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.