By far the most worthy of mention, though, are the Dark Illusions. These are giant setpiece traps which cause horrifying damage in even more horrifying ways, and have secret (and often bloody obscure) conditions for their activation.

The complexities of the customisations and battle tactics available in this sequel are as huge as ever and although this is largely the same game with only a few tweaks; these tweaks work well. Disgaea fans will rejoice.

First time through may well take less than ten hours to complete, with possible repeat playing naturally taking much less. But for that time, there are some of the most enjoyable gaming experiences ever to savour and the sheer scope of the game makes it seem like you've spent far more time on it than you actually have.

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

Naruto 2 is a far more complete package than the original...If you watch the Naruto anime, this game is a must-buy.

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.

Anyone even remotely interested in the racing genre owes it to themselves to pick up this gem.

The sequel throws players into the thick of battle almost immediately with only the faintest of reintroductions to the Wars world. The missions also get very hard, very quickly, with some of the later missions proving especially demanding, even for Advance Wars veterans.

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

Through all the spinning, the fireworks, the lights and the board trails, the PS2 is just pushed a little bit too far...The toll appears in the form of a radically stuttering frame-rate which does slightly spoil the mood.

Sadly, God of War is rather short and capable of being completed in around 10 hours. However the game packs so much excitement and roller-coaster thrills in that timescale, it really does feel like a much longer experience and is certainly worthy of a replay.

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

All in all there's an absolute ton of stuff to get through for the 100% completion fans. Couple this with a brilliant two-player co-op mode for the main game, and you have a super-violent, aurally pleasing, long-lasting piece of software. A labour of love and a splendid homage to a well-loved film.

Line of Contact does provide the online experience many players wanted. Even with the steep learning curve involved, the game is something everyone should experience.

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.

The gameplay is nigh on perfection, the pace is perfect, the shooting has been tweaked subtly and, with the addition of the R2 shooting, it really feels like a new game. This is the first time since WE6 that most die-hard fans will notice a real change and a real sense of newfound enjoyment in the game.

Despite its foibles, this simplified RPG is accessible to anyone, and remains as engrossing as it ever was.

As ever with GTA, the flaws and problems can be overlooked for the sheer amount of things which do work, though what Liberty City Stories shows more than any other recent title in the series, is that this can’t go on forever.

Those anticipating another dose of what is possibly one of the most fantastically additive games of the past few years will be more than pleased by this installment.

Bold, ambitious and unlike anything else this generation, there lies an experience beyond several oddly disparate parts. A swansong to a breed of cinematic narrative which has finally reached its apex.

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]

For those fans captivated by the first instalment, buying this is an absolute must. [JPN Import]

With such a rich source for inspiration, the characters are fantastically realised.

And finally we can write something at the end of a review that we’ve been longing to write for ages, that Rare are back on form.

Balanced control, evolved brilliance.

While it is not 'the' perfect game, it does come pretty close; the visuals appeal and if, by some chance, they don't then the perky toe-tapping soundtrack is certain to make everyone smile.

For those who love score attack systems and shooting things then membership of The Club is certainly recommended.

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.