A good, solid shooter that has a lot going for it but fails to achieve greatness, lacking that often indefinable sparkle that makes for a classic.

Tak: The Great JuJu Challenge takes a fairly average platforming formula and puts a unique turn with it, making each level a race against the clock where speed is of the essence, but so is exploration.

People who are looking for a fast sports game can't go wrong with this, but those wanting to upgrade might want to rent it first to see if it's worth their hard earned pennies.

Top Spin 2 takes everything that was great about the original and enhances it with some simply fantastic next generation visuals, adds even more depth to the gameplay and controls, delivers a comprehensive Career mode complete with sponsorship, trainers and even fully customisable bling and new rackets to buy, and provides a lag free and highly enjoyable (when you're winning!) online experience.

The lack of a good range of game achievements, the occasional lag and the only slightly above average graphics is about all that I could complain about, but when you put that next to clever AI (that can skate backwards, by the way), icon-based passing, Enforcer players, goalkeeper perspective and commentary better than I've ever heard in a sports title and the complaints are pretty trivial in comparison.

A stylish RPG that authentically represents Middle Earth from the book and the film trilogy. Whilst the gameplay is both enjoyable and addictive, it is also very traditional in style and does nothing at all to further the genre.

Much better than the original game. There have been a few minor tweaks here and there, although the same problems exist such as the lame ground battles and useless galactic map. However the addition of the Zann Consortium is a masterstroke indeed.

Overlord II is in many respects a breath of fresh air in a sea of samey shooters, racers and high octane action games. Seamlessly blending elements of puzzle, RPG and real-time strategy with a decidedly old-school action adventure foundation, it succeeds in providing a gameplay experience that while certainly not perfect, is a lot of fun, with landscapes that are a joy to explore.

The best Buzz! game to date.

A gaming experience that's hard to describe; it's like going to your favourite band's concert, seeing them live and coming out gob-smacked - you know that you've enjoyed it and you loved every minute of it but you're stuck for words on how to convey the experience.

The PS3 version of Sega Rally has managed to stay true to its roots without seeming too dated or ruining the formula completely, and also sports huge graphical improvements since its last outing, but it isn't quite as exciting as some of the competition and doesn't quite capture the essence of rallying.

People who are looking for a fast sports game can't go wrong with this, but those wanting to upgrade might want to rent it first to see if it's worth their hard earned pennies.

It's a shame that Port Royale 2 doesn't fully succeed thanks mainly to its dull combat mechanics and unfriendly interface that bombards you with screen after screen of information that often clogs up the game's more memorable features.

It's full of little surprises, including humour, great voice samples and a mix of brain-busting puzzle-based level designs.

It's when the day/night cycle kicks in while you're amid a minefield of anomalies in the Red Forest and you realise that that the next hour of playtime will be by an impotent beam of torchlight; the monsters are still waiting for you and now they can see you coming.

NBA Live 09 was so close to being almost everything I wanted from a basketball game.

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is without doubt the most comprehensive Mortal Kombat game ever.

The frankly terrible graphics will ruin the experience for some gamers and at the very least will disappoint.

A huge step up from its predecessor.

If you like lots of guns that feel the business, lots of demons who look the business, lots of tension, lots of suspense, a great plot that keeps you guessing and interested, and buckets and buckets of blood, then you'll probably love this.

Naruto Ultimate Ninja is a very amusing game - the only problem is that the amusement doesn't last for a very long time at all.

Darkside Chronicles is definitely the best Resident Evil themed Arcade Shooter for a long, long time.

The most engrossing storyline ever and without a doubt it will hold the title as my favourite game ever, until a sequel appears.

TrackMania DS isn't a revolution; it brings nothing new to the racing genre, no ideas that we haven't seen many times before. This isn't a bad thing though, because everything it does, it does really, really well.

You really shouldn't even think about picking up American Wasteland before you've got "Amped 3" proudly displayed on your games shelf, because it eclipses Tony Hawk's in every conceivable way - graphics, music selection, story and cut scene presentation, and even gameplay, plus there's even more to do.

With a strict eye for historical detail and a phenomenal amount of content, this is sure to please anyone looking for a long and challenging experience.

All in all there’s plenty to like here. It’s a very cool, very grounded game that’s been built to give all who play her a great sense of satisfaction.

Infinite Space is a good idea, and it does what it sets out to achieve.

Although it's more of the same from the Monlith camp, if you enjoyed F.E.A.R. then you'll be rejoicing as you play through this next chapter.

Medal of Honor may not be perfect but it has more than enough going for it to live with the big boys of the genre. As a package, it's a robust offering with extremely high production values and plenty of content to keep shooter fans happy.

It's very well designed and the execution is highly polished; indeed, this is one of the best games I have played all year and it has been the default game in my DS since May when it was shipped - whenever I don't have another game that I need to play, Etrian Odyssey goes back in for more fun.

It just goes to show that a great party game can indeed survive on multiplayer gameplay alone.

Zubo is an entertaining rhythm-based game that manages to fuse several genres in an intelligent way whilst maintaining an easy to play approach. It is an ideal game to start with for youngsters who want to try a role playing game whilst at the same time there is just enough within to keep the rest of us adults playing it.

Supreme Commander 2 is a much better venture than I originally expected, and overall it’s a very enjoyable RTS, despite the odd problem or two that crops up.

A standard expansion pack for a game that's now looking a little dated, adrenalin junkies who couldn't get enough of the original's non-stop, pulse pounding action will find satisfaction with what's offered in Painkiller: Battle Out Of Hell.

A shining triumph that looks and sounds as fantastic as it plays. It makes war fun, city building easy and your social life non-existent; but let's face it, do you really need friends when you're God?

Not only do you get some of the most stunningly playable titles from gaming history, with a simple and easy way to select them, but also a wide selection of bonus features with which to keep real retro fanatics' juices flowing.

An acceptable Wii golf game. It's better than the Wii Sports version and it does offer a few hours of decent gameplay. However, the lack of courses, limited character choice and annoying audio does little to elevate it beyond a novelty game, and while the swing system, once mastered, provides an interesting way to play, it is something of an obstacle to overcome initially, after which the multiplayer captures the friendly rival nature of the Wii perfectly.

A sturdy title for those who know and love their third person kill-fests. Those seeking anything of a cerebral nature should go elsewhere and many may find the harsh difficulty and heavy repetition something of a turn off.

If you like stealth oriented games that require more thought and patience than machine-gun mouse clicking, Manhunt is a strong contender for your games collection. If good-natured heroes and strong morals are important to you however, you'd probably be better off renting "The Silence of the Lambs" from the video store.

SiN Episode 1: Emergence is action packed from start to finish and doesn't relent until the final bullet is fired.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare feels old school; from the colour-coded bad guys in their special hats to the way you have to double-press up to sprint, everything seems to hearken back to far gone days.

This is definitely a title to show off to your mates - however, while it is easily one of the most original games I've seen in a while, I don't think it is the best the DS is capable of. It's a barrel load of love and laughs but I just know there's better to come!

As long as you have a Gamecube pad, or ideally, the Classic Controller, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core can go down as an essential purchase if you have at least a passing interest in the 2D fighting genre. It's fast, slick, easy to pick up and difficult to master, with mechanics that rival anything else currently on the market.

Except for a few subtle-but-effective additions, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War doesn't do much else but marginally evolve the series from its last effort, and in the end that leads to a familiar feeling of 'been there, done that'.

A great game where the multiplayer mode is an integral part of the gameplay, rather than just a bonus add-on.

The number of gameplay modes is sufficient to keep you going for months and the controls are nicely implemented.

While "Twilight Princess" has been collectively anointed the Wii's top killer-app by virtually the entire gaming community, I would wholeheartedly disagree and offer up Elebits as my choice for the best overall Wii game to date.

Folklore is something of an acquired taste; it won't appeal to everyone, but those who do take a liking to it will find an absorbing adventure filled with unusual gameplay ideas that have been implemented very well - the engaging dual story played from different perspectives chapter by chapter, a fresh take on fairies and the afterlife, and the concept of capturing over fifty enemies to unlock a multitude of varied attacks.

The sheer frustration of actually finding a match and then trying to communicate with all your buddies to win by using effective teamwork almost renders the multiplayer unplayable at this point.

With over seventy levels and a multiplayer option, there's enough in Archer MacLean's Mercury to keep you going for a fair while.

The bottom line is that, despite the lack of variation and awkward controls, Me & My Katamari is a genuinely addictive yet simple concept that meant that for once I was the person telling my girlfriend to 'put that down and come help with the washing up!'

The type of player who will enjoy this game is the one who plays to unlock things. This is your type of game, because there are hundreds of items to unlock and use, which you will have to work for.

As a fighting game, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is a complete success. The extremely accessible fighting engine benefits from a great deal of hidden depth and a pleasing penchant for the extravagant, while the excellent camera, colourful cast and brilliantly over the top move list combine to create an experience that feels like a playable Manga cartoon. As an RPG-lite adventure however, it tends to come up a little short.

The type of player who will enjoy this game is the one who plays to unlock things. This is your type of game, because there are hundreds of items to unlock and use, which you will have to work for.

Plenty of depth, great sound and visuals, copious amounts of unnecessary swearing, oodles of violence and an awesome central character in Tony Montana - it's not quite GTA IV but if you can't wait until next October then you should definitely say hello to this little friend!

A lot of work has gone into this title to make it challenging, rewarding and a lot of fun for the casual player (if a bit tough in places).

A misunderstood and sadly unappreciated diamond in the rough.

The action is as intense as it ever was and there are set pieces that are the staple of all the past Quake experiences. However, the feeling is marred by the lacklustre sound effects and graphics that try to emulate two styles but don't really hit the spot for either.

There's more to this game then meets the eye and, just like an onion, it has many layers. Peel one back and as well as making you cry with laughter, it'll keep you entertained for hours on end.

The game may be over before you know it, but for as long as it lasts, it serves up an enjoyable, extremely polished adventure that younger gamers will simply adore.

While it features many flaws in terms of originality, and the content on offer is frustratingly limited, it still presents a wonderfully playable portable title.

The ever changing campaign, which goes from gunplay to horseback and even skeleton crushing buggies, does a good job of offering new experiences to keep the gameplay fresh, which definitely makes Darkwatch one to spend some time with during the next gaming drought.

First "Rocket Slime" and now this - my eyes are in a frozen stare at your bag of tricks Square-Enix, waiting for you to amaze me again!

A thoughtfully designed action shooter with massive, well-rendered and free roaming environments, a great range of enemies and an unparalleled range of gadgets and weapons with which to defeat them.

2009 should have been EA's year to finally claim the footballing crown with a solid FIFA game across all systems, but despite the radical changes and improvements to their game, Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 still manages to score a winning goal with this new one.

Dark Fall: Lost Souls is aimed squarely at the Myst crowd: if you like taking your time pondering over clues, taking meticulous notes and solving some brain-bending puzzles, then you’ll render a considerable degree of enjoyment from the game. If not, then its tension and suspense will be lost on you thanks to the snail’s pace it takes and the distinct lack of anything remotely exciting happening.

Personally, I enjoyed the gameplay and story and upon completing it I was left with both satisfaction and the want for more.

The PS2 version is cheap and cheerful, it's a lot easier to control than the PSP version and for those people who loved Vice City and want an excuse to go back, well, Stories is your reason.

Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles - Echoes of Time isn't a bad game but it smacks of Square-Enix resting on their laurels.

The art style and overall production of the game reeks of class, even if the mechanics aren't as responsive and enjoyable as they were in echochrome.

It has its share of quirks that do frustrate from time to time, but in the end the sheer charm, originality and fun-factor that Chibi-Robo exudes are uplifting enough to easily earn it my stamp of approval.

The storyline genuinely is an absolute cracker and I'd love to give away the ending but it truly would spoil a great finale to a dark horse of a game.

An absolute must have for people who liked them back then and if you never actually played them... well, I'll hold back. Just buy this collection.

One of the best platform offerings to hit these systems in a while, plus a quality children's game for which the competition is extremely limited.

Looks and sounds amazing, fantastic gameplay whether you're after a quick match or a long session... Like games? You'll love this.

In an age of ever advancing graphics and game complexity, this return to retro-style gaming, with a few modern touches, is very welcome.

Just a basic run-of-the-mill tactical RPG that, though certainly an excellent game, fails to blow you away like it should - instead it chugs along at a steady pace and fails to progress much, or offer anything that the genre has already featured for years.

There is no need to attempt to cater to tastes when a game is this well put together. After the relative disappointment of Neowave and the simply appalling 3D Maximum Impact series, SNK: Playmore have finally come good with one of the finest 2D fighters around. If you are a fan of the genre, or even slightly curious, then you simply must pick up a copy of King of Fighter XI just as soon as you can.

Sure, it has its share of faults; the visuals are a bit hit and miss and its long term value is dependent upon a required penchant for time attack chasing, but my God, give in to Hurricane's OTT aesthetics, its arcade handling and its complete disregard for the laws of physics and you'll be in for one hell of a ride.

Despite some flaws and a none to friendly learning curve, Drakensang: The Dark Eye is still an enjoyable RPG that's packed with plenty to do and a combat system that eventually grows into something special.

You may well find yourself enjoying Wolverine Uncaged but unsure as to why, so unless you're a troubled youth in need of constant digital violence or a Marvel comics completionist, this is one to rent.

Like most tie-ins to anime franchises, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 should only be considered by fans of the series - and those who have delved deep into Naruto lore will marvel at the fan service and attention to detail lavished upon this most recent release from Namco Bandai.

The fact that it's relatively short and complimented by weak visuals and mixed audio detracts from the experience, sure, but the gameplay manages to prevail nonetheless, eventually offering you one of the most stressful, tactical and overall entertaining experiences on the PSP at the moment.

It's a shame both the sounds and graphics are limited, as on the whole the gameplay itself is a hell of a lot of fun; incredibly tense, simplistic enough to be picked up quickly but, like all the best puzzlers, incredibly difficult to master.

I have absolutely fallen in love with Destroy All Humans! 2 - it's fantastic fun to play, even when you're not engaged in missions but just wandering the streets messing with the humans.

FlatOut: Head On looks a bit like a nice slice of cake, but in reality it's more of a biscuit. It's not even a particularly pleasant biscuit, either; the first bite or two is nice enough, but after an hour or so you'll begin to taste the bitter unfairness of the AI, or the stale mini-games, or the… well, you get the idea.

While Shadowgrounds might not win any big awards for originality, the nonstop action absolutely gets the adrenaline pumping throughout as it offers up a planet's worth of beasties to blow away.

If you don't have Xbox Live then you aren't going to get the full package, it's as simple as that.

The combat is satisfying, the setting is grand and the amount of troops on screen is amazing - this is war on a scale rarely seen in games and it puts the likes of "Dynasty Warriors" to shame for its combination of sheer numbers and exceptional graphics, with an outstanding soundtrack that completes the atmosphere of this historical adventure.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution - it isn't a crappy game with a license tacked on, but rather a great game that makes excellent usage of a license to enhance the overall feel.

The Spongebob Squarepants Movie has impressed me so much that I'm almost embarrassed to admit it. There's loads of variety to keep anybody quiet for ages - it even kept me up, playing until the break of dawn!

A Vampyre Story isn't perfect but it's a strong entry into the point and click world, with much more charm and character than many other recent releases.

The characters are going to be recognised and enjoyed by fans of the Darkstalkers series, while newcomers are going to find an interesting and unique bunch of opponents, wrapped up in twisted visuals and some nice sound.

Hits the target despite not moving the concept on much.

It's a real mixture of a couple of greats, some good, some not too good and a couple that are downright atrocious!

I just can't help feeling that there are better racers out there however, which offer better controls, better graphics and simply better gameplay.

The only problem I can find with Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 is its timing - coming at the end of the Gamecube's lifespan.