Activities such as poker tournaments, capturing felons, gold mining, animal herding and hunting provide variety but their appeal is short-lived.

The highlight is a brief but thrilling broomstick chase against a fire-breathing dragon. An underwater interlude is less successful, although it provides variety.

This is the most family-friendly 360 launch title, offering an entertaining fantasy adventure with plenty of secrets and varied powers.

A two-player mode is included, and few games are more fun with a crowd. It's pricey, but a euphoric experience.

But youngsters will need help completing some tasks as it's not always clear what to do next. Boss battles can also be demanding, requiring both button bashing and touch-screen scribbling.

But while young fans will enjoy this brief two-player adventure, the underground environments and robotic opponents lack variety and imagination.

Space conflict complements ground-based action beautifully and jumping into the cockpit of an X-wing or TIE fighter is thrilling.

Some of the bombing runs in the solo campaign can prove quite arduous, but the dazzling pyrotechnics and adrenaline rush of flying your P38 Lightning through anti-aircraft fire make it easy to press the restart button if you fail your objectives.

A turn-based strategy mini-game called Chronicles of the Sword is a little dry, yet hypnotically addictive.

This exhilarating and atmospheric World War II action game does little to advance the run-and-gun genre, but it is a memorable experience.

Veterans may feel it is overly familiar but Gladiator is a quality action game.

It is infinitely replayable, incredibly balanced and faster-paced. Combat has been improved, with the addition of both depth and simplicity, while peacemaking and cultural supremacy are more viable options.

Dramatic battles against mythological monsters test your skills, but the occasional badly placed checkpoint can be frustrating.

A fast-paced and accessible combat game, far superior when enjoyed online with players working together during epic, frenetic battles.

Everything you'd expect from the PS2 game has somehow made it intact, lending credence to Sony's claims that the handy portable is almost as powerful as its big brother.

These pinball tables are well-designed, the ball action realistic with familiar Metroid elements smartly integrated.

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

Not only will it keep the younger ones occupied for hours, but they'll be getting exercise.

The first Serious Sam was tongue-in-cheek but this sequel crosses the line into obnoxiousness.

Unfortunately, the emphasis on economic management and the lack of precise unit control means combat lacks finesse. Like real-time strategy games of old, the best tactic is usually to simply amass a huge force and crudely rush at overwhelmed opponents.

The first glimpse of a mighty colossus in this breathtaking adventure is awe-inspiring. Their size, fearsome power, deafening roars and otherworldly looks are both terrifying and fascinating.

Opponents cheat to keep every race competitive but it can be irritating, especially when rivals destroy your car within reach of the finish line.

There are a couple of perplexing flaws in the design, such as the inability to go prone or jump over low walls and fences, but suspend your disbelief and you'll be gripped.

It's a shame the innovative DS touch screen is hardly used here - play only requires use of the directional pad and buttons. The cat-and-mouse action is still as addictive as ever, but the new changes are not that innovative.

It's a brief ride and the action can become repetitive, but the sharp humour keeps you smiling.

It faithfully captures tactics and the energetic pace, with speed and strategic use of cover of equal importance to shooting accuracy.

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

With cutting-edge graphics, thumping surround sound and good design engineered to scare the willies out of you, F.E.A.R. is quite a dazzling experience.