If you love Dragon Ball Z -- like, love it to the point where tears run down your face as you stare at your Vegeta wall scroll -- then you'll love Burst Limit. Casual fans, like myself, will be impressed initially but ultimately let down by the fact that -- despite the new name -- this is still part of the Budokai family of fighters.

If you love Dragon Ball Z -- like, love it to the point where tears run down your face as you stare at your Vegeta wall scroll -- then you'll love Burst Limit. Casual fans, like myself, will be impressed initially but ultimately let down by the fact that -- despite the new name -- this is still part of the Budokai family of fighters.

The game's certainly on the short side (with just 18 total songs), but unlike many previous attempts to capitalize on Looney Tunes nostalgia, Cartoon Conductor's whimsical presentation actually matches up well with the fast-paced, familiar rhythm approach -- creating the rare licensed experience that may bring a legitimate smile to your face.

The game has one huge black eye: the forced commentary of "Jack Fouler." To call Fouler's "jokes" bland and corny is a compliment; the lazy, incompetent, and ultimately insulting writing is heard by the same audience that sees Pixar films, so why is it so far beyond lame?

A ton of side missions offer varying entertainment value, plenty of doodads to collect and power Hulk up with, and even a few cool alternate character skins for the green guy to wear. But I can't just quietly ignore the fact that a similar, but far better Hulk game (the best superhero game, for my money) sits on my shelf at home, and is readily available for anyone to track down.

A ton of side missions offer varying entertainment value, plenty of doodads to collect and power Hulk up with, and even a few cool alternate character skins for the green guy to wear. But I can't just quietly ignore the fact that a similar, but far better Hulk game (the best superhero game, for my money) sits on my shelf at home, and is readily available for anyone to track down.

"Ultimate Destruction" was on the PS2 as well, but it still had a beautifully rendered, detailed city that was fully visible from any rooftop -- and a blast to wreak havoc on. Instead of building on that better game, though, Incredible Hulk is a weak attempt at mimicking it.

"Ultimate Destruction" was on the PS2 as well, but it still had a beautifully rendered, detailed city that was fully visible from any rooftop -- and a blast to wreak havoc on. Instead of building on that better game, though, Incredible Hulk is a weak attempt at mimicking it.

Despite the minor flaws, I loved most every minute of Wolf of the Battlefield. This is a great game to pop in when you're sitting around with only a few minutes to spare, or when a couple of friends are looking for a quick way to kill some time.

Possibly due to the lack of any real danger/reward progression, or perhaps because of the inherent visual cacophony -- which hits even harder in the perfectly playable, yet crazily hectic, two-player multiplayer co-op game -- Galaxy eventually feels more than a bit repetitious.

Roogoo is simply delightful. Its bright and cheery art style, adorably cute characters, and challenging play make this one of my favorite XBLA titles to date.

It's pretty good as a game that casual players can fly through on the easiest difficulty setting, and its production values are as good as you'll find on the market. But it doesn't hold up as well for those looking for a story or a challenge. It's a fun evening, basically.

It's pretty good as a game that casual players can fly through on the easiest difficulty setting, and its production values are as good as you'll find on the market. But it doesn't hold up as well for those looking for a story or a challenge. It's a fun evening, basically.

This is a game for Ninja Gaiden fans, who will play it on the toughest difficulties and upload their best playthrough videos online. For those purposes, it excels; for less devoted action-adventure fans, it's more of a violent curiosity than something to get invested in.

Think of it as a racing fling, not asking you for any long-term commitment, and letting you walk away once you're finished so you can pursue something with more depth. Still, it's fun while it lasts.

Think of it as a racing fling, not asking you for any long-term commitment, and letting you walk away once you're finished so you can pursue something with more depth. Still, it's fun while it lasts.

The lack of variety is actually a good thing. In an area of game development where being overly ambitious can destroy you, developer Luxoflux has instead created a smart, focused, and (most importantly) polished effort that should delight young fans of the film.

The lack of variety is actually a good thing. In an area of game development where being overly ambitious can destroy you, developer Luxoflux has instead created a smart, focused, and (most importantly) polished effort that should delight young fans of the film.

The lack of variety is actually a good thing. In an area of game development where being overly ambitious can destroy you, developer Luxoflux has instead created a smart, focused, and (most importantly) polished effort that should delight young fans of the film.

The lack of variety is actually a good thing. In an area of game development where being overly ambitious can destroy you, developer Luxoflux has instead created a smart, focused, and (most importantly) polished effort that should delight young fans of the film.

Its core mechanics are sound, if inexpertly presented, and the further you advance into the story, the more the level designs open up.

Lego Indy's main quest isn't terribly expansive -- you can finish it in a weekend, and that's if you take your time -- but the game's unquestionably built for completists, with a ton of hidden treasure and extra characters (you can unlock pretty much every character in the films, right down to Last Crusade's castle butler).

Lego Indy's main quest isn't terribly expansive -- you can finish it in a weekend, and that's if you take your time -- but the game's unquestionably built for completists, with a ton of hidden treasure and extra characters (you can unlock pretty much every character in the films, right down to Last Crusade's castle butler).

I'd actually prefer a minigolf version of this series on the handheld systems. Maybe that would get me worked up about a relaxing round of Hot Shots again.

Other than the fact that you can wage 10,000-unit battles, don't expect much difference between Stronghold Crusader Extreme and the regular, nonextreme Stronghold Crusader.

By all counts, Mass Effect for the PC is essentially the "definitive" version of the game; it runs much smoother on decent machines and just generally plays better...even if it still suffers from some of the original's fundamental flaws (along with a few new ones).

What would've otherwise been a fun multiplayer shooter is marred by a series of technical issues.

It's the wide-ranging lack of polish that really damns Emergency Heroes to a forgettable existence, as the player vehicles have all the floaty steering and shaky physics of a shovelware budget title (but with twice the price tag), and I even managed to crash the game by falling through the ground during one mission.

The new Colonies Edition lured me back for a third circuit with beautiful graphics that echoed the original game and a wealth of exclusive new features.

Ultimately, however, we think you'll prefer to have a friend close by as you experience the game. Root of Evil may not be to die for, but for $40, it's an easy way to kill a weekend.

It's an acceptable rendition of a time-tested classic -- a little too complex to stand beside its classic inspiration, a little too primitive to stand up to contemporary releases, but still decent.

Well, yeah. I think it's pretty darn fun.

Well, yeah. I think it's pretty darn fun.

The genre isn't in its infancy anymore, and developer Funcom doesn't have the trailblazer status that would grant easy deflection of criticism about unimplemented features and crippling bugs... Right now, Age of Conan is fun game to play -- this summer, it might be ready for the MMO pantheon.

On the whole, Haze isn't outright terrible or broken -- it's just unsatisfying and misguided and would have been merely average on the Xbox and PS2.

SingStar isn't a revolutionary game -- you're still just performing karaoke on your PlayStation. But uploading silly videos and watching other people's creations really adds a new dimension; it gives you what every karaoke star wants the most: an audience.

I guess I'd hoped an exercise videogame would make fitness a lot more fun -- and easier to do. And, though it doesn't quite exceed those expectations, Wii Fit will get you moving -- especially if you're looking for a gentle, fun introduction to an exercise program.

Most soccer nuts awaiting this summer's Euro-only tourney in Switzerland and Austria will buy this one anyway, but for those on the fence, I recommend giving this one a shot. Particularly at the slightly reduced $49.99 price tag.

Most soccer nuts awaiting this summer's Euro-only tourney in Switzerland and Austria will buy this one anyway, but for those on the fence, I recommend giving this one a shot. Particularly at the slightly reduced $49.99 price tag.

At 800 Wii Points, some may not want to jump in, especially since Super Star Soldier on Virtual Console is 600 Points -- a "real" full-length shooter -- and the layout of its 2-Minute Mode level more or less provided the basis for Star Soldier R's first stage

Older and more seasoned players, however (along with PETA members), can safely abstain from this simple critter-caging diversion.

The only reason that Prince Caspian doesn't utterly fail is that it does feature the occasionally interesting puzzle. However, figuring out a clever, well-thought-out solution only made the otherwise forced and repetitive nature of the rest of the game seem that much worse by comparison.

Assault Heroes 2 is a down-and-dirty hoot.

As a port of the arcade game, Shikigami certainly succeeds in delivering the same level of shooting intensity at home on the Wii -- it's just that, fundamentally, this is a game that really only the most hardcore shooter fans will truly master and then enjoy.

The most frustrating thing about Deca Sports is that it's not bad -- just bland, uninspired, and of questionable value.

We Ski offers an absurd amount of events, objectives, and extras -- and it's all icing on the mountain, as this would be a great game without most of it. The comfortable motion controls ensure that even a simple, leisurely ski around the resort is usually a joy.

Drone Tactics may look like Advance Wars with giant mechanical bugs and an absurd plot, but it's challenging and fun. Just watch out for those damn centipedes.

My Life as a King's depth is surprising for a downloadable title, and it suggests that this could have been slapped on a DVD and sold at retail price. But such as it is, downloadable is the way to go, and based on the evidence here, the Crystal Chronicles series has a bright future ahead of it.

LostWinds is a solid, charming little platformer, and it's a really promising start for the WiiWare line.

The effects are also the biggest difference between this WiiWare version and the Flash original, which shared most of the game mechanics but lacked the visual appeal.

I would've liked to have seen more pizzazz and personality from the actual gameplay and questions (instead of just the silly avatars), and the game flow could've been streamlined considerably (I don't need between-round updates on the betting tendencies of A.I. opponents), but Wits & Wagers is a loose and enjoyable experience that fills a necessary gap on Xbox Live Arcade without significant monetary -- or mental -- investment.

The biggest issue with the game, besides the slow pace, is that each level feels roughly the same, despite the shifting settings of each stage.

Boom Blox may not be the best Wii game, depending on your proclivities, but it's definitely the best use of the Wii yet. It's immensely accessible, wonderfully tactile, and stands as one of the best treatments of gaming in a 3D space.

Crosswords is simply a game about word puzzles made for people who love word puzzles -- and that's OK with me.

We've come to expect a missing coat of polish on film tie-ins, but Iron Man seems to lack even a level of care, resulting in a drab adaptation that sinks well beyond simple mediocrity.

We've come to expect a missing coat of polish on film tie-ins, but Iron Man seems to lack even a level of care, resulting in a drab adaptation that sinks well beyond simple mediocrity.

I hesitate to say that Iron Man is dumbed down for the Wii, PlayStation 2, and PSP, since hardware limitations likely necessitated such a distinct iteration, but the resulting experience is a by-the-numbers affair unlikely to rouse most action fans.

I hesitate to say that Iron Man is dumbed down for the Wii, PlayStation 2, and PSP, since hardware limitations likely necessitated such a distinct iteration, but the resulting experience is a by-the-numbers affair unlikely to rouse most action fans.

A by-the-numbers affair unlikely to rouse most action fans. Maybe you won't toss your controller in a fit of rage (unlike the frustrating PS3/360 games), but with gameplay and presentation this uninteresting, do you even need pick it up to begin with?

Developer A2M gets a thumbs-up for effort on this focused iteration, but Iron Man's on-the-go heroics are largely average in practice.

It might seem like this review is a long list of complaints, and it is, especially regarding the time limit. But they're an assortment of small annoyances in what's otherwise a splendid puzzle game with a minimalist approach. And the ability to create and share your own mind-bending scenes encourages some homegrown M.C. Escherism.

For better or worse, Arnor is an add-on that completes its parent game rather than simply expanding its scope.

None of these little flaws take away from Liberty City's breathtaking vistas, incredibly varied scenery, and lived-in look (the PS3 version has the slightest visual edge, plus motion-control support -- but then it's missing Achievements and the eventual downloadable episodes exclusive to the 360 game). The city just feels alive.

None of these little flaws take away from Liberty City's breathtaking vistas, incredibly varied scenery, and lived-in look (the PS3 version has the slightest visual edge, plus motion-control support -- but then it's missing Achievements and the eventual downloadable episodes exclusive to the 360 game). The city just feels alive.

You'll assuredly have plenty of fun with this, even if Nintendo's play-it-safe, dumb-it-down approach will make many longtime players yearn for something more ambitious and risky.

This is a game that works precisely because it's something new and different, and deserves to be celebrated for its originality...and for making its more banal moments as compelling as the inventive ones.

FES' other addition -- a remarkably expansive epilogue called "The Answer" that's instantly accessible from the title screen -- simply cannot be missed.

The best buying advice I could offer is to pick the game up from the bargain bin in a few months, along with copious amounts of liquor (if you're of age), and throw a Target: Terror party.

The real shock is that, nearly 14 months later, Chosen One doesn't live up to the tech, the style, or the ambition of EA's "Homecourt." The game has far too many flaws -- and far too little polish and juice to make it worth playing.

The real shock is that, nearly 14 months later, Chosen One doesn't live up to the tech, the style, or the ambition of EA's "Homecourt." The game has far too many flaws -- and far too little polish and juice to make it worth playing.

As a casual rhythm game, Battle of the Bands gets big points for charm and humor, and the intended audience is sure to appreciate the ability to actually play this without too much difficulty. Guitar heroes looking for their next challenging digital wankery, however, are advised to move along. This one's just for laughs.

If you want a good dungeon crawl, play the punishing-but-oh-so-satisfying Shiren the Wanderer. If you just want to collect 500 cute little guys and power-level the hell out of them, you can't go wrong with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.

If you want a good dungeon crawl, play the punishing-but-oh-so-satisfying Shiren the Wanderer. If you just want to collect 500 cute little guys and power-level the hell out of them, you can't go wrong with Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.

Assuming you have dipped your feet in the pool of endless Dynasty Warriors content, it's almost absurd at this point to have to pay 30 bucks for either the PS2 or Xbox 360 flavor of what is barely more than preconceived, half-assed, tacked-on downloadable content.

If you don't have the resources to do something like Rocky and Bullwinkle justice, don't bother making a game at all.

It's downright cruel -- the fans who might be able to stomach the interface are exactly the ones who will be let down by the A.I. And the casual players who might not realize how bad the A.I. is won't get past the interface.

Rondo of Swords can be a frustrating game. But those frustrations feel like an intentional part of the design; it's not meant as a cakewalk.

Immature as Prologue's online play is, it provides just enough basic functionality to avoid undermining everything that the game's single-player mode offers. It also doesn't hurt that the game looks amazing.

For younger Twilight Princess fans, this is your true coming-of-age adventure...and for older gamers free of nostalgia's shackles, Okami provides a far more refreshing, creatively stimulating journey.

The odd bit of slowdown and mostly forgettable minigames (aside from the amusing Big Brain Challenge) further detract from the experience, but with great presentation and a genuinely funny narrative that recalls the zaniness of "Earthworm Jim" and "Dead Head Fred," I cannot help but be charmed by Teenage Zombies.

Playing the same boring minigames over and over again in each stage (sometimes five or six times, without deviation), coupled with simple driving tasks and a lack of significant variation between missions make this a joyless grind with little reward.

While this won't replace MLB 08: The Show -- the best portable hardcore baseball game out there -- it's tailored for tots and casual seamheads on the go.

While it borrows unabashedly from several other titles, the game does a great job of providing its own fun and unique flair.

Sure, it doesn't do anything new with the gameplay (do any of the episodes?), but What's New, Beelzebub? is a fitting wrap-up to Season 2, and it's arguably the most enjoyable episode since season-starter "Ice Station Santa."

Crystal-clear graphics and Achievements are certainly appealing, but the bigger draws are online multiplayer with the leaderboards and downloadable replays. At the very least, it will likely refresh your interest in the game (and subsequent determination to finish it off).

The designers put all of their eggs in the city-design basket and forgot about actual mission design.

FlatOut is fun and different enough that it manages to stand out.

And the core game is familiar territory these days -- familiar to the point of contempt.

The core gameplay is sound, so it's a shame that it's burdened by a derivative plot, generic characters, and archaic visuals (reminiscent of the 32-bit era in a bad way).

The most frustrating thing about Octomania isn't the awfully voiced rapping tree with a rainbow 'fro or having to play through the same few short story mode battles over and over in order to unlock new characters -- it's that winning not only takes a bit of patience and strategy (as you wait for enough colors to be available for large combos), but it also takes a heaping help of luck.

TiQal falls squarely on the casual side of the puzzle spectrum, but it's an interesting change of pace for hardened veterans looking for a more relaxing puzzle experience, and a solid primer for block-dropping novices.

So it's not for multiplayer fans or story fans or innovation fans, but Dark Sector is certainly a good game. When it all comes together and you're ducking in and out of cover while shooting and throwing the Glaive at groups of enemies, it's a lot of fun, and the visual spark and A.I./pacing/combat polish make it worth playing.

So it's not for multiplayer fans or story fans or innovation fans, but Dark Sector is certainly a good game. When it all comes together and you're ducking in and out of cover while shooting and throwing the Glaive at groups of enemies, it's a lot of fun, and the visual spark and A.I./pacing/combat polish make it worth playing.

Universe at War does what they said couldn't be done, and it makes a large-scale real-time strategy game -- of the sort thought to be exclusively a PC domain -- fun to play from the couch.

Viking: Battle for Asgard falls far short of its potential.

Viking: Battle for Asgard falls far short of its potential.

For fans, Ultimate Ninja 3 has a lot to offer.

As an RPG, it's pretty standard, yet it manages to be just plain comforting thanks to its quirky looks and sounds -- and even its easy one-handed control option.