Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Xbox 360, PS3) ($59.99)

Long-awaited, Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 doesn’t disappoint in either its fan-service or its incredibly patient fans. Combining popular characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes, MvC3 improves upon the old formula with a great comic-book art style (a cleaner version of Street Fighter IV’s graphics), improved defensive and offensive capabilities, and the ability to add new characters on-the-fly through DLC. What returns is the same screen-filling madness that comes with 50+ hit combos, the ability to pick three characters at a time and the fast, frenzied pace that gamers have come to expect from this style of game. If you liked the previous one, pick this up – but don’t expect it to convert any of your friends to this style of fighting game.

Bulletstorm (PC, Xbox 360, PS3) ($59.99)

The pinnacle of over-masculine first-person shooters, Bulletstorm takes the grunting, vulgarity and muscles of games like Gears of War and Call of Duty and gives them an extra dose of testosterone. Beyond that, the game is a solid shooter that introduces a unique “skillshot” system that awards points (used for upgrading your weapons) depending on how creative you get with utilizing the weapons, the leash, and a good old-fashioned boot in your kills. Coming with a solid campaign and a great multiplayer (a horde/firefight-style survival mode), this game should be the new prototype for ideas on changing the genre and certainly on your list of games to try.

Civilization V (PC) ($49.99)

Though it brings a lot of changes, Civilization V hearkens to the classic, turn-based strategy games of yesteryear. With a cleaner interface, a hexagonal movement system replacing the traditional grid, some slight tweaks to the deep systems already in place, and an overall easier-to-learn game, Civilization V is the culmination of Sid Meier and Firaxis’ years of hard work and has certainly paid off with a fun, good-looking strategy game that any fans of the genre can enjoy.