Even when you take into account some other minor disappointments on top of the AI though (such as the mess of a multiplayer mode and some annoying graphical glitches that occur on occasion), there’s still no denying that Freedom Fighters is a fairly impressive effort and a fun game to boot.

This game is a tasty piece of eye candy. All the environments are not only huge, but extremely detailed. It runs on the Same engine as Hitman 2, but looks much better.

It’s worth playing through the game a few times to find varying routes through the levels, but after that all you’ve got left is the split-screen deathmatch, a feature that not only plays badly but really isn’t needed.

A good third-person, team-building, shooter for the GameCube. But it needs more depth to the AI, longer levels and less linear missions.

Unfortunately the handling can leave a lot to be desired and often you can find your self weaving along the straights and spinning out around the sharper bends.

There's no doubt that Hitz Pro is the best hockey game of this year, though a lack of online play in the UK and no option to play classic Hitz gameplay will disappoint fans.

Overall, this is a decent, efficient addition to the genre, with a few good additions here and there for hardcore fans while the game's accessibility makes it a fine starting point for newcomers.

Even with the addition of downloadable content via Live (more than likely roster updates), and some inventive cheat modes that can be acquired such as big heads, big feet and various gameplay enhancing modes, NBA Jam is unlikely to be at the top on anyone's shopping list.

This is certainly one offbeat character we wouldn't mind seeing again.

It's true that NHL 2004 is a tougher game to get involved with compared to past versions of the franchise. But, with more leagues (including elite world clubs), more players and new enhanced moves, there is plenty here for fans to enjoy, if you have the stamina to master it all, that is.

This is still the best choice for gamers wanting to batter a hard white ball around a park but anyone returning to the series will be disappointed with the slender changes.

While there's no doubt that it's a solid golf game that’s engrossing and fun to play, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 just doesn't feel like a true sequel.

Ever played "Secret Of Monkey Island," "Day Of The Tentacle," "Full Throttle" or "Sam And Max Hit The Road"? Then you’ll love Neighbours From Hell.

It's supposed to be fun and with this it has no problem, and no equal. If the first game was ‘hole in one’ perfect then Tiger Woods 2004 doesn’t even need to take a swing – it's cool enough already.

The customary mid-game fighting seems a little pointless, but for a game with such a wealth of strengths, this isn’t really a problem. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by this title.

Far more complete and polished than the last Tiger Woods. There's so much in there that it will take months to win everything.

If you want the most comprehensive and thorough hockey game/management sim, then NHL 2004 is the place to turn.

The entire game is full of references to the TV series and the scripting/voice acting is perfect. It's mainly this reason that Hit And Run is so much fun to play, it's also why we're more than happy to ignore the GTA style.

Boundless disappointment is perhaps the best way to describe the gut feeling Dino Crisis 3 elicits in the player. Vast empty spaces on the ship manage to create a real sense of isolation, but at the same time, the game's emphasis on backtracking turns any feeling of exigency into tedium. [Japan Import]

Grumbling aside, Hit & Run is a decent stab at doing something different with a The Simpsons game, but it still can't help being very, very unoriginal and dragging everything down to the lowest common denominator - collect stuff!

Although it's wonderful to drive around a fully realised 3D Springfield at breakneck speed in Otto's bus, we can't help but feel that things are a little formulaic.

Another disappointment is the hardcore matches, where instead of the huge selection of weapons we were looking forward to using and abusing, we were presented only with a couple of chairs.

With the bonus of a simple-yet-effective track editor, your ‘stunted’ growth is only limited by your imagination and patience, making this a game that will appeal to those inclined towards all things extreme.

Fine visuals, excellent sound and a level of presentation currently unrivalled in any sporting product - what more could you want?

Assuming you have friends then you're in for an average time too. Are these levels atmospheric or just murky? Murky.

This is a game about a partnership between play styles, and one that wouldn’t seem to work on paper, but like all good buddy relationships, like Starsky & Hutch themselves, it comes through in the end.

The linearity of both the mission schedule and chase routes gives the feeling you’re just been led by the hand through a series of essentially lame set-pieces.

The question on everyone's lips though, is whether all of this is enough to take it up to the heights of Ace Combat? Well sadly no and we get the feeling that this is never going to be lethal enough to take on the Namco shooter.