The new cities are fantastic; the handling model still hits that perfect balance between fantasy and realism and the sheer amount of things to do, plus its online multiplayer means you be playing it for a long time to come.

If you liked A New Beginning, then there is little reason why you shouldn’t pick up The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night. The game uses the same basic combat system and adds a few new elements to it. Just don’t go expecting too much more.

NBA 2K8 has excellent on-court play, awesome presentation and a packed feature set - basketball video games don't get any better than this.

One of the finest portable adventures ever created, and yet another high point for one of gaming's greatest franchises.

After last year's effort, it’s good to see the franchise back on track. There are still plenty of areas where it could improve and there is lots of refinement to be done, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.

Jackass The Game is a game that is enjoyable while it lasts, but once you've completed it there isn't much reason to come back and play the title again.

The game becomes repetitive and boring after just half an hour and the gameplay is just too dull.

The Forge and Theatre modes redefine what it is to make a game "for the fans", as they are substantial and influential additions to the game and have the potential to build Halo 3 even further then it has ever been before.

A lightweight, yet fun, title which should appeal to those who are new to the Strategy genre, or those that want a more relaxing experience. Its only major drawback is that its more of a sidestep than a revolution of the series.

The technology behind Singstar needs to improve; charging $49.95 for what is essentially a cd is fairly expensive. However, the game is still incredibly fun and addictive in multiplayer, plus the songs are some of the best yet.

Blazing Angels 2 goes in guns-a-blazin', but runs out of fuel rather quickly.

MySims may be a simple game, but it's remarkably easy to approach and watching your town go from a ghost town to a location other Sims want to visit is very satisfying. It's just a bit of a shame the franchise has been dumbed down in the transition to the Wii.

MySims is fun, but not for very long.

Sonic Rush Adventure is in many ways an improvement over its predecessor, but an ill-conceived plot, annoying new characters and an awful lot of repetition hold it back from being truly great.

A big, loud, highly polished game that's possibly a bit too smitten with its own good looks. As it is, World in Conflict is often more fun to watch than to actually play.

Warriors Orochi will offers a great deal of fan service to those who are already lovers of the Warriors series. For those not fans of repetitive button mashing missions there's very little on offer.

It doesn't offer anything new apart from the tracks... but that should be of no surprise to fans of the game. If you like to rock, SingStar: Amped is a worthy purchase for your party needs.

Eternal Sonata offers a unique blend of beautiful scenery and surprisingly tactical combat to create one of the better RPG's that we've seen over the past few years. This is definitely worth a crack for hardcore and casual RPG fans alike.

The gameplay has improved but there are still a few problems which means only those who will get extreme joy from customising their vehicles should take a second look at Juiced 2.

Skate is a game that really captures the feel of skating.

PixelJunk Racers is a basic game, not basic in the sense that it's easy to pick the game up (but it is) but basic in the sense that the game can be a little bit too boring.

Driven by an excellent story and cinematic presentation, if you're a PS3 owner, Heavenly Sword is one of the exclusive HD experiences that you've been waiting for.

One of the most refined sports updates we've seen for quite some time.

Fatal Inertia turns out to be a reasonably generic futuristic racer with a reasonably generic name that delivers some decent racing without stepping too far out of the genre's boundaries.

While it's an excellent package worthy of further investigation for those interested in music, it's likely to be quite a disappointment to those interested in buying a game.

Slightly frustrating at times, but a good package overall.

Drawn to Life offers up some solid, yet safe, platforming. Where it really shines is in the concept behind its world and the ability to draw sections it. There are few games that let you get creative, but this is definately one of them.

One of the best hockey games money can buy.

Stranglehold successfully merges the third person action game with John Woo's cinematic flair, with great, if short-lived results.

The game can be a little restrictive but the campaign mode is enjoyable and is sure to satisfy World War II FPS fans.

Despite a well-developed combat system, Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is a generic beat ‘em up title with minimal redeeming features. Unless you liked the first game, there are better Naruto titles available that offer a more pleasing experience.

Worms: Open Warfare 2 hardly reinvents the wheel but is a much better package this time round. It also can be a lot of fun.

The graphics are pretty, though everything else feels incredibly ordinary, with the intentions solely being focused on tacking Garfield’s name onto a lifeless affair. The game is far too simple and offers very little to anyone who buys it – there are much better alternatives available.

So while it's not that bad, Lair probably could have or really, should have been much better.

Dead Head Fred is an interesting, immersive and innovative game that makes good use of the PlayStation Portable's capabilities. A few gameplay issues and the eventual receptiveness drag the title down a notch or two though.

A highly enjoyable game and one that’s easily recommended to those who crave competitive play with a good dose of chaos thrown in.

Got an Xbox 360? Want a Japanese RPG? Not expecting a revelation? Then Blue Dragon has something for you.

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 plays much like the love child of Phantasy Star Online and World of Warcraft, but lacking the online component. It may prove daunting for many, but could be the perfect match for those looking for a hefty adventure.

Stuntman Ignition is far better than its predecessor and a highly enjoyable game. As long as the premise behind the game appeals to you we have no hesitation recommending the game.

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam is the extremely tired Dynasty Warriors gameplay with a Gundam storyline. If you're a fan of either franchise, you may enjoy this. Everyone else should steer clear.

Players would be better off waiting until the show comes around again to spend that sort of money on sideshow games.

While you can find some enjoyment out of Pet Aliens, the overall product is fairly average despite its high points. Probably one for the die-hard fans only.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is an enjoyable game for those who love the gentleman's game, just don't expect much to have changed.

Quirky minigames can be excellent fun, but the best collections offer variety. Spinning a wheel ad infinitum just doesn't cut it.

While Metropolismania 2 tries to blend elements from Animal Crossing and Sim City, it is poorly executed. The game feels like a chore, gets repetitive and frustrating, and won’t maintain your interest for long.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is an essential purchase for Wii owners which finally shows what the Wii is capable of, not only technically but in regards to control too.

Better than its predecessor, but only just.

Two Worlds is a good game that suffers from a shoddy port. You would best be playing it on PC. Or, better yet, playing Oblivion.

Whilst not groundbreaking, Two Worlds offers some decent fantasy gaming. It's just a shame for the game that there's others out there that do the 'open world' RPG thing better.

BioShock's combination of a compelling story, increased interactivity and fantastic gameplay raises the bar for all future first person shooters.

Whilst Settlers does its job reasonably well, the fact that there are so many occasions in which little occurs within the game is a little disappointing. However, if you have a great deal of patience Settlers is a relatively rewarding game.

Dragoneer's Aria could have been a good game, but the dreadful battle system, lacklustre story and average presentation make it very difficult to recommend.

Brunswick Pro Bowling could have been an extension of the bowling found in Wii Sports. Unfortunately, by making the game too difficult most players are best left to playing the bowling game that came free with their Wii.

Dungeons & Dragons Tactics may just have enough for fans but it's otherwise too slow and restrictive for anyone else to be interested.

One of the stronger PS2 titles to be released in recent memory, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is a must-have for any RPG fan who's looking for something a little different from what else is available.

It's clichéd, it's hokey, and the design could have been far better - while nothing's individually or overly poor, the package just doesn't quite work.

Madden NFL 08 is a step in the right direction for Madden on the HD consoles. While it's still quite a good game, a few more steps are needed.

If you’re a fan of High School Musical, you’ll enjoy Makin’ the Cut. Otherwise, stick to Elite Beat Agents.

Whilst Crazy Taxi has a number of technical issues, they don't add up to anything more than a minor inconvenience to the majestic mayhem, especially with a second player along for the ride.

Mega Man Starforce is far from a bad RPG. It's just doesn't do anything that hasn't been done better before.

Mega Man Starforce is far from a bad RPG. It's just doesn't do anything that hasn't been done better before.

Mega Man Starforce is far from a bad RPG. It's just doesn't do anything that hasn't been done better before.

Boogie is a nice looking package, but the gameplay simply doesn't stack up to the competition. Very stylish, but way too simplistic to be taken seriously.

Attack on Pearl Harbor offers some great 'arcadey' action and some incredibly fun aerial combat that is great in short bursts. However players looking for something in a complicated/involving vein are best to look elsewhere.

An outstanding mix of action and strategy make Glory Days 2 one of those much-fabled hidden gems.

Unfortunately with average presentation and a distinct lack of options the game is only really recommended to those who thrive on the idea of playing chess via the Xbox 360.

If you can get past the potential motion sickness, you've got a simple but lengthy and engrossing adventure with Marathon: Durandal.

Despite featuring only a short single player mode Mario Strikers Charged Football is an incredibly entertaining game and comes highly recommended for Wii owners who are starved for games.

If you’re a pre-teen who loves either Bratz or ponies (or both), you’ll have a fair amount of fun playing this game. Everyone else should stay away.

It's Dynasty Warriors, but it's hideously ugly and devoid of content, and therefore not worth the two hours it takes to beat.

Alien Syndrome is a generic update and a game that is easily forgotten.

NASCAR 08 feels very bare, though there is still a reasonably good foundation for EA to build upon for future years.

A fantastic expansion and worth every cent, Beyond the Sword offers plenty of new content to properly upgrade the world of Civilization IV. A must buy for fans of the game.

Not many risks were taken in bringing Bomberman to the Xbox Live Arcade and the game is still a lot more enjoyable in multiplayer, but it's hard to go past Bomberman Live for an enjoyable multiplayer experience that has truly stood the test of time.

Despite obvious problems with the AI, GRAW2 is a solid, polished game that will draw you in and keep you hooked to the end.

While not exactly a bad game, Everybody’s Tennis has a basic training mode, low AI and outdated graphics that hurt its overall appeal.

While not terrible, there just isn't enough in PaRappa the Rapper to lift it into contention against today's various music games.

Rugby 08 does stray into familiar territory, especially if you’ve played a lot of Rugby 06. Still, the additions and improvements to the game are definitely welcome, particularly the Challenge mode that accompanies the World Cup and the minor improvements in the complex aspects such as scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls.

As far as portable tennis games go, you're not exactly spoilt for choice. But Smash Court Tennis 3 comes highly recommended for those looking for the most in-depth tennis experience.

Project Sylpheed fits the bill for anyone who is looking for some solid flight combat action, and doesn't mind some anime inspired storylines.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the definitive modern Ninja Gaiden version and one of the top action games currently available.

Vampire Rain is simply a sloppy, masochistic mess that wastes an otherwise solid concept and functional form.

Cookie and Cream is an enjoyable game that kids and adults will both get pleasure from. The game ends up feeling like Crash Bandicoot mixed with Mario, which is a good combination.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6 Vegas is still an incredible game and is highly recommended. It may be coming a little bit late but you'll be having so much fun you just won't care.

While Transformers: The Game may be something of a typical movie tie-in, there's just enough spark here to provide a bit of fun for anyone who likes the movie or is just looking for some dumb fun.

Despite its obvious shortcomings, it's difficult to overlook the game's clear enjoyment. Keep expectations low and you could find your 'guilty pleasure' title of the year.

Astonishing graphics do not compensate for underwhelming gameplay.

GrimGrimoire is a game that could have been great had it had a little bit more variety and a few minor tweaks. That said its gameplay is definitely one of the best implementations of the RTS genre currently available on consoles.

An okay platforming game that provides some adequete platforming entertainment. Everything in the game has that same "been there done that" feeling, but as the game doesn't have any major flaws fans of the film and small children may find some fun in the game.

While the visuals make decent use of the DS hardware, the gameplay is very basic and gets repetitive even after a short period. There are a few moments of fun such as when you’re cooking, but otherwise, there’s nothing overly impressive about Ratatouille.

With such a low price point, the best format to pick Ratatouille up for is the PC. For a platformer, Ratatouille is pretty enjoyable and younger gamers should enjoy it.

The Darkness is an experience first and something you play second. If you can get your head around that you’ll find plenty here for your hard earned cash.

If you're looking for the ultimate Pokemon-on-Wii experience, you'll have to keep waiting. If you crave battles and 3D Pokemon, you may just find enough here to keep you entertained, but everyone else will find better things to do very quickly.

A broken game that isn't recommended to anyone. Stay well away.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was on the right track but needed more time to be great. Only fans will find any enjoyment.

Good while it lasts. It’s just a pity it doesn’t last very long.

DiRT is a great rally game and a return to grace for Codemaster's Colin McRae rally series. With a fantastic damage model system and absolutely gorgeous graphics this is a game that could even sway those who are normally put off by rally games.

SimCity DS is classic SimCity, but with a cluttered interface and a bunch of other minor annoyances.