An abundance of cheap tactics and bland gameplay make this one title that will forever be warming the bench.

Battle of the Bands offers some casual fun, but if you're looking for an engaging rhythm game there's much better ones out there.

Come for the charm. Stay for the roguelike learning experience. Endure for an insomniac's cure.

Come for the charm. Stay for the roguelike learning experience. Endure for an insomniac's cure.

As a stand alone product Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is a solid game with a decent RRP. Those who want the full Gran Turismo experience will need to wait until next year, but Prologue still offers up a bundle of content, making the title a worthwhile purchase for even a casual Gran Turismo fan.

Emergency Mayhem features poor driving and very average mini games - this is a title that is worth avoiding.

FlatOut: Head On basically takes FlatOut 2 and tweaks a few things, resulting in a solid game, with plenty of content. The racing isn't quite as good this time around, but the Carnage mode is pretty decent.

There is a very playable game hiding underneath some serious issues here. Whether you can overlook them is up to you.

Viking: Battle of Asgard is a passable hack-and-slash that would have left a stronger impression if the style managed to outdo the substance.

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.

Minor blemishes of challenge and length on an otherwise sharply crafted blade, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword is nevertheless a solidly designed DS title.

NOMBZ is a simple shooter that has just a few too many problems to be easily recommended.

If your PSP has been gathering dust in the corner for some time, it's time to dust it off, grab a copy of Crisis Core and experience one of the truly great titles to ever grace the PSP.

With all the structural changes made, Kane's Wrath is what the original Command and Conquer 3 should have been in the first place. It doesn't re-invent anything, but it polishes what was otherwise a game let down by a number of disappointing flaws.

With one of the best soundtracks yet Singstar 90's is definitely a title that younger readers will want to add to their collection, if you weren't a fan of 90's music then steer cleer, but otherwise this is a game you'll want to pick up.

Despite being a year late, Everybody’s Golf: World Tour brings something little less serious but still quite enjoyable to the club house.

Sega Superstars Tennis mixes tennis and mini games and unfortunately doesn't excel at either.

Sega Superstars Tennis mixes tennis and mini games and unfortunately doesn't excel at either.

Sega Superstars Tennis mixes tennis and mini games and unfortunately doesn't really excel at either.

A casual affair. While the mini games are decent and perfectly suited to a handheld, the tennis part of the game is average.

While not as revolutionary as the original, it's still a very competent game and is worth a look for anybody interested in the series at all.

This Wii version bodes well for the future of the Pro Evolution Soccer franchise. Hopefully Konami runs with it and continues to improve the concepts they've developed here. Recommended for those with even a passing interest in soccer, sorry - football.

Brain Challenge is a decent game, with numerous brain-teasers to keep you entertained for weeks. However, a few flaws leave the game less polished than it should be.

A more enjoyable game than its predecessor and a fun game for kids.

While it maintains the atmosphere of the original title, the silly sci-fi twist of the second half of the game prevents it from reaching the white-knuckled heights of atmospheric tension that Condemned: Criminal Origins thrived on.

While the shonky AI and cumbersome controls take away from the game, there is no denying that Ring of Fates is another solid gaming experience from Square Enix.

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.

The Buzz! series is still undoubtedly good value and Buzz! Hollywood Quiz! is a game that Buzz! fans will definitely enjoy.

A decent compilation, but we would have liked to have seen more included on the disk to keep players coming back.

While the PS2 port of Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters isn’t a bad game, it is still the worst game in the series and doesn’t live up to its predecessors. Probably best for die-hard fans only.

Perhaps by being willing to limit itself, Brawl could have been a great game. As it stands, it is simply the strongest iteration of a great series.

Army of Two is an enjoyable team-based shooter that plays soundly and looks fantastic. Though it offers a style of gameplay we have seen countless times before, EA's latest endeavour is a solid effort that is sure to be a hit with co-op fans.

A great portable action game and a fine portable distraction until the real deal comes around.

An ideal choice for fans of the genre, and possibly a more surprising title for gamers who are curious.

The Wii version is slightly better looking and has motion controls that are reasonably well implemented, as is the extra content.

As solid and reliable as Soulstorm is, it's a largely uninspired attempt to wring a few more bucks out of the series. If it's 'more of the same' that you're after, then go right ahead.

It may amuse the really small ones, but unless you've got the memory of the goldfish you're going to spend your time catching, this one's probably worth avoiding.

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.

Triggerheart: Exelica is a good little shooter that's held back by a lack of value for anyone other than the hardcore.

A lackluster first person shooter, the game is not only let down by the disappointingly forgettable story, but the horrendous gameplay.

While the story is certainly entertaining, the gameplay is too linear to be taken seriously. The game can be completed in an evening, but it's undoubtedly cool being able to explore the island and its characters first hand if you watch the show.

Patapon reminds us that there is still room for originality in gaming. Easily one of the must-have titles on the PSP.

There’s simply not enough to keep players going. If you do manage to find this title in the bargain bin, it can provide some cheap fun on the way to work each morning. Otherwise, you will be disappointed by the lack of fleshed out features.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is an intense and enjoyable shooter with enough unique features to set itself apart, but we would have expected more polish from this port.

Tired fishing puns aside, Sega Bass Fishing is a tasty, if dated and flawed kettle of arcade angling.

A sub-standard mini-game compilation that lacks the appeal of other 'brain games'.

Despite its flaws, Frontlines: Fuel of War has solid gameplay and an exciting multiplayer mode that stands out from the pack. While it may not be the most original game ever made, that doesn't change the fact that it's a whole lot of fun to play.

A fun addition to the Buzz! Junior library, Dino Den is an entertaining romp that should keep the kids occupied, and enjoyed by the whole family should they want to give it a go.

A great mix of fun and frustration.

The Club is so excellent at capturing the essence of old-school arcade gaming that you might find yourself trying to shove dollar coins into your console.

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.

It's a simple game but if taken it on its own merits, The Club should satisfy anyone with an old-school interest in high scores.

Another solid entry, but the series probably needed more then solid. Weaker characters are offset by new novelties, but it will still be worth a go for fans of the idea.

Dynasty Warriors 6 is a years-old game masquerading as a new one. Old gameplay and old visuals mean that if we want some crowd-mashing fun, we'll be digging out a previous iteration before this one.

FIFA Street 3 would be a great game if it could manage to find some depth. As it is, the game is immediately pleasing, but runs out of puff too quickly, especially in solo play.

New Zealand Story Revolution is still an enjoyable game, but the touch screen controls drag the quality down severely, if you just want to play the original game then it may be worth hunting down Taito Legends.

Conflict: Denied Ops is a mediocre first-person shooter with average gameplay. With so many flaws, this game is a tough sell at its current premium price.

So while it doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary (well, in comparison to the rest of the series), it delivers what it needs to and does with distinction. It's marginally a better game than the original, but it doesn't have the advantage of being the series' return to form. Still, if you're a WipEout fan or someone who's after an adrenaline and challenge packed racer, then WipEout Pulse astutely fits the bill.

Jumper: Griffin's Story is not only one of the worst movie to game adaptations we've ever played, it's quite simply one of the worst games ever.

For fans of the JRPG and those who are in it for the story will find Lost Odyssey to be one of the most moving and compelling experiences to be found in a video game.

Professor Layton and the Curious Village is a wonderful combination of style and substance that will keep gamers entralled for hours.

If you've already amassed a large collection of puzzle games on XBLA, you'll probably find nothing really significant to add Poker Smash to your collection. But if you're a sucker for Tetris styled games with a twist, you can't go past the slick presentation and fast-paced fun of Poker Smash.

On the one hand, it is weaker then the mass of counterparts in the genre and doesn’t quite know how to ‘honour’ its heritage. However, on the other hand, it does a couple of things much better and allows you to take on cold mercenaries and dinosaurs with dual wielding shotguns and a knife that makes Rambo look like a boy scout.

Through the tears of frustration and joy, you'll find that Devil May Cry 4 is the premier action game so far in the HD generation.

Lacks a final polish, the combat and exploration can get repetitive, and the visuals are poor. However, there are a number of minor features which will please fans such as the entries in the Field Guide and Thimbletack’s tendency to rhyme.

With technical problems that could retroactively plague any Crusade, Altaïr's Chronicles are best left forgotten.

A resounding success and the best sci-fi strategy game currently available.

While it has some frustrating aspects to it, Farm Vet does have some fun gameplay in it. It's definitely the best animal simulator on the PC, but if you have a different piece of hardware there are greater games in the genre to choose from.

Rez on the XBLA is a one-of-a-kind experience, and while it doesn't have a remarkably wide appeal, those who 'get it' will be much better off for playing it.

Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice is an entertaining action game with plenty to do and see. Though players won't bore of tearing up the highway in a cop car, boss battles may eventually get the better of you.

Pixeljunk Monsters is a brilliant game that's perfectly suited to the PlayStation Network. With several levels and some incredibly easy to pick up gameplay, Pixeljunk Monsters is a title that's definitely worth picking up.

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games is a mediocre mini-game compilation for the Nintendo DS. The Wii version is better and there are far better mini-game titles on the Nintendo DS.

Burnout Paradise isn't a typical update, but the decision to move the game to an open world can generally be considered a good one. There are still a few annoying flaws (the lack of a try again option, the less enjoyable crash options) but the great presentation, incredible online implementation and wealth of things to do in Paradise City will please even the most cynical Burnout fan.

Would have scored higher if the PAL version had been the complete version, but still a must buy for any 18+ year old Wii owners with half a brain cell.

If you’re looking for something that’s different and is completely about exploration, then you’ll enjoy what Endless Ocean has to offer.

The most refined and solid entry in the Advance Wars series yet, though more emphasis on innovation instead of iteration would be a good thing.

If you can get some friends together, there's some bashtastic fun to be had with Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom. That is, more than you would have on your own.

While certainly not a bad game, Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity simply lacks refinement in a few key areas. The controls need to be tighter, and the gear change system could better implemented. Unless you’re a Sonic fan or enjoyed the first game, you need not apply.

Brain Challenge is a polished and entertaining game that solidly achieves its objective of testing your cognitive abilities.

Rarely has a game so clearly demonstrated that 'less is more'. There's a great game here for those who know what it's about, but you have to wade through to it.

A good port of one of the best 2D fighters in the last couple of years. The only new thing it brings to the table is novelty, but with solid mechanics and visuals it's worth a look for fighting fans anyway.

A squandered opportunity. Too many bad design decisions overwhelm a potentially solid little game. Hopefully, though, this won't be the last we see of W40K on the DS.

MX vs. ATV is a game that is 'fun enough'. There will be gamers who will find a lot to like, and perhaps even love here, but it's unlikely they'll be coming back in six months time to relive the experience.

Unreal Tournament III is a great PC port for the PS3. It makes for a fun, fast and furious multiplayer shooter that stands out on a system without much else.

An unexpectedly good time that manages to rise above a cluster of problems, most notably - for us, at least - with multiplayer. A smidge more polish will get Universe at War up there with the best.

Not even the most dedicated fans of the movie will find this game to be of any interest. Children's game or not, The Golden Compass is well below par and not worth your money.

Alvin and the Chipmunks is a terrible, terrible game. Nobody should have to endure the title.

If you are a Geometry Wars fan or are simply after a shooter then you cannot go wrong with Galaxies. The game is ideal for the Nintendo DS and the controls are fantastic.

Master of Illusion is a solid magic kit on a cartridge, it's difficult to describe the title as a game but anyone looking to learn a little bit about magic can't go wrong.

Undertow is among the better XBLA games and one of the best originals to arrive so far.

BioWare have set a new standard in storytelling, and if you have even the faintest interest in RPGs or science fiction, then this game simply demands to be played. While there are some technical issues and awkward gameplay decisions that are hard to ignore, when it comes down to it, Mass Effect is so compelling that most people will be able to push the issues aside and immerse themselves in one of the most detailed game worlds every created.

Ghost Squad isn't a revolution, or even an evolution of the arcade light gun shooter. The game is simple to play and the addition of a few Wii bonus options does add a little more to the package.

Perfect for the easy goers and newcomers of the genre, serious strategy role-playing game fans should look elsewhere for Square Enix flavoured depth and challenge.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies is a fantastic game and easily the best Geometry Wars title yet. Any shooter fans should have no hesitation in picking this title up.

Time Crisis 4 feels like a 10 year old game, the franchise needs to advance and Time Crisis 4 is easily the worst title yet in the series.

New Blood is the most fun you'll ever have performing open heart surgery. With parasites that shoot mucus clouds.

It may not be so much a stride than a baby step for the series, but Unreal Tournament III still manages to provide a solid return for pure hectic multiplayer entertainment.

The number and quality of the mini-games makes Mario Party DS an easy recommendation to fans of the series.