The story for Kane & Lynch 2 picks up a little while after the events of Dead Men. Lynch has settled in Shanghai, but calls up his old buddy Kane when he is offered the deal of a lifetime. As expected, the deal goes a little south and gunfights and treachery ensue. On the whole, it’s a relatively forgetful story, but the voice acting is superb and keeps you intrigued enough to blast your way until the end.

Following behind the formula of Dead Men, Dog Days allows the campaign to be played via split-screen or online with a friend. The gameplay has been refined since the last outing, as the controls are tighter and the cover system has been reworked, as it now uses a command for cover, rather than relying on the automatic ‘sticky’ cover.

The weapons are also a lot more varied, giving players the chance to use a multitude of shotguns, rifles and pistols. There are however no grenades, but both characters can grab and throw propane tanks and fire extinguishers which you will then have to shoot for the explosively big bang.

The multiplayer component is also handled with more care this time, giving the online modes a little polish. The most attractive mode being Fragile Alliance (which returns from Dead Men), in which players must try reach a getaway van while holding off cops. What makes it interesting is that at any time, one of your teammates could turn on you and kill you, therefore taking your share of the cash. But every wrong has a right, and if killed, you respawn as a cop to get your revenge.

Kane & Lynch 2’s standout feature is definitely its visual style. The base graphics and models have been beefed-up, but it’s the Michael Mann inspired presentation that steals the show. The camera acts as a hand-held camcorder throughout the game, which shakes violently and distorts when the player is shot or explosions are near. The camera even blurs out certain elements which are ‘too gory’. The visuals sometimes hamper the odd precision shot here and there, but overall ii is incredibly unique, which improves the game and context dramatically.

As unlikable, Kane and Lynch may be as characters, there’s something about them that keeps us coming back for more. Dog Days is a substantial improvement on the original game and introduces the right gameplay mechanics and visual additions that are definitely taking the series in the right direction.

Last year, Madden 10 introduced some new gameplay mechanics, such as a large amount of new tactics and strategies that are available for selection after play, as well as improved animation technologies that allow up to nine players to be involved in tackles and fumble sections where players must fight for the loose ball, as well as more streamlined and realistic player momentum and interactions. Madden 11 goes with the “if it aint broke, don’t fix it” mentality by sticking with the in-game action for the most part. However, a new tweak has been incorporated to make the game itself more accessible.

The new GameFlow mechanic allows players to choose the most viable and effective play for the moment. This helps players slightly unfamiliar with the sport (and Madden franchise) to jump into some gridiron action with ease. When the GameFlow selection is activated, headset voice commands guide you through on how you should attack, or defend. This really does add some depth to the already impressive gameplay, but more importantly allows casual players to really engage with the rules and plays of Madden.

Another new game mode is the inclusion of Online Team Play, which allows for 3 versus 3 co-operative matches. This, with addition to the GameFlow system, is really pushing the series where it needs to go, and it’s a welcomed feature this year.

Madden has always been one for great presentation and this year it’s no different. The already impressive graphics and animations from yesteryear’s are amped up with heightened detail and smoother movements and motions. Players act uniquely and differently to tackles, cut scenes show unparalleled realism and even halftime and post game shows are incorporated with official commentary and game summaries which all contribute to the atmosphere.

At the end of the day, Madden 11 is another annual release. However, in the same breath it’s something completely new, thanks to the GameFlow mechanic, which allows Madden to be faster, more accessible and better than ever before. Any fans of the series should check out the new options the game modes make available; and if you already own Madden 11 – game on!

SBK 10 offers a slightly different approach to the series. At the get-go, the menu system is somewhat similar to what is found in Dirt 2 in terms of how it functions from a first person perspective, which It instantly creates a more immersive atmosphere for the player.

SBK 10 tries hard to cater for a wider gaming audience, whether you are into racing motorbikes or not. There is a strong emphasis on the different options that the game offers, which allows for many different ways to change the game’s difficulty settings. Enthusiast gamers will still feel at home with SBK10 as well offer newcomers a good start. Overall there are 5 realism settings that range from arcade to full simulation. You are also able to tinker with another 15 settings such as rider weight, bike damage, tyre wear, brake differentiation and so on. There are plenty more settings and options to play with after you have selected your level of simulation and opponent difficulty.

The graphics are fairly good, the detail of each rider, their bikes and the inside of their garages are well detailed. The tracks could do with some more textures and objects in the environment, but otherwise, it has the best visuals of any Superbike game. There are also some small added visual effects such as flames that burst from the exhaust when changing gear. After a few falls, your rider’s leathers will also show the evidence that you are still trying to perfect a couple more corners before making it to the podium. As usual, there are all the official SBK tracks and team riders to choose from, adding some authenticity to the racing experience.

The game offers three main modes of play: Arcade, Simualtion and Multiplayer. Arcade and Simulation both offer a championship mode where you begin your career by customizing your rider’s looks, riding style and weight which will affect how you take corners. Simulation offers career and championship modes, where you will choose from one of the twenty world class teams to ride for. The different teams have their specific bike manufacturers, and each manufacturer will have bikes with different weights and power outputs. The rider and manufacturer you pick will determine your future upgrades and riding ability as each is rated according to overall experience, knowledge and reliability.

There is also the option to start your career in either one of the three classes which are Superstock, Supersport and the big time Superbike. Ideally you should start at Superstock, work your way to Supersport and then get stuck into Superbike to be able get used to the playing mechanics as the game is extremely challenging when in simulation mode.

The degree of bike tuning is really immense. Between races, you have the option to speak to your team engineer where he will give you the latest tips for the current race, what tyre profile is best suited for each track and the telemetry for each which you can save and load at anytime you wish. Your bike’s settings such as the suspension dampening, steering angle, gear ratios, chain adjustment, brake power and tyre profiles can all be fiddled with or carefully adjusted to get the most optimum settings for each race.

The soundtrack in the game is super, as the fantastic mix of rock and electro is well chosen, which adds perfectly to the overall attitude of the game. The different engine sounds have been captured extremely well, choosing a v-twin Ducati sounds exactly as it should along with the rival 4-cylinder Japanese bikes.

SBK 10 is definitely the most advanced Superbike title to date. It has absolutely everything a hardcore SBK fan would want from a two-wheel racing game, as well the options for any casual gamer to just pick it up and play with ease.

So Lego Harry Potter covers the first few escapades that Harry has at school, including the events from The Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban and the Goblet of Fire. The main events and ‘boss fights’ are all in there and you’ll encounter all the familiar faces that you’d expect to, except they’ll be made of Lego.

Although Lego Harry Potter is based around the story elements of the books/films, the game is centered on exploration elements and collecting items, and there is a lot to collect. While traversing throughout Hogwarts, players can smash and interact with objects using wands or spells in order to complete objectives, unlock areas and grab collectibles.

Another big part of the game is learning, using and gathering spells as they become the main components to solve puzzles, help with objectives and every now and then blast enemies. Players can also create potions to achieve certain objectives. The correct ingredients need to be found and the outcomes (whether good or bad) are often really funny.

Although single Lego pieces appear simplistic and dull, everyone knows that magic can be made when tons are put together, and Lego Harry Potter really is a testament to this. The game looks awesome with great visuals and a whole bunch of creative re-imagining using the Lego universe. A concurrent element of the Lego video game series is the omission of speech, and this is a good thing as it makes the humour and funny gestures really shine throughout the game.

Lego Harry Potter has made the series fun again with an enjoyable story mode and a wealth of side-missions, but the majority of the fun comes in platforming, smashing and collecting stuff, and that fact that there’s  co-op makes it all the more appealing.  So even though Harry Potter would probably be about 24 years old now, hitting on some young Hogwarts girls in a Wizardry nightclub, the legend still lives on through the world’s favourite plastic blocks.

Shrek Forever After follows the timeline and story of the film, whereby Shrek has become a little disenchanted with his comfortable family life and longs for the days where he felt like a ‘true orge’. In order to try and re-instil this lost passion, Shrek signs a contract with Rumpelstiltskin, who tricks Shrek into going into a parallel dimension, where Rumpelstiltskin rules Far Away and everything’s basically gone to hell. The premise of the film and game are not that bad, but the game doesn’t manage to convey the narrative well, as slightly unpolished in-game cut scenes and one-liners can’t really carry a story.

Gameplay wise, Shrek Forever After is a combination of different genres. Although each genre isn’t captivatingly deep, the game manages to combine beat-em-up mechanics with puzzle/platforming elements to create a well-rounded experience. Players have the ability to switch between Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and Puss in Boots on the fly. Each character has his/her own strengths, such as Shrek being able to pick up heavy objects and Puss being able to climb. Each of the characters’ abilities must be effectively used to solve puzzles, as well as their fighting strengths used to take out enemies. Overall, it feels like a complete adventure experience, however each part of the game could have used a little bit more time in the oven.

Although Shrek is seen as a ‘big ugly ogre’ (Mike Myers voice), the films have always brought some gorgeous visuals and animations, but the game seems a little lacklustre in this department. While the character models are nicely presented, the levels and environments seem a little bland. We’re not expecting Uncharted 2 here, but the games deserve a little more given the movie’s sparkle.

Shrek Forever After isn’t a bad game, it’s just not a good game for gamers. Younger audiences and Shrek fanatics will get their fix however, as the elementary control system, fun puzzles and variety of characters will please them throughout the story.

Singularity kicks off sometime during the 1950’s, where Russian experiments with a mysterious element known as E-99 were taking place on Katorga-12, an island which technically doesn’t exist. After a disaster known as the “Singularity” occurs, the island is covered up and omitted from history. Jump to 2010 – This is where things get interesting, as you take control of Nate Renko, Black Ops specialist whose helicopter goes down on the supposedly non-existent island. Renko learns the island is constantly shifting between the 50’s and 2010. While a brief stint in the 50’s Renko saves a man who should’ve died. Jump back to 2010 and this man has now become a fascist world leader bent on destruction. Now Renko, along with the TMD (Time Manipulation Device), must travel through times and fix the course of history which he himself changed. It may sound awfully confusing, but the time-travelling antics and action vs. consequence theme of the game are its high-points with the entire experience delivering a compelling and intriguing narrative.

Singularity mixes up the traditional FPS formula by incorperating the TMD or Time Manipulation Device. With the TMD, players are able to rapidly age or regenerate objects and enemies within the environment, in order to give you an advntage in combat and to solve puzzles. The TMD also has a ability whereby you can literally freeze time in a spherical orb for brief periods. With a combination of all these functions players can cause some serious damage, like freezing enemies, filling them with bullets and quickly aging them into nothing but bones and dust within a few seconds. The puzzles are also pretty unique, and while they aren’t extremely challenging, they make great use of the time manipulating features of the game.

Although the TMD is a core feature of the game, there are a lot of other ways to dispose of enemies, such as an assault rifle, sniper-rifle, pistol and chain-gun which, always do the trick. Along-side these traditional FPS weapons are also a few new ones. The Seeker is a gun which bullets can be controlled and directed after they are shot; while the Grenade Launcher allows you to drop a grenade and roll it into holes and rooms via the remote controlled weapon. Weapons and abilities can also be upgraded at certain inventory points which adds some nice progression, and this being said, Singularity definitely brings a varied aresenal for players to enjoy throughout the campaign.

While the game jumps back in time, the visuals definitely do not. Running on the Unreal Engine, Singularity looks great, but thanks to interesting creature designs, awesome particle effects during regenerating/degenerating and objected littered hallways, the game creates a compelling and unique atmosphere that pulls you in from the get-go.

Singularity is definitely one of the most interesting and entertaining shooters of the year. It may initially appear familiar to those who’ve played Bioshock and Half-Life, but Singularity creates a unique personality for itself with a phenomenal story, intriguing level design and time-manipulating mechanics. Your time will not be wasted with Singularity.

Alpha Protocol puts you in the boots of Michael Thorton, an undercover secret agent working for a government agency that doesn’t officially exist. The story is well thought-out and very engaging, which allows the games RPG elements to sparkle throughout the diverse scenarios throughout the game. The story is progressed through missions, which are selected via safehouses scattered across a multitude of countries. Each safehouse stands as your haven for briefings, character customization and weapon supply.

Completing missions earns you experience points where you will level up and allocate the points to any of the twenty different skill traits available, which include SMG handling, Pistol handling, Sneaking, Health and others. The higher classed your character becomes, the cost of levelling up increases. Certain skills, when improved, will give Michael special abilities such as ‘awareness targeting’, so that enemy AI can be located within the area.

There are many different ways to approach a mission, incorporating the many different gadgets and gun ammunitions available, the possibilities are almost endless. Most of the time, it would be at your advantage to take a more silent approach, although there are a few missions which are almost impossible to complete without alerting the enemy.

The gameplay has some very delightful sweet spots. The fluid cover system which allows the player to move easily in and out of cover to take complete advantage of those stealthily situations, also gives you the ability to blind-fire in a heavy gun fight. This adds some great pacing and action to the missions.

Every conversation in Alpha Protocol will allow Michael to choose between a set of attitudes, which are Suave, Aggressive, or Professional. These will always be your first points of decision, which will determine your approach to the dialogue and your next reply. From then on, other conversation options will appear that will be more relevant to the encounters at hand. The way you approach each individual and end the conversations will change their attitudes towards Michael, giving you a slightly different story and outcome. This can result in AI assistance in missions, gun discounts, vital information and further experience points.

The game requires you to solve puzzles that include hacking computer terminals to gather information on objectives, lock-picking safes in order for you to require funds for purchasing new weapons, accessories, armour, extra information that will assist you in future objectives, and overriding alarm systems to switch off cameras and laser sensors. All three methods are quite unique and sometimes very frustrating. It does however improve the gameplay and difficulty as when a mistake is made, the allocated time to solve the puzzle is decreased and an alarm sounds.

Outfitting Michael with the large array of guns, equipment, armour, weapons and modifying the armour and guns is vital to how you will complete each mission. Each group of guns can be modified with extra magazines, cartridges, silencers and more which will affect the recoil, damage, handling, aiming and loudness. Michael’s’ armour strength and flexibility can be improved by purchasing accessories that can be equipped in one of the many available slots.

While the game itself has all the gadgets and fancy weaponry, the presentation is not out there to compete with the big guns, but has some visually attractive flair with its smooth motion blur and realistic lighting.

Alpha Protocol is a very good action RPG title with inventive gameplay mechanics, above par graphics, an awesome selection of weapons, a wealth of skill upgrades and an immensely engrossing story.

High Moon have had carte blanche in creating a fully fledged Transformers experience, as War for Cybertron’s story doesn’t take from the movies or even the television show. The story takes place prior to the Transformers contact with Earth and explores the origins of the war that erupts between the Autobots and Decepticons, and delves deeper into the introduction of Starscream and how Optimus became a Prime (for us Transformer fans). The story is excellently told and although made of nuts and bolts, the voice acting and performances are far from robotic, keeping the narration interesting and which also fits into the Transformer universe excellently.

Players can select an Autobot and Decepticon campaign from the get-go, and that said, War for Cybertron isn’t just a good Transformers game, it’s a really good third-person shooter. The gameplay is solid and everything from the transformations right down to the way characters interact with turrets and objects is spot-on.

There is a strong variety of weapons available, and while each character has their specific weapon, there are shotguns, sniper rifles, plasma cannons and other useful tools of destruction that can be picked up and equipped easily.

While it is a Transformers game, vehicular combat plays a pivotal role in the game, and thankfully it’s just as awesome as the running and gunning. As mentioned, the transformations themselves are super-slick with a casual click of the analog your character will shift seamlessly into a tank, car or jet. The tanks handle as a tank should, but packs a powerful punch, cars are quick and help players get into (or away from) action quickly, while the flying mechanics are responsive and effective.

As cliché as it is to say, there is more than meets the eye with Transformers visuals. Everything looks great, as the Unreal Engine does wonders for the metallic character models and diverse world of Cybertron; but it’s the small touches that make the game shine. The cut-scenes are surprisingly engaging and the detail in the levels is impressive to say the least. The vintage Transformers ‘feel’ is definitely there, and that’s what we’ve all been waiting for.

War for Cybertron boasts and extensive multiplayer segment as players can jump into a variety of modes, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Conquest, as well as Escalation, where players battle increasingly difficult waves similar to Gears of War 2’s Horde Mode. The multiplayer as a whole is suprisingly deep and enjoyable, as players can even create their own Transformers and assign them a class, vehicle, weapons and team.

Transformers: War for Cybertron is definitely fan-fare, but it offers more than just an homage to a great universe, as it presents a very well scripted story, along with fun and exciting third-person mechanics. The Transformers are definitely not hiding anymore.

The premise behind Split/Second revolves around a reality TV show, whereby the world’s best racers compete for top spot. The catch is that racers can detonate certain parts of the tracks to reroute or take out their opponents. The reality TV show backdrop is a perfect catalyst for the action that unfolds, and the look and feel of the entire presentation adds some intriguing context to the races.

The closest way to describe Split/Second would be like driving through a Michael Bay set as it goes up in flames. The visuals are absolutely gorgeous with sun-strewn tracks, amazing detail to the cars and breathtaking environments. It holds up when the action gets rough and this unique presentation is extended right into the HUD, which is projected behind the car, giving players one of the most immersing racing experiences around.

Like the premise of the game, Split/Second doesn’t strive for authentic realism, and that’s a very very good thing. The game carries an arcade feel to it and the cars are fictional, but they are some of the most awesome-looking designs and creations. This gives Split/Second its own unique flair, but what makes it stand out even more are the Powerplays.

As mentioned earlier, Powerplays allow the player to detonate set-pieces and parts of the track, which could either take out a few opponents, change the entire course of the track or momentarily open up a short-cut. A single Powerplay could cause a relatively large explosion or set-piece taking out one or two opponents, like dropping a bomb from a helicopter; but when three Powerplays are accumulated and executed that’s when things get really interesting. From jumbo jets crashing into the track, to skyscrapers falling across the road, these main Powerplays can make or break a race; but they don’t come for free.

Players must fill their Powerplay bars by drifting, drafting and avoiding other player’s Powerplays. Thanks to slick and responsive controls, along with a blend of arcade racing, Split/Second handles all facets of the gameplay with the utmost precision. Disney really are putting the fun back in racers.

However, Split/Second is not a one-trick pony, and there are other modes available besides the not-so standard racing. A mode whereby you race behind a truck which drops explosives barrels can test your driving skills, while another mode which incorporates a helicopter shooting missiles at you questions your reflexes and speed. These, along with a compelling online multiplayer give Split/Second more than enough variety and bang for your buck.

Like an awesome B-Grade action flick, Split/Second may not provide the emotional depth to call home about, but it offers action and intensity that no other games can touch. Stunning visuals, solid gameplay and Powerplays are the defining ingredients in Split/Second, and the result is one of the most exhilarating racers you’ll ever play.

Ok, so the cowboy lingo isn’t really working, but nonetheless we take Red Dead Redemption for a ride to see if this open-world Western is a beautiful stallion or a spur in the side (Yeehaa).

Rockstar San Diego are known for their high quality titles, and no expense has been spared this time around. Seen as the spiritual successor to 2004’s Red Dead Revolver, Red Dead Redemption throws players in the role of John Marsden, a bounty hunter who heads West to track down one of his old gang members. The back-stories that unravel and the development of relationships with other characters are incredible, and the narrative is presented through phenomenal voice-acting which makes the player fall in love with the characters, even if they’re really dirty.

Comparisons have been made with the Rockstar’s more well-known series, as Redemption has been called “GTA in the Wild West”, but it’s so much more than that. Players are treated to incredibly large and gorgeous open-world environment which captures the vast cactus-strewn landscapes, rocky valleys and towns of the Wild West; while everything that should be there, is there.

This said, Red Dead Redemption fulfills the ultimate cowboy experience. You’ll break and ride horses, work on ranches, hang out in saloons, hunt and skin animals and just about anything else you can imagine doing as a cowboy. Your actions will also have consequences, as you can be an outlaw and rob trains and the innocent while trying to evade the law, or you can follow a righteous path and protect the towns and its people. There is so much to do in the game, but the real highlight comes from following the storyline and engaging with the right characters.

Being a gunslinger in the Wild West, combat is also a key feature in Red Dead Redemption. The shooting feels spot-on with the right weight and authenticity of real 20^th century weapons. There is an excellent cover system which works even better than in GTA4, allowing players to slide into and move from cover with ease. To help out with some of the shooting, an ability known as Dead Eye is also incorporated, allowing players to temporarily slow down time in order to place more precise and deadly shots.

After earning money from bounty missions or looting bodies, players can head into the nearest town and buy or sell weapons, medicine or maps to help you find gang hideouts and special locations. This really does make you feel part of something bigger.

Redemption looks as good as it plays and the period’s look and feel has been captured excellently. In typical Rockstar fashion, the detail is impeccable and even the awesomely laughable Euphoria engine is used to make animations and movements as fluid and dynamic as possible. You don’t get much more ambitious games than this.

There is too much to do in Red Dead Redemption to even convey, and that’s not even mentioning the competitive online multiplayer (which is awesome by the way). Whether you’re chasing down villains, playing poker, evading the law, hunting animals, bonding with your horse, becoming an outlaw or herding cattle on the ranch, Red Dead’s got it all. Everything about the title seems in place and polished to give players the most immersive and entertaining Western experience. Don’t even hesitate to pick this up.