One of the best adventure games for the last couple of years, being thoroughly worked out and pleasingly rounded - it takes a lot of effort to appear so dumb, obviously.

Its strongest asset is the fact that the developers have pulled off the feat of marrying some old-style Tomb Raider gameplay with a brilliant control system that makes Lara seem rather sloth-like by comparison. [Playstation 2 Max]

A decent slash-'em-up but it'll disappoint Onimusha diehards thanks to a lack of the puzzles, plot and shopping for presents that made Onimusha 2 so brilliant. [JPN Import; PSM2]

Playable without being enjoyable, go and dig out one of the better FIFAs or unearth any ISS, because David Beckham Soccer doesn't live up to its namesake.

Achingly average in all respects, save the addition of classic multiplayer Counter-Strike. [PC Gamer UK]

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

A standard slash-'em-up that is all too nasty, brutish and short to measure up to Capcom's usual quality. It's fairly entertaining but all too brief. [Playstation 2 Max]

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

Niggly graphical flaws and suspect longevity drop the final score but it's rip-roaring fun while it lasts with well-balanced game play. Do try this at home.

Know this - Gunman is swathed in gratifyingly filthy gunslinging action. Savour it while you can.

Unashamedly pitched at 6 to 15 year olds, RFS doesn't really provide enough substance for hardened gamers, although as a passing fad it works extremely well.

From the opening sequences you'll be mildly impressed, but as the gameplay drags on you'll begin to feel a growing sense of deja vu. We've seen it all before. [PSM2]

Online this succeeds as a fast and fun laugh-a-minute racer. But offline, this suffers, especially in comparison to the king: "Burnout 3." [Xbox World]

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

Surprisingly though, this isn't that bad. Well, it's not terrible, anyway. Which is, in itself, a surprise.

Galvanized by the well-implemented trust management system, Splinter Cell: Double Agent proves to be another great game in this venerable series. Alas, the graphical limitations of the Gamecube keep this version from the success of its peers.

Although not bad, Namco have delivered a racer completely devoid of both excitement and exhilaration. [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]

Sadly, this is a curiosity and nothing more. Sonic CD isn't bad but the others make us feel, well, uneasy. [NGC]

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

An unpolished sequel that hardly improves on an already-average original. Fine in the short term, but ultimately tiresome.

A flawed tie-in that breaks no new ground, provides little entertainment and feels like a hollow companion to the film. Your standard rushed out film licence. [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]

An acquired taste, no doubt, but Konami's Gradius package delivers quality thrills in quick bite sized bursts.

Van Helsing is never bad. Anyone who loved "Devil May Cry" will recognise the similarities and relish the flamboyant combat sequences. It's just that the true stars of the game are the monsters and the only fleeting glances you get of them are in the frenetic boss battles. [PSM2]

A great chance to pummel your most hated wrestlers in the face - but it should have been much better. [NGC]

A slow starter. However, it's a huge world which is full of big ideas. Jump in now for a game that promises to be an interesting take on a staid genre - or hold fire a month or two to see how it lives up to its promises. [PC Gamer UK]

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]