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]