "A"!!! LBP2 may very well be the best PS3 game (hell, probably the best console game) ever made! That’s a bold statement from the Guru, but with something this innovative and creative, it'll take a whole lot of Gaming Goodness to pip Sack Boy from the Crown - Fantastic Stuff!
The Legend of Zelda: SKYWARD SWORD
Wii
Single Player
Rated: M (recommended for older gamer kids)
It’s been almost 25 years since Link first drew his sword and set off on a dungeon crawling adventure in The Legend of Zelda on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Zelda series has been hugely successful, selling millions of copies worldwide. Each instalment has always been an epic gameplay experience, and Skyward Sword on Wii is no different with Nintendo trying their darndest to top the massive blockbuster, Twilight Princess.
This time around, the game requires the Wii MotionPlus accessory, or one of the new Wii Remote Plus controllers which come with it built in. This makes for the best controls in a Zelda game yet, with Link’s sword strokes matching the player’s motions exactly. You’ll also use cool motions to toss Bombs, fire a Bow, and even use a Whip. As you’d expect, the story is a truly epic one, of Link’s greatest yet, and the game even sports a totally new look, pushing the Wii's visuals to its limits! All in all, this is easily one of Nintendo’s must play titles of the year, for fans and newbies alike. Just keep in mind the "M" classification and ask your parents if you're unsure of its suitability.
Skyward Sword is an awesome acvhievement and one of the best adventure titles available on Wii!
