A relentlessly gripping ride that assaults the senses.

While it's not quite as epic as "GTA:SA," the combat within Mercenaries is more focused and polished, thanks to tight controls, amazing graphics and clever physics.

Engaging sub-quests extend the game's lifespan and chatting to the beguiling locals while humming the tunes is a joy.

While it's not quite as epic as "GTA:SA," the combat within Mercenaries is more focused and polished, thanks to tight controls, amazing graphics and clever physics.

There are sufficient missions but little choice of objectives, ensuring the action starts to feel prematurely repetitive.

While Street 2 is appealingly approachable, it gets monotonous, particularly for owners of the original. Solo modes are dull and arduous.

The linearity is a shame given the dearth of quality games for girls and the potential of more free-form interactive novels.

The visuals have now lost much of their shine, which isn't helped by poor collision detection. Wireless multiplayer racing can be enjoyed by up to six DS owners in some events with just one copy of the game.

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

Much of the complexity of other real-time strategy titles has been stripped away to keep the game approachable and the pace lively, but it is disappointing that computer opponents are suicidally dim.

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.