It's not the most gripping story we've ever come across, but it certainly isn't the worst, and if you like zombie films then it'll be right up your street.

It is a bit of a disappointment in that Empires doesn't look or feel like a next-gen title, instead it's more like a High-Def version of a current-gen game.

This 2D shooter in a 3D environment may look slightly frayed around the edges and dated in many respects but with so few proper video shooters that go back to the real roots of arcade blasting this is a nice short fix.

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.

Worth a look... [but] we would have liked to have seen Pyro stretch the boundary slightly more and gone for some revolutionary new steps, whilst RTS fanatics will bemoan the relatively limited range of different troops under your control.

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.

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.

The emphasis on driving, the lack of scope in the side-quests, and the subsequent compulsion to complete the main mission, are definite weak spots in the game, the result being that players will all to easily get bogged down in the general repetitiveness of the experience.

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.

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.

It's not the most gripping story we've ever come across, but it certainly isn't the worst, and if you like zombie films then it'll be right up your street.

If intense dogfights and Yankie banter sound appealing then Heroes of the Pacific is for you; sadly the repetitive gameplay is a major deciding for everybody else.

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.

Given the lower-end price of FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage and its obvious strengths, it's easy to look past the lack of imagination and next-generation refinement.

It's far from perfect, with issues such as the crazy swings in player AI and overall lack of finesse and skill required; but for the most part we're more than willing to forgo them in the name of fun – in multiplayer bouts particularly, FIFA Street throws up some highly frenetic yet engaging, competitive fun.

As an experiment to push the capabilities of downloadable content over Xbox Live, there's little to doubt Anniversary's originality - on Microsoft's console at least. However, a few extra touches to the lighting and a few soaked vests aside, the Xbox 360 edition of Lara's first outing will be more for the fans.

Demonically difficult, heart-shatteringly hard, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles is a gamer's game. Solid in both respects of the word, Konami's elderly iconic franchise fits perfectly on PSP for some vampire killing on the move...even if you do feel like throwing the handheld into a wall at times.

Fundamentally the same as the last couple of Spider-Man titles with a handful of enhancements, Spider-Man 3 on the next-generation consoles disappoints in its portrayal of what the new range of consoles have to offer - particularly if you're looking for something other then crisp, clear visuals.

Despite the fact that the weapons fail to pack a punch, and the enemy AI is just as weak, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat is fun with a level of frantic action that's emphasised by the addition of the hot-swapping functionality.

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.

Whilst not as executed quite to the level we'd hoped for, Alone in the Dark remains an original take on the survival horror genre, with its DVD-style structure and environmental interaction worthy of praise.

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.

Buy with the knowledge that even the multiplayer mode can't save some environments from growing stale.

If intense dogfights and Yankie banter sound appealing then Heroes of the Pacific is for you; sadly the repetitive gameplay is a major deciding for everybody else.

It's the same Traveller's Tales Lego experience once again. Apart from the fact that Batman is now the subject matter, very little is new here and the gameplay is far from fresh.

A few more months in development ironing out the control system and the suspect AI would have seen a much better release, whilst mid-level saves would have eliminated some of the frustration.

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.

OK we admit, Scene It? Lights Camera Action isn't the car wreck of a title that we thought it would be, but it has more to prove if it's going to challenge its stylish rival on PlayStation. Hopefully this debut instalment will be quickly followed with a regular stream of downloadable content over Xbox Live, ensuring that the often-repeated 'non-repeatable' questions don't get too stale.

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.

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.

ProStroke Golf continues to offer an alternative to EA's gargantuan golfing franchise, even on the PSP, though the decision to drop the first-person perspective when lining up a shot, and the PSP's single-nipple disability, does bring the gameplay gap between the two a tad closer.

Whilst the production values of GUN are high in every possible way, it's let down by a short campaign and an overly structured dynamic of side-missions.

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.

One of the most impressive looking titles so far on Xbox 360 The Darkness is nonetheless let down by poor AI from both the Darklings and the various mob and zombie soldiers that Jackie encounters.

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.

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.

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.

Rent it out along with a six-pack and some mates some time, but I wouldn't recommend buying it.

Games such as "Guilty Gear X" have shown what true next-gen 2D titles can look like, whilst other titles have more depth and a sufficiently more detailed fighting system for fighting fanatics.

Thankfully the controls work better then ever on the Cube's pad, so you'll be whizzing through traffic and sliding round corners in no time at all.

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 online experience is of good quality and works as well as anyone could have hoped for.

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.

New additions to the series, including the varied inventory, offer a strong dose of depth that perhaps wasn't there in instalments gone by, though there remains a question of longevity.

The luscious visuals and complete lack of competition could be enough to convince Xbox fighting fans, however don’t go expecting a radical experience.

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.

Features a number of flaws at a control level that stop it becoming an essential title.

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.

A highly imaginative experience that walks the fine line between compulsion and frustration that any good puzzler should provide. Further refinement on the concept and level design to reduce the emphasis on trial-and-error gameplay would have resulted in a more appealing experience.

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.

An overly structured Campaign mode, and a directionless sandbox experience, help to bog the game down with bland gameplay and future of (dare we suggest) possible mediocrity.

Hot Pixel is the game for any PSP owners longing for some WarioWare action. It's credit to ZSlide that they've managed to emulate the formula so closely, providing the variety, addiction and weird elements that catapulted Nintendo's series to success.

"Dynasty Warriors" and beat-em-up fans will find an exciting experience, however its repetitive nature will soon put off anybody else.

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.

Ok so The Simpsons are getting better in the games industry, "Simpsons Wrestling" was diabolical and should never of been created. The Simpsons Road Rage is a decent game.

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.

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.

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.

If intense dogfights and Yankie banter sound appealing then Heroes of the Pacific is for you; sadly the repetitive gameplay is a major deciding for everybody else.

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.

The game does have quite an ‘old-school’ feel to it that some may not like, but it’s a definite foundation for the franchise to develop over time.

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.

Taking away the Lord of the Rings license you'll still find a solid, if a little predictable (and sometimes frustrating), tactical-RPG - add the Hobbits and the Goblins and it's a PSP title that RPG loving fans of the series will enjoy.

A surprisingly different Need for Speed, but at the same time all too familiar. With several new ideas, the typical sensation of speed and hot pursuits ultimately ensure Need for Speed: Carbon feels largely the same as everything that's come before in the series.

Very much the title that the first invasion should have been, we're looking forward to what Pandemic could do with a possible third outing for the stubby Furon.

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.

There is nothing too wrong with Super Trucks. The models are nice, the tracks nice and the graphics and sound… nice. But as Madonna said of Costner, “What the hell is nice?”

If you really like this mindless shooting wrapped up in some dated graphics and dated gameplay, then go for it. But without the multi-player mode that really made the Xbox version, and damn, not even with split screen or link-up, there's precious little to recommend here.

Playing as the Centurion turned gladiator Agrippa is quite fun at first but very quickly becomes repetitive, whilst the sections of the game where you play as Octavianus are just plain dull to begin with.

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.

Although it is relatively entertaining to play the game falls flat mostly because of a few key aspects: enemy AI, and the sheer linearity of the level design and gameplay.

Whilst the strong presentation and authenticity is appealing, the overall result is a tired fps that suffers from fundamental flaws.

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.

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.

Being a fan of the series it hurts to see the Leisure Suit Larry franchise brought up to date like this, a lot more thought and effort was needed instead of just relying on the boobs.

Although it is relatively entertaining to play the game falls flat mostly because of a few key aspects: enemy AI, and the sheer linearity of the level design and gameplay.

Despite some superficial changes, which add a certain Capcom-esque feel to the game, Devil Kings remains extremely similar in terms of gameplay experience to Koei's Chinese dynastical franchise. In such a case, if you're a fan of Dynasty Warriors then it's more than likely that you'll enjoy Devil Kings but if not, it's hard to believe that the game will stand out to you.

Sadly there’s just not enough depth to the combat system, whilst the woeful presentation lets the side down.

Although it is relatively entertaining to play the game falls flat mostly because of a few key aspects: enemy AI, and the sheer linearity of the level design and gameplay.

Sadly the game still doesn’t address the fundamental issues over control, AI and the basic nature of the gameplay; although we still found ourselves suckers to the plot and presentation – it’s the main reason for playing through the game sadly.

GameCube owners are certainly the luckiest out there, as R: Racer includes the GC-GBA title Pac-Man as a freebie; whilst it’s nothing revolutionary, this fun little title makes a purchase almost worthy.

Space Invaders Revolution is never going to be the title to grab the attention of the masses, but for those that have fond memories or wish for something highly addictive to fill 15 minute slots you’ll not find anything quite so fitting as this.

Whilst not the worst film tie-in, Fantastic 4 still feels heavily watered down and certainly comes across as a weaker version of "X-Men Legends."

An average tie-in that's not without its merits, and one that will appeal to fans of the film and a younger audience. Jaded older gamers however will find very little to sustain your interest.

Oh EA what have you done; we we're getting to enjoy FIFA once again and now this. We're never ones to severely criticise an average game, however FIFA 06 beggars belief.

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.

The story fails to ignite and it just felt like the developer of the game was trying to be really intellectual and those that did not see the real focus of the game, enjoy the engaging story and all the other subtle touches were either stupid or didn't appreciate the real value of what is being offered!

If you have the perseverance to stick with puzzles that have been designed to test the patience of time itself, the slow introductory pace and continuous struggles with the game's interface (the genre's weaknesses as a whole) then Broken Sword 4: The Angel of Death probably provides everything you're looking for.

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.

Whilst the production values of GUN are high in every possible way, it's let down by a short campaign and an overly structured dynamic of side-missions. The truth is that for a game that should have been GTA: Wild West it's far too restrictive an experience and one that will disappoint those expecting it to deliver wholeheartedly.

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.

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

LoMaM isn’t a bad game it’s just unoriginal and stuck in mediocrity...lacks that little spark of magic to make it worth a purchase.

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.

Initially it appears that EA have been happy to just release last year’s version albeit with an unneeded visual lick of plaint and this season’s player/team data; further play however reveals that the game actually takes a step backwards in many areas.

The game does up the Zombie count to an immeasurable level, whilst the levels are extremely large and full of scenic touches.