4. Trackmania 2

Trackmanias always been a series thats always been its own thing. On paper, its a time trial racing game with crazy loops and tonnes of user generated content. Sounds simple and tame right? Well, playing it says otherwise - because its nuts. Trackamania 2: Canyon, takes these same concepts, adds even more in the way of creation, and brings the game to a new generation of hardware.

Basically - the game is the same. You pick a car, drive a track, get to the end as quick as possible. The element of a puzzle is there in all of the levels, plus a new drifting mechanic changes up the game pretty drastically. Not to mention that the game looks gorgeous on all fronts...even if you're only getting the one environment for now.

However, the online stuff is where the game becomes something completely different. There's a tonne of user generated levels, complete with their own crazy soundtracks (notably, tonnes of licensed musics) or unique touches - sure, getting through it all is tricky, thanks to really poorly explained interface that doesn't tell you everything you should.

Otherwise, it's fantastic. So compeltely different to just about everything else released this year, that it commands some attention and deserves a look. It might not be your racing game of choice, but if you've never stepped foot into Trackmania, this is your best introduction.

5. NBA 2K12

NBA 2K11 was a revelation for many people - sure, it was stupidly complex and you kinda needed a knowledge of the real game to truly get it, but once it clicked, it was amazing. And it didn't help that having a mode dedicated to the career of Michael Jordan was a key selling point. So where do you go from there? You find ways to improve and perfect - which is exactly why NBA 2K12.

Improving on the Michael Jordan mode from last year is a newer mode focusing on 14 other legends of the game, including Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Julius Irving and more. Sure, while it lacks the narrative of a players career in lieu of "hey, go play these guys", it demonstrates the insane lengths 2K have gone to in order to present the game of basketball. One game in particular takes in the 50s, and as such - the game is in black and white, only uses one camera shot for the entire game, and uses early TV-style info cards. Crazy.

From there - just about every other element of the game has been modified for the better. Included now is a new tutorial mode to help with all the complexities, a new My Player mode where you invest more into the life of an NBA rookie, online season modes and more. And the base game itself? Still undeniably perfect.

Sure, it may be incredibly daunting, but for those catering an easier to swallow NBA game, there's NBA Jam On Fire Edition. For everyone else? 2K12 is required for your basketball needs. Undeniably amazing.

6. Jetpack Joyride

Ever since first trying their hand at a Cannabalt-esque game with Monster Dash, it's quite surprising to see Brisbane-based developer Halfbrick try basically make the same game again, with the same character, no less. But Jetpack Joyride is more than just the same game again - it's a deeper experience than one is to expect in these games.

Of particular interest is the jetpack you control - mastering it takes quite a bit of effort, but is extremely intituitive and simple to grasp. Not to mention that much like Monster Dash, there's plenty of special powerups to change the game up some - including the Tiny Wings controlling a Profit Bird

Where the depth comes though is from its mission system. At any time, you're given three missions to accomplish - ranging from covering a certain distance, to collecting coins etc. They sound so simple, but they add so much to a game that never really needed it, but is most welcome. And if that wasn't enough, the game has a really cool screenshotting system that highlights all the cool things you've done in the game, reminding you of what you've done, and captures the most perfect of moments.

You may be going "oh, another one of these games", but I urge you to check it out. Jetpack adds just that right bit of depth and that right bit of mechanical addition and change to make the game seem fresh and awesome. And it's cheap. Can't say no to a cheap game!