Unfortunately, exploration and some assignments are marred by long loading times.

The biggest problem is the excessive waiting between contests. Watching characters roll dice and trudge around the board is also tedious.

Exploring the labyrinthine citadel is rewarding, although backtracking and frequent deaths can be frustrating.

Exploring the labyrinthine citadel is rewarding, although backtracking and frequent deaths can be frustrating.

An inferior product. This is a linear, action-oriented shooter that has precious little in common with the original game's realistic and tactical squad-based combat.

Most puzzle games are slow-paced but Driller is lightning fast, requiring quick thinking and sharp reflexes. It can be stressful and addictive, and is more complex than it seems.

Exploring the labyrinthine citadel is rewarding, although backtracking and frequent deaths can be frustrating.

Exploring the labyrinthine citadel is rewarding, although backtracking and frequent deaths can be frustrating.

Considering the complexities of building this type of game, it's nothing short of a miracle that World of Warcraft and its land of orcs and goblins has been launched so successfully.

Rogue Agent ticks all the boxes on the shooter checklist, but lacks any of the oomph needed to make these worthy of note. Unlike the beautiful set pieces of other Bond games and movies, the levels within are about as exciting as a visit to your local public library.

A remake of a much-loved 1987 relic, Pirates is incredibly charming. Its simplicity belies the game's surprising depth and addictiveness.

But if you know the difference between a Mame emulator and a Lame encoder, this could be right up your eight-colour alley.

Rogue Agent ticks all the boxes on the shooter checklist, but lacks any of the oomph needed to make these worthy of note. Unlike the beautiful set pieces of other Bond games and movies, the levels within are about as exciting as a visit to your local public library.

Rogue Agent ticks all the boxes on the shooter checklist, but lacks any of the oomph needed to make these worthy of note. Unlike the beautiful set pieces of other Bond games and movies, the levels within are about as exciting as a visit to your local public library.

While convoluted, the story is more approachable than its predecessor, with strong villains, plot twists, humour and much pretentiousness.

No other game provides such rich atmosphere or better blends exciting action with sublime storytelling. It is much more than a science-fiction shoot-'em up: the adventure has convincing characters with great emotional depth and thrilling cinematic set pieces providing astonishing spectacle.

A couple of minor complaints mar this otherwise exceptional role player. Control issues, with the mouse stuttering and movement sticking, can be a little frustrating, while the game world doesn't feel quite as epic as we'd like.

Completed mini-games can be played individually with increasing difficulty, but there is little long-term appeal once the delightfully barmy story has finished.

Although missions are well-designed and combat can be intense, sequences such as the battle to reclaim Stalingrad lack the scale and cinematic grandeur of the PC version.

The PS2 version is a little less realistic than the Xbox and lacks the latter's first-person view. It also suffers from a lot of graphic pop up, while the Xbox's graphics are much more detailed. But the Xbox pays a price for these lush visuals with an iffy frame rate.

While the cars in other games fold and dent realistically, depending on the speed and direction of the impact, damage to Crash 'n' Burn's cars seems artificial, with entire panels suddenly replaced with scratched versions at the merest hint of a high-speed nudge.

The swine stealth offers welcome variety but skulking is not as much fun as manipulating time, and a wayward camera becomes annoying.

But if you know the difference between a Mame emulator and a Lame encoder, this could be right up your eight-colour alley.

Floating island environments are intricate and beautiful but paper-thin characters and an evil empire revenge yarn are disappointingly dull.

While the driving action isn't quite as satisfying as the superb "Burnout 3," it's still strong enough to keep you playing through the 150 or so races.

While the cars in other games fold and dent realistically, depending on the speed and direction of the impact, damage to Crash 'n' Burn's cars seems artificial, with entire panels suddenly replaced with scratched versions at the merest hint of a high-speed nudge.

The original NFSU's city was a little repetitive, but now IT'S broken up into five distinct neighbourhoods, each is suitably spectacular. Most of the time you fly through these districts so quickly that everything becomes one big neon blur, but it's worth slowing down to soak up the sights.

Fans will enjoy the new gadgets, rich story and longer, more taxing challenge, yet the most revolutionary feature (a multi-player mode) is bland and dull.

The biggest grumble is that, once you have constructed a basic park, there is often nothing to do except sit back and wait for more money to roll in. Your zookeepers and maintenance staff take care of the park, and there is rarely a calamity that needs your attention.

The difficulty level is accommodating for youngsters, although the controls can be unwieldy. Sadly, the fun is short-lived, with no multi-player modes or replay appeal.

The difficulty level is accommodating for youngsters, although the controls can be unwieldy. Sadly, the fun is short-lived, with no multi-player modes or replay appeal.

Players may occasionally feel like they are going through the motions, but there is a wide variety of challenges include races, turret blasting, hoverboard trickery, arena combat and an exciting sequence escorting an explosives-laden train.

The developers totally misunderstood what makes The Sims so appealing. There is little opportunity for creativity (furnishing your apartment is tedious), no drama and a mistaken emphasis on conservative conformity.

The original NFSU's city was a little repetitive, but now IT'S broken up into five distinct neighbourhoods, each is suitably spectacular. Most of the time you fly through these districts so quickly that everything becomes one big neon blur, but it's worth slowing down to soak up the sights.

It feels uncanny and exhilarating performing high-speed leaps.

The epic scale astounds, with dazzling scenery including space stations, war-torn cities, temples, snowy wastelands and ruins. The audio is equally extravagant.

An immensely deep role-player.

A large stock of firearms is available but a steady thumb is required because there is no auto-targeting.

Winning solo tournaments can be frustrating due to difficulty spikes, but treats to unlock include additional characters, gimmick courts and amusing mini-games to help hone your skills.

Unfortunately the core combat that makes up the majority of the game soon feels more like chore combat.

The quality is uneven and there are no multiplayer tournament modes, but youngsters and Sega devotees will have great fun, particularly with the music games.

The innovative controls for the sniper rifle don't allow the player to pull off precise headshots when they're needed most, which leads to rising frustration.

Amusing multiplayer mini-games such as basketball, soccer and ice hockey are enjoyable diversions.

The clever Comix Zone is a great bonus but the Game Gear titles are primitive and mere curiosities.

The intriguing storyline, scary setting and unique battle system make for a frightening and memorable experience.

Another game based on a blockbuster movie, The Incredibles is an entertaining family offering with plenty of variety, but lacks the polish of the spectacular new film.

There is no shortage of action, plus bonus battle arenas, but it's not all super. Boss battles are foolishly difficult and will prove very frustrating for youngsters, and some of the Mr Incredible sections become very repetitive, with wave after wave of mindless goons to dispatch. The controls also lack precision.

There is no shortage of action, plus bonus battle arenas, but it's not all super. Boss battles are foolishly difficult and will prove very frustrating for youngsters, and some of the Mr Incredible sections become very repetitive, with wave after wave of mindless goons to dispatch. The controls also lack precision.

Available on both PC and Xbox, the PC version is markedly superior. The main problem with the Xbox version is that it's very difficult to make out enemies amongst the tall grass, due to the low resolution of the platform.

That rock is the rocking arcade rally game "Rallisport Challenge 2," which offers better visuals, a more tangible driving sensation and arguably the best online support ever seen in a racing game. That hard place is "Richard Burns Rally," which has established itself as easily the most realistic (not to mention difficult) rally game. In the wake of these two triple-A titles, Colin McRae 2005 comes off feeling a little too tired to remain the pinnacle of rally gaming.

The quality of the 13 varied games is uneven, and most have little depth, but some of Spongebob's amusing EyeToy challenges are as fun as Sony's excellent "Play 2."

The story and dialogue never cease to entertain. Objectives include rescuing prisoners, killing fearsome scarecrows and playing Cupid. But, although the developers want to ridicule, the action remains conventional.

While it does have its fair share of bugs, we're confident that with a little patching (something the developers haven't been afraid of in the past) Pacific Fighters will surpass "IL2" to become the top World War II flight sim.

There is less humour and mission variety than in recent GTA titles, plus twitchy car handling and a stuttering pace. But few handheld games offer as much depth.

Varied play modes such as tag and survival, plus countless unlockable items, add further appeal. But the lack of new moves or characters is disappointing.

The story and dialogue never cease to entertain. Objectives include rescuing prisoners, killing fearsome scarecrows and playing Cupid. But, although the developers want to ridicule, the action remains conventional.

The graphics are spectacular, rivalling the intense scenes in Top Gun, especially in the after-action replay mode. It's easily the slickest of the Ace Combat series.

Much of the game's undeniable thrill stems from the giddy car handling, which enables players to slide gracefully around corners at ridiculous speed.

The outrageous characters, puerile sight gags and sarcastic commentary provide some chuckles but the jokes are repeated too often. Fortunately, the controls and ball physics are hard to fault.

Unfortunately, the game is plagued by a cumbersome camera system that takes an age to rotate around your character. But the gorgeous look of the game and the intriguing storyline should be enough for most gamers to overlook these problems.

Replay value is the weakest link, but the bonus missions attempt to offer some variety. It is best enjoyed in small doses.

Available on both PC and Xbox, the PC version is markedly superior. The main problem with the Xbox version is that it's very difficult to make out enemies amongst the tall grass, due to the low resolution of the platform.

A shining example of why the Tribes universe is so popular, although fans aren't happy with many of the refinements.

Mission objectives are not always clear and some youngsters might get lost or frustrated at the lengthy travelling between missions, but there is always something fun to see or do.

Unfortunately, the erratic camera is annoying and the game too quickly becomes repetitive.

Mission objectives are not always clear and some youngsters might get lost or frustrated at the lengthy travelling between missions, but there is always something fun to see or do.

Mission objectives are not always clear and some youngsters might get lost or frustrated at the lengthy travelling between missions, but there is always something fun to see or do.

But beyond the odd wild ride on the back of a beast, negotiating the levels is a tame affair. This could prove frustrating for some, as the level of difficulty is often unbalanced.

But beyond the odd wild ride on the back of a beast, negotiating the levels is a tame affair. This could prove frustrating for some, as the level of difficulty is often unbalanced.

Battles can become repetitive and backtracking is frequently required, but it is a lengthy journey filled with entertaining scenes and a clever, self-referential script.

But beyond the odd wild ride on the back of a beast, negotiating the levels is a tame affair. This could prove frustrating for some, as the level of difficulty is often unbalanced.

An intriguing mystery, but more mental challenge and lasting appeal would be welcome.

Where "SingStar" can distinguish a merely bad singer from a woeful one, Get on Da Mic has a hard time differentiating between a skilled rapper and a baby dribbling into the microphone.

Squeezing the Desert Storm games into the currently fashionable Vietnam setting was a mistake. Open landscapes are replaced by claustrophobic jungle, eliminating tactical freedom. Players edge along narrow paths, progressing from one firefight to the next.

Far from just a V8 simulation, this is a celebration of all motor sport, featuring an amazing 15 racing styles, 32 championships and 49 tracks from around the globe. It has something for everyone.

Considering the extremely fast response times needed for a fighting game, it's amazing how smoothly the online mode plays. It's just as responsive as it would be if you were playing with a pal sitting next to you, which is an astounding achievement.

The sprawling levels are brilliantly designed and players have wonderful freedom to create their own skating parks and skaters, graffiti tags, challenging goals and even tricks. Some, may, however, feel like they have seen it all before.

Considering the extremely fast response times needed for a fighting game, it's amazing how smoothly the online mode plays. It's just as responsive as it would be if you were playing with a pal sitting next to you, which is an astounding achievement.

Revelation repeats the formula of breathtaking visuals and oblique puzzles. But despite its success, the game remains an acquired taste - slow-paced and full of obtuse brain teasers.

The most striking aspect of the game is the stunning graphics, with a true 3D environment and controllable camera. Not only is everything extremely detailed but the environments are fully destructible, with pristine villages soon becoming smoking piles of rubble after particularly fierce battles.

Players have no real interaction with the despicable duties beyond sending out waves of underlings who can be attacked without warning. Progress requires patience, juggling priorities and micromanagement. Fortunately, the flaws are softened by many clever ideas; it feels good to be bad.

The puzzles are clever and the variety is terrific, but it can be too tough and frustrating, particularly for the young audience the game would otherwise appeal to.

The puzzles are clever and the variety is terrific, but it can be too tough and frustrating, particularly for the young audience the game would otherwise appeal to.

That rock is the rocking arcade rally game "Rallisport Challenge 2," which offers better visuals, a more tangible driving sensation and arguably the best online support ever seen in a racing game. That hard place is "Richard Burns Rally," which has established itself as easily the most realistic (not to mention difficult) rally game. In the wake of these two triple-A titles, Colin McRae 2005 comes off feeling a little too tired to remain the pinnacle of rally gaming.

The 24/7 create-a-player mode is hugely addictive, letting you train your character and complete increasingly tough challenges. ESPN's weaknesses are a limited defensive game and shallow franchise mode.

Children should have a whale of a time with this approachable and enjoyable adventure, which offers a tasty smorgasbord of game styles served in bite-sized chunks.

Children should have a whale of a time with this approachable and enjoyable adventure, which offers a tasty smorgasbord of game styles served in bite-sized chunks.

The beginner's level is a breeze, but Konga later becomes deliciously challenging, with hilarity-inducing flustered panic as you start to fall behind and surprising levels of concentration required to clap instead of drum. Hysteria soon prevails.

Children should have a whale of a time with this approachable and enjoyable adventure, which offers a tasty smorgasbord of game styles served in bite-sized chunks.

Every couple of years a game is released that is so well crafted, so perfectly made, that it sets a benchmark for gaming quality. Rome: Total War is one of those games. We couldn't find a fault.

With friends, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork is fantastic. Working together luring monsters into traps is hugely satisfying.

Our hero is usually equipped with a sniper rifle, complete with a brilliant targeting scope.

The action can get a little clumsy due to that bane of third-person games, an uncooperative camera. Despite this the gripping storyline should keep players battling all the way to the finale.

Single-player is fun, but the game truly shines with four people in the mix. It's a little easier, but there's still about 20 hours of co-operative campaigning to be had.

Our hero is usually equipped with a sniper rifle, complete with a brilliant targeting scope.

Single-player is fun, but the game truly shines with four people in the mix. It's a little easier, but there's still about 20 hours of co-operative campaigning to be had.

Our hero is usually equipped with a sniper rifle, complete with a brilliant targeting scope.

The various combatants are well-balanced and there is a huge variety of vehicles and aircraft to pilot, including X-wings, TIE fighters, speeder bikes and hulking AT-STs.