Just in time for the yuletide rush is this feast of games, writes STEPHEN FENECH

FRACTURE 

Fracture is a third-person shooter that has an interesting storyline andinnovative game-play options.

Set centuries in the future, Fracture tells the story of a – literally – divided US continent.

After the Artic ice cap melts, the country is split into two – Pacific and Atlantic – and a civilwar has erupted between them.

The most useful weapon and grenade can deform the terrain so players can create their own cover or rise to climb on to difficult-to-reach areas.

Players can also sink a hole beneath enemies or burrow into various locations.

This isn’t just a mindless shooter but offers challenges that can be only completed with the clever use of weapons.

It is now available on PS3 and Xbox 360. 

GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR

Players around the world have been rocking out to the previous versions Guitar Hero with guitar in hand.

Guitar Hero World Tour takes things a step further with the addition of a drum kit and a microphone, so everyone can get involved.

Budding musicians can choose instruments to play solo or jam with friends at the same venue or co-operatively online.

Now that already sounds like fun but what adds to enjoyment are tracks that have been included, such as songs from Billy Idol, Blondie, Blink 182, Wings, Willie Nelson, REM, SexPistols, Nirvana and many more.

It is now available on PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii. 

FALLOUT 3

Set in 2277, the Fallout 3 story picks up 200 years after nuclear war laid the US to waste.

After emerging from the vault where you have lived most of your life, it is time to enter the wasteland.

Out here a player’s decisions and development of various skills will affect the outcome of the game.

The open-world feel of the game means you can stick to the mission of locating your missing father, or just decide to explore wherever and whatever you like.

Fallout 3 is a role-playing adventure game with stunning visuals and imaginative, free-flowing gameplay.

It is now available on PS3, Xbox and PC. 

MIDNIGHT CLUB: LOS ANGELES

The streets of Los Angeles are your playground in this game where you are free to roamon your choice of 43 cars and three motorbikes.

There is a 24-hour cycle and conditions of the game change depending on the time of the day and even the weather.

Players can take on rivals in street races and even use the game’s built-in GPS system to find their way about.

As the game progresses players can also customise their cars and explore different parts of the city.

It is now available on PS3, Xbox 360 and PSP. 

ROCK BAND

Here’s a title we’ve been waiting to get for quite some time.

In a similar vein to Guitar Hero, Rock Band has finally been released and is a must-own if you’ve ever dreamed of playing to packed concert venues as a rock ’n’ roll idol.

There are four instruments to choose from – guitar, bass, drums and mic – and players can choose solo, co-operative and career.

And there’s also an amazing list of tracks to play along to, including Detroit Rock Cityby Kiss, Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones and Metallica’s Enter Sandman.

It is available now on PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.

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