As with most 3D platformers, R&C3 is certainly not original ' but then again, the developers weren't trying to be groundbreaking.

The controls in this game are nothing for you to write home about, although they get the job done. The graphics in Syphon Filter are a mixed bag.

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.

The most authentic videogame adaptation that we've ever seen... [but t]he Career mode whilst engaging doesn't sustain your interest for long enough, and like many boxing titles will have all but the most hardened fan switching off long before the belt is won.

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.

The slick presentation, amazing visuals and authenticity do a great job of sucking you in, however those who’ve sampled the delights of "Pro Evo" will soon been yearning for the realistic and intuitive controls and gameplay of Konami’s match winner.

Our only concern with the game is that we can see it beginning to grate after only a few weeks; sure the Xbox Live! functions add some replay value, however given the very nature of the title and its pick-up dynamics we can't see ourselves playing this for months to come let alone even till Christmas.

The most authentic videogame adaptation that we've ever seen... [but t]he Career mode whilst engaging doesn’t sustain your interest for long enough, and like many boxing titles will have all but the most hardened fan switching off long before the belt is won.

We’d like to have seen a lot more from this game in single player – not everyone wants to play multiplayer ALL the time and I think it’s important that the developers take note of this. Still, a stunningly addictive game in multiplayer.

The most authentic videogame adaptation that we've ever seen... [but t]he Career mode whilst engaging doesn't sustain your interest for long enough, and like many boxing titles will have all but the most hardened fan switching off long before the belt is won.

Unfortunately there is one major stumbling block; the game is too short and the average gamer will have it licked in no time at all.

If this is your type of game then Rainbow Six 3 won't disappoint, but if like us you're beginning to grow a little tired of these games then best to look elsewhere.

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.

The counter/block system seems to be over-refined with a fine line drawn between whether a counter move is successful or not, and once an opponent is on a roll of combo attacks, players might as well put down the controller and let them do the damage because trying to escape proves to be exceptionally difficult.

The sad reality is that just over a year on, F.E.A.R. is desperately showing its age. Hard-edged shadows, bland textures, and some gloopy-looking water effects make the First Encounter Assault Recon experience look quite tired, especially in light of the Goliath that is "Gears of War."

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.

The look of C&C: Generals is uninspiring, tired and lacking spirit, miles behind the charismatic approach employed by Blizzard with "Warcraft III."

It does trip up on the lack of impact that a connect punch delivers, and the obvious inclusion of health/stamina bars, but for gamers not yet tainted by the phenomenal experience of Round 3 on Xbox 360, this won't be something that they'll worry about.

Friends are the key to the fun factor of San Francisco Rush 2049, so don't expect much if you play it alone.

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.

A game that fighter pilot wannabes will love, although it’s not quite as enthralling as perhaps it should be.

Very much in the same vein as last year's effort, Legends II manages to make further improvements especially with the introduction of online functionality though it still fails to offer the level of immersion that perhaps shoudl be expected of an RPG title.

The type of game that could only have come from an independent studio, Defcon presents a distinctive experience that captures the concept flawlessly. The lack of substance however sits at odds with the idea of a boxed release, and there is some questions as to whether there's enough long-term appeal to justify even the budget-price - one if it piques your curiosity.

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.

Space Invaders Extreme is perfect for the portable platform, providing pacey gameplay and enough touches to make the experience pretty fresh.

It does trip up on the lack of impact that a connect punch delivers, and the obvious inclusion of health/stamina bars, but for gamers not yet tainted by the phenomenal experience of Round 3 on Xbox 360, this won't be something that they'll worry about.

The story mode does provide a challenge and will last most around the 15 hour mark, however once that’s past the game has very little to offer largely because of the fundamental online options.