Stories by: Heather Bartron

Grinding the Left Analog Stick like a madwoman and spamming the A Button, I narrowly escaped the clutches of the infamous reverse bear trap that was on the verge of turning my head into a medley of gore.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is the PS3 version of Ninja Gaiden II for the Xbox 360 with a few aces up its sleeve: it has a suite of additional content like a co-op Team Missions mode that is both online and offline compatible. You also have the ability to play as Momiji, Ayane, and Rachel throughout the game with new chapters that have been added just so you can take a walk in their sexy shoes. PS3 owners who've been waiting for their shot at some sweet ninja action have a lot to look forward to.

Badman looks like a simple game on the surface but dig deep enough and you'll find an incredibly deep and complex strategy game albeit one that's sometimes as unwieldy as the ridiculous title. The retro vibe, quirky humour and addictive gameplay shine but the steep learning curve will only appeal to the most dedicated gamer.

One part real-time strategy, one part third-person hack-and-slash, Overlord: Dark Legend aims to satiate any Wii gamer's craving for something evil.

The Munchables is a Katamari-style action game, but instead of rolling around a ball of junk, you romp around as a cute creature eating a bunch of junk called Tabemon. You can play as one of three characters; one which is unlocked after you beat the game. There is the all-business orange Munchable called Chomper, Munchy the pink Jiggly Puff doppelganger, and Robo the unlockable mechanical ball of adorable. I chose Munchy since I had no clue what the hell Chomper was supposed to be aside from hard to look at. Each character has their own set of slight advantages and disadvantages. Munchy is a bit faster and her attacks last longer whereas Chomper's moves are a bit shorter and slower.

The first Patapon was an infectiously addictive title that perfectly combined rhythm and strategy gaming into one sweet package. Now, the sequel is here and it has me chanting with joy all over again. With more content and gameplay, it's a must-have title for PSP owners.

The days of letting another Tenchu instalment willingly fall under the radar are over. Shadow Assassins is just the shot in the arm that the series needed: a refreshing revival to a happier time in Tenchu history.

Since I first saw the trailer for Ninja Blade, I was immediately intrigued. The smooth, stylish cinematics and epic creatures alone were enough to make me squeal like a school girl.

Just shy of the year anniversary of the original Resistance instalment, Resistance: Retribution is now at hand. SCEA Bend has taken over the Resistance franchise for the time being to give you a portable third-person experience of alternate history 1951, attempting to bridge the gap between Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2.

When the first Skate debuted, it offered up a realistic simulation-based alternative to the unrealistic circus that the Tony Hawk franchise had become. Now, the sequel is here with some subtle improvements that push virtual skateboarding to new heights. Still, it's pretty obvious that this franchise has some work to do before it can fully knock the Birdman off his perch.