The shooting elements have been watered down to accomodate MMO players, and the persistance has been watered down to accomodate FPS gamers. High Rez have attempted to make so many compromises, they just seem to have fallen short accross the board.

Wrapped up with gorgeous presentation all round, with sumptuous 360 visuals and booming, atmospheric sound and music, the gameplay never fails to be anything less than engaging and enjoyable, both throughout the single player campaign and in the fantastic and fully online multiplayer modes.

Time shifting is a good example of innovation within the first person genre, but TimeShift fails to really make good use of it.

Like a welcome blast from the past, taking us back into pure platform-filled levels with a great range of designs, all enhanced by the gameplay variation that the five transformations provide.

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.

It may not be the most challenging strategy game to date but it's certainly one of the more enjoyable and the amount of detail in the graphics, settings and battle units make for a convincing and complete setting.

Adds real depth to familiar characters and locations.

A good contender for the PSP football crown.

Still, at least EyePet is cheaper and cleaner than an actual pet, meaning no more early morning, family strolls ruined by arguments over who's turn it is to carry the little plastic bag of stinking shame.

It gets the job done.

It's a pretty average and short-lived collection of immaculately presented mini-games that are shallower than a gnat's bidet.

Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends is much like its predecessor - it is perfectly tuned for non-hardcore gamers and therefore frustrating to those used to evaluating games designed with that audience in mind.

The graphics are top notch, the score is captivating and the sound effects are realistic but subtle enough not to irritate.

Without the hulking form of GT4 on the shelves next to it, Enthusia Professional Racing would be a worthwhile purchase. Unfortunately however, it falls short of the behemoth in almost every aspect, leaving you with little choice but to dismiss it as a capable but ultimately second-best title.

NHL 08 is the finest hockey game on the PS2 to date, although the versions on the next-gen consoles are preferable if you have the choice.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Flat Out's graphics are nothing short of outstanding, surpassing most other racers out there and with the detailed physics surrounding both the courses and the vehicles, the graphics gets a big thumbs up.

The dungeon building is fun and will bring you back, which is a credit to the quality of the gameplay. I hope that if the developers decide to make a sequel, they can focus on the combat - now that would make for an incredibly addictive experience!

Overclocked: A History of Violence is an excellent game - if you're looking for a mature adventure that will get your heart pounding then this is definitely for you.

Almost an amazing game; with a little more variety and a few extra game modes, this would have been a real classic. However, for those of you looking for a very entertaining arcade game that's great fun alone or with a friend, this comes highly recommended.

As for the on-screen display, it's top notch - everything you need to know is on the screen - boost and unwreck bar, speed, a handy map showing the road layout and locations of competitors, your weapon availability (complete with an overheat display, which if filled up causes the weapon to jam for a few seconds before you can use it again) and your armour display.

The Legend of Kage 2 won't be to everyone's liking due to its 16-bit sensibilities and challenging difficulty level, but if you're eager for something more like a traditional game than Yet More Bloody Brain Training* and nintendogs: The Lady and the Tramp Edition*, Taito's return to an era of skilful, fast-paced, unforgiving gameplay will seem like a godsend to many disenchanted gamers this Christmas.

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.

Gripshift usurps Ridge Racer as the PSP's greatest racer. In terms of fun, longevity and value for money, it even beats Mario Kart DS into submission - and that's really saying something!

A good platform game and for a licensed game it's great; if you miss the glory days of jump puzzles then it's worth checking out, and if you love Kim Possible then it's an easy recommendation for a youngster... or yourself!

The meat of the mode sandwich for 2K8 is again the Franchise Mode.

Saying whether Rogue Trooper: Quartz Zone Massacre is worth picking up is tough, as while I undoubtedly had fun with the well executed controls, which utilise the best aspects of the Wiimote and nunchuck to their full potential, the game just doesn't have that overall polish that is needed in such a competitive genre.

A wonderful surprise for GBA owners and fans of the film looking to take the experience home.

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

To a big DS gamer the title might feel a bit empty the whole way through, but for the casual market it's aimed at, it really is exactly what they need and want.

Spore: Galactic Adventures is, like the original game, a qualified success.

I can't say that I found anything drastically wrong with DK: King of Swing, but the tricky-to-learn controls and somewhat repetitive and short-lived gameplay make it hard to recommend as a priority purchase.

Grand Adventure manages to outstrip the occasional chug in favor of all-out wild brawling action that's guaranteed to get even the crankiest face grinning; this is one Grand Adventure that you don't want to miss if you're a One Piece fanatic, and even if you're not, there's certainly more than enough pick up and playability to warrant a rental or purchase.

It's graphically stunning, the sound effects and music immerse you into a tense and exciting atmosphere of total chaos, a strong story compels you through a long single player campaign full of variety and challenge against tough enemies and the fully online multiplayer mode can be played split screen with a bunch of bots for those without a network adapter.

My problem with Luminous Arc is that underneath the boring story, poor jokes, religious mumbo jumbo and endless button bashing to skip it all, there's a little gem of a game trying to break out.

This really is nothing more than lazy emulation of a much loved series.

With a slightly restrictive control interface and uninspired, downright samey minigames, the mature gamers looking for a slice of party fun (soggy jam sandwiches optional) may wish to seek the likes of Buzz! Big Quiz or Buzz! The Music Quiz. Put simply, this is one for the tots.

It's far from perfect, but it's still a great choice for RPG fans to grind through this summer, especially those who are looking for a more sociable gaming experience.

Realism in games isn't necessarily a good thing, as most players tend to be trying to get away from realism and into a fictional world.

If you are an ABBA fan then SingStar ABBA should be at the top of your list this Christmas - it's an essential addition to your collection. There hasn't yet been a game in the series that has been this focused and downright fun for people who enjoy the artist in question, and for that ABBA deserves as much praise as a karaoke game can get.

For the sheer amount of fun that strategy fans will have with this XBLA offering, it's very easy to overlook its few imperfections.

Sure, the hardcore Burnout and Gran Turismo fans will find this game laughably easy, but for a few hours of harmless and comical entertainment, you can't go wrong driving Cars!

It's eye-candy from start to finish - sometimes you forget you're playing a game and feel like you're controlling the outcome of a blockbuster film instead. The boss battles are some of the best I've experienced, the graphics are some of the best I've seen, the musical score will make every game I review after this one pale in comparison and the unique gameplay will be something that I miss when I finally have to put this gem down.

You'll jump, you'll sing, you'll pelvic thrust like you've never pelvic thrusted before, and eventually you'll probably trip over and hurt yourself.

A classic game that's enjoyable to play both in single player and online multiplayer. With so many fighters, finishing moves and secrets to choose from, the replay value is very high. The few negatives in the lag and matchmaking issues online cannot detract too much from the overall experience.

Despite the issues I mentioned, I had a blast playing Top Spin 2 - and so did my kids!

The game as a whole is very forgiving - too forgiving in fact. If you're an experienced gamer, or even an adult who plays occasionally, you shouldn't find the puzzles, bad guys, bosses or exploration too much of a hindrance and will probably complete the game in about 10 hours.

The Don should have done us all a favor and brought this game out for a budget price, because no matter how great the gameplay continues to be, yet another port of a game that has its mind and eyes clearly focused on 2005 makes for a poor excuse of a full-priced, next-generation title.

Nostradamus: The Last Prophecy is enjoyable but flawed; it's too short, with little reason to play it again (beyond seeking a higher score), the game world isn't lively or well populated enough to be convincing and the puzzles are of mixed quality, making it a pretty standard point-and-click game.

Its time-altering mechanics add a lot to what is otherwise fairly standard gameplay with standard weapons in a game world that's not particularly distinctive, and the end result is a game that's good but never quite rises to greatness, yet in some places comes tantalisingly close.

It won't appeal to everyone, but those who like adventure games and vampire mythology should feel right at home here.

The excellent story and the way it is stylishly directed and presented, proves that there is still life left in this ancient genre.

Sadly though, for now Virtua Tennis 2009 is only probably worth a look if you've missed the last couple of iterations; otherwise it might be best to hope that VT 2010 is a little more enticing and give EA's new Grand Slam Tennis a look instead.

It is like a beautifully handmade plasticine set with cameras lined up, musical and vocal talent at the ready - and then Arnold Schwarzenegger stands on it, comes up with a cheesy one-liner and ruins the whole experience.

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!

An extremely fast-paced, easily accessible fighting game that any Dragon Ball Z fans will get a real kick out of playing.

It's not quite perfect but it's as close as you can get on the PSP for now, and until they design a new MK release specifically for Sony's handheld, this is definitely a worthwhile purchase for beat 'em up fans who enjoy the gore and novelties that the MK series has always provided.

A good game with decent, no-frills graphics and excellent sound. It offers more action than most third person action games and the explosions are always much more fun than sneaking around corridors in the dark.

If you're looking for something to entertain the kids this Easter, wish to take a walk down Nostalgia Lane, or just want something decidedly refreshing to settle down to, you could do far worse than SEGA Superstars Tennis.

With Pariah, as long as you go into it with an open mind, not even trying to compare it to Halo 2, there's a real fun blast of action packed entertainment to be had.

It's by no means a killer application but Monopoly is a faithful reproduction of a timeless classic.

I came into Rugby 06 with an open mind, I was hoping for the FIFA engine with rugby elements and I was let down.

Unless you love poorly done, "edgy" scenes of death, or you really, really like shooting things, The Punisher is a let down in almost every aspect and is easily buried by the quality of similar titles like "Red Dead Revolver."

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.

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

It comes as quite a pleasant surprise that Wild ARMs 4 is actually better in regards to its platforming, adventuring and puzzles than it is its combat, but when considered altogether these parts equate to one finely crafted and unique RPG that fans of both the series and the genre as a whole would do well to pick up.

As a dancing game beginner, the accessible approach to Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix hooked me more than any of the other games in the series.

Pokémon fans will lap it up, but will likely be left craving the more traditional Trainer-based titles when the game comes to a close.

Speed Racer the Videogame, much like the movie it's based upon, is a resounding victory of style over substance.

Mario Hoops 3-on-3 will go down in the history of the Nintendo DS that's worthy of mention as the first game to push the system to a new presentational level developers that will be working to equal for some time to come.

It has enjoyable missions, lovely graphics, great sound and is fantastic for kids. However, I think it lacks the depth needed to please the older gamer and it doesn't really offer a lot of challenge.

Its most distinguishing feature is the quality that permeates the experience; a light-hearted-but-engaging romp in a fantastical world of alchemy and demonic teddy bears, Mana Khemia is a testament to the flexibility of RPG design - and it's a lot of fun (except that damn theme song!)

A strong sense of black humour is prominent in the gameplay, the excellent story and the in-game banter, which keeps your interest in what would have otherwise been a run-of-the-mill third person adventure.

It's a compelling tale, which is more than backed up by some fly graphics, cool soundtracks and smooth gameplay.

And, if like the majority of the gaming community, you jumped on the Crazy Taxi bandwagon a few years back, then you've already seen pretty much everything the game has to offer.

When Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix comes to a close, it's really hard to hold a grudge or feel disappointment, as there is no denying the energy, dedication and money EA have put into creating the greatest Harry Potter game yet.

Despite being simple to pick up and play, Magical Starsign hides a complex game underneath. No doubt part of this simplicity is intentional in order to entice the younger audience that this title seemingly wants to attract. However, there is more than enough here to keep RPG enthusiasts of all ages entertained.

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

Alien Breed Evolution is a blast from the past, and for all of its graphical splendour and next gen licks of paint, it still feels ever so slightly dated.

The original classic has certainly found firm footing with the PSP and if you're tired of all the action oriented games of today then Myst on the go is definitely a palatable and refreshingly different cocktail.

The deep, twisting plot coupled with visuals that you thought you'd never see on a handheld refuse to let you go. However, when you've seen every single execution and discovered the mysteries of the plot (which should take around seven or eight hours), there isn't a lot of incentive to play through it again.

With the absence of "Tetris" on the PSP, PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient is a great puzzle game for your PSP.

Section 8 lies paradoxically somewhere between innovation and mundanity: it has its moments (zipping around the battlefield in overdrive mode is a good laugh and the orbital drops are simply awesome) but for all its good intentions, it simply can't overcome its eventually-boring gunplay.

The addition of more creatures gives it more depth and will keep you amused that little bit longer, plus the plot is amusing and explores the darker side of Eden, what with the undead running around all over the place and everything.

If you're looking for a game with legs and lifespan, Enchanted Arms is for you.

I don't care how much it hurts to say it, but I'm dropping out of this 'bonus' tour. There is no way I can stand up on stage and pretend to have fun playing Shakin', Radar Love and all the other bogus songs you put in front of a sold-out crowd who had no idea just what they were buying into.

Ducati Moto DS is more of a triumph for the industry than the consumer, because while it's great to see third party developers trying something a little risky, Ducati Moto just isn't strong enough to ward off the competition.

A title perfect for gamers of any age. It's safe for kids as there's only animated violence and it sports a simplified control scheme, yet it has enough content and challenge to keep experienced adult gamers entertained for quite some time.

WET promised so much but after years of development has delivered very little.

The major problem with this entry in the farming series however is that it's a sloppy conversion. From the controls to the fact that some people in the game refer to the R button on the Gamecube controller, there are too many things wrong with this version to recommend it to a Harvest Moon fan over the Gamecube and PS2 titles.

As a Wii game it's way beyond every other FPS on the system (other than Metroid ) in terms of controls and graphical fidelity, but when compared to the full breadth of the FPS genre, Conduit is more akin to TimeShift and Haze.

If you're looking for a full on sim of the sport then you might be better off with EA's latest iteration but if you're looking for a fast-paced, pick-up-and-play hockey game then this is right up your rink.

Rag Doll Kung Fu is fun. It's a laugh. And isn't that what gaming is all about? Sure, it is a bit of a five-minute wonder, but there are worse ways to spend your gaming time.

Quite how they've managed to take such a nice, concept-limited sport such as NASCAR and transformed it into a highly immersing videogame is unimaginable, but while this year's handling models and Sprint Driver Challenge mode will open its doors to newcomers and veterans alike, it's safe to say that NASCAR 09 remains a NASCAR fan favourite due to the nature of the sport.

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!

It never reaches the heights of "SSX" or the pure finesse of "Project 8" though, leaving Downhill Jam stuck somewhere between a rock and a hard place.

It has enjoyable missions, lovely graphics, great sound and is fantastic for kids. However, I think it lacks the depth needed to please the older gamer and it doesn't really offer a lot of challenge.

SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 might not bring anything particularly new to its now-outmoded platform, and there are certainly superior alternatives to most all of the games it collects out there, but as a confirmed crowd-pleaser and in terms of sheer bang for your buck, you'd be doing the gaming industry of yesteryear a disservice if you were to overlook it on those grounds.

Still, if you're a fan of Eastern RPGs this is likely to appeal deeply to you, whilst the more westernized gamer will probably steer clear despite the obvious Western influences that Softmax has bravely taken on board.