With this many ways to organise your team and develop abilities, everyone will find something to suit their style. [Nov 2007, p.123]

A fun game for short sessions, suited to the system and with some clever ideas, but it's not the proper Metal Gear Solid title we were expecting. [Mar 2007, p.107]

Technically very accomplished and graphically gorgeous, but ultimately unsatisfying, even in online multiplayer. [Feb 2008, p.102]

Solid, but nowhere near spectacular sim that will only satisfy B-ball fans who can appreciate its subtleties. The rest of us can only look on, slightly bemused. [Apr 2006, p.100]

An enjoyable beat-'em-up that does the movie justice. But there's little more than a basic scrolling brawler under all the great ideas. [Nov 2005, p.84]

Restrictive and ponderous in places but more often immense and rewarding. Disgaea 2 is an underrated RPG with surprisingly commendable depth. [Oct 2006, p.104]

A game that's forgotten it's about superheroes. They're supposed to be spectacular, aren't they? This isn't. [Dec 2005, p.111]

Simplified PSP controls do dial down SOCOM's complexity, but impressive options both on and offline make this shine. [May 2006, p.90]

Much better than the last game, and one of the best PS2 RPGs. Let down only by the relentless fighting and steep learning curve. [Feb 2007, p.70]

A respectable enough take on frozen hockey, with some off-the-wall but fun multiplayer modes thrown in foor good measure, but does anyone actually play these games? [Apr 2006, p.100]

Combat was always the star of Ratchet games, but with barely a sniff of exploration, Gladiator's destruction feels a little one-note. [Apr 2006, p.94]

Short-lived and has little new to offer, but the online options and improved Crosstalk bring it back from the brink. [July 2007, p.95]

Decent comic book effort which certainly captures the Marvel spirit. Unlikely to become as revered as the icons that star in it, though. [Christmas 2006, p.97]

Will appeal to first timers, butthe changes made will alienate many of Onimusha's staunchest fans. A grower, but vintage 'Musha it ain't. [Apr 2006, p.97]

Still dry as hell and frustrating on occasions, but immensely playable nonetheless. A smart alternative to "Everybody's Golf." [Christmas 2005, p.105]

Needs to make serious progress if 'Gran' isn't to become an indication of age. [June 2008, p.87]

FIFA has grown up a bit and learnt that it has to do the dirty work first before it can get fancy. Competent, entertaining but far from faultless. [Nov 2005, p.132]

Predictably high production values, but those enticed by previous Snake adventures will find a hollow, confusing game. [June 2006, p.82]

Stunning to look at and seriously addictive all the same. [Oct 2007, p.94]

Despite its pedigree, there's not enough here to prise open our wallets. We're sticking with "Street Fighter Alpha Max" on PSP, thanks. [July 2006, p.91]

Too short despite early promise of an epic, Heavenly Sword is quite a disappointment. [Oct 2007, p.119]

Flaws such as button layout, poor targeting and matches that go on forever make this disappointingly average. [Nov 2006, p.155]

As a fluffy fantasy adventure Gurumin pushes all the right buttons, although it's hardly serious RPG fare. [July 2007, p.98]

Better than last year's handheld Madden game, but NFL nuts will notice the return of a few niggling flaws. [Oct 2006, p.104]

A commendably original RPG which throws up plenty of surprises and improves substantially on previous outing, "Lucifer's Call." [June 2006, p.93]

A nice enough - but very brief - trip down memory lane, which would be a better value stripped down and bundled as an extra with a more modern game, or on PSP. [Dec 2005, p.124]

As a port, it does the job. But the convulsive controls and lack of new features makes TRA for PSP only an optional extra to the PS2 experience. [Aug 2007, p.99]

It's not perfect but it's creepy. The mix of investigation and scores easily outweighs the clunky controls and occasional lulls in the action. [Mar 2006, p.105]

Near identical gameplay to its 05 counterpart and a more intricate management aspect - if that floats your boat then hop on board. [Nov 2005, p.122]

With its satisfying difficulty curve and intricate courses this is a solid if not revolutionary update of an already innovative puzzle game. [Nov 2006, p.100]

An enjoyable update, but one that only the most ardent of fans will appreciate. [Dec 2005, p.128]

Not much new for Ape Escape veterans, but if you want to get a youngster a game that's actually good, this is the monkey business. [May 2006, p.92]

FIFA's class is not in doubt, but for a series already in a clear state of transition, the move to a new platform is a bridge too far. [Christmas 2005, p.117]

Underneath the mixed bag of superfluous trimmings lies a game that's still highly playable despite feeling very familiar. [Dec 2005, p.121]

An ideal first game for Buzz! virgins or film buffs, but seasoned contestants will soon tire of it. [Dec 2007, p.88]

A stylish puzzler, whose slightly unwieldly control system and inevitable repetition are the only minor spanners in the works. [Mar 2006, p.89]

What could have been an engaging effort has been spoiled by bland presentation, a cliched story and tedious gameplay. [Nov 2005, p.122]

There's not quite enough freedom in the levels to find that perfect shot, but this is still a rewarding and enjoyably fresh sniper sim. [Nov 2006, p.135]

Their simplicity is charming and their gameplay addictive. Thank heavens some things don't change. [Oct 2006, p.97]

EA's ice hockey annual trades gamepay depth for arcade accessibility and speed. For our money though the PS2 offers a greater challenge. [Nov 2006, p.103]

Its intelligent plot and great looks could have made Suikoden V spellbinding - if only it wasn't so tedious. [Nov 2006, p.106]

This is not "Jak 4." It's just a kart racer, albeit a quality one with bags of online potential. [Dec 2005, p.106]

An extremely average crime sim bolted onto a much-loved license, this just proves that you can't buy class. Not horrific, just freakin' dull. [Apr 2006, p.88]

An entertaining if shallow compilation of some genuine classics that's well worth a punt at 20 quid. [Christmas 2006, p.92]

No threat to "GTA," but it's not meant to be. Instead it's an absorbing role-playing adventure with plenty to keep you busy. [Sept 2006, p.74]

It's not very deep, but it's very fast, looks gorgeous and handles ever so sweetly. [Nov 2007, p.119]

The vast amount of characters will excite fans, but MKA feels old-fashioned. The series needs to evolve if it's going to survive. [Dec 2006, p.80]

Pushes the right buttons but the uninitiated can bash away and still win, so it doesn't match the flair or control of a Virtua. [Feb 2007, p.65]

Well-presented and weirdly therapeutic mix of flight sim and arcade shooter that doesn't quite satisfy on either front, but is a decent enough game for all of that. [Christmas 2006, p.85]

Impressive, immense and pretty but somehow it fails to achieve greatness due to shortage of a variety of high-speed thrills. [Feb 2007, p.72]

Too linear, but one of PS3's most charming and satisfying adventures so far. [Nov 2007, p.118]

Nearly a quirky classic. [Dec 2007, p.123]

Starts off well and features some decent strategizing, but is ultimately stifled by a poor script and some uninspired character design. [May 2006, p.95]

A solid addition to the series. [Aug 2007, p.84]

Expensive and almost impossible not to cheat in singleplayer. [Dec 2007, p.119]

Too easy and without replays, the first Madden outing on PSP is a giant fumble. Hopefully next year's update will be better. [Christmas 2005, p.116]

A stylish shooter that will be compared to "Lumines" - but unfortunately can't hold a candle to it in the puzzle stakes. [Christmas 2006, p.101]

Likable as its twin leads are, AOT's gameplay is hobbled by unbalanced guns and AI that's far too sharp to be fun. [Apr 2008, p.102]

A superb package with great games and some truly inspired extras - and a real trip down memory lane for some of us. [Mar 2007, p.94]

Less complicated than "Untold Legends," but equally stuffed with things to kill...and you can talk to a chicken. Sold! [Jan 2007, p.86]

Will delight even casual rugger fans. [Sept 2007, p.90]

At times sublime, but sadly it's the frantic and frustrating Dark Prince sections that linger longest in the memory. [Jan 2007, p.78]

Steambot isn't as polished or as deep as "Dragon Quest" or "Final Fantasy", but it's still a charming curiosity laden with fresh ideas. [Oct 2006, p.88]

Gran Turismo's flaws plus imperfect handling make this hard to love. As a glossy bike catalogue, it's lush. As a game, it's not quite right. [May 2006, p.78]

With its immediate and vibrant cartoon violence the Power Stone series is well suited to PSP. It can get a little hard on the eyes, mind you. [Christmas 2006, p.87]

The could've been stunning, but after a strong start, the story and missions descend into repetitive, formulaic play. [Nov 2005, p.92]

A fairly average RPG, rescued from mediocrity by some unique mechanics, an oddball plot and the dozens of demons at youru disposal. [Apr 2007, p.81]

Look beyond the somewhat crude control system and there's plenty of life in this deep and handsome boxing game. [May 2006, p.94]

A cookie-cutter RPG lifted by characterization and sustained exploration vibe, but hurt by sub-PSone visuals. [Feb 2006, p.92]

An uninspired but likeable-in-places arcade shooter whose few good ideas are hamstrung by shoody design and weak AI. [Aug 2006, p.100]

The Great Juju Challenge is never going to be the love of your gaming life, but it's a reasonably attractive bit on the side. [Mar 2006, p.100]

A return to the bombs away puzzling of old rather than the recent diversions into platform and karting games - and it's all the better for it. [Christmas 2006, p.85]

Extreme, yes; pursuit, lots of it; fun, mostly; but essential? Not really. [Jan 2008, p.123]

It's difficult not to find this fighter charming - even if the hero is a squaky-voiced brat. [Nov 2007, p.92]

Brilliantly chaotic, relentlessly quick and rammed with gaming modes to keep you at it. Fasten your seat belts. [July 2006, p.82]

An honest stab at genuine change which, unfortunately, dilutes what Guilty Gear does best but should still appeal to die-hards at this bargain price. [Feb 2006, p.96]

The control system is half-cocked making it seem half the experience of the PS2 game. [Christmas 2006, p.86]

The total package feels soulless and, as a result, rather unappealing. [Dec 2006, p.95]

More than a story game, Xenosaga II just about prevails in spite of itself as a title worth witnessing...for the patient. [Dec 2005, p.118]

If we needed to shed some lard, this is how we'd do it. If we needed birthday presents for the kids, we'd buy them "SingStar." [Mar 2007, p.92]

It's the ultimate package for DBZ fans. For everyone else it's one of the most technical and rewarding fighters out there. [Christmas 2007, p.90]

Disappointing effort; scrapes the barrel more than it feels the Force. [Christmas 2007, p.123]

Brilliant in short bursts and great looking to boot; only question marks about its longevity prevent Gottlieb earning a higher score. [May 2006, p.93]

A game to throw in your PS2 when you're looking for a quick fix of fun violence, even if it's a little rough around the edges. [Feb 2007, p.66]

Soul Nomad is no more "tactical" than a game of mouse trap. [June 2008, p.69]

There's no need to own both versions unless you're rich or stupid, but this is commendable nonetheless. [Christmas 2006, p.102]

An Armored Core nut's wet dream, if such a deranged breed exists. Otherwise a dull mech-'em-up that lacks thrills and originality. [Aug 2006, p.101]

The classy presentation and slick action capture the spirit of the PS2 game, but this is nothing more than a competent racer. [Christmas 2006, p.100]

There are new modes and a better camera, but the developer seems to have accidentally flicked the switch to Extreme Difficulty. [Jan 2007, p.81]

Stomach-churning graphics and bad AI undermine an otherwise solid tactical shooter. Has "For Hardcore Fans" written all over it. [Apr 2007, p.89]

Even if you never play half the games on offer (and you won't), the inclusion of genuine classics means this lives up to its billing. [July 2006, p.89]

A non-offensive god-sim packed full of laughs and originality. Buy it. [July 2008, p.87]

It's good to see developers trying something new but this is more of a solid template for a sequel than a top game in it's own right. [Mar 2006, p.84]

Limited in terms of gameplay, but it's got an undeniable appeal and is often great fun - who wouldn't enjoy kicking ass as Superman and Batman working in unison? [Jan 2007, p.87]

Worth weathering the doldrums for the good bits, but don't rush through or you'll miss them. [May 2008, p.103]

Its colorful looks may appeal to younger gamers, but Super DBZ is too limited in every department to attract interest from anyone else. [Aug 2006, p.93]

Playing Key of Heaven is a little like repeatedly thrusting your arm into a lucky dip filled with equal numbers of gold and emperor scorpions. [Mar 2006, p.95]

A beautiful, but hard-as-nails remastering of the 1988 original that sadly still plays like an 18-year-old game. Exasperating. [Oct 2006, p.96]