Batman: Arkham Asylum is an original adventure with fast action and large-scale combat sequences, played from a close third-person perspective in a dark, survival horror-styled setting. The game begins as Batman delivers the Joker to Arkham Asylum, Gotham City's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. The villain springs a trap and takes over the institution, with an army of thugs and a host of dangerous inmates to back him up. The twisted plot plays out in a freely explored re-creation of the asylum and surrounding island. In addition to prowling the corridors of Arkham, Batman can explore the outdoor areas, using his equipment to reach high spots and glide safely back down.

Specially suited for the game's one-against-many melee style, the three-button combat control scheme is intended for free-flowing moves and strings of combo attacks on multiple opponents. Batman also has a belt full of useful gadgets to help even the odds, with x-ray scanners and chemical tracers that let him see through walls and follow invisible tracks. Stealthy prowling gives advantages of positioning and surprise, rewarding the hero's caution and patience with one-hit takedowns. Experience earned through combat, exploration, and experimentation allow Batman to create better equipment, more finely tuned to the given tasks.

In addition to the Joker and his brilliant aide in evil, Harley Quinn, Batman faces other super-powered asylum patients, including Bane, Killer Croc, Zsasz. As usual, brains as well as brawn are required to unravel Joker's insanely inspired scheme. The story for Batman: Arkham Asylum was written by Paul Dini, writer and producer for Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond. Cartoon series regulars Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Arleen Sorkin perform voice acting. The game was developed by Rocksteady Studios, creator of Eidos' 2006 first-person shooter Urban Chaos: Riot Response. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Based on the computer-animated television series airing on the Cartoon Network, Republic Heroes has you engaged in a war between a battle droid army and the Jedi. Set between seasons one and two of the series, the game has you tracking down a bounty hunter named Cad Bane and the villainous Kul Teska across more than 30 missions. Playable characters include Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, Mace Windu, Kit Fisto, and Ahsoka Tano. Fight as either a Jedi or a clone trooper across 3D environments overflowing with enemies to shoot, slice, and shatter. Lightsaber-equipped Jedis can use Force powers and perform acrobatic maneuvers, while clone troopers use jetpacks and wield high-powered weapons like rocket launchers and thermal detonators. Team up with a friend at any point with the game's drop-in cooperative system. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

With the World at War, Infinity Ward's veteran military first-person shooter series heeds a call to return to its WWII roots. Built on the Call of Duty 4 game engine, World at War aims to bring Modern Warfare's state-of-the-art graphics, interactive battlefield environments, unflinching "M"-rated presentation, and sophisticated online multiplayer options back to the World War II setting in which the series earned its stripes.

As (at least) the fourth original console and home computer Call of Duty title set during World War II, World at War offers an expanded selection of era-authentic infantry and vehicle weapons, as well as the tactics that go with them, such as using flamethrowers to burn away camouflaging cover and expose hidden enemies. For the first time in the series, co-operative multiplayer gaming is strongly supported, with team-up options for two players to play through the main campaign in split-screen mode, or for as many as four to play together online.

Call of Duty: World at War is set in the Pacific Theater and in Europe, near the end of the war. In the single-player campaigns, players take the role of a United States Marine or a Russian infantry soldier, and face an onslaught of deadly new techniques, including brutal guerrilla warfare and kamikaze attacks. In online multiplayer games, an increased emphasis on squad tactics in chaotic, bombed-out environments makes coordinated teamwork the deadliest weapon of all. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Developed exclusively for the PS3 by Sucker Punch Productions, Infamous is an electrically themed open-world adventure that fuses a Grand Theft Auto-style narrative with Crackdown's superpowers and the parkour-inspired acrobatics of Assassin's Creed, all set within a modern metropolis left reeling after a catastrophic explosion. At the epicenter of that explosion was Cole McGrath, a simple courier whose package detonated in mid-transit, leveling a six-block area of Empire City, and seemingly unleashing a mysterious plague that prompted a military-enforced quarantine. Even more mysterious is the fact that Cole not only survived the blast, but walked away from it with the superhero-like abilities to harness electricity, cling to nearly any surface, and scale buildings with stunning alacrity.

As the beleaguered citizenry of Empire City try to eek out an existence, waiting for supply drops, coping with isolation and anger, and living in fear of roving gangs, they begin to look to Cole as either the source of their misery, or their only hope for deliverance. It soon becomes clear, however, that Cole is not the only one with mysterious powers. The gangs terrorizing people aren't mere hoodlums or looters, but mysterious wraith-like creatures known as Reapers. Infamous gives players the freedom to use Cole's powers for good or for ill, but regardless of whether they choose to navigate the story altruistically or go the self-serving route, gamers will frequently confront Reapers of varying size and strength.

From a combat standpoint, Infamous resembles a typical third-person shooter, except Cole's powers render him incapable of handling firearms. No matter, though, as his arcing bolts of blue lightning serve the same purpose as bullets, and small bundles of charged energy function as electric grenades. He can also create electric handcuffs to restrain foes, use blasts of energy to send people or objects spiraling backward, resuscitate injured bystanders, and even sap the life from downed enemies. Cole is not a never-ending reservoir of electricity, however, so players must locate transformers, lampposts, power wires, car batteries, and other electrical hotspots in order to recharge.

As is the case with many open-world games, Infamous includes a number of side missions and collectibles, though the developers actively sought to encourage vertical exploration by tying the collectibles to the main storyline. Instead of tracking down hidden packages or flags, gamers set out to find audio recordings from a federal agent, or chunks of a strange substance that makes Cole even more powerful. Another continuing side quest finds players shutting off valves to prevent the Reapers from releasing a hallucinogenic substance into Empire City's water supply. Unfortunately, Cole must come in contact with the psychoactive drug in order to reach the valves, but the resulting hallucinations open a mental link to the mysterious leader of the Reapers, and these revelations offer gamers a more complete understanding of Cole's place in the ongoing struggle. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Save the weakened kingdom of Boletaria from hordes of nightmarish creatures in this exclusive action role-playing game for PlayStation 3. Designed in the spirit of the Diablo series, Demon's Souls features a dark, open-ended world with multiple ways to build your character, through the acquisition of skills, weapons, armor, and experience. Venture across lands ravaged by fire, smog, and decay from a third-person perspective set behind your hero. Your decisions and actions in the world will have consequences, influencing the types of events that become available, your rewards, and even the aggressiveness of creatures. Online support is also included, but in a different manner than in other role-playing games. Players that have journeyed through parts of the land can leave behind hints and messages that subsequent travelers will encounter. You'll also be able to replay death scenes from unsuccessful heroes, warning you of the potential dangers lying ahead, and even attempt to "invade" another person's game to cause mayhem. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

European developer Cauldron's follow-up to The History Channel Presents: Civil War -- A Nation Divided trades bayonets for sub-machine guns in Battle for the Pacific. This first-person shooter has players fighting alongside a close-knit squad in some of the most intense battles fought in World War II's Eastern Front. From Henderson Field to Mount Suribachi, players will advance through thick jungles, across volcanic islands, and past fortified caves to complete objectives. Documentary videos preface each mission, offering detailed statistics, battle footage, and other enlightening information. Authentic mission types include recapturing airfields, repelling enemy assaults, embarking on search-and-destroy operations, and more. Among the weapons available to players are sub-machine guns, sniper rifles, pistols, and grenades. Online support is included for both Allied and Axis forces in a choice of competitive and cooperative modes. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

Score International Baja 1000 is an off-road racing game that lets players speed around dirt tracks on Mexico's famed Baja peninsula. Racers can hop in more than 90 different vehicles spanning several classes, including trophy trucks, motorcycles, and ATVs. Winning requires more than speed though, because realistic dirt and damage modeling means that players must be cautious around other racers and environmental obstacles, or face the prospect of a destroyed vehicle. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Gamers who love the competition and frenzied action of paintball, but don't particularly enjoy getting hit in the face with paint pellets, can take the easy way out thanks to NPPL Championship Paintball 2009. There are five game modes, and players can shoot it out in more than 35 tournaments, including woodsball levels, and real locations from the National Professional Paintball League, the Millennium European Paintball Series, and the Xtreme Paintball Sports League. "Career Mode" follows players as they advance from rookie to pro status, upgrading and unlocking markers, barrels, hoppers, and more than 100 pieces of gear along the way. Online multiplayer action lets up to 14 gamers duke it out in giant team battles, and the Field Creator feature lets players design their own field layouts and share them online with friends. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Similar to the original Madagascar game, Escape 2 Africa plays out in a series of platform levels, featuring exploration, collection quests, and light combat. Players change characters to fit the challenge. Gloria can knock over enemies with her size, and she's also an excellent swimmer. Melman has special healing powers, and the ability to toss objects great distances. When there's a need for speed, Marty's the right zebra for the job, and Alex is a good choice for platform exploration, with his special ability to climb poles and vines.

New characters introduced in the sequel, such as King Julian and Moto Moto, offer their own special abilities and bonuses, and the penguins are back as well. Also like the original game, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa features a selection of mini-games for single players or a whole family, including soccer, racing, rhythm-based dancing, and safari photography challenges. In a creative collaboration between DreamWorks and Activision, some locations have been expanded for feature in the game, including the Watering Hole, the African Savannah, the Volcano, and others. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Most immediately, it is the combat model that sets Web of Shadows apart from earlier Spider-Man games. Web-slinging becomes an integral part of the beat-'em-up play. Spidey can swing punches as he swings through the streets, drag a bad guy along with him as he wall-hops, or web-bungee himself toward a foe in mid-air, at knockout speed. Generally, combat is designed to be open and improvisational, with players stringing together combos as they go. The other major twist to combat is the ability to switch from Spider-Man's friendly neighborhood red and blue costume to the over-powered black costume on the fly. The red and blue suit offers unmatched agility and grace, but the black suit gives the hero even greater raw strength.

From fighting styles to interactions with NPCs, player choices steer the story in Web of Shadows. Players have room to move and explore in each level, and must decide where to apply the superpower upgrades they earn. As they meet objectives and progress through the story, they encounter other famous Marvel heroes and villains, including Wolverine, Black Cat, and the Vulture, who may be made ally or enemy as the player chooses. There is more than one way to win many of the battles in the game, and more than one way out of a tricky situation. The choices the player makes determine whether Spider-Man is ultimately viewed as a hero, beloved by the people of the city, or a vigilante, viewed with fear and scorn.

The same sort of alien life form that created Spider-Man's first black suit -- and his deadly enemy Venom -- now is invading New York City. Strings and globs, pods of black matter are beginning to engulf the entire city. Destruction reigns, the end looks near, and it seems only the strongest heroes and villains remain on the streets to confront the threat. The invasion must be stopped: With all the powers of Spider-Man at their command, it's up to players to decide how. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

The first name in music instrument gaming returns with a Rock Band-esque focus on full band simulation, the ability for players to create their own music, and more than 80 new tracks in Guitar Hero: World Tour. For the first time in the series, wannabe rock stars can simulate singing and drumming in addition to the familiar strumming of guitar-shaped controllers, and with the addition of a bass guitar, up to four players can form a band and jam together. As with all titles in the Guitar Hero series, gamers must "play" their instruments by rhythmically matching on-screen prompts in order to earn high scores and unlock new songs. The singing mechanic resembles Karaoke Revolution and SingStar in that it requires vocalists to match the pitch and notes of each song, whereas drummers must be timely when depressing the kick drum and striking the proper combination of drum and cymbal pads.

A revamped single-player Career mode lets gamers advance their musician through a series of gigs by playing a specific number of songs, with the option to change difficulty level or instrument at any time. The Band Career mode works in a similar fashion, offering up to four players the opportunity to advance through a full career, with the Battle of the Bands mode letting two groups duke it out online. Boss Battles also return in a form more akin to previous Face-Off modes, and they no longer feature the attack power-ups used in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Gamers can use the new "Create-a-Rocker" feature to customize the posture, age, hair, makeup, and tattoos of their unique characters, and real-life rock legends such as Ozzy Osbourne, Jim Hendrix, and Ted Nugent are also playable.

The song list spans several decades and is made up of a diverse selection of master recordings by artists such as: 311, The Allman Brothers Band, the Beastie Boys, Billy Idol, Blondie, Coldplay, The Cult, The Doors, The Eagles, The Foo Fighters, Jane's Addiction, Jimi Hendrix, Korn, Linkin Park, Los Lobos, Metallica, Michael Jackson, Modest Mouse, Motorhead, Nirvana, No Doubt, NOFX, Oasis, Ozzy Osbourne, Pat Benetar, R.E.M, the Sex Pistols, Steely Dan, Sting, The Stone Roses, Sublime, Tool, Van Halen, and Willie Nelson. In addition, players can create their own songs in the Advanced Studio mode by playing tracks for each instrument in either real or slowed time. Songs can be either 1,200 notes long or three minutes in length, but vocal recording is unavailable due to storage issues. Players can then upload their songs to an online service where other gamers can rate and download each original creation. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

An original sci-fi shooter from the developers of Dead Rising, Lost Planet takes place in an arctic wasteland populated by aliens and a ragtag group of pirates. The world, E.D.N. III, is home to the Akrid, an insect-like race that is threatened by an encroaching human colony. As a snow pirate named Wayne, your goal is to harvest the Akrid for the thermal energy necessary for mankind's survival. The harsh weather and hostile creatures require a bit more than the average snowsuit, so players can strap themselves into armor-plated, bipedal machines called Vital Suits. These suits can be outfitted with a variety of high-powered armaments, from plasma rifles and machine guns to rocket launchers and grenades.

Lost Planet features a third-person viewpoint and emphasizes frenetic action across 11 distinct stages. Targeting is automatic and missions are structured in a linear fashion, each culminating in a boss fight against a deadly mix of organic and mechanical creatures. Cinematic cut-scenes delve into Wayne's mysterious past, while destructible environments lead to new Vital Suits being discovered for alternate attack and transportation forms. Online support for up to 16 combatants is also included in a variety of game modes. In addition to the kill-or-be-killed elimination and team elimination formats, players can race to control five outposts or work together to take out an armed fugitive. The PlayStation 3 version includes 16 multiplayer maps and exclusive characters to unlock, including Dead Rising's Frank West, Mega Man, and more. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

The Prince Caspian action-adventure game is based directly on Disney's cinematic interpretation of the second novel in C.S. Lewis' seven-volume Chronicles of Narinia. As in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe games, players can take the roles of different characters from the story. More than 20 are available, including the human Pevensies and many native Narnians. Different characters have different special abilities, and the game's adventure puzzle challenges require players to figure out how to use the right powers in the right places to proceed. In the game's real-time combat, characters can team up for devastating attacks.

The Pevensie children -- Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy -- have been returned to the fantastic alternate world they'd discovered a year earlier in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, to find that well over 1,000 years have passed there. A lot can happen in 1,000 years. Although magic creatures and talking animals still exist in Narnia, they have been suppressed and driven into hiding by a humorless kingdom of humans called Telmarines. The Pevensies meet the rightful heir to the throne of Cair Paravel, Caspian, who will need their help if he hopes to lead the magical citizens of Narnia to stand against this oppressive Telmarine regime.