The multiplayer mode is almost enough for us to recommend parting with your cash a second time, but we realise that many UK gamers just aren't bothered about playing PS2 online.

Ultimately this is a game that knows what its fans want and delivers it to them in spades with plenty of style and confidence. It isn't as difficult as the prequels, but makes up for this with a surprisingly deep and flexible character upgrade system.

If this wasn't a portable game it would get very dull, quickly. But it is, and developer Koei has taken advantage of that by producing a game that's very good at providing short, sharp bouts of mindless carnage.

PSP is blessed with quality fighting games at the mo', leaving Dragon Ball Z somewhat in a no man's land between average and great.

Immediate, accessible, explosive and hugely satisfying, Criterion's competitors are going to have to raise their game immeasurably to get anywhere near the majesty of Black.

Being able to play as Jack Bauer and do all the stuff they've seen him do in the show is the most important thing to them, and on those basic terms, 24: The Game is an unqualified success.

Despite the tweaks to the game and some definite improvements, at the end of the day, Gary, it's a stop-start, often infuriating experience which just makes us appreciate proper football games even more.

It looks really pretty, but it's too hard for kids, too childish for 'da yoof' and too much like a bad acid trip for anyone over 25. Even the most diehard Sega fan will find Sonic's latest a bitter slap in the chops.

A more intelligent, defensive-minded and strategic boxing game than previous Fight Nights. The easier defence system and stance-switching give you more tactical options, while the crazy squelching brain effects make it more of a laugh when you put someone down.

Drakengard 2 is decent enough, but ultimately looks a bit cheap and doesn't really pull off its ground or aerial combat with great conviction. It mutters 'average' from the first minute to the last.

If you've resisted the temptation to give it a blast in the past, there's never been a better time, since this Special Edition is a fiver cheaper than the Platinum re-release. As a time-waster until "Devil May Cry 4" on PS3, it's worth a squirt.

It's bright, easy to play and no one's going to get offended or upset by the events portrayed. It's a fun game for kids, or larger adults who want a big, stupid thing to have a laugh with.

Extreme Battle? Extreme tedium, more like.

It's full of numerous, wonderful touches you'll remember long after the game's end - a cheeky little devil's Sultry Dance attack, which cause your party members to dance uncontrollably; the way the blue slimes do deadpan better than Bill Murray; even the way saving your game requires a trip to the church to confess.

Yes, the atmosphere is thicker than Pete Burns' lippy, and sure, this is fantastic hairraising fare, but it is hard to shake the feeling that the bare bones of The Tormented - spooky exploration mixed with shadowy combat - has been done much better elsewhere, and this feels antiquated and cumbersome and in comparison.

This is exactly what video games are all about: putting us into the shoes of people with abilities we only wished we had. Guitar Hero offers the chance to become exactly that, kidding you into believing that you could jam with Hendrix if only you put your mind to it. And if he wasn't dead.

Exploring each level often results in the timer reaching zero, while rushing straight through means you miss out on the chance to score bonus points, so many levels must be replayed to get the minimum points.

Many of the games feel very unfair and almost calculated in the way they contrive to make you lose. Trying to outwit opponents by bluffing is a big no-no too, since there always seems to be one character that doesn't want to play ball and fold a hand. It just never feels like you're playing real poker against real people.