VideoGamer.com Plays

What we've been playing this week.

Tom Orry, Editor - BioShock 2, Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Two of the biggest releases of Q1 finished in a week isn't bad. With Dante's Inferno done and dusted I set out to work through 2K's FPS sequel, and without spoiling anything, it's a lot like the original, just a bit more intense. The new Adam gathering mechanic that sees splicers swarm on your position produces some epic battles, making most of the encounters in the first game seem like child's play. It's great to be back in Rapture again. Look out for our review on Monday.

Wesley Yin-Poole, Deputy Editor - LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4, Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii

Technically, I haven't played LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4, the latest instalment in the phenomenally successful LEGO series. Actually, there's nothing technical about it: I haven't played it at all. But this week I saw it being played for an hour, and got a good idea about what's new and what's cool. LEGO Harry Potter is the first in the series to feature individual brick physics. It sounds silly, but, according to developer Traveller's Tales, it's a big deal. Now, using magic (this is Harry Potter), you can move individual LEGO blocks and actually build stuff, like, you know, proper LEGO. Before you lose your mind in disbelief, know this: you can only do it in certain parts of the game, and it's all on a 2.5D plain. You build platforms so you can reach higher places, and bridges so you can pass chasms. It's constrained, controlled creativity. LEGO hasn't gone and done a Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts - remember, this is a series aimed at six to 12-year-old boys. But it's a start.

James Orry, News Editor - Heavy Rain, PS3

This week I sat and watched Heavy Rain being played. I saw the same sequence played twice, only on the second play though the goal was to fail what was being asked of single father Ethan Mars. I'm not allowed to go into specifics, but we did succeed in failing, resulting in an event which appears to have changed how the story pans out. You'll have to wait a bit longer for our verdict, but so far so good.

Sebastian Ford, Video Producer - Age of Empires III, PC

I know, it should be Mass Effect 2. Truth is I haven’t so much as touched that game yet, but my reason is simple. I want to play through the original Mass Effect again to perfectly set up my character to continue in this sequel. My copy of the original is in the hands of our fearless leader Adam, given to him by Chris (without asking!?) and I fear requesting it back may place my job in jeopardy. So, to pass the time I swiped Age of Empires III from the office and have steadily been playing through. No matter how loud my speakers, they still fail to drown out the cries of pure, unadulterated joy that can be heard from Chris, 20-odd hours into Commander Shepard's second adventure.