The artificial intelligence controlling both your teammates and the enemy isn't anything special; they usually just remain firing in one position until you manage to take them out, leading to repetitive fire fights.

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.

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.

One of the most disturbing games of the year. In a good way.

The focus on opponent "takedowns" was a smart, natural evolution for the series. The gorgeous environments and detailed cars whiz past at amazing velocity, and the fender-bending carnage is spectacular.

A complete makeover is overdue, but Pokemon remains as engrossing as ever.

A complete makeover is overdue, but Pokemon remains as engrossing as ever.

One of the most disturbing games of the year. In a good way.

Every lap is terrifying...Polished to perfection, Burnout 3 is faster and more thrilling than any previous racer.

The levels are so big and detailed that it's a wonder they don't bring your console to a crashing halt.

The levels are so big and detailed that it's a wonder they don't bring your console to a crashing halt.

The levels are so big and detailed that it's a wonder they don't bring your console to a crashing halt.

Outsmarting enemies is not difficult when they are so myopic and stupid. Often just shooting adversaries, then hiding until the hullabaloo ends, is as successful a strategy as implementing a complex and cunning plan.

Tactical combat on a grand scale, but of questionable value to owners of its predecessors.

The game's biggest weakness is the lack of multi-player options.

Although there is no online play, deep and lengthy modes such as Season, Franchise and Dream Team will keep you busy.

The game's biggest weakness is the lack of multi-player options. There is no split-screen dogfighting or the Xbox Live online battles that made its competitor "Crimson Skies" so compelling.

Captain Olimar is now joined by larrikin Louie - a clever addition that allows efficient multi-tasking, more complex puzzles and absorbing two-player action.

Controlling the wild camera often proves the trickiest exercise of all and there is little freedom to explore.

The best realistic shooter on the Xbox, at an outstanding price.

So tense that it doesn't fit the typical definition of fun: it's actually a very stressful experience. But the gameplay is so compelling you will be forced to keep scaring yourself senseless until you make it to the final scene.

Apart from the obvious flaw of a kids' game with enough violence to command an M15+ rating, this is an inexcusably formulaic and tedious shoot-'em-up.

The sultry character may offer a mesmerising, hip-swaying walk and spectacular feline acrobatics, but the game is frustrating, thanks to imprecise, unintuitive controls and a dreadfully wayward camera over which the players have no control.

Despite the game's terrific combat, Sudeki is sadly let down by a plodding story, clumsy dialogue and forgettable characters.

The sultry character may offer a mesmerising, hip-swaying walk and spectacular feline acrobatics, but the game is frustrating, thanks to imprecise, unintuitive controls and a dreadfully wayward camera over which the players have no control.

The sultry character may offer a mesmerising, hip-swaying walk and spectacular feline acrobatics, but the game is frustrating, thanks to imprecise, unintuitive controls and a dreadfully wayward camera over which the players have no control.

If you'd like to play a game that'll stretch your brain cells while taking you on a fantastic journey, Uru Complete Chronicles won't disappoint.

We all know that war is hell, but this game often forgets that games need to be entertaining. At times the missions are just too frustratingly difficult, with your soldiers facing near-impossible odds.