Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Xbox360)

Now here's the real thing.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 needs no introduction. The countdown to the release has been feverish and I know people who have booked a week off work just to play it.

I also know one chap who's going through a divorce because of the game.

Millions of people the world over are currently cutting themselves off from reality, sitting in darkened rooms and whispering to strangers over headsets.

Yes, the most addictive online warfare experience is back with a vengeance, in a game that's bigger and bolder than ever before.

This has never been more evident than in the excellent campaign mode. This time around, gamers can expect a longer experience, although the length will still rankle with non-Live gamers.

As ever, it's a blistering array of different scenarios and relentless high-octane action. The campaign will leave you breathless.

For me, a somewhat awkwardly skilled online gamer, it's a friendlier introduction to the game and one that allows you to hone your skills before tackling the 12-year-old Japanese whizkids and bedroom dwellers who seriously need more sunlight.

If this was real warfare, that tube of Pringles wouldn't help. That's for sure. But I digress.

The campaign is a blast; a feast of visuals and explosions; cutting edge gaming - you'll love it.

I make it sound shallow but there are also thought-provoking aspects littered throughout.

Online is a different kettle of fish, not that I ever understood the kettle of fish metaphor. This is where the real game is. This is where you enter the landscapes with fellow humans all scurrying around in teams, relishing in shooting you.

The landscapes here are vast and lush. It seems such a shame that there are so many uncouth brutes racing around, causing carnage with guns that are clearly symbolic in terms of their size.

Online, MW3 is a blast. It's survival of the fittest and at times it is plain scary. I think the modern adage is 'man up' and, judging by my repeatedly quick deaths and verbal abuse from 'DecapitatorExtreme', I really need to.

The best way to handle it is to realise that 'DecapitatorExtreme' is probably a 47-year-old bloke named Derek, who is still living at home and whose mum still buys his clothes.

The modes and match-up options are plentiful and as slick as you want them to be. MW3 offers so much endless gameplay brilliance that it really does deserve its place in gaming folklore and on the bestseller lists.

Is it radically different to MW2? Well, it's certainly a lot bigger, but maybe not as much as some might have hoped for in terms of new direction.

It brings into play RPG elements a lot more than it previously did, and there's greater emphasis on the customisation of weapons and level-ups, which is not a bad thing.

If you enjoy video games on the edge then you'll already be playing this. What's that I hear you say? "How did he know my name was Derek?" Superb game.