Surgeon Simulator, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD, gaming reviews

***

iPad (£3.99)

For those who have (a) always fancied themselves as a hero or (b) really enjoyed the film Hostel, Surgeon Simulator will appeal. Poor patients will suffer (and die, repeatedly) while you work your way through a trial-and-error medical career – jumping straight into a little heart surgery. While the scattered medical equipment and gory visuals make for a healthy dose of dark humour which works well on the iPad, the awkward controls are restrictive, and that's a huge shame.

Laura Davis

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z

**

PS3, Xbox 360, PC (£49.99)

Team Ninja oversees a zombie outbreak threatening the clan in Yaiba, a vexing sidestep from the main Ninja Gaiden series. Here the ancient ways of the ninja are disappointingly belittled, reduced to furious button-mashing. A lack of variety in the endless enemies leaves you wishing the game's superficial perk system included a hara-kiri option to end the killing sooner. Even the excellent art style finds itself hamstrung by irritating camerawork, leading to a frustrating experience. Gamers looking for a fresh twist will find Yaiba wanting.

Sam Gill

Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD

****

PS3, PS Vita (£29.99)

With this HD remake of Final Fantasy X and X-2, Square Enix seem to be trying to placate fans of the series who are clamouring for a FFVII remake. FFX/X-2 were arguably the two last great Final Fantasy games – and for the most part look much better for the HD makeover (with a few dodgy textures).The games follow the same space opera-style story that fans of the series are used to. While the remakes offer fans of the original nothing new, this is an ideal opportunity for newcomers to really see what the fuss was about.

Jack Fleming