Why fiddle with perfection? This is essential if you’re a newcomer.

An amusing game to play for short stretches of time. [Issue#174, p.92]

A host of intriguing ideas are severely undermined by weak presentation and far too many bugs. With another six months and an increased budget, Rise Of The Argonauts could have fulfilled its obvious promise.

This is far from the return to form many have expected, and we now see why Sega was so keen to keep its new take on Sonic’s character a secret. Despite some promising moments, Sonic Unleashed collapses under the weight of its flaws.

As a swan song to the PS2 Persona 4 isn’t the highest note and all the bizarre characters, storylines and Personas you unlock can’t change that. But if you don’t mind grinding too much then there is some enjoyment to be had.

Prince Of Persia creates a beautiful world, and offers a real sense of wonder, as well as fantastic exploration opportunities. Aside from combat and camera issues, this is fun and a return to form for the prince.

The PSN title will remain the preserve of retro fans, and those who prefer either a simpler or more affordable game than Street Fighter II's bigger and better sequel. [Issue#176, p.95]

The fixes and changes have dragged Alone In The Dark from being a god-awful game to an okay one. It can’t compete with the likes of Dead Space, but it can cosy up with other mediocrity such as Siren: Blood Curse.

Crystal Dynamics has revived the core values of the original Tomb Raider games and reminded fans what drew them to the series in the first place. It’s an enticingly open action-adventure game with a seriously sexy lead.

It’s an entry-level arcade racer, with a range of fast and destructive events plus an open-world theme and a host of licensed vehicles. Need For Speed Undercover is fun and tailored to suit all tastes.

Watering down an already-diluted franchise isn’t going to inspire loyal fans of the series. Weak handling, dumb opponents and basic structure combine to make a very forgettable Need For Speed installment.

Typical Midway, in as far as there’s a few hours of absolute bliss here, before the taste goes completely and you’re left chewing cud. Rent with our blessing, but purchase only if you’re immune to buyer’s remorse.

It’s good fun, even if it doesn’t feel quite as thrilling as we would have liked. With a little more tweaking of the controls and maybe a new approach to the genre à la Skate, this could have fared much better.

Mirror’s Edge offers an exciting alternative to the usual FPSs, but isn’t quite as revolutionary as it should have been. Still, if you’re after style over substance, Faith offers thrills and spills beyond the average action game.

The gameplay, aesthetics and presentation are solid – impressive in places, even – but we’re not about to turn a blind eye to the shamelessly crass tone. If games are ever to mature as a medium then we need to see an end to this kind of thing.

With the introduction of TNA Impact! the climate has suddenly changed; hopefully, though, this will translate to a less-frustrating (but similarly full) release from Yuke’s next year.

The impressive voice controls is marred by a small number of annoying design decisions. The online modes are memorable, but the limited control over points of view leave a sour taste.

It’s a shame the care and attention that Spark has given to the visuals and presentation is quickly squandered by some glaring gameplay errors.

There’s no denying Ultimate Ninja Storm has its moments and can even be dazzling on occasions, but such instances are purely visual and lack depth. Enthusiasts may be content at first, but even they will get tired of Naruto’s only trick.

Japanese RPG and tactical RPG fans will fall in love with this game, but even if you can’t stomach the plot, the cut-scenes are skippable and the gameplay chapters are well worth waiting for.

We don’t care what it says on the packaging, this is not a PS3 game. It’s a mediocre, clunky, primitive PS2 game, although in itself a reasonably playable inoffensive one. But having the cheek to release it on the PS3 – that is offensive.

This is the Resistance that we’ve been waiting for – beautiful, dramatic and exciting. It may not be perfect, but the American chapter of the Chimera invasion definitely gives Master Chief and Marcus Fenix a run for their money.

A stunning and emotive game, Fallout 3 is compelling, dark, funny and deep. Play it and glimpse the future of videogaming. And, possibly, of mankind.

The PS3's most dramatic and beautiful racing game. [Issue#172, p.72]

MotoGP 08 could have been more than just a slightly shinier PS2 update, but it still does little to capture or validate the depth of motorcycle racing. It’s wholesome fun for aficionados, though.

LittleBigPlanet is certainly more difficult to master than we first imagined, but it pays off on its promise and then some. Media Molecule has created a game that deserves to take the world by storm, and this really is just the beginning.

Anything Rock Band can do, World Tour can do better. That said, the gap is only small and, unless you’re particularly fussed by Music Studio mode, your preference should ultimately be determined by your music tastes.

Unlike last month's teeth-grinding "Mega Man 9," you won't feel like yu're being bullied by your own videogame. [Issue#173, p.92]

Spyro’s shortcomings have been evident for a few years now and this game will do little to change that. The visuals at least look the part on the PS3, but the disengaging action will only find forgiveness with die-hard fans.

After another year of middling shooters, BioShock is as complex and hypnotic as it was in 2007. It’s an imperfect first-person shooter, and the quality swerves erratically towards the end, but the PS3 port has been handled gracefully.

While initially there seems to be quite a lot of fun to be had with Web Of Shadows, ultimately you discover its fluid combat and intriguing story quickly become overshadowed by a web of lazy missions.

Deeply flawed, but still very playable. If you can bear the frustrations involved then there’s a compelling plot and ample amount of fun with fire to be had before you’ve even started messing around in the map editor.

Eternal Sonata really is amazing to look at and incredible fun to play. The characters endear themselves to you and the story isn’t as clichéd as most JRPGs. The only downside is that it’s a little bit shorter than other roleplaying games.

The best, fastest and most exhilarating ride you’ll get for a long time. It’s got all the options you’ll want from a ‘street’ racer of this ilk, but it really doesn’t need it. The real joy is in the toughness and thrill of the races. Simple.

With the incredible tracklist, tweaked engine, new modes and the overwhelming quantity of extra songs available for download, this is easily the best rhythm action game currently sitting on store shelves. It must be said the guitars are still second best, but then nothing’s perfect.

Evades repetition with considerable grace. [Issue#172, p.93]

SOCOM Confrontation might have been fun about five years ago, but it’s starting to feel very tired these days. Online shooters need to offer either unprecedented depth or a wealth of personality and skill to stand out. But this does neither.

Anyone disappointed that GTA IV left behind most of the silliness and anarchy of its PS2 past will love Saints Row 2, but don’t expect anything especially polished. It’s rather too similar to its prequel.

Dead Space lifts gameplay elements from a variety of sources and ably adapts them to the survival-horror genre. It’s let down by some samey environs, but these don’t detract from the compelling horror experience.

In short blasts, it's a real treat. [Issue#172, p.88]

Finally, football is back to where it should be on PS3 – at the top of our mostplayed lists. But FIFA 09 still has the capacity to annoy beyond all reason, especially when it’s playing in goal.

It's simply not worth 7.99. [Issue#88, p.89]

Fracture supplies the recommended dose of excitement, and not a drop more. While its puzzles come close to rescuing matters, that feeling of half-hearted exploration and only just adequate gunplay never quite wears off.

While this will probably be embraced by the fans, it’s just a little too realistic for its own good, and as such isn’t as fun as it could be. Anyone considering looking for a change could start this year.

It's a real step-up from last year's version of NBA Live, which felt stilted and robotic by comparison. [Issue#170, p.81]

Ultimately you're left cursing at almost every turn. [Issue#174, p.88]

HD is the most polished WipEout game so far, but doesn’t offer many new features. The single-player campaign warrants the low cost, but fans and newcomers alike will spend the most time seeking multiplayer thrills.

Its gameplay is undeniably pure. [Issue#172, p.92]

A strictly two-player affair. [Issue#175, p.89]

Hell’s Highway would have been better received had it made its original street date, but the multiple setbacks have caused it to be overtaken by other games. A disappointment to say the least.

Pure is an addictive, accessible blend of MotorStorm and SSX. It is well made, looks good and is excellently structured for beginners. However, some slightly less outdated animation wouldn’t have hurt.

The wireless buzzers are great, the price is unbeatable and it’ll always have new content. Buzz! is a brilliant, funny family game that doesn’t rip you off with costly peripherals. Great stuff.

So very much like the Lego games before it that it just feels like a palette swap. All the destruction, missiles, and making cannons out of Lego doesn’t seem very Batman-like. Plus Clayface looks like a turd.

Fast paced and never deviating from its solid format, this arcade adventure, where limited in parts, does boast some superb visuals and addictive gameplay.

The twitchy mechs and boring battles combined with the blandness of the graphics makes For Answer a difficult game to recommend. So we won’t. That section in Metal Gear 4 was more fun than this.

If first impressions count then TNA is likely to win over plenty of fans. But for those who want more for their money, TNA Impact! 2 is likely to be more up your street. Is it better than SmackDown? Tune in next month to find out.

A breathtakingly well-made sports game, with almost nothing to fault and everything to enjoy. Accessible, deep, attractive and brutal in equal measure, and highly, highly entertaining.

There is a huge amount of fighting in Yakuza 2. [Issue#171, p.91]

EA has made some great changes this year, much the same as with its FIFA franchise. 2K9 doesn’t seem to have taken it far enough, and the small additions just leave us wanting more.

It’s so well-presented that you’ll want to like it, but there’s no disguising the fact that this is one of the most annoying games ever made. It’s impossible to find printable words to describe how much it upset us.

It’s a game with great intentions, but one that never lives up to its full potential. Nothing feels of suitable quality to really make the game world feel fantastic, and as such it falls short of all expectations.

Supremely stylish, cleverly designed, fiendishly addictive. [Issue#171, p.92]

Honestly, who doesn't love jetpacks? [Issue#171, p.93]

With some major tweaks to an old formula, Tiger is back to his best. As ever, we wonder what on Earth EA will do next year, but for the time being we have one of the best golf games in some time.

Disgaea 3 is probably the most hardcore and uncompromisingly complex tactical RPG you’re likely to play. If you’re familiar with the genre then it comes highly recommended – if not, then try Valkyria Chronicles first.

At four hours long, Quest For Booty doesn’t outstay its welcome, but it’s devoid of ambition, as is customary with the series. Ratchet & Clank is beginning to feel like a licensed franchise, but without the licence.

A great retro update that may even prove to be better than the next-gen re-imagining currently in the works. [Issue#169, p.91]

Another positive step forward for EA’s Madden and one which stands tall against the PS3’s other offerings, including 2007’s entry. No one does gridiron quite like the guys at Electronic Arts. Brilliant.

Fun, fun, and fun. That’s all Monster Madness is. Find some mates and split the cost of a copy and some beers. Not an essential purchase and a pricey one for what it is, but well worth your time.

It doesn't sound that much fun and it isn't. [Issue 144, p.84]

A lovely working title with plenty of character. For some that may be enough, but for us it was just that little too frustrating. [Issue#169, p.88]

An amazingly deep and beautiful fi ghting experience, marred by a couple of unnecessary characters, but essential nonetheless. If the online modes simulate the feeling of a traditional one-onone battle, we’ll be in combat heaven.

Survival-horror fans will probably enjoy Blood Curse’s clumsy mechanics and clichéd setting, especially at this price, but we’re not prepared to excuse it. The flagship title of episodic gaming on the PSN ought to know better.

Undeniably accessible. [Issue#170, p.90]

Depends too much on trial and error. [Issue#170, p.91]

Firaxis must be commended for what could’ve been a very clunky or patronising console port. Instead, the series’ depth and spirit has been encapsulated in an addictive and appropriate PS3 package.

Destined to reside in a graveyard of Sixaxis controllers and shattered British medal hopes, but fondly remembered during periods of intense hangover.

The game feels, to all but the most hardcore of Aerosmith fanboys, like a rather cynical cash-in. Zero evolution, minimum effort, maximum profit.

As dull as the source material. [Issue#170, p.85]

Phantom Fortress has got smoe serious problems with minigames. [Issue#169, p.86]

Overlord is a game that serves to please its master. Just stand back, lift and arm and raise holy hell. [Issue#167, p.92]

Gold Rush truly is a brilliantly put-together game mode, but it really is the only bit worth buying Battlefield: Bad Company for. The single-player campaign tries hard to please, but ultimately still feels mostly pointless.

As you might have predicted, this is not for fans of pick-up-and-play titles and neither is it necessarily for fans of other tennis games, but for those with the determination and dexterity of an actual tennis player, it offers plenty.

Annoyingly its potential is continually squandered by robot mechanics and tedious progression. [Aug 2008, p.104]

What’s really funny about all of this is that WipEout HD is going to be released in September, just a couple of months after Fatal Inertia. Therefore, you may as well just hold off buying a futuristic racer until then.

Us liking a platform game?! The world has gone mad. [Issue#169, p.87]

Despite its intrusive storyline, Metal Gear Solid 4 is a varied, engaging and entertaining epic. It may diminish slightly towards the end of the game, but there could be no greater reward for the fans' patience than this. [Issue#167, p.78]

Looks pretty good and re-creates the television show very well, but it’s a boring, repetitive, nonsensical television show. Plus, even hardcore Dragon Ball fans will be disappointed at the rather measly quantity of content.

The Incredible Hulk initially delivers a suitably destructive experience, but the novelty soon disappears. Samey missions stretch the premise to breaking point, while a rushed game engine shows flaws early on, making it hard to recommend.

It's a solid enough action title, but there's little variety on offer, which was also true of the arcade original. [Aug 2008, p.104]

It may not be a classic, but The Bourne Conspiracy still gets more right than it does wrong. Thanks to the awesome variety of Takedown moves, there are few games that will make you feel more like a highly trained killer.

Might not absorb and obsess you like "Gran Turismo," but for in-the-moment racing thrills it's right-on unbeatable. [Issue#167, p.94]

It's certainly a lot of fun, but TT Games is able to churn out this sort of game with its eyes closed and sadly it's beginning to show. [Issue#167, p.84]

It's like a portable anti-depressant. [Issue#167, p.93]

Ugly, dated and very user-unfriendly. That it arrived in the office the same week as Battlefield: Bad Company only emphasised its inferiority. Bad Company may not be great value, but it is high quality and well tailored to the PS3. This is neither.

Although ambitious, Haze is let down by generic gameplay. [Issue#167, p.86]

It's SingStar but with just enough tweaks and additions to make it feel part of a different generation. It might be tainted with slight cynicism, but there is no getting away from the fact that this is still an incredibly good party game. [Issue#159, p.86]