The most creative and compelling experience of its generation, BioShock is a stunning piece of work. It blends great ideas with brilliant gameplay, a superbly immersive storyline and quite simply gets just about everything right. [Issue #31]

As essential a download as you’re ever likely to find, Sonic belies his age by delivering a rip roaring 2D rollercoaster of a game that even to this day, retains a wonderful sense of speed and challenge that will please both retro fanatics as well as those simply looking for a great game. Timeless.

Project Sylpheed is a very decent shoot-'em-up, full of spectacular set-pieces and blessed with tight controls, but it lacks real depth. [Issue 22, p.66]

Decent stealth elements and a fun Live play can't quite redeem what is a deeeply shoddy game. This is the next-gen era of gaming, so why does this feel like it's from 1997 and not 2007? [JPN Import, Issue 24, p.75]

It's not perfect, can sometimes be a little too fiddly and has moments of frustration. But given the minions, the depth and breadth of the challenge, the ideas and the seer strength of the entertainment it provides, there really is little you wouldn't forgive it. [Issue #24, p.72]

It’s beautifully haunting with top-quality visuals providing a unique style that shows a welcome originality, rarely seen in a time where destructible environments, squad commands and multiplayer options often draw preference from many a games developer.

While it was never going to be a contender for Game of the Year, Monster Madness has failed to deliver in nearly every sense. It could have been worse, but by the same token it could have been a whole lot better.

The rather functional-at-best visuals aside, Forza 2 excels in a way no other racing game has managed this generation. If losing yourself in a vast world of excellent handling and top notch realistic racing is something you crave from videogame racing (and admittedly, this sort of thing isn’t to everyone’s taste), ensure you get hold of Forza 2 as soon as you can - it’ll keep you occupied for months.

Awkwardness resulting from the terrible camera and hopelessly lazy last-gen elements will soon see your Spidey Sense telling you to bite through the control pad in abject frustration.

More or less the perfect video game - as entertaining, as challenging and as absolutely infinite as you want it to be. [Issue 24, p.52]

It just falls short of anything higher because it lacks the polish and well-balanced gameplay that we'd expect from any full-price title. [Issue 25, p.63]

Fans of the base game will discover plenty of new features and surprises in an experience that tops some of the best moments from the original. [Issue 24, p.58]

Simply the best example of a retro game on Live Arcade. It's flawless in its design and outstanding as a game, even ten years on. [Issue 25, p.67]

A triumph. While there are one or two minor niggles, Virtua Tennis 3 is a superb arcade game, a quite brilliant recreation of the sport, and a title so addictive that you'll need a calendar, rather than a watch, to measure how long you'll be playing it for. [Issue #23, p.66]

It's dumb, it's derivative and it's cheap. Yet neither of those are the reason you should consider spending a bit of cash here. Instead, it's the vintage gameplay, the mindless arcade blasting entertainment and an ability to rise above a bedrock of flaws to emerge victorious. [Issue 25, p.56]

No quibbles on the game itself, which marries the glitz you expect of EA with a very good football engine. But sooner or later, surely a stand needs to be made against being expected to pay so much when so little - in gameplay terms - has actually changed? [Issue #23, p.60]

It's too short, missing a multiplayer and plays too much to a market alienated by its 12+ rating. [Issue 25, p.60]

Packing all the charm and charisma of a shareware PC game (only considerably more expensive), Tetris Evolution is as dull as it is tedious. Don’t be seduced by its empty promises of Tetris goodness at a bargain price, get something else instead.

The game itself isn't bad; it's just blatantly average. [Issue 25, p.68]

A crisp high definition version of a classic game and, with hardly any faults, can be considered one of the best Live Arcade purchases you'll make. [Issue 24, p.70]

Stylish it may be, but ICON's core mechanics are simply too slack for us to recommend it to anyone that wants to splash out on a decent fighting game. [Issue #23, p.55]

GRAW2 is more of the same wrapped up in a coating of graphical improvements, tweaked functionality and new items and abilities. GRAW2 gives generously with one hand and abruptly takes away with the other.

Colourful, humourous and above all good fun, this game is a current classic with a rockin' retro feel. Well worth the points. [Issue 24, p.72]

Alicia is an enticing central character and the setting is delectably decayed, but playing her is just simply average and consistently lacks consideration for the player. She's a witch all right. [Issue #23, p.52]

Though very much an acquired taste, Samurai Warriors 2 Empires is more or less a godsend for anyone wanting a strategy fix out of their 360. [Issue #23, p.62]

There's certainly a lot of fun to be had here, although as the game lacks a distinct lack of difficulty you're often left to feel a little under challenged, which can sometimes make you feel a bit bored.

There's not been a huge gameplay jump snice we last saw NBA Street, but it's certainly wearing far fancier clothes. [Issue 24, p.65]

Even now it is still an endearing and addictive game. [Issue #23, p.72]

Give it five minutes and Root Beer Tapper can lead to hours of enjoyment. [Issue #23, p.72]

Although the tweaks and alterations since the last version are only minor, Pro Evolution Soccer is still a decent footie game. But this year the gap between "FIFA" and PES has grown ever tighter. The overall experience of "FIFA" is certainly better but PES still has the hardcore gameplay.

The seamless integration of a user-friendly tactical map enhances the gameplay, and having the choice to fly, sail or sink to the depths of the ocean whilst taking part in one of history's most influential battles is too much fun to miss. [Issue 21, p.50]

Sadly, Fuzion Frenzy 2 gets so carried away with enhancements and tricks, that it loses sight of what made the original work in the first place. A real waste. [Issue #23, p.71]

With classical gameplay at the heart of Heavy Weapon, what seems like minutes turn into hours of old-school fun. [Issue 22, p.62]

It does what it says on the tin, and delivers heart-pounding explosions, pant-wetting big alien monsters and hordes of minions to slay. If you can overlook the fact that it doesn't challenge your Xbox 360 either intellectually or technically, and you can just get down and dirty with some big guns and even bigger odds, then you and Lost Planet are going to get along just fine. [Issue 20, p.50]

As far as sports simulations go, World Snooker Championship 2007 doesn’t quite have the same finesse or that extra touch of quality that "Tiger Woods" or "Fight Night" can provide. However, it brings the sport to life with impressive detail, is good fun and very easy to pick up and play – an attribute that may appeal to those who merely curious about the game.

Surely Namco could've offered a slightly updated approach, rather than the original game set inside a high definition-ready border, with possibly the most boring Pac-Man mural known to man? [Issue 22, p.63]

It's relatively cheap at 400 MS points, but even that's too much to pay for something you'll grow tired of quicker than the game takes to download. [Issue 21, p.58]

It might run smoothly and offer a half-dozen modes, but Novadrome is the type of sterile, seen-it-all-before mid pack performer that there was no reason to produce. [Issue 21, p.57]

Simple and attractive, this can be seen as the 'scrolling shooter for the rest of us,' requiring neither the lobe roasting reactions of a Japanese infant nor a great investment of time to see it through. [Issue 21, p.56]

The game is let down by a severe lack of atmosphere, repetitive missions and ships that are too weighty to control. [Issue 20, p.60]

A gem in Live's already glittering crown. Roboblitz shows any potential Arcade developers that it's possible to pull off some amazing stuff within that 50MB limit. [Issue 20, p.69]

It may not have the depth of its inspiration "Super Smash Bros." but it's still the sort of game we NEED to see more of on Arcade.

Putting aside the sub last-gen graphics, the stunning lack of variety in the gameplay when you have seventy years of material to drawn upon is unforgiveable. There is no other way to view Superman Returns: The Videogame as a cynical cash-in that makes a mockery of a character that deserves so much more.

Due to the easy-to-use squad control, advanced A.I., gorgeous visuals, realistic physics, and intense action, Rainbow Six Vegas is easily the best in the series. While the game has been slightly simplified - and is not a massive next-gen leap forward - the result is a fantastic, intense experience that few others can rival. [Issue 18, p.62]

Besides the poor camera angle, it's easy to play and is challenging enough to hold your attention for an enjoyable and borderline addictive experience. [Issue 18, p.87]

An average port of a dated and infuriatingly tough arcade game. [Issue 21, p.59]

It’s not particularly next-gen visually, the loading times are so slow, and it has the most infuriating try-and-die mechanic of any 360 game we’ve played. If you’re a Sonic fan then you might glean some brief pleasure from this, but it is likely to disappoint and infuriate rather than entertain.

It's flawed in several ways that may annoy and frustrate a newcomer, but seasoned wrestling gamers will find everything they love about SmackDown and a whole lot more. [Issue 18, p.79]

The game seems to depend on a couple of nice ideas that you’ll repeat over and over again, thinking merely of the satisfaction of finishing the adventure rather than the fun you’ve had playing it.

A last-gen game, lazily ported over to the 360. But, on the upside, it's an extremely entertaining last-gen game that takes a different approach to its sport. [Issue 22, p.58]

A surprising failure. There’s some longevity (for the really patient) in trying to get every accessory and every costume, and even winning over the other girls has its challenges. But the core games just aren’t very good, and there’s no discernable improvement over its Xbox predecessor.

Viva Piñata may frustrate and confuse at times, but never enough for you to give up on the game. There’s always something going on and sometimes maybe a little too much, but with simple menus to navigate and endless pointers and advice to turn to, playing the game almost becomes like second nature.

Hard and furious paced play from this eighties arcade classic. We would have preferred to have seen a port of the superior NES version though.

It really will take you only around six hours to complete the Campaign on the standard setting, but you will have such an exhilarating time playing through it you will probably start all over again on Insane difficulty...However, Gears longevity is sure to be guaranteed by its multiplayer modes that we predict could be the game to finally topple "Halo 2" from the top of the Xbox Live 'most played' stats.

Featuring a solid frame rate, masses of detail and some amazing character clothing, Call of Duty 3 is without a doubt a fantastic looking game (albeit unfortunately out-classed by "Gears of War" right at the last minute), the problem is, the same level of effort, style and execution simply hasn’t been put into the gameplay which, unfortunately, feels like a regression from "Call of Duty 2" and wastes a lot of time with unwanted cut-scenes that only serve to interrupt the action.

The world is far greater in scope than it first appears and with skate lines that span the entire map, purists will be tearing it up for months just trying to plan the perfect combo.

An interesting and technically excellent FPS, F.E.A.R.’s refusal to play to its real strengths is something of a shame. Regardless, decent single-player modes and online play make it a shrewd investment for anyone that likes hurting people.

The extensive single player mode, backed up with strong multiplayer support, and some exciting, enjoyable arcade racing make Need For Speed the safe choice it always is. It’s still good distance from a classic, it’s not the best in its genre, but it is damn good fun.

FIFA matches tend to be something of a goal-fest - thanks in no small part to some truly myopic goalkeepers. [Issue 17, p.64]

Sure, the online world can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you've got to grips with communicating and finding your way around, you and your friends will be hooked. [Issue 18, p.84]

Don't buy it looking for huge innovations, but by all means expect entertainment by the superhero-load. [Issue 18, p.72]

As instantly addictive as it was 20 years ago. Updated graphics and gameplay are top notch, but the difficulty and repetitiveness are a bit much after a while. [Issue 25, p.70]

Shameless Achievement Whores are encouraged to apply. [Issue 18, p.87]

Frustrating and cheap when playing against the computer. Once you're online things do get better, but nothing can fix the 360 control pad, which isn't ideal for all but the quick button taping between finishing moves. [Issue 18, p.89]

A tremendous handheld game has been diluted by a muddled journey to the 360 home console, and a desire to screw as much cash out of games as possible. Vote with your wallets. [Issue 18, p.88]

A huge variety of settings and missions mean Ubisoft really gets to show off graphically, and we found that the 360’s HD capabilities gave the game a sleek, immersive feel. A few niggles in terms of camera views and accessibility for people new to the series let it down, but overall it’s a must have for Splinter Cell fans.

It'll be hard to enjoy last year's game with this on store shelves. [Issue 17, p.72]

As much as we would have loved to have seen some sort of new co-op mode or something, Dig Dug is still retro gaming at its best.

There's a good game in there somewhere but it's hidden behind the arm waving loopiness that takes up the majority of the game.

Just Cause is brilliant because every player has the chance to carve their own personality into how they play. Most games have a create-a-character mode – Just Cause has a create-a-video game mode!

Modern gamers who like to aim up and enter stealth mode will probably turn their nose up at it. Whereas all you gamers in your 20s are probably playing as we type. Now we just want "Doom II."

If you enjoy customising your car, however, you'll quite possibly wet your pants with excitement. [Issue 17, p.67]

Overly complicated and almost no fun to play. [Issue 17, p.68]

As beautiful to watch as it is to play, 2K7 is pretty much a benchmark for next-gen sports games. [Issue 17, p.70]

A frustratingly straightforward game to rate, courtesy of the fact that it sells for at least twice the price it should. [Issue 20, p.64]

The enhancements from the last-gen versions are clear to see. [Issue #15]

Feels like a game that was made out of obligation to the movie. [Issue 17, p.74]

A dull, repetitive slog against unresponsive A.I. across hideously detailed environments. [Issue #16, p.62]

The Live Arcade shoud be the home of great new franchises not tired old games like this. [Issue #16, p.73]

Some gameplay problems, but its charm and replayability helps to overcome them. [Issue #15]

New shooting controls make this version stand out. [Issue #15]

Pretty damn special. [Issue #16, p.66]

Falls short of being an at-home-alone single-player masterpiece. [Issue #15]

It’s average. It’s the sort of by-the-numbers fantastical nonsense you’ve played, completed and discarded a million times before and doesn’t offer anything new besides high resolution graphics and a slight reliance on the ‘A’ button.

The main issues we found with WCP2 stem from the career mode, with wildly fluctuating difficulty levels...and no real way of gauging opponent strength until you're at the table. [Issue 25, p.58]

It makes a catalogue of glaring errors that any fan can instantly recognise, and become infuriated by, and is massively out done by every other Bomberman game in existence. [Issue #16, p.71]

Relatively small game world does it no favours. [Issue #15]

There may not be a huge market for Madden over here, but when the sport is made this easy to pick up and play, just about anybody will be able to jump straight in and get their money’s worth.

There are plenty of flaws in the gameplay, meaning the game doesn’t run as smoothly as we’d like, but there’s possibly enough for fans of this type of game keep them interested enough to battle it out right to the end.

Sometimes tense, sometimes hilarious, it's a must have for all 360 owners. [Issue #15]

Rock hard, but still retains the crown of the greatest fighting game ever. [Issue #16, p.78]

Despite a shameful lack of two-player online mode you'll find yourself dreaming about Galaga and itching for another go. [Issue #16, p.77]

Good fun and original. [Issue #16, p.77]

Despite some fun online co-op and versus play, Frogger just isn't as good as you remember it. [Issue #16, p.77]

The single-player isn't very good, it lacks pace, excitement, variety and feels like one giant training mission. [Issue #11]

Joins an ever-growing ranks of "could-have-beens" thanks to it being both too short and too easy. [Issue #12]

The definitive LOTR game. [Issue #12]

Not even one to recommend to diehard flight sim fans. In a relatively short space of time, Ubi has become one of the leading software publishers and really doesn’t need tat like this sullying its reputation – particularly when it’s perfectly capable of creating fantastic games all of its own. Bizarre.