MARIO TENNIS OPEN NINTENDO 3DS
RATING: 8/10
Two control options make Mario Tennis Open (MTO) either too simple or properly challenging. Opt for gyroscope control and Mario makes his own way around the court leaving you to choose just the type of shot and direction. Perhaps the young 'uns would appreciate it.
But full circle-pad control restores MTO to a proper knockabout tennis sim, with inevitable special moves adding real spice to the rallies.
MORTAL KOMBAT PS VITA
RATING: 8/10
Avert your eyes now if you despair of video games as a cesspit of gratuitous violence and senseless maiming.
An old-school side-scrolling one-on-one, MK plays like many a fast-paced brawler but with gruesome finishing moves. The camera zooms lovingly to the point of impact as limbs fly, weapons gouge and bodies crumple. There's a real pace and flow to the battles, coupled with a deep wealth of content that makes MK very moreish.
AWESOMENAUTS X360/PS3
RATING: 8/10
Awesomenauts is a cartoonish shooter with a sly humour. It boils down to a war of attrition between three-on-three teams defending and attacking bases.
Despite resembling a fast-paced platforming shooter, it doesn't play like one. Teamwork is vital, as is judicious application of upgrades and healing. There's a lot to like here. - Belfast Telegraph