Firaxis have, without a shadow of a doubt, created a monster hit. Civilization IV will stand head and shoulders above all other turn based strategy games.

Shrek will certainly appeal to the target audience but anyone else will find the gameplay far too constraining.

We weren't particularly bothered that we had to wait while our health/power gauge increased slowly, but what we didn't like was the fact that Spartan couldn't protect himself at all when praying at the statues.

Shrek will certainly appeal to the target audience but anyone else will find the gameplay far too constraining.

If you have enough people around you'll find the [multiplayer] experience just as engrossing as the single player game.

The game play is intense and challenging but is let down by the game engine. It would take a beast of a PC to play with the settings it deserves but most people may find the games engine and difficulty only leads to frustration.

While it may be relatively short overall, it's definitely one for people that like to solve a mystery, rather than just run through a game without taking anything in.

It will enrich your world, a studio offering a small postcard of an old master amongst a sea of others providing painting by numbers.

It's repetitive and lacks any kind of real long lasting game play. This is more of a game to play to pass a bit of time.

The end result is the best movie to computer game transition in a long time, if not the most enjoyable ever created. Grab the popcorn, watch the film and then play the game, and if you do, we really can’t envisage a better gaming weekend for your troubles.

The end result is the best movie to computer game transition in a long time, if not the most enjoyable ever created. Grab the popcorn, watch the film and then play the game, and if you do, we really can't envisage a better gaming weekend for your troubles.

So, far-fetched and silly this is, but the important thing is its fun! It doesn't re-write the platforming genre but it does provide you with a lot of laughs, and comic capers.

There is plenty to like about Devil Kings, the presentation is top notch and the combo system really does have you trying to chain up the hits.

It might not bring earth shattering extras to the table but this time SSX on Tour has managed to fix everything we hated about the series in the first place and has ultimately matured enough to be an essential purchase this time around.

Ultimately It might not give us the same warm feeling as 'Trials of Atlantis' and 'Catacombs', but Darkness Rising will eventually be a must for anyone wanting to take their game to the highest level.

So, far-fetched and silly this is, but the important thing is its fun! It doesn’t re-write the platforming genre but it does provide you with a lot of laughs, and comic capers.

It might not bring earth shattering extras to the table but this time SSX on Tour has managed to fix everything we hated about the series in the first place and has ultimately matured enough to be an essential purchase this time around.

So, far-fetched and silly this is, but the important thing is its fun! It doesn't re-write the platforming genre but it does provide you with a lot of laughs, and comic capers.

Earned in Blood could have been the natural progression for the series but certain gameplay issues and other gremlins have spoilt an otherwise authentic and atmospheric experience.

FIFA 06 does deserve a purchase but it simply doesn’t offer up anywhere near enough improvements for owners of "FIFA 2005" to part with cash this year.

FIFA 06 does deserve a purchase but it simply doesn’t offer up anywhere near enough improvements for owners of "FIFA 2005" to part with cash this year.

Worms 4 Mayhem proves Team 17 are starting to go back to their gameplay roots, and we for one are glad that they are. The single player mode is actually very playable for a change and serves as a great training ground for the inevitable multiplayer bouts that follow.

FIFA 06 does deserve a purchase but it simply doesn't offer up anywhere near enough improvements for owners of "FIFA 2005" to part with cash this year.

Blitzkrieg II is looking in fine form to lengthen CDV’s reign as World War II real time kings, and if only the pesky problem of units staying where you want them could be solved this would be an essential buy for every armchair strategist.

The gameplay is not the most involved or varied we’ve ever seen, but as far as movie tie-in’s go it’s one of the best.

The gameplay is not the most involved or varied we've ever seen, but as far as movie tie-in's go it's one of the best.

Certainly not a bad game, however it will frustrate the hell out of anyone used to more freedom.

The best retro collection currently available, and if you can ignore the lack of surround sound and advanced shadowing you’ll have just as much fun with these gems as you will with some of the blockbusters of today. Simply an essential purchase for retro fans.

There is a lot to like with Cold War but for every great feature you spot you'll come across another one that just doesn't work. It's a shame, as at times the title shows great promise.

The best retro collection currently available, and if you can ignore the lack of surround sound and advanced shadowing you'll have just as much fun with these gems as you will with some of the blockbusters of today. Simply an essential purchase for retro fans.

Visually, Sly 3 is an abundance of originality and colour, making excellent use of the PS2’s now aged hardware.

There are so many nuances to the look of this game; it’d be a feeble task trying to list them. Needless to say, it’s stunning.

There are so many nuances to the look of this game; it'd be a feeble task trying to list them. Needless to say, it's stunning.

Ultimate Spiderman has certainly joined our list of most impressive PS2 games this year, and easily so.

The epitome of that "game you love to hate", you’ll swear at the TV and throw the controller but you won’t stop until its completed. It’s punishingly hard in places but that only makes the final victory even sweeter.

Fahrenheit features a fascinating, ever evolving storyline that really does change in real time depending on your actions.

Fahrenheit features a fascinating, ever evolving storyline that really does change in real time depending on your actions.

Kingdoms under Fire: Heroes may not move the genre forward in the same way its predecessor accomplished but nevertheless it's certainly worth your attention.

Fahrenheit features a fascinating, ever evolving storyline that really does change in real time depending on your actions.

The only real concern, and unfortunately it really brings the whole thing down, is the camera work. It seems inverted (which I couldn’t change) and gets caught behind things and tends to face the wrong way in annoying scenarios such as near-death. Certainly not enough of a problem to get me to dissuade you from buying it though.

The only real concern, and unfortunately it really brings the whole thing down, is the camera work. It seems inverted (which I couldn't change) and gets caught behind things and tends to face the wrong way in annoying scenarios such as near-death. Certainly not enough of a problem to get me to dissuade you from buying it though.

With top notch presentation and replayability that goes through the roof it’s a sure fire bet to assume the Burnout series is safe for some time to come.

With top notch presentation and replayability that goes through the roof it's a sure fire bet to assume the Burnout series is safe for some time to come.

Certainly the most accomplished version from the Scooby franchise to date. It might be based on familiar platforming territory but it doesn’t stop this particular outing from being as fresh and enjoyable as the first episode in 1969. That is of course, if you do not expect that much.

When you get bored with the story mode and other bonus modes the single player serves up you’ll always be left with the brilliant track editor and uploaded tracks from the community – and that is GripShift’s strongest pull.

Certainly the most accomplished version from the Scooby franchise to date. It might be based on familiar platforming territory but it doesn't stop this particular outing from being as fresh and enjoyable as the first episode in 1969. That is of course, if you do not expect that much.

Certainly the most accomplished version from the Scooby franchise to date. It might be based on familiar platforming territory but it doesn't stop this particular outing from being as fresh and enjoyable as the first episode in 1969. That is of course, if you do not expect that much.

The controls are extensive, and do make a difference, taking NHL 2K6 away from the arcade style and into the big time of realism; and it is pretty realistic. The A.I. is solid too, and for hockey fans I’m sure there’s a lot to be cherished, from what is a very noble effort, and pleasurable addition to the series.

The controls are extensive, and do make a difference, taking NHL 2K6 away from the arcade style and into the big time of realism; and it is pretty realistic. The A.I. is solid too, and for hockey fans I'm sure there's a lot to be cherished, from what is a very noble effort, and pleasurable addition to the series.

While perhaps not quite as good as "Spiderman 2," The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction still has enough staying power to make all pretenders to the throne green with envy.

While perhaps not quite as good as "Spiderman 2," The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction still has enough staying power to make all pretenders to the throne green with envy.

While perhaps not quite as good as "Spiderman 2," The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction still has enough staying power to make all pretenders to the throne green with envy.

Fiendishly addictive to newcomers and realistic enough for advanced players, World Class Poker with T.J Cloutier is an essential purchase for anyone wanting to take their game further.

Ardent puzzlers will love the complexity and variety of the puzzles; others may find them a little too difficult and frustrating at times.

The Sacred Underworld expansion is the natural progression for any Sacred fans still playing the original release. With the Underworld expansion installed, Ancaria is now officially 40% bigger with even more to see and do, it doesn’t quite forward the game much but it does offer a diversion until Sacred 2 hits the shelves.

Some will no doubt be disappointed with the lack of progression but everything that Codename Panzers did so well in the first phase has been brought forward so elegantly with Phase Two. If you want to see the best the WW2 RTS genre has to offer, then you really have no need to look any further.

There’s something strangely compelling about the story, and the subliminal RPG elements are good enough to build up some atmosphere, without swamping players down with unnecessary micromanagement.

Nanostray is a great little shoot ‘em up and of course a portable one at that.

Started with brilliant presentation and gameplay and deteriorated from that point on. Although the novel twist of trying to save the ‘bad’ kids does add something for fans of the book, they’ll be advised to rent this title before the sugar sweet memories turn into a sour aftertaste after shelling out for this lacklustre platformer.

"Port Royale" was the closest that anyone has come to the original Pirates, until now. All hail Sid Meier, the master of the computer game.

On first inspection Killer 7 appears to be a confused, disjointed mismatch of ideas, but on closer examination some of its inner beauty will slowly begin to shine through. Before you knock it, appreciate the fact that it really couldn’t have been done any other way. The upshot is that Killer7 shouldn’t be played so much as actually ‘experienced’.

On first inspection Killer 7 appears to be a confused, disjointed mismatch of ideas, but on closer examination some of its inner beauty will slowly begin to shine through. Before you knock it, appreciate the fact that it really couldn't have been done any other way. The upshot is that Killer7 shouldn't be played so much as actually 'experienced'.

Sadly this particular adventure seemed to be on the short side. Keen adventurers will probably polish this one off on only a few sittings.

Not only does the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack contain exclusive maps but it also updates your copy of Halo 2 fixing obscure problems and adding extra functionality for both online and offline multiplayer maps.

Fantastic four is certainly not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, but simply a case of style over substance, and that’s another cliché all by itself.

The rides are also animated very well, but the best of the graphical action has to be reserved for the ‘Coaster Cam’, being able to view all the new water rides in the park in first person just adds that little bit more to an already decent experience.

So there you have it, a wonderful (and re-playable) single player adventure with a pretty decent multiplayer side attached... Rare have pulled it off all over again.

If anything, Destroy all Humans is well presented. All the menus are a joy to navigate and hold some pretty decent bonus material.

If you own a Nintendo DS you simply must own Kirby’s paintbrush, it doesn’t get any simpler than that.

One of the most intense first person shooters to be released this year.

More cars, bikes, planes, helicopters and boats (and even a hovercraft) then any previous GTA title plus the sheer size and longevity of San Andreas mean this just has be a part of any self respecting gamers collection.

Despite a few flaws, the Medal of Honor franchise is still on the right road. It might still be a fair way behind the excellent Call of Duty series but Activision will definitely be looking over their shoulders from this point on.

This murder-detective mystery from the Adventure Company is every bit as gruesome as it is enjoyable, and it certainly had us all engrossed until its eventual conclusion.

One area that we felt could have been improved was in the animations, they are done well enough when just walking around (and there are plenty of other Doctors, patients etc walking around doing their thing) the problem was when you walk in to somebody or two or more characters are trying to get to the same place.

The 2D isometric view is a perhaps a little ‘old hat’ nowadays but having said that it was still quite well done. I would still think hardcore fans of 2D RPG games would do well to check Restricted Area out, but the vast majority will probably end up passing this one by.

It is a good game, and won't annoy you instantly, only when it comes to those extreme combat situations when you don't want the glitchy physics to come into effect.

There’s a distinct lack of sand for those who flock to the Olympic tournaments and too little action for the casual gamer.

Since it’s the UK version we are reviewing here, and most of the problems from the USA release have been fixed I think I’m being fair in the score I’ve awarded.

This murder-detective mystery from the Adventure Company is every bit as gruesome as it is enjoyable, and it certainly had us all engrossed until its eventual conclusion.

You'll be hard pushed to find any replay value in the story mode.

With the ability to download other players maps we doubt the online experience will die anytime soon.

Every aspect of it is extremely poor and badly thought out which is reflected in the shortness of this review.

Using diplomacy as the first line for your empire expansion adds a nice twist to the usual RTS.

It’s not something I got a whole world of benefit out of, more a feeling of been here and done that, but for anyone eager to keep their enthusiasm for Outbreak going it’ll do the job.

One of the most intense first person shooters to be released this year.

Wrestlemania 21 had the potential to be so much more, but ultimately all those little niggly things that are forgivable on their own add up to nothing more than a slightly above average grappler.

Its main problem lies in the fact that it is a lesser version of two genres – action and RPG. If you want Asian flip around fighting action, Ninja Gaiden was pretty great; you should check it out. If you want a deep RPG set in an exciting new world, Knights of the Old Republic does that job just fine.

The controls have been perfectly fitted around the Xbox Controller with everything feeling in the right place.

Where First to Fight really excels is in the multiplayer department.

A spectacular gem of a game that’s for once suitable for just about anyone.

Although frustration is certainly high at times it’ll be a foolish person who totally disregards Full Spectrum Warrior's potential and it pains me not to lavish untold awards onto the title but at times the game just appears flawed.

It's still the most fluid, most stylish, most playable experience in third person action and adds another worthy page turner to the Tom Clancy library.

I enjoyed it immensely and welcome the new angle that Team 17 has gone for.

Silent Hunter III is not really my sort of game but I was totally immersed in it. It is as complete a Submarine Sim as I would think it’s possible to get.

We certainly haven't encountered a graphics engine portray an environment as realistically as this. Obviously rocking boats, crashing waves and rain are bad combinations and it's actually possible to find yourself going overboard if you fail to watch your step. That's right, a graphics engine that can virtually knock you off your feet!

From the whacky colour schemes to the weapon effects and character detail, this game couldn’t look any better and makes other comic book games look like a Thunderbirds set (the Blue-Peter one).

A simple, yet challenging and to be honest very enjoyable turn based strategy game that is so badly let down by poor production values that it almost ruins the game.

With its well-written futuristic plot, unique locations and sci-fi graphics this particular gem doesn't deserve a moment of silence, it just demands to be played.