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.

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.

Its repetitive structure and bland storyline creates a somewhat shallow experience, yet at the same time there’s depth to be found in the combo combat system and the many side missions to partake.

Its repetitive structure and bland storyline creates a somewhat shallow experience, yet at the same time there’s depth to be found in the combo combat system and the many side missions to partake.

Instincts very much builds on the foundations laid down by the original title thanks to the integration of Feral abilities and the tweaked storyline. There's a very strong combat control system, though the vehicular control system isn't quite as intuititve.

Its repetitive structure and bland storyline creates a somewhat shallow experience, yet at the same time there's depth to be found in the combo combat system and the many side missions to partake.

The progressive nature of the game will test the skilled player and you soon find out that the support soldiers you choose, the way you equip yourself, is very very important. Bet on Soldier is hard but then again presenting a challenge worth fighting through makes it even more appealing.

Manages to take the web-crawler to new heights thanks to the great visual style, the variety in gameplay (which is certainly an improvement over Spider-Man 2), and a tweaked combat/control system. The game looks phenomenal and really does bring the characters out of the comic book and in the consoles successfully.

Manages to take the web-crawler to new heights thanks to the great visual style, the variety in gameplay (which is certainly an improvement over Spider-Man 2), and a tweaked combat/control system. The game looks phenomenal and really does bring the characters out of the comic book and in the consoles successfully.

Manages to take the web-crawler to new heights thanks to the great visual style, the variety in gameplay (which is certainly an improvement over Spider-Man 2), and a tweaked combat/control system. The game looks phenomenal and really does bring the characters out of the comic book and in the consoles successfully.

One of the game’s shining lights is the camera system that enables you to focus on the action all of the time – you won’t be blindsided in this game by enemies creeping up on you, and coupled with the intuitive control system you’ll find that navigating Kay through the levels is fairly straightforward.

An absolutely essential purchase for fans of the original, expanding upon the foundations laid by its predecessor and enforcing its position on top of the RTS genre.

Those who won’t look at a game unless it’s got big guns and lots of mindless goons to destroy will likely detest Fahrenheit and wonder what the fuss is all about; however those who’d like to glimpse how videogames can become an effective means to telling stories and interacting with them will find one of the surprising contenders for Game of the Year.

Those who won’t look at a game unless it’s got big guns and lots of mindless goons to destroy will likely detest Fahrenheit and wonder what the fuss is all about; however those who’d like to glimpse how videogames can become an effective means to telling stories and interacting with them will find one of the surprising contenders for Game of the Year.

Sadly the action based nature of the game hasn’t survived the translation to mouse/keyboard as well as we could have hoped. The fundamental character/camera movement and basic combat works well; it just all begins to get a little messy when the vast amount of keys comes into play.

The combat is far from fluid and the missions feel stuttered and short...and how will Marvel fans feel about killing off some of their favourite characters???

Everything about We Love Katamari oozes simplicity in the best possible way, from the concept to the execution, the control system to the level design; it's a game that's just fun, fun, fun to play.

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.

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 combat is far from fluid and the missions feel stuttered and short...and how will Marvel fans feel about killing off some of their favourite characters???

The game does have its fair share of frustrations and flaws, but for those not entirely put off by the sight of yet more orcs and dark elves Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes remains a worthwhile purchase.

Those who won't look at a game unless it's got big guns and lots of mindless goons to destroy will likely detest Fahrenheit and wonder what the fuss is all about; however those who'd like to glimpse how videogames can become an effective means to telling stories and interacting with them will find one of the surprising contenders for Game of the Year.

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 combat is far from fluid and the missions feel stuttered and short...and how will Marvel fans feel about killing off some of their favourite characters???

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.

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with Myst V but then again we’ve seen it all before and the story alone this time just wasn’t enough.

It's a game that will certainly appeal to MK fans thanks to its self-referencing details, but more than that, Shaolin Monks will appeal to action/adventure fans in general thanks to a very solid combat system that surpasses previous attempts at multi-directions 3D combat.

It's a game that will certainly appeal to MK fans thanks to its self-referencing details, but more than that, Shaolin Monks will appeal to action/adventure fans in general thanks to a very solid combat system that surpasses previous attempts at multi-directions 3D combat.

Just trying to play through the game was a struggle; sure the cumbersome controls and other such issues are frustrating, however the biggest concern is the lack of appeal the game has, boredom sinks in after only a couple of levels and there’s very little to re-capture this later in the game.

Fantastic presentation, highly addictive intense gameplay and plenty to play – racing games just don’t get any better then this, make sure to check it out immediately.

Those looking for a no-nonsense beat-em-up could find some enjoyment with the fluid combat system and frantic nature of the game, however Urban Reign makes very little attempt to bring the genre back to life - everybody else should check out Rockstar Games superior adaptation of The Warriors.

Any Burnout fanatic needs this in their collection and it’s a must-have for PSP owners looking for the finest arcade racer available; thrills, spills, crashes and carnage it’s got it all, what more could you possibly ask for???

Fantastic presentation, highly addictive intense gameplay and plenty to play – racing games just don't get any better then this, make sure to check it out immediately.

If the franchise is to continue with any sort of longevity then an overhaul of many gameplay aspects will have to be accomplished.

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.

Fans of the genre and hip-hop alike will enjoy 187: Ride or Die and there's no reason why it shouldn't become a hit for Ubi. Take a little bit of Burnout, add a sprinkling of Twisted Metal and a lot of bad attitude; the result is Ubi's latest, explosive release that maintains the French publisher's commitment to quality.

Take a little bit of Burnout, add a sprinkling of Twisted Metal and a lot of bad attitude; the result is Ubi’s latest, explosive release that maintains the French publisher’s commitment to quality.

There may be a balancing issue between the Story missions and the free-roaming fun of bounding across the environments, but Hulk is definitely the most impressive interpretation of a comic-book character's adventures yet.

Beatdown: Fists of Vengeance is a really strange game; a mixture of ideas that comes across as extremely hit and miss. The amalgamation of traditional beat-em-up gameplay and one-on-one works really well; but on the other hand the disguise system seems flawed, who wants to buy a beat-em-up when the aim is to avoid confrontations?

There may be a balancing issue between the Story missions and the free-roaming fun of bounding across the environments, but Hulk is definitely the most impressive interpretation of a comic-book character's adventures yet.

Beatdown: Fists of Vengeance is a really strange game; a mixture of ideas that comes across as extremely hit and miss. The amalgamation of traditional beat-em-up gameplay and one-on-one works really well; but on the other hand the disguise system seems flawed, who wants to buy a beat-em-up when the aim is to avoid confrontations?

There may be a balancing issue between the Story missions and the free-roaming fun of bounding across the environments, but Hulk is definitely the most impressive interpretation of a comic-book character's adventures yet.

The Campaign won't last long, and the multiplayer modes can be played in any first-person shooter; a short-lived title if it's not careful.

Dungeon Siege II will certainly please fans of the original game, although the simplistic combat system does mean that criticisms about a repetitive experience are bound to fill forums in the forthcoming weeks and months.

Forgetting the somewhat forgettable Multiplayer experience in Darkwatch, the core Story mode is full of intense gun battles that will satisfy an FPS fan's lust for action.

OK, the price does elevate our opinion on the game but conversely it plays well, is exceedingly fast and there is a load of rampaging to excite action buffs and at £13 it’s a steal!

The "Full Monty" in terms of the era it covers and it has all the jets! Although a lot is thrown at the player at the start of the experience, with carefully reading the manual, as well as going through the training mission and taking in all you are told will pay its rewards. This is a game you can't rush!

Although there has been an increase in the number of unit types available to gamers, Panzers: Phase Two is very much the second part of a three part game rather than a sequel, and fans of the first title will be more than happy to carry on with the story.

Colosseum: Road to Freedom is one of those average games that has a lot going for it on the surface but once you start playing it fails to excite and after a few hours play tedium starts to set in.

The way the game adds small increments – a new move or weapon or task has been brilliantly devised and all the time you are playing you get help and feedback from a chap that looks not unlike Mr Clive Sinclair – you have to have been around in the 8 bit days to appreciate this.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It represents a welcoming step away from the masses of clones, while its serious tone, portrayed in equal doses of graphic brutality and absurd comedy will keep those willing to persevere hooked on the edge of the seat awaiting the sounds of cackled laughter.

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."

A complete recreation of the original's depth of races and modifications (and high speed fun) with allowances made for the smaller screen, DUB looks set to enjoy a new lease of life in the portable world.

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."

For the B-Movie enthusiast Destroy All Humans could be a worthy purchase, packed to the brim with an assortment of Sci-Fi references and replicating the style to good effect. As a game however the action just grows a little too thin, a little too quickly; there’s no real substance to the game, which will likely have you switching off far too quickly.

The game mixes enjoyable platforming elements, with highly charged action, a humurous storyline and a satisfying multiplayer mode - pick it up now if you missed it first time around.

For the B-Movie enthusiast Destroy All Humans could be a worthy purchase, packed to the brim with an assortment of Sci-Fi references and replicating the style to good effect. As a game however the action just grows a little too thin, a little too quickly; there's no real substance to the game, which will likely have you switching off far too quickly.

The game does feel a bit 'by the numbers' and certainly doesn't match the quite frankly sublime quality of gameplay that fellow movie tie-in "Chronicles of Riddick" achieved in 2004. Fans of the film are sure to be satisfied with Batman Begins, but for regular gamers, it's all been seen and done before.

The mouse-keyboard combination does take some time to get use to, but if players have a good gamepad then San Andreas PC becomes much easier to overall control.

Of course there are improvements, the draw distance and lighting models have received subtle enhancements, more importantly the frame-rate maintains a smoother pace throughout.

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.

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 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.

TrackMania’s name really depicts the real essence of the game, different tracks, different challenges but most times you will find yourself driving like a loon and everything is so over the top you can’t imagine how this can be topped.

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.

There’s a strong sense of thought and loving care that’s been applied throughout the game; while it’s sophisticated physics ensure the game is fundamentally realistic, it’s styling and fun gameplay opens up the experience to those who’ve never dreamed of toppling the Tiger.

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.

Forza Motorsport doesn't just straddle the gap between "PGR2" and "GT4," it sits perfectly between the two, offering the best of both worlds and rarely puts a foot (or should that be 'pedal') wrong.

Guild Wars represents a continued refinement of the staple concepts that the genre is built around; it may not shake the apple-tree, but the experience does feel refreshingly different to other games in the genre.

A game that should just ages (excuse the pun.) At its core the game is a standard RTS title, but Mad Doc has added so many unique features to it that EE2 certainly stands out amongst the crowd.

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.

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.

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.

A satisfying blend of Sim and RTS - strategy fans, medieval groups and jousting wannabes alike should make sure to check this out as soon as possible.

Addictive, fun, and certainly unique, Polarium suits the DS down to the ground (this is game that could only work on the DS…and PDAs) and perhaps this is the direction Nintendo should take their new machine rather than trying to compete with the PSP and bring confused and muddled conversions to the format.

The finest combat system we've seen so far, coupled with strong moralistic storytelling and enjoyable gameplay, results in a must-have purchase.

Creates the most exhilarating sensation of speed in a videogame as well as offering the most comprehensive modification package in a street racing title yet.

Creates the most exhilarating sensation of speed in a videogame as well as offering the most comprehensive modification package in a street racing title yet.

It’s very much like a video game equivalent of the teen-horror genre - whilst it does make you jump in places, it won’t give you nightmares.

It’s very much like a video game equivalent of the teen-horror genre - whilst it does make you jump in places, it won’t give you nightmares.

It's very much like a video game equivalent of the teen-horror genre - whilst it does make you jump in places, it won't give you nightmares.

The sheer simplicity of the game is likely to affect the duration of the game, but while it lasts LEGO Star Wars is enjoyable and has an understanding of the Star Wars brand above many others.

Sadly there's very little to sustain your interest beyond the Campaign mode, so if you're looking for something beyond a frantic blast from the past you may want to look elsewhere.

The sheer simplicity of the game is likely to affect the duration of the game, but while it lasts LEGO Star Wars is enjoyable and has an understanding of the Star Wars brand above many others.

The sheer simplicity of the game is likely to affect the duration of the game, but while it lasts LEGO Star Wars is enjoyable and has an understanding of the Star Wars brand above many others.

The focus on creating a "game" out of the franchise is commendable and makes for a worthwhile purchase if you're a GBA owner looking for something to keep you busy on the bus.

The combination of cutting-edge technology and consuming game design creates an experience that is hard to put down, and it's really only minor gripes that prevent this from being a perfect score.

It does an excellent job of tying together the fragmented series that includes the Hunter and Saviour variations, resulting in a must-have for anybody who’s enjoyed the titles from the past.

Stylised visuals and over the top physics make the game stand out, and the simple premise helps to cement it's pick-up-and-play strengths.

Whilst the game won’t be winning may prizes for originality or longevity, it is a very solid action title with good gameplay and a level of physics that has remained elusive in other titles.

This is a game that you must own - even if you think that you don't enjoy the franchise thus far, the fact is that like Ridge Racers, the THUG2 experience is very complimentary with the whole ethos of PSP.

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.

The combination of the brilliantly designed World Tour mode, Wi-Fi connectivity and the PSP hardware itself creates an experience that proves to be a killer-app if you’re considering a purchase of Sony’s new handheld.

There aren’t enough superlatives in the English dictionary to describe Lumines let alone paint a sufficient description of the experience - you’ve simply got to play it.