SWITCHED On reviews new gaming releases across all platforms, and previews Littlebigplanet Karting, which should be out later on this year.

PREVIEW: LITTLEBIGPLANET KARTING PS3

Out: Late 2012

Mario Kart may be the king of the kart-racing genre, but it's going to have some stiff competition later this year. LittleBigPlanet Karting is coming from the studio behind ModNation Racers and it looks nothing short of charming, with the bubbly personality and sense of whimsy fans of Sackboy would expect. Importantly, it will let creative players cut loose, designing their courses, karts, game types and more, then sharing them online. With split-screen and online multi-player modes, as well as objective-based missions and mini-games, LBPK should be a blast.

THE WITCHER 2: ENHANCED EDITION (MA)

Xbox 360, $79.95

Rating: 5/5

Geralt of Rivia has to be one of the most memorable leads of recent games. A mutant known as a Witcher, he's preternaturally strong, is feared across the land and becomes embroiled in a complex narrative pockmarked by assassinations and betrayals. He's great to role-play and the world is painted in shades of grey. Originally released on PC, the Xbox 360 version performs well and the combat has been fine-tuned. Out now.

ANOMALY WARZONE EARTH (PG)

XBLA (360), $13

Rating: 4/5

In Anomaly Warzone Earth, an alien threat has crash-landed in Baghdad. Players must venture inside two anomalous zones to take down the hostile alien forces. A tower defence game at heart, players plot their course through each level, adjusting it as need be, all the while buying and upgrading units, setting up decoys, laying smokescreens and repairing damage to their squad. It may look drab, but this is a fun title. Out now.

DEVIL MAY CRY HD COLLECTION (MA)

PS3/Xbox 360, $59.95

Rating: 4/5

Stylish, fluid, over-the-top combat is the order of the day in this collection. Of the three PS2 titles, Devil May Cry 2 remains the weak link but the first game holds up well, introducing uber-cool protagonist Dante, while the third is a master-class in action. This title expertly pairs versatile fighting mechanics with sheer exuberance. The port to high-definition is pretty bare bones but there's plenty of quality gameplay on offer. Out now.

BURNOUT CRASH (PG)

iPad/iPhone, $5.49

Rating: 4/5

This goofy take on Burnout may have started life on a console but it works a treat on iOS. In Crash, players steer a car towards an intersection and try to cause the biggest pile-up possible. As the damage builds, Crashbreakers are earned, which can detonate the car, causing even more destruction. Cheesy pinball-inspired sound effects play as players chain together explosions and the touchscreen works well for directing mayhem. Out now.