This is great old school block-busting that is more than worth the 800 MS points. [Issue #16]

A compelling introduction to next generation consoles, and a break from the normal formulaic anime genre, if you don’t like the game, you’re asking too much of it. Great action and good fun throughout with a multitude of missions and mini-games, Rise of a Ninja is a delight for both anime fans and casual gamers new to Naruto's great adventures.

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

What's refreshing is the level of freedom you're given. [Issue #7]

A more realistic tennis sim you will not find anywhere. Top Spin 3 brings proper simulation to the sport. The arcadey fun play is gone and a serious sporting challenge has emerged from this series to mark it out from the other tennis games available.

Addictive, challenging and more fun than a game deserves to be. It may not beat Geometry Wars for sheer difficulty but with a two-player gaming mode it has got something that little bit extra up its jet engines.

A near flawless combination of old-school Sega magic and exciting new track deformation technology, Sega Rally effortlessly delivers a fast and accessible, yet deep and competitive arcade racing game that should appeal to both diehard Sega fans and newcomers alike.

Things aren’t getting any simpler in EA’s sporting conquest, and new features tapping into resources we’d never dreamed of leave us dribbling. NBA 365 and the Dynamic DNA system are two such additions guaranteed to give you more basket for your buck and you’ll be hard pressed to find a slicker, more accurate representation of the sport anywhere.

Multi-player is undoubtably the main event, but single-player manages to stand out thanks to Hot Swapping, which allows you to go anywhere and do anything you want. [Issue #7]

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.

We expected nothing, but came away with something special and interesting. [Issue #16, p.78]

Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a solid title whose next-gen credentials are offset by a concept that’s starting to show its age. Those with a penchant for all things Croft will relish this overhauled blast from the past, but ultimately this alone isn’t quite enough to make Tomb Raider: Anniversary a must have title for most other people.

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]

Lego Indiana Jones has three main areas of appeal: those who liked Lego Star Wars, those who liked the movies and those who want a fun and utterly charming gaming experience. If you match one of those criteria it’s definitely worth a look. Match all three with a taste for its much-needed replay value and you should have bought this already.

The difficulty curve is steep, but you probably won't even notice how hard the game has become until you realise you haven't blinked for three minutes. [Issue #16, p.78]

Outpost Kaloki X features a lot of depth and offers some challenging play for fans of strategy games. Shame there’s no Live multiplayer though.

By blending high-end strategy with vaudeville spectacle it really does offer something special in a relatively weak genre and should not be missed.

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.

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

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

We’ve been beside ourselves with excitement about this finally arriving at GAMER towers, and it hasn’t disappointed. Great fun in two player, a decent challenge and lots to do in single player – and we haven’t even taken it online yet. Fan-bloody-tastic.

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

The Club takes a somewhat tired and overused genre and genuinely does something new with it. Don’t let the lack of a full-blown story mode put you off giving it a try, even if it is sadly the one thing you’ll miss the most.

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]

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]

Close, but no Robinson's Barley Water. [Issue #7]

Disappointing that the 360 edition isn't visually distinct from the last-gen versions. [Issue #3]

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]

What there isn't, though, is a great deal new in gameplay terms, making the old-gen game desirable, rather than essential. [Issue #3]

When it looks and plays this good, dedicated genre buffs won't mind. [Issue #2]

Yes, the graphics are pretty bad and the speech samples are unintentionally funny but it doesn't detract from the hard-as-nails gaming. [Issue #16, p.78]

Essentially a last-gen game. [Issue #2]

A fine, glossy racing game. [Issue #3]

Occasionally shallow, its presentation is nonetheless faultless. [Issue #2]

When it works, it’s glorious. But rather poorly, it doesn’t work with enough consistency or regularity to reward the kind of extended play most users would expect to get from a new PES title. FIFA is better this year in almost every way possible and while it may grate on long-standing ISS fanboys to go into a shop and buy a FIFA game, there’s no shame whatsoever in simply wanting the best you can get for your money.

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!

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]

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]

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.

The more you appreciate Star Wars in general the more you’ll get from this occasionally inspiring run-and-slasher. True, the touted technology is never really used to do more than put on a fine electric show, but what a show it is. But as for Anti-Force Fields? Well, they’re one way of making Jedi and Sith characters somewhat redundant, and just one example of how Force Unleashed goes against 30 years of lore in order to shoehorn a game together.

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

Mad as a brush and all the better for it, Katamari’s combination of a very simple concept coupled with some wonderful physics, brilliant level design, challenging objectives and charming visuals gives it a goofy charm that’s hard to dislike.

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]

True to its billing, SimBin has delivered a driving simulator that offers depth and challenge on a scale unseen in any 360 game to date. And if that’s what you’ve been waiting for, then this is unquestionably the game for you. If you’re simply looking for a good racing game, there’s still enough enjoyment there to warrant further investigation – but only if you’ve grown bored of Forza 2.

This is a definite improvement in the series, but not a particularly large one as it’s very much as case of sticking with a successful formula. Better visuals, a few new tricks, features and more career options are all great for the franchise but Skate has laid down a new challenge that Proving Ground hasn’t quite risen to.

Though technically difficult to fault in terms of playability, it lacks the next-gen "wow" factor. [Issue #2]

Although significantly streamlined compared to the last wave of DBZ titles and perilously confusing at times, Burst Limit looks and feels at home on today’s meaty hardware. Mechanics are generally tight and far more intricate than you might expect from a game like this so while more traditional fighters may still have the edge for all but the most devout anime fans, this is a surprising treat for those with the patience to get to grips with it and the good nature to overlook its relative lack of content.

It’s still got gameplay issues but FIFA has never been just about how it plays. Football fans will love this. Not because it’s technically the best football game ever made, but because it can provide an authentic and inspiring experience.

There are far worse games out there, sure, but few that tackle such big issues in such a blinkered and cringeworthy manner.

Dark Sector is constantly impressive and tighter than most triple-A releases, with only a few tiny niggles and its decidedly basic structure holding it back from taming the genre altogether.

Keen to push forwards and revolutionise control, NHL 2K8 bafflingly manages to take a step backwards over previous incarnations. It’s still fun enough but it’s a shame, as with a little more time to perfect its core ideas, this could have been great. The franchise isn’t going anywhere though, so it’s still one to watch out for a few more years yet.

Bullets and punch-ups flow together with a level of zeal and if you accept that you are in for a dumb action movie of an experience you’ll be served with something special. This is easily the most exciting tie-in title for a long time but some may find its constant action tiring and repetitive.

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.

A sublime blend of old and new, Battle Fantasia has both the hardcore mechanics and depth to attract devout beat-’em-up fanatics and the style, polish and approachability to rope in the less devoted gamer. It could use a few more characters and perhaps a little more substance but still, BF is easily one of the better fighting games to grace the current generation of consoles so far. [JPN Import]

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

Capturing the feel, if sometimes not quite the look, of the universally loved animation, The Simpsons Game displays momentary glimpses of ‘the game that got away’ before falling back on tried and tested design and easy laughs to carry it through. It’s a generic romp, albeit one guaranteed to tickle you on at least a few occasions.

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

It's a fairly lazy conclusion to say that Tiger Woods is the 360's best golf game...That's true. [Issue #2]

Yeah, it’s alright, especially if you’re new to the series or just want to play something that spreads on your bread like ‘I-Can’t Believe-It’s-Not-Silent-Hill-2.’ The monsters are great, the combat is workable and the mystery is intriguing. But if you’ve ever played a survival horror game then chances are you’ve already played this, down to the last ‘put strange object in bizarre vaginal slot’ puzzle. As with Hollywood’s trend for remaking J-horror movies, fans may well prefer to fondly remember the original instead.

For the single-player, re-treading your steps is frustrating. [Issue #6]

With a satisfying campaign, backed up with a truly unique multiplayer experience, TimeShift certainly isn’t a run-of-the-mill title anymore, and for sci-fi fans this may be one of your most rewarding titles this year.

This could be a standard Xbox release.

A deliciously shallow, easy-to-pick up marriage of arcade racing and wanton destruction. Hampered by occasional confusion, slowdown and questions over its long term appeal, it’s nonetheless – while it lasts – one of the 360’s most enjoyable games.

Aerosmith’s presence works impressively well with a decent mix of GH-friendly tunes and some great animations but without the band this is simply a scaled-down version of Guitar Hero III with fewer tracks and no option for DLC to add some of your own favourite anthems to the playlist.

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

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.

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]

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]

It's simple, fun and it looks especially pretty on the 360, but there's not much new here. [Issue #16, p.77]

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]

Turok isn’t just another below average shooter. It’s slightly better than that. While it may seem a little short and over-familiar come the end, its positive points are at times excellent and it does come with an extra layer of polish that's often lacking in other games. Plus, you can stab dinosaurs in the neck. And that’s awesome.

Some may dislike the shocking pace of Quake Wars while for others, it might just be that step too far into the land of confusion. But if your reactions have been honed in the more uptempo shooters of our day – TimeSplitters and UT to name but a few – rather than trudging around in Halo or Battlefield, this could well be the blend of speedy action and team-based mechanics you’ve been holding out for.

A lot of fun after all these years. [Issue #16, p.78]

Although initially slovenly and unresponsive there’s some fun to be had taking on multiple opponents and enjoying the resulting spurts of viscera. There’s some fun in sneaking around watchtowers and exploring caves, too, but Viking’s problem is that what fun it provides is heavily watered down to give it a fake epic feel.

Burnout is a better arcade racer, but Juiced 2 has other qualities including Driver DNA. It is a gimmick, but it works and it adds that element necessary to make spending money on a game of the like you may already own reasonable.

Appealing to a wider audience, Infinite Undiscovery replaces methodical, inventory management and turn-based pondering with action – and is all the better for it. There’s no time to explore, what with all the running and slashing, but there’s endless depth in the game once you’ve got to grips with it.

A solid enough game that will suck away a frightening number of hours from your day. [Issue #16, p.78]

As winter fades away and blues skies appear, Sega Superstars Tennis will brighten up even the most miserable of days with solid gameplay, fun characters and great courts to play on.

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]

As an MMORPG, Final Fantasy XI is ace - in some ways fresher and funkier than "World of Warcraft," but as an RPG it pales in the light of "Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion." [Issue #8]

We made the mistake of playing Mandate first and were really shocked by how average it looks in comparison to any other FPS game currently available - character animation is excellent but the environments are dire. Thankfully Extraction Point, though still not top-notch graphically, looks more like a 360 game and plays sweetly.

No RTS fan could fail to be impressed by the massive choice in tactics and strategy as well as the intuitive and fast control system. A lacklustre story and limited story mode only slightly mar an otherwise excellent strategy game.

When it's good, it's ace. When it's not, it often runs the gauntlet of making aerial combat occasionally feel dull. [Issue #7]

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

Sometimes your laster aiming can be a bit wayward but with practice you'll be carving through those killer robots like a knife through hot butter. [Issue #16, p.78]

Feeble and misjudged in as many ways as a game can be, we simply can’t bring ourselves to recommend Too Human to anyone. There will be those that love it, as there were with the horrible demo. But we just hope this minority has fun, because we sure as hell didn’t.

There are three great hours here of simple underwater fish munching fun. [Issue #16, p.77]

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.

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]

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]

Relentlessly packed full of gunfire as well as requiring duck-and-cover defensive play Quantum of Solace blends a balls-out shooter with modern sensibilities to create a game that’s refreshingly fast paced and therefore swift to complete. If played on its highest settings you’d be better served by Rainbow Six and if played on lower you’re paying for just a few hours of entertainment. Thankfully multiplayer promises much, and we’ll tell you how it delivers once we’re all online and you’ve seen Mr Bond die several times.

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

Kane & Lynch promises much more than it actually delivers. It’s still a fine game, but is let down far too frequently by a number of minor issues that could have been corrected with more development time. It’s got some great elements, just not enough of them.

Of all the Midway arcade games, this is probably the weakest. [Issue #16, p.77]

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]

An entirely competent, at times downright entertaining, rendition of basketball. [Issue #2]

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]