While features such as the noise meter and match-up stick do give the player more control over the experience, significant updates and additions to the rest of NCAA 2005 were conspicuous in their absence this year.

If this would have been released sans the law enforcement and Pursuit inspired aspects of the game, it would have been titles Need for Speed: Underground 3, because really that is powering it.

For a game that's billed as strictly linear, the multitude of possibilities in Icewind Dale II is striking; its breadth is in its depth, not its scope.

I like the larger scenarios and the attention to detail on all of the levels is amazing.

There's also the matter of the decidedly realistic approach taken here, which some may find a bit dry in comparison to other longstanding fighters, such as "Tekken Tag Tournament."

Lengthy single player campaign aside, the online matches and powerful race editor should keep this game fresh for months to come.

Mixing an intriguing plot with exciting racing action, you cannot help but get sucked into the gameplay.

Nowhere else in today's market will you be able to find a flight simulator with the boldness and keen utilization of detail shown by B-17 Flying Fortress.

It has times where it bogs down in the monotony of endless waves of enemies that do nothing but cluster on your position, but it balances itself out with a great deal of depth in what they do.

As an intellectual toy, Tropico 2 is fascinating and detailed; as a game, it's enormously addictive.

The fast and vicious action puts it near the top of its class in the fighting genre, while the interesting characters keep it from being lumped in as just another clone.

The only real stumbling blocks on its way to being the Super Star is the lack of customization options.

A rare gem: A product that's appealing and accessible to both casual and more active gamers.

A fun racing title with excellent graphics, good music, and a novel use of rag-doll and environmental physics that work quite well during races and bonus games. Its tracks are challenging and varied.

Bottom line is this: anyone who enjoys traditional fantasy role-playing games will love Icewind Dale.

Once I adjusted to the controls and uncovered some new weapons, it started growing on me. By the end, I was loving it, with a wide range of gameplay, intense battles on the street, a consistently developing storyline, and enough weapons in the long run to give you the options you want.

I had a great 15 hours playing this game, and to get the coveted 100% finish I look forward to the next five or so.

Oni stuns the third-person action scene with a powerful uppercut to the jaw. Bungie has never put its hand to a bad product, and its latest offering is a passionate protest against dull games.

While not the best RPG to hit the GBA, and not the best Zelda game in the series, it remains a strong game on both fronts in my mind.

The interesting cyberpunk motif expanded into a whole new set of wondrous lands easily lends itself to hours of fun play, while the multiplayer experience lets gamers enjoy the title with others and offers a sense of satisfaction unseen in other offerings.

Almost infinitely replayable. The fact that its gameplay fits snugly into the difficult to achieve "simple-but-deep" category practically qualifies SimGolf as a barbiturate along the lines of "Tetris."

It brings to life all that is good in RPGs and improves on other things that were not so good. With it, we encounter the best of the genre in quests, combat, and a revamped magic system.

Easy to pick up and really, really hard to put down. It starts slow, and initially, building your empire will have you playing in short bursts rather than in blocks. As your realm gets larger, though, you'll find yourself spending more time tweaking and massaging, exploring and conquering.

The deck-of-cards mechanic is incredibly fun and easy to master; it should even appeal to fans of action combat, who'd normally shy from anything with "RPG" in the description.

More than just a gimmick. Sure, the brutal animations are great fun to watch, but the true satisfaction lies in getting to that point and finding a way to overcome even the largest obstacles.

A strategic tour de force. The graphics fit the theme and setting, the gameplay is deep, challenging and rewarding, and there’s enough variation between warfare, economics, and diplomacy to suit most players’ personal styles. The replay potential is mammoth.

Its full campaign, enhanced multiplayer mode and updated graphics are definite pluses, while the unconventional warfare storyline makes Resistance a unique offering.

I'm not a big puzzle game fan, but this title did contain situations which were able to hold my interest - at least, for a while. The luscious graphics come at a "disk-swapping" price.

The addition of the double-barreled shotgun, grabber, and artifact, the introduction of the ominous Hunter bosses, and the injection of a multiplayer capture-the-flag mode all significantly enhance the gameplay in this title.

The multiplayer cooperative mode is the real reason to own Crystal Chronicles. Solving puzzles and overcoming foes requires absolute teamwork, and this sense of camaraderie is inexplicably addictive.

What with gorgeous graphics, sumptuous music, compelling story, elegant interface, and a really well conceived hint system, it stands out from the pack.

The new link system makes it possible to incite huge skirmishes and deal unprecedented amounts of damage to your enemies while opening up new strategic possibilities within your squad, and the addition of voiceovers brings the characters to life like never before.

Rewolf has managed to take an aging formula and prove that with enough pizzazz -- as well as some minor innovation -- what most people consider old hat can be just as entertaining as something made with all the latest ingredients.

For those considering entering the world of war games, however, HoI has somewhat of a cruel learning curve that's accentuated by pockets of boredom and frustration - and not all players will enjoy the real time nature of the title.

Mastering Counter-Strike is no simple task, as there’s a wide variety of highly detailed maps to learn. The graphics could’ve used more attention, but those looking for the ultimate in team-based gameplay need look no further.

The vaguely nostalgic Warlords Battlecry is a greatly entertaining offering with the potential for a long and healthy shelf life; if you pine for the days of good, old-fashioned RTS orc-bashing, you owe it to yourself to give this title a chance.

It's not a standard first-person shooter, and it can't be played as one; trying to do so will lead to failure and frustration. SOCOM is a game of patience, planning and wits.

Visually striking and completely engrossing, EA's latest for boxing fans is tremendously faithful to the sport. Granted, the artificial intelligence is a little lacking in certain areas and Xbox owners deserve an online component.

You will not see better graphics, or hear better sound effects and music, or laugh more at absolutely zany jokes in a cartoon adventure on either a computer or movie screen.

In a sea of disappointing and frustratingly similar games, Sudden Strike emerges as a rare gem.

The procedure for awarding continues is definitely far too liberal and though the combo system has been greatly improved, the controls still need to be simplified to make them more practical.

With a wide array of competent enemies and an appreciable moves list, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence offers a fine 3D action experience with an abundance of style. "Devil May Cry" fans may find this title similar on many levels, though Leon's sub-weapons don't integrate quite as intimately with the melee combat as Dante's dual-handguns do.

Disgaea’s visual and aural components may be somewhat dated, but the gameplay suffers from no such ailment.

Not a very daring expansion, with battles still limited to two factions and maps that are, in many ways, a step backwards in strategy. At its price, however, it certainly delivers.

While its short length and lack of character development leave much to be desired, the multiplayer feature more than makes up for the diminished gameplay, adding to the replay value.

A tight control scheme, some exceptional gameplay thanks to the Geo-Mod engine and a solid split-screen multiplayer component make Red Faction II a safe purchase for any action fan looking for more than a mindless shooter.

Being able to go back and play through the original with an increased resolution, new spells and additional items is truly fantastic, as is the number of tweaks done to the various class abilities.

Blends solid and fresh gameplay with great graphics and exceptional sound design to create a title that lets you relish life on the high seas.

Delivers an exceptional experience...The graphics are top-notch, the controls are easy to manipulate, and the combat is quick and intense on both foot and dragon back.

A no-nonsense, straightforward, old school, GameCube-exclusive RPG.

The single-player campaign is a great addition and will be of benefit in training those who are new to Tribes and in entertaining those who have been around since the beginning.

The absence of sandbox mode, an uninspired multiplayer mode, and rapid difficulty increase in the levels all detract from an otherwise spectacular offering.

Anyone who liked the first will fall instantly in love with the second. Even if you've never heard of the series, I offer my highest, unconditional recommendation that you try MR2 out at your earliest convenience.

After playing this title I personally felt let down. This was an amazingly solid title and is well deserving of a good deal of the surrounding hype, but I might have entered the game knowing too much.

More of that great Descent action you've come to expect and won't disappoint! It you've been waiting for more new levels, enemies, and mission builder than this will be your nirvana.

Though it may not contain enough hardcore realism for hockey purists, it definitely offers some options that cater to them.

Rich, detailed visuals and effects impart life and atmosphere to the New World theme, and gameplay demands both strategic planning and tactical skill.

It’s one thing to put original characters into an old game type, but it would be another thing entirely to use those same characters and impose new standards on the genre.

After a few hours of Pro Skater 2, you might even be tempted to check out deck prices at your local sports shop.

By injecting massive doses of fun experimentation into typically mundane inventory management, you find you just cannot wait for each challenge to come your way.

FAKK 2 has a wonderful lead character in Julie Strain, and she's no doubt destined to overtake Lara Croft as the leading lady of gaming.

The addition of mid-level transitions between land and water also makes for exciting differences in the controls while simultaneously provisioning for some simply amazing environments.

Despite the laundry list of bugs and the steep hardware requirements, Battlefield 1942 remains as engrossing an online experience as they come, with great graphics and explosive gameplay - providing one has a solid Internet connection.

A rock-solid real-time strategy offering from folks that have a proven track record for providing historically accurate and fun strategy games. Its depth and long list of features will keep even the best empire builders and military strategists busy for months.

What Maverick Hunter X does is provide an intensely enjoyable and expanded alternative version of a classic game, and I suspect a product like this will appeal to two kinds of people. For the old fans, it'll be like an old friend is stopping by to introduce you to his cute sister. For the newbies, it's a great starting point to see what the big deal is.

Elegant, enormously detailed and full of extraordinary stories (to say nothing of the construction set that allows you to make your own).

While the game isn't necessarily revolutionary, it is refreshing in the gameplay it provides and the ability it gives players to create new challenges and prolong their gaming experience.

While it's not as deep or as long as "Knights of the Old Republic" or "Morrowind," credit should unquestionably be given to Sudeki for its brisk pacing, deceptively flexible character management and unique, engaging combat system.

Those who revel in the horizontal action games of yesteryear will revel in the brilliant mix of elements gathered from some of the best offerings of the past.

Hardcore desk-jockeys will definitely not want to pass up the chance to recreate one of the most dreaded battles in aviation history, and when you see the sky full of fighters and bombers, you will understand just how enjoyable Rowan's Battle of Britain can be.

Captures the essence of a war movie better than any other game I have played, with the possible exception of the original "Close Combat."

Despite the high level of difficulty, this is a very well planned and well-executed game that represents what a sequel should be. I would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a challenge.

A few technical issues prevent this product from overtaking "Falcon 4.0" as the premier hardcore flight sim on the market today, but that's not to say it's set in stone. This is a very complex and sophisticated aircraft, and the simulation built around it is equally so.

Nosferatu’s developers played to the inherent strengths of all first-person shooters - the visceral illusion of being in a place far removed from the chair in front of your computer screen. Unlike the Victorians, the concept of a zombie or vampire won’t scare any of us, but like them, we still retain a fear of unknown things that might leap out at us in strange, dark places.

In a lot of ways, Xenogears seems more like a novel than a game. Partially due to the amount of time you spend reading on screen text while the game plays itself, and partially due to the complexity of the plot.

Despite some weakness rooted to the genre, Conquest's solid graphics, gameplay, and AI make it a title with enough reasons for RTS fans to join the fight.

It's difficult to come up for an overall score for Tropico as it does so many things right, but at the same time, tends to become a bit repetitive after extended periods of play.

Its graphics, excellent sound, intense gameplay, and strong multiplayer, coupled with its random character placement make it a title definitely worth checking out.

I love Aura, as it’s the kind of visually and intellectually stimulating challenge that I crave and that’s so rare these days.

The expansion doesn't offer a sophisticated plot, extensively scripted dialogue, or complicated puzzle solving. It only promises action, and delivers it in abundance.

The High Stakes mode of play is rather difficult to pull off most of the time, and virtually impossible unless you know someone else with the game.

A truly fresh and fun experience. While the plot is nothing to write home about, the furious combat action - which is far more mobile than in most action shooters - is utterly addictive.

A great new twist on a genre that I have a hard time classifying, using an established and mature backdrop.

Graphically stunning, infused with a rich storyline, and so full of subtle touches your head will spin trying to keep track of them all.

The gameplay isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but the variety and extras found in the single-player campaign, combined with the enjoyable multiplayer mode, give the experience a healthy dose of replayability. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

The combination of a fantastic story, clever puzzles, strong (albeit psi-lite) combat overcome any gameplay nitpicks or deficiencies.

Parts are a bit problematic, such as the combat, challenges, and village management, but most of what you experience is endlessly fascinating.

If you want an undersea simulation or oceanic real-time strategy, then forget it; but if what you desire is arcade action in a novel and challenging context, then it fits the bill.

Aside from the two new racing modes, Beat the Heat and Race the Pro, the best part of the gameplay in NASCAR Heat is the thrilling pack racing experience, driving door-to-door and fender-to-fender against your opponents.

Even with a somewhat weak split-screen multiplayer mode, the challenging gameplay and engrossing plot will satisfy players on their first run through, while the superb AI and outstanding level design will keep them coming back for more.

The complete freedom of movement, absorbing storyline, gorgeous graphics, entrancing musical score, and, yes, brain-melting puzzles make this a real treat for your mind and your eye.

The crashes all by themselves are an absolute blast. You will never get bored here, and everyone will find points of challenge at some point in the racing.

Can deep characters, a great story, wonderful atmosphere and exquisite graphics overcome a flawed interface and horrible artificial intelligence to make a great game? Not quite, but it still makes for a darn good one.

The game radiates beauty and wonder from every corner, and the end result is something special.

It's one of those games you can start playing one evening, and then the next time you look up it's three in the morning.

By being more open-ended than "Tribunal" and more focused than "Morrowind" itself, Bloodmoon captures the best of both worlds.

It’s the subtle establishment and cultivation of The Phoenix that really gives the game its punch. You know that the antagonist isn’t real, but you’ll still be kind of creeped out because you’ll begin to understand him.

The four-player coop mode is particularly notable, considering so few titles incorporate so many players with such a high degree of complexity. However, there is a lack of polish to certain aspects which hold it back from being a legendary experience.