It's Tony's finest handheld outing yet. The new levels, improved graphics and hassle-free multi-player mode make Hawk a half-pipe hero. [GamesMaster]

With amazing tactical possibilities and very simple rules and controls, Advance Wars is a fast, satisfying and brain-teasing epic that you won't be able to put down. [GamesMaster]

If a game like "Devil May Cry"'s a double espresso, heavy on the sugar, then Jak and Daxter's a nice soothing cup of tea. One offers non-stop thrills, but is over almost before it starts; the other's everything you'd expect, and it won't get you especially worked up, but lasts much longer.

Rogue Leader can be a little simplistic and the learning curve is insane - some levels are frighteningly difficult and unfair.

Near-perfect in every conceivable way, "Deus Ex" is pure gaming ambrosia. As in food of the gods, not tinned rice pudding.

There's little chance to get bored, too, simply because of the volume of stuff to do in every race. Even a Bronze unlocks new stuff, but more obscure cars require specific goals like finishing a race unscathed or getting signature takedowns... Burnout's utterly, utterly brilliant. [GamesMaster]

Most lamentable of all is the fact that the game's final boss is entirely nondescript. [Edge]

The biggest, deepest, most spectacular strategy game ever made.

A fantastically comprehensive and playable wrestling sim - if it's actually possible to simulate something that isn't 'real' in the first place.

Devastatingly deep, each level a Russian doll of gameplay, the layers of which are gradually revealed as you obtain different types of Pikmin. [GamesMaster]

The scope for customisation, combined with the excellent battle system, a beautifully drawn game world, and an engrossing (if somewhat cliche) story means that Grandia 2 easily rivals the likes of "FF."

Bigger and better than it's esteemed forebear, but not terribly different.

Zen-balanced succulent gameplay. Sublime in single-player, supreme with friends. [PSM2]

The best comic book game ever, but a bit too structured. [PC Format]

This is, in all possibility, the most stunningly attractive game the PlayStation has ever known.

As pleasurable to gaze on as Leia, as cheekily charming as Solo, and as ingenious as Lando's moustache. [PC Gamer UK]

Bungie really has outdone itself, and better than that, it's positively ushered in a glorious new era for the greatest multiplayer shooter on the planet. [Xbox World UK]

Should you buy it? Well, simply because of the quality we'd have to say 'yes' - but next time Nintendo, please, make the experience last longer. [NGC]

If William Blake made a videogame, it would be this. If that isn't a recommendation, nothing is.

The best Age game yet, featuring frightening fantasy units without all the bearded baggage. [PC Gamer UK]

Despite the split-screen, there's little discernible slowdown and the visual detail remains spot-on. Psygnosis used Sony's Performance Analyzer, which enabled them to squeeze every last drop out of the PlayStation, and the result is virtually no pop-up and the crispest visuals imaginable.

Another dollop of glorious GameCube genius.

Quite simply fantastic. The most universally appealing Dreamcast title yet.

At times this sense of freedom is overwhelming, and attending to the minutiae can be tiresome.

Despite average presentation and dire commentary, the ever-compelling Master League progression mode, training, unlockables and online play combine with moreish, realistic action to complete the winning line-up. PES just keeps getting better. [PC Gamer UK]

Few developers have the ability to craft a virtual world with the amount of depth and realism that SI deliver here. For football fans, there is no better place to lose yourself than Football Manager's deep, stat-filled realm. [PC Gamer UK]

Worth the wait? Hell yeah. It's another stunning RPG from BioWare that, while bringing little new to the genre, is an absolute joy to behold. [Xbox World]

The best console RPG since Squaresoft's "FFVII" on the PlayStation. Get ready for a monster phone bill.