What it does do is entertain in short bursts. It's an excellent alternative to the usual plethora of action games and certainly makes an interesting party starter.

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.

Heritage of Kings isn’t a bad game, although it doesn’t offer a whole lot more then other resource driven real time strategies that are available.

If you’re a fan of Sega though you’ll simply love what Sumo have done with Superstars and the online tennis matches will certainly keep you coming back for more once you have lapped up the Superstars mode.

That being said, as far as quiz based multiplayer games go, Scene it! Lights, Camera, Action does exactly what it says on the tin. The game randomises questions perfectly, so the same puzzles rarely crop and the Wireless controllers are a joy to use. However, unless Microsoft adds further games to the series, or even downloadable content, both the game and controllers will inevitably have a limited life-span.

It’s like the strafe along the fuselage that still allows the pilot to limp home. I think the finger must point at the content rather than the execution.

Despite some noticeable flaws, the Xbox 360 version of Legacy manages to capture the epic feel of Star Trek combat like no other game to date.

Don’t get us wrong it’s still highly playable but it’s not vastly different enough to warrant another purchase if you already own Most Wanted.

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.

Kids with better patience than adults will marvel at the great visuals and probably forgive any of the shortcomings we have picked out. For starters it’s immensely frustrating in places and perhaps a little on the short side.

There is nothing like disembowelling some poor defenceless slave to help calm the nerves after a hard day at the office.

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.

Kids with better patience than adults will marvel at the great visuals and probably forgive any of the shortcomings we have picked out. For starters it's immensely frustrating in places and perhaps a little on the short side.

The special interrogation is one of the nicest touches in the game.

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.

Topical, political, preposterous, dynamic, frustrating and addictive in equal measure.

Moving about the map and changing views quickly to cover all your troops during the movement turn isn’t easy and the path-finding ability of some of the units leaves a bit to be desired but on the whole Combat Mission Anthology can be highly recommended to all the armchair generals out there.

I was hoping for a lot more from it.

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.

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.

Magnacarta ticks all the right boxes in terms of typical RPG elements – swords, magic, storyline involving friendship/loyalty/betrayal, and so on, but it seems to throw them all into a big pudding bowl and comes out with a rather stodgy fruitcake instead of the intended appealing sponge.

Kids with better patience than adults will marvel at the great visuals and probably forgive any of the shortcomings we have picked out. For starters it’s immensely frustrating in places and perhaps a little on the short side.

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

With a few mates around the house Athens 2004 is still a fantastic multiplayer title.

Anyone who has a fond memory of the original classic from Microprose will instantly fall in love with the game. Sid Meier’s decision to go back to basics after the over complicated Railroad Tycoon 3 has paid off.

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.

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.

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'.

One part that really sparkles however is the graphics; the Lineage world is one with a stunning backdrop, large, sparkling cities will surely take your breath away.

A nice job in bringing a little real history to the hack ‘n slash genre, but far too much of the same kind of thing in every character and every battle.

It just could easily have been so much more. If you like a stealthy action game with decent graphics and aren’t too bothered about playing online IGI2 might just keep you busy.

Sure it looks good and sounds great, but not ‘the next generation of gaming’, in fact given the current availability and quality of FPS games I’m not sure in terms of gameplay it’s even this generation.

Sure it looks good and sounds great, but not ‘the next generation of gaming’, in fact given the current availability and quality of FPS games I’m not sure in terms of gameplay it’s even this generation.

Sure it looks good and sounds great, but not 'the next generation of gaming', in fact given the current availability and quality of FPS games I'm not sure in terms of gameplay it's even this generation.

Playing Namco’s latest title was a challenge and there’s nothing hugely wrong with any of the work on the title just a total lack of involvement, nothing to draw you in, that all-important ‘X’ factor. It just didn’t take my breath away.

The biggest disappointment for the Wii version of Call of Duty 3 is the complete lack of any form of multiplayer.

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’.

For what it is, it's the best in it's field, however this will divide gamers between those who love the frantic action, and those who just see the repetitive slice and dice – me? well I like it like my Japanese food – now and again and in small portions.

It might not push the capabilities of the PSP, but it’ll still be ‘that’ game you constantly come back to.

If you love the FPS genre then Chrome Specforce is certainly a worthy contender for your time, just do not expect anything vastly different here. Yes, we did enjoy the original, and this prequel is slightly better, however many will justifiably be left disappointed with the lack of progression that Tachland have made in those two years since Chrome.

As solid as it is, this is just not the game for me. I view the title as ideal as an introduction for the novice to a plethora of different poker games prior to that intimidating first live experience.

The looks, story line and huge amount of missions and freedom that gave this game so much potential are greatly let down because of the glitches, bugs and terrible AI.

In single player the game feels a little monotonous and lonely so thankfully South Peak have catered for those of us that like a little cooperative play.

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

Jericho is not a bad game it’s just one that lost its way slightly during development. The ability to jump into other team members bodies and harness their powers is a good idea let down slightly by poor implementation and a claustrophobic level design.

Over all BlackSite tries to slip itself into a niche squarely between the two benchmarks of FPS gaming, Call of Duty 4 and HALO 3. It unfortunately doesn't succeed in making that niche, in fact trying to make itself a little of one and the other it fails doing anything profound.

As it stands Black Monday just cannot compete with the truly impressive games released for the Playstation 2 this year.

Innovative it is not.

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.

Overall if you prefer your racers arcade style rather then simulations you might well get along much better with Need For Speed Pro Street, and once you forgive the odd behaviour of the car handling you can get along with the game fairly well.

We doubt Atari will convert many new players with such basic gameplay but pop on the rose tinted glasses and you could almost forgive the unforgiving controls.

Ultimately, there’s perhaps been just enough evolution to make buyers of the series impressed, but for the rest of the market there’s perhaps just been too little revolution to entice us to its charms.

Spider-Man: Friend or Foe will not go down in history as one of the greatest games to make use of the franchise. The crisp graphics, warm humour and the ability to play as one of fourteen different marvel superstars doesn't alter the fact that the game is simply far too repetitive, even for the target audience.

Overall if you prefer your racers arcade style rather then simulations you might well get along much better with Need For Speed Pro Street, and once you forgive the odd behaviour of the car handling you can get along with the game fairly well.

It’s a simple (very, very simple) distraction that will beef up your gamerpoints score by another 200 and you’ll have a blast doing so.

The main factor here is the playability, and bar the aforementioned niggles we came across we can't deny that 'Cooking Mama' uses the Nintendo DS touch screen in every conceivable and more importantly, fun, way.

The simplistic battle mode and lack of micro-management might not tax every single brain cell but when you become successful, nothing quite beats popping into first person mode and walking past the bustling marketplace that you created.

Jericho is not a bad game it’s just one that lost its way slightly during development. The ability to jump into other team members bodies and harness their powers is a good idea let down slightly by poor implementation and a claustrophobic level design.

I like my straightforward Eastern swordplay as much as the next player, but just like my beat em ups, or FPS’s, I like at least a little bit of variety, especially given the vast array of options on the shelves and there really isn’t enough in Bujingai to elevate it out of the very, very ordinary.

There is nothing in Shadow Ops that will spoil the fun, I think it is an excellent game. If you like a challenge with objectives to achieve, rather than just running around killing everything that moves, give Shadow Ops Red Mercury a go.

The 80’s edition is more of the same, more songs yet same Guitar Hero II. If you’re a fan of the game this will delight you, if you are a fan of 80’s rock music you might be left with a bad taste in your mouth. Either way there is enough material here to keep your amps warm until the inevitable Guitar Hero III.

A slight disappointment, since it tries to meld two strategy styles and falls short in both cases.

Overall this standalone is there to draw new blood to the gaming series, it's a shame that new blood wasn't considered for the actual game itself, the storyline seems incomplete and the graphics below par for this genre.

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.

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.

I just do not like these controls. It feels like you can do nothing via the weapon inventory system quickly, changing from an empty sidearm to a ready loaded one particularly slow given the fast paced environment you’re in.

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.

Storyline aside, visually, aurally and atmospherically the game does a much better job and really starts to push the PSP hardware.

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.

This is a game for rent without a shadow of a doubt. The shortness and the general issues with it mean I can’t really recommend anything else.

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 is a game for rent without a shadow of a doubt. The shortness and the general issues with it mean I can’t really recommend anything else.

Its control complexity, I’m sure, would appeal to those players who could give it the time to master and I’m also sure they would be rewarded with the effort. But unless you fall into this group you may find Starshatter quite difficult with a steep learning curve.

I just don’t think it’s worth the time, effort and above all expense of the Dot Hack series.

A better multiplayer title then anything in the strategy/world domination genre that has gone before, once you get past the rather shoddy original design interface.

If you want to know how it all pans out then please carry on, if not then you may find much more rewarding (and certainly cost effective) offerings. It’s a slightly missed opportunity for me, a good concept allowed to become a familiar rehash of existing gameplay.

The fine melody upon which Second Sight is structured is, at its core, exquisite, but the accompaniment is less so and can ruin the brilliant ideas on show. To all purposes, Second Sight is a conceptual masterpiece, but the execution is, at times, dreadful.

All in all it’s like being given the world of Grand Theft Auto but taking the engines out of 90% of the cars, or it’s an eight hour first level tutorial…

A bloodstock as strong as Ghost in the Shell deserved a more considered treatment but it just joins an ever-increasing list of third person cannon fodder.

For the veteran of Virtua Fighter, or Tekken, however, it’s a sheep in wolf’s clothing.

Nothing more than a wannabe 'Sims' type expansion, and there's already enough of them about thank you very much.

Unfortunately there are titles out there that have better effects and the gameplay isn't vastly superior. Locomotion isn't one that stands out and there are other titles out there more deserving of your hard earned cash.

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.

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 graphics looked old, the sound effects where poor and driving round a track for 50 laps was mind numbing.

True Crime: New York City just doesn’t cut the mustard. There are a lot of good basic concepts and ideas that unfortunately lost their way in the development process.

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.

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.

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.

True Crime: New York City just doesn't cut the mustard. There are a lot of good basic concepts and ideas that unfortunately lost their way in the development process.

A game based on the creation of ingenious and deadly traps sounds like a novel and interesting premise, sadly the execution proves to be the equivalent of being slowly buried alive.

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.

One for the Sudden Strike fans is probably the best statement to make; I’ll stick to "Blitzkrieg" and "Codename Panzers."

Manages to blend a kids action game with a more mature turn based strategy game, but sadly fails to fit into either category or define a genre of its own.

I found that it was quite easy to die incredibly quickly – ok, full marks for realism there – but also you could absorb colossal damage and just crawl away to recover or pick up a health pack.

To call this title lame is really an understatement, the graphics engine looks very nice though but I’m afraid that the gameplay as so often seems the case now lets the side down badly.

The 'feel' of the Vietnam conflict has been well represented, with the great soundtrack (you expect to hear Robin Williams wishing you a good morning such is the authenticity of the soundtrack) and the lush green forests do look quite nice, but the gameplay is very much lacking, and incredibly buggy.

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