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.

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.

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 graphics are sublime — smooth and detailed even on the increasingly humble PS2, yet with enough gimmickry to make the replays delicious feasts.

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 graphics here are clean, robust and more colourful than previously, while the music, though still unswervingly upbeat, is as inoffensive as ever.

The graphics here are clean, robust and more colourful than previously, while the music, though still unswervingly upbeat, is as inoffensive as ever.

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.

An explosively over-the-top romp.

Just for its astonishing look — imagine a very bright 1950s cartoon about a future full of robots — this port from the Gamecube is worth the money.

Doom 3 has its flaws, but remains a graphical, audio and visual tour de force.

The best aspect, however, is the fighting, which is easy to learn and control and varies in style from martial arts to drunken brawling.

The thing that sets Ham-Ham Games apart from other recent GBA releases is its dazzling colour. This game is refreshingly bright and cheerful, bucking the current trend in handheld games for darker, neutral colours.

Sudeki is a competent debut, but, despite the oriental touches, it isn't in the epic "Final Fantasy" league.

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.

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.

This game will become the benchmark by which all such titles will be measured. The game’s AI is strong enough to present a challenge and the lack of base and harvest management is wonderfully refreshing.

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?

Unlike the first two in the series, which were made by a different studio, the interface is simple and intuitive, and the result addictive — the permutations seem endless.

This is a light-hearted beat-em-up that will appeal to both old-school fans and DragonBall aficionados.

Unlike the first two in the series, which were made by a different studio, the interface is simple and intuitive, and the result addictive — the permutations seem endless.

Makes up for its visual shortcomings by delivering memorable online play. In this domain, not too bogged down with flashy, sophisticated graphics, the cars race smoothly and will keep adrenalin-pumped players on the edge of their seats.

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.

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.

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.

The lack of detail and setup options may annoy the hardcore FPS fans, but the arcade approach will appease most players.

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.

With its responsive controls, choice of 16 top players and a variety of game modes, SCTPT2 is a winner.