As a simple enough idea, the unwieldy concept of a medieval trading/intrigue/court politics title has grabbed us by the short and curlies and refuses to let go for the near future. In a nice way, if that's possible.

Its short length, bland storyline and by-the-numbers gameplay aren't going to win over the new, more demanding generation of gamers.

Just don't be surprised when you find the game length to be dangerously close to the running time of an average Bond flick.

Just don't be surprised when you find the game length to be dangerously close to the running time of an average Bond flick.

But what's most remarkable about the visuals is that no compromises were made. Although everything is big and bright, this hasn't meant the elimination of fine details.

The computer cheats in a rather spectacular fashion, particularly in movie mode.

Level design is often irritating as well. Poor graphic design makes it hard to tell where you can step and where you can't, so some jump-heavy areas become frustrating exercises in trial and error.

Perhaps the most competent boxing game we've come across in a long while, if not ever. It manages to be a worthy film tie-in that remains supremely playable and strangely compulsive.

While some preventative measures for hair-pulling and wall-punching may be necessary, the game has first-class production values, some of the coolest stealth techniques and gadgets yet, and fantastic level design.

Few games have so much gameplay, let alone provide a setting and atmosphere that tell a captivating story. That said, Metroid Prime is an acquired taste.

Although the game works as a fresh take on the familiar without adding too much new content to leave old fans feeling lost, it also doesn't do as much as it could to liven things up.

Bad taste and bad execution that ranks up there with the worst racing games and the most unfunny Benny Hill sketches make it a truly awful experience in every way.

The console games have more detail and are curiously a little more humorous than the PC version with some additional activities taking place, but even after all that, we enjoyed it immensely.

Few strategy games this year have offered so much in the way of enjoyable story and gameplay.

If you've got enough patience to get used to the kinks in the interface and the sometimes dense mission design, you'll get a great deal of entertainment out of this one, both online and off.

An impressive tool and game that will dazzle some, and bore others to death.

What makes Tomb Raider: The Prophecy so dreary is the level design.

As high quality as the series has ever been, with superb dramatic sensibilities, a decent storyline, improved acting, high calibre FMV cutscenes, and some dynamic camera work.

A sensational story-led RPG, giving fans of the role-playing genre just what they need to enjoy the ride it takes you on.

Climax has created a game which is not only addictive and playable, but keeps you constantly cooing over its lovingly crafted details that so many other rally games leave by the trackside.

As generic and forgettable as the game's name.

The controls and interface for Ghost Recon have been streamlined very well for the console controller.

Its FPS-like controls and gameplay mean you'll take to it easily, and the slow-moving 'mechs and long reload times add satisfying tactical elements.

Treyarch has done a masterful job with this game, satisfying the needs of serious hockey fans without losing sight of the fact that a sports game has to be fun.

Though we're a long way from skateboard half-pipes here, the developers have provided atmosphere and attitude to rival one of the great modern console series.

You can make it through the game in one day of heavy play... That said, while it lasts, MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries is both compelling and absorbing.

A slightly improved Star Trek tactical simulator, but that's pretty much all it is. The production values are still bland, and the user interface is just slightly better than before.

It's graphically excellent, varied and, above all, the racing is exciting.