Colourful, charming, frequently funny and most importantly, fun to play. It’s not the biggest or hardest game, but the good controls, pleasing visuals and wonderful monkeys make it worth any platform fans time.

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 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.

With the fast and furious gameplay of old once again rediscovered, it’s only the odd moments of glaring level-design error that cause the kind of dismay that a selection of the 3D titles offered up.

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.

What Nocturne does provide is an atmospheric and refreshing change to the angst-ridden-teen-saves-the-world, bread and butter adventures we’ve come to expect of the genre.

With Final Fantasy XII being such a revolution to the series, creating the series’ best battle system in the process, Final Fantasy XIII feels like a massive backwards step.

Undoubtedly the best game in the series, Blood Money will thrill long-time fans, giving them everything they could possibly want from their favourite killer.

Despite the lack of challenge provided for half of the single player game, Minna No Golf 5 excels in every other area, offering a realistic golf simulation wrapped inside a package so cute that it is impossible to resist. [JPN Import]

It doesn’t quite reach "Fatal Frame," "Silent Hill" or "Siren" (Japanese version) as a complete package, but with Condemned, Monolith have created one of the most shocking, frightening, atmospheric, unrelenting and involving games in recent memory.

An utterly outstanding game. It is also one of the few games in existence where friends gleefully swipe said Nintendo DS hardware in order to play it, resulting in various skirmishes and the subsequent prising of gaming hardware from contorted, cold, dead hands. [JPN Import]

Lumines II shows that the game has lost none of its appeal since its initial release, and the music videos really do feel like the next-step and part of a natural progression.

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]

It is a game for the TRPG hardcore; those who’ll enjoy spending hours playing the same maps or random dungeons over and over to level up in order to progress through the story, or who spend days working out the best combination of stat modifiers to make finishing off the mission puzzles that little bit easier.

LSW2 is a quality title, but it suffers the same problem as the films it parodies.

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.

Its extensive campaign is likely to be played and thoroughly enjoyed at least once, but any replayability has been sabotaged by its own shortcomings: the bugs, the enforced narrative and the lack of rewards.

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.

There is a superbly realised first third of a game there, but the combat and linear mission structure, coupled with the awful storyline help to undermine the quality apparent elsewhere.

The minor issues are nowhere near big enough to take away from a game that sucks the player in with its originality and keeps them well and truly locked in until the judgement is made in the final case. Simply put, it’s brilliant. [JPN Import]

It stands proud as an example of how all retro collections should be compiled in terms of content, even if it does serve to highlight minor presentational niggles such as the lack of a button config option that are often common to these packs.

Toy Soldiers just tries too hard to be different, in the end.

It’s the perfect zone game, with matches ebbing and flowing as you or your opponent get ‘in the zone’, and the more you play the better you will become. Rockstar Games presents Table Tennisis a perfect example of how a sport should be digitally replicated.

Overall, this can be a frustration, especially once gamers realise this fact by seeing just how inaccessible some of the later courses can be. [JPN Import]

It's fun, gloriously slick and executed at the standards we've come to expect. DK94 players should consider this essential; to everyone else it comes highly recommended.

There are moments of such genius that it is almost impossible not to become entirely immersed within the game’s haunted world. Yet all its terrifying beauty, with a better-judged difficulty and the problems with the second character ironed out, FF2 could have been the finest game in the horror genre.

Both superb and a mess, a console FPS that feels fun, tactical, exciting all at the same time as feeling frustrating, backwards and in places amateurish.

The mixture of splendidly chunky and vibrant visuals with coy hum-along tunes draws you deep within the game’s deceptively complex system, refusing to allow you out to even take a bathroom break.

As fantastic a game as it ever was. It's one of those rare games which are so good they feel genuinely ageless; pure, uninhibited pick up and play genius with not one button to press.

Prince of Persia turns out to be a worthy justification for once again restarting the franchise. It brings the series back to its essential roots, stripping away the superfluous muck that had gathered during the last few outings and at the same time having enough new appeal, charm and content to make it worth trying.

Jungle Beat was never going to be a bad game but the innovative control scheme and the deep combo-mechanic have elevated it to a genuinely excellent one.

For those who were put off by the difficulty of the original PS2 release, this could be the version for you. [JPN Import]

Even putting the d-pad issues aside, the console’s button layout does not lend itself to Capcom’s ever-present ‘six button’ system. Fighting games are all about split-second timing and fluid control, and any sacrifice in these areas is going to impact on the player’s enjoyment of the game.

Overall, Condemned 2 starts off brilliantly and has much potential, but ends up a crushing disappointment. Not only does it pail into comparison to its predecessor, but it also fails to stand up against other games in the FPS genre.

An enchanting tapestry of stylistic design, a deep and unconventional battle system, and fifty hours-plus of rewarding game play.

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

Whilst Capcom vs SNK Millenium Fight doesn't set the 2D fighting world alight, it's a fun, slightly flawed, yet visually impressive bundle of joy in an orange case. Can we say fairer than that?

Being story-driven, the game was also broken up into short chapters, sometimes exceedingly short. With a load required between each one it could mean playing for possibly a few minutes before needing to load the next level.

Although a few niggles still remain it’s by far the best serious basketball game currently available.

The presentation and love put into the character designs and attention to detail carries the simplistic and overly easy gameplay further than it should. If you want a gentle introduction to the genre, this is absolutely perfect.

Underneath there is a decent racer trying to get out, however, the missed opportunities to tweak the game, the awful screen tearing and framerate problems and the crash bug mar the experience to some degree.

With the amazingly rich heritage that Star Wars has, it's confusing that the music isn't used quite as effectively as it should. Without the context-sensitive moments of the cinematic Star Wars the impact is lost, replenishing health to the dramatic rumblings of the Imperial Death March doesn't really do it and sometimes the music just disappears.

For anyone who is a fan of entertaining, no-brainer old-school arcade gameplay, this is essential.

Trauma Center Second Opinion feels like exactly what it is: a port of an existing game that should have stayed on its original platform. Lack of extra content once finished also leaves it feeling very lightweight.

Dipping into the unlocked levels on their own in quick-launch seems without purpose, but the campaign mode scores highly during its first run through, even if there’s not quite enough game to make you want to face the challenge again.

Galaxies is a fresh take on the concept, one where all the new additions are a genuine plus for the play experience and add so much to the overall game.

Wii Fit is already flying out of the shop doors in Japan and the same will happen when it arrives in the West too, not because it’s a gimmick that’s easily bought into, but because it’s a great product.

It may not be the definition of next gen, but it is solidly old school in its delivery. It’s not often that a title comes along so devoid of hype and once again many gamers may pass this by, but if you have yet to sample the delights of the series, you could benefit from effectively three games worth of development that has honed a rough diamond into something getting closer to perfection.

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.

Despite what others may have claimed, this is not "Star Fox Adventures" for the new generation, this is something so much more exciting - Rare back on form.

Buy this game if you want a challenging title that will eat up long journeys or quiet evenings in darkened room; it’s a great take on the franchise and it’s made for us, for the fans.

A devilishly addictive and polished little pinball game that delivers in (grave diggers') spades.

There will undoubtedly be those who, having cut their teeth on onslaughts such as "GigaWing" and "Mars Matrix," will feel somewhat let down by the sparse, reheated level design on offer here. For those with a passion for the series, however, there is a huge amount to enjoy. [Japan Import]

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

Lost Planet is an arcade style shooter divided into small(ish) chunks, designed to be played again and again. Whilst this might disappoint those who expect a sprawling, epic adventure, it still offers up some superb set pieces and excellent boss fights.

Whenever the player is required to utilise aerial combat within an enclosed space the camera blithely decides to exhibit erroneous behaviour, and offers no rhyme or reason as to how it can be controlled in its new form. This is utterly catastrophic for any kind of action game because it inhibits the player from interacting with the in-game environment, and means having to battle with the game system instead.

In the end, Eternal Sonata is let down by its failure to take advantage of the story it sets up for itself.

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.

Combine this with the game’s superb presentation and you’ve got an excellent, albeit somewhat brief, puzzle title that really will appeal to players of all levels, whilst simultaneously bringing some refreshingly new ideas to the table.

Seeing Konami’s premier Horror franchise rendered in such bland brushstrokes leaves a sour taste in the mouth, which is intensified by the fact that the game engine and combat mechanics are so well-tuned.

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 game whose essence is defined by the two player mode is now made essential by the perennially available multiplayer options. Join the revolution - this is what online gaming was made for.

The statistic-heavy approach combined with an everyday storyline and some plain presentation, though, will ensure that relatively few gamers will ever see this as anything other than an amusing timewaster.

If Mirror’s Edge had only provided the TTs, it would have been perfect for skill-game addicts. The story mode isn’t quite as polished and critics have tended to focus on this mode’s foibles rather than on praising the real highlight: the TT mode.

Fuse Games has managed to mould an inspiring example of how to beautifully blend an already existing genre with an established and cherished franchise.

For those willing to spend the time to discover the subtleties of the handling model, lower their record times by milliseconds, attain Triple-A standard in all the mission modes, they will find a game which will satisfy their craving for a good arcade racer for quite some time.

A fantastically fun title, and is a credit to SNKP, who have managed (with considerable skill) to bring the distinctive tang of Slug to the masses. Although easier by far than its arcade brethren, at least this means the game has a chance of finding a (mass?) market ' a shrewd move by the IP's new masters.

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

Tales of Vesperia surpasses every Tales game that preceded it, by building on their strengths and adding a series of new features.

While the main ingredients are all there, the final product certainly feels less than the sum of its parts, resulting in a distinctly hollow-feeling and average game.

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.

A game that in spite its solid design and adherence to the extreme sports game blueprint, just seems a bit too formulaic. What’s missing is that intangible ingredient, which keeps the player coming back for more.

With games like "Final Fantasy XII" pushing the genre forward, it’s disappointing to see a game with so much talent behind it not attempt to try anything new. [JPN Import]

With a few adjustments this could have been something special. As is, it's a bland, archaic mess.

A very good game, terrific fun, ideal for the purpose, and just a big winner in multiplayer online or off. It is not going to set the world alight in single player, but we hope that Nintendo can see how favourably it has gone down with the online crowd and plan for the future accordingly.

A great package. A little quirky and rough around the edges, it survives on originality, genuinely funny content and an enormous challenge.

Lost Odyssey is a long arduous journey, but it is one that’s filled with a story that continues to flesh out its characters right to the very end.

This is proof that a good idea, well-executed, can stand the test of time.

It takes the chassis of the light gun game and augments it with one of the most entertaining stories in years, a decent selection of unlockables, a brutally funny soundtrack and an overall level of attention to detail that is as refreshing as it is clichéd.

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

Despite being a remake of a four year old PS2 game, the ideas and scope of the original still feel fresh and exciting. Thankfully, the developers have not simply given this remake a PS3 graphical update.

The game itself is compulsive and addictive until the point at which it sadly has to conclude.

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.

Sadly, it will not take you long to make your way through the stages on offer. Collecting the Calabash presents something of a challenge, and you are given a ranking after each stage which gives a touch of replay value to proceedings.

Tecmo have done an excellent job in creating a truly epic storyline that, while original, also binds together with the other titles in the series.

Crash Commando is a superb, little release that binds classic, fast-paced 2D gameplay in a great looking package.

Those thus far unacquainted with Koei’s output, but well versed in the likes of "Advance Wars" and "Final Fantasy Tactics," will find much to enjoy here.

It won't be heralded a classic but it is certainly a welcome return to form for a franchise that was beginning to appear languid and certainly promises a lot for Crystal Dynamics' next game which is a reinvention of the original Tomb Raider.

Whilst the idea behind Eyetoy Kinetic is brilliant, the execution is flawed, with the technology requiring detailed setup that many people may not be able to achieve.

Thoroughly recommended and the campaign for a similar game on a more powerful platform begins now.

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.

Just get some bloody exercise and enjoy the lunacy – the brilliance – of Eye Toy Play 2.

It is also a lot more accessible than other multiplayer titles such "Crystal Chronicles" and "Four Swords" because only one GBA is required.

The idea that More Brain Training will elevate anyone to Einstein intelligence is perhaps a bit far fetched, but it’s clear that working your brain regularly is as essential as getting enough exercise; more neurons, less flab.

While certainly not flawless, Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is the perfect game for followers of Lovecraft's work, but the title also offers an intriguing and involving adventure for those who aren't and just want something a little different from a normal first-person game.

Field Commander is the Ford Focus of the genre; it's solid, reliable and enjoyable but nothing new or all that exciting and it will leave you wanting that little bit more.

Ends up feeling distinctly average in terms of design and implementation.

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.