10 of the Best: Magical adventures

As Sorcery casts its magic over PlayStation 3, we round up the finest spell-casting extravaganzas around.

Sorcery

As sorcerer's apprentice Finn in Sorcery, you must master the true power of magic to save those closest to you from the destructive Nightmare Queen. An ancient war between humans and faeries has been rekindled, and, equipped with the PlayStation Move motion controller as your magic wand, you must learn powerful new spells to fend off the terror sweeping through the land on PS3.

Look out for: The earth-shaking, troll-trembling Heroic Strike.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Fighting fire with fire is not necessarily the best tactic in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on PS3. Creativity is required for the best and most spectacular results while playing as a mage, so look to mix and match your spells to battle awe-inspiring dragons in this vast adventure. Even better, poison your foes to lower their resistance to magic, then strike with a burst of sorcery.

Look out for: The devastating electrical storm, Chain Lightning. 

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Far from being a powerful force in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, you are little more than a bundle of rotting flesh. Left for dead, you having nothing to lose and everything to learn, including incredible magic that will let you bend the fates to your will. You'll rise up and shape your own destiny in this stylish adventure, leaving a very distinctive mark on the world around you. 

Look out for: Meteor, the ability that lets you drop a small planet on nearby enemies.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2: The Videogame

It brought the Harry Potter stories to a close, but it also showed us how he had grown into a powerful wizard. In this tie-in to the final film of the series, Harry is at his most effective as he prepares for the dramatic final showdown with his nemesis, Voldemort... 

Look out for: The explosive spell, Confringo.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4

From the darkness of the Deathly Hallows to the charm and innocence of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, you'll explore Hogwarts and meet more than 100 of its pupils, teachers and shadowy characters. Seeing the much-loved books and movies brought to life in LEGO is magic enough, and having Harry's spells wreak havoc in this plastic world adds the final flourish.

Look out for: Secret areas and items that can only be discovered with Reducto.

THE EYE OF JUDGEMENT LEGENDS

A vast battlefield of warring factions lies before you in the form of a detailed board, in this magical PSP adventure. You'll command an array of creatures and characters using special digital cards as you fight to unite the elemental lands of fire, earth, wood and water with spells and strategies.

Look out for: The Bewitching Elf Archeress, who absorbs deadly power from woodland.

Disney Universe

In this colourful collision of various iconic worlds, you'll travel from the tropical islands of The Pirates of the Caribbean to the parallel universe of Monsters Inc, via Alice's Wonderland, Aladdin's dunes, the Lion King's savannah and Wall-E's futuristic vision of Earth. Each chapter has its own special spells – the most successful is the one that convinces you that you really are surrounded by a glittering cast of animated stars.   

Look out for: The Medusa spell, which lets you turn enemies into stone.

Max and the Magic Marker – Gold Edition

A game not so much about magic spells as an enchanted pen which lets Max doodle his way out of trouble. Trapped in the pages of a picture book, you must draw protective domes, platforms and bridges with your PS Move motion controller to escape through nearly 60 colourful levels. The adventure begins when you download it to your PS3 from PlayStation Store.

Look out for: The opportunity to draw a giant anvil to drop on enemies.

KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep

Fantasy quests and Disney heroes come together in this PSP saga when a mighty Keyblade Master goes missing. You must track him down, proving your ability to wield the powerful Keyblade and saving your world from destruction in the process. Along the way, you'll journey through fairy tales immortalised by Disney. 

Look out for: Triple Blizzaga, which lets you hurl huge chunks of ice at foes.

Disney Epic Mickey 2

Launching in 2012 on PS3, this co-operative adventure takes you deep into the heart of Wasteland, a haven for classic cartoon characters now cloaked in darkness. Mickey is joined by Disney's very first animated star, Oswald the rabbit, in an epic quest to save Wasteland that's full of music and vintage Disney animations.

Look out for: Incredibly rare Disney artwork, revealed using Mickey's magic paintbrush.