Playing the game is a lot of laughs, and is the perfect pick me up after a long day playing intensely dramatic games.

The enemies are repetitive, the puzzles are simple, and players aren't given much freedom to explore, but what is here is fun to play -- thanks to an interesting story, excellent sound effects, and well-animated visuals.

Definitely not the kind of game everyone will appreciate and, in fact, may be unplayable after five minutes for some gamers.

In the end, I just couldn't get into Jedi Knight. Maybe it was because I'm not a big Star Wars fanatic that I found it quite boring and uninspired, but there was nothing here that grasped my interest.

It is creative, beautiful, and most importantly, it is a great deal of fun from the very beginning to the very end.

Shiny Entertainment's particular humor comes through most of the time, while the strategically satisfying scope creates a sense of anticipation on where titles such as this can possibly go in the future.

Accessible and exciting. It's also disappointingly easy.

Suffers a bit from being too close to its predecessor in terms of gameplay, but it does manage to scare up enough dread to be a worthy game for fans of the genre.

This game is worryingly addictive; it's not just a business simulation, nor just a power game, but an educational competition where only the forward thinker survives and thrives.

Controls are clunky, aiming is difficult, the world is noticeably less interactive, and the graphics are merely adequate.

Most of the pieces are in place but they are rough around the edges -- even after seven patches. If, however, you are able to overcome the technical difficulties, a great game can be found.

Most of the terrain is stunning.

The old adage "beauty is only skin deep" basically sums up Dead or Alive 3 rather nicely.

The game doesn't overwhelm players with options, and the modes of play are relatively straightforward. What RalliSport does best is provide gamers with a thrill of speed and a style of control that demands their full attention.

It isn't a terrible gaming experience, especially for those with an itchy trigger finger, but there is no improvement from previous games and some regression concerning weapon and monster design.

If you're a strictly console gamer, the PS2 version offers the Half-Life experience in a satisfactory package with the added bonus of the Decay missions.

May disappoint some die-hard fans of survival horror because of its relatively short length and the way it occasionally trades action for atmosphere.

The online component is addictive and is almost reason enough to purchase Midnight Club II, but solo players will be yearning for things to do in the cities outside of competing in more checkpoint races.

It seems almost threadbare in places due to the lack of attention in the physics, design, and multi-player aspects. Casual racing fans will probably get a kick out of it, but the hardcore gamers will be left wanting more.

This is one bandwagon I'm not going to jump on simply because the name Links is involved.

The game's depth allows many different strategies and styles of play, the multiplayer modes offer extended options, and the graphics make exploring each map a pleasure.

The military model is the most simplistic with limited troop options and strategies. As war-gaming, it's barely more complex than "Civ II."

An extremely entertaining shooter that is a must-have for any fan of the genre -- and that's not even taking into account the multi-player mode! Like GoldenEye before it, Turok 2 raises the bar for first-person shooters and is among the best titles available on the system.

If you're in the mood for action and are either an excellent virtual pilot or a gamer patient enough to wait repeatedly for your life pod to dock or be rescued, free up some hard-drive space and test your space combat skills in Allegiance.

The missions make the game an enthralling experience. This title certainly won't appeal to everyone, but for those who want a thinking shooter, give this one a try.

Handles quite well and that's especially important as many of the puzzles require split-second timing and instant controller response.

It's like being given the keys to Disney World and finding out the majority of attractions are not operational; you're left in a magical place with little to do other than to go on the same few rides that happen to be working.

One of the most enjoyable tactical shooters released to date (circa 2002).

It's far from perfect, but Sega's franchise is finally back on track after a prolonged slump.

Certainly a unique first-person shooter and despite the feeling that this particular variety of horror and suspense seems a tad contrived at times, gameplay is actually fresh and warrants a good look by fans of both first-person shooters and survival horror.

As with previous games in the series, the computer AI could have used a little tweaking; it just seems way too easy to score on your opponent.

A solid, fun game that takes a baby step instead of a leap.

Most home computer gamers will find this version of The Sims to be a novel diversion, but they will eventually return to their monitors and keyboards for the easy, open-ended play that is only available there.

Turok has some good points (namely the graphics and weapons) and some bad points (confusing level design and overuse of fog), but the overall game is still fun to play.

Combat is more tedious than fun, though players can now wield more powerful weapons such as the katana blade. Most often players can get by simply running past many of the enemies -- not necessarily out of fear, but in a noble attempt to relieve boredom.

While the PlayStation 2 version lacks many of the options available in its PC and even Dreamcast counterparts, the same adrenaline-filled action can be found.

A decent game with the mammoth Star Wars license couldn't have come at a better time for the system.

The game still needs work in the visual department, but few titles come close to achieving the same balance of fun and realism as offered by HH 2003.

It's obvious that every detail of the game was carefully considered in relation to historical fact and you'll feel as though you understand feudal Japan a little better after playing.

Straightforward, cautious, and pleasurable - this is a prequel-sequel that fills the stomach with candy that threatens very few intestinal side effects.

The added scenario is fun but short, taking roughly one hour to complete. Yet the main scenario's graphics, storyline, bosses, and mysterious atmosphere are big plusses, and there are several times when you’ll find the hairs tingling on the back of your neck.

Lacks scenarios, ready-made cities from the developers, and some new features -- the first person "streetside" view was discussed during development, but is absent.

A great choice for those seeking a fun, arcade-style racer, but it also has enough depth and variety to keep players interested beyond the first few hours of play.

It just performs exactly like a superhero-based game should, delivering solid gameplay, a smooth learning curve, and enough variety to keep the levels fresh.

Outlandish costumes, ridiculous accents, and goofy expressions are wrapped around an intuitive control scheme that offers players the flexibility to perform a variety of moves, without making them complicated to perform.

Everything a Wipeout fan could expect and though lacking any massive improvement in the single player mode, the game easily beats out F-Zero X as the best futuristic racer on the 64.

It offers solid platform-based gameplay and a good deal of enjoyment for those patient enough to reap its rewards.

An exciting ride that successfully expands on the aspects that made the original so popular.

Most home computer gamers will find this version of The Sims to be a novel diversion, but they will eventually return to their monitors and keyboards for the easy, open-ended play that is only available there.

A memorable but brief stay in feudal Japan with a quest that could be finished within six or seven hours.

Much like Myst, the puzzles in Riven usually offer no explanations or any hints as to why you need to do them and what it will do. Most of them are extremely vague and illogical which leads to a very frustrating experience.

The AI is a glaring problem in an otherwise great game.

A few more single-player missions, a deeper story line, interactive backgrounds, and some additional tweaking on the technical front could have pushed the game over the top.

Just expect the fun to be frequently interrupted by inexplicably bad passes, ball-hogging, and non-existent defense.

More like the well-refined older brother of the entire franchise rather than a fledging title on a new system.

What it doesn't have is originality or depth, making this sequel more subsonic than supersonic.

The game is ideal only for those who are interested in the PC phenomenon but can't (or won't) play it on a PC. The rest of us will be duly impressed, but may ultimately decide to get a life elsewhere.

While Wipeout Fusion does not stray too far from the formula created by the original, the small pieces it does alter often detract from what made the previous titles so great.

While Ace Combat 2 is loads of fun, it can get a bit monotonous. Essentially, the mission objectives are all the same (blow up the enemy) and this could lead to some boredom. If you look into this game, be sure to play it in moderation -- play a few missions a day and then give it a break for a while.

While interesting in the short run, this quickly becomes old as there is nothing else to do besides watch the (admittedly interesting) story unfold.

On a purely visceral level, the game is a blast.

A solid baseball game that grows on you the more you play it, thanks to the great computer AI and the deceptively simple batter-pitcher interface... Yet the new graphics, sound, and menu navigation are still not up to the level the PS2 is capable of.

Incorporates many elements familiar to the genre in different ways, and wraps them all in an intriguing story that gives this game its own distinct feel.

What it lacks in new ideas is more than made up for in playful exuberance.

Extreme-G is what more titles should strive to be: something that is just plain fun to play. What it is about this game that makes it so great -- maybe it's the fact that the control is very precise, maybe it's the sheer thrill you get from traveling at 400 miles per hour on a sleek, futuristic cycle, or maybe, just maybe, it's the thumping bass beat that makes the racing even more enjoyable.

With graphics prettier than Arwen and gameplay shorter than Bilbo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers ends up a mixed bag.

As a Star Fox title, it is disappointing, as the flying sequences are little more than filler in between routine planetary adventures... [but it's] worth the price of admission alone just to see the lush environments and astounding special effects.

A wise investment for a veteran EverQuest player but is not such a good purchase for someone just beginning to explore the initial game.

A great game for any console, with fun control and a variety of options that will keep players coming back for more.

With graphics prettier than Arwen and gameplay shorter than Bilbo Baggins, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers ends up a mixed bag.

New tactical, turn based war battles which offers total control, upgraded graphics and new special effects on spells and animations.

The 1993 PC original might look blocky by 2001 standards, but the GBA version fares worse, with intensely pixilated visuals that detract from an otherwise admirable port of the classic first-person shooter.

Those who have already experienced earlier versions of Duke Nukem will grow weary of this diluted version rather quickly.

While story elements take a backseat to the action, they aren't missed as the mindless shooting speaks louder than words.

The varied styles of fighting combined with a fresh crop of interesting characters are strong enough to make you want to sample each one.

Like other arcade sports games, the single-player experience will become repetitive after playing for a week or two. For this reason, the game is best played with a group of buddies.

A good -- if not stunning -- looking title. Character models are sufficiently detailed, while the world is populated with crisp textures throughout. Time Crisis 2 ranks as one of the better light gun games released to the home market.

Decent graphics and sound, and a full complement of NASCAR drivers and cars, gives the game initial appeal, but questionable gameplay ensures limited long-term usage.

Hopefully, future versions in the series will focus less on the trappings of the first-person genre and instead concentrate on what makes a Jedi so unique: lightsaber battles and the use of Force in more meaningful ways than pushing buttons.

A short-lived romp through vibrant, sugary sweet worlds that will leave players -- much like its pink protagonist -- with an insatiable hunger for more.

While the adventure mode has a short wick, a robust selection of multiplayer options extends the life of this title and certainly makes it worth investigating, particularly for younger fans of the Bomberman franchise.

Those who haven't played a fighting game in a long time might also be impressed, but the weak visuals will be a major turnoff for the average gamer.

The fielding still needs some work, animation could use a bit more variety, and there should be more extensive modes and features, such as an ability to tweak computer AI so players can fine-tune problem areas. This game is a definite hit, but it’s a few yards short of a home run.

A suitable challenger to "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3" for best extreme sports game on the PlayStation 2.

The swing meter is the only real obstacle to your enjoyment, as it completely changes the way the game feels and plays from more traditional titles.

Worth the wait, despite the fact that from a technical standpoint the sequel isn't a major step above the Dreamcast original.

A beautiful looking game, with animation as smooth as a Disney cartoon and a distinct style of artwork that could easily lend itself to a movie.

It’s hard not to be disappointed by the resolution and graphics, which is more a fault of the screen rather than the game.

It's nice to see a game come along that is proud of its action roots but attempts to bring more to the experience, creating a title that is fast and furious, but also clever and engaging for more than a few hours of play.

For an older, previously exposed group of kids, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch will extract resounding approvals and applause.

Unfortunately, other than the graphics in the user's manual, BAM! Entertainment's title holds little fire, with frustrating game graphics and difficult gameplay.

Of greater concern are the problems with the hit detection -- far too frequently, an enemy soldier is only stunned by a bullet through the head. Predicting how many body shots an enemy can absorb before death is nearly impossible.

Filled with such a carefree and upbeat attitude, from the movie-quoting riders to the ridiculous courses featuring cannon-blasting pirate ships, rampaging dinosaurs, and rollicking waves, that it’s easy to forgive any shortcomings.

While its unlockable content may not always seem worth the effort, and its innovative multiplayer features are less than they could have been, it's just plain fun to control a six-story-tall gorilla as it ravages a modern metropolis.

It works hand in hand with previous titles in the series, drawing designers back with solid improvements and polished graphics.

Even if the overall experience is a bit too short, the length to which it goes to inspire some real John Woo-style gunplay and adrenaline is impressive and definitely deserves praise.

Baseball Advance may not be a home run, but it makes solid contact in the areas of playability and fun despite the rough edges.

The game could not have survived as a dungeon crawler alone, and thankfully the many side diversions offer hours of fun by themselves.