Black
PlayStation 2, Xbox £39.99
4/5

Still can't get hold of an Xbox 360? Take solace from the fact that the best games always come out as a console is about to be superseded. Take Black: its graphics would not disgrace a next-gen console and just about anything in the game can be blown to smithereens. For that reason, Criterion made it single-player only, billing it as the first "Hollywood-style" first-person shooter, which means it has super-destructive weaponry, spectacular explosions and almost no plot. Despite the graphics and decent AI, which sees soldiers using shields and outflanking you when necessary, it feels less innovative than it looks. It's hard, too, and while it will satisfy enthusiasts, it's not a classic.
SB

Animal Crossing: Wild World
Nintendo DS £29.99
4/5

This offbeat title offers a quirky experience that gradually gets under your skin. The premise is simple - create a character, enter village and start your new life. Paying off your mortgage is the obvious challenge, but getting to know your quirky neighbours is equally as important.

The game follows your DS's internal clock, so checking the in-game noticeboard is crucial. For example, Saturday may see a flea market enter town. Characters that come and go and real-time holiday events add to Animal Crossing's dynamic illusion. There are always things to do - write letters, collect fruit, go online and visit friends' towns - and popping in each day to see what's going on becomes a pleasant habit. Ignore the twee visuals, this offers a charming slice of leftfield gaming.
GH

Star Wars: Empire at War
PC, £39.99
3/5

Now that the Star Wars movies feel as "long ago" as the scrolling text always claimed, games must keep the memory alive. The Force is strong in terms of voiceovers, music and production values and, with two campaigns allowing you to play as either Rebel or Empire forces, there's plenty of gaming for your money. On the negative side, it takes on far too much; sweeping through deep space dogfights, ground battles and inter-planetary Sim genres, with no great consistency. At times there seems far too much going on, at others you feel manipulated by the storyline. Liberal use of hero units like Millennium Falcon will keep the fans happy enough, but for the rest of us it's epic but ultimately shallow - a bit like the recent movies, in fact.
MA