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.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

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

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.

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

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

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).

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.

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, with the Rock on board as the “talent” playing the spy hunter Alex Decker, Midway has got carried away with the cinematic feel of the venture at the expense of gameplay.

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 rollicking good fun all the way, let down by the short, repetitive nature of individual levels and the fact that only Michael Madsen of the original cast appears in the game.

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

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.

Nice graphics and smooth gameplay are no substitute for imagination.

It’s rollicking good fun all the way, let down by the short, repetitive nature of individual levels and the fact that only Michael Madsen of the original cast appears in the game.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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 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 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.