A glorified Tamagotchi, but infinitely cuter and more appealing.

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

Bonus mini-games have the most long-term appeal, particularly a sublime version of darts.

The only thing more fun than watching Hulk cut loose is actually being the one controlling his every outburst. Ultimate Destruction is a rare comic-to-game adaptation that perfectly captures the Marvel comic style.

For fans of CoD online, the enhanced multiplayer experience alone is worth the admission price. We'd go so far as to say it's shaping up to be one of the year's best multiplayer games.

The addition of smart and relentless police pursuers has reinvigorated this popular driving series.

The story is engaging, enhanced by terrific characters, pleasing animation and memorable tunes. It's a pity there are not more puzzles to solve.

Tight controls, inventive action scenes and solid artificial intelligence all combine to make the single-player mode an excellent experience.

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.

The difficulty level accommodates younger players, thanks to effortless controls, but new Master Thief challenges will test even experienced bandits.

Kirby's use of touch-screen technology provides a fresh and engaging game.

While so many retro revivals either just give the original game a coat of paint or completely remake it from the ground up, this is a return that feels like a perfect middle ground. On the one hand it does allow for some of the less good parts of the classic design to shine through (especially in the original game), but on the other hand the commitment to accuracy works to preserve a series that remains incredibly influential and often overlooked. Combined with smart touch-ups and a beautiful modern presentation, this is a blast for old Crash pros and newcomers alike.

Despite Gotham's obliging nature, high-speed thrills and gorgeous graphical sheen, it's hard not to feel that we have seen its best tricks before.

Not as essential as the PS2 version, but terrific ball-rolling fun that you can enjoy anywhere you go.

The fact that it's got the deepest story ever seen in a fighter simply adds to the realistic feel of the brutal combat within.

Without a doubt, the best tennis game you can get your hands on at the moment. If only it came with a set of sweat bands.

The hellish enemies may be fearsome, but the one true villain here is the stubborn game camera that tends to pan away from whatever it is you want to look at. Apart from that one flaw, this is an absorbing tale.

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.

Retro in style and content, nevertheless this feels remarkably fresh.

Controls work beautifully and patience and timing are crucial.

Player intelligence is improved, with more backline support reacting to the play. But defenders often leave holes and lack urgency near the line.

Although the platform-leaping action is easily criticised for lacking originality, levels are inventive and varied.

It's hard not to fall in love with Ridge Racer all over again now that it's looking so good. Online play will compel you to race on past the use-by date too.

Victories are initially too simple and training dull but professional bouts hugely engaging. Patient defence, careful countering, well-timed combinations and conserving stamina are crucial.

But despite a wide assortment of challenges and overly generous rewards, the brief campaign is a shallow appetiser to the magnificent multiplayer action.

Valentia's old-meets-new approach is an interesting twist on the series, with the juggling between two parties, free exploration sections and simplified combat balancing out the lack of relationship options and the occasional killer difficulty spike. While the next mainline Fire Emblem game will no doubt return to the more fantastical, romantic themes of recent games, Valentia has me hoping Nintendo continues to dig into the series' back catalogue for more modernised versions of unfamiliar classics.

The best new addition is a magnetic grappling device that allows Lara to move faraway items and swing across chasms. Puzzles are beautifully integrated into the environment and frustration rare.

Yoshi's Island is a paradise of platforming pleasure and the perfect holiday destination this summer.