So there you have it – a darts game that offers a fairly miserable experience for non-darts fans, but uses the licence well enough to divert the attention of a fan of the televised sport for ever-so slightly longer.

So there you have it – a darts game that offers a fairly miserable experience for non-darts fans, but uses the licence well enough to divert the attention of a fan of the televised sport for ever-so slightly longer.

Pirates: Duels on the High Seas feels more like a game for mobile phones that you can pick up for a fiver than a twenty quid DS game. It shows very little imagination and no new ideas, as though the developers have drawn themselves a very small box and made no attempt to think outside of it.

In terms of overall content, TrackMania DS does a pretty good job of mimicking the PC version.

With the exploration element falling short of usual standards in terms of both control and interesting things to do, the combat stands out as being a real saviour of the game, and you can even go head-to-head with a friend.

This is not a bad diversion for a few hours, but Boing! Docomodake feels like a very short game that could actually have done with exploiting its unique features further. In conclusion, there is still mush-room for improvement.

It’s silly, elegant, strange, delightful, sometimes annoying, always cute, mostly easy (unless unlockables matter to you) a bit random, often clever and ultimately not that essential. It’s perhaps too whimsical for most people, and if you need meaningful story and immediate reward, it almost certainly isn’t for you. With the right mindset, though, it’s a real treat and something special for PSP owners to call their own.

Shows an obvious fondness by the game’s creators for classic videogames, but that’s not really represented in the gameplay, which has sadly run its course here.

Shows an obvious fondness by the game’s creators for classic videogames, but that’s not really represented in the gameplay, which has sadly run its course here.

Judging by Square-Enix’s immense standards, unbeatable by most developers on their very best day, then Last Remnant is a disappointment. It’s not the epic life consuming RPG we were expecting and falls a long way down the list of top RPG titles for the 360, which is saying something.

If you know your laser flips from your rocket airs and don’t mind enduring a little hand cramp while you train your brain to skate and draw at the same time, then Skate It on the DS packs an impressive simulation of skateboarding.

A game that falls short of expectations. You can see from the early levels and even a few of the later rooms that a lot of really creative ambition and skill was employed in its making, but for whatever reason it’s as though that particular tap of talent was turned to a trickle towards the end. Combined with some control issues that weren’t in the previous two games, Tomb Raider Underworld represents a bit of a downturn for the series.

A game that falls short of expectations. You can see from the early levels and even a few of the later rooms that a lot of really creative ambition and skill was employed in its making, but for whatever reason it’s as though that particular tap of talent was turned to a trickle towards the end. Combined with some control issues that weren’t in the previous two games, Tomb Raider Underworld represents a bit of a downturn for the series.

What Storm of Zehir does best is in bringing a little bit of Forgotten Realms to life without going too over the top on the story.

It’s hard to really dislike Need for Speed Undercover simply because the core game is similar in many ways to the excellent Most Wanted. But it under-aims, underperforms, underachieves and does so while practically throwing a begging bowl at you in the form of purchasable unlocks.

More than any previous episode, SBCGFAP Episode 4 does what the best web cartoons do, which is provide a highly amusing storyline and imaginative visual humour; but, it also suffers from some of the same problems as the cartoons do.

More than any previous episode, SBCGFAP Episode 4 does what the best web cartoons do, which is provide a highly amusing storyline and imaginative visual humour; but, it also suffers from some of the same problems as the cartoons do.

An essential purchase, packed with great value and high quality content.

Out of the box bugs make a mockery of Ascaron’s hard work, making the difficult job of selling an already unfashionable genre even harder. But even we can recognise that despite everything, some of the sheen and charm has worn off the second time around. Whatever Ascaron has planned to make a success of next year’s console releases, they have some hard work ahead.

Despite basically repeating a lot of the moves seen in the modern Prince of Persia games, Mirror’s Edge’s distinctive, haunting atmosphere, immersive first-person perspective and completely intuitive controls make it truly outstanding.

Despite basically repeating a lot of the moves seen in the modern Prince of Persia games, Mirror’s Edge’s distinctive, haunting atmosphere, immersive first-person perspective and completely intuitive controls make it truly outstanding.

All in all Hasbro Family Game Night is not without niggles and annoyances, but it still represents decent value given the cost of the physical games and there are a number of nice touches to keep your interest, such as the unlockable items and customisable game room.

For atmosphere and an authentic Star Wars feel (Clone Wars or otherwise), Jedi Alliance does a good fan service. The gameplay elements aren’t very imaginative or even especially enjoyable when taken in isolation, but overall there are enough different challenges spread out across each level that it’s much less of an issue than in might have been.

Ultimately Clone Wars is a bit of a failure for several reasons, and the fact that it doesn’t do what you’d be forgiven for thinking it should do is just the main one. With disappointing lightsaber controls, the limited gameplay structure, simplistic combat and lack of core audience appeal only provide further excuses not to bother. High expectations or not, Lightsaber Duels doesn’t deliver.

Even though Call of Duty 4 took the series out of World War II, developer Infinity Ward raised the bar significantly, and that has left stand-in Treyarch with a lot of work to do. In the end World at War hasn’t topped that effort, but it has at least benefited from the attempt, with the result being another really good, very comprehensive WW2 shooter.

Even though Call of Duty 4 took the series out of World War II, developer Infinity Ward raised the bar significantly, and that has left stand-in Treyarch with a lot of work to do. In the end World at War hasn’t topped that effort, but it has at least benefited from the attempt, with the result being another really good, very comprehensive WW2 shooter.

Episode Two is still thoroughly ridiculous and amusing, but compared to the first episode it pales, feeling much more like a stop-gap than a fully-fledged follow-up.

Legends does absolutely nothing to advance a series which admittedly doesn’t really need advancing, but carries with it the finest selection of tracks since "SingStar ‘80s."

This is a big, bold and brassy FPS packed to the rafters with ways to play and sure to last fans of the genre right through the holiday period.

Episode Two is still thoroughly ridiculous and amusing, but compared to the first episode it pales, feeling much more like a stop-gap than a fully-fledged follow-up.

Red Alert 3 was never going to be genre-redefining game, but there can be no doubt that it has proved to be a damn good laugh.

The game combines the strengths of two fine RPG series, which for Fallout 3 means compelling narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting and immersive gameplay in a huge, open-ended world. All of this just leaves one question to answer: is Fallout 3 a contender for Game of the Year? And the answer: undeniably, yes.

The game combines the strengths of two fine RPG series, which for Fallout 3 means compelling narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting and immersive gameplay in a huge, open-ended world. All of this just leaves one question to answer: is Fallout 3 a contender for Game of the Year? And the answer: undeniably, yes.

That said, this collection of safe, well known chart singles from the past four decades is sure to go down well at parties, and if you’re canny you can pick it up for less than £20, making it actually pretty good value, relatively speaking.

When you get down to it, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift is a bit basic in terms of overall structure, but the intense multi-disciplined racing still makes for a fun and relatively unique experience.

If you’re after a fairly intuitive 2D level editor with a vaguely disappointing platform game attached and it absolutely has to be on the PS3, we guess LittleBigPlanet will do. Just don’t believe all the hype.

Overall the third Strong Bad episode is more of a Homestar Jogger than a Homestar Runner. Baddest of the Bands lacks the novelty of the first episode and the imaginative gameplay elements of the second, settling into a formula that fans will most likely find mildly enjoyable at best.

Overall the third Strong Bad episode is more of a Homestar Jogger than a Homestar Runner. Baddest of the Bands lacks the novelty of the first episode and the imaginative gameplay elements of the second, settling into a formula that fans will most likely find mildly enjoyable at best.

For music game veterans, World Tour is still well worth getting, but not exclusively so and not if you’re looking for drastically new gameplay. 2008 has definitely been the year of music games, and while this one is definitely among the cream, it’s no longer alone.

For music game veterans, World Tour is still well worth getting, but not exclusively so and not if you’re looking for drastically new gameplay. 2008 has definitely been the year of music games, and while this one is definitely among the cream, it’s no longer alone.

It’s a shame that more wasn’t done with the story, as the shallow characters and lack of moral depth sits in stark contrast to the hard work spent on some of the most impressive game technology we’ve ever seen.

That the story and dialogues are actually quite good might make the game bearable or even enjoyable to play, but unless you’re very young or don’t play games much there’s really very little to recommend here.

It’s a shame that more wasn’t done with the story, as the shallow characters and lack of moral depth sits in stark contrast to the hard work spent on some of the most impressive game technology we’ve ever seen.

It’s a shame that more wasn’t done with the story, as the shallow characters and lack of moral depth sits in stark contrast to the hard work spent on some of the most impressive game technology we’ve ever seen.

The soundtrack is better, the characters more convincing and, for our money, the racing experience just that little bit more enjoyable.

The soundtrack is better, the characters more convincing and, for our money, the racing experience just that little bit more enjoyable.

It’s always refreshing to be able to play it with impartial AI, and the AI difficulty settings are well judged, but unless you’re a total addict, chances are this is one for the game shelf, only to be dusted off on the odd occasion.

While it’s kind of cool to see a new take on such an old game, the presence of a muddy palette and outdated game mechanics combined with the inexplicable absence of co-op makes Beast Rider forgettable and so much less than it could have been.

While it’s kind of cool to see a new take on such an old game, the presence of a muddy palette and outdated game mechanics combined with the inexplicable absence of co-op makes Beast Rider forgettable and so much less than it could have been.

It does lack GTA4’s overall polish and sense of parody, but it at least doesn’t it take itself too seriously and there’s something to be said for absurd levels of comic violence. Crucially, what the game sets out to do best it does do better than the GTA series, and that’s depth of customisation, structure of missions and online co-op.

It does lack GTA4’s overall polish and sense of parody, but it at least doesn’t it take itself too seriously and there’s something to be said for absurd levels of comic violence. Crucially, what the game sets out to do best it does do better than the GTA series, and that’s depth of customisation, structure of missions and online co-op.

Whether borrowed, reworked or completely original, all the elements have been expertly crafted and put together.

Whether borrowed, reworked or completely original, all the elements have been expertly crafted and put together.

Prey the Stars is still an imaginative, good looking game that can be enjoyable in short bursts. Single card multiplayer is a definite highlight, online play not so much.

FIFA 09 is by far the finest football game of the year, if not ever, but there’s still a way to go before EA Sports’ series can be classed as perfect.

FIFA 09 is by far the finest football game of the year, if not ever, but there’s still a way to go before EA Sports’ series can be classed as perfect.

One of the many factors that elevate WoG beyond mere construction puzzles is the excellent physics engine.

One of the many factors that elevate WoG beyond mere construction puzzles is the excellent physics engine.

An enjoyable and engrossing game. It’s a little on the short side and it relies a bit too much on the strength of a single gameplay mechanism, but fortunately it’s a mechanism that is fun and that we haven’t really seen before.

An enjoyable and engrossing game. It’s a little on the short side and it relies a bit too much on the strength of a single gameplay mechanism, but fortunately it’s a mechanism that is fun and that we haven’t really seen before.

The Crash Bandicoot games seem a little stuck in a rut, and despite some apparent efforts to expand the gameplay, Mind Over Mutant does nothing to pull the series out.

With its slow pacing and detailed puzzles, Rhiannon: Curse of the Four Branches is definitely a game for confirmed adventure fans rather than casual players, but aside from the spookiness factor being somewhat hampered by the low budget aesthetics, the story does a great job of pulling you in thanks to its intimate nature and everyday setting. A minor gem, but a rough one to be sure.

There’s no getting away from the fact that Duke Nukem has gotten on a bit, and he’s already been around the block a few times on several other systems. Still, as a trip down memory lane or an insight into a key period of FPS development, the Live Arcade version is just about worth the admission price.

Pure is somewhat reminiscent of the old PC classic Motocross Madness, which was another highly addictive game. It doesn’t have the open-ended stunt practice, but everything else about the formula has been improved in almost every way.

Pure is somewhat reminiscent of the old PC classic Motocross Madness, which was another highly addictive game. It doesn’t have the open-ended stunt practice, but everything else about the formula has been improved in almost every way.

While control frustrations take the edge off the competitive element of the game, it’s still possible to have plenty of fun. Samba de Amigo is part rhythm game, part dancing game and part social game – you tend to feel more silly playing on your own than with others.

If you steer clear of the completionist grinding, this RPG is fast-paced and the simplistic combat is enjoyable and rewarding once the challenge kicks in.

The slick studio graphics and optional online features are all that really set it apart, so there’s not a huge point in upgrading if you already have a Buzz! game or two, but at least PS3 owners now have one to call their own.

As long as you go with the flow, soak up the excellent atmosphere and don’t let yourself get too frustrated by some of the puzzles, there’s a pretty enjoyable adventure to be had.

If Command & Conquer’s 45 minute matches are too meaty for you, or World In Conflict’s system specs too demanding, then Multiwinia may be the lean and achingly stylish RTS you’re looking for.

In the end there’s no accounting for taste, but if you have any serious interest in MMORPGs, you owe it to yourself to at least try Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Dragon Quest: The Chapters of the Chosen takes a little while to get on the boil, but once it does you’ll find yourself absorbed in a lengthy, enjoyable, balanced and accessible JRPG that is as welcoming to genre veterans as it is to complete newcomers. There’s more than enough modern polish and sheen to justify bringing this former NES classic back for yet another outing.

For some S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky will reek of a badly designed game, while for others it will resemble a well designed reality, but for us it’s somewhere in between the two and none the better for it.

Although Strong Badia the Free is a shorter episode than Homestar Ruiner, it’s more perfectly formed.

Although Strong Badia the Free is a shorter episode than Homestar Ruiner, it’s more perfectly formed.

Five years ago Yakuza 2 would have been a system seller. Today it’s just enough reason to wipe the layers of dust off of a shelved console and give it a final send-off.

Despite sounding incredibly deep on paper, the reality of Spore is little more than a patchwork quilt of ultra-simple games that, even taken as a whole, have the depth of a puddle in the Sahara Desert. To be perfectly honest, you’d be better off sticking with the standalone creature creator, as it’s actually the only portion of the game that isn’t half-baked and in need of some serious evolution.

The idea behind it is good and there’s a lot of polish in the presentation, but the gameplay is just so shallow and unevolving that it’s really hard to recommend as a full-price purchase.

The idea behind it is good and there’s a lot of polish in the presentation, but the gameplay is just so shallow and unevolving that it’s really hard to recommend as a full-price purchase.

There’s nothing really outstanding or recommendable about the game. Just like the protagonist Capell, the game itself is nice and well intentioned, but a bit dull and hesitant at following things through.

The single-player mode is surprisingly entertaining, while single-DS play is perfect for car journeys. And, provided you have a dictionary on hand, it can even be pretty educational.

Mercenaries 2 is arguably a bigger and more ambitious game than the original, but it feels less polished and less satisfying.

Mercenaries 2 is arguably a bigger and more ambitious game than the original, but it feels less polished and less satisfying.

It’s worth a shot if a relaxing ball rolling puzzle game sounds like your ideal PSP experience, but it’s unlikely to stay in your active playlist for long.

In terms of visuals, features, quality of courses and online play, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 is a really great golf game. It would probably be easier to recommend if the series wasn’t prone to such inconsistent yearly updates, but at least EA has focused on making the game better than just bigger.

In terms of visuals, features, quality of courses and online play, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 is a really great golf game. It would probably be easier to recommend if the series wasn’t prone to such inconsistent yearly updates, but at least EA has focused on making the game better than just bigger.

Without that little marketing ploy, this is a boring and ill-conceived collection of ‘games’ that just aren’t worth your time of day.

For the most part it’s an enjoyable if unremarkable shooter, where satisfying gunplay and alien carnage struggle to overcome a shallow plot and quirky controls.

The amount of content and the price point is just on the right side of comfortable, with the story trading ambition for authenticity. As a result, this first game can be called 'pretty good', but it’s still a little short on awesomeness.

As a result, this first game can be called 'pretty good', but it’s still a little short on awesomeness.

A true original, and one we’d be surprised to see surpassed in terms of quality on Xbox Live this year.

The tired fashion in which the action is delivered is almost as old as the stuttering visuals that blight it at every turn, making this a monster for all the wrong reasons.

It's not just a classic game, it's an essential purchase – no matter which version you decide to get it for.

It's not just a classic game, it's an essential purchase – no matter which version you decide to get it for.

Even with new chapters set to join Blood Curse's current package further down the line, what's already here is a sophisticated re-imagining of the ethics the series was founded on, providing the PlayStation Network with a cash cow that delivers dividends of entertainment to anyone who is willing to take a punt.

A well crafted remake of a well-loved game. Nostalgics, completists and other Final Fantasy fans can buy with confidence, but newcomers are better off looking elsewhere to begin with.

Civilization Revolution feels like a bloated XBLA or PSN game. Strip away the disappointing visuals, bloody annoying introduction video that plays every time you start a fucking match, all the bells and whistles and you’re left with something could have been a true revolution. As it stands, this is just a good case of Civilization Devolution.

Civilization Revolution feels like a bloated XBLA or PSN game. Strip away the disappointing visuals, bloody annoying introduction video that plays every time you start a fucking match, all the bells and whistles and you’re left with something could have been a true revolution. As it stands, this is just a good case of Civilization Devolution.