A mixed bag of seen-it-all-before RPG standards, totally weird plot devices and unspeakable gaming in-jokes. Both like and unlike everything you've played before. [Nov 2006, p.67]

View this as a new game and not a remake of a classic one and you'll find some colourful, stylus-waving fun. [Apr 2006, p.47]

Half of it is flashy, imposing and slightly annoying. The other half demands your blood, sweat and tears. [June 2006, p.48]

A pleasure to play at first, but too many easy wins and duplicate goals mean it won't last much past the 30 days' finals. [June 2006, p.34]

Like nothing you've ever played before and, for that reason, a great talking point in the pub. Plus, it's good for you. [June 2006, p.40]

Cross-breeding between a pinball table and strategy game hasn't lead to a thoroughbred. This one is pure ass. [May 2006, p.28]

A rewarding, challenging and compelling sim, but once you come off the grass, it can be as punishingly serious and uncharismatic as an Andrew Murray interview. [May 2006, p.45]

You wouldn't believe hitting a ball could be so annoying. Go out and get "Mario Tennis" instead. [May 2006, p.40]

Persistence is one thing that Magical Melody does reward - both materially and spiritually. [June 2006, p.22]

It's not going to offer you the strategic wonder of "Advance Wars," but with its refreshing silliness (we like the scouse worms best) and turn-based carnage, it remains an oddball tactical treat, and a reminder that, in these days of incredible technical advances, sometimes good game design is all you need. [Apr 2006, p.30]

If you're one of the many who rarely got to play multiplayer "Tetris," you'll love this. It's a thing of beauty. [May 2006, p.52]

This is easily equatable with PC shooters or even classics like "GoldenEye." [May 2006, p.22]

Immediately compelling and addictive but only short-term. It's enjoyable but there are already better options on DS. [May 2006, p.48]

It's terribly unforgiving; the early battles - and there are plenty of random encounters as you wander around the game world - can be tough as nails, and the enjoyment of simply exploring is often spoilt by yet another scuffle with Bugbears or Giant Bees. [May 2006, p.33]

Tilted too far into fantasy, FIFA has become as unbalanced as Didier Drogba on ice. [Apr 2006, p.48]

Quite straightforward but solid enjoyment - it's not just for girls who like crying, though they'll probably like it too. [June 2006, p.33]

Fast, furious and frustrating, this Sonic is full of spectacle but sadly lacking in subtlety. [Apr 2006, p.24]

Sequels can't be unique, and without any novelty, there isn't enough fun to last the day. Less than the sum of its slick parts. [Apr 2006, p.48]

It's all over pretty quickly and there isn't much in teh way of extras, but Drill Dozer's a little beauty all the same. And not a Pokemon in sight. [Apr 2006, p.45]

If you buy into the weirdness and air of wonder you'll find this as soothing as it is soulful. [May 2006, p.34]

Simple, wistful, funny and charming, yet grindingly tedious at the same time. A curious contradiction - but fun. [May 2006, p.30]

Forget the weird controls and it's just Bust-A-Move all over again. A reliable, sensible puzzle choice. [Apr 2006, p.40]

The ultimate Animal Crossing: despite its familiarity, this retains the ability to charm your socks off. [Apr 2006, p.34]

Sadly, the game loses its way in the later levels, devolving into overly difficult and repetitive combat. [May 2006, p.48]

Wackier than Ally McBeal, but in a good way. Addictive and amusing lawyerly hi-jinks. [Apr 2006, p.38]

Original, clever, cute, frustrating, too bloody hard and slavishly linear. Love and hate wrapped up in one antiseptic pack. [Apr 2006, p.32]