On first sight, Bodycount's gameplay pillars are inviting: with arcade shooters being few and far between this generation and destructible environments remaining surprisingly underused, there's some real potential for compelling gameplay here. Unfortunately, Codemasters hasn't executed either of these features particularly well and unforgivably lacklustre design elsewhere cripples the game.

Perhaps with more development time, The Cartel would have been a more compelling experience but, with a game engine that's showing its age, a confused new identity and a fair few technical issues, it falls sadly short of most FPS fans' high expectations.

Perhaps with more development time, The Cartel would have been a more compelling experience but, with a game engine that's showing its age, a confused new identity and a fair few technical issues, it falls sadly short of most FPS fans' high expectations.

While it may initially grate, and the writing definitely misses more than it hits, Shadows of the Damned is a solid, snappy third-person shooter that retreads old ground with a... erm... unique style.

While it may initially grate, and the writing definitely misses more than it hits, Shadows of the Damned is a solid, snappy third-person shooter that retreads old ground with a... erm... unique style.

The revamped World Tour mode adds a touch of freshness and Move support has been dutifully applied to the PS3 version (albeit with a lack of content to leverage it) but nonetheless, at its heart, Virtua Tennis 4 is wearily familiar.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River lacks polish, refinement, and optimisation. The addition of a discernible narrative structure also fails to impress. Nonetheless, gamers looking for something different in an FPS and fans of military realism might find themselves a very rough diamond here.

Operation Flashpoint: Red River lacks polish, refinement, and optimisation. The addition of a discernible narrative structure also fails to impress. Nonetheless, gamers looking for something different in an FPS and fans of military realism might find themselves a very rough diamond here.

It's exciting to see the Lego games attempt to innovate, and some of the battles can be truly epic, but all sense of awe and fun is destroyed by persistent issues across the board, leaving players confused and frustrated. The trademark Lego charm is still just about present but is quickly wearing thin.

It's exciting to see the Lego games attempt to innovate, and some of the battles can be truly epic, but all sense of awe and fun is destroyed by persistent issues across the board, leaving players confused and frustrated. The trademark Lego charm is still just about present but is quickly wearing thin.

It's a thoroughly decent representation of the sport with a good range of modes and some fairly neat ideas, particularly in the career. That said, it's dangerously close to being the same package that last year's game was and, until the free 2011 season update arrives as DLC, it's hard to find a reason why gamers should pick this one up over a discounted copy of MotoGP 09/10.

It's a thoroughly decent representation of the sport with a good range of modes and some fairly neat ideas, particularly in the career. That said, it's dangerously close to being the same package that last year's game was and, until the free 2011 season update arrives as DLC, it's hard to find a reason why gamers should pick this one up over a discounted copy of MotoGP 09/10.

As the FPS genre marches towards a Call of Dutified heat death, it seems success is based more on the strength of a brand than any semblance of innovative game design. Homefront is only adding to this growing mass of homogeneous goo but at the very least it's a solid game with moderately entertaining mechanics; completely generic but generally agreeable nonetheless.

As the FPS genre marches towards a Call of Dutified heat death, it seems success is based more on the strength of a brand than any semblance of innovative game design. Homefront is only adding to this growing mass of homogeneous goo but at the very least it's a solid game with moderately entertaining mechanics; completely generic but generally agreeable nonetheless.

At times, everything that is great about video games. Rewarding gameplay, smart visuals and a decent attempt at innovation combine to create a game that can be great fun. However, the modest challenge and increasingly repetitive gameplay conspire to highlight other flaws, meaning most players will soon tire of the saccharine charm of de Blob and his surprisingly adult revolution before the monochrome regime can be toppled.

At times, everything that is great about video games. Rewarding gameplay, smart visuals and a decent attempt at innovation combine to create a game that can be great fun. However, the modest challenge and increasingly repetitive gameplay conspire to highlight other flaws, meaning most players will soon tire of the saccharine charm of de Blob and his surprisingly adult revolution before the monochrome regime can be toppled.

While the original Force Unleashed managed to surprise us with something that was more stimulating then the tech demo we feared and nicely introduced a new plotline, the sequel fails at virtually everything it attempts. The plot feels like a cheap way to extend the series and never delivers any twists, while the game itself is mediocre at the very best of times. A hugely disappointing experience that even the most ardent Star Wars fan will have a tough time enjoying.

While the original Force Unleashed managed to surprise us with something that was more stimulating then the tech demo we feared and nicely introduced a new plotline, the sequel fails at virtually everything it attempts. The plot feels like a cheap way to extend the series and never delivers any twists, while the game itself is mediocre at the very best of times. A hugely disappointing experience that even the most ardent Star Wars fan will have a tough time enjoying.

Disney Epic Mickey is undeniably the disappointment of the year for us. It was a concept that promised so much when it emerged last year but has ultimately ended up falling far short of the mark. What's more troubling than all of this, though, is that it feels like a game that's been held back from reaching its full potential; you do get the sense that it's perhaps not Junction Point's lack of talent but its lack of creative license that's led to these disappointments.

Despite its Master Chief and Marcus Fenix guises, Vanquish is ultimately much more Japanese in its orientation than it is Westernised. Unlike MadWorld and Bayonetta though, it just lacks the poised gameplay balancing that could've made it a much more addictive experience.

Despite its Master Chief and Marcus Fenix guises, Vanquish is ultimately much more Japanese in its orientation than it is Westernised. Unlike MadWorld and Bayonetta though, it just lacks the poised gameplay balancing that could've made it a much more addictive experience.

Beyond missions that are a touch more variable and slightly better attuned to the story, it's hard to see where HAWX 2 improves over its predecessor. The first game struggled to rise above its own monotonous gameplay and this tedium is only amplified by a sequel - mired in the same monotony - that's been released only a year-and-a-half after the original.

Beyond missions that are a touch more variable and slightly better attuned to the story, it's hard to see where HAWX 2 improves over its predecessor. The first game struggled to rise above its own monotonous gameplay and this tedium is only amplified by a sequel - mired in the same monotony - that's been released only a year-and-a-half after the original.

With a new linear focus and emphasis on large-scale boss battles, Shattered Dimensions represents a new direction for a series that has never quite lived up to its potential. However, despite some thrilling set-pieces, a lack of variety prevents this from becoming the definitive Spidey title.

With a new linear focus and emphasis on large-scale boss battles, Shattered Dimensions represents a new direction for a series that has never quite lived up to its potential. However, despite some thrilling set-pieces, a lack of variety prevents this from becoming the definitive Spidey title.

Although an improvement over the original, Dog Days - like its predecessor - is a game of two halves: a disappointing single-player somewhat rectified by enjoyably innovative and strategic multiplayer modes. We wouldn't have too many problems with the duration of the campaign if Dog Days packed every hour full of unforgettable moments, but as it stands it quickly degenerates into the chasm of forgettable, derivative Gears clones.

Although an improvement over the original, Dog Days - like its predecessor - is a game of two halves: a disappointing single-player somewhat rectified by enjoyably innovative and strategic multiplayer modes. We wouldn't have too many problems with the duration of the campaign if Dog Days packed every hour full of unforgettable moments, but as it stands it quickly degenerates into the chasm of forgettable, derivative Gears clones.

Vector Unit has certainly succeeded in its mandate of "big games in small packages" with Hydro Thunder Hurricane, and for that alone it's hard not to recommend. Despite its shortcomings Hydro Thunder Hurricane is ultimately a fun game to play and a worthy XBLA purchase.

Using exactly the same format as the original, Crackdown 2 is still an entertaining prospect and manages to provide an experience that is ultimately purely about having fun. The problem stems from the lack of ambition. Either at the bequest of Microsoft or not, Ruffian Games has taken a fairly lazy approach to the sequel, which makes it a little difficult to justify.

Split/Second is an original concept made irksome by a lack of depth and highly questionable balancing in the gameplay. Nonetheless, we can't help but feel that there's a lot more mileage left in Blackrock's big idea.

Split/Second is an original concept made irksome by a lack of depth and highly questionable balancing in the gameplay. Nonetheless, we can't help but feel that there's a lot more mileage left in Blackrock's big idea.

When you're battling against the biggest bugs the game has to offer, Lost Planet 2 can be a blast particularly with a few friends. It is however a fundamentally frustrating experience, with control issues and questionable design choices that reduces the overall enjoyment the game has to offer.

When you're battling against the biggest bugs the game has to offer, Lost Planet 2 can be a blast particularly with a few friends. It is however a fundamentally frustrating experience, with control issues and questionable design choices that reduces the overall enjoyment the game has to offer.

There's a sense that in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience, i.e accessibility, Ubisoft has appealed to the lowest common denominator. We enjoyed the Splinter Cell series for its complexity, but like Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six before it, such elements have been removed completely.

Tiberian Twilight is little more than a mish-mash of ideas from other RTS games, and looses C&C's identity in the process.

By eliminating many of the factors that we've come to expect Square-Enix has delivered a Final Fantasy XIII that is different, but also desperately attempts to cling on to some elements of the past purely to maintain conventions. Unfortunately, the biggest criticism is the fact that you're left with a feeling of playing for the sake of it, rather than savoring it.

By eliminating many of the factors that we've come to expect Square-Enix has delivered a Final Fantasy XIII that is different, but also desperately attempts to cling on to some elements of the past purely to maintain conventions. Unfortunately, the biggest criticism is the fact that you're left with a feeling of playing for the sake of it, rather than savoring it.

There's no denying the appeal of Bad Company 2's multiplayer. DICE is still expertly nailing down what it pioneered all the way back in 2002, and the experience remains far from stale. However, poor design in the single-player makes for a campaign that's not only lacklustre throughout, but cripplingly buggy at times as well.

There's no denying the appeal of Bad Company 2's multiplayer. DICE is still expertly nailing down what it pioneered all the way back in 2002, and the experience remains far from stale. However, poor design in the single-player makes for a campaign that's not only lacklustre throughout, but cripplingly buggy at times as well.

Aliens vs Predator occasionally offers brief moments of entertainment, but it's ultimately let down by an unimaginative approach to the single-player mode that never quite manages to match the terror, suspense and brilliance of the original movies.

Aliens vs Predator occasionally offers brief moments of entertainment, but it's ultimately let down by an unimaginative approach to the single-player mode that never quite manages to match the terror, suspense and brilliance of the original movies.

Despite its refusal to innovate, its blatant copying from the God of War rulebook, and its missed opportunities, Dante's Inferno is nonetheless a solid title. At the very least, it's an engaging prospect for Xbox loyalists who've never played a God of War game. However, with the likes of Darksiders and Bayonetta on the market (as well as God of War III in our sights), Dante's Inferno is the weakest proposition of the bunch.

Despite its refusal to innovate, its blatant copying from the God of War rulebook, and its missed opportunities, Dante's Inferno is nonetheless a solid title. At the very least, it's an engaging prospect for Xbox loyalists who've never played a God of War game. However, with the likes of Darksiders and Bayonetta on the market (as well as God of War III in our sights), Dante's Inferno is the weakest proposition of the bunch.

The ultimate issue in front of Dark Void is the fact that it doesn't know whether it's a third-person shooter or an arcade flight game, and does a pretty mediocre attempt at both. An uninspired approach to the design of the game's stages and challenges ultimately leaves Dark Void dangling in the chasm of mediocre shooters.

The ultimate issue in front of Dark Void is the fact that it doesn't know whether it's a third-person shooter or an arcade flight game, and does a pretty mediocre attempt at both. An uninspired approach to the design of the game's stages and challenges ultimately leaves Dark Void dangling in the chasm of mediocre shooters.

The ultimate issue in front of Dark Void is the fact that it doesn't know whether it's a third-person shooter or an arcade flight game, and does a pretty mediocre attempt at both. An uninspired approach to the design of the game's stages and challenges ultimately leaves Dark Void dangling in the chasm of mediocre shooters.

Although the Agro system underpins the overall co-op gameplay sufficiently, the lack of imagination prevents the game from pushing forwards the co-op experience. Instead there's more satisfaction gained by the subtlety that EA Montreal has brought to the series; something we never imagined ourselves to say about the antics of Rios and Salem.

Although the Agro system underpins the overall co-op gameplay sufficiently, the lack of imagination prevents the game from pushing forwards the co-op experience. Instead there's more satisfaction gained by the subtlety that EA Montreal has brought to the series; something we never imagined ourselves to say about the antics of Rios and Salem.

It's hard to imagine why anyone would opt for The Saboteur when they've got Assassin's Creed II as an alternative. Beyond its Parisian setting, The Saboteur fails to add any new ideas to the sandbox genre other than breasts.

It's hard to imagine why anyone would opt for The Saboteur when they've got Assassin's Creed II as an alternative. Beyond its Parisian setting, The Saboteur fails to add any new ideas to the sandbox genre other than breasts.

It's hard to imagine why gamers would opt for PES over FIFA this year unless they are such stubborn fans of the series that they'll never let go. FIFA betters Konami's offerings more or less across the board this time around, while PES' continued lack of substantial gameplay innovations (even without any comparisons to FIFA) is becoming quite worrying to say the least.

It's hard to imagine why gamers would opt for PES over FIFA this year unless they are such stubborn fans of the series that they'll never let go. FIFA betters Konami's offerings more or less across the board this time around, while PES' continued lack of substantial gameplay innovations (even without any comparisons to FIFA) is becoming quite worrying to say the least.

EyePet provides a companion that won't die if you forget to feed it, won't pee on the rug, or require incessant attention. It's better then the attention-craving Tamagotchi in this respect but lacks the impulse of Nintendogs. But like a Tamagotchi, the appeal is a little short-lived and we're unsure that an EyePet isn't just for Christmas.

By any other name, WET is Kill Bill: The Video Game. WET gives everything it has to offer in the first ten minutes. Nevertheless, the score/health system that lies at its core keeps it compelling with a strong dynamic that lends the urgency and pace third-person shooters desperately require.

By any other name, WET is Kill Bill: The Video Game. WET gives everything it has to offer in the first ten minutes. Nevertheless, the score/health system that lies at its core keeps it compelling with a strong dynamic that lends the urgency and pace third-person shooters desperately require.

While the combat is a bit of a letdown, the high bar for difficulty is certainly more addictive than it is frustrating, which compensates for the title's shortcomings and fittingly punctuates a solid piece of work.

We had high hopes for FUEL, which promised to offer an expansive game world teaming with insane weather and even crazier racing. Ultimately, however, Asobo Studio has served up a barren wasteland filled with nothing to do, bland race events, and weather effects that are far less dynamic than Codemasters might have you believe.

There's no denying that Overlord II is an enjoyable expansion on the original idea, which will entertain the fans. Unfortunately, the frustrations seem to mount up as you get further into the game, making it plainly obvious that Triumph has failed to really address key issues that thwarted the original.

There's no denying that Overlord II is an enjoyable expansion on the original idea, which will entertain the fans. Unfortunately, the frustrations seem to mount up as you get further into the game, making it plainly obvious that Triumph has failed to really address key issues that thwarted the original.

There's no denying that Overlord II is an enjoyable expansion on the original idea, which will entertain the fans. Unfortunately, the frustrations seem to mount up as you get further into the game, making it plainly obvious that Triumph has failed to really address key issues that thwarted the original.

If you're a fan of the movies this alone is largely enough to look past the game's failings, such as the repetitive gameplay and dated design.

If you're a fan of the movies this alone is largely enough to look past the game's failings, such as the repetitive gameplay and dated design.

Although PDC 2008 will undoubtedly have darts fans jockeying to the oche, the fun will probably be relatively short-lived for everybody else. With no Mii options and limited Party modes, it's also hard to imagine PDC World Championship Darts 2008 appealing to the Wii Sports crowd. Nevertheless, at least it finally makes a darts videogame seem ever so slightly less pointless.

Some ill thought out mechanics really make this already niche title further marginalised, but it's nonetheless a very quirky adventure game.

Although it has everything you'd want from an intense, action-fuelled open-world title, the overall feeling with Prototype is that it tries a little too hard.

Although it has everything you'd want from an intense, action-fuelled open-world title, the overall feeling with Prototype is that it tries a little too hard.

Although it has everything you'd want from an intense, action-fuelled open-world title, the overall feeling with Prototype is that it tries a little too hard.

We had high hopes for FUEL, which promised to offer an expansive game world teaming with insane weather and even crazier racing. Ultimately, however, Asobo Studio has served up a barren wasteland filled with nothing to do, bland race events, and weather effects that are far less dynamic than Codemasters might have you believe.

We had high hopes for FUEL, which promised to offer an expansive game world teaming with insane weather and even crazier racing. Ultimately, however, Asobo Studio has served up a barren wasteland filled with nothing to do, bland race events, and weather effects that are far less dynamic than Codemasters might have you believe.

While the combat is a bit of a letdown, the high bar for difficulty is certainly more addictive than it is frustrating, which compensates for the title's shortcomings and fittingly punctuates a solid piece of work.

While the combat is a bit of a letdown, the high bar for difficulty is certainly more addictive than it is frustrating, which compensates for the title's shortcomings and fittingly punctuates a solid piece of work.

Undoubtedly the most enjoyable game to be based around Wolverine (but that's probably not saying much), X-Men Origins: Wolverine offers fast-paced, brutal, brainless action by the bucketload.

Undoubtedly the most enjoyable game to be based around Wolverine (but that's probably not saying much), X-Men Origins: Wolverine offers fast-paced, brutal, brainless action by the bucketload.

Far more enjoyable than its predecessor, The Godfather II presents a sufficiently different take on the open world formula to make it worthwhile - just forget the fact its based around Coppola's classic.

Far more enjoyable than its predecessor, The Godfather II presents a sufficiently different take on the open world formula to make it worthwhile - just forget the fact its based around Coppola's classic.

It's passable for those just looking for some mindless action and fans of his films, but there's too many issues to hold this game aloft in the crowded action genre.

It's passable for those just looking for some mindless action and fans of his films, but there's too many issues to hold this game aloft in the crowded action genre.

Halo Wars is a solid enough Real-Time Strategy experience from Ensemble, with a campaign that's just about challenging enough on the harder difficulties, and multiplayer features that has everything you'd would expect from any example of the genre.

With touches of originality in its gameplay and a main campaign that presents enough variation to keep things interesting, HAWX is proficient, but it rarely manages to be much more than this.

Race Pro is uninspiring throughout and a bland racing experience to the bone.

The fact remains that F.E.A.R evolved shooters back in 2005, but there appears to be very little progress in the four years since with F.E.A.R 2.

The fact remains that F.E.A.R evolved shooters back in 2005, but there appears to be very little progress in the four years since with F.E.A.R 2.

The fact remains that F.E.A.R evolved shooters back in 2005, but there appears to be very little progress in the four years since with F.E.A.R 2.

We loved every minute of House of the Dead: Overkill, but that's precisely the problem, it's a game that literally is, over in minutes.

Bland, unoriginal, buggy, beleaguered with frame-rate issues, filled with visual 'quirks', and featuring combat that's lacking any great sense of satisfaction, Rise of the Argonauts is a truly lacklustre action-RPG experience.

Bland, unoriginal, buggy, beleaguered with frame-rate issues, filled with visual 'quirks', and featuring combat that's lacking any great sense of satisfaction, Rise of the Argonauts is a truly lacklustre action-RPG experience.

Bland, unoriginal, buggy, beleaguered with frame-rate issues, filled with visual 'quirks', and featuring combat that's lacking any great sense of satisfaction, Rise of the Argonauts is a truly lacklustre action-RPG experience.

Continuing the theme of simplification that was prevalent throughout Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft's attempt to reinvent the Prince of Persia series is considerably disappointing.

Mushroom Men has some fantastic ideas in it and lots of genuine character, but the short game length and lack of replay value mean that this game is best suited to those who are desperately angling for something to satisfy their 3D platforming fix.

Continuing the theme of simplification that was prevalent throughout Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft's attempt to reinvent the Prince of Persia series is considerably disappointing.

Continuing the theme of simplification that was prevalent throughout Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft's attempt to reinvent the Prince of Persia series is considerably disappointing.

Between the excellent Midnight Club LA and the slightly disappointing Burnout Paradise, Need For Speed: Undercover unfavourably finds itself amongst some stiff competition.

Between the excellent Midnight Club LA and the slightly disappointing Burnout Paradise, Need For Speed: Undercover unfavourably finds itself amongst some stiff competition.

Despite offering a freeform control layout, Shaun White Snowboarding still feels like a pretty standard example of the genre at heart.

Despite offering a freeform control layout, Shaun White Snowboarding still feels like a pretty standard example of the genre at heart.

Despite being a deep RPG that delivers a lot of scope for fans of the hack 'n' slash genre, Sacred 2's 16-player online multiplayer is its only real stab at originality.

With only eight chapters Mirror's Edge is a particularly short game and the only thing that extends this is the trial-and-error gameplay. You're constantly left feeling as though Mirror's Edge needed something else to sustain it.