Surf's Up uses its licence well but flawed execution means it fails to get the pulses racing. Fans of the film can dive on in, but the rest of us will have more fun back on dry land.

Genuinely innovative puzzler that will change the way you think about the genre.

A reasonable conversion of the successful casual PC game, Diner Dash isn't sophisticated or filling enough to truly satisfy DS gourmands.

Less an adolescent social simulation and more a lesson in pandering, Brooktown High fails to make the grade.

There's plenty of ambition on show but Death, Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom is too complicated and patchy to be much fun.

A mostly predictable film licence that has its moments but will inevitably be remembered (or not) for its dreary, repetitive structure, shoddy presentation and palpable lack of ambition.

A superb action platform adventure that captures the exuberance of the film brilliantly.

Kazook is ultimately about as appealing as your dad dancing at your own party. And nobody wants that.

A cheap and cheerful shooter, Touch the Dead isn't revolutionary, but it's a relatively well put together game that will satisfy your lust for zombie zapping.

A futuristic re-skin can't hide the flaws from appearing in one of this usually reliable series' weakest titles. Budding, but no full bloom.

A pretty but repetitive puzzle-based adventure, Shrek the Third feels more like completing a series of chores than having monster-sized fun.

The Thrill Cam is a majestic moment in gaming but it's the rock-solid driving model that ensures great universal enjoyment, albeit marred by technical gremlins and misguided GTA aspirations.

Exciting enough in short sorties, Heatseeker can't really compete with the big boys due to repetitive action, limited multiplayer options and outdated presentation.

The superbly implemented web-slinging and touchscreen combat of Spider-Man 3 more than makes up for the lack of mission variety.

Impressive handling and a decent package of race events completely undermined by technical issues and clumsy execution.

Quantity over quality, this suite of gambling games fails to capture the thrill of throwing all your money away on the single spin of a wheel.

Indeed, it's somewhat ironic that only now, with the integration of Wi-Fi, Pokémon has become the community game it's always pretended to be. Casting a retrospective eye upon the series, it would appear that every game since the series started in 1995 has just been a level up. This, finally, is the real deal. [JPN Import]

Indeed, it's somewhat ironic that only now, with the integration of Wi-Fi, Pokémon has become the community game it's always pretended to be. Casting a retrospective eye upon the series, it would appear that every game since the series started in 1995 has just been a level up. This, finally, is the real deal. [JPN Import]

While fun in short bursts, the DS version of Cake Mania lacks depth and overly repeats on you. Burp.

A great example of modern platforming, coupled with a terrible example of a fighting game. Still, much more to love than hate.

Don't let its cutesy role-playing-lite stylings fool you; Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales is a quality game that's a blast to play. [JPN Import]

With misplaced difficulty spikes and limited replay value, an otherwise solid puzzler is outshone by others in its genre.

Arcade Hits is a thoughtful collection including some great games, loads of extras, and fun multiplayer options.

Exceptional tennis game whose combination of exquisite control and alluring content results in one of the most rewarding sporting experiences around.

A decent driving model set within a rich virtual petrolhead lifestyle world that – occasional technical glitches aside – can prove absorbing.

Steel Horizon offers some strategic subtleties, but the slowness of gameplay means it takes a very dedicated commander to unlock its twists and turns.

A linear and repetitive experience, though one that certainly isn't short of occasional frantic moments of arcade greatness. But mediocre production values do restrict its potential and ultimate appeal.

A few nice touches can't hide the fact that this is a mash-up of several incompatible ideas.