But with this much constant repetition, sloppy enemy and level designs, artificially-prescribed deaths, lack of bonus GBA-connectivity and even some glitchy overlapping voice samples, it's really a matter of how much the player is prepared to tolerate.

The voice-acting meanwhile features a variety of accents and the sound effects adequately portray the stark reality of a strange world.

Despite a few niggling problems Max had lost none of his charm and this title comes highly recommended to both Payne and shoot'em up fans a like.

Some people might like its micromanagement approach, whereas others will find it very tedious.

Beyond the genre mainstays, BG&E further delivers through its intuitive interface.

Much improvement will be needed to prevent it from following in the path of many a flightless bird...namely, into oblivion. In the meantime, place R: Racing Evolution on the "endangered species" list.

Whilst it may lack innovation and the mediocre graphics could put off a few punters, Mission: Impossible - Operation Surma offers up a competent, decent and all-round enjoyable stealth package (even if it does so at the expense of others).

Gamestyle seriously can't imagine anyone NOT having a good time with the game; the story is strong, scripting is well-done, characters are likable and the humour is abundant and at times very sarcastic.

As incredibly ambitious and well-plotted the execution, Deus Ex: Invisible War falls slightly short of towering. If only those crash bugs and loading times were near-invisible, we'd be unapologetically, opaquely positive in our praise.

Enough cutscene and Land Shark buffoonery accompanies their jaunt across Milola to cover the price of (one's) tagging along. Strip them away and the barenaked shooter still plays better than most. That it somehow feels disappointingly ordinary only serves to confirm the creative genius evident in the rest of the 'designer' garb.

We can't recommend this game enough. If it's an adrenalin rush you're after, then 1080° Avalanche could be the snowboarding rush you've dreamed of. From Nintendo, with Love.

Kintaro's Revenge is a highly likable and fun game that adds something extra to the template of the forgotten genre, the sideways scrolling beat 'em up.

On the first run through, chances are you'll encounter the end credits in a mere six, possibly seven, hours. Fortunately however, this shortlived interlude will be one of the most enjoyable of your gaming life.

Beneath the gore and gritty urban realism is a well-designed and challenging game. Killing is never meant to be fun, but in Manhunt there is a sick satisfaction to be gleaned from each and every kill.

After learning the control regimen, it only takes a few adjustments to drive each model with aplomb - all the way up through the mighty 660-horsepowered Enzo (albeit one that appears to have Colin McRae at the wheel).

Pretenders and rivals to the throne take note: a new standard by which all adventures shall be measured has been set. And it doesn't include a big set of 'guns'.

Less endearing is the proliferation of 'bleeped' language.

Two steps removed from the CCG it seeks to emulate, and is unlikely to appeal to anyone but Magic aficionados - and even then it has so cruelly crushed the freedom and essence of the licence that players of 'chess with cards' cannot help but shun it.

XIII may not 'revolutionise' the genre, but it certainly tips its hat to some revolutionary (FPS) elements, including the platformesque addition of the grapnel and...an obeisance to singing soldiers.

Casual flight fans will find lots to love here, but true flight jockeys will crash and burn in despair.

An unusually brilliant release, which (for once) didn't see the light of day on the SNES. This makes it all the more essential, either for those with strong RPG preferences, or for anyone who might not have previously been 'into' them.

A competent racer with stacks of available customisation and stacks of replay value, even without any online features. The multiplayer is solid, there’s a lot to do in single player, and you'll feel totally fashionable playing it.

Nicely presented (and there are no load times at all), it's packed with pure playability and has enough 'whimsical' substance to last just as long as the others. Fans of the previous games will relish the new challenges on offer, and anyone new to the series will no doubt have a whale of a time in multiplayer alone.

As long as you (and your Live friends) know the rules of engagement, Rainbow Six 3 is a rewarding game with a lot of tactical depth lurking beneath the incredible sights and sounds.

Those expecting something off the 'top shelf' of classic game experiences need not apply. Unfortunately.

There is nothing ultimately redeeming about Medal of Honor: Rising Sun - because ultimately it marks the lowest point in the series.

Without question, Ratchet & Clank 2: Locked and Loaded surpasses "Mario Sunshine" as the best 'platform genre-specific' offering of the current generation.

This isn't a bad game but in comparison to the heavyweights of the genre it just doesn't offer enough. An interesting diversion then, but one that probably won't last you for very long.