An interesting marriage of RPG cultures, while Magnacarta 2 plays well and offers a lot, it suffers from a lot of the usual RPG follies.

If you don't like the genre, this won't convert you, but for those who are hooked on turn based battles, this will fit the bill nicely.

Longevity is unfortunately absent in March of the Minis and is ultimately the thorn in the game’s foot, preventing it from being a much more memorable puzzler.

The Wii controls make a great game a good game. All the core ideas are presented, but only accessible if you quite literally want to make the move to snare the fun.

It's a good example of licensing put to a credible use. Nothing will amaze audiences beyond what's been introduced before in other titles, but Ace in Action stands as a confident addition to the ever-mediocre lineup of children's games.

While not very different or revolutionary, Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 provides the fans with what they want. Plenty of DBZ and some solid but enjoyable fighting action.

A fun, challenging and intense recreation of a classic franchise that's good in short bursts.

As familiar as Dead or Alive can be, a solid fighter in its own right, and a genuine alternative to SSFIV 3D, especially if you're new to the fighting genre.

A classic example of style over substance. Superb production values, but there's no real meat in the underlying game.

Virtua Tennis 3 is very similar to "World Tour," so the game is only really recommended for those who didn't pick up the first title on launch.

A decent survival horror action title, it just simply hasn't evolved much from its predecessor; the environments are a little restrictive and the action can be a bit stop start sometimes.

A respectable debut for the series on the Xbox 360, the buzzers are wireless, it's a shame about the number of questions but Scene It? is definitely a game that will get the casual gamer involved this Christmas.

Alice: Madness Returns is a surreal bit of macabre platforming and action, that just doesn't have a real sense of pacing.

A great action puzzle game that controls well and is quite addictive. Well worth the budget price!

Real Football 2009 delivers a fun football experience, which holds up surprisingly well on the DS.

And even though it’s a fun action in it’s own right with nice style, nice touches and some panache, the aforementioned issues as well as weak controls and brevity bring down an otherwise solid, if eventually run-of-the-mill third person shooter.

While Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 plays a good game of footy, one can’t help but wonder what more could have been done on the PS3 or Xbox 360. Or when we’ll actually see it.

Fans of the first will still enjoy it, but Holkins and Krahulik need to return to their roots.

While the base game remains fairly much the same, the new space battles are a real thrill – it's just a pity that the hero system that appeared to be so promising really just serves to unbalance the experience.

It really grows on you though and once it does it becomes highly addictive.

CrossworDS is a surprisingly solid game and a fantastic addition to the touch generations series.

Singstar Legends is a return to form for Studio London. The tracks have been localised for Australia, there are thirty songs and most of the songs on the compilation are fun to sing along to. The perfect christmas present.

Although a few hiccups are met along the way in the form of the touch screen elements, gameplay remains solid enough to keep you playing until the end. Multiplayer is the game’s saving grace.

James Bond 007: Blood Stone is a good, workmanlike title with modest pleasures to be derived from the trappings of its license. Unfortunately, stiff combat, inconsistent visuals and a weak narrative ensure that the definitive 007 videogame adaptation is yet to come.

A well presented and cleverly executed platformer that’ll be appreciated by fans and gamers looking for a solid platforming game.

Beautifully presented, and has enough strategic depth to compensate for its occasional dead spots and sparse online community.

A game that is just fun to play. It isn't fundamentally different from it's predecessor but there is more of everything. It's a great puzzle game.

If you played last years game, then it's almost impossible to justify purchasing Madden NFL 07.

Lips sets out to take the karaoke genre by storm, but ultimately doesn't hit the high notes thanks to a lacklustre single-player affair, lack of online options and a meagre track list.

While it isn't the ultimate Spiderman title that gamers have been clamouring for, Spiderman: Web of Shadows provides gamers with a slice of web-slinging fun.

The lack of content lets down an otherwise competent racer.

Destroy All Humans! 2 keeps a lot of what was good about the first game and adds enough to make it something of a better experience. Somehow loses a bit to the material and to glitch issues that shouldn't be found in games released in this period of a console cycle.

Secret Agent Clank is playable and even enjoyable at many points, but is brought down by some very questionable stealth sections, a dodgy camera and a lack of overall innovation. Certainly not bad, but not great either.

Rabbids: Alive and Kicking is a collection of party games that's worth picking up if you plan on playing with others, but if not, only hardcore Rabbids fans need apply.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is a fairly good Sonic game that brings the franchise back to school, but several shortcomings prevent it from reaching greatness.

A competent mini-game collection, with some nice nostalgia for Mario & Sonic fans and plenty of waggle.

Perhaps the most casual Dragon Quest game to date, TMQATTOM is a case of too little, too late, and is difficult to recommend to anyone but a casual or perhaps younger gamer.

If you are looking for a console shooter on the handheld, then this is your best bet. It's unfair to expect more from the PSP when the demands are so huge, but the PSP is easily online ready, and Star Wars Battlefront II just doesn't feel the same without going online.

Minor errors corrupt what might have been a good game.

Magical Melodies doesn’t foal around. What kernels of entertainment can be extracted from its time-consuming gameplay are let down by lazy aesthetics and an overall confusing design for newcomers to the franchise.

While the vision is pure, the final execution is anything but. However, purity has never been a requirement for some, and for anyone after a simple, if shallow Hawk experience on the Wii, this may provide the goods.

ParaWorld is an enjoyable, yet highly simple and traditional, real-time strategy title that gets a few points knocked off purely because of its dated concepts and poor execution.

Crash of the Titans is fun, but it's really just platforming by the numbers. Nothing more, nothing less.

While there are a lot of positive elements to Age of Empires Online which see it retain the series' core strategy mechanics, you can't help but shake the feeling that there is a decent amount of content hidden away from you.

While it isn’t the perfect Spyro game, it still manages to be a decent and enjoyable action title. Sadly, repetitive gameplay and a short lifespan hurt a lot of its overall quality.

Flock! is a fun puzzling game, offering surprising depth and variation for all you good shepherds. The somewhat fiddly controls stop it from being great, however. Now flock off.

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.

An improvement over Champions of Norrath, but just doesn't do enough to separate itself from the other games which have preceded it.

Shattered Memories is an uneven, disappointing game which nevertheless shows ample promise of where the series might go from here. Fingers crossed that Climax re-evaluates the abysmal nightmare sequences and ups the fright-factor while maintaining their shrewd emphasis on pared-back, psychological horrors.

Rainbow Six Vegas is a short but entertaining first-person shooter that will attract fans of the Tom Clancy games, but not much beyond that.

If it's your only option, then Capcom Puzzle World provides one of the most comprehensive Super Puzzle Fighter II experiences for you.

Order of War does little to justify a purchase above the likes of the truly great recent RTS efforts out there, giving gamers a short distraction before returning to the big guns of the genre.

All the problems in the game are common areas that all RTS games should focus to be at their best, but Blitzkrieg II fails to fix any of them, and therefore results in an average RTS outing.

The action can become a little bit repetitive, and the adventure aspects of old Spyro titles are gone, but it does feel like a New Beginning for the franchise.

A competent RPG that is hampered by several minor flaws. The controls are simple to pick up, and battles are quick and enjoyable. Some players however will get frustrated by the repetitive nature of the job licenses, the translation issues and the lack of a detailed map. If you don't have high expectations though, then there's enough on offer to keep you interested.

Silverfall is not particularly a bad game, it just is not a groundbreaking game in a genre that has had several heavyweights that still shine to this very day. The game has a handful of irritating bugs that you would typically never see in other games, and ultimately hurts the final product. There is still plenty of enjoyment to be found with Silverfall though.

If you intend to play with friends and family, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is a great title to add to your collection. If you intend to go solo, then the experience isn’t so great.

Fans of the original, or people who enjoy a game that offers little challenge, but strong narrative, may want to check this out. If it’s action and involving gameplay you're after, leave this one well alone.

Above average. Minor errors corrupt what may have been a good game.

MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge is hindered by some technical issues like the long loading and the lack of an auto save.

Charming, but simple and repetitive. Sonic fans may find some fun, but there are far better RPGs to be found on the DS.

A missed chance to address the problems of the original. Battlemarch is simply more of the same thing that didn't really work first time around.

Despite a great presentation and being simply is fun to play, it's disappointing that even over 10 years, something hasn't been developed to rival its position as one of the best Kirby titles ever, especially when this could of been it instead.

Anyone who is an arcade soccer fan would be best advised to pickup "World Tour Soccer," and if you're a simulation fan then it is highly advisable that you wait for "Pro Evolution Soccer 5" to come to the PSP.

Though let down its by haphazard combat mechanics, there are enough positives to The Lost Frontier to make it worth checking out for both fans of the series and of platforming games in general.

Darkwatch gives vampires, undead, cowboys and plenty of bullets to fire. But that's about it. Otherwise, Darkwatch is a fairly standard affair that's worth a rental.

Parents can rest assured with this game. As for the rest of us, unless you're a huge Spongebob fan or have a lot of beer, there are better games out there.

The jaded mechanics of Patapon 3 are masked behind a stunning piece of art and repetitive gameplay, but it does enough to keep the fans happy.

Much like the new Star Wars trilogy, there's more than enough to appreciate in the sight and sound department, but delve below the surface, and it just isn't quite as enjoyable as it should be.

NBA Street Homecourt is all glitz and glamour, with little substance.

Despite featuring a number of gameplay improvements and trying to reinvent the LEGO formula, ultimately LEGO Indiana Jones 2 lacks the substance and appeal of previous entries.

Wallabies Rugby Challenge provides a consistent rugby experience for fans of the sport but is marred by rudimentary mistakes and a lack of polish.

Just what the PSP needs. An original RPG and a template for what other developers should strive for. Too bad it doesn't quite hit the mark in certain respects.

Unfortunately, it’s not as portable as it could be with stretched load times and no save stat, and the collection in general is not as robust as the PS2/Xbox version.

Despite a few drawbacks, Rubik’s Puzzle World is a surprisingly delightful game that should be given a shot by anyone who considers themselves a puzzle fanatic.

Avatar: The Burning Earth will prove irresistible to fans of the series who want to devour more information about their favourite characters, but for the uninitiated the choppy storyline and short lifespan should make you think twice before making a purchase.

Considering the low price tag (USD$4.95), adventure fans would do well to check Puzzle Bots out. Just be prepared for a frustrating final level and silly plot twist that comes together a bit too quickly.

While some will be turned off by the challenging gameplay and the less appealing visuals, those seeking an old-school gaming experience should look no further.

Revenge of the Fallen is just a competent third-person shooter, with bland presentation, a fun multiplayer mode and some cool unlockables.

A classic example of style over substance.

A decent hack-and-slash RPG. Even though it’s much simpler and lacks the depth of its PC predecessor, it actually suits the handheld format. However, it’s some of the thoughtless design choices, the lack of good direction and tech issues that hold it back from standing out against, say "Untold Legends."

It lacks the depth, polish and implemention of top tennis games but the humour and game modes allow to Outlaw Tennis to stand on its own. And given the price, some of the flaws are easy to overlook.

Overall, Vanguard is promising. With some tweaking over its lifespan, it may be able to provide some fresh MMORPG action, with some elements new to the genre. However, currently many issues hold it back from being great.

The very mention of Sherlock Holmes is enough to award some merit, and the gameplay isn't half bad either. Players thirsty for a classic adventure should give it a shot.

Poker Night at the Inventory continues Telltale's tradition of offering games that deliver a great story. You'll come for the cheap poker mechanic and stay for the humourous banter.

This once fantastic platformer title has been struck down into a very sluggish and amateurish conversion and leaves us here at PALGN questioning what exactly happened?

If you’re a fan of Marvel Comics or the trading card game itself, then you’ll want to pick this title up. Others should keep in mind it takes a bit of patience to learn the basic rules.

While the level of humour remains the same, the PlayStation 2 version falls short in the graphics department. The mini-games also don’t feel as engaging as they do on the Wii at times.

Goldeneye 007: Reloaded is a workmanlike game which does exactly what it says on the tin, but little more. Solid then, but utterly inessential, especially for those who have sampled the Wii iteration.

Thrillville could’ve benefited from a little more development time to make the mini-games a little more fun.

While nothing particularly special is definitely the best Terminator game for a long time.

Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII is an improvement over its predecessor, but still suffers from a few obvious flaws in its design to be considered a 'must-have' title. However, if you dig flying planes and shooting stuff, this title is certainly worth checking out.

Hunter's Trophy is a competent hunting simulator, which when you get past the rifle accessory doesn't have much to offer.

A reasonable boxing title that just arrived too late - slightly dated mechanics, graphical problems and those lengthy cutscenes really hold things back.

Moto GP is a good racer for anyone who wants motorcylces on the go and is willing to work past the controls.

Super Dragon Ball Z has some fighting and DBZ, but there just isn't quite enough of either to go round.

Essentially more of the same old same old, and it's starting to wear thin.

Whilst Full Auto is an enjoyable game, it's still an ultimately limited title that isn't going to hold your interest for nearly as long as you would expect. This is a game you play in short bursts rather than for hours on end.