It's all perfectly meaty, well-constructed stuff, and there's little you can fault, other than the fact the subject matter isn't particularly engaging. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The action is reassuringly samey from start to end, and your path is set in stone. Yet, the overall experience is highly polished and big on drama.

There's no doubt that as a casual tennis game, this is loads of fun. But if you're looking for the depth, simulation and total shot control, you might be left fuming that your little sister could beat you with random crazy shots. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

For a series that started the whole World War II shooter experience, Medal of Honor now finds itself occupying a strange middle ground, neither floundering as it so obviously did with "Rising Sun," nor presenting any kind of serious challenge to the innovative "Brothers in Arms," or even "Call of Duty."

The presentation, as mentioned, is superb - just check out the way if you pause the game, the screen will flick to a newspaper article detailing your current level and predicament. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

A solid tennis game but underwhelming in most areas.

Business as usual for the Kinect Sports franchise. Season 2 packs fun new features but anyone who wasn't won over by the original will have little reason to love this.

And what is it with the cut-scenes? They've roped in all the voices from the film, so why can't they make sure that the figures look better? It's a mystery even Spidey can't solve.

We'd have liked to see a more controllable camera as it's pretty static and doesn't allow for too much close-up action, but with such a bright and batty Shrek universe to demolish, we didn't find ourselves caring that much anyway. [Official UK XBox Magazine]

Once you get used to the controls you'll be fine... but all too often levels seem like chores rather than challenges. [PSW]

It may not be the next-gen golfing revolution we were hoping for, but it's still a hugely enjoyable round that captures the ambience of the sport better than any other current-gen game. Just don't expect it to knock your plus-fours off. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The drag racing sections truly capture the magic of the recent The Fast And The Furious flicks, and these one-on-one cock-fights make for a refreshing change after endless laps of spittle-covered urban wasteland.

Megaman is straightforward and the exact sort of game that works on PSP. Fast and simple, bright and colourful. [PSW]

It's a cute platformer that fills the gap between the overly-kiddified TY the Tasmanian Tiger 2 and Sony's more challenging Jak and Ratchet games. [PSW]

EA's new graphics engine makes a difference too. Things are noticeably sharper and more free-flowing, meaning that the frenetic on-court movement of players doesn't get lost inside your PS2.

But savour these one at a time rather than devouring them all in an afternoon, and you'll find this to be another pleasant trip to retroville. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Stays faithful to the movie licence and dishes up hour upon hour of orc-slaying fun. It's not really doing anything new as far as RPGs go but, what it does do, it does well. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Exhilarating because you're tasked with turning the tide of the conflict by hacking through scores of enemies with an array of combos, projectile attacks (including bows and bombs) and some superb special Musou moves that first need to be powered up. Infuriating because the abysmal camera makes it virtually impossible to face the enemy for any prolonged period, meaning you're soon being flanked faster than a bitch on heat in an all-male dog sanctuary. [PC Zone]

Some amazing moments... and some truly abysmal ones. Saints Row: The Third is wildly imaginative and frequently entertaining, but a lack of technical polish and weak combat overshadow its achievements.

It's a fun and a very stylish third-person action game - a lot better than the movie deserves, by all accounts. Just don't buy it expecting to see anything you haven't already seen before. [PSW]

Missions are equally dull - blow up this and collect that, nothing you haven't seen before. You can have a mate join the killing in co-op mode, but that's only fun for an hour. After that you'll have exhausted most of Raze's Hell's potential - apart from its potential as a makeshift frisbee. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Rise Of The Apocalypse shows great attention to detail, with genuinely exciting gameplay. Even for an occasional Marvel fan, this is more than worthy of your time.

A solid and just about satisfactory squad shooter, but we expected better from the fourth game in the series. [PSW]

Everything X7 delivers is quality, although with an unshakable sense of 'been there many times before'.

Right now it is compelling, but riddled with so many problems that if you part ways with your cash for it, you're entering into a pact that will give you as much frustration as entertainment. [PC Zone]

Describing the stages in Turok as mere 'levels' doesn't really do them justice - it took us almost two hours to find everything in the first one alone, and they get bigger!

Overall, there's no standout reason to upgrade from previous editions. But if you're new to backside-blistering fun on four wheels, Fury 3 is worth a blast. [PSW]

A Hero's Tail is actually fairly hefty, with enormous levels to explore. Obviously a younger gamer's title, plenty of colourful visuals and the addition of so many replayable mini-games should keep the kiddies enthralled (and quiet) for hours at a time. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The GameCube and GBA versions have possibly the most exciting exclusive option, with players able to download special mini-games to their GBA which will earn them Simoleons and other goodies to use in the Cube game.

Lok is a total buffoon and he'll crack you up. But he doesn't make this more than another average, slightly tedious platformer. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Although the songs may be faithful to the film, the voice of Jack Skellington isn't, and as such it feels odd to try and relate to the skinless charlatan. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

At their best, the Pro Skater games were a sport in themselves, requiring lots of skill. While the thrill of the trick is still here, it's deluged in a misfired attempt at frat-boy cool.

It's just balls-out shooting from start to finish, with 50 Cent tunes to bop along to as you go. It's not too tough and not overly complicated. You just have fun with guns, and that's all there is to it.

There's a lot to like about Brothers in Arms, and the tactical element is much more than just a tacked-on gimmick. But with below-par visuals and unbalanced gameplay, we're left with a somewhat sticky and unappealing shooter with a lot of unfulfilled potential. [PSW]

The Xbox has clearly the best graphics, the PS2 has an exclusive online option where you can trade items with other players. The GameCube and GBA versions have possibly the most exciting exclusive option.

Feels like a far less weighty package than the original. The graphics are still beautiful compared to most competing games, and Etherlords II retains the title of best-looking turn-based combat game on the market. This might be enough for some, but if you liked the strategic elements from the first game, Etherlords II may well prove to be a big disappointment.

The novelty tables (L-shapes, triangular, etc.) aren't mental enough. The closest thing is the slippery ice hockey table. They built an amazing pool simulation, but surely the next step was to subvert that with crazy game stuff?

Inconsistencies such as the out-of-date player roster (why are Jazz and Nidia still there, yet characters like Heidenreich, William Regal and Torrie Wilson aren't), the fact that only four wrestlers are ever allowed on screen at once (why not six, or eight?), and that the list of unlockable legends is limited to say the least (no Hulk Hogan!) [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

This reminds CVG of when videogames were designed to scare you into submission with impossible challenges, while pacifying you with digital displays beyond most imaginations.

Bulletproof is one of the darkest video games around, with its combination of gritty storyline and moonlit night-time setting. [PSW]

The GameCube and GBA versions have possibly the most exciting exclusive option, with players able to download special mini-games to their GBA which will earn them Simoleons and other goodies to use in the Cube game.

There's plenty of depth here, but at the end of the day, races become a repetitive flatbed of short, sweet dashes from A to B. And that's what stops BMT2 from being a really good game. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The expected unfathomable depths of information are ready and waiting to be (pleasantly) drowned in, but it definitely isn't a lightweight affair. [PC Zone]

Thankfully, nothing's been fiddled with (except the addition of Wi-Fi support), and the inclusion of Marble Madness and Championship Sprint in particular prove that quality gameplay is timeless. [PSW]

It's good to see Ubisoft completely rewriting history, rather than just slightly altering it, to spin one of the series' most absurd and intriguing yarns. Washington as a comical cartoon villain is entertaining, and the Wolf Cloak makes stealth less frustrating than it was in the vanilla game. Still, it isn't a vastly different experience, and if you've already bled Assassin's Creed 3 dry, you might find this add-on a little too familiar at times.

But if bling is your thing and you're in need of a dire hit of nitrous oxide, then LA Rush will deliver enough of a fix to tide you over until the next 'big' racing title hits Xbox. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Surprisingly enjoyable stuff while it lasts, and just as amusing as the film. Short and easy, but only because it's primarily aimed at the kind of people who still having trouble fastening their shoes (and we're talking about the Velcro ones here). [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

NBA Live 06 does take a step into slightly more appealing arcade territory with its star player system. Essentially, certain players now possess 'star' powers in particular fields (shooting, blocking, three pointers and so on), which adds a nice strategy element with respect to building up a well-rounded team in Career mode. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Overall this isn't bad, it just takes a lot of getting used to, particularly the isometric view. It's worth persevering, because, apart from actual skating, this is the most board-based fun you'll have on the move.

Battles are buzzy, entertaining affairs, full of energy and outrageous special moves, but as a complete package this falls way short of what we'd expect, especially when for the same money (thirty quid) you could probably pick up "DOA Ultimate" or "Soul Calibur II." [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The presentation, solid storyline and good use of the X-Men characters lift Rise of Apocalypse into the top echelon of PSP games. [PSW]

A technically impressive adventure that sticks to the tried and trusted traditional FF formula.

If you don't already own a version, or have done in the past but got rid if it, then Worms on XBLA is well worth a punt for the price. To get the most out of it though, Worms is best enjoyed with mates over Live.

Fists of Vengeance makes no pretence at being anything close to intelligent - it happily revels in its shameless idiocy, but it's fun through and through.

Military obsessives will love it and, providing those who play it are prepared to put in the time required to learn its quirks and foibles, they should be rewarded with a fairly satisfying experience.

Once you get going with the twin swords and start levelling yourself up, the urge to unlock bigger, sharper swords and kill more things quicker really starts to burn. It's certainly no "Soul Calibur III," but it's enough of a war horse to be worth a punt. [PSW]

Although Future Tactics doesn't quite have the humour or breadth of "Worms," and the multiplayer game isn't as all-encompassing as it should be, the campaign mode is quite endearing (even if the voice talent is god-awful), and the Trumpton visuals are sweet, if somewhat last-gen.

Tycoon City: New York may be big and colourful, but under its ostentatious, shiny surface and character-driven tasks, it's ultimately just another by-the-numbers tycoon game. [PC Zone]

How ironic: without the solar sensor, Boktai would be much more enjoyable... but then again, without the solar sensor Boktai wouldn't even exist in the first place.

It's definitely a step in the right direction for a series we were getting well and truly bored with. So if you can forgive it a slight feeling of wooden-ness, Need For Speed Most Wanted is a really slick racer with stacks for you to do.

Mikami has the basis for a gorgeous, thrilling shooter here. But the wooden narrative, stale mechanic and non-existent learning curve prevent Vanquish from ever reaching those heights.

But for those who are prepared to persevere, there are well over 100 hours of turn-based heaven in store. [PSW]

The beauty of NFL Street 2 is its immediacy. Although numerous offence (running, passing and trick) and defence plays can be employed, its anarchic nature ensures it is extremely fast-paced and easy to pick up. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

The graphics are gorgeous, with a loving amount of detail, but the perspective and colouring may give them a dated, 16-bit feel.

It feels like The Matrix Online was released six months too early, with an avalanche of bugs and glitches (inaccessible revolving doors, crap camera, malfunctioning mission goals), compounded by poor presentation and somewhat repetitive gameplay and locales.

Thankfully, if you foul it up once too often a special Easy mode is unlocked, the equivalent of Normal on PS2. But what's the point of a remake that's only enjoyable when doing exactly what it did in the original?

Tweaks to the multiplayer modes are welcome, but are hardly enough to turn it into a world-beater. A bigger cause for celebration is that I didn't come across any of those diabolically awful tunnels that plagued the full game.

It's a refreshing premise, but it isn't executed as well as it should be. Approach with caution.

As it stands, if only because this is a fantastic reimagining of a game everyone has played, Championship Edition is amongst the top tier downloadable games on Xbox 360.

The thing is, it could have been a great one if only the developer hadn't assumed we'd all like lots more mindless hacking and slashing at the expense of some of the joyful exploring and leaping. [PSW]

If you're a die-hard and quite old Sonic fan, Shadow the Hedgehog will probably disappoint with its weird mish-mash of styles and the same awkward and flawed 3D play of "Sonic Heroes." [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

This is one for the fans, since the complicated gameplay and ultra detailed stats make it intimidating for nonenthusiasts. It's a quality game, but it may test your easy-going nature. [PSW]

It's just a bit too flawed in its execution and weak in the storytelling department to make it anything truly terrifying. A reasonable effort, just don't expect it to give you really horrible nightmares. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

So why EA decided to ruin things by putting new 'skill' moves (pirouettes, fakeouts, fancy through-the-leg shots and so on) onto the right analogue stick is beyond us. It sounds fine in principle, but the result is closer to "FIFA Street" on ice. [PSW]

Like the frenetic multiplayer madness of Mashed, playing with or against mates always brings out the worst in them (and you), making 187 Ride or Die the ideal game for post-pub gamers. [PSW]

NBA 2K6 also has full Live support, something that mysteriously disappeared from "NBA Live 06" just before it was released. Take your pick. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

Fifty quid is a lot of money to ask for a title that any competent gamer can pound through in six or so hours. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

It's fair to say there's spectacularly little that's actually new in the game, but for a different slant on the snooping genre and some well-executed shadow-hopping, you can't go far wrong. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

There's just something missing from the end result, and though the pleasingly simple gameplay is great fun in short spurts, LSL hasn't quite got the stamina for any schlong-lasting appeal.

Picross e2 is another example why Picross is such an addictive series. While it's not the outstanding highlight of this 18 year-old series, it remains a brilliant budget option for those curious about its cult following.

The art style is superb and there's something compelling about the simplicity of an extremely linear experience. [PSW]

Should have been more inventive, more memorable and more important. After we were spoiled by the beautiful Epic Yarn last year, Adventure highlights the dangers of appealing to a very vocal minority.

There's no denying what unabashed, volatile fun Without Warning is. But blowing people and stuff up over and over again soon gets tiresome and it's precisely then that the early promise evaporates. [PSW]

It's a classic case of being sucked in by a license; an average shooter resting heavily on the shoulders of an acclaimed movie license. It's not all bad, just don't expect it to be as good as you're probably expecting it to be.

The simple tracks and handling might not be all that far removed from NFSU 2, but it's still a game that seems better suited to PSP. If you're after more than the pure thrill of breakneck speed, get this over "Ridge Racer." [PSW]

The whole experience ends up falling a little flat. The main problem is that there's no great story to really pull you in. Yes, there are over 20 weapons to collect and upgrade, which is fun, but the narrative is sadly lacking. [PSW]

It's by no means a heavyweight, but fans of the series will get a hell of a kick out of the Xbox conversion.

Not exactly groundbreaking and there are very few noticeable play alterations, but it plays well on the Xbox 360 controller thanks to the repositioned Black and White shoulder buttons (the buffers). [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

It's the sheer scale of the huge aerial battles that impress most. The skies are absolutely packed with aircraft, and even some of the less hectic missions can still boast over 100 individual aircraft buzzing around the screen at any one time. So yes, it's pretty jaw-dropping stuff. [PSW]

Potentially brilliant multiplayer romp hindered by PSN's lack of communication. Bundled headsets please, Sony.

A definite improvement on "Rising Sun," but the squad control has been done better in "Brothers in Arms," and "Call of Duty" provides the same level of intensity. Instead of being a standout title, European Assault is really just another WWII shooter. [PSW]

A shameless imitation that nevertheless does a convincing job while trying to bring something new to the table. Bravo, you cheeky sods.

There's tons of bonus material on offer including comic covers and illustrations, and the option to save your game at any point is a godsend.

There's no doubt that there's a huge amount of gameplay here, but at 30, perhaps it's a bit too expensive to warrant buying. Depends on how much you love your retro games. [PSW]

The film's distinctive environments are employed to great effect - hills and ridges mean characters with different specialities come into their own when used properly, and the buildings and natural obstructions add to the game's surprising depth. [PSW]

I'm also just very peeved at just how confined it makes you feel - and, most of all, how Activision didn't just port its own Blur into the Bond world for the driving bits.

It's certainly not the greatest platform adventure ever, but it's imbued with the same charming humour as the film, with all manner of sight gags that tip a knowing wink to fans of the movie.

Sniper Elite could well have been a terrifically good simulation of being a wartime sneaky fella had there been a greater sense of ambition displayed in the design process. As it is, you're left with a game that doesn't really offer a great deal more in terms of ammo delivery that we haven't seen done equally well in more popular, less subject-specific shooters. [PC Zone]