Only six weeks into 2012 and already it’s shaping up to be a massive year for video games. If you’re wondering what to spend your money on this month, we’re here to help! Here are this month’s hottest game releases.

Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning

If RPG fans could create a dream team of developers and writers to create an epic fantasy game, it would probably end up like this. Written by best selling author R.A. Salvatore and designed by Ken Rolston, the man behind The Elder Scrolls III and IV, Reckoning is an epic tale in a massive world that combines fluid combat with an engaging storyline. It’s said that you could spend over 200 hours exploring the world in order to conquer every side quest and mission, which is enough to promise a truly immersive RPG experience.

Format: Xbox 360, PC
Should I buy it?
If you’re a fan of role playing games or World of Warcraft, a definitive yes.

The Darkness II

The sequel to the 2007 smash hit, The Darkness II sees you reprise the role of Jackie Estacado, New York crime boss who can control the ancient force of chaos known as “The Darkness”. Quad-wielding fighting lets you use two demon arms to help you destroy enemies in this first-person shooter, while the gritty graphic noir art style captures the essence of the comic books from which the game is based.

Format: PC, PS3 and Xbox 360
Should I buy it?
The main campaign is relatively short, but fans of the FPS genre will certainly enjoy the cerative freedom delivered through the supernatural elements.

Soul Calibur V

Soul Calibur is five games into the series, so you should have a pretty solid understanding of what to expect here. Fighting, more fighting and the odd bit of button mashing go a long way. Fans of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series will enjoy the appearance of Ezio Auditore as a playable character, even if it isn’t actually a logical connection – but considering the fourth Soul Calibur had Yoda, I’m not sure logic plays a part here…

Format: PS3, Xbox 360
Should I buy it?
If you’re a fan of the genre, sure. Otherwise, don’t expect anything truly revolutionary.

Grand Slam Tennis 2

EA Sports tries its hand at the tennis game genre again with Grand Slam Tennis 2. Featuring the ability to play as a wide range of current and historical tennis champions at all four major tournaments, the game has potential for tennis fans. But as Damo found out, it probably doesn’t bring enough to the table to challenge the dominance of Top Spin and Virtua Tennis, even with Playstation Move control support.

Format: PS3, Xbox 360
Should I buy it?
Only if you’re a real tennis tragic and have an aversion to Top Spin.

Final Fantasy XIII-2

Final Fantasy XIII was a big game that ended up having a lot of content left on the cutting room floor. It was also fairly badly received. Square Enix has tried to fix the franchise by using the extra content to create a sequel, which tries to rectify many of the faults of the original game, while maintaining the general look and feel of the world. With a nifty time travel mechanic, it looks to have succeeded.

Format: PS3, Xbox 360
Should I buy it?
Final Fantasy fans are a loyal bunch and will buy it regardless. If you want satisfaction after the disappointment of the original, this may give it to you.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series pretty much made the original Playstation the success it was. Konami have remastered three of the games from the series and released them in high definition for today’s HD consoles. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker have all received the remastering treatment, bringing the classic stealth gameplay to a new generation.

Format: PS3, Xbox 360
Should I buy it?
Whether you’re after some MGS nostalgia or experiencing the series for the first time, this is an essential collection for any games cupboard.

UFC Undisputed 3

UFC goes from strength to strength in the hexagonal ring, so it’s no surprise that the game based on the high-impact mixed martial arts is starting to hit its stride. The third iteration brings a brand new Pride mode to the game, as well as new submission and stamina systems to create a more realistic experience.

Formats: PS3, Xbox 360
Should I buy it?
That depends on how badly you want to virtually kick ass…