The best football/soccer management game ever made.

Although you can perform the usual pan, zoom and rotate camera functions with your mouse, the camera just never feels comfortable, forcing you to constantly tweak on the fly further adding to your tasks.

The quick style of the game is quite suitable for portable action.

Those coming to Warrior Within cold probably won't see a lot to complain about at all, outside of the somewhat repetitive and lengthy combat sequences.

Its ease of play will allow anyone to pick it up and get stuck in. That ease of play however will turn off people looking for a more challenging in-depth game.

The only thing stopping Pirates! from becoming one of 2005's best is the lack of variation in the gameplay - it is an immensely enjoyable game at first not to mention very unique, and there are plenty of mini games included, but soon enough repetition sets in with these mini games and it sets in rather hard.

Really only for the die hard Bond fans and those who just can't wait to get some Xbox Live 007 action.

Within the adventure mode the stylus control is a somewhat weak idea that shifts the learning curve upwards steeply, making a very accessible game a great deal less so. If you stick to digital control - and it's not that precise a game, to be honest - then you'll find Mario 64 DS to be a great title.

You will be hard pressed to find a FPS that looks better than Half Life 2 when it is played at its max settings.

If you were disappointed with the recent FPS titles and their somewhat lackluster plot and linear storylines, then you will probably find Bloodlines to be a refreshing change, however on the other hand, a few technical and design issues let it down.

Spider-Man's been done much better - even on the lesser GBA hardware - than in this obviously rushed and not terribly inspired game.

Spark took hold of the project to completion and while the game is fairly decent, it is a shame they didn't have the spark to polish it as much as the PC version.

"Ghost Recon" was not a bad game but what Red Storm have done this time around is definitely more action packed and the online play really tops it all off to make Ghost Recon 2 one of the best tactical shooters of the year, if not the best.

While the gameplay is well supplemented with the ability to control time and space in certain aspects, the problem is these aspects are too scripted, and even when the game isn't telling you exactly what to do and how to do it, it is still too obvious what works where, basically creating predictable and unimaginative gameplay.

Although the single player campaign is fairly in depth in terms of adding parts to your cars and offering quite a number of tracks, the fact you only have four cars to choose from really hurts the game in the long run as does the way the game becomes relatively hard very quickly.

One of the finest looking Gamecube games on the system to date, if not the finest. From the moment you first fire up the game, you are thrown into a visual explosion of detail which is enhanced greatly by the scanning systems in the game and also the various enemies.

Not only does the 3D engine add far more versatility to the game, but you get the overall feeling far more attention to detail went into this sequel.

It's a shame because under the skin of absolutely stupid game modes, there is a fairly accomplished wrestling game.

It's relatively easy for the most part, making it a game that some gamers will clear in less than ten hours, which also impacts on its total value.

Possibly the best choice for those wanting a Sims game without having to do the house decorations and design, and for those who just want to be able to keep playing and playing without worrying to much about time management and having to deal with mundane tasks in an on going fashion.

A worthy addition to the series, providing a much more interesting nonlinear style of play. The only major problem that seems to surface is the fact you will need to devote quite some time and mental energy to complete this game, and often the gameplay just gets too stale in the time needed to even complete just a few races in one sitting.

There's no doubt that AntiGrav is better than Monkey Mania, and as an indicator of future game ideas, it's quite good - but the number of gamers with the necessary physical skills and patience for AntiGrav itself will probably be very small indeed.

The game is shorter than the original title, and if you play games to get a great ending, Halo 2 is not going to give it to you. The ending made our jaws drop, but not in a positive sense.

The familiarity of the characters will allow all gamers to relate to the game plus the fact it offers both serious and not so serious game modes really enhances the game and makes it one of the better tennis games around, even when compared to proper simulation titles.

If you can't get enough of the WW2 action found in previous MOH and COD titles, then MOH: Pacific Assault will suit up well, but for everyone else, particularly those who like more variation in their FPS gaming, Pacific Assault isn't really a must have title.

It's worth checking out for the PC gamers looking for a bit of a twist to their third person action gaming, but it isn't the sleeper hit of 2005 that I was hoping, certainly not the "free world" game it was touted to be.

The music comes more towards the player as a cinematic element rather a primary track and it is similar to some of the more recent James Bond films during the faster paced action scenes.

The inclusion of familiar characters is no doubt a bonus to the game and the way the developers have tried to move the gameplay from those games to a new medium was very ambitious and in some cases did not come off, but others like Samba De Amigo and Space Channel 5 can very easily be ported to a new control system.

With a pinch of a few extended scenes from the upcoming ROTK Extended Edition, an exorbitant amount of film footage with narration by Sir Ian Mckellen and Sir Christopher Lee, the game is packed with lots to watch and places to explore. It comes highly recommended.

The problem with A&A, besides the negative points brought forward above, is the WW2 and RTS genres of gaming are two very prestigious genres, and it doesn't do enough to top what else is out there on offer.

It's not the best wrestling title of the year, an accolade that goes to the Gamecube's "WWE: Day Of Reckoning."

While the level design is fairly basic, the levels are huge and offer some great moments and decent challenges for all ages.

A stunning achievement for both Rockstar and Sony. It shows just how powerful the PS2 system is when used right. This game has the potential to last months and months on end, especially for the 100% target.

Whilst it delves into reasonably technical gameplay as far as profit and loss management goes, it still offers very addictive and fun gameplay at the same time, and this should appeal to PC gamers abroad.

If you go in with a mindset of finding a 2D version of GTA3 with a few small problems you will probably enjoy the game.

It's great that Live now has two decent fighters in one package for people to play but it's a shame the entire package wasn't overhauled.

Just why multiplayer was left out really will be never known, but it is a mistake that Brian Fargo, a reknowned game developer, should not have made.

A game that pairs superb combat gameplay with a mainstream market and as a result comes out as one of the first surprises for 2005 on the PS2.

The way the developers of both the arcade game and this Xbox port have gone about retaining the heritage of the series truly adds to the game. It really is a homage to one of the best racing games of all time, and that's what makes it such a great game.

A decent game but like the first one is too firmly focused away from party games and more on being a golf game.

An almost direct arcade port that will last a maximum of two or three hours first time through.

It may not offer the best view of the war in terms of realism, but the action flows thick and fast in this hybrid World War II/Vietnam shooter.

It is not without its problems, but it is definitely a member of a dieing breed - in depth single player gameplay with awesome multiplayer to boot.

It may not be the best KOF game around, but its the most technically efficient and offers a decent fighting game for those who want the latest graphics and technology in your fighting games.

The menu system is confusing and all over the place, clearly not designed for use with a mouse, and the graphics look like they predate 3D accelerators. If you can put those aside though, FIFA 2005 is a very solid experience with plenty of addictive action for soccer fans everywhere.

The brand new career mode has both its pros and cons but overall enhances the replay value of the game significantly and FIFA fans will relish the chance to take each other on online. You'd be hard pressed to find a more fully featured soccer simulation.

The game offers something for every gamer, from those who remember the games on the disc at the arcade, to those who just want to see what their parents may have played.

One of the sparklier gems in the GameCube's small but meticulously crafted treasure chest.

More impressive than the Xbox title if only for the superb visuals the game gives off. Considering the fast aging technology of the PS2 this is quite an achievement and Codemasters can give themselves a pat on the back for creating a quality port that in many ways out does the original.

It's just a shame that when put together it's only an average game.

What has been added this year doesn't add to much to the series overall and if you were a cynic you might say that the developers included the retro style to move the attention away from this fact.

Given that most gamers will be able to plough through the game's challenges in only a couple of day's worth of light play, leaving only the time trial option to keep them amused, you can't help but feel that more should have been made of the concept - especially considering the game's sparkling visuals.

The control system is as good as it is mainly due to the well designed interface. As mentioned, the game is reasonably involved so you will have to spend some time learning what does what, but everything, and I mean everything in this game is so easily accessible.

A decent game which is heavily pulled down by the lack of save points.

A decent game that perhaps relies on the license it is built on a bit to much. When you take that away you have quite an average boxing game and really only boxing fans or those who love the Rocky series of movies are likely to enjoy this title.

Buying the game just for the All Star Weekend probably will lead to disappointment but as a package overall it is a great basketball game.

The bongo kit which ships with the game is extremely sturdy and takes a severe beating without even giving a hint of breaking.

Combining a powerful turn based engine for the management, and an insanely enjoyable RTS engine for the battles, Activision and The Creative Assembly have produced what could easily be the best strategy game of 2004.

The simple interface system works well, the controls are flawless, the graphics aren't too shabby and the gameplay provides a good balance of management and action.

Once you look past the fairly average and repetitive gameplay between puzzles, some decent gameplay can be found and the storyline is something which really helps the game remain interesting once the repetition begins to hit.

To reinforce the notion that the game is based on the comic series, a cel shading style has been used for the graphics and it looks great even on the PS2.

An excellent way to chew up some time with a rewarding feel each time a puzzle is solved.

The action is fast and furious but repetitive and really it adds up to only an average game. Sega can definitely do better.

The balance of management and action is exceptional, the visuals are up there with the best RTS titles to date, and the action is plentiful - it is hard to ask for much more than that.

With online play and a variety of new modes including the chance to take on some of the greatest golfers in history as well as Tiger himself, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 is the premiere console golf game.

AI can seem a bit like sheep at times just running towards the combat areas and the fact is you will probably take down about four or five before they manage to kill your character. This obviously unbalances the teams and can make the game incredibly easy but you don't buy battlefront for the single player, multiplayer is definitely the main focus.

Once in-game it is clear The Sims 2 has improved greatly as far as neighbourhood interaction is concerned.

A decent game, although it is not quite a memorable one.

The repetitive and boring gameplay, amongst other issues, unfortunately overshadows the realistically unique brutal nature of the game, which is a shame because it really does a good job in its portrayal of what war really is about.

This single player only title is a great market contender to rival platformers such as Jak 3 and Ratchet and Clank 3, however there isn't too much extra to do besides exploring and collecting the clue bottles after the main story has finished.

With the lackluster control pad support/implementation aside, if you're a PC gamer wanting NFL action, Madden 2005 is the game to get as there literally is no contest, but don't think EA take it easy because of this, as Madden 2005 is the PC's best yet by far.

It is just disappointing to see half baked ideas churned out which could have been full baked masterpieces if the effort was applied.

It is true Port Royale 2 isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it is a very solid and enjoyable strategy/simulation with loads and loads of gameplay presuming you have the patience and passion to keep playing it.

It may be a little cheaper but its worth forking out the extra for "Flatout" unless the modes unique to this game really impress you.

The best console arcade racing game ever and perhaps the best of all time, even topping the mighty "Daytona USA."

One area which is great about the game however is the ability to play co-operative multiplayer on the same console.

If you simply can't get enough of street racing games then SRS will suffice, but for those owners of other games of this nature, there is nothing new on offer here.

Wings of War works very much on the pick up and play philosophy employed in Crimson Skies and while it doesn't have the polish and the online play, its still a moderately solid game.

Pikmin 2 will probably join a growing cast of quirky Gamecube titles, thinking specifically of fare like Donkey Konga, Luigi's Mansion and Super Monkey Ball, that have their ardent fans but don't quite do enough to appeal to the broad mainstream.

Viewtiful Joe is a very hard game and not just because of the level design.

Without a doubt this would be a great game for young players and when the kids have gone to bed the older gamers might want to play as well and indulge in a few of those guilty pleasures I mentioned earlier to spice it up a bit.

The problem we have is that the PSP version looks better than the PS2 game and that really displays a lack of effort for the PS2 game.

This is the greatest representation of the National Football League to hit the market thus far and the 2005 additions make the game even more value for money and interesting to play.

A very solid tactical action game, that won't break the bank.

For the seasoned FPS gamers, Doom3 is a little empty beyond the eye candy, because on top of the predictable storyline, the gameplay basically consists of running around shooting baddies, completing generic objectives in the process, and rarely strays far from this, but is that really a bad thing? This is, after all, Doom.

Fun to play in small doses. Once the repetition sets in during long stints the game's flaws become more and more apparent and it can lose the action packed feel which comes across during early stages.

A game that won't appeal to fans of traditional role playing games but is very much suited for those who want to get into the genre without being defeated because they didn't use a particular style of armor or haven't leveled enough.

The problems with Catwoman don't really show themselves until an extended period of play but once they do they become frustrating and bring the game down heavily.

Where NFL 2K5 really shines from an Australian perspective, however, is that it really nails the TV presentation aspect.

The lack of a proper Olympic mode does come as a surprise but is not a major flaw and anyone looking for a solid athletics title with many more sports thrown in could do worse.

Your eyes won't hurt looking at TrackMania, but you're not going to drool either, it is just a simple graphical setup here.

The great thing about WOTS2 is that once you do something right or wrong the civilians will remember it.

You may not have heard of Starshatter but if you're a space combat fan you really should have.

Some may be disappointed by the lack of personal scenes from the film but chances are they wouldn't have made great game missions.

The problem with Spiderman 2 is its lack of depth.

While the lack of micromanagement may turn some off the game, the action packed style of play may entice a few more fans into the RTS genre.

While the concept of Soldner: Secret Wars is valid, the execution ends up coming horribly short.

The driving sections of the game are superbly executed and feature some great gameplay but the on foot sections can cause a great deal of frustration.