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.

Perhaps Soul Calibur III was developed with the hardcore, technical players in mind who do memorise everything and for them the game will be a dream come true.

It's not going to impress anyone who's grown to loathe games based in this era, but action fans and those desperate for more since the original Call of Duty burst onto the scene will be hard pressed to find a bad thing to say about it.

The real jewel in the crown is the assortment of multiplayer modes. The biggest surprise is an excellent co-op mode, where you and another player (taking the role of Clank in a robotic gladiator suit) can work through the whole game as a team.

All of these games are fun to spend some time with, to a lesser or greater degree, but none of them will keep you entertained for very long, making this a nice filler for an hour between the other games you're currently playing.

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.

The game sticks to its roots but has dropped the dead leaves and found some new flowers to make a big enough change for it to be inviting to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

Despite the fact that online this game rivals even the most successful net play titles since its introduction some years ago, not everyone is as yet online enabled. Therefore, despite the single player campaigns being enjoyable, they would struggle to warrant the forty odd pounds needed to purchase this title.

With so much lasting appeal, including 100 hidden packages and side missions with taxis and pizza bikes, as well as that amazing multiplayer, you will never get bored.

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.

The storyline is DS-exclusive and contains a lot of tie-ins, but if you're looking for the authentic Sims experience then you'll have to stick with the PC version.

Although Vietcong 2 has a lot going for it - good level design, good pace, humanising the very enemy you spend half the game killing - it just doesn't quite feel as though it lives up to the expectations raised by the original.

Worth a purchase for sure. Obviously younger audiences are going to enjoy the game more than older players, but for any self-respecting Incredibles fan, the story and the teamwork gameplay is enough to warrant a look.

If you're looking for a cute adventure game for your GBA that has some decent writing and lasts a good while, I'd urge you to look into The Sims 2.

It's definitely something different and while it's not going to be the average gamer's best Christmas title, puzzle fanatics, horror fans and thrill seekers are really going to love this one.

Simply a phenomenal experience, online and off, that should be played by any FPS fan, or just action game fans in general.

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

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.

Of course, the odd SpongeBob appearance and the odd wisecrack from Mr. Krabs makes up for the otherwise abysmal tasting Krabby Patty of a game, but unless you really have an itch for a Sponge game, this probably should be avoided.

Of course, the odd SpongeBob appearance and the odd wisecrack from Mr. Krabs makes up for the otherwise abysmal tasting Krabby Patty of a game, but unless you really have an itch for a Sponge game, this probably should be avoided.

Of course, the odd SpongeBob appearance and the odd wisecrack from Mr. Krabs makes up for the otherwise abysmal tasting Krabby Patty of a game, but unless you really have an itch for a Sponge game, this probably should be avoided.

But you can't deny that Crash Bandicoot's graphical qualities are one of the best we've seen from a game of this genre.

Of course, the odd SpongeBob appearance and the odd wisecrack from Mr. Krabs makes up for the otherwise abysmal tasting Krabby Patty of a game, but unless you really have an itch for a Sponge game, this probably should be avoided.

But you can't deny that Crash Bandicoot's graphical qualities are one of the best we've seen from a game of this genre.

But you can't deny that Crash Bandicoot's graphical qualities are one of the best we've seen from a game of this genre.

A very important game that shows original concepts can reign supreme - it takes video gaming to a higher form of art that is rarely seen anymore and leaves most other games in its very large shadow.

One of the best racing game I've ever played, walking the fine line between serious race challenge and kart-style arcade antics with the grace of a tightrope artist. Luscious graphics, masses of hilarious and beautifully scripted cut scenes, a great story, a host of racing modes with loads of weapons, a huge single player campaign and blissfully great online play.

The gameplay is so compelling and entertaining that it makes for a truly addictive and wonderful knockout of a game - and I'm not trying to con you here!

If you're a Marvel Comics fan then it's an absolute must. But even if you're unaware of the story behind this oh-so-famous band of mutants, it's still worth adding to your collection and again a must for RPG fans on the go.

An old game in new clothing.

It isn't a particularly intense game and doesn't make use of all of the platform's capabilities. However, if you come at Digging Strike expecting much of the same gameplay elements that made the original Dig Dug such a popular title, then Digging Strike will be right up your alley.

Despite the amount of complaints on the table, I still think World Poker Tour should be given a chance if you plan to take it online, because as far as I know, this is the only poker videogame that offers such an extensive online mode.

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

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

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.

The less patient and more action-oriented gamers might not warm to it so much, but if you're the kind of gamer that enjoys the chance to get a good sniping spot on your favourite online shooter, then this really is one game you must play.

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

I'd suggest a weekend rental rather than picking it up full price. And while it might be short-lived, there's nothing quite like leading a horde of zombies around to convert every last citizen you can lay your decomposing hands on! Say it with me folks - "BRAINS!"

An old game in new clothing.

Despite the amount of complaints on the table, I still think World Poker Tour should be given a chance if you plan to take it online, because as far as I know, this is the only poker videogame that offers such an extensive online mode.

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

An old game in new clothing.

The Warriors is near perfection. It offers a compelling single player action adventure game that can become a two-player affair at the push of a button.

Take realistic physics, gorgeous visuals, plenty of immersing sound, psychological mind games, a pinch of horror and mix that with a storyline to rival any big budget movie and there you have it, something completely new.

The Warriors is near perfection. It offers a compelling single player action adventure game that can become a two-player affair at the push of a button.

For Xbox owners who want an intellectual battlefield challenge that falls somewhere between "Advance Wars" on the GBA and one of the "Close Combat" series, this is probably one you should enjoy.

A triumphant conversion that any child who's a fan of the cartoon will absolutely adore - if you know a youngster who likes the show, you really can't go wrong.

Such a refreshing game. The cases are really well thought out and will get you thinking, the sound effects and graphics are top notch for a 2D image-based handheld adventure.

Devil Kings is an unashamed Dynasty Warriors clone, which is great news for fans of the series, as it improves on many of DW's flaws.

Variety, accessibility, value, fun and tons of content is what TY the Tasmanian Tiger is all about, and never has Krome done a better job at pulling all of these elements together than they have in TY 3: Night of the Quinkan.

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.

Variety, accessibility, value, fun and tons of content is what TY the Tasmanian Tiger is all about, and never has Krome done a better job at pulling all of these elements together than they have in TY 3: Night of the Quinkan.

It's not all bad with L.A. Rush, as the storyline's pretty engrossing, well written and well acted, so that part will keep you amused.

With its breathtakingly expansive environments, unparalleled musical mastery and enough gadgetry to make Sam Fisher look about as deadly as Action Man with a broken arm, SOCOM 3 both dazzles and delights.

You'll definitely enjoy the On Tour mode for a good while, but don't expect to love the entire game like you might have loved the previous titles in the series; it feels more like an odd but amusing experiment for the series that won't be back for the next iteration, which will most likely return to the roots that the series was most successful with.

It's not quite a massive revival of the game and won't topple World of Warcraft from its impervious throne, but it does add a lot more content to a game bursting at the seams with things to do.

It's intriguing and fun, the combat and mantra systems are not so overly complicated that beginners feel out of their depth, yet they have enough flexibility to keep the attention of the experienced RPGer. The story may be a little confusing, but the basic gist of trying to find a lost friend is easy enough to understand and working out what the rest of it means only adds to the puzzle elements.

Meanwhile, the other kids, with their super accurate Casio watches and Dunlop trainers, will take one look at the Wayne Rooney adorned menus and go straight back to "Pro Evolution Soccer 5," smiling quietly, knowing that they, yet again, have the better game.

This is mocking everything that has made the PC version so famous. Unless you enjoy waiting on an almost silent, graphics diffuse gaming experience, or are the largest Zoo Tycoon fan in existence, stay far away from this title.

A triumphant conversion that any child who's a fan of the cartoon will absolutely adore - if you know a youngster who likes the show, you really can't go wrong.

An absolute blast in every respect! It looks and sounds fantastic, the action is virtually non-stop and the combination of varied level designs and scenery, masses of different enemies and usage of vehicles and turrets keeps things feeling fresh and interesting from start to finish.

You'll definitely enjoy the On Tour mode for a good while, but don't expect to love the entire game like you might have loved the previous titles in the series; it feels more like an odd but amusing experiment for the series that won't be back for the next iteration, which will most likely return to the roots that the series was most successful with.

Variety, accessibility, value, fun and tons of content is what TY the Tasmanian Tiger is all about, and never has Krome done a better job at pulling all of these elements together than they have in TY 3: Night of the Quinkan.

It looks lovely, is as well written and imaginative as the cartoon obviously is, and features a good balance of challenge and gameplay variety to keep children interested and entertained.

You'll definitely enjoy the On Tour mode for a good while, but don't expect to love the entire game like you might have loved the previous titles in the series; it feels more like an odd but amusing experiment for the series that won't be back for the next iteration, which will most likely return to the roots that the series was most successful with.

It's like a work of musical art, with plenty of eventful gaming moments.

It's like a work of musical art, with plenty of eventful gaming moments.

Portable gaming is all about pick up and play - short bursts of fun action. Virtua Tennis: World Tour captures that spirit with style - games last a few minutes and practice sessions are under a minute, yet it never feels lacking or rushed.

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?

Though more touch screen functionality would have been preferable, or maybe even a bit of microphone-influenced play, at least there are options to connect to other players wirelessly for some trading or versus play.

Tedious and tiresome at times. With a poor AI controlling your team mates, unspectacular graphics and sound, awkward controls and nothing new to add to the genre as a whole, it simply has not impressed me.

Succeeds in creating an engaging story full of equally engaging characters that will push you to complete the game just to see where it goes and what kind of sadistic surgery you'll have to perform next.

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

I feel in about a year's time, when they have this new engine perfected, FIFA might be a serious contender, but at the moment it's not quite realising its full potential.

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

I feel in about a year's time, when they have this new engine perfected, FIFA might be a serious contender, but at the moment it's not quite realising its full potential.

I feel in about a year's time, when they have this new engine perfected, FIFA might be a serious contender, but at the moment it's not quite realising its full potential.

Older gamers may find Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness simply lacks the challenge that they're used to in an RPG, meaning that this is a title best left for those youngsters that were toddlers (or not even born yet) when the series first made its mark on Japanese shores.

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.

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.

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.

Although not all of the DS's features are utilised (mainly the touch screen), the challenging gameplay and DS download function more than make up for this.

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.

If the AI was up to scratch and provided you with a challenge, then the game could have been contender.

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

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.

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.

Quite arguably one of the best Dance Dance titles to be released on the PS2.

A poor expansion, with not much in the way of expanding on the previous. In fact it's possibly made the game a damn sight less playable, although hopefully my love for Total War will return with time.

Of the 22 titles that this collection boasts, only a handful of them are worth shelling out your hard earned cash for.

Nigh on perfect. There's no other way to put it. Words simply cannot do this game the justice it so admirably deserves. It's the most original, involving and technically astounding first person shooter since Halo 2 finally emerged and barged its way into every Xbox owner's home, and it puts most of its competitors to absolute shame.

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.