Video is coutesy of IGN.com and the company's Youtube channel: IGNentertainment

So the Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning video game has been released in the United States and has received unbelievably high praise. Due to the involvement of Ken Rolsten, and the fact that it's an RPG, the game is being compared to the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which was awarded Game of the Year status. The simple connection is Ken Rolsten but both video games offer an expansive database full of lore and history. Reckoning offers a simple world for you to travel in however as well as a better constructed quest system. The flow of the game is more linear than the Elder Scrolls series which gave you the freedom to basically wreak havoc. In Reckoning you have such a strong range of spells to cast, as well as a list of skills and attributes which become even more impressive with the new equipment that you find throughout the game. The power of your skills and talents are on a larger scale in comparison to almost any other video game out there. Until it's released here on the 10th however there's not a lot I can tell you, just passing on IGN's well respected words.

Set for release on February 10th, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is one of the most anticipated games of 2012. The game has been created and developed by Big Huge Games and EA have put their name behind it.

Taken from the game's FAQ page: http://www.ea.com/uk/reckoning/1/faq

Q. “What can you tell me about the game?”
A. “Set in the Kingdoms of Amalur™ universe, Reckoning will offer unrivaled RPG action combat, seamlessly integrating magical and melee attacks into an innovative and visceral experience. Reckoning includes hundreds of quests, characters, creatures, weapons and spells. More details about the game will be revealed over the coming weeks and months.”

The developers are promising one of the best mixtures of combat and story writing so far in an RPG and if you've played the demo you will agree with them. The game offers a fairly good variety of skills to unlock as you level up and a simple inventory system for your character; but also taking the cartoon style graphics to create the world imagined by R.A. Salvatore is a good way to go.
EA’s link to Mass Effect also allows you to unlock in-game items in both game demos. If you complete the Mass Effect 3 demo then you unlock Omni-blade daggers in Kingdoms of Amalur and if you complete the Kingdoms demo then you unlock a tasty piece of armour and a chakram launcher in Mass Effect 3; so it’s worth playing the demo’s if you plan to get one of the biggest RPG’s in recent years.

So keep counting down to February 10th and soon you’ll be playing what is supposed to be one of the must play games of 2012.

In the Darkness II Jackie Estacado will be taking you on a trail of destruction, as he becomes one with his powers again. Whilst tackling an unknown faction, craving for the possession of the darkness. First and foremost the art direction, is the most striking element of the game. The developers have approached the visuals, with a comic book presentation in mind. Reflecting the gritty but rich world of the mob in terms of the atmosphere.

Bloodshed is aplenty especially when you use the darkness, to dismember your enemies. Controlling the demon arms with your left and right trigger buttons, can either initiate a slash, Melee attack or a projectile launch at your enemy (e.g. a car door). The shooting mechanics are accurate and deadly. Firearms and demon arms are both as lethal as each other.

Once combined you can take out  waves of enemies, in an entertaining but gory fashion. Adding to the experience, is the ability to dual wield any pistol or sub machine gun.  The Darkness II is shaping up to be a unique, must have shooter for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Watch this space as we approach February 10th 2012, when The Darkness II is released for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

The much anticipated SoulCalibur V is in reach of gamers, as we near February 3rd 2012. In comparison to its predecessor, the developers have gone for a much faster and agile approach to combat. Now featuring a central gauge, which allows you to execute special moves. As the story takes place 17 years after SoulCalibur IV, players can expect 50 new and old characters. Including Assassins Creed's Ezio Auditore.

There's a lot more focus on the story, providing a more engaging and immersive experience. Revolving around the swords; SoulCalibur and Soul Edge (wielded by Azure Nightmare). Fans of the series can expect multiplayer to return and an extensive character creation mode. Allowing you to alter your height, voice and the size of limbs. There's enough clothes, paint, tattoos and accessories etc, to create the warrior you desire.

SoulCalibur V will be released on 3rd February 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Hideo Kojima's epic Metal Gear Solid series,  has been given HD treatment and will be released on PS3 and Xbox 360. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and the original MSX releases (Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake) have been compiled onto one disk in HD.

Metal Gear Solid 2 & 3 are arguably the best stealth games on Playstation 2. Taking players on an immersive experience, with brilliant voice over's  and second to none  espionage action. Fans of the series will be ecstatic to know, that achievements and trophies are supported in this collection. 

Solid Snake fanatics will be glad to hear there's  a limited edition, exclusive to Zaavi. Containing the following content:

•    A copy of the game
•    A variant steelbook
•    1x  Metal Gear Solid T-shirt
•    250 page art book

MGS: HD Collection will be released on 3rd February 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Catherine is a unique puzzle game developed by Japanese studio; Atlus. The themes of the game are quite unorthodox and mature, considering what players are usually accustomed to. When Vincent (the protagonist) is being pressured to marry his girlfriend, his life turns complicated. To make matters worse, he wakes up with another woman. Worried his girlfriend will discover his unfaithful act, he is constantly having nightmares.

Throughout the game you'll switch between a bar and Vincent's nightmares. In the bar you can drink with a couple of friends or chat with people to progress the plot. In his nightmares the core gameplay mechanics kick in. Here the player is presented with blocks that can be pushed and pulled, to reach the top of the tower block. Certain blocks have attributes such as spikes or bombs for increasing difficulty. Epic but deranged bosses are another aspect to consider, as your climbing the tower.

If you're tired of the usual run and gun title then step into the shoes of Vincent Brooks, on 10th February 2012. When Catherine is released on PS3 and Xbox 360.

The Postal Dude is back in the third instalment of the franchise, taking place in the fictional open world of Catharsis. Following the same formula of Postal 2, players will engage in day by day activities, doing various jobs to make ends meet.

Introducing a karma system, players can either help the police department or wreak havoc amongst the community. Choosing the latter will lead to a world of hatred towards you and a whole lot of enemies. Controversial characters such as Osama Bin Laden, make a return in Postal III.

Alongside the Al Qaeda is corrupt Government officials, crazy fast food mascots, Randy Jones of the Village People, Porn star Ron Jeremy, Film director Uwe Boll and Playboy Playmate Jennifer Walcott. Each Celebrity has a role in the game, Jennifer is the leader of the Postal babes, Ron is the Mayor and Randy is the leader of a biker gang for example.

Gore is an ever present feature in Postal III, with limbs exploding after every bullet. Postal Dude will have an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Including, a machete, shovel, nightstick, Pistol, Shotgun, Assault Rifle, M-60, baseball bat, tazer, rocket launcher and a gasoline tank to name a few. Read More  »

Dropping the 'Smackdown vs Raw' title for WWE 12, A new chapter in WWE games has been made. This latest decision is set to give the series an overhaul, with better graphics, camera angles used in WWE programming, simpler controls and more modes.

Create an Arena is a brand new mode, with the tools to create your own logo, style of rope, barricades, outside mats and announcer tables. This is excellent fan service by Yukes, allowing players to create their own PPV arena or even replicate an old one.

The ring is a lot more realistic now that physics have been applied to it. Reacting to a move performed in the ring, as you see in real matches. The animation system  has also been improved, allowing players to interrupt a move and perform combos during tag matches . Previously you had to wait for the finisher or move to end, before you could grapple someone again. Read More  »

The Saints are back and bigger than ever, with a celebrity status, manic missions and a new city to explore. When a flamboyant gang known as the Syndicate, threaten the livelihood of our favourite gang, the Saints retrieve what's strictly theirs and more.

New cars, planes, jets, customizable options/items and weapons have been introduced. The handling of cars has been vastly improved to drive more smoothly, than the arcadey handling of past installments. Customizing vehicles returns with new rims, body kit options and colour pallets for spray painting your car.

Saint Row's character creation tools are more extensive than ever, with more taunts, clothing, accessories and skin tones to create characters such as the Hulk or even the Red Skull from Captain America.  Character creations can even be shared and downloaded by players all around the world now.

In this six part developer diary, the technology, story, weapons, world, enemies and sound of Rage is explored. Starting with its origin and id Tech 5, which drives this beautiful but distortedly world. A Unique feature of id Tech 5 is it's mega texture technology, which allows you to seamlessly create layers upon layers of textures. Creating new experiences and putting an end to repetitive environments.

An Asteroid called Apophis which will pass by earth around 2036, is the cause of destruction in Rage. Players control an ark survivor who wakes up 100 years later, to witness the aftermath. Government officials known as the Authority, want to control the direction of humanity. The Resistance have other ideas and despise them, in every aspect you can think of. Bandits and other settlers in the environment, are not so welcome to fresh faces.

Probably the most unique aspect of Rage, is the various ammo types of guns collected throughout your playthrough. Pistols can shoot full automatic rounds and crossbows can fire electric bolts for example. Engineer or gadgets items in the game, range from sentry bots to remote controlled cars with bombs.

Check out the developer diaries below, of what is easily the most Epic, diverse, FPS this fall. Rage will be released on 7th October 2011 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Pre-order details on Rage's Anarchy Edition can be found right here. Read More  »

Codemaster's Birmingham has been very busy since releasing the exceptional hit F1 2010 and promises a grander experience for F1 2011. This year's focus is on Multiplayer and creating an authentic yet fun instalment.

Co-op Championship mode is a major feature of F1 2011. Allowing you to play a whole season with a friend, for the Constructors title. Players looking at each other's stats, will definitely spark competitive race's. The team leader receives all the upgrades first, giving them the edge.

Split screen races will bring the exhilarating rivalry on the track to your living rooms. Raising competitive tensions between family and friends. Car handling has been strengthened and improved, with a lot more control over under steer and over steer. Read More  »

Christmas is around the corner and Microsoft recently gave us a peek, at what games their releasing this Xmas. Among the titles I saw were Microsoft and Third party publishers games. Including Gears of War 3, Assassins Creed: Revelations, Batman: Arkham City, Forza Motorsport 4 and Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.

Gears of War 3 Hands-On

The build I played presented me with, co-op multiplayer mode Horde 2.0. Me and 4 other players were placed in a close quarters map, of wave upon wave of enemies. The weapons felt tight accompanied by brilliant sound design.
Although my time was short, this was the most intense co-op mode i've played to date. Epic's found that balance of belonging and  relying on  your team, for survival. This will fulfil the slot of many nights to come, shouting down your headset at friends and gamers around the world.

The newest feature in Horde 2.0 is fortifications, allowing you to deploy barriers, decoys, sentry guns and turrets. Fortifications can be upgraded with money earned from killing foes. Money can also buy you back into the game, after you've died. New weapons and ammo scattered around the map, can also be purchased. Alternatively Team mates can trade weapons, share ammo and give one another money. Read More  »

Dead Island is a first person open world, horror/adventure hybrid. Heavily focused on co-operative play and melee combat. Taking place on a zombie invested island, with strong themes of survival and RPG elements. There are four playable characters to choose from including Xian Mei (Undercover Cop), Sam B (Rapper), Logan (Former NFL Star) and Purna (Former Sydney Cop).

Every one of them has a class type ranging from a jack of all trades who is a all rounder with weapons and abilities (durability, strength etc). The Assassin is handy with a firearm, a tank is heavy, strong but slow. Lastly the leader specialises in handling melee weapons.

Slashing away at enemies you'll notice layers of meat and flesh being apparent, compliments of the games damage system. Depending on a well placed shot or slice, limbs will dismember. 

Once combined with items you've found. weapons and firearms are customizable at a fee. Money plays a big part of Dead Island and can be looted from bags and dead bodies. Every kill rewards you with experience points, utilizing a skill tree system you can enhance your combat skills.

Being an open world game you got to have transportation. In Dead Island you can drive any vehicle you find. Friends can even ride shotgun, while you run over zombies. Read More  »

Warhammer 40,000 : Space Marine is a third person melee combat, shooter hybrid. Brilliantly fusing to the two together in a gore gushing action epic. At your disposal all times is the Chainsword, for up close and personal dismemberment. Attacking Orks lightly with this weapon stuns them, which can lead to a  brutal execution.

Weapons like the Bolt pistol, Heavy Bolter and Vengeance Launcher are also available, among others collectable throughout the game. The sheer amount of Orks attacking you is overwhelming and constantly keeps you switching between grenades, guns and melee combat.

Health is easy depleted by the hordes of Orks but can be regenerated by killing enemies. Fury mode gives you blind rage to kill anything in sight without affecting your health. Dishing out melee attacks or mowing down foes is always rewarding in Fury mode and is easily generated with every kill.

With a fantastic cinematic experience and an epic combat system second to none, you should watch this space. Warhammer 40,000 : Space Marine is released on 9th September 2011 for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.