The very obvious problem with using The Sims template on animals is that they don't do very much all day expect eat, sleep and procreate.

The problem is there's very little extra of any importance and much of what there is doesn't work that well.

It's no classic, but this is still better value, and in some cases better quality, than shop-bought games.

To add to its problems the game is also surprisingly ugly, often looking much more like an original Xbox game.

One of the best looking DS games ever made, but the gameplay just dosen't live up to the visuals.

It doesn't do anything new, it doesn't fix any old problems and it's not very substantial. There are a lot of better ways to spend £6.80 on Xbox Live.

The reason the PC version works better is simply down to the keyboard and mouse controls, which allow for much faster and responsive movement.

What once was a dumb-but-fun alternative to GTA is reduced to a broken technical mess on the PC.

Horribly unrefined historical romp whose few positive features are outweighed by dull, glitchy questing.

The Japanese role-player grows up, with a fantastic mix of traditional gameplay and daring plot.

The Destroy All Humans! franchise goes out with a whimper not a bang in this disgracefully poor sequel.

The classic 1995 role-player is finally released in Europe and it's almost sad how fresh it still feels.

It's got more in common with Advance Wars, but this is still a great strategy game – real-time or not.

Turning Castlevania into a one-on-one fighter is a dumb idea but at least this tries to be different.

SNK fail to provide any real justification for continuing the 2D shooter series or for moving to the DS.

Even committed fans are likely to be disappointed by this lazy and largely unnecessary rehash.

The original god game will find itself short of worshipers, with gameplay that's as old as Methuselah.

It may be short on gameplay surprises, but it's long on visual shock and awe.

Just a mishmash of cliches with enemies that could have walked in from any other shooter and a plot that simply joins the dots from one contrived set piece to another...You've not only seen it all before you've seen it a dozen times before.

Rock Band's first band specific release is the epitome of dirty deeds done (but not sold) cheap.

It's all a shame because the central idea of a constantly transforming dungeon is a good one. The actual game that's been constructed around it though is nowhere near good enough.

Describing it as an online community arts program is possibly not the most enticing of descriptions, but it's nevertheless the most accurate.

Superbly successful action role-player that allows you to live a full fantasy life of your choosing.

The best portable Castlevania yet, with a long needed change of structure and a new focus on combat.

The new PS3 version of the Chopin-themed role-player still sounds more original than it plays.

A music game so bad you genuinely feel pity for Konami. Just stick to Guitar Hero or Rock Band.

SOCOM suddenly feels very old, with a shabby, low content sequel that can't compete with modern shooters.

A largely unnecessary sequel to what is still the best beat 'em-up on the DS – or indeed any portable.