One of the true joys of Madden is settling in for a run of minigames. But there's one factor that's a touch obnoxious: you can't choose what players you compete with.

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

The only real problem with Warzones is one inherent to the series as a whole - you're always driving, and that's it. You never take to the skies or hop in a boat or mix-up the missions at all.

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.

Touch and Go is a new breed of platformer and, while it doesn't quite reach the heights of Wario Ware and Mario 64 DS, it is still an essential DS purchase. [NGC Pocket]

With solidly rebuilt controls only a little marred by a still-fussy camera, LEGO Star Wars II is even better than last years prequel trilogy-based offering. And, as the first LEGO Star Wars was an amazingly entertaining homage to Lucas's genius, this sequel stands atop the original's shoulders as the pinnacle of LEGO Star Wars fun.

It's a well-made game that you can try again and again with numerous heroes and their plethora of powers. If you're a comic-book fan, this is probably the most satisfying videogame ever made for you.

The controls are a bit loopy, but the sheer fun you'll have solving the ghoulish mysteries forgive everything else. [Xbox Gamer]

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

A nearly mindless squad-based shooter, oozing with arcade appeal. Don't expect the world and you won't be disappointed. This is all about the best possible kind of ass-kicking, with an insane amount of firepower. As surprising as it is fun. [Xbox Gamer]

Brilliant but too short - you need to play this, if only to see Hayden Christiansen outclassed by a virtual toy. [GamesMaster]

One of the goriest, sweariest action games out there but with some nice touches and a decent combat system. [GamesMaster]

Terrific multiplayer games and an engrossing set of challenges and Arcade leagues, but the Story mode still isn't offering what it should. [Xbox World]

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

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]

Hardcore golfers will be disappointed that Tiger Woods PGA Tour isn't making revolutionary improvements, and everyone else will wonder why EA can't seem to make fields of green look prettier, but it's still the best golf game you can buy on any platform.

While the presentation and lack of innovation may not wow you, you'll be sucked in by just how well judged every element of the gameplay is.

The quality of the game remains and it's an essential purchase for those who are new to Pokemon but we can't help feeling the update is a little on the cheap side. [NGC]

Even though it'll be too demanding for some, Rocky currently represents the best boxing title on the market. And our prediction for the last fight in the game? Pain. [Edge]

It's no "Halo 2," but excellent level design and the infusion of the augmentations into multiplayer via a class-based player structure adds a welcome bit of variety to the mix.

Online play only sweetens the deal, making this one of the best, easily-accessible racers on any system.

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]

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]

A genuinely good third-year romp for Harry. Accomplished and absorbing, it's not quite magical but it's certainly no muggle either. [GamesMaster]

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

An original take on the shooting game and a subversive take on US paranoia executed with character and style. Destroy All Humans is hard not to enjoy. [Xbox World]

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

It manages to provide an incredibly compelling experience by consistently setting an intense mood, forgiving player errors and providing numerous options for accomplishing your fiendish goals.

It may be true that those of you who already own last year's version may feel like you're not getting much more than a roster update and the ability to keep kicking it in the sublime 2K online world, but there's no doubt that the proof is in the pudding, and NBA 2K7 delivers a darn good time.

An idea with the potential to get boring but that, in practice, is satisfyingly addictive. The puzzle mode offers fiendishly tricky logic problems which are in fact, pretty tricky. Tough but great value and worth the effort. [NGC Pocket]

A pleasant surprise. But the stand-out moments are marred by irritating flaws and often unbearable levels of frustration. [NGC]

It rather depends on your view of golf but, with a cracking system and great use of the touch-screen capabilities, we were dead chuffed with this game. If you fancy a bit of golf on your DS you really can't go wrong. [NGC Pocket]

Crystal Dynamics has accomplished the impossible. Lara is back in our good graces and we can't wait to see how her next adventure unfolds. We never thought we'd say that again, but times change.

Prepare for the Poke folk to take over your life. Again. [GamesMaster]

Simply put, it's a stellar title that'll keep baseball fans happy all season long.

By using the broadband adapter (yes, one does exist) you can connect some GameCubes together for an 8-player, tag-team match.

As a stand-alone game, Unreal Champ doesn't offer the same package as "Halo" or "TimeSplitters 2." [Offline review by XGamer]

It may be the last game anyone will ever play on the original Xbox, and it does the Madden name justice with its smooth play, wide range of features old and new, ridiculously in-depth franchise options, and online games.

The bit with the insect queen probably ranks as the Most Disturbing Moment In A Game Ever. [XGamer Magazine]

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

One of the most refreshingly racing games in a long time and the clear, concise, interfaces and controls make it a delight to spend time with - especially if you're playing alongside some mates in the split-screen mode. It's awesome stuff. [Xbox Gamer]

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]

Plays a great game of basketball and is entirely entertaining. The only problems are the loss of a few moves from the PS2 version and a lack of extra game modes. [PSM2]

This new ability to duel on demand is sure to please fervent fight-fans and is a very useful training tool for those wanting to prepare intensively for an on-line rumpus.

So while it doesn't break new ground, Scarface: The World Is Yours is one of the best sandbox crime games for the current generation consoles. It's a slick, well-executed and gritty title that'll keep you busy for over 20 hours.

The interlocking level goals in the career mode ooze intelligent design. [Xgamer Magazine]

One of the most brilliantly twisted and charming adventures of recent years, featuring gameplay that's on the verge of going stale.

The single-player campaign doesn't cover much new ground but the multiplayer takes no prisoners. [GamesMaster]

It's exactly what you'd expect but DS makes it classic multiplayer stuff. [GamesMaster]

Ultramix 4 is one of the best in the series thus far. The balanced music library - complete with song-packs you can download from LIVE for $5 a pop - the great party games, decent quest mode and downright beautiful character graphics, there's not much a fan could ask for.

A great sim but not a perfect game. It suffers from too few tracks and a complete lack of soul, but the basics are spot on - and it's massive too. [Xbox World]

An underwhelming conversion can't quite obscure its brilliance. [XGamer]

A genuinely amusing game, with plentiful dialogue from the show and fresh contributions from the cast, and for the fan there's a wealth of in-jokes and references (such as the Stonecutters' secret tunnel, or the burning pyre of tyres). [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]

It's something different, a fighter that refuses to succumb to more worldly pretentions, but one that feels so right. [Xbox World]

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.

A genuinely good third-year romp for Harry. Accomplished and absorbing, it's not quite magical but it's certainly no muggle either. [GamesMaster]

You've almost got to love Mortal Kombat if you like gaming. It's big, it's brash, it's bloody and it's not in the least bit ashamed. Fatality! [Xbox World]

Repetitive in the long-term. But, as a gaming experience, it can't be beaten by anything else on Xbox or other games machines. [Xbox Gamer]

Thanks to the easy-to-use controls and smooth action, it has set a high benchmark for others to try to reach. [PSM2]

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.

If only the machine's best game actually showed off the possibilities of the touch screen rather than highlighting its lack of an analogue stick. [NGC Pocket]

Flawed though it is, any gamer worth their salt will want to master the game's impressive intricacies, and of course take their scheming strategies to the next level on Xbox Live... and to be honest, what more can you ask for in an Xbox game than that? Precisely. [Xbox World]

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]

While it may look awfully similar to the first, don't be fooled: Origins tests negative for sequelitis.

Galvanized by the well-implemented trust management system, Splinter Cell: Double Agent proves to be another great game in this venerable series. By delving further into the character of Sam Fisher, Ubisoft manages to keep the series vital, much to our delight.

There are tons of classics in here, from Super Monkey Ball to Nights. All have been converted as well as you could expect. [GamesMaster]

In a game where individual acts of heroism are as important as a coherent plan, one brilliant feature is the rewards system. [XGamer]

Once you get around the surface misgivings you'll find a punchy, one-time thrill ride of a game. With multiplayer added it's indispensable. [Xbox World]

It may be for hardcore fans and sadists only, but this is still a rewarding race. [GamesMaster]

Chaos isn't quite as deep as the Dreamcast's "Powerstone," but outdoes it for raw fun and as a multiplayer game it's tough to beat. [GamesMaster]

The only problem with this is that the collected ideas that are gathered here - with the exception of the space combat - have all been lifted from other gaming influences. The curvature of Mace's face visor, the enemies with power shields, the control of remote guns... [PSM2]

If the work that's gone into TOCA's story element had been put into the game itself, we might now be saluting the PS2's best racing game. Instead we're lightly applauding a rather good one. [GamesMaster]

It's far more difficult to learn than "NBA Street" - still the benchmark for accessible sports games as far as we're concerned. But it's still an American footie game of the highest quality. Just not one for the UK masses, like we'd hoped.

Pleasant. It’s challenging without being too frustrating, and it’s attractive without being gobsmacking, full of decent set-pieces without anything that seriously demands a bit of thought. [PSM2]

Winter Assault is an excellent add-on for an excellent game. While not enough to demand an immediate return to Dawn of War for those sated of its charms, devoted Imperial followers will enlist for this particular crusade. [PC Gamer UK]

What's going to annoy people most is that the purists will want things like the mobile spawn point of the C-47, but won't be able to have them without the jet fighters and flyable missiles. And ultimately, that might mean these Secret Weapons remain completely unknown to most. [PC Gamer UK]

The missions are challenging and detailed; there's combat aplenty; and the old paper-scissors-stone mechanic still works. But the action fails to really inspire any excitement. [PC Gamer UK]

A fun and original back-to-basics action RPG full of stuff to do and unlock. If you can forgive the awful camera and slowdown, this is definitely worth playing. [PSM2]

It doesn't do anything much beyond what's expected in an RTS, and what it does do better either isn't quite improved enough (it's highly attractive... but not as attractive as C&C: Generals) or the really clever stuff is so subtle it bores. [PC Gamer UK]

The best FIFA yet shows genius, but lacks the cohesion that separates a great team from a team of great players - and inescapably, it pales next to "PES4." [PSM2]

A polished enough game of soldiers that never quite manages to thrill. Technically better than other Conflict games but just doesn't gel as well. [Playstation 2 Max]

There's little wrong with DOR2, but it's missing that star quality that puts you in the big leagues. [GamesMaster]

The pedestrian pacing of the early levels, the fiddly controls and the fearsomely flighty camera still means that if you have played the entire series from day one or if this is your first encounter, Lara has certainly seen better days. [Playstation 2 Max]

The excellent atmosphere might test your baldder control but your thumbs won't be troubled for a second. [GamesMaster]

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

A great idea done just about well enough to warrant a close look, but with slightly over-complex controls for what it does. Top fun, though. [GamesMaster]

A lightweight, easy but solid RPG that has no famous faces, little chance to make choices and hardly any fresh ideas. [GamesMaster]

If you're a gearhead, you'll enjoy this. The rest of you? Well, it's a good racing game marred only by a lack of options and features. Still, makes a change from cars. [PSM2]

A liberal splash of new ink and some gameplay innovation manage to revitalise this slightly over-familiar franchise. [Xbox World 360]

Your three-man team cover, flank and suppress impressively at first, but later on in the game they become more of a bind than a blessing. [GamesMaster]

If you loved them the first time, and want to savour the ghosts of RPGs past, then this is for you. Everyone else will probably give up after the first half hour. [NGC]

Not as good as the PS2 version, sadly, but still just the sort of game you'll love on lengthy coach trips. It could do with a bit more polishing next time out, though. [PSM2]

The 42 campaign missions themselves use events like Pizarro's destruction of the Incas and the War of Independence as context, and are generally enjoyable, but they lack the attention to detail and narrative energy of the genre giants. [PC Gamer UK]

A decent depiction of golf, the chance to whack cows with exploding balls and online play. For a meagre twenty notes it's a great alternative to "Tiger Woods." [PSM2]

Fans of Secret will be sorely disappointed with this - but as we said, for all its failings, the 20 or so hours it takes to finish it are still enjoyable. It's just that the quality isn't as high as we expected. [NGC]

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]