Computer game reviews

Gaming is no longer just for teenage boys, sitting in a dark room, thumbs moving faster than the speed of light. Instead gaming has become something of a social event, what with multiplayer games for Nintendo Wii, and even leisurely pursuit, if you’re passing time on the way into work with a DSi. We bring you our favourite games, all in time to be put on your Christmas list. 

Get more Christmas inspiration in our Christmas Gift Guide.  

Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games

What is it? The latest game featuring Sega and Nintendo\'s respective mascots, Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games is a button mashing sports game.

What does it do?Pick a character from the Sega or Nintendo roster and guide them through a series of mini-games, inspired by Olympic events.

How good was it?It\'s beautiful to look at and listen to. We really enjoyed the hammer throw, as it took the most skill. However the games are simplistic and once you\'ve got the hang of them, a tad boring. The controls can be frustrating at times as well.

Perfect for...It should keep the kids quiet on long journeys, or keep you out of trouble on short ones.

Price: £22.87 at amazon.co.uk

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Band Hero

What is it? Following the success of the franchise Guitar Hero, Band Hero invites you to get your friends round and play together on the guitar, bass, drums and to sing.

What does it do? Once you\'ve plugged in all the fake instruments, you can choose from up to 65 songs ranging from Taylor Swift to the Spin Doctors, with more downloadable from the XBox Live online service. Having chosen your preferred instrument, you can then "play" the track on your own or with friends, either as a one-off or following a ‘career’ mode, which takes you from a small venue to massive arenas.

How good was it? The selection of music is varied and you are bound to find a few favourites to play along to. The instruments are responsive and can take vigorous efforts at pretending to rock out (as we found out).

Perfect for… Those long, dark winter evenings, getting some friends together, drinking some mulled wine and dreaming of being on stage – and being a rock god.

Price: £128.74 for the game and music equipment on amazon.co.uk

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U Sing for Wii

What is it? Nintendo’s new karaoke game aimed at families and friends.

What does it do? The game offers seven game modes, which you can play on your own or as a duo.. You are scored according to several grades, ranging from Hopeless to Legend and if your score is in the top three it will be saved. You need a USB microphone to play, although two are better for battle mode – and you can buy the game either with or without mic, in case you haven’t already got the equipment,

How good was it? Great fun. The list of songs are impressive and there’s something for everyone. Music videos accompany the tracks, making game play visually stimulating, although songs that are too old for music videos miss this great feature. Each soundtrack is accompanied by easy to read lyrics and you’re scored on how accurately you sing – making scoring points all the more trickier. You can alter the voices in the mix, making either your voice or the original artist the prominent sound, depending on how hard you want to work. The most fun comes through singing with a partner at the same time with the game screen splitting into two sections and scores being added at the end of the song to give you a joint grade (just pick a worthy partner). You can also have song battles, making U-Sing U’ve Got Talent perfect for social occasions.

What songs are included? It’s a wide range from Mercy by Duffy and Viva la Vida by Coldplay to My Girl by the Temptations – there’s something for everyone.

Perfect for… An alternative to Christmas TV – I bet even Grandma will want a go it’s so easy!

Price: U Sing with one microphone - £29.70 on amazon.co.uk

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Nintendo presents: Style Boutique

What is it? You start off as a sales assistant and work your way up to owning your own boutique.

What does it do? Keep an eye on the latest fashion trends in the magazines, dress mannequins and customers accordingly, style models for fashion contests to make a name for yourself and soon you’ll own your own store. You can also have fashion contests against up to three friends over wireless and visit your friends’ stores.

How good is it? Style Boutique is lots of fun, as you try to keep on top of the world of fashion and build your own empire. Real-time play means that you want to keep coming back every day to see which new items in the exhibition hall might look fab on your clients. The only down side to Style Boutique is the god-awful music in the store, but we soon discovered we could turn it off – if only you could do that in real life.

Perfect for... Although Style Boutique is marketed at an audience between 11 and 16, it’s perfect for any woman interested in fashion. It’ll keep you amused for hours, perfect for whiling away the journey into work, while dreaming of owning your own boutique.

Price: £29.99 from amazon.co.uk

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I\'m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here on Wii

What is it?Taking its cue from the TV series, 12 celebrities are isolated from family and friends in a jungle, where they have to endure everything the jungle can throw at them.

What does it do?Choose an adventure and a celebrity to undertake it. Before each game you’re told what you need to do in terms of the nunchuk control stick and the remote stick. At the end of each Bush Battle you choose which celebrity will leave the game. You can select multi-player and play against your friends and family and you can practise and improve on your high scores. A Wii Balance Board is needed for a variety of games including Tightrope Walk and Paraglider Landing.

How good was it?It’s not fast paced but it does need some skill as quite a few of the tasks require a degree of accuracy. It was punctuated with voting sessions which could be tedious if you just want to get on with playing. However it is varied and imaginative in concept and if you love the TV show you’re bound to like this.

Perfect for…Those who like a challenge and those who believe that practice makes perfect!

Price: £24.99 from amazon.co.uk

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