What's this all about? I take my weekly gaming summary from Raptr and chat about a few of the games I've been playing. Feel free to leave a comment and share what games you've been playing this past week!

The Wolf Among Us

Before I played this, I knew little to nothing about it, except that it was something new from Telltale. Wow, what a surprise. I loved the story, loved the look, and I love the improved gameplay mechanics. I may just have to go and read the Fables comic book series, but I might wait until I finish the game first. The second episode can't come soon enough! Go buy it and play it now!

Sonic Lost World

Yeah, it's not the best Sonic game and it probably deserves the mediocre review scores it's been getting, but I'm such a massive Sonic fan that I just don't care. I've sank about 10 hours into this since picking it up on launch day, and will keep going until I'm done. There's just something about Sonic - probably the nostalgia - but I just can't get enough. If you're a fan, I'm sure you'll love it.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing

Another game I started this week was The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing. It seems like a mini Diablo of sorts, and a damn fine one at that. The story has been a bit slow at times, but the fantastic look game world and solid gameplay keep things moving along. There's some sound issues, graphic glitches, and dodgy voice acting at times, but it's still a polished game that's worth a look.

That's all for this week, but before I go, I'll leave you with my favourite screenshot of the week. This is from The Wolf Among Us and it's my new favourite video game character, Colin, one of the Three Little Pigs!

What's this all about? I take my weekly gaming summary from Raptr and chat about a few of the games I've been playing. Feel free to leave a comment and share what games you've been playing this past week!

Grand Theft Auto V

If I had to guess, I'd say I'm about half way through the main story. Unfortunately, I continue to get sidetracked by silly distractions. The image to left is a perfect example. I've been trying to nail the perfect landing on one of the many jumps, and my last attempt got me stuck on the top of this sign. Oh well, between performing perverted things with Trevor and walking Chop as Franklin, I'll let Michael continue trying this jump.

Company of Heroes 2

According to Steam, it took me 41 hours, but I finally wrapped up COH2. It was awhile before I warmed to this one, despite being a huge fan of the original. The first issue I had was the poor performance on my pretty recent Alienware machine, while the second issue was with the ordinary campaign story. It managed to pick up towards the end, but it was still a bit lacking. Not too bad, but far from great.

Rain

Another completed game this week - rain! Now I loved Journey, and I loved Unfinished Swan, but Rain ... meh. I thought it looked great and I really enjoyed the puzzles, but it lacked the emotion that it so desperately trying to convey. There were also a few annoyances in gameplay, such as falling what appeared to be 1m (~3 feet for the uncivilised) and dying, despite the NPC leaping down 10 times the distance. Anyway, it's still a decent game and worth a look.

That's all for this week, but before I go, I'll leave you with my favourite screenshot of the week. This was one of the special X-ray moves that I performed on Johnny Cage. Instead, it looks like Jax is eating him :P

NOTE: Until the AU Discussion Forum is resurrected, I will leave our beloved bargain thread on my blog. Feel free to contribute to it in the comments. Thanks!

This is the place to tell us about a bargain you may have spotted or an online store you've had a good experience with. Please note that personal listings and referral links are not allowed, all listings should be gaming or home entertainment related and all bargain discussion should be kept to this sticky. Below is a list of some popular online game stores. Feel free to post any others you recommend. Keep in mind regional compatibility restrictions when buying from online stores and check with the site if you are unsure. The accuracy of the information provided in this link can't be guaranteed and to avoid possible disappointment it is always recommended you purchase your games, movies and content from the region in which you are based.

Want the cheapest?

Game Cafe lets you search the price of a game at over 50 online stores in one click.

Savemi is similar to Game Cafe, but focuses predominantly on the biggest upcoming and recent releases.

Want local suppliers?

JB HiFi 99c Shipping, up to 3 working days.

Beat the Bomb $2.50 Shipping, up to 5 working days.

EB Games $4.95 Shipping, up to 3 working days.

Game Head $5.95 Shipping, up to 3 working days.

Games Men $4.90 Shipping, up to 5 working days.

Mighty Ape $4.90 Shipping, 3-6 working days.

Want international region free games?

Oz Gameshop Free Shipping, 4-12 working days.

365 Games ~75c Shipping, 4-12 working days.

The Hut ~$1.50 Shipping, up to 15 working days.

Zavvi ~$1.50 Shipping, up to 20 working days.

GameSeek ~$7.80 Shipping, up to 15 working days.

EzyDVD $2 Shipping, 3-10 working days.

Want digital downloads?

Steam

Green Man Gaming

Gamers Gate

G2Play

Good Old Games

Other online stores (check region restrictions)

My Memory ~$3.00 Shipping, 7-10 working days.

Play-Asia ~$4.00 Shipping, 5-14 working days.

Currency conversion & other support sites

XE is a popular currency converter site.

Xbox 360 Wikia has a list of region free Xbox 360 games

Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so.

Part 1 - Most disappointing, favourite unplayed and top old game.

Part 2 - Favourite HD remake, best range of costumes and top virgin sacrifice.

Part 3 - Platform awards.

Now for Part 4, my GOTY, or GOTPFMSICRTWY, which stands for my game of the past few months since I can't remember the whole year...

In third spot - The Unfinished Swan (PS3)

I loved the fairy tale story, I loved the unique gameplay and I loved the creative visual presentation. For some, it may even be one of those games that strikes an emotional chord, everyone else will probably say it sucks.

Runner up - The Walking Dead Series (Mac)

I've purchased many of the Telltale episodic games, but none had me waiting so eagerly for the next installment, or in fits of rage when an installment was delayed...

THE WINNER - Gravity Rush (Vita)

Atmospheric, beautiful, exciting, challenging, emotional and refreshingly original, especially in a year full of so many sequels and remakes. I know there's some complaints about the controls and combat, but I think it just takes a little more practice to appreciate.

One of the most impressive things about Gravity Rush is the amazing world it is set in. It's beautiful, detailed, busy with activity and easy to get sucked into.

As I said above, once you get used to the controls, you'll have a blast with Kat's ability to shift gravity. It makes exploring the world and combating enemies a blast.

That's it from me. Thanks for those who read and commented. Be sure to share your favourite game of the year as well, but remember only my choices count ... because I said so!

Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so.

If you missed Part 1, check it out to see my 2012 choice for most disappointing, favourite unplayed and best old game. If you'd prefer to see which game had the best set of costumes or virgin sacrifice, Part 2 is where it's at.

On to Part 3, the platform awards. My GOTY will emerge from this list, so be sure to pay close attention!

WINNER - Sleeping Dogs

Everything just worked in Sleeping Dogs and worked really well. Coupled with the beautifully detailed backdrop of Hong Kong and you've got yourself an awesome game.

RUNNER UP - Spec Ops: The Line

It seemed like any other shooter at first, but then the story takes a horrible twist and becomes deep and dark.

WINNER - The Walking Dead Series

I've purchased episodic games before, but few had me eagerly awaiting the next episode as The Walking Dead did. I've never read the comic or watched the TV show, but now I'm a fan.

RUNNER UP - Guild Wars 2

Until Guild Wars 2, EverQuest 2 had been the only other MMO I'd given any decent attenton to. It's so good I'd almost agree to pay a monthly subscription if they asked...or not.

WINNER - Mass Effect 3

Despite the whole "revised" ending scenario, I was quite satisfied with how it ended and never bothered to download the updates. It was a great way to wrap up the series.

RUNNER UP - Halo 4

It's a space shooter about this dude in armor who kicks alien butt. I thought it was pretty fun.

WINNER - The Unfinished Swan

I loved the fairy tale story, I loved the unique gameplay and I loved the creative visual presentation. If you're lucky, it may even be one of those games that hits you on an emotional level. Everyone else will probably say it sucks.

RUNNER UP - Yakuza 4

While the story isn't quite as good as the previous game, the gameplay improvements were a welcome change. I love the series and can't wait for Yakuza 5. Oh, that zombie spin-off wasn't too bad either.

WINNER - New Super Mario Bros U

New Super Mario Bros U feels like a step back in quality from the latest 3DS Mario game, but you can forgive it thanks to the beautiful HD.

RUNNER UP - Assassin's Creed III

Once I realised I could play this on the gamepad, I traded my PS3 version in for the Wii U version. After a disappointing experience with the Vita's AC Liberation, it almost feels like I got the handheld AC I deserve.

WINNER - Gravity Rush

Atmospheric is the best word to describe this game. I was sucked into the world, the story, the characters and the music. It was so refreshing in a year full of so many sequels and remakes.

RUNNER UP - Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Not quite as stunning as the console versions, but quite an achievement for a handheld game.

WINNER - Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask

I'm a sucker for Layton games and as long as they keep releasing them, they'll continue to be on my end of year list.

RUNNER UP - New Super Mario Bros. 2

The whole coin collecting thing was a touch of genius. It gave me a reason to explore every bit of a level, rather than doing a power run through as I usually do.

WINNER - McPixel

One of the few games released this year that lets you sacrifice virgins, piss on anything and kick every person in the groin.

RUNNER UP - The Act

An interactive game from a team of guys who once drew for Disney. You can see it in this game and it looks fantastic.

That's it for Part 3. Keep an eye out next week for Part 4 where I'll announce my NUMBER 1 (and probably 2 and 3) GAME OF THE YEAR! Be sure to share your favourites below, but just remember mine are what matter...because I said so.

Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so.

If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out to see my most disappointing, favourite unplayed and favourite old game were for 2012. Part 2 is made up of some miscellaneous categories, all which I feel should be standard in every end of year game awards! Be sure to let me know yours!

WINNER - NIGHTS INTO DREAMS (PSN)

NiGHTS was my GOTY for 1996 and remains one of my favourite games of all time. I still pull out the Saturn and Xmas Special Edition every holidays for a play. With this beautiful HD remake, I no longer have to dust of the Saturn and I still get the same great game, but in full HD glory.

RUNNER UP - JET SET RADIO (VITA)

So close, yet so glitchy. Another of my favourite Sega classics. This one would have taken top spot had it not been for the constant crashing on the Vita. Luckily I love the game that much I persisted through this annoyance.

WINNER - SLEEPING DOGS (PC)

Not only do the outfits in Sleeping Dogs look awesome, some even give you added bonuses such as extra XP or melee damage. In any case, that Bruce Lee Jumpsuit alone is enough to justify the win!

RUNNER UP - FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 (PS3)

Ignoring the corny Mass Effect 3 costume, Serah and Noel's fantastic wardrobe selection come in a close second. It's just a shame these cost you real $$$.

WINNER - MCPIXEL (iOS)

The blonde, the cow or the bone? I'm not going to tell, you can figure it out for yourself. Possible spoilers in the image below.

RUNNER UP - Umm...

That's all for Part 2. Keep an eye out for Part 3 next week!

Now in its fifth year, Because I Said So is the only game of the year awards you should care about...because I said so. Each year I select my favourite game, along with a few others in categories such as favourite unwrapped, most dissapointing and prettiest Final Fantasy costume. If you're interested what I chose last year, you can check it out here.

Games in this category don't necessarily suck. They either didn't live up to my hype or I felt they could have been so much more.

WINNER - SYNDICATE (PC)

I couldn't even guess how many hours I sank into the original 1993 classic strategy version. It was such an accomplishment at the time and still holds up as an excellent game today. I didn't mind too much that this reboot was taking a different direction, mostly because it had a look similar to my 2011 GOTY, Deus Ex Human Rev. Unfortunately, the weak story made it difficult to fully enjoy what was an amazing looking game.

RUNNER UP - ASSASSIN'S CREED LIBERATION (VITA)

The prospect of the full Assassin's Creed experience on a handheld was exciting, but ultimately let down by a few seemingly minor issues. It looked great and handled well, but an uninteresting story and horrible sound meant I was unable to fully immerse myself in the experience.

The winner of this category is either still shrinkwrapped or awaiting download on Steam. I know it's good, as many people tell me so, but I just haven't had the time to kick it off yet.

WINNER - FARCRY 3 (PC)

With such a large unplayed shame pile, I now try to avoid buying games until I've finished whatever I've got going. However, at AU$28 for a new digital version from Ubisoft, I couldn't pass this over. I don't expect to kick it off until around the Xmas holidays, but I know I'm in for a treat.

RUNNER UP - PERSONA 4 GOLDEN (VITA)

I'm pretty sure Persona 4 was on this list last year or the year before as one of my favourite unplayed PS2 games - and this remains true as I'm still finishing off Persona 3. Anyway, I decided I'd probably have more luck finding time if I picked up the portable version, so I'm waiting on slow shipping from the UK to bring me a Vita version.

We don't all have the time to play each and every new game released within the year, so here I give you the top game I played for the first time, but came out before 2012.

WINNER - FINAL FANTASY IX (PSN/PSP)

Being the massive Final Fantasy fan I am, this one is a little embarrassing. I picked this game up brand new when it was first released on the PS1 in early 2001. However, I think Metal Gear Solid 2 got in the way and I never finished it off. It wasn't until recently that I decided to start from scratch and wrap it up. It's a true classic and one that should be played by all RPG fans.

RUNNER UP - COSTUME QUEST (XBLA)

I'm a big Tim Schafer and Double Fine fan and I feel guilty I put this one off for so long. It was such a great little game, I only wish I had played it closer around Halloween than earlier this year.

That's all for now, but keep an eye out for Part 2 and be sure to share in the comments if you've started posting your own GOTY selections!

If you'd like to know my Most Disappointing, Top Sealed Game or Favourite From Times Gone Past, check out Part 1.

Below is my choice game per platform, followed by my game of the year, 2012.

Xbox 360

Gears of War 3 - I haven't played any competitive multiplayer and don't really intend to, but the single player campaign was a solid addition to the franchise.

PlayStation 3

Alice: Madness Returns - Also winner for most surprising, I didn't expect to enjoy this title as much as I did, but the atmosphere of the game just sucked me in.

Wii

Kirby's Adventure - A more recent release, I'm not sure why I decided to start Kirby before Zelda, Xenoblades, Muramasa and Goldeneye, but I'm not complaining. Very fun game.

PC

Deus Ex: Human Revolution - Having not played the first two games, I wasn't sure what to expect here either. While it's not graphically impressive, the music, story and characters made it a winner.

PSP

The Third Birthday - I was hoping for a sequel to Parasite Eve 2, but instead got this. I can't complain, it was a fun game and one of the few titles that saw me drain the PSP battery multiple times during the year.

3DS

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries - At first I was disappointed as I thought this was a full RE game. It turned out to be more of an arcade shooter, but boy did I get sucked into it.

DS

Professor Layton and the Last Specter - You can't go wrong with a Layton game. I hope they keep making these forever.

The Winner of GOTY...

GameSpot, IGN, Giantbomb, Gametrailers...they all have their GOTY awards, but only one matters - mine. Why?

Because I said so.

For part 1 I will give you a run down on my top choice from the following three categories:

Don't get me wrong, games in this category don't necessarily suck. They either didn't live up to the hype or I felt it could have been so much more.

WINNER - Assassins Creed Revelations- 16th century Constantinople was pretty awesome, but I was hoping to see the story of Desmond advance further and something more special from Ezio's final outing.

This title is one of the many that is still shrink wrapped and yet to get any attention. I know it's good, many people tell me so, but I just haven't had the time to open it yet.

WINNER - Xenoblade Chronicles - I was too impatient to wait for this to release in Australia, so I imported it from the UK at full price. I just hope I get to it before it hits the bargain bin!

We don't all have the time to play each and every game released within the year, so here I give you the top game I played for the first time, but came out before 2011.

WINNER - Mafia 2 - I got this cheap from a digital download store and it's also winner of the best bargain for the year. I had so much fun with this game that had it been released this year, it definitely would have been a contender for my GOTY.

That's all for now. Keep an eye out for Part 2 and I hope you all have a great Christmas!

2010 presented a super line-up of games, but there was one that managed to entertain me longer than any other, couple fantastic story telling with well executed game play, exceed its predecessor is almost every way, and see me once again waste money on buying a second copy for no good reason.

Valkyria Chronicles II is Sega's sequel to the PS3 hit, Valkyria Chronicles (duh) - an under appreciated game which I have no doubt would have topped my 2008 list had I got around to playing it sooner. This PSP sequel looks just as amazing and plays just as well as its predecessor. You'll sink well over 60 hours into the game and side missions, plus there's DLC if that's not enough to satisfy you.I won't go into too much more detail, so check out this reviewif you'd like to know more about the game.If you are interested, be sure to check out the PSN store as Sega are currently offering it for 50% off. While playing the first would give you a good background to the world of Valkyria Chronicles, you don't need to have played it to enjoy this sequel. Don't miss it