While SoF II won't contend for Game of the Year, it's worth its price tag for both its combat-heavy single-player campaign as well as its robust multiplayer package, highlighted by the random map generator.

The graphics, while dated, hold their own thanks to the fantastic lighting, and the audio work truly should be experienced.

The graphics could use as much TLC as the physics received, the sound and music could be fleshed out, and the controls could use some tightening to work more organically.

Its combination of global conquest and economic elements results in an entertaining experience that can keep players consistently coming back for more.

Its graphics, sound, and interface are excellent, but sadly deficiencies still exist in its artificial intelligence and its linear gameplay which is devoid of a skirmish mode or of a precise system of attack control.

Even without the jaw dropping visuals of "Final Fantasy" or "Knights of the Old Republic," the deceptively deep but instantly accessible gameplay proves that Star Ocean can hang with the big boys as more than just a niche title, but as a top-tier franchise.

With superb graphics, sound, and music, as well as immersive and challenging gameplay, Rage has really done its job in making sure that this title has no real weaknesses. The plot development and cinematics are simply in a class by themselves.

Despite its many faults, it remains a solid contribution to its genre, with graphics and music that form a particularly credible environment. That the arrival of its hasty conclusion is so regrettable is only a testament to its many strengths.

The deficiencies with frame rate, multiplayer competition, collisions, and replays still keep this title from achieving its potential.

Sharpen your swords, start pouring the silver and get ready to rock the undead back to their uneasy rests, because if you have even the slightest interest in removing zombie infestations, Hunter: The Reckoning is the game you've been waiting for your entire life.

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.

This is not a bad game, but Westwood's real-time strategy titles are beginning to suffer the curse of Lara Croft -- they're getting old. There's nothing new here except for the gorgeous visuals.

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.

Despite these problems, NFL Fever 2002 is a resoundingly solid game that will hold much more appeal for novices than the infinitely more arcane "Madden 2002."

If you want compelling story with dynamic gameplay, and are in the mood for some good old cowboy action; get Gun. You will not be disappointed.

While it’s unlikely that the inferior graphics and sound would turn away any serious strategy RPG fans, boring gameplay mechanics and glitchy implementation should do the job.

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.

The gameplay is gleefully wrought with complexity. However, hardcore strategists will surely find this title simplistic.

The gameplay is still as enjoyable as it was 15 years ago, maybe even more so.

Valve has proved quite effectively that solid level design and an embarrassment of style will outshine all the fanciest smoke and mirrors that today’s cutting-edge technologies have to offer.

The visual, aural, and control limitations of the original are becoming more and more obvious as the series continues.

Despite the shortcomings of getting started, beware once you finally do. Port Royale is a wonderfully addictive game that is loaded with grand possibilities.

The plot is absorbing, the graphics are wonderful, the sound and music are enthralling, and the puzzles are challenging. However, interface problems, relatively brief gameplay, and the absence of the critical online component are significant deficiencies.

The amazing flexibility of the Surveyor tool guarantees zealous builders will have endless miles of track and numerous layouts on which to ride.

The major problem holding it back is its poor network performance.

The graphics aren't particularly innovative and the sound effects are merely a step up from mediocre. However, Wrath of Heaven succeeds where it counts - in providing an enjoyable experience with plenty of replayability.

AI concerns make driving into oncoming traffic easier than it should be, while the moderate, but not extensive amount of cars and tracks mean that you'll be able to wrap up single player in less than ten hours.

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.

Lives up to its potential, giving Simpsons fans an authentic and enjoyable experience. With the crashing, and the funny, and the doo dads- GLAVIN! *ahem* One can't argue with the quality and level of detail.

The imaginative use of the tricorder for exploration and the wonderful assortment of enemy creatures are high points for me, and the multiplayer portion is impeccable.

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.

Additional equipment and spells are nice, and the characters are now much more versatile, but design and pacing problems abound.

For its audience of hardcore sim flyers, Warbirds III is quite a solid game, and probably worth the monthly investment for those who can afford it.

A great addition to the survival horror genre. It's got good (if complex) controls, decent visuals and the backing of a terrific license.

Enough new material to justify the price tag for fans, but not for dilettantes who haven't played Neverwinter Nights since completing it the first time around.

A great game with cool visuals and sound, terrifically fun action and classic Duke Nukem attitude blazing from the gun barrels.

The tactical wargame that remains, however, is simplistic and underdeveloped.

The short life span of the single-player campaign and the lack of any outstanding features make this offering falter when compared to other first-person shooters like "Halo" and "Timesplitters 2."

While the gameplay here is still incredibly engaging, if you have the first release there is no really compelling reason to upgrade.

This title falls short of being a blockbuster simply because it doesn't offer enough. There isn't enough play variety and not nearly enough tracks.

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.

Advanced players and long time fans of "Starfleet Battles" will rue the simplifications of the rule set, though the great sense of online community still remains.

Earth 2150 has without a doubt escaped the dull shadow of its predecessor to emerge as a well-crafted, highly complex and beautiful game.

Loses ground with an inferior scaling system and limited use of large scale structures and ships, which negatively impact its graphics and gameplay scores.

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.

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.

In the end this product will satisfy only fans absolutely desperate for driving in the dirt.

Despite stylish graphics and fun gameplay, the lack of any revolutionary concepts coupled with the short play time means potential buyers should pass up Luigi in favor of other GameCube launch titles.

Fast, fun and absolutely worth owning. Multiple level types, fairly intelligent and lovingly rendered boss characters, and lots of hidden areas help flesh out this package even further.

This new release is a credible and equally enjoyable alternative to the excellent "RollerCoaster Tycoon," with both having distinctly different purposes and assets.

The improvements primarily in graphics and sound in Grand Prix 4 do not seem worth the huge increases in computer power necessary to run the title smoothly.

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

The AI in this game failed to impress me. It was not bad, but I thought it would have presented more of a challenge.

It’s a satisfying strategic adventure if you have the persistence to overcome its quirks and nuances, but it’ll frustrate you senseless if you don’t want it bad enough.

A good title if you’re serious about your strategy games. Casual strategic commanders and those that think the sun rises and sets over "Age of Mythology" and the like probably won’t see the draw or attraction.

While it ventures into new territory,it does so in an interesting way.

Players looking to enjoy some wild arcade style longball, or at least a combination of the two approaches, can’t go wrong with Midway’s latest.

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.

A triumph of mediocrity.

It may be friendly to newcomers with its simple combat mechanics, but the depth and replayabilty found here is unlike anything else currently available for the PlayStation 2.

Unfortunately, the sad truth is that Pokemon manages to provide more depth and complexity than Monster Rancher 3.

Gameplay lurches between the exultation of easy victory and the frustration of arbitrary defeat after hours of effort. Enigma: Rising Tide's slowness of movement and action only throws its pleasures and miseries into sharp relief.

The ability to change your landscape and building types as well as the ability to create your own buildings and scenarios are not only fantastically entertaining but add a near-infinite replayability factor to the experience.

The amount of detail present in this title is staggering, from the complex interface to the convoluted plotlines and the history of the ISC member races.

If you're willing to get frightened out of your wits, be grossed out along the way and feel like an icicle, The Thing will definitely not disappoint.

The atmosphere is tangible and the story and action are tied together so perfectly that the game rarely lags during lengthy periods of adventure.

Perimeter sets itself apart by not relying on what has come before, but by not making changes for the sake of change, it’s also engaging and fun to play.

A fun, yet brief detective adventure that will occupy several evenings of play, but like a watched episode of the show, will probably never be picked up again after completion.

It is without a doubt the best looking RTS title to date, and with its super camera system is destined to be the benchmark which other forthcoming games in the genre look to for guidance.

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.

Full of novel ideas and ultimately is a magnificent action title. Unlike most formulaic games based on movies, what you experience here is always fresh and exciting.

Although Cleopatra is just as enjoyable as "Pharaoh," it doesn't really change the experience for the better.

Completely engrossing, from the horribly narrated opening sequence to the pulse-pounding excitement of the final encounter. What Arx Fatalis lacks in innovation and polish, it more than makes up for in rich atmosphere.

The game offers an incredibly rich experience with vast amounts of replayability.

The combination of statistical depth and the persistence of the player’s accomplishments is not to be ignored. Unfortunately, it does not quite reach the level of crossover appeal that it seems to desire.

Doesn't reach its full potential because of flaky AI and chunky models that distract from an otherwise deeply engrossing environment.

While it is fun for a short while, once the novelty wears off its lack of polish really shows through. It completely lacks innovation, doing nothing at all different than what we've seen a 100 times over by now.

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

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 somewhat ironic that The Bard’s Tale, which satirizes conventional medieval epics and romances, suffers from such a conventional adventure.

Not a collapsing ruin, and although it can be entertaining, it is missing the strong foundation needed to capture one's long-term interest.

If you're not a fan of wrestling, the flaws will easily overshadow the details, but if you're looking for an easy title to play, fun multiplayer, and above all, authentic WWF experience, Just Bring It will fulfill your needs.

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.

Perhaps it's the beat-em-up aspect, and maybe it is the satisfaction of pulling off the difficult power shots, but the game seems to have gone an extra step beyond some of the other titles.

The campaign doesn't last very long though, and isn't all that interesting to begin with.

It's short and sometimes repetitive game play with limited multiplayer doesn't exactly ooze with replay value.

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

Little more than a standard run and gun shooter with a few innovative features that aren't pulled off well.

Enough charm to rekindle the joy of the old-style score-based blasters. However, technical problems like the poor interface, unreliable frame rate, and steep learning curve really gouge out the fun.

A multimedia feast for the senses and a compelling interactive movie. As an action-adventure game, it doesn't offer much of a challenge beyond furthering the story, but it is certainly a story worth experiencing.

Extremely effective in immersing you in the world of world domination and espionage, while maintaining a wonderful sense of humor... Nonetheless, the slow pacing, imperfect sense of direction, and extensive micromanagement can interfere with your enjoyment.

Apart from a few flaws likely to be addressed in the evolutionary patching process common to most multiplayer titles, Savage edges close to perfection. It accomplishes its extremely ambitious mission of being the first game to truly combine two completely different genres.

In many ways, it's most similar to a game released in 1990: "Dune."

It’s just difficult to wholeheartedly recommend a title that has a mere five or six hours of game time, and no real incentive to play through again.

World Driver Championship is a solid title with a lot of potential that's burdened by some design flaws and a driving model that will leave most players unsatisfied. Much as it offers a few new spins on an otherwise old formula, these shortcomings hold it back from true greatness.

The appeal of over-the-top effects, non-interactive finishing moves, and buxom ladies has a short expiration date. If you're a fan of the franchise, then this is the best Roar yet.

Micromanagers and fans of "Pharaoh" have cause for celebration with the arrival of Children of the Nile, and should be thanking the god of their choice for the abundance that has been provided.

A faithful adaptation of the video game versions, shining in several places while dragging along in others.