It won't be for everyone - but the melee combat brings something fresh to the genre and the online games are absolutely cracking. [Xbox World]

Realistic missions and tactics plus a superb squad system make this a must-take tour of duty.

Xbox Live carnage on a profound scale - this is easily the best multiplayer game on the system since Bungie's opus. [Xbox World 360]

The repetitive training mode and fiddly defence let it down a little but, if being the main protagonist in a civilised man's most uncivilised sport rocks your world, look no further: this is a supreme sequel. [Xbox World]

If you missed the original game 18 years ago, you should definitely pick this up - it could be another 18 years before they make something this purely fun again.

The last great racer on Xbox. Unless the mere sight of a car makes you physically sick, we'd call this a must-buy title. [Xbox World 360]

But if you fancy a deep, serious game that represents a huge challenge - and aren't adverse to constantly studying a map and positioning your men before seeing any action - then this war hero is in a league of its own. [Xbox World]

With the series' clever design and sense of humor fully restored, The Two Thrones is a stellar return to form for Prince of Persia.

It's a shame that the multiplayer options don't include a cop pursuit mode, but that's a minor omission in a one-game-fits-all package. If you haven't found any of the recent NFS games to be juuuust right, Most Wanted is the one to own.

Every second of this game screams skillful design and the result is a liberating game world that feels open and responsive. Nearly every object in the game reacts to Lara's influence, and this applies to the gamer holding the control pad as well - it's impossible to play this game and not fall under its tempting spell.

If there's a nit to pick with Gun, it's that it's short. Depending on how much you poke around, you can beat it in anywhere from six to ten hours. To us, that's no problem; we'll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster one any day.

This complexity demands your total concentration, resulting in an all-consuming gaming experience. You're gonna lose hours to this game.

It may or may not be the blood-soaked ending to the franchise, but it's easily one of the most enjoyable games in the series and one of the most unapologetically fun games of the season.

It all adds up to a breakneck racing experience that offers a lot of fun (especially when you consider the online modes) for a little cash.

With all due respect to all the stat crunchers out there, this is once again the true "fantasy" football.

Wind Waker may copy the previous games a lot, but it's emulating some of the best ever made. As such, singing its praises is like preaching to the choir.

A gloriously realised futuristic Gauntlet-style playground where you can chat, trade, cooperate and do battle. Pure magic. [NGC]

Small but perfectly formed. 1080 is the choice of the discerning gamer who looks for fewer stunts and a more solid racing experience. [NGC]

Even three and a half years later, there hasn't been a more complete, entertaining, lovingly wrought platformer made for the GameCube.

So-so bonuses notwithstanding, there's just nothing else like this on the GameCube.

It's a ridiculous name, of course, but it manages to sum up how absurdly joyful the game is, a riot of technicolour chopsocky fun that'll immediately have you punching the air in glee. [GamesMaster]

Not quite as blinding as the original but still a glaringly brilliant and consuming piece of first-person adventuring. [GamesMaster]

Astounding, involving, creepy, atmospheric.[NGC]

Monstrously tough and definitely not for part-timers. Ikaruga is demanding but ultimately rewarding. [GamesMaster]

An enchanting adventure in Mario's familiar world, with excellent fighting and a brilliant script. [GamesMaster]

Brilliant fun. An absolute blast from start to finish and, without question, the best action strategy game available. [NGC]

If there's a nit to pick with Gun, it's that it's short. Depending on how much you poke around, you can beat it in anywhere from six to ten hours. To us, that's no problem; we'll take a short amazing game over a long lackluster one any day.

Whichever version you choose, though, the action is top-notch awesome. With the series' clever design and sense of humor fully restored, The Two Thrones is a stellar return to form forPrince of Persia .

The quality and individuality of presently pilotable planes and the extraordinary variety of AI airpower should satisfy all but the most hard-hearted hangar habitues.

You don't buy any MMORPG lightly, least of all this one. It imperiously demands massive chunks of your time, patience and dedication but the rewards are commensurately high. The fierce sense of satisfaction as your fame grows and coffers swell is hard to match. [PC Gamer UK]

Superior to the Xbox version in every way... Massively enjoyable yet enormously painful, Splinter Cell is a serious game whose brilliant realism should shake up a few complacent gamers. [PS2 MAX]

Gung-ho and trigger happy, Frontline is horrifically good war-mongering fun. [GamesMaster Magazine]

I swear, for the first five hours FEAR was on its way to a "Half-Life" sized score. The favourable comparisons were many and various: the thoughtful and dangerously accurate guards, the beautifully designed levels... but FEAR never upped the ante. It stayed almost exactly the same from start to finish. [PC Gamer UK]

Unparalleled explosive thrills - but it only burns in your mind during the time you're squeezing the trigger, and lacks context or emotional depth. [PSM2]

It's in the interaction with other players that Toontown excels. Basic game-related queries and greetings are automated, and typed chat is heavily restricted to real-life friends. However, this doesn't impede the gameplay in any way.

Inspired, delightful and at times bordering on the insane. Psychonauts is mind-blowing, however it's tricky at times and definitely not for kids. [PC Gamer UK]

Nothing radically new but 30 missions of the most furious, vibrant, relentless, utterly insane war your can imagine. [PC Gamer UK]

Should you buy it? Well, simply because of the quality we'd have to say 'yes' - but next time Nintendo, please, make the experience last longer. [NGC]

Obsession can easily set in with certain challenges. You might be able to see how you could earn the required amount of Kudos, but actually doing it is another matter. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]

What MC3 lacks in grace and polish it more than makes up for with its raw power and sheen of cool.

An obscure Zelda game that's demanding on your pockets - but it's one of the finest multiplayer games ever. [NGC]

A beautiful and intense RPG, mixing turn-based strategy with graphics that, although pre-rendered, are mind blowing in terms of crispness, colour and detail. [GamesMaster]

With any high-speed sports game, the real bonus is in the game play and NHL 2001 oozes it.

Simply the best golfing simulation available right now.

As a multi-player game, though, it has the potential to be unique; a user-definable game more like traditional role-playing than anything any platform has ever seen.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the game, though, is the way in which it gives a real sense of what war was really like for pilots in the Pacific.

A distillation and purification of an already dangerously potent liquor. Only its closeness to its parent prevents greater recommendation.

For a Microsoft-published game Crimson Skies is refreshingly politically incorrect, with blatantly sexist mid-battle quips from the dashing protagonist.

Souped up and ready to go, bloodying the noses of "Heavy Gear" and "Starsiege" en route . Once again Mechwarrior leads the way for the genre.

This is not quite a classic RTS, but a brave attempt by Westwood to consolidate their strategy finesse - and it's in 3D, to boot.

A curious and addictive title, occasionally it can seem too difficult to amass the points necessary to defeat the bosses in the game, but the fact that you will always be ready to give it another go is testament to its quality as a launch title.

A thoroughly enjoyable two-player game knocked down by an over-too-soon Career mode.

Stunningly fast chop-socky, sumptuous looks, scenery interaction to drop your jaw - a fight fan's dream. Plus you get to ogle those ladies and who can resist all that? Not us.

Besides the abundance of car wrecking weapons, the most entertaining aspect of Rumble Racing is that the vehicles, including the trucks, can do mid-air tricks. Every time you perform a barrel roll or misty flip its impossible not to raise a cheeky smile.

The USA's going ape over this latest version, but over here in Britain few of us really care for this most American of sports, and although the latest Madden's the most accomplished yet, it lacks the emotional appeal of something like "Pro Evolution Soccer."

Oops-where-did-the-weekend-go addictive. Buy it, and resign yourself to some five-hours gaps in your memory you may have difficulty explaining to the police at a later date. [PC Format]

Sexy, frantic, bloody and beautiful, but it falls a short of brilliance. Beats Lara hands down, though.

[Games Radar Rating = Hit] Although it isn't as revolutionary as GoldenEye once was, the deft changes of pace mean it's undoubtedly the most Bond-like game ever. It might not leave you shaken, but it's certainly stirring.

Entertaining and largely compelling fantasy adventuring of Tolkienesque proportions.

Tribes 2 could have been the ultimate on-line game that stood for years, but its slightly uninspired weaponry, occasionally bland level design and a control method that needs a whole world of tweaking, leave it open to much (if only slight) criticism.

If you're new to the series or a Greek aficionado then this is an excellent place to start, but if you stopped playing one of the earlier games after a few levels there's nothing that'll inspire you to play any more of this one.

Looks stunning. The polygon count has been upped from the coin-op version, and the characters are as lifelike as you could want.

A lovely piece of storytelling with top-notch visuals and sounds, Alice enthrals aesthetically but doesn't quite satisfy gameplay-wise.

One of the best adventure games for the last couple of years, being thoroughly worked out and pleasingly rounded - it takes a lot of effort to appear so dumb, obviously.

And it has marvellously crap fighting, which should please you louts out there. Punch him! Hit him in the face! We demand blood!

It can easily become a minor obsession - the kind of game that you can constantly dip back into to have a quick fiddle before you leave it for a while.

With Nemesis, Capcom once again get you to sit in the homicidal barber's chair while he draws a honed blade with grating tension across your exposed throat. This time the tension and the moment when it suddenly cuts to the bone are taken to an even higher screaming point.

Armored Core 2 may not be to everyone's tastes, but if you can get your head round it, the seamless integration of strategy and action provides a deep and enthralling experience.

Pin-sharp sim that's both challenging and forgiving, with a story that's not just bolted on... A true delicacy in a time of relative famine for racing sim fans, but should feature on any gamer's menu. [PC Gamer UK]

Flawed, frustrating and contrived, but as an experience it's one of the most emotionally engaging games in existence.

What is really impressive about Sudden Strike is that it creates a more realistic battlefield than other RTS games without bogging everything down in statistics.

Brilliant, brilliant and brilliant. Everything the last game was plus everything you ever wanted. [PSM2]

Being part of a battle on such massive scale has never been as convincingly portrayed before.

It is the best adventure game for years, it has a sly, well-plotted purpose and it points the way to the 3D adventures of the future. Don't fear the monkeys: embrace them.

A confident, playable, arcade shooter that almost does justice to a fantastic licence. Too short and fiddly to be a classic. [GamesMaster]

A gorgeous, big, weighty, important event-game that makes good on most of its grandiose promises. Easily in the top two first-person shooters for PS2 alongside "TimeSplitters 2." [PSM2]

When you turn to the on-ride camera mode, and the car starts down the big slides...well, I genuinely feel a tug of induced artificial vertigo. A construction game that gets you in the guts. That's rare. This is a golden ticket. Get in line. [PC Gamer UK, Dec 2004, p.111]

Although it's not an astonishing leap forward, Freedom Force vs the Third Reich does boast better graphics, better AI and better multiplayer than its predecessor, making it a winner all round. [PC Gamer UK]

It has lived up to the hype and that's no mean feat when you consider that it's been billed as GTA War. Only the lack of total freedom and iffy handling hold it back. [PSM2]

The smooth and sharp aiming system is a rarity among PS2 shooters and the multiple firing modes for each weapon are great. But it's a shame stealth isn't more central to gameplay. Project Snowblind is better than "Killzone" but not up there with the Xbox heavyweights. [GamesMaster]

Almost the best superhero game on PS2, but let down by the fact that - when you get down to it - we've seen it all before. Still, you should definitely give it a shot. [PSM2]

What Spartan lacks in depth is made good by some top-drawer visuals and satisfying combat. A corking console debut for Creative Assembly. [PSM2]

Fable's social systems are a masterpiece of design and, if the story and dialogue tend towards the prosaic, the compelling action and delicious presentation boost the experience far above the ordinary. [PC Gamer UK]

Excellent, albeit lacking in revolutionary intent -- but c'mon, how many games really differ in that respect?

They've created the first game featuring a comic book hero that doesn't disappoint.

Not an essential purchase, maybe, but Point Blank version 3 is still tremendous fun, horribly addictive, and its new modes do make it even more of a party game.

More four-player fun than even Ron Jeremy could offer.

For all its undoubted good looks, proper names and neat tricks, the best footy game on PS2 is actually the humble PSone's ISS Pro Evolution.

Some of the most imaginative levels ever. [GamesMaster Magazine, #109]

Although it can get repetitive and lacks variety, this is incredibly deep and a welcome return for Final Fantasy to a Ninty console. [GamesMaster]

The main problem we have with it is that, despite having a variety of levels and level-styles, the basic format of each world can start to feel a touch repetitive by the time you reach the third or fourth world. [NGC]

Deduct 60 points if you live in an igloo but if not, Boktai 2 is better than the original. [GamesMaster]

Looks a bit rubbish at first, but scratch the surface and you'll find one of the strongest and most rewarding Xbox games yet. [GamesMaster]

Far more accessible than the first and loads more fun. If you want more realism than "Halo 2" can offer, look no further. [GamesMaster]

One of those games that you switch on intending to have a quick blast, then find yourself staring square-eyed at in the early hours.

This is the game they should have made last time. Gorgeous, sizey and ambitious. The new modes just need a little more tweaking. [GamesMaster]

Impressive? Definitely. It's very heavy on the Japanese text though, so only hardcore import fans should bother with it right now. By the time it sees a proper UK release in March though, expect to be blown away. [JPN Import]

Frighteningly entertaining and remarkable in multiplayer. [JPN Import; NGC]

The sparse menus aren't up to Nintendo's usual standard and the game is lacking in an abundance of minigames, but with a storming collection of songs covered and fun and challenging gameplay, Donkey Konga 2 is perhaps the best party game ever. [NGC Pocket]

This year it's so big, most players with full-time jobs and social lives will never see more than half of it. You almost need a map to find your way through the menu options. [NGC]

The graphics are beautiful and the gameplay is ituitive, addictive and amazingly good fun. It's a shame it is so short - we completed it in four hours - but it is perfectly formed. [GamesMaster: JPN Import]

Bigger and better than it's esteemed forebear, but not terribly different.

Think what you like about the exploding cows, obsession with poo and constant profanity, but this is witty with it, and there's not one point where you'll find the game's programmers being rude without a sense of humour.

Even with sub-epic myths to draw upon, Factor 5 have put together a well-conceived and thoroughly enjoyable game.

Once you've got used to the way things work, thanks to the comprehensive training mode, you'll find the combat is far more satisfying than anything other more commercial RPGs have to offer.

I've been playing Bangai-O for a week now, and I still don't know what the hell is going on half the time...Look, you'll either love or hate Bangai-O, and either way, it's extremely unlikely you'll ever understand it.

An immensely satisfying racing sim designed for hardcore racing fans.

Despite the unwieldy user interface, this will have Dreamcast strategy fans drooling. Definitely not just for trainspotters.

A proper combat flight simulator that's also fun to play. This game is what we've all been waiting for -- let's fly!

While SA2 offers a wealth of gameplay styles, the freshness and depth which made Sonic Adventure so remarkable has hardly been improved upon.

Ultimately, you'll die many times in Urban Chaos and scream death-threats to the programmers, their first born, everyone they've ever met and Father Christmas because the untimely demise wasn't your fault.

It's the multiplayer mode that ultimately makes this well worth your pennies.

It may not look as scary as "Code Veronica," but you'll definitely need some extra loo roll.

An old concept it may be, but what does that matter when you're having so much bloody fun?

A fine home conversion; it's a beautiful, if shallow and short-lived, arcade racer.

An improvement over the original, then. But with still only two areas to choose from and no multi-player mode (an obvious way to improve on the first game that should have been included), it does have a problem with its lifespan.

Somewhere between the solid first few hours and the game's thrilling conclusion, Silent Hill 3 transforms from a humdrum sequel into a knuckle-searing digital nightmare. [PSM2]

Another sprawling, complex, but absurdly playable chapter in the Madden saga - but now online sexiness. What's not to love? [PSM2]

Not a big brave step forward in the world of wrestling games...But the whole game has been pumped up and inflated to such impressive proportions that you can't help applaud both THQ and Yukes for treating the WWE with the care and campness it deserves.

It might lack the polish to be genius, but there aren't many more enjoyable or expansive driving games. [GamesMaster]

A beautiful story, told in a brand new way...It's the giant leap that the genre so desperately needed. [PC Gamer UK]

The closest anyone's got to nailing the mainstream music game concept. If it was just 20 quid, we'd tell everyone to get it. [PSM2]

If a game like "Devil May Cry"'s a double espresso, heavy on the sugar, then Jak and Daxter's a nice soothing cup of tea. One offers non-stop thrills, but is over almost before it starts; the other's everything you'd expect, and it won't get you especially worked up, but lasts much longer.

Ignore the vapid thrills promised by shinier, shallower games, and enjoy mastering one of the most challenging fighters for ages. [PSM2 Magazine]

Despite the wonderful new physics system, it feels like this is a game out of step with what's happening in action games. It still suffers from odd AI: enemies are hyperaware of your presence, turning on a dime as you enter their sensitive ranges. [PC Gamer UK]

For all its faults [camera, linear progress], this is one of the most vividly imagined, sprawling and openly heart-warming games on PS2. [PSM2]

If there is a hint of helplessness it's in those marvellous moments when Soldiers' fabulous physics, rich environments and imaginative AI produce such totally unpredictable results, you can only look on in amused dismay. [PC Gamer UK]

Anyone who enjoys constant challenge (the gaming equivalent of juggling with chainsaws) will find much to love in Evil Genius. The majority of the game's features function extremely well and the theme is rock-solid throughout. [PC Gamer UK]

If you live for 20-inch rims, flame decals and picking just the right door mirrors to accent your neon, you need this. The racing might not be quite the best available, but it's not that far behind. Certainly way good enough for you to enjoy your crazy ride. [PSM2]

Another brilliant PS2 first-person shooter. Boasting realism, originality and variety in equal measure - it's the premium choice for Medal of Honor fans this year. [PSM2]

Not as enjoyable as its predecessor, but still very good. Some of the biggest levels on PS2 and varied, exciting combat collude to form a cracking adventure. [PSM2]

Unique, and only the fact that it won't be every player's idea of fun (walking, listening, talking, mashing sticks...) holds it back. But to pass up on such a powerful experience based on preconceptions of 'boring adventure games' would be a very big mistake. [PSM2]

Packs so much action and excitement into its story that it's easy to forget its flaws. [PC Format]

Gorgeous to look at and wonderfully well made, but it's not a revolution. [PC Gamer UK]

NFSUR's down 'n' dirty street racing complements "Ridge Racer's" arcadey day-glo driving perfectly. [GamesMaster]

Your pride in your ride will keep this as addictive as it ever was. If you already own it on PS2, then multiplayer is the only new draw, but it's still a cracking game. Get it. [PSM2]

It's still the best original platformer on GBA, mind. Stitch that Mario! Waaaaaaa! [GamesMaster Magazine]

Astonishing stuff. [NGC]

Don't let the fact that it's an update put you off. Easy to pick up and impossible to put down, this is a classic RPG. [NGC]

JSFR looks better than any game around but, being a bit too easy and slow, it doesn't involve or engage you as it should. [GamesMaster Magazine]

"Moto GP" was already nicely buffed - this one positively sparkles. Well worth a mention is the gorgeous rain effect - you just have to see it in action. [GamesMaster]

You can't help but be quietly impressed by its speed, its stunning scenery, and its incredibly well-designed tracks.

Rogue Leader can be a little simplistic and the learning curve is insane - some levels are frighteningly difficult and unfair.

Despite the messy structure, Sonic Adventure 2 Battle is still up there with the best of them, knocking most of the competition for six. And that's what counts. [GamesMaster Magazine]

Assessed solely on the single-player mode this game is a sizey, different and diverse lump of still-classic Resi gaming. Add online and add 5% to that score. [JPN Import; PSM2]

Challenging, cerebral, and maddening. Hitman 2 keeps you coming back but there just aren't enough saves in the game. [PC Format]

Unfriendly, unwieldy and expensive - but put the time in and you'll be rewarded with the most extraordinary online RPG. [GamesMaster]

Despite the dearth of new features and the inherited infirmities, £20 is far too low an asking price for a strategy game this cultivated. [PC Gamer UK]

Midway has delivered psychic splendour with great effect. Like a master hypnotist, Psi-Ops commands your attention and won't let go. [PSM2]

The trading, the pirating, the sailing, the dancing, the political ramifications of targeting one nation's gubernatorial and military traffic to the advantage of another... it all swims in the shallows. But as shallows go they're as clear and blue as babies' eyes. [PC Gamer UK]

And because much of the content streams directly from the servers, it is also endlessly flexible, completely modular and ripe for future developments. It's going to be one of the most important games of this year and years to come. [PC Gamer UK]

Not quite as nails as before, yet even more exciting, Big Red One is the gaming equivalent of your synapses combusting. And that can only ever be a good thing. [PSM2]

This is a brave, slow-paced WWII shooter with tons of character and verve. Valve will update it with more content, and when they do DoD will be worth another 5%. Until then... [PC Gamer UK]

Thankfully, the whole thing is also infinitely better-lit than previous outing Circle of the Moon, which means that playing it without industrial-strength lighting overhead is now an option. [NGC]

The best action-adventure game if you're looking for something more to get your teeth into once Metroid Fusion is done and dusted. [NGC]

It's a completely immersive game, and despite our few niggles with enemies that stay rooted to the spot and missions that don't vary hugely, we're still going back for more. [GamesMaster]

Despite some really basic errors, XIII is ambitiously big and beautiful, delivering enough of the right stuff to ensure you stick at it. Impressive. [NGC]

If you're after a completely new experience and don't mind putting up with a few flaws, Billy's your egg-rolling boy. [NGC]

An enjoyably brainless, highly destructive romp. It doesn't offer anything new but it does do everything well. [PSM2]

The balance between doing combos and pulling trick moves still isn't weighted enough in favour of the latter, so when things get tight it's tempting to go back to being dull. [PSM2]

It's the perfect, brutal antidote to more complicated fighters like Tekken, but it's also complex enough to satisfy those put off by the stupidity of previous games. Bloody great. [Playstation 2 Max]

If you are looking for something soft, slow and slightly soppy, there are few finer, moodier adventures around. [GamesMaster Magazine]

Oozes the same rare quality of its predecessor, and every element of the game is superbly executed. [PSM2]

A hugely entertaining mish-mash of gaming elements, wrapped up in a glossy package. Nothing like any ninja game you've ever played before, we promise. [PSM2]

Not as deep as "Manhunt" or "GTA" but some of the best fun you'll have with a bottle of firewater and some very old guns. [GamesMaster]

It's the fighting game they threw the kitchen sink at...This isn't just the biggest Mortal Kombat to date - it's the biggest fighting game, full stop. Topping this will take some doing. [PSM2]

Easier on the eye than "Virtua Tennis 2," but lacks the diving ability of that game. Otherwise it's perfectly balanced and offers all the tension of the real sport. [PSM2]

While Empire Earth II may not have the sense of character that a more era-focused RTS brings to the party, it scores big for its naked ambition. If you've got the staying power, it will reward you with months of sabre-rattling goodness. [PC Gamer UK]

Still the top wrestling game you can buy but it's not without its faults. The series is becoming dated. Here's hoping for a major make-over next year. [PSM2]

The best Japanese PSP launch title and a fine showcase for the handheld's capabilities. It's fast, looks great and is packed with classic Ridge tracks. And the lag-free eight-player WiFi races are breathtaking. [JPN Import]

Ace, and yet strangely subdued. We still reckon the series peaked with "Tricky." [GamesMaster]

The EA warhorse gets a much-needed injection of old-school cool. [PC Gamer UK]

It can run a little slow and it's not without its niggles, but Football Manager 2006 is still the best for football and definitely this season's best footie sim. [PC Gamer UK]

Despite some flaws and an overall feeling of deja vu that might alarm series veterans, Liberty City Stories is still an utterly irresistible and hugely enjoyable addition to the GTA family and an instant PSP treasure.

Apart from the slow loading times, this is one of the best games on PSP. [PSM2]

The new minigames are a bit rubbish, but there's basically no reason for PSP-owning WWE fans not to get this. Finally, PSP gets itself a decent fighting game. About time too. [PSM2]

The true brilliance shines through whenever you get enough mates together to unearth the full potential of the multiplayer.

Faster than ever, with loads of replay value - let down slightly by some extremely dodgy level design. One for speed-addicts. [GamesMaster]

While solving these puzzles is great fun, the crane work gets a bit repetitive and it's not the seamless platform adventure we'd hoped for.

Good, daft, surprisingly tactical fun. No set-pieces to match Halo, but all the sniping and destruction you could ever hope for. [GamesMaster]

Not as deep as "Manhunt" or "GTA" but some of the best fun you'll have with a bottle of firewater and some very old guns. [GamesMaster]

A new concept in gaming that works brilliantly. We're already pining for a sequel. [GamesMaster]

An ambitious and varied return to form and Pivotal's best offering to date. A seriously kick-ass war game. [Xbox World]

It's still got that old Resi magic and is a great game, but the series is starting to show its age and plod like an old zombie. [GamesMaster]

Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour isn't going to shake the golf game establishment to its foundations, but it has as much depth as any of its competitors, and considerably more character. [NGC]

Too short, too complicated and too clever - but an absolute classic. If only they'd taken the time to fix the pacing and give us some new bits. [GamesMaster]

Though it pains us to say this, the official license really does make a big difference. All those real stadia, shirts and club logos flying around the place give it the kind of special event feel that the competition simply can't match. Shallow? Not us.

If you're not precious about tactical elements it's a real hoot. With more level consistency, it could've become the shooter king. [GamesMaster]

Best tennis game on the PC. [PC Format]

A tremendous achievement. Genuinely exciting and immersive but not without its faults. A hack-'n'-slash treat, if slightly repetitive. [PSM2]

A compelling and brave interpretation, let down by an obtuse single-player mode. [PC Gamer UK]

It's: Huge, heavy on hitting and quite gorgeous. It's not: A standard MMOG, a life-hoover or run of the mill. [PC Gamer UK]

Along with "Star Ocean," "Kingdom Hearts" and "Dark Chronicle," this is one of the few RPGs that dares to throw away the Final Fantasy blueprint, with great results. [PSM2]

This microcosmic world holds together only because its players agree to suspend their reality and believe in each other's fantasies. If you find yourself too sceptical to join in with this shared hallucination, you'll find little entertainment here. [PC Gamer UK]

Superior visuals and enjoyable user-friendly combat make this one of the best adventure games on PS2. Onimusha fans will love it for sure. [PSM2]

It's impossible to dislike Amped 3 - it has real character, is hugely ambitious in size and scope, there's plenty to keep you occupied and, even if it isn't all that immediate, it is accessible.

Offers just enough variety and story to keep you hanging until its early end. [GamesMaster]

The only thing that really got on our nerves was the rubbish dialogue. There are times when it's pretty appalling and it does kind of spoil the magic a little - likewise, the plot can be pretty cliched and RPG veterans will find it tiresome in places. [NGC]

Our one big reservation is that if you strip away the tacked-on extras, even the most dedicated fan will find it hard to tell the difference between Tiger Woods 2004 and "Tiger Woods 2003." [NGC]

Not without its flaws but this is the best super-hero game we've seen and is unlikely to be matched for some time. [NGC]

An amazingly intricate fighter, that will doubtless give VF fans sleepless nights to come. But in the shadow of the superb "Soul Calibur 2" (which offers not only depth, but accessibility and longevity in a beautifully presented package) it's hard to recommend to anyone other than those who already know they want it. [Import - GamesMaster]

It's so predictable that a player will find himself quickly out-thinking the designers. [PC Gamer UK]

A brilliant adaptation of a unique movie. The clever team management is let down by unsatisfying combat. [PSM2]