Where LA Rush beats the others to the winning post is in the way that it allows you to spend the money you earn - welcome to the video game equivalent of MTV's hit TV show "Pimp My Ride."

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.

Terrorist action is undermining the system. Your job is to pile in and blow them away. It's a simple task, rendered wonderfully tense by the brooding background music and the amazingly detailed scenery. It's almost like controlling your own Hollywood blockbuster.

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

Where LA Rush beats the others to the winning post is in the way that it allows you to spend the money you earn — welcome to the video game equivalent of MTV’s hit TV show "Pimp My Ride."

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.

The graphics are solid and fighting is actually quite impressive, with the special moves giving variety to the hack’n’slash action. Yet all the time a feeling of déjà vu takes away from the action on the screen.

Although some of the voice acting creaks, the peasants who sound like Goon Show rejects are surprisingly entertaining.

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

This time around there are more units to build as well as new traps and siege equipment to help out on the battlefield.

The graphics are divine, with vast urban locales and spectacular crashes. The cars handle well, and each vehicle has its own characteristics. Yet this is no easy driving game — one of the reasons why, subject matter aside, it carries a 16+ rating.

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

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

The graphics are refreshingly crisp and clear, while the battlefield sound effects are spot on, incorporating a medley of explosions, machinegun fire and desperate battle cries.

Fans of the cartoons will be happy to know that the game contains everything from the originals, including voices and bad jokes.

An instant classic.

The graphics are divine, with vast urban locales and spectacular crashes. The cars handle well, and each vehicle has its own characteristics. Yet this is no easy driving game - one of the reasons why, subject matter aside, it carries a 16+ rating.

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.

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.

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.

Fans of the cartoons will be happy to know that the game contains everything from the originals, including voices and bad jokes.

The sound effects and gloriously cheesy lounge music help to complete a decent experience. The game does, however, suffer from a strict linear style, which can make it a little predictable at times. Still, Sydney Bristow remains a nicely realised gaming character with a winning personality.

Fans of the cartoons will be happy to know that the game contains everything from the originals, including voices and bad jokes.

The graphics are refreshingly crisp and clear, while the battlefield sound effects are spot on, incorporating a medley of explosions, machinegun fire and desperate battle cries.

Though voiced and scripted by the people behind the TV show, the game is lightweight, and its quirky navigation and control issues make it one for serious fans only.

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.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

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