Its feature list is a master class for the attention of both gamers and developers. Whereas once it was cursed for snubbing widescreen TV owners and indulging in trivialities, the series has matured and finally come of age.

Syphon Filter Dark Mirror achieves its goals and more with aplomb. Yes, the controls can be a bit cumbersome at times but such is the enjoyment that this minor irritation is soon overcome.

The bottom line is that none of these games are new, but this is still a wonderful package that offers excellent value for money, and for Gradius fans it's a must-have.

So, Gears of War 2 manages to traverse the difficult sequel terrain with aplomb, but for whatever reason leaves the player unsatisfied. Maybe the inevitable sequel will put some of the vim and vigor back into the series.

AC5 ups the ante once again for console dogfight games, combining the tight, exciting gameplay and gorgeous visuals and atmosphere of AC04 with added challenge and a superb story tied together by some brilliant cinematic cutscenes.

Worms 4 Mayhem is the game that "Worms 3D" should have been. It is a much more polished product and even addresses some of the issues that have plagued Worms since its very first incarnation.

In fact the only mode notable by its absence is online play and it’s a shame Tekken 5 didn’t take the opportunity to introduce an online function for players to battle across the Internet. [JPN Import]

Persona 3 is an RPG unlike any other, and one that really gets under your skin. When you’re not playing it, you’ll still be planning what you’d like to do when you are, and wondering just what your friends will get up to next.

An exhausting, exhilarating ride which will hold you captivated 'til the very last second of the last mission.

The clunky interface, numerous bugs, fractured story telling and underdeveloped ideas do distract from what could well have been a real classic, but the fact that GSC have come through development hell to produce a game as memorable as this is quite an achievement.

There’s no other game on the DS with gameplay quite like this and every DS owner should try it for themselves.

Another disappointment is the often-clumsy ally AI. While the enemy units display proficient level intelligence, your marine companions often struggle to cope with the enemy onslaught. This is never more evident as when you’re riding alongside a CPU driver in a Warthog; they drive so erratically you half expect them to crack open a crate of Carling midway through the mission.

Arguably, Guitar Hero III has the best selection of music in the series so far, and although there are fewer slow-paced songs than before, there is a nice mix of modern and classic tracks within the 70+ licensed soundtrack.

Capcom have done a sterling job of updating the game for the PSP and this is a very fine example of what can be achieved on the platform.

I can honestly say I loved Ico from start to finish. Even though I may not play it again for a while I know I will eventually go back sometime in the future to remember its magic all over again.

The control scheme is still as intuitive as it was first time round, but it is now encased in a fun and rewarding experience that is a pleasure to play from start to finish. [JPN Import]

As an overall experience DoA4 is thoroughly capable and enjoyable, proving through its latest incarnation that it has certainly evolved into a fighter that can be taken seriously and seen as more than cheap titillation or a T&A simulator for prepubescents.

A fun, engaging, thoughtful and compelling game in its own right, and a definite purchase for those entranced by earlier iterations.

With a fantastic clutch of Pac, two great shooters, Dig Dug, and the bizarre inclusion of THREE Rally X games, there's no way that any Namco fan is going to feel gypped out of the budget-level asking price. [JPN Import]

While the game does have a few minor weaknesses, they don’t take away from the fact that this is the definitive Tomb Raider experience to date.

A solid FPS, elevated above the mundane by its sublime weapon set and some excellent enviroments. Whether it convinces the masses who might pick it up at UK launch is another matter entirely.

Offline, the game is ordinary and without much originality to it. Online, though, it is another kettle of fish all together, and there are few games out there that can match it for thrills, chills, and spills. The variety of play is just incredible.

While not perfect, Infamous has enough excitement and vigour to see the player through to the end, and crucially leave them wanting more. The real hope is that that there will be another instalment of the adventures of Cole and the inhabitants of Empire City.

Once all areas of the map have been fully explored, the replay value is threatened by repetition, but amongst the violence and destruction found elsewhere in videogames, it will always be refreshing to sit back – cup of tea in one hand, a remote in the other – and simply just relax in the deep blue.

The best tactical shooter you can buy for the PS2 by far.

Big Bang Mini is among the best shooters on the DS.

The King Of Fighters XI is as easy on the eye as any version yet, and benefits from a playability overhaul and the inclusion of a majestic tag battle system. It is as frustratingly difficult to beat as ever, thanks to the joypad-smashingly evil bosses, but remains compulsive and playable. [JPN Import]

The fact the game continues to expand, with a new patch on the way which will include more Outland endgame content - including the chance to fight the Big Bad, Illidan himself - only makes it that much more exciting and World of Warcraft’s continual evolution will ensure its continuing popularity for quite some time to come.

The overwhelming similarity to the first will leave some with a "seen it all before" feeling and it does nothing to entice back those who have been alienated first time around. On the other hand, the game is still one of the most unique and entertaining experiences around.

Fatal Frame feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre which has spent most of the last decade moving forward only in terms of narrative, and while it's a gruesome and disturbing way to spend an evening, the awe-inspiring power of the narrative style, hammered home by a brutally efficient game engine and nerve-wracking game mechanics, makes this the most compelling game of this nature yet to appear on a console.

Sadly, as entertaining as the multiplayer game is, it suffers from some issues with random disconnections of players when things get busy, seemingly requiring a connection with a substantial upload speed to allow even 8 players to play co-operatively (meaning although 16-player co-op is possible it’s highly unlikely to come about in practice).

Perhaps what sets Siren apart from such a large number cheap "Biohazard" clones and the kings of the genre, is how the general real-time gameplay is equally terrifying, if not more so, than any of the subtle scripted moments. For all of "Silent Hill’s" positive attributes, the atmosphere is largely all bark and no bite... For Siren, the player is always in danger, and the game will never let you forget this. [JPN Import]

It is one of the most perfect social gaming experiences that anyone can and probably could play. There is no significance to how good you are, or how much the game has been played in the past - these are mere irrelevances. [JPN Import]

There is an element of luck involved however, likely to generate moments of frustration - but it isn't a flawed system.

The game is a terrific piece of work that looks beautiful and plays well if you give it your undivided attention and concentration and overcome the flawed controls. [JPN Import]

While Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition encompasses everything that was great about the original title, it expands upon it very little, resulting in a game that unfortunately doesn‘t live up to its name.

Nothing should stop any self-respecting gamer from picking up this title.

The important part is that the game is still as fun, enjoyable and challenging as it was when it first came out; everything else is icing on the three-tiered cake, with the mini-games happening to be a rather thick layer of icing at that.

A flawed masterpiece and one which will undoubtedly be as fondly remembered as its predecessor.

Where Madden's defensive co-ordination has been tightened up, ESPN's is a little slacker, with offensives able to turn up the heat on the occasionally sleepy and slow rearguard with little effort.

From the first notes of the opening tune ‘Katamari on the Funk’ to the sight of the King of All Cosmos gyrating, it’s clear this is Katamari Damacy and all fans of the franchise are sure to enjoy its first portable outing, even if the controls are not as fluid as in the previous incarnations. [JPN Import]

Gorgeous throughout and with the inevitably high Kojima production values, Ac!d 2 is a more rounded and competent technical package than the first game, with a brand new story, but which otherwise plays near identically.

But lost among the vast raft of offerings is a game that has grown, but barely improved, certainly not at the rate gamers really deserve. In so many cases it will be irrelevant, with those that have waited for its arrival so eagerly lapping it up, and being washed away with all its new twinkling extras.

They need to elevate PES to the next stage of its life that it so deserves, and the only way they can do that is to give players more of what they want rather than take from them.

Exudes a quiet confidence in it's own driving engine, racing, rally and drag are all delivered seamlessly.

More often than not there is no real feeling of threat from the various visions and flashbacks, the implementation and setting of which are continually reused. This gives the impression that figuratively speaking the player is doing little more than chasing ghosts and the result is them ending up very blasé about what is happening on screen.

This is a very easy game to get into, and one which intuitively finds its complexity in difficult situations rather than bombarding the player with gimmicks and gadgets. The very essence of the stealth genre was created with Thief: The Dark Project back in 1998. Six years later, Thief: Deadly Shadows captures the same spirit beautifully.

It's a beautiful, magical experience, but at the same time it's one of the shortest console games we've ever seen - if you don't love it enough to play it to destruction, chances are it'll be back in the shop in a week. [JPN Import]

It's an entertaining little racer that, despite one or two flaws and glitches, isn't far off the best racing action you can have on the bus on your way to work.

With a much smoother front end and far more relaxing, sedentary backdrops in-game, visually, the game seems crisper and more vibrant with the overall quality of presentation a step up from the original. [JPN Import]

An excellent multi-player romp, but in single player, it’s merely a diluted example of the other games in the series. [JPN Import]

Its initially brutal learning curve might deter a lot of people, but those who invest time to master it will find it to be a very satisfying and rewarding game. An entertaining title that could have been a classic.

RR6 is perhaps best thought of as a succulent appetiser, foretelling of the potential of what a full blown next-gen Ridge Racer game could be like if Namco truly set their minds to it. And for now, this is enough. Just.

A new revolution in the boxing genre. EA have taken the brave step of totally disbanding twenty years of evolution and creating a control system that breathes fresh air into a genre which has stagnated for some time.

While not a complete success, Battlefield: Bad Company has many plus points, and provides a limited but fun single-player campaign that, while not wholly original, does have some memorable moments.

The ultimate Jedi action experience? It just might be.

Interpol was never a game that was going to set the world on fire, but it does offer the kind of experience that is becoming quite rare these days. It is a genuinely calming and relaxing title and when you consider how many levels you are getting here, is good value for money.

If Capcom's aim was to deliver the original Playstation experience with knobs on to the DS, then that aim has been met and exceeded. It looks the same, it sounds the same; not that is a bad thing - far from it, the DS probably isn't capable of improving things by that much.

On the face of it Chocobo Tales appears to be aimed at a younger audience; however the game has a delightful charm that will appeal to anyone who’s a fan of the Final Fantasy series.

A great game with a group of friends, and one which could help shift a pound or two, but the necessity to unlock events for multiplayer and the near-vertical difficulty curve for later circuits are hard to overlook.

It has taken the classic MGS structure known and loved by PS1 players plus it throws in most of the good bits from MGS2 for free. All the stealth, excitement and action so revered has been kept, and some new toys have been thrown into the arena to play with. [JPN Import]

With around 18 levels, Screwbreaker won't present the greatest of challenges to platform junkies, but it is thoroughly entertaining while it lasts. [JPN Import]

Whilst the combat system might not suit everyone, it by no means detracts greatly from the overall experience. The strong narrative and cast mix well to the addictive levelling of strengths and powers, leaving the player more than satiated.

Perhaps it is time for the series to evolve again rather than looking inward, just as it did nearly a decade ago when SotN was unleashed on an unsuspecting world. [JPN Import]

The interaction of your character with the world of Albion and its inhabitants is its most enduring and enjoyable quality; it's important this aspect of the game is understood and explored.

It retains the feel of McRae, but not the subtlety or precision. The car doesn’t feel different enough across the various surfaces, while the ability to stop almost instantly in the majority of cars on any track is a sign that they are not interacting with the ground as they should. They feel loose, almost distant.

They need to elevate PES to the next stage of its life that it so deserves, and the only way they can do that is to give players more of what they want rather than take from them.

A fun little game that transfers well to the format of the DS and gives new life and vigour to the genre by way of the touch-screen input.

The shortcomings of the RPG exploration is made up for by the endearing characterisation, and splendid battle system. It is curious, then, that Mario himself is the least charismatic character in the game; his black, empty, beady little eyes betray his empty in-game personality. [JPN Import]

There is nothing quite like having a group of friends around, all buzzing about the screen trying to avoid whacking the ball into the bunker and using the ingame speech modes to annoy merry hell out of each other.

Lamentably, it takes too long to reach said moments of getting going fully for it to supersede the more accomplished likes of the Halo series.

Shining Force is only worth buying for those who like their RPG meals to be served in small helpings and without any fat. Those who are growing tired of the endless pages of stats and infinite battles that are currently in vogue will find a lot to enjoy here.

With all the changes and additions made, this is the most balanced game in the series, and undoubtedly the best. With around 70-80 hours worth of gameplay on offer, it won't suck you in the same way as Disgaea's all out design, however it does still prove to be the most engrossingly tactical strategy game for the PS2.

Advance Tour offers much more in terms of longevity and variety than "Toadstool Tour" did, but on the other hand, doesn't do it quite as slickly.

Squeezing so many items into the game and having each one act how (and beyond how) the player expects is amazing.

Shooters are quite thin on the ground for the DS, so fans of the genre will find enough here to keep them going for a good while, particularly in the quest to attain gold medals for each and every planet in every galaxy.

Kororinpa isn't a massively deep game - we're talking more like swimming pool than Marianas Trench - and as such it certainly won't take most people very long to plough through to the credits, but when compared games of this ilk there's still plenty to come back for.

It celebrates the perverse catharsis to be found in bringing quick justice to bad people, and the pride found in doing it well.

Looks as if Tony has survived to skate another day, but that shark is still snapping at his heels.

Rush offers a comprehensive package and, whilst it is not uncommon to find games which offer such variety, it is rare to find a gem of a game like San Francisco Rush 2049 where it not only has the width, but the depth too.

Evolution or minimisation? One thing is for sure, if you remain uncertain as to which side of the fence you’re sitting on, you may just be able to allow yourself an immersive and unique period in which to decide.

Add in the different characters, the language options and the reliance on magic rather than weaponry; this is a chilling experience in horror gaming.

Heavenly Sword turns out to be a short experience, and one that isn’t going to challenge even the cerebrally impaired.

If not for the bland level construction and an oddly low-slung camera this would be truly outstanding.

Quantum of Solace is definitely of interest to more than just Bond fans – anyone looking for a varied, somewhat light-hearted shooter will derive a good degree of enjoyment from it.

While it won't take long to finish the game, and bar one or two extras there isn't much in the way of replay value, while it lasts, Folklore is a bedazzling, enchanting title.

Replay value is immense due to all the factors in play, and all the hidden aspects will take a long time to discover. A must-buy for old NES fans and a definite consideration to those new to the series.

Yes the omake material is lazy but the stuff that was actually made by the programming team themselves, the actual product you're paying for - every inch of it smells of a product where those in control knew exactly what to do with it. [JPN Import]

Unshackled from the limitations of ‘vertical-only’ movement, this update is more intuitive than its predecessor and turning the DS ninety degrees is a wonderful touch too.

Trashy, vulgar and complete with a set of morals that are thin at best, Saints Row 2 is a fantastically stupid game that infuriates as much as it entertains.

The controls are intuitive and simplistic with those small details, such as the marine looking around or grinning gleefully when you pick up a new weapon, present and correct. Doom is good value at 800 points and well worth the purchase.

The tight platform skills and stylus control go hand in hand to create an intuitive, instinctive experience that challenges and entertains in equal measures.

Some of the puzzles in BG&E will have you tearing your hair out, though their solutions are tangible and never obscure.

HAWX does what it does admirably in most cases. It provides an enjoyable and entertaining diversion in a rarely explored genre with just enough content to keep gamers with friends busy.

The hidden worlds and multiple endings provide plenty to do, certainly enough to keep any SRPG fan occupied until the highly anticipated "Phantom Brave" arrives.

Despite these small problems, however, this is still essential playing for long-time fans, and for new entrants: buy this game, play it, and then get the others.

As a monster-collecting game, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker isn’t in the same league as Pokémon. As an RPG however, it’s a big success.

Trioncube’s mesmerisingly spartan yet compulsive gameplay, married to the charming presentation, indelible soundtrack and reward trail, often confect to make this feel like a honeyed breath of fresh air. [JPN Import]