Evil's back on the menu

Title: Resident Evil Revelations

Platform: PS3

Genre: Action/Horror

Price: £32.99

ASIN: B00B4QY1SQ

Resident Evil 6 never really ticked all the boxes for survival horror fans, leaving them worried that the fabulous franchise may have been on the decline. However, last year’s Revelations made waves on 3DS, as we joined Jill Valentine onboard a ghost ship in the Mediterranean Sea searching for her old partner Chris Redfield. Revamped for the big-boy consoles, and set between the events of RE4 and RE5, here you’ll discover the hidden truth behind the destruction of a floating city, encountering an awesome array of monsters, not to mention a range of graphical and gameplay improvements. At times you may see visual reminders that this was once a handheld title rather than an original triple-A release, but the excellent Raid Mode, which offers a co-op killing-spree with friends over the internet, and the hardcore Infernal mode ensure that Resident Evil Revelations marks a return to form for the horror stalwart.

Title: Sniper Elite V2

Platform: Wii U

Genre: Shooter

Price: £29.99

ASIN: B00BBRJOWG

If you’re a shooter fan, you’ll know that feeling of excitement as you come across a sniper rifle for the first time in a game. There’s something so satisfying about taking out an enemy from hundreds of metres away, so why not make that the central premise of a game? Sniper Elite V2 does just that, and while closer range shoot-outs are still an option, it’s when you’re on your belly picking off your Nazi targets in this WWII world that the game really comes to life, challenging you to control your aim against the wind and real-life bullet drop physics, plus your own breathing techniques. Enemies may seem a little too eagle-eyed at times to be true, but overall this is a superb interactive insight to the life of the battlefield’s lonesome sniper heroes. This is a Wii U hit that strikes right in the bullseye.

Title: Fast & Furious Showdown

Platform: Xbox 360

Genre: Racing

Price: £29.99

ASIN: B00C4R2E1U

We’re probably all accustomed to the high-octane, over-the-top metal action that has formed the premise of the Fast & Furious film family. Here, coinciding with the release of yet another big screen sequel, Showdown takes some of the franchise’s iconic characters on a high-stakes adventure around the globe that delivers takedowns, heists, hijacks and havoc. In the game, you’re able to switch roles with your AI partners or team up with a friend for two-person local co-operative play, as completed objectives unlock new vehicle performance and customisation options to make your ride unique. A bonus Challenge Mode and online leaderboards widen the global competition potential - and potential replay value - which is no bad thing as the core racing experience falls way short of the other action racers out on the market right now. The main mode is all over in a blur, too, offering F&F fans the serious dilemma over whether to shell out 30 quid for a game that might only keep you amused for marginally longer than the latest film.

Title: Jacob Jones And The Bigfoot Mystery: Episode 1

Platform: iPhone/iPad

Genre: Action

Price: £1.99

ASIN: N/A

Professor Layton has already got handheld puzzling down to a tee on DS. But here, the cracking combination of engaging, colourful characters and taxing youngster-friendly puzzles has been seized upon by Jacob Jones and his yeti buddy for iOS. Jacob’s packed off to a summer camp where he meets his hairy pal, after which the pair of you embark on an endearing and enjoyable adventure, tackling a host of brainteasers that are straight out of the classic Layton copybook. But this is no bad thing, as quite a few of the puzzles add their own unique spin on the well-worn formula, sprinkled with explorative interactive scenes that advance the storyline. While it won’t win any awards for innovation, Jacob Jones is a really good-looking entry to the adventure-puzzle genre, and future episodes will no doubt build on these firm, yeti-filled foundations.

Title: Rugby Nations ‘13

Platform: iPhone/iPad

Genre: Rugby

Price: £2.99

ASIN: N/A

The British Lions’ tour of the southern hemisphere is tantalisingly close, so it’s no surprise that a spot of scrummage has found its way into the app charts a few weeks beforehand! And it’s a great way to warm up for the main event, in a free-flowing well-constructed sports sim that has all the thrills and spills of try-scoring, kicking and bone-crunching tackling packaged down on to the iPhone or iPad. Legendary commentator Bill Leslie provides the vocal backdrop to the on-screen action, which adds another layer of authenticity to proceedings, while new team management functionality also deepens the tactical experience. While the official nation and player licences would have been the icing on the cake (or at least an in-game data editor to create them yourself), Rugby Nations ‘13 is well worth a look if a spot of egg-chasing floats your sporting boat.