Recently in Playstation 3 Category

I always approach any game built around an 'event' with caution.

This encompasses the mostly-awful movie tie-ins that have been a rash over the games industry for many years but also another beast - the sports event game

With the recent deluge of snow and ice, we Brits have been getting a taste of winter sports without having to venture further afield than the Lickey Hills!

But with the white stuff thawed out, at least for the time being, you may want to hit the slopes - from the comfort of your sofa.

Ever played one of these Katamari games before?

Can I pretend you have? That way I don't have to try and explain the madness of it all.

(Editor - Steve your job is to tell people what the games are about)

Hmmm, right. Well here we are back in the colourful, crazy universe of Katamari and once again you have to roll your Katamari (a ball thing) around the various landscapes sucking up cows, cars, buildings, trees, saucepans people etc into an even bigger ball to - well I'm not sure why you do it but you have to.

There is a bonkers storyline behind it all with the even more bonkers king from the other games falling into a deep coma and all the stars being sucked from the sky.

(Editor - Ok, I take your point, cut the explanation. Is it any good?)

Actually yes, it's brilliant, as were the predecessors. It is so insanely unique and playable that you have to love it, even if it is madder than a biscuit tin full of wasps.

Graphically it is stunning; the visuals are gloriously quirky and colourful as you lay siege to the wacky ­environments with your big colourful Katamari ball.

Structure does come into the game though with a time limit in which you must get your Katamari to a certain size.

Totally and utterly bonkers and the only criticism is that it seems very samey to the others.

Review by Julia Breens

I HAVE a shameful secret - a worrying addiction to Lego-themed computer games. Combine that with the fact I am a huge Batman fan and you would think last year's Lego Batman: The Videogame would be my Shangri-La.

Well, Batman: Arkham Asylum doesn't so much eclipse Lego's poor old version of the Caped Crusader as deal it a flying kick to the chest followed by a knockout punch to the jaw.

Review by Dan Smith

LIGHTS, action, shoulder pads, spandex... are Spinal Tap back on tour?

Nope, it's the latest in EA's long-running American football series.

It's been a long time since I've played Madden but I'm the token Yank on the Mercury staff and was, as a youth, a Houston Oilers fan (before they upped sticks and moved to Tennessee or somewhere), so I was looking forward to the first punt.

Take a moment to admire the usual sumptuous EA presentation ­before throwing yourself right into the action and, if you're me, panicking!

One of the problems Madden will always have is you really need to know the sport well.

And if you don't, you're quickly reduced to choosing any old tactic, banging buttons and hoping for the best.

Review by Rich Mannox

On receiving this game I was excited. Memories of the original Terminator film came flooding back, the man vs machine battles, Arnie in the gun shop asking to look at the uzi and the bit where he pulls his eye out.

On firing up the game it looked good the classic terminator theme music was there along with a nice action packed into sequence.

The plot behind the game is similar to the movie of the same name which has just come out. The machines have won the war and LA is a ruined wasteland. You play John Connor a soldier in the resistance force against the machines. Connor finds out that some of his mates have been captured by the machines and sets out to get them back from behind enemy lines.

Written by guest reviewer Don Huss

THINK Spiderman meets Robocop

Twenty years is a long time to wait for a sequel by anyones standards, and Capcom have done themselves proud brining Bionic Commando into the third dimension.

The original game was notorious among gamers for its insane difficulty. Purists will be glad to know that nothing has changed, this game is tough!

Here at Power Up we have friends in high places - and in Los Angeles our very own insider LA Dolly is at E3 to give us the lowdown.

Here's what she had to say;

"Hi Power Uppers - Microsoft wheeled Sir Paul, Ringo and Yoko, Spielberg and Hideo Kojima (Oh yes Metal Gear on 360 at last) out onto stage for their press conference.

Also the new thing called NATAL - you will have heard a lot about this already - I know Mr Wollaston has just blogged about it!

Pele and James Cameron were at the Ubisoft press conference, with James Cameron talking rather in depth about Avatar.

There is a new camera peripheral for the Wii. Jay Z and Eminem played at Activisions DJ hero party. Notable spots include Kelly Osbourne, one of the Olsen twins plus some of the cast from Mad Men, Leo DiCaprio and Matthew McConnaghey.

Sony and Nintendo press conference today. Rumour has it that not only will Rogue Warrior Dick Marcinko be at the first day of the show but he might have a "friend" in tow... Over and out - LA dolly