Halo 3: ODST
(Xbox 360) ODST notches up a lot of firsts for Halo: the first game where you don’t play as Master Chief, the first to include the much (and deservedly) hyped multiplayer mode, Firefight, and the first to feature an open-world environment. It plays differently to previous Halo titles, too. You’re smaller, can’t dual wield and there’s a stealthy, detective element as you piece together what happened to your missing squad mates. But the set-piece gun missions are amongst the most exhilarating experiences on a console this year.

Professor Layton And Pandora’s Box
(DS) Puzzle-packed sequel. The plot – Layton and Luke investigate a box that kills whoever opens it – is little more than a diversion to glue the 150-plus brainteasers together. Engrossing and frustrating, but in a good way.

Motorstorm: Arctic Edge
(PSP, PS2) In pretty much every way, this is the equal of its PS3 big brother. The graphics aren’t as good – we can’t expect them to be – but Arctic Edge makes up for it by nailing the furious, off-road racing. Though you may find the AI racers just a bit too easy to beat.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2
(Xbox 360, PS3) Your enjoyment of this will hinge on your love of the Marvel universe. You can’t fault the ambition – a wealth of playable heroes and two storylines – but it’s easy to fault the dull combat and irritating static camera.