The "Complete" List

Resistance 2
Mirror's Edge - 360
Quantum of Solace - 360
House of the Dead: Overkill - Story & Directors Cut
Fable 2 - Story Mode
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriot - (Liquid Easy)
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
Saints Row
Race Pro - Career Mode
50 Cent: Blood on the Sand (Easy) - 360
Conan (Easy) - PS3
GTA IV - 360
Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Manhunt 2
Prince of Persia
No More Heroes - Real Ending
GTA: Chinatown Wars
Silent Hill 2 - (4 star rating, Leave ending)
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga - DS
Silent Hill 3 - (5 star rating)
Little Big Planet - Story Mode
Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Killzone 2
WET
Halo 3: ODST - (Legendary)
DiRT 2 - 100%
Halo 3* - (Legendary)
Mario Kart Wii
CoD: Modern Warfare 2 - (Normal)
Uncharted 2: Amongst Thieves

I'm a huge fan of Naughty Dog and this doesn't disappoint. It's a cracking adventure from start to finish. The cutscenes are genuinely enjoyable. It does everything a good sequel should. Building on the first game but making everything better.

Personally I'd rather not have AI companions for quite so much of the game and I still think the puzzles are a bit too few and far between but other than that it's hard to fault.

Some brilliant set pieces and strong level design maintain your interest all the way to the end.

Personally I have to say I think Batman: Arkham Asylum probably just shades it as my GOTY but it's a close call.

The "Complete" List

Resistance 2
Mirror's Edge - 360
Quantum of Solace - 360
House of the Dead: Overkill - Story & Directors Cut
Fable 2 - Story Mode
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriot - (Liquid Easy)
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
Saints Row
Race Pro - Career Mode
50 Cent: Blood on the Sand (Easy) - 360
Conan (Easy) - PS3
GTA IV - 360
Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Manhunt 2
Prince of Persia
No More Heroes - Real Ending
GTA: Chinatown Wars
Silent Hill 2 - (4 star rating, Leave ending)
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga - DS
Silent Hill 3 - (5 star rating)
Little Big Planet - Story Mode
Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass
Batman: Arkham Asylum

There'll be absolutely no spoilers here. This is the first essential purchase of the year for comic and game fans alike.. Presumably if you like both you've bought it already.

I completed the bulk of the game on 'Normal' but couldn't seem to beat the second but last boss battle. It seemed I hadn't unlocked the best abilities for it.. and of course it was tougher than anything prior to that which had already tested my meagre skills too the limit. There was nothing else for it but to start again on Easy.

Of course it was a much quicker play through second time although I did get more out of it. I got a better grip on the combat system, solved more of the riddlers puzzles and found more of the secrets which awarded me a lot more Exp to spend on upgrading stuff... A third play through on Normal should see me beat it.. but my hands are like claws I've played this for so long.

It's something of a shock that something that I think we all thought had no chance can turn out so brilliant. The production values are huge, the gameplay is immense and it is an absolute joy too play from start too finish and chock full of bits you'd love to share.. Everything else coming is probably going to raise it's game!

Purchase Power

I think Batman: Arkham Asylum is only the second new game I've picked up on day of release this year.. I ended up plumping for the 360 version despite the PS3 version having exclusive content. Mainly because 360 versions of 3rd party games tend to be superior and secondly cos there might be some fun achievements.

I also spied Killzone 2 has finally reached the magic sub £20 price point in Game. So I picked that up as well. Never played the first one but I having cleared Little Big Planet last night I've not got anything PS3 related..

I had a new set of questions today in Game.. Did I know the PS3 slim was coming and the Elite has been reduced? Did I want either for increased storage? Suffice to say I'm happy with my launch PS3 and its backward compatibility and I already have three 360s at home so no.. I don't want any more consoles at the moment.

Great Expectations: Batman: Arkham Asylum

This has been on my Bat Radar for sometime.. Initially hopes obviously weren't high. Comic Book licences and Video games not normally making comfortable bed fellows. However as the (delayed) development has gone along it's started to look more and more promising. The previews have gone from cautious optimism to enthusiasm...

The World Exclusive review from OPM is in and it's scored a healthy 9 out of 10. The demo is out on Friday so we'll be able to have a little look-e-see for ourselves..

Suffice to say this could be my first new day one purchase for some time. I may even pre-order it. Fingers crossed that I'll feel as much like Batman as I did aged 7 when I came second in the local fancy dress contest! (apparently I would've won but the judges thought the costume was shop bought! (It wasn't, My mum was just awesome with a sewing machine.))