A perfectly polished and presented package. It offers extreme-tricking and adrenaline-fuelled racing and does it in a refreshing and challenging way.

If you are the kind of gamer who likes to learn song layouts, practices all the way to Carnegie Hall, and then uploads a video of a brilliant high score to YouTube, then this one is probably not for you as it will only madden you in the long run.

It’s such a shame that the game’s battle system wasn’t better thought out because it really lets down what could have been a great little game.

If you’ve never played one and are somewhat interested then you are best of buying Dynasty Warriors 6 instead because Warriors Orochi 2 just doesn’t get past private rank anymore in this world of dynasty wars.

Speaking of unlockables, I would also like to have being given the chance of getting to mention the likes Time Attack, which is supported by online leaderboards, and Endless Attack, which is probably the most hard-hitting survival mode ever included in a game in the history of time, tasking players with getting by as many screen as possible before unmercifully dying.

There’s a lot to like, and equally as much to dislike.

An essential play for any fan of George Lucas’ creation. Unfortunately, the gameplay feels a tad repetitive, un-ambitious and never quite lives up to the superb storytelling.

An essential play for any fan of George Lucas’ creation. Unfortunately, the gameplay feels a tad repetitive, un-ambitious and never quite lives up to the superb storytelling.

A perfectly polished and presented package. It offers extreme-tricking and adrenaline-fuelled racing and does it in a refreshing and challenging way.

Fans of Crysis are probably jumping with joy and wetting themselves when I say Crysis Warhead is a better game in every possible way than the original. That’s saying something since Crysis was a great game. It might not be as long, lasting around the five hour mark, but you do get a great multiplayer experience to go back to once you are done with the campaign.

It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it makes a whole bunch of interesting and bold design decisions, and I guarantee you’ve not played anything quite like it. For those reasons alone, it gets a glowing recommendation.

As it stands, Kidz Sports Crazy Mini Golf represents everything that is wrong with the Nintendo Wii’s casual market.

Combat feels like a badly AI’ed multiplayer game, the type of game that is meant for human players, and an AI system has been pasted on later for people with no friends (see Battlefield 1941).

This is a worthy sequel with a look and feel that are more polished than last year’s effort.

Ultimately, the biggest problem with RotTK also happens to be its biggest strength. It makes no attempt to open itself up to newcomers, instead choosing to continue to revel in its deep historical accuracy.

In the end, probably the best remark I can make about the game is that it is one of more accessible available from the selection of EA Sports branded titles, and as a result of this, it’s probably one of the most fun to play.

In the end, probably the best remark I can make about the game is that it is one of more accessible available from the selection of EA Sports branded titles, and as a result of this, it’s probably one of the most fun to play.

Ultimately, as interesting as Spore’s concept is, the actual gameplay works against its offer to let you be creative, and the gameplay isn’t really worth the sacrifice of the creativity - especially when the standalone creature creator was released ages ago. For a fiver.

It’s just a really bad game, in places unapologetically bad.

It’s just a really bad game, in places unapologetically bad.

There are just four ‘arenas’ to choose from, four factions, with four characters in each, three similar modes and variable numbers of Balls present in each game. It won’t take long to exhaust the possibilities.

It is clever, smart, and once you get into it, damn addictive.

In all honesty I fail to see a reason for anyone buy something this. Even if you included the whole game as a mini-game in some other larger title it would still seem limited. It’s honestly a miracle that I wrote this much about a game that offers gamers so little in return.

If you end up buying The Last Guy you’ll probably end up liking it to some extent, and if you can try and pace yourself, and don’t rush through the game, you’ll enjoy it even more.

On the whole, Galactic Adventures is a good bit of fun, let down by naff controls and the fact that 95% of the people producing content for it are total morons.

Ratchet and Clank: A Quest for Booty feels like a long side quest away from the events of Tools Of Destruction it therefore avoids any real spoilers to the main series story.

Give this game a miss, and get your EXP-grinding gums around Dungeon Siege 2.

This is a game that has successfully changed my opinions on American Football, and could do the same for you.

This is a game that has successfully changed my opinions on American Football, and could do the same for you.

Overall my suggestion would be, stick the game’s suggestions (hints) on high, enjoy it as a constant stream of brain-dead semi funny entertainment, in a universe you are probably familiar with, and get as much stress-free enjoyment from what admittedly, feels like a pretty polished episodic game.

Overall my suggestion would be, stick the game’s suggestions (hints) on high, enjoy it as a constant stream of brain-dead semi funny entertainment, in a universe you are probably familiar with, and get as much stress-free enjoyment from what admittedly, feels like a pretty polished episodic game.

The fact is, Braid is art. There, I said it. Not only can it be appreciated aesthetically, but it was clearly created with the intention of the finished product being a work of art.

To sum up, then, this is an interesting game in the same way that Earth Defence Force is interesting. It’s full of silly faults, but if you look past them it’s fairly competent.

Ironically, KoD sums itself up in its own lacklustre ‘Yar’ sound effect, which becomes annoying from the very start. That’s just what Pirates: KoD is; lacklustre.

It’s actually quite good in multiplayer and if you enjoy setting records then the same can be said for the competition side of it.

It’s actually quite good in multiplayer and if you enjoy setting records then the same can be said for the competition side of it.

There is literally no difference between the PC and the Xbox versions of the game, apart from the clunky keyboard controls, but feel to buy a game pad or map the keys to places you find easier to use… all 17 of them!

Somehow someone somewhere managed to design and create a game that is almost completely devoid of fun and enjoyment.

Somehow someone somewhere managed to design and create a game that is almost completely devoid of fun and enjoyment.

Given that the game only allows the use of the Wii-mote, playing a good old game of football seems a hard concept to imitate. Needless to say, this sport is ridiculously unsatisfying.

It strikes me as ironic that the game is named Overlord when really the minions are the stars of the show.

At the end of the day, the bad points massively outweigh the good ones, and when the credits roll you’ll be left with a feeling that it all could have been so much better. The game also has absolutely no replay value whatsoever, and is consequently terrible value for money.

It’s the best multiplayer game to be released this year and is certainly up there with Call of Duty 4.

It might not feature a class based objective system like "Quake Wars," but it’s sure a damn better multiplayer experience than that port.

Overall, an average racing game that holds some fun but, for the money, alternatives exist on the PS3 that are far more enjoyable.

Its minimalism, but just because something’s minimal doesn’t mean it is without soul and anyway, the graphical updates mean it’s awash with garish colour and this just about does enough to bring the title up to date – albeit to that of a modern doujin homebrew game.

Soul Bubbles is undoubtedly an interesting game, but I have to admit it was hard to express and portray the appeal of the game in words.

For the most part NASCAR 09 seems like a solid racer, and I guess it does a good job of simulating the real life product. It is rather boring though, as even if you are a petrol head at heart you can only have so much fun going around, and around and around.

For the most part NASCAR 09 seems like a solid racer, and I guess it does a good job of simulating the real life product. It is rather boring though, as even if you are a petrol head at heart you can only have so much fun going around, and around and around.

Bugs ruin fun.

Bugs ruin fun.

An acceptable update in terms of presentation, but regretfully somewhat lacking in the new gameplay features the move to a new generation should demand. Regretfully, it is far from the spectacular game many hoped it would be when it was first announced. It grasps on too tightly to what came before, refusing to give gamers the freedom other games in this generation have offered.

Perhaps the worst thing you can say about Lego Indy is that it is not as instantly likeable as the Lego Star Wars games, and that it’s more of a relationship you’ll have to work at instead of being the love at first sight Travellers Tales' previous efforts were.

Perhaps the worst thing you can say about Lego Indy is that it is not as instantly likeable as the Lego Star Wars games, and that it’s more of a relationship you’ll have to work at instead of being the love at first sight Travellers Tales' previous efforts were.

Perhaps the worst thing you can say about Lego Indy is that it is not as instantly likeable as the Lego Star Wars games, and that it’s more of a relationship you’ll have to work at instead of being the love at first sight Travellers Tales' previous efforts were.

Visually, the port doesn’t do much that the 360 version didn’t - but then the game looked pretty incredible to begin with, so that’s hardly a criticism.

People who don’t care for graphics will find a game that’s quite fun and somewhat unique in its multiplayer shenanigans. The classes are more complex and objective focus driven then any of the other multiplayer shooters out there.

Overall LPECCE is something of a contradiction. While its additional features are aimed at the hardcore lovers of tundran gaming, the fact that it is incompatible with the original Lost Planet is mystifying. Forcing players to start from scratch, with their only reward being some more achievements is an unnecessary irritation.

Overall LPECCE is something of a contradiction. While its additional features are aimed at the hardcore lovers of tundran gaming, the fact that it is incompatible with the original Lost Planet is mystifying. Forcing players to start from scratch, with their only reward being some more achievements is an unnecessary irritation.

Regardless of its name, it's still clear to see Haze is a disappointing game based on a weak premise that has been half-heartedly realised.

When all is said and done Wii Fit is a product that can help you lose weight as part of a calorie controlled diet, so in the end that's what really matters with a purchase of something like this.

The normal match modes and multiplayer are a step up from Fifa 08, with player movement and ball control even more realistic than what has come before.

The normal match modes and multiplayer are a step up from Fifa 08, with player movement and ball control even more realistic than what has come before.

Boom Blox is a game built for the Wii, not because of it. Unlike many other games on the platform it is hard to fathom playing without a Wiimote in your hand. If only for that reason alone it is a title that deserves attention, but thankfully there is much to praise the Boom Blox about.

SNK has a rich legacy to draw from, and there will no doubt be more of these releases, it is just a case of whether the quality will be enough to draw new fans, or simply pander to the same ones they have always had. On the strength of Vol. 1, it is too early to tell.

Don’t be a sucker. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

Don’t be a sucker. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

An absolutely essential landmark title for the games industry. In terms of the sheer scope, emotion, ambition, and the stupidly high fun factor it offers, there is no better available in the genre today. In fact, no one else comes anywhere near.

An absolutely essential landmark title for the games industry. In terms of the sheer scope, emotion, ambition, and the stupidly high fun factor it offers, there is no better available in the genre today. In fact, no one else comes anywhere near.

Then there is the Wii Wheel peripheral itself, which if you did not already know is just a plastic housing for the Wiimote. I have to admit though it is a well made bit of plastic, and is not only smarter looking than the uninspired Wii Zapper, but also more ergonomic to hold. Unexpectedly it is very easy to use.

In truth, not much of the core gameplay has changed, and it is still a GT game, albeit one that even more perfectly recreates what it’s like to get behind a wheel dream cars. In the same vein, all the vehicles on show have even more personality than ever before.

The puzzles are well designed, the team mechanic works well, and the mini games add a little variety. It’s not the toughest game in the world, which makes its length all that more disappointing, but it’s fun while it lasts and the style of the presentation really adds to this.

This game does not cheat, it simply requires pixel perfect shooting and dodging skills.

The Glaive works well and is rather satisfying to use but this is offset by the old school use of ammo crates and parts of levels being sealing off, making it as linear as they come.

The Glaive works well and is rather satisfying to use but this is offset by the old school use of ammo crates and parts of levels being sealing off, making it as linear as they come.

Unfortunately there is so much wrong with it that it doesn’t even manage to reach average status.

Unfortunately there is so much wrong with it that it doesn’t even manage to reach average status.

If you've got kids who you reckon would benefit from an introduction to Japanese RPGs, there are far worse places to start. But for Christ's sake, let them use an FAQ for the indoor sections.

For the most part the game is full to the brim with new ideas, clever strategic boss encounters and as a result is a breath of fresh air for the genre on the DS.

Whilst the weight of the FFVII hallmark gives the game an undeniable sense of gravity, at times it feels as if it also smothers it.

If you enjoyed Tiberium Wars then you should take pleasure in what is essentially more of the same. Kane’s Wrath delivers just enough in single player to make it a must buy for fans of the series, or for anyone who enjoys a good skirmish.

In truth, you’ll probably end up being more shocked by the gore and brutality you see on screen this time round instead of jumping from your seat at the shock of one of the game’s set pieces.

I really can’t stress enough just how much fun Everybody’s Golf is. From the moment you pick up the controller and start hitting your first ball, you come to understand the charm that the game is filled up with. It’s golf at its purist fun.

In all honesty, the simplification of the controls and hit-miss nature of the superstar mode mean that Sega Superstar Tennis isn’t quite as good as the tennis masterclass that was "Virtua Tennis 3."

In all honesty, the simplification of the controls and hit-miss nature of the superstar mode mean that Sega Superstar Tennis isn’t quite as good as the tennis masterclass that was "Virtua Tennis 3."

It should be noted that the PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii versions offer a superior experience.

It is a bit of a waste of the Wii’s capabilities though, and if you have a DS it may be worth picking up that version as it seems much more suited to a handheld.

In truth, you’ll probably end up being more shocked by the gore and brutality you see on screen this time round instead of jumping from your seat at the shock of one of the game’s set pieces.

If you’re willing to dive into its briny unforgiving depths and learn from it, then there is about as much here as there is to get from a turn-based strategy.

Four different control options as well as an as-deep-as-you-want-it combat style mean that whether you’re a parent looking forward to seeing Mario and Sonic have a punch-up, or a Nintendo fan wanting the Nintendo Chronicle (of love), Brawl can offer you an outstanding game.

As a game by itself it kind of feels empty and soulless. Get a mate to join with you and that is forgotten as the fun level rises considerably. It’s not a bad game in single player, but you feel as if it really was meant for humans and not COMs to play with you.

As a game by itself it kind of feels empty and soulless. Get a mate to join with you and that is forgotten as the fun level rises considerably. It’s not a bad game in single player, but you feel as if it really was meant for humans and not COMs to play with you.

Crucially, if you stand back and think of what the series could be evolving into with current hardware then you can’t help but look at DW6 as a disappointment.

Crucially, if you stand back and think of what the series could be evolving into with current hardware then you can’t help but look at DW6 as a disappointment.

It won’t top Brain Training’s immense sales, but it’s better in every way.

Devil May Cry 4 despite its best efforts is still a puritan affair. There are many flaws that will put off newcomers, but for those who can tolerate those flaws there is an addictive, enjoyable and rewarding game just waiting to be played.

Devil May Cry 4 despite its best efforts is still a puritan affair. There are many flaws that will put off newcomers, but for those who can tolerate those flaws there is an addictive, enjoyable and rewarding game just waiting to be played.

But if you’re more discerning about your games and don’t give a crap about the film then you really should be looking elsewhere.