It's also undoubtedly Harvest Moon's high point, expanding the freedom of play while retaining the bright, simple aesthetics and pantomimed emotion that have defined the series.

The action is bloody and satisfying, the story plays out like exceptionally well-written fan-fiction and the spirit of the movie and its characters are intact.

While Parallel Lines is a decent offering, it feels very much like a watered-down Grand Theft Auto, with a more linear storyline and fewer random fun things to do outside of missions.

The sporadic and rote boss battles don't ooze as much personality - sitting back and shooting rocks at eyes on stalks as they open isn't exactly epic - and none of the grunt henchman, from reptiles to rhinoceros beetles, provide any combat challenge against Scrat's surprisingly powerful kicks and frantic tail-smacks.

It all adds up to a breakneck racing experience that offers a lot of fun (especially when you consider the online modes) for a little cash.

Unfortunately, it's obvious that Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter was developed as a glimmering next-gen title and subsequently shoe-horned into the power-challenged Xbox. The result is simply too much for the Xbox to handle. It feels stripped down and lacking in too many crucial areas.

It's hard not to like Pursuit Force. Even when you've started the Don the Run mission for the twentieth time you'll still be enjoying it. We fully expect an even better sequel next year. [PSM2]

The frenetic, out-of-control battles take no time to warm up to, but fighting enthusiasts will probably shudder at the game's simplicity.

Tales of Phantasia is a solid RPG. It doesn't have the story chops of the last classic to hit GBA - Final Fantasy IV did a much better job of making its cast and its quest worth caring about.

Unparalleled explosive thrills - but it only burns in your mind during the time you're squeezing the trigger, and lacks context or emotional depth. [PSM2]

It's worth playing for its grueling gunfights and beautiful, combustible environments; just don't expect anything earth-shattering.

One more thing: the swearing. Normally we don't mind, but the script for Streetwise sounds like it was written by a grade-schooler who'd just discovered cursing. Foul language is overused to the point where the effect isn't gritty at all. In fact, it's just laughable.

FIFA Street 2 just isn't much fun to play, plain and simple. It won't gain many supporters from the soccer enthusiast set, nor arcade sports fans. The multiplayer isn't even that great - shunning online completely.

This complexity demands your total concentration, resulting in an all-consuming gaming experience. You're gonna lose hours to this game.

The last great racer on Xbox. Unless the mere sight of a car makes you physically sick, we'd call this a must-buy title. [Xbox World 360]

Sonic fans may fill their need for speed here, but everyone else, please walk on.

Sonic fans may fill their need for speed here, but everyone else, please walk on.

A new concept in gaming that works brilliantly. We're already pining for a sequel. [GamesMaster]

It's got less appeal second time around and, while it's unique, as a game it isn't much fun. [GamesMaster]

Equal parts kooky characters, clever game design and addictive battery recharging, Chibi-robo satisfies that part of all gamers that simply wants a decent challenge, no matter what kind of cute wrapping it wears.

Apart from the slow loading times, this is one of the best games on PSP. [PSM2]

With a beautifully simple interface and very loveable creatures, Electroplankton won't fail to put a smile on your face - and isn't that what really counts? [GamesMaster]

Despite its nonstop action and requisite techno soundtrack, Chaos Field never ascends to the level of a shooter classic, like GameCube's beautiful "Ikaruga." It's all about finding a sweet spot and plugging away.

The new minigames are a bit rubbish, but there's basically no reason for PSP-owning WWE fans not to get this. Finally, PSP gets itself a decent fighting game. About time too. [PSM2]

Don't let the fact that it's an update put you off. Easy to pick up and impossible to put down, this is a classic RPG. [NGC]

Not really The Sims, more like an RPG with chores. Entertaining nevertheless. [GamesMaster]

It's like a digital version of Royston Vasey: the same things happening week by week, a set of unnerving neighbours - but you really will never leave. [GamesMaster]

Mario hasn't starred in something this weak since his pinball effort on GBA. [GamesMaster]

With the series' clever design and sense of humor fully restored, The Two Thrones is a stellar return to form for Prince of Persia.

Whichever version you choose, though, the action is top-notch awesome. With the series' clever design and sense of humor fully restored, The Two Thrones is a stellar return to form forPrince of Persia .

As good a Mario adventure as you could hope for, and a cracking RPG in its own right. [GamesMaster]

These supermen are capable of feats ordinary Battlefield grunts could only dream of, wielding 12 new firearms and racing across eight huge new maps in 10 new vehicles. Them's a lot of numbers, but then this is definitely no ordinary game. [GamesMaster]

But it it's the most basic beat-'em-up you've ever played, often you'll find yourself simply holding the stick forward while Kong runs on invisible rails. It's beautiful, but oh-so-boring and unchallenging. [GamesMaster]

It's simply good fun from beginning to end - like an unexpectedly violent Disneyland ride.

VJ is certainly impressive to look at, although the swing to a more puzzle-orientated play won't please everyone. [NGC]

We expected more from Ridge's first super-powered 360 outing. Disappointing. [GamesMaster]

Redundant or not, it's also worth pointing out that the whole game only takes ten hours - tops - to finish, and honestly, that's just long enough before the tedium begins to set in.

No, it's hardly the greatest platformer ever - far from it - but it certainly isn't the worst.

A space war that's heavy on cliché, with a side order of weird aliens. Earth 2160 is an accomplished but dull RTS sequel. [PC Gamer UK]

It's impossible to dislike Amped 3 - it has real character, is hugely ambitious in size and scope, there's plenty to keep you occupied and, even if it isn't all that immediate, it is accessible.

It's not the most imaginative game on PSP, but it is entertaining. The fun of wiping out a group of slavering zombies with a well timed combo shot is enough to justify buying this. [PSM2]

Good for impressing people with technology - not quite so good as an actual game. [GamesMaster]

Sonic may be in a rush, but Sega clearly wasn't when they crafted this glorious game. [NGC Pocket]

The graphics, albeit at a lower resolution (and with the occasional low frame rate) than the PC version, still make City 17 feel like a real place - not just a collection of videogame levels. [GamesMaster]

It's a shame that the multiplayer options don't include a cop pursuit mode, but that's a minor omission in a one-game-fits-all package. If you haven't found any of the recent NFS games to be juuuust right, Most Wanted is the one to own.

Despite the missteps, the whole of FRWL satisfies with a combination of excellent graphics, (literally) jazzy tunes, and varied gameplay.

A Lord of the Rings clone that's a bit like an ice sculpture: solid and pretty, but doesn't last long. [GamesMaster]

Never before has Mario Kart offered so much content, that's so easily accessible and can be enjoyed by so many people. [GamesMaster]

It's excellent, and if you're a wrestling die-hard, you'll want to get it. But if you're not, we can't honestly say that this is different enough to last year's outing - which itself was hardly radically different to the previous year's - to be a must-have. [PSM2]

A very decent strategy-RPG that scores extra points for being the only full-on PSP role-player available so far. Add five marks if you're a massive LotR fan. [PSM2]

A few minute irritations can't prevent us from declaring this to be nigh-on perfection. Good price too. [Xbox World 360]

If there's a nit to pick with Gun, it's that it's short. Depending on how much you poke around, you can beat it in anywhere from six to ten hours. To us, that's no problem; we'll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster one any day.

The goals, while repetitive, offer more than a typical four-way smasher, but damn, it's hard to keep things straight. For gamers who like things categorically insane, you're looking at a go-to, button-mashy party game.

If there's a nit to pick with Gun, it's that it's short. Depending on how much you poke around, you can beat it in anywhere from six to ten hours. To us, that's no problem; we'll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster one any day.

As technically astounding as it is inept, Path of Neo is one of the most stylish and empowering games on PS2. Not a game to respect, but one to guiltily enjoy. [PSM2]

For the eighth installment we recommend a speed play option; until then the party will have to get along without us.

Not quite as nails as before, yet even more exciting, Big Red One is the gaming equivalent of your synapses combusting. And that can only ever be a good thing. [PSM2]

Plays more like a kind of arcade light-gun shooter with legs, and feels like it needed a better script and about six more months of development time.

A fun romp that stays interesting no matter how you play it. It has its share of flaws, but for fans, this is the first Star Wars game to have it all.

Don't get us wrong: the latest Castlevania isn't a bad game, if you can swallow the endless combat repetition. It just falls well short of this series' legendary heritage, and can't hold a candle to the handheld "Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow" for the Nintendo DS.

As close as a game has ever come to being flawless. A sublime exercise in action gaming that'll blow your mind. This is why you play videogames. [PSM2]

What Spartan lacks in depth is made good by some top-drawer visuals and satisfying combat. A corking console debut for Creative Assembly. [PSM2]

Namco runs its formula dry with an expansive campaign, but the action keeps the soul burning. [GamesMaster]

Nothing radically new but 30 missions of the most furious, vibrant, relentless, utterly insane war your can imagine. [PC Gamer UK]

It's the best strategy game released this year, and if you don't like it, there's something wrong with you.

For 20 quid it's something close to retro heaven. Go on, play it without prejudice. [Xbox World 360]

Simple. As easy as breathing but hugely entertaining. A 'kids' game that can be played by anyone. [NGC]

Despite some flaws and an overall feeling of deja vu that might alarm series veterans, Liberty City Stories is still an utterly irresistible and hugely enjoyable addition to the GTA family and an instant PSP treasure.

Xbox Live carnage on a profound scale - this is easily the best multiplayer game on the system since Bungie's opus. [Xbox World 360]

Fun for a while but lacks the madcap pace of previous incarnations. Why change it so much for consoles? [Xbox World 360]

Gorgeous to look at and wonderfully well made, but it's not a revolution. [PC Gamer UK]

Not as perfect as Ico, but one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking and imaginative experiences on PS2 which deserves to be played by everyone who loves games. [PSM2]

Essential if you're the analytical, disciplined type, but the lack of action will put off anyone seeking immediacy and action from the go. [PSM2]

With more drama than Tekken and more guts than Dead or Alive, Tenkaichi literally has more balls than any beat-'em-up released in the last 12 months. [GamesMaster]

The story is tightly linear, so it's hard to make your character's tale your own.

I swear, for the first five hours FEAR was on its way to a "Half-Life" sized score. The favourable comparisons were many and various: the thoughtful and dangerously accurate guards, the beautifully designed levels... but FEAR never upped the ante. It stayed almost exactly the same from start to finish. [PC Gamer UK]

If you're expecting a new GTA from the people who made it, you'll be sorely disappointed but The Warriors nonetheless provides an entertaining and very playable tale bearing the usual high production values and intense violence we've always lovingly associated with Rockstar. [Xbox World 360]

As good a turn-based strategy game as you could hope to expect, with a cracking story. [GamesMaster]

As a short game, there's little to moan about. It's basically all silly arm positions, freakish leg moves and improbable jumps. In a good way. And as Valve is publishing it, it can even be delivered to your PC painlessly. [PC Gamer UK]

LA Rush offers much in the way of slick arcading but, due to the lack of control over modding options, it falls short of being something really special. [PSM2]

Online play would score high 80s but offline SOCOM 3 is an average squad shooter that treads the same tired path as many before it. [PSM2]

Ace, and yet strangely subdued. We still reckon the series peaked with "Tricky." [GamesMaster]

Quake 4 has set-pieces to knock your jaw off, provides flawless, timeless multiplayer and the Doom 3 engine does the business with the graphics, but the lack variety means the earth won't quite move for you. [GamesMaster]

Simplistic and silly stuff but the OTT action and daft characters make this a slice of sheer shooting bliss. [Xbox World]

This is a must-have title on PSP. World Tour shows how to combine sporting simulation with easy arcade style and accessibility. The Roger Federer of tennis games. [PSM2]

It's in the interaction with other players that Toontown excels. Basic game-related queries and greetings are automated, and typed chat is heavily restricted to real-life friends. However, this doesn't impede the gameplay in any way.

But if you fancy a deep, serious game that represents a huge challenge - and aren't adverse to constantly studying a map and positioning your men before seeing any action - then this war hero is in a league of its own. [Xbox World]

Just like with Doom 3, RoE works best if you're afraid of the dark, but sadly most of us have outgrown that fear long ago.

There's a hell of a lot to do and it often feels daunting - like a big cross between Sim City and Total War. But it's well worth having a go if you think you're man - sorry, god - enough. [GamesMaster]

An ambitious and varied return to form and Pivotal's best offering to date. A seriously kick-ass war game. [Xbox World]

If the players had some personality to go with their looks, this could have been the best FIFA yet. [NGC]

Catching new 'recruits' is as addictive as ever, and the range of missions is impressive - whether retrieving stolen Pokemon or saving friends from the extra dimension, XD always feels fresh and exciting. This is the Game Boy classic fully reborn as a top Gamecube RPG. [GamesMaster]

The prayer-answering adventure game, this is a jaunt the term 'cracking' was invented for. [Xbox World]

Technically speaking, Lost in Blue is a very annoying, and often clumsy, but the emotions it often invokes - the feelings of hardship, reward and companionship - are, at times, second to none, making it very much worth the laborious effort. [NGC Pocket]

The graphics offer an enticing mix of cutesy Anime portraits and lovely 3D environments, while the gameplay is an original twist on a classic genre with gentle pacing masking fiendish puzzles. Who said point & click was dead? Another subtle smash on the divine DS. [GamesMaster]

It's stupid, it's cliched and you can leave your brain at the door but, when you're having this much fun playing Total Overdose, can you really complain? [PSM2]

Barbarian Invasion is tweak-packed and jammed with choices, meaning that even expert Generals will be kept busy for ages. A must for fans of Rome Total War. [PC Gamer UK]

Hopefully, upcoming sequels will further tweak an already solid concept into a great game.