An addictive tycoon style game which also caters to those with a bit of creative flair.

There is a variety overload in terms of gameplay; with fundamental 2D gameplay enhanced by the context sensitive magic scheme, a horribly addictive DDR-esque section, 6 fun and quirky mini-games and taking care of your own virtual pet Nintendogs style, not to mention multiplayer mode and a bevy of extras to come back for.

Fireteam Bravo is a slightly flawed gem, but it’s a gem nonetheless and its gameplay online and off shines bright enough on the PSP’s widescreen to capture the hearts and minds of the SOCOM faithful and all PSP gamers who have been long starved of first-class gaming entertainment.

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

Unfortunately the battles just feel small and scaled back in this game.

A real slap across the face to Matrix fans. Do yourselves a favour and take the blue pill.

Overall a good idea, but poor execution throughout. A good technical showpiece for the Xbox 360, but in truth a disappointing game destined for the bargain bins in six months.

One of the purest forms of fun in gaming today. Unless your music tastes lay elsewhere this is something that should be in every PS2 owner’s collection.

Thanks to a number of rewarding new bonuses, and excellent gameplay mechanics, Donkey Kong Country 3 offers one of the best portable platforming experiences on the GBA.

A game that had a lot of potential in its concept, but a few solid ideas can't make up for poor gameplay.

The gameplay is utterly basic, consisting of punching and running, but the co-operative element between two players is quite nice. Kids who loved the movie will no doubt get a kick out of this game.

Far too easy and unsatisfying to do justice to the source material.

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.

A top-notch FPS, and a huge improvement from Finest Hour.

All the elements of a great game are here except the level design. That, however, is a key element in a game with exploration based goals.

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.

The controls aren't the only problem though, the linear gameplay, poor story and repetitive levels really bog this game down.

Spongebob Squarepants and Friends Unite! will provide a bit for the fans but anyone looking for co-op action should look elsewhere, even if they’re under ten.

While the GC version is superior in key areas, RE4 is still an absolutely fantastic game and arguably this generation’s finest.

A game that you must play at all costs.

If you enjoyed the platforming and puzzle aspects of the past games then you won't find much fun here, however, if you enjoyed the shooting and action side of the series then this title will probably suit your needs.

Probably overall the best retro compilation yet. Capcom Classics has some better games, but the better emulation and presentation of Legends, combined with the greater number and variety of games (no “three versions of each game” here) puts it over the top – just.

If you’re a Civ fan this game is a must, if you’re a fan of strategy games this also is a must.

It’s good for pick-up-and-play or to rent when the younger cousins come over to visit but in essence, there are few redeeming reasons to actually purchase this game.

It isn't a deep game but should keep most gamers immersed while they play.

Whilst the game isn't as impressive as San Andreas, it's still incredible and some aspects that were missing from "GTA III" have been included in LCS like motorbikes and more aggresive police.

The Sims 2 isn't the instant classic that the PC version became, but Maxis had to face a lot of issues when porting the game to the consoles, and aside from a lackluster story mode and less than ideal controls the game is still fairly enjoyable.

This could be the game that convinces you to take the "Mario Kart" cartridge out of your DS. Metroid fans will love it. Pinball fans will love it.

The game now leans more towards "run and gun" game play rather than sitting back and plotting your path. The hot swap feature is great though, and isn't just a gimmick.

Juvenile pleasures, but will not satisfy the mature palate.

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.

Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species adds a lot of items but not enough to the game itself. However, it's a good option for those fascinated by exotic animals and/or loved the original concept.

They didn’t really try and they failed almost beyond comprehension. Just put Mario Kart back into your DS slot and if you have one handy, use one of those Men in Black memory erasing devices on yourself so you’ll never have to relive the horror that is Big Mutha Truckers for the DS.

One of the best Crash Bandicoot titles of recent years, it is a real shame the game doesn't last longer though.

There’s certainly enough depth to be found for RTS fans, but once again, it falls a tad sort of our expectations.

As a signpost to the potentially thrilling future of videogaming and an experience like no other title before it, it's almost unquestionably a ten.

Jak X is one of the better kart-styled races on the market. It's a solid experience that Jak fans should come to enjoy.

Whilst we appreciate that the developers have taken some risks with the game, they have ultimately failed.

Not quite legendary, but not apocalyptic either.

This is the best Tony Hawk game since the fourth title, if anyone was frustrated by the seemingly unimportant tasks in "THUG2" then this is the Tony Hawk title to pick up.

Even if it is considered just a kids game, it still doesn't make the grade. That is even with all the conventions that have been borrowed and all the variety that it tries to provide.

The fourth Budokai game is the most accurate videogame rendition of Dragon Ball Z to date. It doesn't get much better than this.

As different, interesting and funny as Stubbs is, clunky controls are annoying, poor design and many dubious decisions are intolerable at market price and simply, an ordinary game is an ordinary game.

It's not terrible, but in reality, only big paintball fans are going to get something out of this title. Everyone else might enjoy it in multiplayer, but would much rather be playing "Halo 2."

It may not be that complex and it might feel a bit weary towards the end. However, this combination of Rockstar experience and a fantastic license has given the gaming community one of the best 3-D beat'em ups ever made.

Arguably the strongest single-player FPS this year. It is the total package – great graphics, great sound, great multiplayer and captivating single player.

A truly wonderful adventure game, thanks largely to an excellent script and memorable cast of characters.

Devil Kings is the title gamers can use to take baby steps into the hack-‘n’-slash world. Not much in the way of advancing any genre, although, as mentioned it does contain some of the most charismatic and slick characters in recent times.

A disappointing title and a poor addition to the Rush franchise, the Rush series is better left in our memories now.

SOCOM 3 is everything a sequel should be. On-line and off, SOCOM 3 is a rewarding experience.

The game just feels a lot faster than its predecessor. The motion blur really helps to make the game a lot more intense, and the tracks are a lot more realistic.

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.

Fans of the series will find that SSX on the PSP is very faithful to the series, there are a few control issues, but it's still a decent game.

A no-nonsense, old style first-person shooter – shoot first, think later. In that sense, it's brilliant fun. However, expect any more and you should prepare to be disappointed.

At times the gameplay can be a bit repetitive, and the humour isn't as successful as you'd hope, but if you're after more of the same then you'll feel right at home with Serious Sam II.

Ty 3 isn't a bad game, taking its target demographic and budget price into account.

The fact that it was finished last year and released in Japan in 2004 and left until now, with no changes, is just one of god’s mysteries.

Whilst Virtua Tennis: World Tour isn't exactly a new game, it's bloody good fun, and even better in wi-fi mode. One of the games of the [Australian] PSP launch.

A worthy follow up to its predecessor, but did we really need another one in such a short space of time?

More of the same, the enemies still aren't any smarter and the environments are still a little repetitive, but fans of the previous title should be well entertained with the game.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more engaging or enjoyable game of this kind. Not unless you dig through back to the SNES days.

Still a fairly average game, but if you just must own one either the console version or the PSP version then the PSP version is the better choice.

The first legitimate contender that Pivotal has released to date.

Trauma Centre is much like any other medical procedure - it feels fine until the anaesthetic wears off.

The controls are an issue to consider before deciding to purchase this game as well, because although it may not seem like they will make that much of a difference, they do.

An average attempt at soccer on the DS. EA appear to have tried to produce a fully fledged soccer game but we cannot help but feel that the DS version is stripped down.

It might seem a little harsh, but we really do have to punish FIFA for regressing this year - what did EA Canada have to gain by going against the series' strengths? Wait for the Xbox 360 version, or jump to the "Pro Evolution Soccer" camp, but don't settle for this.

A competent RPG that has some remote appeal but it doesn't take enough of the things that made the Game Boy versions so enjoyable.

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.

This game isn't going to win any awards for originality or complexity, but if you're after a non linear child's game that is based on the movie then you'll be pleased to know that this game is actually a fairly decent title, which left me very surprised.

One of the best built games in recent times. Intuitive action makes it simple and satisfying with sim and arcade fans being able to get in on the fun.

If you are a die hard fan of aeronautical history and love the idea of a dog fighting turn-based strategy game, this may appeal. To everyone else, it's a complete bore-fest.

Cold War seems to lack the two main components that are crucial to a stealth/espionage game - a solid narrative and a competent stealth system. Combine that with a short overall length, and you've got no real reason to play it.

With it's gentle pace, well-penned storyline and (just occasionally) some of the neatest puzzles we've seen this side of "Grim Fandango", PALGN wants to love CING's game. But it's all a little too obscure in parts, and over too quickly to encourage a real obsession.

It's a solid collection of some of Capcom's best, if you can get over the various emulation issues, however minor they may be.

A decent single player game that exceeds the PC version in places, but unfortunately lags behind it in the most important areas. The multiplayer is great though making Far Cry Instincts a recommendable purchase for those with Xbox Live.

Total Overdose doesn't take itself too seriously; and you shouldn't either. It's a fairly solid action game that puts the emphasis on style.

Slowly these titles are becoming just average compilations. Midway really need to take a break from this series; it is evident from this title that they are running out of ideas.

A completely unrecommendable mess. Even if you can get past the glaring errors, issues, bugs and problems, there is little that make the game different or more worthwhile than any other FPS ever made.

The game falls short in several areas: the game has a tendency of being too easy, the camera angles can be frustrating, the framerate drops and a lot of other nit-picks that prevents this game from being the best in the series.

Top Spin has been ported to the PS2 fairly faithfully, but the game is already two years old and looked better on the Xbox.

This is the ultimate version of the game to own.

While the game still needs some patching, and is unfortunately not DoD as we know it, this is still an absolutely fantastic package; those after a new multiplayer shooter can’t really go wrong with this one. Oh, and expect this score to go up over time as Valve patches out various problems.

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.

Ultimate Spider-Man has an excellent comic book style presentation and a great story, but the gameplay seems to hold it back from being one of the better titles released this holiday season.

The new additions truly add to the experience and create a fairly satisfying RTS experience.

When you take the physical activity and cheap, tacky prizes out of Whac-A-Mole, you're left with virtually nothing.

It's the definitive version of Fable, but only those who've not played the Xbox game, or are die hard fans should pick it up, given the additional content is not as plentiful as one would have expected, nor does it make the game profoundly different from what was released 12 months ago.

Truly original games are hard to come by so when something this good comes along it should be grabbed with both hands. We Love Katamari, we really do.

Genji: Dawn of Samurai has plenty of potential appeal and a fair amount of fun. There's just too much of the former and it skimps on the later.

This is the greatest handheld American football game available and fans of the game are likely to be very impressed with the game.

If you like X-Men and have four friends that share that like, you are going to find that there's a lot of fun to be had in X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse. It's just a shame that it doesn't really appeal to the rest of us.

Under-use of the Marvel license, focus on style over substance and a rushed developer have ensured that Marvel Nemesis will be the turkey of the EA holiday lineup.

One of the most unique adventure games in years. Gripping stuff from start to finish.

A good game. It's also one that has been there before.

With another six months of development time this could have been another enjoyable puzzle game for the PSP, but unfortunately Frantix is just a little too short and a little too budget for our liking.

The cell shaded look is effective, and all the environments feel vibrant.

With a poor story, short quest mode and no real reason to come back to the game there could be better choices for those in need of a platformer for christmas.