A missed opportunity. [June 2007, p.88]

Quite simply a rotten game with woefully little variation in gameplay and turgid mechanics. There's very little fun here an dit's cetainly a long way from 'cowabunga', dude. [May 2007, p.78]

Deep and intriguing, but it's too much of a chore. [June 2007, p.84]

A classic reworked to its former glory. This works well on othe DS and is great fun, but the silly amount of depth makes it excessively complicated too. [May 2007, p.76]

It's action-packed, has an involving story and loads of customisation options. [June 2007, p.80]

A massive disappointment. Play with the analogue stick and it's a great golf game, but try to use the Remote and you're in for a rough ride. [Apr 2007, p.83]

It doesn't bring anything groungbreaking to the genre, but with some neat use of the DS Spectrobes offers a solid and enjoyable adventure if you're itching to catch some critters. [Apr 2007, p.70]

It doesn't do anything so spectacularly well that you must own a copy. [June 2007, p.96]

One for the Wario hardcore only. [June 2007, p.95]

SSX Blur looks great and plays brilliantly. The controls don't try to make you feel like a boarder - they just make you feel in touch with the game, and that's what the Wii is all about. [Apr 2007, p.76]

Purists will probably be outraged at the change to the gameplay mechanics. [Aug 2007, p.92]

By no means perfect, but it's still a fantastic game that finally gives the blue blazer the sort of fast-paced, slick action he deserves. It's tricky to master but once you do it really shines. [Mar 2007, p.62]

A nice puzzle game that you can play for a couple of hours but it soon becomes a chore. [Aug 2007, p.86]

All nine games are suprisingly addictive, and if you're planning on buying another Remote you really should go for this. [Christmas 2006, p.76]

The fourth Micro Machines game does the franchise proud with a host of cars, some very inventive tracks and multiplayer gameplay more addictive than chocolate milk. [Nov 2006, p.80]

The story is nothing new and the spaceship parts are a bit rubbish, but Lunar Knights is an action-packed quest with plenty of depth and non-stop battling. [Apr 2007, p.86]

For the first Pro Evo on the DS it's a fantastic achievement. If you're after a portable football fix it's a must-have. [Mar 2007, p.72]

This could have been as good as "Mario Kart DS" but ditching some fun ideas to make room for the new DS-specific content actually drags the whole thing down. [May 2007, p.72]

It's the sheer scope of the gameplay that sets this apart from other pretenders. [July 2007, p.91]

A decent grown-up game for the DS with some neat ideas and a great plot, but the slow pace may frustrate people looking for a little more hard-boiled excitement. [Apr 2007, p.80]

Fossil League is essentially a Pokemon clone that's pretty decent on the surface but lacks the depth, features and polish of the original monster-battlers. [May 2007, p.85]

Perfect for Phoenix fans who want more cases, but with only four stories you'll be left wanting. It still offers great gameplay, it just doesn't last very long. [Apr 2007, p.82]

A brilliant WarioWare game but, more importantly, it's one of the best Wii game so far. Wario should now take his place alongside Mario and Link as a true Nintendo great. [Jan 2007, p.66]

Provides slightly generic, predictable platform action but has enough variety and class to stand up to scrutiny. So much so that those not into Lightsabers might have fun. [Feb 2007, p.68]

It's not motion-sensing genius but Metal Slug doesn't have to be. It's the craziest, most action-packed shooter ever and there's room for games like this outside the Virtual Console. [Apr 2007, p.87]

The sort of unique, simple and fun game the Wii needs and does so well. But frustrating hitches and sub-standard graphics tarnish what could have been a classic. [Apr 2007, p.72]

A bad conversion of an almost year-old Xbox game. Vengeance is playable but it's a massively disappointing Wii debut for the Far Cry series, and the worst FPS on the console so far. [Mar 2007, p.84]

The story's too confusing for words and the action, while enjoyable, is highly repetitive. That said, it's a solid enough package for anyone into the TV show, we suppose. [Nov 2007, p.90]

The best dedicated golf game on the Wii so far. [June 2007, p.82]

Looks fantastic but it plays like too many average games of movies. [Feb 2007, p.74]

This has to be some of the most impressive enemies you'll ever see on the DS. [Feb 2007, p.70]

While Mouse Attack is a fun, if slightly short-lived, platformer, Kirby has taken a small step backwards after the clever and innovative "Canvas Curse." [July 2007, p.84]

One mini-game made us laugh out loud as our cow did an MC Hammer dance. [Jan 2007, p.83]

Some games don't work with a particular control method. This is one such game. If you want some decent spy action with a practical control system, get the GameCube version. [Feb 2007, p.83]

Clearly designed with the hardcore gamer in mind. It's slick, addictive and as close to "cool" as a game can get. [Christmas 2006, p.68]

As one of the most well-rounded, charming and utterly captivating games we've ever played, Twilight Princess is a game that everyone must experience, regardless of gaming preference. [Christmas 2006, p.52]

Okay, so Excite Truck skips a few beats in the way of options and multiplayer modes. But at its core it's a fantastic racer with stunning speed and awesome gameplay. [Feb 2007, p.58]

The ideal way to get into Wii gaming. It's funny, simple and approachable, and gamers and non-gamers alike should get something out of it. [Christmas 2006, p.62]

It feels more like you're controlling a puppet on strings rather than a Lotus Elise. [Christmas 2006, p.75]

Not even the insubstantial freesteering wheel device makes it worth the purchase. [Jan 2007, p.80]

This is the sort of game that's perfect for the Wii Remote as anyone can pick it up. [Jan 2007, p.79]

Loads to do, tons of moves, great action and numerous characters to play with. This is a vast game that has plenty of Dragon Ball Z characters and plots for the fans. [Mar 2007, p.82]

While the single-player experience can be shallow, this game really shines in multiplayer. [Christmas 2006, p.82]

There's so much depth and richness to the experience. [June 2007, p.78]

With control issues and the disappointing lack of online co-operative play aside, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a mindless and enjoyable action game that should keep comic book fans happy for a while. [Jan 2007, p.70]

A surprisingly good adaptation of the home console game, with decent graphics and some interesting uses of the touch screen. Not a classic but we wouldn't object to a sequel. [Christmas 2006, p.72]

Scoring a field goal by flicking the Wii Remote feels genuinely satisfying. [Christmas 2006, p.74]

Still the best WWII shooter around and the Wii Remote and Nunchuk serve to enhance the experience. With a multiplayer mode it would have been pure gold. [Christmas 2006, p.78]

There's not so much replay value but the controls give it a new lease on life. [Christmas 2006, p.92]

This game is funny - and we mean genuinely laugh-out-loud hilarious at times. [Christmas 2006, p.90]

It's the kind of unique game that the Wii was made for. [Aug 2007, p.94]

GT Pro Series has got decent cars and passable handling, but the below average physics and utterly shameful visuals give this a cheap, unfinished feel. [Feb 2007, p.84]

Tiresome repetitiveness and dull, samey graphics plague this movie license that showed a glimmer of potential. The "it's for kids" excuse won't wash, we're afraid. [Christmas 2006, p.88]

There's always one dreadful launch game (remember the GameCube's "Universal Tour"?) and Rampage: World Destruction is the Wii's. Even if you once enjoyed "Rampage" you won't like this. [Jan 2007, p.82]

One of the best platformers on the DS. [Jan 2007, p.75]

This is the same licensed platform stuff people have been playing for years. [Jan 2007, p.77]

A brilliant turnaround for Bomberman adventuring and a great mutliplayer game for your DS. [Mar 2007, p.76]

Addictive. [July 2007, p.92]

One of the better Final Fantasy games, FFV improves upon the Job system but doesn't match the storyline "FFIV" or "FFVI". It's still one hell of a handheld adventure though. [Apr 2007, p.90]

This is what you'd get if you crossed "Metroid Prime" with an isometric shooter and a dash of the movie "Aliens." [Jan 2007, p.76]

Sadly, Children of Mana's extremely repetitive gameplay means that if you're playing for an extended period of time the game's appeal wanes. It all depends on what kind of player you are. [Feb 2007, p.76]

This tries to pull off so much but it's neither as compelling and varied as "The Sims" nor as loveable as "Nintendogs." Plus it's so blocky it's like someone invented an 8-bit DS. [Dec 2006, p.87]

Pokemon Ranger isn't as deep and involving as the main Pokemon adventures, but as far as spin-offs go this is one of the best. A simple but fun adventure. [Apr 2007, p.85]

The nuts and bolts of the game remain exactly the same, but the branching storyline adds a whole new layer of depth. Splinter Cell fans will love this without being hugely surprised by it. [Dec 2006, p.84]

It's great for Hawk's newbies but its stripped down nature won't please veterans who'll want more open worlds to explore. [Christmas 2006, p.86]

Mystery Detective looks great but is lacking in the gameplay department because the puzzles are often too obscure to be worked out properly. Trial-and-error isn't much fun. [May 2007, p.84]

Role-playing fans will get a good 30 hours of quality gaming out of Magical Starsign. It has its hitches, but if you can work with them there's a great adventure to be had. [Feb 2007, p.66]

It's got a gripping story, simple combat system and uses the dual screens in inventive ways. Highly recommended. [Dec 2006, p.92]

Despite showing enormous potential, Crash Boom Bang! is hampered by dodgy controls and a testing user interface. It's disappointing because this could have been a great multiplayer game. [Christmas 2006, p.80]

A playable adventure with some clever touch-screen applications, but its disappointing technical cutbacks leave us feeling that our beloved DS can do a lot better. [Dec 2006, p.93]

If ever there was a game to get gamers and non-gamers playing together, this is it. Addictive gameplay, online play and more vareity than Noah's Ark make this a surprising must-have title. [Nov 2006, p.84]

FIFA 07 sets a new standard for the official football game franchise. It's smooth, satisfying and has plenty to keep you busy for ages, both on the pitch and off it. At last a decent FIFA. [Nov 2006, p.88]

The relaxed pace is good for your blood pressure but it's not much of a challenge. [Mar 2007, p.78]

Open Season is playable but you won't enjoy playing it. Its dull collecting scenarios and repetitive sound bites will drain your soul. Another bad movie tie-in. [Dec 2006, p.94]

Although the idea is interesting and the thought of being a Pokemon instead of training one is a fun twist, it's a shame the game itself is a bit of a let-down, with repetitive and boring missions. [Dec 2006, p.90]

With better visuals and touch screen controls this could have been a DS classic. As it is, it's a decent introduction to the genre we shall christen the farm 'em up. [May 2007, p.87]

The core gameplay is much like the GameCube version, it looks good and its comedy "Star Wars" style is amusing. But it's so glitchy it's almost insulting. A bit of a disappointment, really. [Nov 2006, p.86]

A decent Mega Man outing, just one that disappoints with its willingness to lazily sit back and join the dots rather than trying to push the DS hardware at all. [Aug 2007, p.78]

At its best, Cooking Mama is one of the best touch-screen games around, but some unnecessarily fiddly moments mean that it doesn't quite hit the heights of "Trauma Center" or "WarioWare." [Christmas 2006, p.66]

Simply fantastic. It re-creates the Star Wars world brilliantly then adds a quirky twist to it. Easy to play and immense fun from the word go. Essential. [Oct 2006, p.86]

A fun Mario sports title and the best looking game on the DS. [Dec 2006, p.80]

Star Fox Command has its frustrations but the multiplayer helps make up for these. If you can learn to accept the series' new direction, there's a decent strategy game in here somewhere. [Dec 2006, p.88]

Playing Madden NFL 07 is like when crisp companies started doing foil-wrapped crisps. Although you're promised a new experience, it's pretty much the same thing, though it's still pretty good. [Oct 2006, p.90]

A botched excuse for a stealth game whose only achievement is bringing a decent series' name into disrepute. This game should have been so much better. [Jan 2007, p.72]

Something of a rarity - a licensed game that's actually fun. It's no "Resident Evil" but it'll keep the young ones entertained for a while, even if it's a rather short while. [Oct 2006, p.92]

A great game, perfectly converted to the touch screen. We just doubt there's enough here to keep people playing for more than a few hours. [Dec 2006, p.86]

Slick, polished and surprisingly varied for a movie tie-in, this is one piece of blockbuster merchandise that's worth checking out. Just don't buy it for an easily aggravated child. [Oct 2006, p.94]

Merely average: fun in short bursts but don't expect to be playing it in a few months' time. [Mar 2007, p.89]

While we can appreciate what Dust Strikers is trying to do, it just doesn't work. [Nov 2007, p.85]

One of the better pinball games of late. [July 2007, p.88]

A good puzzler but it's very difficult to recommend paying 25 pounds for it when you can play the similar Fruitfall for free online. Maybe it will get a Virtual Console release after all. [Feb 2007, p.72]

One of the toughest videogames for some time. [Sept 2007, p.74]

A thoroughly unexciting experience. [Nov 2009, p.98]

Unless you're a retro fanatic, it's hard to see what the appeal is. [Nov 2008, p.105]

Limited, dated and very boring, only die hard fans and young kids will find any fun here. [July 2008, p.95]

It works well enough but soon becomes very boring because essentially all you're doing is drawing paterns as fast as you can. [Aug 2008, p.102]

It's certainly no Broken Sword. [July 2010, p.87]