A solid traditional RPG married to a refreshingly modern narrative, shot through with a lovely sense of humour.

Supremely addictive and utterly charming, Viva Piñata ranks as an absolutely essentially DS purchase.

Despite appearing to be a story-driven detective game, Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir is a simple puzzler that isn't interesting enough to hold anyone's attention.

Hugely ambitious and quietly innovative - only a few rough edges stop this short of potential all-time classic status.

Not the cheap cash-in you might have feared and yet still a portable game that runs contrary to all the aims of the PC original.

With a group of like-minded friends PictoImage is worth its weight in gold, but sadly the single player portion of the game is far less essential.

Despite some control issues, Fading Shadows is an exceptionally imaginative puzzle game that will offer a long-lasting challenge and plenty of fun marble-based exploration for any PSP owner.

Another DS classic in the offing - N+ is pure video game brilliance, unsullied by needless distractions.

Shorn of many of last year's features and lumbered with an awkward control method, Tiger Woods 09 singularly fails to improve on its predecessor and in many respects is a definite regression.

Graphically gorgeous and showcasing remarkable depth, Ferrari Challenge is truly a thinking man's racing game. It's regrettable that online play wasn't incorporated, but then there's always the sequel.

A considerable improvement on the first DS iteration, but still not the definitive Harvest Moon.

It may initially appear to be somewhat basic and the pesky language barrier presented by this Japanese import is a shame, but Bangai-O Spirits remains an unmitigated blasting brilliance that every DS fan should indulge in, and one of the strongest DS titles we've encountered so far. [JPN Import]

Playable and polished as always, Madden NFL 09 doesn't gain the franchise any yardage and fails to address some old control issues.

Twenty years at the top and Madden is faltering badly – this 'update' offers little in terms of new content and should only be considered if you've passed on the previous PSP instalments.

A game that pushes the DS to its limits and though it's a simulation in nature, GRID always puts fun ahead of cold accuracy.

Puzzler Collection does exactly what it needs and no more – a host of puzzles wrapped up in a frustrating interface.

Typically shabby movie tie-in that will have you running for your mummy.

Gorgeous presentation and an astonishingly complete online element help New International Track and Field overcome its relatively minor issues and ascend very close to the top step of the podium.

But lying at the heart is the same solid gameplay that was popular in the nineties - unforgiving at times, but a shining example of what makes the series great.

Compared to some movie tie-ins it's a virtual masterpiece, compared to anything else though it's still only just above average.

Subtle, hugely addictive and massively fun, this is a rare strategy title that manages to be as accessible as it is deep.

A weak collection of badly implemented mini-games, you'd be better off paying out for a seaside Punch and Judy show than a session with Carnival Funfair Games.

Too easy and too slow, aside from the wonderful visual design, there's very little in AMF Bowling Pinbusters! to sustain your interest. Lack of touchscreen play only serves to add to the disappointment.

Clean, efficient and smooth to play, Ducati Moto just doesn't have the thrill or long-term appeal to make it a winner.

While we certainly weren't expecting The Science of Evil to reinvent the wheel, nothing could have prepared us for this hopeless, shambling mockery of a game. Avoid as if your very soul depends on it.

WALL-E doesn't annoy or offend, but looks terrible and doesn't entertain either, and that leaves it only fit for landfill.

While it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to gameplay, Wall-E is nevertheless enjoyable and engaging - while it lasts. Just like its subject matter, this movie tie-in has lots of heart.

An incredibly slick fighting system and top class presentation make this a must for anyone seeking an alternative to the usual one-on-one fighters.