Aimed at kids, this is a guilty treat for adults as well.

Now that the game is established in a 3-D world, it has, for me at least, lost a little of its gripping intensity — an option to switch action between 2-D and 3-D would have been a nice touch.

The graphics are not as exciting as those found in "Command and Conquer: Generals" and the interface, like its predecessor’s, is rather flat. However, the ability to interact with virtually anything on the map makes up for this shortfall.

The learning curve is gentle, the controls simple to master, but there’s little new here.

"Ratchet & Clank" fans may turn up their noses at the largely failed attempts at humour in the dialogue, but if your Christmas games are already losing their appeal, you could do a lot worse than this, especially for the price.

Well-meaning if not masterful, this is clearly a game for children rather than older players.

The pressure of following in the footsteps of one of the console’s greatest successes seems to have removed any sense of humour from the game.

The action is fluid, and the voiceover occasionally knowing, in an archly self-referential, Pixar kind of way.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

The controls take some time to master, and there's a surfeit of useless jargon seemingly designed to prevent you getting to grips with the gameplay. Nor is this a game for the short-sighted, since the on-screen captions that supposedly offer guidance are minute and virtually illegible.

Admittedly, the assorted firepower offers little excitement, but the experience is convincingly upbeat thanks to the game's droll sense of humour.

Shark Tale may feel linear at times, but the experience is not so diluted that it delivers a totally flavourless caper. The game is rated 3+ and younger players should enjoy its mix of chases, stealth, puzzle-solving, simple fighting and musical tap-dancing.

With more than 45 mini-games in the mix, it is not surprising that the quality of them is fairly mixed — it is Ape Academy’s major weakness that while many are rather too easy (the one- metre dash, for instance), others seem impossible (catching the contents of a kebab on a sword).

Disadvantages include not being able to jump the cut scenes — frustrating when the game is hard enough to get you killed often before the end of a level.

Though The Godfather is competent, it is also bland, despite the voices of James Caan and Robert Duvall, and you rarely feel a sense of power.

The action is fluid, and the voiceover occasionally knowing, in an archly self-referential, Pixar kind of way.

What really makes this game is the chilling music, which, even though the gameplay might not always be up to standard, builds the tension beautifully and ensures that the shocks that X-Files: Resist or Serve delivers have the maximum impact.

Impressive graphics and sound effects add to the challenging gameplay to make this a fine addition to the Clancy stable, and one that is particularly suited to online gaming.

This must be one of the first instances in which a video game actually seems like the natural format. But even here, as you acquire weapons, ride wasps and beat up tiny-huge creatures, it seems never to aspire to much beyond adequacy.

This game looks good and will appeal to fans of the "Zelda" series, although it never touches the heights achieved by some of Link’s escapades.

Visually, there may not be much to get excited about, but it is efficient and works as an introduction to the intricacies of the game for newcomers.

Shark Tale may feel linear at times, but the experience is not so diluted that it delivers a totally flavourless caper. The game is rated 3+ and younger players should enjoy its mix of chases, stealth, puzzle-solving, simple fighting and musical tap-dancing.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

Ultimately, though, it's all about how well you wield a crowbar.

Well-meaning if not masterful, this is clearly a game for children rather than older players.

This gentle time-waster is a relaxing antidote to intense shoot ’em ups.

Though NFL Street 2 does enough to entertain for an hour or two, fans of proper football, played with feet, are likely to find it quite dull.

Nice idea, chaps, but for now I’ll stick to Galaxian on my PSP.

This must be one of the first instances in which a video game actually seems like the natural format. But even here, as you acquire weapons, ride wasps and beat up tiny-huge creatures, it seems never to aspire to much beyond adequacy.

The wild combinations of touch-pad and direction keys required to play make this a game you might not wish to use on public transport, and it somehow lacks the charm of previous Mario-themed games. Good, but not great.

Although Ten Hammers has some nice touches, it is nowhere near the gameit could and should have been. This is a case of great original, poor sequel syndrome, I’m afraid.

There is nothing to get particularly excited about, not even the innovative dual-stick control system that supposedly helps you to groove your swing as a professional would.

It’s a shame, too, that the levels aren’t more exciting and spontaneous. Such predictability stops this game from being any more than an enjoyable flight simulator.

The control system suffers somewhat from the PSP’s limitations, and the less said about the awful soundtrack the better, but these failings do not detract too much from a fun addition to an ever- increasing series. Just keep the sound turned down.

As for the combat sequences, they rely too much on repetitive button- mashing, and leaderless soldiers stand around like sheep awaiting the slaughter.

Though The Godfather is competent, it is also bland, despite the voices of James Caan and Robert Duvall, and you rarely feel a sense of power.

Now that the game is established in a 3-D world, it has, for me at least, lost a little of its gripping intensity - an option to switch action between 2-D and 3-D would have been a nice touch.

Although Ten Hammers has some nice touches, it is nowhere near the gameit could and should have been. This is a case of great original, poor sequel syndrome, I'm afraid.

There is nothing to get particularly excited about, not even the innovative dual-stick control system that supposedly helps you to groove your swing as a professional would.

Shadow of the Colossus has more style than real substance and it is slightly baffling why Fumito Ueda, the game's creator, didn't develop this into something a little more Zelda-esque in order to make best use of the world he has created. He might have had a classic on his hands.

Although Ten Hammers has some nice touches, it is nowhere near the gameit could and should have been. This is a case of great original, poor sequel syndrome, I’m afraid.

Strangely addictive. Your fingers may be hurting and your brain turned off, but the desire to try just once more for a sub-10sec 100 metres will get the better of you.

Well-meaning if not masterful, this is clearly a game for children rather than older players.

A little too retro to be anything other than a game to play in short bursts, this new-look Tetris would be just the thing for a short journey.

Well-meaning if not masterful, this is clearly a game for children rather than older players.

The biggest problem with Total Destruction is the lack of things to do, besides building-bashing and car- tossing.

There is nothing to get particularly excited about, not even the innovative dual-stick control system that supposedly helps you to groove your swing as a professional would.

While the graphics impress and the inhabitants all go about their business with a smooth efficiency, the game makes too many demands to maintain interest. Worse, there are few moments in the game that don’t awaken a feeling of déjà vu.

Though NFL Street 2 does enough to entertain for an hour or two, fans of proper football, played with feet, are likely to find it quite dull.

Admittedly, the assorted firepower offers little excitement, but the experience is convincingly upbeat thanks to the game’s droll sense of humour.

It is the clichéd choice of music played on the camp radio that makes you wonder whether it is worth delving deeper into this game: Paint it Black, yes we’ve seen Tour of Duty; Nowhere to Run — yup, we watched Good Morning, Vietnam, too.

Yes, there are tweaks, better graphics and further development on the cars’ physics, but nothing groundbreaking. For the most part it seems that the past four years have been spent improving the playback of your car whizzing around the track once you’ve finished the race.

As any gamer knows, frustration is part of the joy of gaming, but this level of unresponsiveness is something not even the training mini-games on the title can prepare you for. Put that together with poor level signposting and you have an unengaging experience.

Unfortunately, the whole experience takes a nosedive when you start to play. Without the excitement of shooting down other planes, or the challenge of a regular flight sim, Pilot Academy would struggle to hold your interest on a flight to Europe.

Sega seems to be lazily exploiting a franchise that appears way past its sell-by date. Reinvent the character by all means, but give him back his sharp edges.

It’s still not enough to stop my tame ten- year-old tester pronouncing it Project: B.O.R.I.N.G.

Fans of the series will have plenty to be happy about, but you can't help feeling you've been here and done that in the previous games. That's the real horror here.

Without an auto- targeting feature, this game is so challenging that you’ll be hurling your controller to the floor in no time.

The weapons are interesting, the settings dull and the graphics excellent (although Soldner is a real system hog — don’t choose this game if your PC is beginning to creak). But in a market crowded with similar titles do we need another war shooter?

The graphics are terrible. They tried way too hard to make the people look as they do in the animated series, but the result is that it all looks pretty flat. Even the first Budokai had more depth. People tell me that I judge the game too much by the graphics. I agree; but this isn’t right. Seriously.

A clutch of the titles have stood the test of time surprisingly well, but most — particularly the side- or vertical-scrolling shoot-em- ups — are so far past their prime it’s laughable, and many are very similar.

This game does have one cute twist, in that you can choose a Story option in which you take on the role of a young Japanese boxer and watch lengthy anime sequences in between your bouts. Sadly, even with the fast-forward button held down, these scenes move far too slowly, much like the boxers around the ring.

The result in single-player mode is a messy, unresponsive mass of button-pushing and frantic joystick-twiddling that evolves from impossible to challenging to repetitive and dull in less than an hour.

Fine in short blasts for anyone looking for some mindless tension-busting target practice. However, those seeking something that challenges the grey stuff will need to look elsewhere.

The result in single-player mode is a messy, unresponsive mass of button-pushing and frantic joystick-twiddling that evolves from impossible to challenging to repetitive and dull in less than an hour.

It's still not enough to stop my tame ten- year-old tester pronouncing it Project: B.O.R.I.N.G.

The result in single-player mode is a messy, unresponsive mass of button-pushing and frantic joystick-twiddling that evolves from impossible to challenging to repetitive and dull in less than an hour.

As any gamer knows, frustration is part of the joy of gaming, but this level of unresponsiveness is something not even the training mini-games on the title can prepare you for. Put that together with poor level signposting and you have an unengaging experience.

The game suffers from sluggish load times, with little Pietro frozen as each fight boots up. In contrast, he moves around his castle home and the surrounding landscape with lightning speed.

The fact that the graphics are so impressive, and the road maps so brilliantly extensive, only adds to the disappointment of the overall experience.

Sega seems to be lazily exploiting a franchise that appears way past its sell-by date. Reinvent the character by all means, but give him back his sharp edges.

As any gamer knows, frustration is part of the joy of gaming, but this level of unresponsiveness is something not even the training mini-games on the title can prepare you for. Put that together with poor level signposting and you have an unengaging experience.

Although the bikes are fast during the races, they are overwhelmingly underpowered when pulling off at the start of a race. Twist the throttle all you like, but lift-offs provide all the G-force of a gnat.

If there’s a chronic cheat in the family, then the automated die-rolling and question-reading features offered by the game may be just what you’re looking for. If not, then dust off the box containing the real game and choose a category.

The trouble is that once you have got the hang of the swordplay, throwing stars and bow and arrow, it all becomes a bit repetitive, while the problem-solving element to the game provides little challenge.

The fact that the graphics are so impressive, and the road maps so brilliantly extensive, only adds to the disappointment of the overall experience.

It's still not enough to stop my tame ten- year-old tester pronouncing it Project: B.O.R.I.N.G.

Wrestling fans will be disappointed by the vagueness of the controls, while Streetfighter types have far more fast-moving titles to choose from. An interesting failure.

Mafia on the PS2 is a very pale imitation, especially with regard to the graphics, which were resplendent on the PC, and the handling, which I’ve mentioned already. And the load times? Don’t get me started, buster.

A classic case of style over substance, being little more than a glossy advertisement for the film.

A classic case of style over substance, being little more than a glossy advertisement for the film.

The fighting is realistic but dreadfully unimaginative, and there's only so much fun you can have kicking someone endlessly in the shins.

Fine in short blasts for anyone looking for some mindless tension-busting target practice. However, those seeking something that challenges the grey stuff will need to look elsewhere.

Sega seems to be lazily exploiting a franchise that appears way past its sell-by date. Reinvent the character by all means, but give him back his sharp edges.

The trouble is that once you have got the hang of the swordplay, throwing stars and bow and arrow, it all becomes a bit repetitive, while the problem-solving element to the game provides little challenge.

Fine in short blasts for anyone looking for some mindless tension-busting target practice. However, those seeking something that challenges the grey stuff will need to look elsewhere.

Fans of the series will have plenty to be happy about, but you can’t help feeling you’ve been here and done that in the previous games. That’s the real horror here.

The challenging combat does spice up proceedings, but the ubiquitous camera problems associated with these types of game and uninspiring graphics will soon make you want to turn your sword on yourself in true samurai fashion.

The weapons line-up is too predictable, with just a pistol, sniper rifle and explosives at your disposal, and the automated targeting arrangement means that even when you do take folk down, there is little satisfaction to be had. The graphics are flat, the voice characterisations plodding and the whole experience way too sterile.

The game becomes more strategic as it progresses, I am assured by fans of the ten-year-old series, but by then it is very hard to care.

Fans of the series will have plenty to be happy about, but you can’t help feeling you’ve been here and done that in the previous games. That’s the real horror here.

This is little more than a random compilation of one long movie trailer, countless tedious game trailers and 20 music tracks.

The flaws really hit home: the senseless randomness of matching DNA data and the unchallenging routine of tracking down clues.

Mind-bogglingly shallow.