An old game in new clothing.

Gamers not used to the Hogwarts world may still be impressed by the novel approach to the gameplay, the magical graphics and the well-balanced learning curve.

It's a somewhat short game but there's a great amount of replay value and it is one hell of a ride a from start to finish.

While Darwinia+ may not be perfect, it’s great to see a game that’s not afraid to defy convention succeed so convincingly and remind us that it doesn’t take triple-A budgets and big name developers to produce a true gem.

The single player is fun enough for a while in short bursts, but it feels all too familiar, even with the destruction elements in place; the setting and story are well thought out and entertaining, but the repetitive missions will likely wear thin long before you reach the end.

It is limited in scope, but this makes it perfect for those with limited experience with similar products or gamers who are looking for a more casual baseball management title, while also making it a difficult recommendation for the more ambitious player.

NBA 2K8 is still far and away that best game of basketball you are going to find. EA might have got their act together this year, but they are still a way off challenging the almighty 2K series.

A great wrestling game, no doubt. The engine is solid and leans even more towards a simulation game like No Mercy than an arcade game like SmackDown and is a great alternative if you don't like that franchise. The graphics are downright incredible.

Altitude's simple premise hides behind a deceptively difficult game, but one that's easily learned and enjoyable to engage in. Although there's plenty of content here, more might have been better, but what is here does last, just so long as it's taken in the right doses.

It may not have the splendid story of BioShock or the incredible environmental detail of BioShock, or indeed the cool name of BioShock, but it's a real breath of fresh air in a gaming environment that has become stale with relentless shooting and violence.

The graphics are the best of any racing game bar none. The world is open in its architecture and you can drive anywhere, so you make your own destiny!

It's definitely a game to play casually when you need to pass a bit of time, but don't expect to be addicted to it like you may have been to "Animal Crossing."

It's not often we get a chance to review a game that delivers all it has promised and just a little bit more, but Buzz! Quiz TV is absolutely one of those games.

MadWorld is bloodthirstily entertaining, even if it is incredibly short lived. Whether it's a rental or a purchase depends very much on your personality.

Napoleonic Wars, while not really pushing the genre to new heights, succeeds because it manages to provide an experience that feels different from the majority of current strategy games on the market.

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.

What it lacks in innovation it makes up for with a level of fun not seen in the majority of cloned track racers of recent times - and those Nitros are just too cool.

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.

It's seriously good fun, and whilst it may be very aggravating at times, it'll have you coming back for more until your thumbsticks are worn down to tiny stumps.

With a control scheme that feels so perfectly right, beautiful visuals and a delightfully simple premise, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is certainly worth both your time and money.

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.

By anyone's reckoning Portal isn't a long game, weighing in at around the three to four hour mark. Those of you who do see this game from start to end though are in for a very special experience.

If you're not expecting "Resident Evil" then I think you'll be impressed, particularly with the camera, which I found to be very good indeed.

Age of Empires: Mythologies is a deeply involving strategy with lots of multiplayer options that when mixed with a robust campaign structure and engaging battle mechanics produces a game of real quality.

Normally with a classics compilation that has no real technical deficiencies, my complaints would be focused on the handful of lackluster titles that drag the overall package down. However, the sheer amount of effort that's gone into the extras and multiplayer has distracted me from any negative feelings. The new king of DS burst gaming has arrived!

If you enjoy some side scrolling adventuring action and consider yourself a hardcore gamer then you should consider picking this up as well.

Even though it might be over too quickly for platforming veterans, those who like action from the word go will find their long lost pal in Kao the Kangaroo 2. With an enormous and linear breath of fresh air feeling, this game puts the cool back in old school and will have most gamers jumping for joy for as long as it lasts!

Perhaps not varied enough from the standard Age of Empires clone, Empire Earth 2 still manages to impress in both terms of scale and the amount of challenges it offers up in its trip through the ages.