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.

Unfortunately, the overall experience is bogged down with too much dialogue despite its novel influences, and an unfulfilled demand for something to actually play.

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.

But it’s this focus on action, strong weapons and robust gameplay that proves to be Project: Snowblind’s strongest aspect; it’s just a good, solid, enjoyable romp with a strong multiplayer component.

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 few dozens that purchased one of the most creative and unique titles of 2005, Stunts & Effects is an absolutely essential expansion that dwarves other packs in comparison; for the thousands of PC gamers who looked past it, perhaps this is an opportunity to go back and discover a game that should be in everybody's collection.

Emphasis is placed on speed, power-slides and in the traditional EA BIG manner getting your blood pumping through a mixture of big-beat music and intense action; on this front Shox does not disappoint.

From the story angle alone Hitman: Contracts is a worthy addition to the series, and will particularly entertain fans of the franchise who’ve played both the predecessors. That said it’s certainly time for some innovation.

A game of football that is fast and fluid; now that the game uses its own engine and not a modification of the NHL one, it’s fair to say that issues such as stifled player controls and jerky animation transitions are well and truly a thing of the past.

Offering a slice of diversity to the DS' already wide and varied catalogue, Soul Bubbles is an intriguing prospect let down by the lack of any genuine challenge or long-term value.

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.

We loved it from start to finish and, when we finished, we just carried on fighting online and against our mates to keep the fun alive. Naruto: Rise of a Ninja is the incredibly well balanced and varied game that the Naruto universe has been crying out for.

Without the 'Bond atmosphere', it'd feel somewhat empty.

If you enjoy madcap racing games like "Crazy Taxi," "Driver," or the original "Midtown Madness" you should feel right at home with Midtown Madness 2.

I found the game very deep and rewarding even with just one license. With over 70 cars to choose from, there really is quite a variety in driving styles throughout the different models over the decades.

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.

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.

The lack of improvements or additions upon the PS2 version really hurts it

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.

A stylish experience which fans of the movie will appreciate, but there’s just not enough substance let alone difference for the vast majority of action fans to warrant yet another first-person purchase.

Tying elements of survival/horror and adventure games to an enjoyable effect, Black Plague provides a surprisingly satisfying affair packed full of suspense for anybody willing to contemplate such a low profile release - although we wouldn't advise forking out 30 quid for it.

For the many fanatics out there having GTA: Liberty City Stories in the collection is essential just for completions sake, so in this regard the PS2 adaptation certainly serves a purpose and at a price that fits; however, it makes no claims about pushing the series forwards and does feel slightly aged on the PS2, leaving the storyline and characters as the major pull through the game.

Two campaigns, extensive multiplayer options, and the creative Map Editor gives Far Cry Instincts Predator the possibility of lasting for quite some time.

Mobius have done a great job on the control system to ensure it’s just as fluid as its predecessors, anyone looking for a quick action blast would be well advised to stick this in their GBA.

Bound in Blood is one of those rare games that you'll remember more for what it did right than the many ways it fell short of the mark.

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.

Far more polished and balanced than the original title, Mercury Meltdown is the game that Archer Maclean's Mercury should have been twelve months ago.

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.