In many respects, it's exactly what I would expect from a follow-up: more of the same with minor enhancements. At the same time, it is just more of the same with some enhancements, but Fatshark seemed to be aiming to make the best damn sequel they could...just without rocking the boat too much.

If you found Forza or Gran Turismo to be too austere, polite, and reverent, but you still crave a bit of sim-style racing, you'll surely enjoy Shift 2 Unleashed -- as long as you're willing to deal with the consequences of its lack of manners.

So much of the dialogue and story changes depend on your choices that it's absolutely worth revisiting at least once after the credits roll.

In many respects, it's exactly what I would expect from a follow-up: more of the same with minor enhancements. At the same time, it is just more of the same with some enhancements, but Fatshark seemed to be aiming to make the best damn sequel they could...just without rocking the boat too much.

Rhythm Heaven does its job with style and aplomb, but anyone who's played the GBA original knows that the concept has been done better. No one who enjoys pure fun should miss out on this game...but once you've had your fill, be sure to track down a copy of the GBA original for an even better time.

Yes, the dialogue can be trite and vapid, but Sakura Wars goes much deeper than a simple "dating sim" -- Western gamers really haven't seen this mix of real-time, visual-novel storytelling and giant-mech strategy before.

Dead Space ultimately feels like an incredibly polished and varied 6-hour game stretched out to make it twice that long. While I felt like I was repeating the same objectives a few too many times, the combat held up so well that I didn't even mind...too much.

SVR 2010 is the ultimate wrestling gamer's sandbox. And the combination of one of the most finely tuned 3D wrestling engines with the ability to create and download so much new content, makes 2010 the best SmackDown title to date.

It's not perfect, but overlooking some repetitive play and the occasional frame rate hiccup, Infinity Blade is a huge step towards real core gaming on Apple's platform.

But with a few refinements and over seven hours of new gameplay (far more if you choose to tackle the game's unlockable and aptly named Insane Mode difficulty), its $5 price drop from the original won't leave you feeling like an orange on the business end of...well...an old friend.

Lips is the best new karaoke platform to come along in ages.

After having a chance to check out all three versions, we recommend picking up the Wii version and playing with the Classic Controller -- it's got a much more natural feel than the other two consoles' controllers, especially the wonky Xbox 360 D-pad.

Scott Pilgim's real problem: the lack of any online multiplayer.

So yeah, this is a good time all around. The only thing better than killing the hell out of a few thousand undead is doing it with friends. Well, unless you can do it for dirt cheap. Which you can. Fancy that.

The game's issues are outweighed by the fact that no other game on the market plays like this.

If you were hoping for another chance to jump in and explore Rapture, BioShock 2 probably won't disappoint you, but you're not getting the same caliber of twisted, engaging story this time around. It's a standard, straightforward tale, with a few too many holes to be called truly "great," but it's still a fun ride.

The game's issues are outweighed by the fact that no other game on the market plays like this.

Raskulls isn't perfect, but it is lighthearted, funny, and a good value at 800 Microsoft points ($10).

Some repetitive puzzle design and a half-baked multiplayer component still aren't enough to completely tarnish Singularity, however. Beneath its flawed exterior lies a fine shooter that experiments with time manipulation more aptly than any game since Braid.

Creativity often thrives under the most severe limitations, and those who relish the opportunity to entertain others (or even just themselves) in videogame form will love WarioWare D.I.Y. It provides a detailed yet streamlined mechanism for creativity, meaning the challenge is in coming up with creative ideas rather than wrestling with the interface.

The good news is that developer Eurocom has managed to craft a new GoldenEye that, despite a few hiccups, makes a valiant effort to straddle the divide between nostalgia and a new generation of first-person shooters.

A "good" game whose bugs keep it from being "excellent."

If you can get past the saccharine coating of the Ninjatown world, you'll find a surprisingly good tower defense-style filling hidden inside the hard candy shell.

There is just enough here to entice fans of the franchise to dip back in, especially with the online options, in spite of them needing a little tweaking.

But Revolution's greatest omission is testament to just how addicting the game is. It's disappointing not having the option to play "one more turn..." after a victory condition is achieved and continuing to build (or rebuild) your empire.

The consistent rotation of gameplay styles keep the experience energized, and fleshing out your fellowship with two friends makes for some amazing couch co-op. Although the game may be lagging a bit mechanically, the gorgeous wonderment of the world makes Trine 2 an adventure well-worth embarking upon.

These two games are badass. Those of you who remember them fondly from your Osh Kosh days will be swept up in a wave of nostalgia right at the title screen, and everybody else will be hooked from level one.

The consistent rotation of gameplay styles keep the experience energized, and fleshing out your fellowship with two friends makes for some amazing couch co-op. Although the game may be lagging a bit mechanically, the gorgeous wonderment of the world makes Trine 2 an adventure well-worth embarking upon.