The King of Fighters 2006
PS2
SNK Playmore
The Good
Big roster of nearly 40 fighters includes many SNK classics from various games; solid fighting system is fast paced and emphasises complex, damaging combos.
The Bad
Some weak character designs and some spotty visuals; no character-specific endings in story mode; no online play.
The Verdict
The next fully 3D installment in SNK’s long-running fighting game series is a lot better than the first.
Bomberman
PSP
Konami
The Good
Great Bomberman gameplay is left unmolested; four-player ad hoc battles require only one copy of the game; 150 varied and challenging levels and plenty of tough boss battles; sharp, charming graphics.
The Bad
The item stock system can be a bit clunky to use mid-battle.
The Verdict
This game brings Bomberman to the PSP with plenty of enjoyable, challenging single-player levels, as well as the fun and frantic multiplayer battles the series is known for.
Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run
Xbox
Midway
The Good
It’s got The Rock; pacing never lets up.
The Bad
Unbalanced brawling mechanics; dirt-stupid artificial intelligence; unwieldy controls in vehicular sequences; it’s all been done before, and done better.
The Verdict
It gets points for its unrelenting pace, but the action in Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run is too derivative and mechanical to matter.
Bounty Hounds
PSP
Namco Bandai Games America
The Good
Great sense of style; nice-looking environments, creatures, and characters; tonnes of items to collect and equip to customise your character.
The Bad
Aggravating camera makes it difficult to get a clear view of your enemies; the bulk of the gameplay is shallow and repetitive.
The Verdict
Bounty Hounds has a unique visual style and some appealing gameplay concepts, but the core action is too repetitive and shallow to sustain your interest for very long.
