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.

Improvements have been made throughout the game and it retains a strong sense of fun throughout, something that has only been accentuated by the inclusion of the various customisations.

Despite enjoying the continuity of an episode (or twelve) and the throwaway self-referential comedy that made the TV show famous, The Simpsons gets stuck with mediocre, generic gameplay, and confusion over who exactly the game is making fun of. One for fans.

The 'instant gratification' test from Flatout is very high which is always a good marker. Flatout does not profess to be anything but an out and out 'revving foot on the pedal and try to waste the opposition' game.

Scratch beneath the glossy visuals and you’ll reveal an uncomplicated affair that’s fun to play but may not appease the fighting purists.

I find it a real shame that the whole tactical side was dropped, as not only would controlling a mob add more depth it now seems that the use of hundreds of AI characters has been a complete waste of time.

If you're a Guitar Hero-loving Aerosmith fan then go and get it already - add a couple more points to the final score! For everybody else, it could be one to miss; after all, Guitar Hero World Tour (and the DS' On Tour) isn't too far away.

Reality Pump have refined the genre to near perfection, and until we see some radical changes to the RTS formula you’ll be hard pressed to find a better title.

It's not quite as well-rounded as its home console older brothers, there's certainly room for improvement, but it's a solid enough start...bring on Guitar Hero: Decades.

The game utilises a series of components and dare we even mutter it under our breath, clichés that can be derived from any number of horror films and survival horror titles, which is no big fault since for the most part (travelling aside) the game is an enjoyable title away from the established franchises that does offer some new ideas and details to the genre.

A by-numbers sequel that doesn’t dare to do anything too drastically, but when you’ve got the trading system of the X series and the astounding visuals of X3 it’s hard to complain too much. EgoSoft needs to sort out the issues however that are currently blighting the title.

Tak isn’t the worst platformer we’ve seen and will certainly appeal to the younger gamers out there; however its sheer insistence on the generic platform formula is enough to deter most people.

The Bourne Conspiracy is certainly as good as most other shooters that utilise the Unreal 3 engine, but it's no Gears of War. Instead, it's a thoroughly competent display of some top of the range next-gen tech.

A strong sense of style that stays close to the source material, Rogue Trooper isn't just one for the fans however; an intensive and sometimes intelligent shooter, Rogue Trooper is certainly one that could interest you if you're looking for a shooter that's a little bit different to the usual.

A fun and enjoyable game that is immediately accessible. Those who like vehicle combat games will love Blood Wake, it’s everything you’d want. However the game is quite short.

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.

Lips is a very strong alternative to SingStar if you're a PlayStation-less karaoke buff, and throws in a bit more gameplay than its established rival

Swarm links together superb gameplay design, a deep but accessible control suite, and an original premise with such well measured pace and verve that it would send its own brilliantly engineered score multiplier off the charts. It's yet another example of why the most innovative and refreshing games of our time sit on the digi-download platforms. Content is a slight issue for the asking price but, then again, you'll enjoy every second of what's on offer.

Everything that was in "EoN" is back albeit with a contemporary 1960s setting including the gadgets, yet there's something distinctly lacking that fails to bring the game close to living.

A strong sense of style that stays close to the source material, Rogue Trooper isn't just one for the fans however; an intensive and sometimes intelligent shooter, Rogue Trooper is certainly one that could interest you if you're looking for a shooter that's a little bit different to the usual.

The game is good graphically but can become a little dull if your don’t send out regular attacks on your opponents.

It’s obvious that the idea of time manipulation came whilst these guys were working on "Sonic CD," and it’s certainly been developed, but just not quite enough.

The modifications that Appaloosa have made may sound simple but they enhance the game beyond recognition, tightening up the gameplay to what is now a extremely polished and well focused adventure title.

ParaWorld sets itself a high bar by taking on such a story driven campaign. It fails to deliver on this part and, unfortunately, all that remains is an RTS game that simply can't stand up to today's heavyweights of the genre.

Whilst the games 10 missions won’t last long, the game certainly chucks it at you with dozens of enemies incessantly attacking you. A variety of boss encounters provide some challenge, however they’re not the most memorable encounters that you’ll ever come across.

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.

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.

The main problem is that we’ve seen it all before and done it all before, something that you’ll not be able to overcome.

There’s no doubt that this is an absolutely great game for multiplayer, but we’re upset that HAL didn’t really put their all in with the visuals or on making a more streamlined game.

Fun to play in short bursts, especially over Xbox Live, The Outfit never expands on its original premise set in the opening missions. The gameplay is both repetitive and overly structured, and there's a rigidity that simply makes the experience just too linear in the single-player campaign.

A drawn out and largely mediocre experience that's perhaps to be expected given TimeShift's difficult gestation, Saber Interactive's shooter nonetheless has some bright moments - but they're too little few and far between.

Everything that was in "EoN" is back albeit with a contemporary 1960s setting including the gadgets, yet there's something distinctly lacking that fails to bring the game close to living.

Offers, in terms of management and tactical depth, an intuitive feel without guiding the player but some could easily say it is devoid of being really inspiring, although we would give this our thumbs up for being straight to the point, unpretentious and offering what it promises - a strat game with substance!

If you’re looking for something to play in short bursts then World Tour Soccer: Challenge Edition can prove to be entertaining, but if you prefer your game to have an inkling of skill it’s probably better to wait for the debut of Konami’s mighty Pro Evolution series.

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.

If you’re not the biggest adventure fan in the world (like myself) then the various puzzles will often have you slamming the DS shut in frustration, but for some strange and unapparent reason I kept coming back for more.

The ‘instant gratification’ test from Flatout is very high which is always a good marker. Flatout does not profess to be anything but an out and out ‘revving foot on the pedal and try to waste the opposition’ game.

Let's Tap is a compendium of pure mini-game joy.

The arcade gameplay failed to excite, whilst the lack of depth in gaming modes, vehicle customisation and in general the whole game ensure the final nail has been placed.

If you like racing games generally then it is hard to pick this over "Toca Race Driver" or "Ferrari 355," the former offering the best racing experience, the latter one of the best driving experiences.

Full Auto desperately wants to be "Burnout" with guns, and the sad fact is that falls well below such an esteemed mark.

GripShift is a portable game designed to near perfection, it's Super Monkey Ball crossed with Geoff Crammond's legendary Stunt Car Racer; a unique concept that fully utilises its format, resulting in one of the most frustratingly addictive titles on the PSP to date.

A very simple premise that will no doubt appeal to the DS' ever-increasing casual market, NEVES is strangely captivating in small doses - though it doesn't quite balance the gameplay between being addictive and frustrating.

This is a game will appeal to FPS fans, and whilst it isn't genre defining, this should be the start of a successful franchise for Sony.

A classic example of style with substance to match, a 'cool' title if you will, that’s bound to impress.

Without a doubt killer7 is seriously deranged and can only leave you imagining what goes through the minds of Mikami-san, Kobayashi-san and Suda-san at night; those who like to be spoon-fed information will be reaching for the off switch almost immediately, whilst even those who like things a little cryptic will be left scratching heads and questioning exactly what’s happening.

The GBA’s Achilles heel once again rears its ugly head, unless playing under bright light identifying the colour of the gems is a nightmare, as not only can you not determine the colour but the sprites are too small as well.

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.

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.

A poorly implemented game idea that is by far beaten by Dave Mirra’s BMX game, which incidentally in its first incarnation had much more expansive levels than this game.

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.

A slightly suspect tempo and structure of the game leaves it feeling less enthralling then it could have been, whilst repetition sinks in to ensure this is one game best played in short burst; however these are small complaints over what is a thoroughly entertaining adaptation of a hilarious film.

One of the most controversial games for the Playstation has created a bigger, better, badder, and more f***ed up sequel.

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.

In introducing weapon modification and more importantly Adrenaline/Healing Tool, Pariah ends up feeling significantly different to the vast majority of shooters on the market, there's a definite sense of survival to the whole experience.

The design, structure and implementation of this game are wonderful. From the opening levels, with training that took us back to the classic X-Wing, right through to the epic dogfights of later levels, that erm, take us right back to X-Wing, Yager manages to impress.

If Rugby 06 is anything to go by, then future iterations of the franchise will only continue to get stronger and better, since this is by far the best rugby game to date. The flow of the game is more realistic than ever before, with the introduction of offloads, and quick penalties/line-outs working together to bring the game closer to the modern sport of rugby.

The gameplay is fast and fluid throughout the game, and contains some of the best looking shoot-‘em-up action we’ve ever seen before.

All in all a nice little title which will keep most gamers amused.

A strong sense of style that stays close to the source material, Rogue Trooper isn't just one for the fans however; an intensive and sometimes intelligent shooter, Rogue Trooper is certainly one that could interest you if you're looking for a shooter that's a little bit different to the usual.

Improvements have been made throughout the game and it retains a strong sense of fun throughout, something that has only been accentuated by the inclusion of the various customisations.

Utterly brilliant and everything that we could have hoped for. Team 17 have performed an excellent job of retaining the look and feel of 'Worms' whilst changing the scope of the game enough to make it feel fresh and new for everybody.

The detailed and distinctive visuals are a highlight on the system; the instant entertainment provides quick blast satisfaction; the control system takes full advantage of the DS capabilities.

Offers a more depth and is generally more fun then every other Motocross title before it.

One of the best platformers in years, which oozes charm and has both enjoyment and depth to ensure you’ll want to play it over and over again.

Unlike the control system (on Wii at least), the camera is far from responsive and ultimately becomes one of the letdowns of the game, nullifying all of the solid work EA UK has managed to do with the gesture-controlled spells.

It just does not seem like a title you would want to run out and buy if you already have last year's game.

It does become too tedious too soon which is a real shame.

Your overall sense of immersion with the game is broken occasionally by the tempo of the game, however Battle of the Gods seems to be played at a much faster rate that should please anybody turned off by the occasionally pedestrian pace of its predecessors.

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.

The game doesn't push the boundaries of gaming in any form, although it's certainly much more fun than Donkey Konga with more content and a better defined 'videogame' structure encompassing it.

Much like the original, it's only a matter of days before you'll whiz through each of the acts on offer. Unlike the original, because the focus on score is by all accounts lost, the urge to keep coming back and improve scores is gone completely.

This handheld version of Tom Clancy's EndWar offers a satisfying, tactical gaming experience.

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.

An almost triumphant return to form, Sonic and The Secret Rings at the very least creates the sense of urgency that's been missing from recent Sonic titles.

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.

Sudden Death much like its predecessor is a confusing experience; if you have fond memories of unique Amiga titles then it’s likely you’ll find a yearning desire to struggle through the game, however even then it’s likely to cause more frustrations then moments of enjoyment.

Swarm links together superb gameplay design, a deep but accessible control suite, and an original premise with such well measured pace and verve that it would send its own brilliantly engineered score multiplier off the charts. It's yet another example of why the most innovative and refreshing games of our time sit on the digi-download platforms. Content is a slight issue for the asking price but, then again, you'll enjoy every second of what's on offer.

In introducing weapon modification and more importantly Adrenaline/Healing Tool, Pariah ends up feeling significantly different to the vast majority of shooters on the market, there’s a definite sense of survival to the whole experience.

An unbelievably lazy title that just feels cheap. It has poor gameplay that the target audience will just fall asleep at, which only adds to the infuriating realisation that it will still sell thanks to the lightning scarred teen's name.

A mightily impressive action/adventure title, that features excellent presentation to draw the player in and strong game fundamentals to ensure frustration remains at a low.

The enjoyment is gained by the authenticity that Heavy Iron has crafted, playing the game feels as though you’re playing through one of the shows.

Fun to play in the short term, especially over the course of a mission or two, there's a repetitiveness to the gameplay that fails to entice players to experience the campaign for hours on end.

Without getting too worked up, Turok delivers a solid enough reboot of the dino hunting franchise, even if it will upset some of the brand's more loyal fans.

Expanding upon Neo’s story could have been a compelling opportunity for any Matrix fan out there; unfortunately the haphazard approach to the design and storyline are likely to offend the fans the most, leaving a mildly enjoyable beat-em-up at exactly that.

Not a bad attempt for the first 3D UO game but personally I was expecting more in the way of new items and things to do.

If you’re into MMORPG’s, it’s likely that the flaws combined with issues such as server lag and uninspired level/quest designs will leave you cancelling the subscription after a few months; while those bored of The Matrix and have no interest in this genre, would be well advised to leave this one of the shelf.

Everything that was in "EoN" is back albeit with a contemporary 1960s setting including the gadgets, yet there’s something distinctly lacking that fails to bring the game close to living.

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.

Admittedly broken down into its individual aspects Crash Tag Team Racing comes up a little short, however the overall game gels the pieces together to create an entertaining experience for young and old alike.

The implementation of controllable sea battles and the interactive environments certainly develops the gameplay of the combat RTS sub-genre and it’s sure to be a feature that a certain developer called Creative Assembly will be looking out for.

Perhaps the most impressive visual aspect to Downforce is the games split-screen multiplayer mode which stays extremely quick, with no loss in quality, framerate or objects on-screen.

An unbelievably lazy title that just feels cheap. It has poor gameplay that the target audience will just fall asleep at, which only adds to the infuriating realisation that it will still sell thanks to the lightning scarred teen's name.

The cinematic presentation will certainly appeal to casual gamers; however the sheer repetition, poor AI, lack of depth and longevity issues should be a major concerns to anybody else.

The blatant plagiarism, atrocious dialogue and unimaginative gameplay combine to create one of the most dullest videogame experiences I’ve had in years.

The combination of puzzles and action fits well, whilst the level of humour certainly helps the game to gel with the player – although some may find the type of comedy a little low-brow.

The game utilises a series of components and dare we even mutter it under our breath, clichés that can be derived from any number of horror films and survival horror titles, which is no big fault since for the most part (travelling aside) the game is an enjoyable title away from the established franchises that does offer some new ideas and details to the genre.

The mix of modes, coupled with the strong simulation settings, create a challenging yet rewarding experience that fans of the sport will enjoy over the summer months.