Offline players have an exceptional story mode to look forward to that, though short, is one of the best FPS single players I've played in a long time.

MX Vs. ATV Unleashed is immense. This game is bigger than Barry Bethel's belly before he went on the Slim Fast Plan. The list of options and challenges seems almost endless.

Fair enough, the action is thick and fast, but it's a bit of a button masher, gets repetitive quickly and doesn't have much aural or visual polish to keep you otherwise interested.

Well, I'm flabbergasted. What more can I say? Wipeout Pure has it all; edge of your seat racing, big explosions, challenging tracks, aggressive competitors, superb graphics, exemplary cutting edge sound and is altogether one of the most well thought out and brilliantly conceived titles that it has ever been my joy to come across.

Playing with real friends in this game is better than playing somebody online, as you get to have a real party spirit and distract each other in ways that simply aren't possible when the other players aren't in the same room. Not only this, but there's a ton to unlock and enrich your multiplayer games in months to come. Got friends? Get Worms!

Act Of War: Direct Action heralds a massive return to top drawer form in RTS gaming. Slick, intelligent, sexy, beautiful and so, so engaging, I don't know whether to play it or take it out for a movie and a slap-up meal.

Puzzling fun at its best.

An unashamedly old school survival horror game, so you should pretty much know whether you're interested in playing it or not.

The fun really does lie in the multiplayer, because the drunken laughs my friends and I have had with this game have been fantastic and they went on and on into the early hours. "Crack another can open, lets have another match, I won't lose this time!" - is something you'll find yourself saying more often than not.

Ultimately, if you've not had the pleasure of playing this on the Cube and you have a couple of mates to enjoy this title with, then it's definitely worth the money. Better yet, wait for this one to drop ten pounds in price and pick up a bargain worth rolling home with.

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.

A unique concept alone isn't going to win the race, you need a lot of content for it as well. Nintendo has created some very addictive, enjoyable and challenging gameplay, but then prematurely dropped the ball by leaving it so short.

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

A good contender for the PSP football crown.

A very polished, well made game that breaks new ground in platforming; I highly recommend this game for anyone seeking a change from the traditional platformer or anyone who doesn't have a great interest in video games to begin with.

It's not pushing any boundaries but the game still comes with the right mix of fun, humour and enjoyment that seem to be lacking in these days of hyper realistic action games.

It's not quite a sports sim, neither is it your typical RTS or RPG game. It's a strange hybrid of all three that provides a generous amount of entertainment to those looking for something a bit different and a bit new.

A delicious mix of the best aspects of the first two games, with more innovation and a cockier, funnier Dante. The action is truly flawless.

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

Fitting and intense graphics matched with simply amazing audio and a gritty uncensored environment makes this one game not to pass on no matter what kind of games you enjoy.

Even if you don't go to university much, the price tag is worth the influence meter alone, as well as the 125+ items it adds to the already rich game.

A refreshing experience that ends all too soon with an online mode that just doesn't capture the same magic the single player mode creates. With a bit more variety in commands and freedom for the player, Republic Commando 2 could be an incredible game.

A few technical glitches aside, it's a pretty great turn out from EA, and were Fight Night Round 3 to be a boxer itself, it wouldn't win by total knockout, but would definitely go the twelve rounds and come out on top.

If you're looking for a superb fighting game for the PS2 with awesome characters, arenas, a good story and outstanding, addictive gameplay then look no further, as Namco have outdone themselves here; welcome the King of Iron Fist Tournament back to glory!

There's not a game I can call to mind that comes anywhere near Gran Turismo 4 in terms of lifespan. Pound for playtime it must be the cheapest game ever made; the career mode is huge.

Features some very original and compelling ideas that make playing through the single player game an absolute blast, however it's very unfortunate that it just doesn't carry over into the multiplayer portion well at all.

What you've got here isn't so much a game of football as a game of funball. The game is stripped back to basics and taken to the streets, the emphasis moving away from carefully practiced plays and detailed managing, towards looking cool and scoring goals as flamboyantly as you can.

A great title and there's nothing else quite like it. The only thing that comes close is "Kingdom Under Fire" for the Xbox.

Makes a great weekend rental and the single player should be experienced by any first person shooter fan, however purchasing the title is only recommended for Xbox if you can find a lot of enjoyment out of the online play.

I know for a fact it would make a good pressie for my dad, but do you really want your folks hogging your Xbox?!

A good game that offers a well-executed, fresh approach to football.

The battling becomes tiring quickly and Jake's jumping ability is pathetic (which is not good, considering the game sometimes throws you platform styled jump challenges.)

Even when you start to get bored of playing it in long bursts, the game makes an absolutely fantastic time killer or a great distraction for those long visits to the toilet.

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.

At the end of the day, a very basic beat em' up. It's just kick, punch, shoot, with the odd focus moves here and there to break up the action.

A truly remarkable game - not just the best basketball game ever, but also one of the best games around at the moment full stop.

2003 is definitely a step in the right direction for the series and escapes being marked down as another recycled game; if they keep it up with 2004 then KoF may just become the king of 2D fighters after all.

For some the difficulty may be a little frustrating and later on in the game it seems a little fruitless to fork out on weapons, but it's balanced, clever and exciting, almost forcing you to have one more go.

A truly remarkable game - not just the best basketball game ever, but also one of the best games around at the moment full stop.

A truly remarkable game - not just the best basketball game ever, but also one of the best games around at the moment full stop.

You are indeed going to need a Will of Steel to play this game, merely because it takes tremendous patience to put up with terrible AI.

There is a very tiny weeny fragment of game hidden beneath this shambolic detritus but don't waste your time by searching for it. Cops 2170: The Power of Law is outdated, outclassed and outright appalling.

Limited in engrossing gameplay and adult content; there is barely anything here to justify that 18 rating and it would have been more interesting if the game had taken more risks, showing more of what really goes on at the Playboy Mansion (and it's more than just photo shoots!)

Limited in engrossing gameplay and adult content; there is barely anything here to justify that 18 rating and it would have been more interesting if the game had taken more risks, showing more of what really goes on at the Playboy Mansion (and it's more than just photo shoots!)

I enjoyed the early and later portions of the game the most, as the middle (before the dramatic plot twist) definitely began to drag a little.

Limited in engrossing gameplay and adult content; there is barely anything here to justify that 18 rating and it would have been more interesting if the game had taken more risks, showing more of what really goes on at the Playboy Mansion (and it's more than just photo shoots!)

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."

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.

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."

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."

More originality would have been greatly appreciated, as this formula is growing tired, but for what it is, Rare has done a great job and this is a solid addition to any GBA player's collection of cart racing games.

Strictly a game for fans of the series, although even these people might be put off with the slow-sailing pace of the game.

The recreation of Soho is excellent and whilst the missions vary from driving to on-foot and are generally well-designed, both have their fair share of technical problems that can really frustrate and significantly mar the gameplay.

And I still can't express how much I love it and how much I want to revisit the world again. Capcom has stepped everything up and have given the competition the new game to imitate for the next few years - and that is a good thing.

The replay value of this game is huge, with hundreds of things to find, do and complete. Since all the contracts can be beaten in dozens of different ways, the fun factor in replaying the game just goes up and up, plus there are more than three different characters to do it with.

Nintendo has once again shown us why The Legend of Zelda is one of the greatest gaming legends of all time.

The replay value of this game is huge, with hundreds of things to find, do and complete. Since all the contracts can be beaten in dozens of different ways, the fun factor in replaying the game just goes up and up, plus there are more than three different characters to do it with.

One hell of a game; for all your WWII strategy needs, look no further. It's always refreshing to come across a game that'll last you a full year of serious gaming, if not longer.

In an online world surrounded by countless traditional shooter games, MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf stands out as not just a great mech game, but a great shooting game. Everything here is done well and the new features are implemented brilliantly.

If you have ever been enticed by the simple yet compelling gameplay of Puyo Pop, this latest PSP version is a great way of continuing the habit. But let me warn you now - it's highly infectious!

You don't need to know the ins and outs of American Football to enjoy it, it's infinitely more accessible than others in the genre and it manages to keep the whole 'Urban-Extreme' aspect to a tolerable level.

One of the most magnificently surprising titles of recent years. You don't need to know the ins and outs of American Football to enjoy it, it's infinitely more accessible than others in the genre and it manages to keep the whole 'Urban-Extreme' aspect to a tolerable level.

One of the most magnificently surprising titles of recent years. You don't need to know the ins and outs of American Football to enjoy it, it's infinitely more accessible than others in the genre and it manages to keep the whole 'Urban-Extreme' aspect to a tolerable level.

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.

The portable gameplay experience is rewarding and the application of the stylus based control system is pure genius, but despite its merits, it suffers under weight of the first to market glitches and the obvious comparison to existing titles like "Mario Golf: Advance Tour."

Viewtiful Joe 2 is as big a triumph as the original, resisting the urge to change a winning formula but building on it with even cooler settings, funnier bosses, more variety in the gameplay and a cool new way to manipulate time.

A game that will only really appeal to fans of survival horror.

The gameplay in D-Day is tactical and challenging but remains fun throughout and this is a satisfying combination. RTS fans will pick it up easily but there are some great additions to the genre too, such as your troops' range of special abilities, the interactivity with the environment that allows you to destroy or occupy (and fire from within) buildings and the bonuses you receive for adding differently skilled men to vehicle crews.

It is for the multiplayer, and probably the multiplayer alone, that you'll be playing Ridge Racer DS for quite some time.

The story is deep and intriguing, with very enjoyable and addictive gameplay.

While perhaps lacking in real variety, base and resource management are at least handled in a way that prevents dragging the game down into tedium.

Loaded with tons of replay value even after you've completed the monstrous game once. Hundreds of different options and paths await; for some it'll even be worth it to hear the different voices and responses made when you select different options.

As just a basic shooter it isn't actually too bad; but with some incredibly short and easy levels, the game can be completed in a couple of days and you will probably have little desire to play through it again.

What with the outstanding gameplay, the longevity of playing the beautiful levels over and over and the cracking sound effects, I say get Metal Slug Advance! It may be the greatest 2D shooter to hit the Advance.

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.

It's a supreme reproduction of the original strategy game, very easy to use and well worth the asking price for anyone interested in chess.

It's not the deepest strategy game ever made, but it does provide a few hours of lightweight strategic fun here and there, even if most of what it does has been done better elsewhere.

If you loved the original but found it too easy, then give The Prince of Persia: Warrior Within a go, as it's sure to please. If you loved "Ninja Gaiden" you'll definitely like this.

History buffs will delight in the wealth of historical accuracy and strategicians (no it's not a word, but if we use it enough it might become one…) will find much to enjoy. It takes a quick mind and distinct tactical dexterity to outwit the crafty snares of Rommel.

If you loved the original but found it too easy, then give The Prince of Persia: Warrior Within a go, as it's sure to please. If you loved "Ninja Gaiden" you'll definitely like this.

If you loved the original but found it too easy, then give The Prince of Persia: Warrior Within a go, as it's sure to please. If you loved "Ninja Gaiden" you'll definitely like this.

The lasting appeal is great, the graphics aren't half bad, the sound is pretty good, yet the gameplay falls far below par to my golfing expectations.

The fun really does lie in the multiplayer, because the drunken laughs my friends and I have had with this game have been fantastic and they went on and on into the early hours.

WoW has the depth and detail of massively multiplayer online game, with the ease of a single player RPG, whose only downside is there not being enough hours in a day to get the most out of it.

Just a pointless waste of time.

Then there's the mostly drab level design, the 'who cares' story and the often repetitive gameplay.

The controls are so easy to grasp that you'll rarely find any need to look in the manual for anything other than general hints; this is a game you can really jump into and get on with right away, with none of the hassle of dull stat screens with useless information bothering you.

Those who remember the days of the rollerball and paddle controller and have a deep yearning to return could happily fork out ten to twenty quid for this, but anyone with less than a burning desire to revisit their youth may not feel that their reddies went in the right direction.

Then there's the mostly drab level design, the 'who cares' story and the often repetitive gameplay.

Then there's the mostly drab level design, the 'who cares' story and the often repetitive gameplay.

It's a shame that Alien Hominid ends - that's my only gripe with the whole game. It ends. But then, you can play through it again and again with friends, turning up the difficulty a notch each time.

I can't tell you how impressed I am with the quality of sound, not only that this game produces but from the DS itself. It rivals anything your television can put out and it even has a surround sound option.

A game has suffered from over development of one facet of its gameplay at the expense of the other. While the tournament aspects are as close to a perfect representation of the real world of Beyblading as you could expect from the Gameboy Advance, the RPG elements appear to be an afterthought added to tie the game to Season 3 of the anime.

Viewtiful Joe 2 is as big a triumph as the original, resisting the urge to change a winning formula but building on it with even cooler settings, funnier bosses, more variety in the gameplay and a cool new way to manipulate time.

An unwieldy control system and restrictive camera view initially frustrate, but once you are used to it a whole world of deep and engaging gameplay opens up.

This is a cash-in with a couple of extras and very little touch-screen support.

With such a poor fighting engine, you're going to get bored very quickly; tapping on one button isn't going to please most fighting fans.

Whoever wrote the music for Bloodlines deserves a solid pat on the back; the creepy music really adds to the ambiance of the game and the action music is just great for drinking blood to.