Because of its predecessor's innovation and creativity, you can't help but feel that The Rub Rabbits is more of the same and lacks that essential factor on this reason alone. Stylish, fun and endearing, The Rub Rabbits should however be in your collection if you consider yourself a serious DS owner.

The gameplay is painfully repetitive and uninspired, and a vast majority of the mini-games just aren't fun; they say that your schooldays are the happiest of your life - but whoever said that couldn’t have been taught at the Ape Academy.

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.

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.

Fails to transfix gamers as it should. The two flaws in the gameplay (camera and recurring streaming issues) really affect the level of enjoyment and betray the Prince of Persia franchise.

A game quite unlike any other, a game that is wonderfully Nintendo at heart; Animal Crossing: Wild World will either leave a lasting impression, becoming part of your daily routine or have you questioning what the fuss is all about right from the start.

Its emphasis on fun football gameplay with a heavy dose of Mario power-ups including Koopa Shells, Stars, Mushrooms, and BobOmbs ensure that the title (and the player) never takes itself too seriously. It has instant playability.

The new abilities, and the introduction of the Speed Kill system, has meant that the title still feels fresh and exciting.

The new abilities, and the introduction of the Speed Kill system, has meant that the title still feels fresh and exciting.

The new abilities, and the introduction of the Speed Kill system, has meant that the title still feels fresh and exciting.

The new abilities, and the introduction of the Speed Kill system, has meant that the title still feels fresh and exciting.

It’s hard to knock Chrome Specforce too heavily simply because of its bargain price, however you have to question whether that’s a reason to invest in such a bland experience that only offers a mediocre interpretation of something we’ve seen on countless occasions. Gameplay flaws, bugs and glitches are one thing, a complete lack of imagination in terms of a videogame however is a distinctly different matter.

Perhaps the only real disappointment is the game's inability to make use of the DS touch capabilities.

A fun and entertaining game especially if you're a strategy fan; however on or two quirks, a lack of passion and an generally clunky feel deter from the overall experience.

With a regimental programme of exercises broken up into mini-games and more 'traditional' moves such as squats and push-ups the title certainly offers those willing to take the plunge an alternative to the gym or impact sports. This is an EyeToy title with actual substance and far exceeds our expectations.

Certain aspects of the game work brilliantly although (such as the ecology) with the world of Skull Island coming to life quite naturally. It does tend to drag a bit in places and the pacing can be less than consistant but overall its a good title.

Certain aspects of the game work brilliantly although (such as the ecology) with the world of Skull Island coming to life quite naturally. It does tend to drag a bit in places and the pacing can be less than consistant but overall its a good title.

Certain aspects of the game work brilliantly although (such as the ecology) with the world of Skull Island coming to life quite naturally. It does tend to drag a bit in places and the pacing can be less than consistant but overall its a good title.

At its heart it's the PC version, which didn't exactly set the world alight either, so coupled with its glaring shortfalls, Quake IV just doesn't cut it like it should.

Clover Studios should be applauded for designing a game around the DS strengths (much like many Japanese developers), although some aspects contain a few niggles, an original title is far more enjoyable than an uninspired console port.

Like every Ridge Racer title, RR6 oozes that instant fun playability that attracts gamers of every skill to play a quick race or a marathon session.

Joanna's return may not be everything fans could have hoped for however the combination of intense action, good presentation and enjoyable multiplayer make it a worthy launch title.

Virtually caving people's skulls in with a crowbar or snapping their necks is brutal and the game wholly deserves its 18 certificate from the BBFC. Having said that the gameplay is quite repetitive with seemingly endless searches for the correct blunt instrument does get a bit tiresome.

Regrettably Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland feels too much like a “by numbers” sequel; a tag that in some eyes has been hanging around the series for a while now, but most certainly manifests itself in THAW.

This is case of refinement; Bizarre has continued to add and streamline their iconic franchise making it the best PGR yet.

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.

There's little denying that the game lacks substance, however EA have at least ensured that what is here is representative of what the 360 should offer and thankfully not just an "enhanced port" of the current-gen FIFA 06.

A fun title that perhaps tries a little too hard not to take itself seriously; those who prefer their sports titles to have an inkling of sophistication will quickly find the game on its way back to the shop, however if you're just looking for fun then Amped 3 does the job.

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.

There's nothing particularly new or original about the game, there's not even a distinctive game feature you can put your finger on as a reason to own this game; instead Dragon Quest: The Journey of the Cursed King provides a game that is just enjoyable to play due to the attention paid towards its presentation, the cast of the characters and ensuring the gameplay is robust and without fault, if largely unremarkable.

As a long-term Sonic fan Shadow the Hedgehog fills me with absolute dread and disdain; it’s an abysmal game that manages to expand upon the issues of previous Sonic games, whilst completing negating the core ingredients of the Sonic series.

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.

Fantastic levels designs, intense gameplay, enjoyable boss encounters and plenty of new tricks brings Sonic back to finest.

As a long-term Sonic fan Shadow the Hedgehog fills me with absolute dread and disdain; it's an abysmal game that manages to expand upon the issues of previous Sonic games, whilst completing negating the core ingredients of the Sonic series.

As a long-term Sonic fan Shadow the Hedgehog fills me with absolute dread and disdain; it's an abysmal game that manages to expand upon the issues of previous Sonic games, whilst completing negating the core ingredients of the Sonic series.

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 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.

Away from the online Mario Kart DS is the biggest game in the series with a huge range of new and classic tracks, battle mode and all-new missions to conquer.

Taking the criticism thrown at it last year, Yukes has come up trumps with this year’s iteration rectifying the situation with a barrage of new wrestlers, features, and gameplay elements that wrapped together forms one of the most complete wrestling titles yet.

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.

One particular issue of the PSP version not featured in the home consoles is the intrusive load times that inhibit the pickup-and-play nature of the game, almost detracting from the seamless blend between both aspects of the game.

Most importantly the game’s gradual learning curve, handy tutorials and simple interface is immediately accessible, yet there’s still plenty to learn and discover when it comes to the subtleties of filmmaking 30 hours later.

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.

Some gamers will complete the campaign mode fairly quickly, but thankfully the addition of the Infrastructure modes and the voice chat lift the game to a strong comparative position to its PS2 cousins.

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.

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.

Despite the fact Operation Flashpoint is over four years old it still remains fresh to this day. The game packs depth, authenticity and immersion in place of traditional gaming elements such as fun, leaving a simulation of war that's deliberately different to others out there.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There’s plenty of variety, fun and enjoyment to be had with the game along with some thought-provoking puzzles that provide a good blend.

Manages to entertain initially but begins to dwindle after a few weeks have passed and the tracks perfected. It's an experience that should be seen and needs to be played by all, but one that is hard to recommend as absolutely essential given the novelty nature of the game as a whole.

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.

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.

It doesn't do anything drastically different and in some ways is quite by the numbers, and is still very reliant on the multiplayer options, but for Star Wars fans already pining for the mythical Episodes VII, VIII, and IX it will form a neat addition the collection.

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.

At least three new gameplay features makes Battlefront II feel far more rounded compared to the first title. Perhaps this is what Battlefront I should have been.

Though it can be an intense experience, Spartan does have a tendency to become quite repetitive at times. Having said that there is a solid combat system and enough variety that will please action fans.

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.

Though it can be an intense experience, Spartan does have a tendency to become quite repetitive at times. Having said that there is a solid combat system and enough variety that will please action fans.

Combines excellent fighting action with innovation; packs plenty of content and rightfully holds its place in a series that still burns in many fans heart – check it out now.

It makes no attempt to move the genre forwards and is largely a routine run and gun shooter from start-to-finish, albeit an intense one at that.

If you were a fan of the original you need to find this game; if you're not a GBA owner it's worth picking up a new Game Boy Micro just for this game.

Though it can be an intense experience, Spartan does have a tendency to become quite repetitive at times. Having said that there is a solid combat system and enough variety that will please action fans.

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.

A strange contradiction of achievement and disappointment.

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.

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.

Nothing but a serious disappointment... It just about manages to cover all the criteria but nothing feels as though Croteam have stretched the barrel – in many cases they feel surprisingly weaker then its predecessor.

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.

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 single-player stoy mode takes in three generations of the Black family over a number of missions, and once that challenge has been reached there's plenty of Multiplayer action to be had.

Much like "ICO," Shadow of the Colossus simply defies categorisation and is simply an experience unlike any other. It manages to evoke emotion and create an attachment to the player unlike any other videogame I can remember.

There's enough car customisation capabilities for sense of progression together with a range of munitions that can obliterate opponents, and the narrative is exactly what you'd expect it to be in a Jak & Daxter game.

In the same vein as last year's "Destroy All Humans" (also from THQ, but developed by Pandemic), Stubbs the Zombie is very much a one trick pony. Though there is a consistent vein of humour running throughout ever aspect of the game from the visuals to the soundtrack, the dialogue, and the gameplay itself, Stubbs does stuff a tad from repetitiveness.

Rockstar have done exactly what you’d expect them do: break down the movie into it’s core elements, expand upon the origin story, add a range of side-missions that add an extra incentive to progress through the narrative, get the visual and audio ambience of the film, and throw in that special Rockstar polish.

A perfect example of a modern day AAA title with very little wrong in all areas of game design. So why isn't F.E.A.R. a perfect ten you ask? Simple, it all boils down to the fact that in order to enjoy the game to the fullest, players may have to spend as much as (if not more) on upgrading their PCs as it does to buy the Xbox 360. After all how many gamers have at least a 3-Gig processor, 1-Gig RAM, 256 Meg GPU powered machine?

Rockstar have done exactly what you'd expect them do: break down the movie into it's core elements, expand upon the origin story, add a range of side-missions that add an extra incentive to progress through the narrative, get the visual and audio ambience of the film, and throw in that special Rockstar polish.

With heavy amounts of text and progress based upon your brain reflex as opposed to your trigger finger, Ace Attorney isn't a game for everybody; but for those looking for a stylish and original experience, make sure to check this out immediately as it will probably surprise you.

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.

Personally we're not too keen on the change to bigger maps, it's made the experience feel more like ever other tactical/shooter available.

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.

Undeniably a better game then "Doom 3" however as a single-player experience it’s hard to justify against "Half Life 2" and more recently "F.E.A.R." It’s everything you’d expect if you’re a fan of id, however there’s little doubt that you’re left asking for a little bit more.

Nothing but a serious disappointment... It just about manages to cover all the criteria but nothing feels as though Croteam have stretched the barrel – in many cases they feel surprisingly weaker then its predecessor.

There was no doubt that Virtua Tennis World Tour would appeal, but the developers have accomplished to create a game that does strike a balance between short and long-term play.

Having sat down for 12 hours solid to play through the game in one sitting it would be hypocritical to criticise the game too harshly, it certainly has that Lionhead charm by the bucketload and manages to immerse the player in the world of Black & White effectively.

Yet another strong and original title for Nintendo DS, Trauma Center provides an addictive and tense experience for players, though it's worth remembering that just because you managed to perform surgery on a multi-lacerated thoracic cavity (it's in there), don't expect to called into a real OR anytime soon.

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.

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.

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.

What really marks CRC as excellent value for money is not the endless mods that you can make to the cars, nor the exacting tuning of the car you can work on, not the many game modes which all distinguish themselves, not even the fact that the AI is spot on with the challenges it offers, neither the great attention to scenery details, car deformation, which it is presented in a polished and stylish way. It’s the sheer joy of having so much on offer, real quality stuff, nothing flash, the real essence of you verses the elements, along with some really tough competitors.

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.

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.

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.

Very much a by-numbers title that regurgitates most of the gameplay (and indeed, Pokemon) from previous instalments in the long-running franchise.

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.