Rail Simulator will immerse you in a world that, if allowed, has the potential to convince even the most hardened outdoor 'trainspotter' to fire up their PC rather than head down to their local station.

So the single player game is boring and the multiplayer is mundane and bland. What is left to enjoy about Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi then? Not much at all I'm afraid.

Due to its unique gameplay though, if you have the opportunity to rent this title you should definitely do so, but there's just not enough content here to justify a purchase, unless you decide you really want to collect all of those gems.

Thrillville: Off the Rails is no revolution, given that it's a very similar package to last year's Thrillville. However, its light refinements mean that if you're interested in playing Thrillville then Off the Rails is the game to go for.

Having spent many hours playing Killing Floor, I am delighted to report that it's really, really enjoyable - sometimes even more so than the amazing Left 4 Dead.

Super Swing Golf might be one of the hardest games to size up on Wii thus far, with its mixture of less-than-desirable visuals, gameplay that is either love it or hate it and the simple fact that a game designed for online play and is relegated to local multiplayer only.

For such an excellent game, a great deal of Overlord II is strikingly average.

A superb platforming game; polished, full of attitude and with a cracking main character to boot. That's not to mention the engaging storyline that runs throughout and the fantastic fighting engine that makes every battle a joyous experience.

Turok Evolution is certainly a decent enough game, yet it does feel a little bit short and lacks in replay value.

At best a thunderous thrill ride of nervous tension and insane speed and at worst a frustrating graft through endless laps of samey left-hand turns.

What more is there to say about Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords? Not much - other than a warning that it will ruin Bejeweled for you forever, because you will be longing for some consequences beyond just getting points! You will also quickly descend into 'just one more turn' territory until you make your way to the end, which will take dozens of hours.

MX Vs. ATV Unleashed does nothing drastically wrong, it just fails to do anything drastically right. It is a moderately entertaining racer, sure, but is too lightweight to inspire any long-term appeal.

This one is unfortunately destined to drown in the pool of DS tech-demos and toys, as a great idea that never reached its potential.

In short bursts, Moon is a genuinely compelling if not compulsory experience, but longer sessions expose the unfortunate simplicity of Renegade Kid's sophomore effort.

While Insomniac have embraced their PS2 series, retaining what made those games so enjoyable while bulding upon them twofold, Jak and Daxter have been left to suffer on the PSP. With so many great PSP games this Christmas, it’s hard to recommend this.

It is the most complete title of the Mortal Kombat series, with every character (including one who is Wii-exclusive) and worth buying if you are a fan just for this.

Words can't really describe how unbearable 2000's graphics are. They are blocky, unpolished and the colours used for the characters are pretty appalling.

If you are looking for a game with graphics to showcase your Wii then you'll be disappointed. However, if you're however prepared to look past the almost awful graphics then you'll find a real gem hidden underneath.

It may have taken ten years, but it appears that with Wild ARMs 5, the series is ready to make the jump from appetizer to main course.

The unique structure of the boss battles, hidden items to find and strategy involved with mixing abilities, managing your inventory - which is effectively Kirby's stomach - and deciding how to take down each enemy really makes Squeak Squad one of the best platform adventures you can find today.

Secret Of The Lost Cavern is an interesting and inspiring environment with stunning visuals, but sadly there is very little gameplay hidden beneath these lovely looks, which is after all, the crucial aspect of any decent game.

While the challenge mode will appeal to purists and the multiplayer mode to those with lots of friends lucky enough to own a DS, this lack of length in the story mode is going to put off people who enjoy the journey as much as the fight.

In spite of cries that the series has grown too large (and in all honesty, the franchise is at risk of making greedy plumber Mario jealous), Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is a fine example of a fighter with exciting graphics, fantastic sound and enough innovation to keep things interesting.

Even though it's not quite a stunner, Heroes is an engaging and interesting addition to the PSP's expanding library.

There's enough variety and accessibility in here to appeal to football 'noobs', while the depth of the management and the addictive nature of the matches should satisfy anyone who's played Pro Evo and/or FIFA to death and is still thirsty for more.

A tequila-fuelled, high octane, explosive game that combines frantic gunplay and stylish combo moves with a distinctive and perfectly realised Mexican theme to produce a very entertaining and funny experience.

At the end of the day though, you have to applaud THQ for going so wholeheartedly after such a specific demographic; SvR players probably won't like it but that doesn't matter, because they don't need it. They have their wrestling game, and now, thanks to THQ, us oldies have ours. It may be far from perfect but I'll be damned if it isn't fun.

Some aspects of Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone please me, like the fantastic mage, nice upgrade system and the great voiceovers but there are a few flaws too, such as the lack of multiplayer and the other two less interesting characters.

A tequila-fuelled, high octane, explosive game that combines frantic gunplay and stylish combo moves with a distinctive and perfectly realised Mexican theme to produce a very entertaining and funny experience.

Getting Up is like a breath of fresh air, never before seen in the games industry and implemented to a degree that should make it a must in any gamer's collection.

Shrek SuperSlam is just like Powerstone, but with Shrek characters. I'm sure you remember how good Powerstone on the Dreamcast was, too. I remember those days well!

Another masterpiece from the Yorkshire Tea drinking developers, another multiplayer hit from those flat-cap wearing geniuses.

Due to its familiarity and the fact that there are not a vast number of additions to Elven Legacy over the original Fantasy Wars - the only really new things are the Elves and mission choices - I cannot really recommend Elven Legacy to players of Fantasy Wars.

There's plenty not to like here, but equally, if you've got a couple of friends and a few hours to spare then Phantasy Star Zero will serve as a great time multiplayer RPG.

Yes, the gameplay often involves derivative platform jumping, simple puzzles and basic fighting - and apparently the camera can be a bit of a nuisance - but the variety of game-parodying levels on offer, the authentic graphics, the wonderful voice acting and the diverse soundtrack help it rise above mediocrity to become greater than the sum of its parts.

Touchmaster will definitely appeal to fans of the puzzle genre, but while 23 games in one package sounds like a lot, they're not all going to be suited to your tastes.

Although by no means perfect, Cars certainly raises the bar, and hopefully the public's expectations of what a video game tie-in should be. For this more than anything, Rainbow Studios should be applauded.

Although by no means perfect, Cars certainly raises the bar, and hopefully the public's expectations of what a video game tie-in should be. For this more than anything, Rainbow Studios should be applauded.

The realism is uncanny and I've grown to love the realistic gameplay, graphics and sound. However, the game could have done with a mode to suit causal players too - a mode that allows you to define the exact number of laps and the exact number of racers, amongst other things.

A fun little game for anybody who doesn't get easily frustrated and any kid who wants a challenge.

Hopefully any future release will benefit from vigorous testing before release, a privilege that hasn't seemed to have been granted to this collection.

Herbie Rescue Rally might entertain the kids for a bit, but they'll likely grow frustrated with the collisions and rather boring tracks that fail to deliver the excitement promised by the packaging.

Despite some faults, Pipe Mania is a fun game that will keep you going for a while, as long as you can cope with the repetition.

Given the wealth of cheap games on the go currently it’s difficult to see how Magnetis is supposed to stand out amongst the giants of the field. Rather it’s simply a poor second runner that might provide a few minutes of entertainment better spent elsewhere.

If you're willing to put in the effort and push past the unforgiving difficulty and slightly rough edges, you will find an extremely deep racing experience that few other games can match.

It's fun and bright, easy to pick up and play and has some moments of real humour in it. At the same time it's tacky and hackneyed, annoying to anyone not involved and lacks any real backbone of gameplay or narrative to support its weight.

Hardcore gamers need not apply, but with terrific voice acting, marvellous controls, a sense of humour and a difficulty curve that refuses to patronise, this game will certainly find a place in the heart of every young - and young at heart - gamer.

If you don't complete it far too quickly, you may become bored of the missions or the story.

A groundbreaking title and surely a genre-creating one at that. It takes the immersion and realism of first person games to new levels and weaves the action into one of the best science fiction storylines yet seen in a game, with plenty of big twists before the end.

A perfect example of turning something underrated into a great game. Its also embarrasses "Pokemon Colosseum" and its fuddy-duddy turn based approach, flaunting a more hands on approach.

Save for a few minor issues, Guitar Hero: On Tour is right on target and suits the handheld format wonderfully.

Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis is certainly a great addition for the currently somewhat parched adventure game genre, one that'll entertain both fans of the books and players who love to stretch their minds, keeping them busy for a while.

50 Cent: Blood on the Sands is a really good, solid action game. It's silly, exciting and channels the best aspects of some of the 360's favourite hardcore shooters into some brainless arcade fun.

Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi fans in the five to ten year age range will probably love this game because it isn't very difficult, it's based on well-known cartoon characters and there are a few mini-games and incentives that will keep them entertained.

Draglade is a big, brash and bombastic game that wears its influences proudly on its matter-manipulating sleeves, but also isn't afraid to try something a bit different.

TimeShift offers FPS fans an often fun but sometimes unchallenging romp through a dystopic alternate past. The time powers are integrated well and make for some entertaining and sometimes funny gaming experiences.

Should you be a casual fan of ice hockey then I just can't recommend NHL 2K8 as a game to pick up; the new control system and the maddeningly deep franchise mode are only for the most hardcore of fans. With this said, those of you who love everything about hockey will like this game, control problems or not.

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.

It's good quality and fans of the genre will definitely gain some enjoyment. While not quite as classic or exciting as Resident Evil, it measures up well and is worth a look for horror nuts.

By far the most engrossing game released so far this millennium.

The formula may be starting to show it’s age at this point, but as ever the great team at Traveller’s Tales has worked hard to keep this latest addition to the Rock Band canon fresh and inviting by doing what it does best; deliver a wacky and comedic spin on an existing format, full of unlockables and tweaks that will keep kids entertained for hours.

The Bourne Conspiracy isn't a bad game. It's massively, abominably flawed, but there are points where it does play well, points where I was both entertained and excited. The problem is that these points are few and far between with an awful lot of trudging needed to get to them.

The graphics are functional when it comes to the large playing areas but exemplary when it comes to the rather bone-crunching despatching of the opposition.

Unlike Tiger Woods, a simulation of a sport that I like just about as much as snooker, WSC 07 doesn't offer casual players any neat features that would change us into snooker fanatics.

The developers have clearly thought long and hard into what would make Raze's Hell more than just a shooter. The best thing about this title is killing Teletubbies.

A very disappointing release and to only marginally improve on a title that was already a huge disappointment is almost criminal.

A war game worth playing. It's easy to get to grips with, satisfying to play and provokes some pastime thinking with its well-told story, complimented with old-fashioned clips.

Apart from the disappointing lack of a single-cart download option for multiplayer, it's a solid and enjoyable puzzle game that challenges and frustrates but never for reasons that detract from the game's appeal.

Outbreak maintains the lavish horror atmosphere that we've all come to expect and is definitely worth a look, if nothing else, just so see what could be shambling towards us in the near future.

With an engaging story, a wealth of puzzles and a beautifully realised, fully 3D world to explore, this is a definite must for fans of the "Myst" series and a definite maybe for everyone else.

Pac-Pix is the perfect remedy for the supposed lack of innovative DS games and looks to pave a smooth layer of concrete over Yoshi Touch & Go's rough job for new and unique DS games like Electroplankton, Ace Attorney and Trauma Center to glide right on in.

As a gamer who has not only never played a Digimon title until this one, but dropped far too many hours into his copy of Pokémon Diamond, I was quite impressed with what Namco Bandai have brought to the table.

Buzz! Junior: Monster Rumble is a strong game that's perfect for the holiday season - provided, this is, you don't already own a Buzz! Junior title. You see, as playable as Monster Rumble is, it's essentially a rebranded version of the last release (something I grumbled about when reviewing that game, too).

When you think of retro gaming, this is a title that comes to mind for a lot of people - and apparently with good reason.

At the end of the day, it has quite a compelling story and where else are you going to hear Sean Connery in a videogame.

The graphics are functional when it comes to the large playing areas but exemplary when it comes to the rather bone-crunching despatching of the opposition.

Yes, the gameplay often involves derivative platform jumping, simple puzzles and basic fighting - and apparently the camera can be a bit of a nuisance - but the variety of game-parodying levels on offer, the authentic graphics, the wonderful voice acting and the diverse soundtrack help it rise above mediocrity to become greater than the sum of its parts.

There are many good elements to Resident Evil: Deadly Silence, but it ultimately fails to excel on the two levels it attempts: it fails as nostalgia because the weaknesses of the original get in the way of the fun, and it fails as a new game because neither the environment nor story translate to a unique or very scary experience anymore.

Just as soon as I was ready to sing the praises of the game from my rooftop did the debilitating graphical and gameplay flaws begin to rain down on my happy-go-lucky concert, soaking down my scores.

An absolute triumph of a sequel.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 on Xbox 360 makes a couple of sacrifices - okay, it makes quite a lot. But we gain from those sacrifices; more challenges, the game is a lot harder and more rewarding for it, while the graphics are out of this world.

There is nothing fundamentally new with Paraworld, but there is also nothing significantly wrong.

If you are a complete bike racing fanatic I've got no doubt in my mind that the sheer excitement of racing around the track will be reason enough to warrant the price tag of TT Superbikes. For everybody else, this just isn't good enough to keep you interested.

Despite an almost abandoned lobby when trying to play online, something tells me that Monster Hunter Freedom has so much more to offer once a larger community of gamers get hold of it.

Fans of the new TV series and even older fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will enjoy this title, provided they can ignore the skateboarding and other driving sections of the game.

It's a sad conclusion to draw, but Hellgate: London will never be remembered as the role-playing classic it could have been with a little more work and a little less time paying homage to its RPG grandfather.

A pure slice of RPG goodness that's worth a play through whether you've read the book or not.

On the surface, Pacific City is bigger and more vertical than before, the enemies are thicker and quicker, the Orbs are more plentiful and the controls are far tighter, but on the whole, Crackdown 2 ain't no revolution.

With a gaming pedigree as diverse, extensive and impressive as Gunpei Yokoi's, it's a shame to see his name tainted by Gunpey DS. The only aspect of the game that Gunpey DS exceeds in - lasting appeal - is the one the rest of the game completely rebels against.

Silent Hill: Homecoming is no queen, then, but there's more than enough about Double Helix's first go-around with the series that I can heartily recommend it to any gamer with an appetite for a genuinely creepy hybrid of survival horror old and new.

In some places it hits the spot, with its superb fighting system and its clever idea of being able to travel to random worlds. However, the clever idea soon turns into a 'miss' when you find out that all the random worlds look the same!

I'm not a fan of the random spawn features, the shoddy AI or the boring map geometry but the overall atmosphere is very well done and as a horror fan I did have more than a little fun playing through Nosferatu.

Simply put it's an interesting concept and at first certainly an engaging experience but ultimately it just doesn't work.

Lead and Gold’s biggest problem is how it doesn’t take advantage of its setting in a meaningful way. The Wild West was such an iconic time, and has been immortalized in countless classic movies and books, but the game doesn’t really get across that creaky old west vibe that it should.

With quirky graphics, familiar sounds, a nice variation in missions and tasks, a high level of interaction where jobs are concerned and some great new power socials, The Urbz is a worthy addition to most peoples' collection.

If you can overcome the daunting task of getting into Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI, as well as ingesting all the finer points, then you could really grow to love it.

Certainly it isn't with regards to single player content that just doesn't really justify the added expense when there are already plenty more varied single player missions available to you in the cheaper main game and its first expansion, but if your focus is multiplayer then the choice is a little clearer - and with three new game modes generously included, anyone with more interest in the online aspect will surely find Tales of Valor a lot more tempting.

Crash: Mind Over Mutant isn't the best title in the series, but it's the closest that anyone has ever come to matching the amazing games that Naughty Dog developed back in the day.