LocoRoco

As with Pixar’s animated films, LocoRoco taps into your juvenile sense of fun without treating you like a child. However, you may find yourself reluctant to describe what you get up to in this game in adult company — players take on the role of an animated bouncing ball, with the aim of collecting enough berries to replicate themselves while avoiding the evil black cloud monsters.

LocoRoco’s control system is inspired; this game makes the best use of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) seen so far. Players move and jump using the shoulder buttons, and that’s pretty much it (apart from the bonus game, in which you deploy the game’s multitude of unlockables). Add a fantastic soundtrack and skill levels to fit all ages and abilities, and this game is a must-own for all PSP users. Especially as it’s impossible to play it without a smile on your face.

The Daily Telegraph

Earth Defence Force 2017

Like a charming 1950s sci-fi B-movie with zero-budget production values, Earth Defence Force 2017 poses an interesting question to potential players — to what extent are you prepared to put up with dated graphics and clunky animation if a game affords you the opportunity to shoot tons of giant ants?

For every downside to this game, there’s a positive to balance it out. Yes, the gameplay is repetitive, it looks like it was made four years ago, and the plot of the game would fit on the back of a postage stamp (aliens invade Earth — kill them). On the other hand, there are more than 100 weapons available to players, along with a huge array of vehicles that are fantastic fun to drive and hundreds of enemies to destroy. Gamers who demand the best from their consoles may be put off by the archaic presentation, but everyone else should dive straight in. And remember: if it moves, kill it!

The Daily Telegraph