EA's "NHL 2003" is a solid game, but 2K3 is a gem. The intelligent play of the computer players in 2K3 -- unparalleled by any past or present -- makes NHL 2K3 the best hockey video game to date.

Though complicated and with the occasional fault, it could be remembered as the greatest Final Fantasy game through the 32-bit era.

The actual story line is perhaps the game's weakest point, as none of the levels seem tied together in any meaningful way other than the Quantum Leap-like aspect of assuming the role of a character who lives in the time period in order to retrieve the time crystal.

Multiplayer fans will benefit the most, as the expansion offers new maps and a whole new environment for legalized mayhem.

While the backgrounds are 2D, they are rich and diverse and those spot explosions, though pixilated, feature high quality light sourcing.

Once you get past the incredible visuals, you realize that this is just a prettier version of "Gran Turismo 2," which is in no way a bad thing.

A must-have title that, if nothing else, represents the missing "link" of Nintendo classics destined to appear on the color handheld.

The meticulous planning may discourage the action fan, and the exorbitant storyline may initially dissuade the die-hard role-player, but both will find familiar elements and enjoyable new challenges in this well-built game.

The perfect sequel. It gives us more of what we want while not changing the heart of the gameplay too much.

Torment's sub-quest structure is probably the biggest attraction for me. These are the best kinds of quests: multiple solutions, the best usually being the peaceful, conversational type and rewarding with experience points.

A complete and accurate helicopter simulation that should please hardcore combat flight enthusiasts. Not just one, but two attack helicopters are featured and the designers don't skimp on the flight characteristics of either.

Small issues aside, it's hard to go wrong with the generally realistic, technically superb and enjoyable gameplay found in Triple Play Baseball.

The game is reminiscent of a well-written novel that is funny, suspenseful, and, yes, epic in scope.

A unique option lets you customize weapons, armor and character abilities.

An extraordinary adventure game. With its great story, beautiful artwork and fabulous voice acting, you'll be missing out by not giving this game a whirl.

Finding the perfect balance isn’t easy, but those who do will discover a subtle style of gameplay that demands more than other programs of the genre. While not for the uninitiated, the title is well worth the time and energy invested in learning.

A brilliant and unique game that features lots of cool ninja weapons, such as throwing stars and the grappling hook, realistic Japanese scenery, stealth and patience tactics, etc. Players who like their games to be linear and planned out beforehand won't like this game; neither will the players with no patience.

One area that would enhance the game would be expansion city packs. The game is incredibly fun and is limited only by the fact that only two cities exist. This suffices for the single-player modes but limits the potential of multiplayer and cruise modes.

It's a pity the single-player story mode isn't a little more engaging, because it's the only thing keeping Neverwinter from getting the maximum rating.

Everyone needs a good monkey to count on when times are tough. Tarzan had Cheetah, B.J. had the Bear, Clint had Clyde and Nintendo has Donkey Kong. The result? Another cartridge packed to the brim with play value and reason enough to get a Nintendo 64.

While some 2D games suffer from growing pains in the process of moving to the third dimension, Rayman's world has remained tightly focused. The result is a platform game that allows for full three-dimensional movement without being bogged down with excess dead space or find-the-key "puzzles" that seem to haunt other 3D titles.

Intelligence, control, and gameplay are all the best in the business. The only disappointments are the lack of real players and teams and the need for a better TV-style presentation.

The most visually impressive role-playing game yet released, with meticulous character models offering dynamic facial expressions and breathtaking cut-scenes seamlessly integrated into gameplay.

Although the game applies properties of physics to problem solving, it is so delightfully entertaining that gamers of all ages won't realize the depth of learning involved.

The more I played this game, the more I liked it. I found it relaxing and challenging at the same time, and my level of interest has been maintained over the past few weeks, especially because of all the new add-ons that Maxis is serving up at their website.

The sheer innovation of this new direction in gameplay shows the developers at Lionhead to be very creative thinkers and is worth the acquisition of the game by itself.

One of the most enjoyable 3D platform games to swing onto the PlayStation in quite some time. It's also one of the most innovative.

One of the most important aspects to Resident Evil is the music and sound effects – both of which are nothing short of captivating and involving. The horror sounds and shills of zombies and hounds will keep the hair on the back of your neck full staff and your butt on the edge of your seat.

The CG-movies are some of the most horrific ever seen in any form of media, and that includes horror movies, as well... a must have for any adult PS2 owner.

If you're looking for some intense but uncomplicated racing action, Ridge Racer 64 is nearly at the peak of straight up racing action on the Nintendo 64. With a wide variety of tracks and plenty of hidden cars to unlock there's a lot to see and win over the course of the game.

It is a truly captivating and mesmerizing experience that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people – especially those interested in grandiose architecture.

A great game with a fantastic storyline, complex missions, and lots of mindless destruction, carnage and explosions. If you're looking for a mind-blowing single player experience, Shogo will not disappoint.

Prepare yourself for total meltdown. [Box]

A must-have for any veteran or new RPG fan. With the design incorporating the best of the genre and eliminating the rough edges, the character building, combat, questing, and a never-ending supply of monsters and items will keep you playing for a very long time.

Presentation is the area in which Dungeon Siege truly shines, surpassing the techniques of its third-person RPG forbearers by a quantum leap and rivaling the best efforts of contemporary 3D releases in other genres.

Knowledgeable soccer fans looking for realism that makes the sport a worldwide phenomenon will embrace the fluidity of gameplay and extraordinary ability to customize players and teams to their own liking.

Faulty cams aside, Banjo-Kazooie is the best 3D platformer since "Mario 64," and we can only wonder what miraculous game Rare will produce next. This is one of the few must-buy games on the Nintendo 64.

The level of detail and responsiveness to user feedback is what sets OOTP apart from most other computer text-based baseball games.

Camelot Software obviously knows the importance of not trying to fix something that is already working on all cylinders, but to enhance its performance by adding just the right amount of grease to its working parts.

The biggest concern I have with R4: Ridge Racer Type 4 is it's level of difficulty. It is not incredibly hard, and as stated earlier, can be picked up by just about anyone... a delight to play, however.

From its simple gameplay, addictive replay structure and bright graphics right down to its choice of male or female characters, Columns Crown is a superb puzzle package that just about everyone can fall in love with.

With its bevy of options, realistic AI, and stellar presentation, Madden NFL 2002 wins the brass ring of football design for the second year in a row.

The second game on the system to REQUIRE the use of the Expansion Pak accessory for high-resolution graphics and enhanced visual effects.

Notable for its use of real-time speech during the action

It's almost like "Myst" in the way you are dropped onto a planet with little to no information about where to go or what to do... Grade-A material from start to finish.

It is full of new ideas, updates, and fun content that flesh out the SSX concept completely.

It's an incredible game filled with interesting story development, characters and objectives. Squaresoft has produced another winner!

Anyone who enjoys frenzied shooting and zany physics will be very happy to own this one.

Hardly the groundbreaking title players have come to expect from the franchise, as it follows the blueprint of Super Mario 64 almost to the letter...Yet none of these issues take away from the fun most will have playing the game.

Hands down the BEST side scrolling shooter to come out in the post 16-bit era of video gaming. It has everything going for it: relentless action, beautiful graphics, tons of highly detailed levels, different ships, awesome weapons and an incredible challenge that will keep you coming back for more.

The game feels closest to 1980s arcade titles in terms of structure and fun.

A game offering finely tuned level design, crystal-clear graphics, and a wave of free-roaming fun.

There should be more games like this since it marries turn-based strategy and tough decisions into a seamless whole. This is good stuff and worth playing.

While it is still reasonable to expect a game released in 2003 to feature complete freedom of flight, Panzer Dragoon Orta is perhaps the finest example of its type on any console released to date.

It's hard not to get excited when you see your wingmen engaging the enemy just so you can take out a specific target! Factor in the constant radio chatter and rousing orchestral soundtrack, and you have a game that effectively draws you into the Star Wars world.

With its cast of cute characters, vibrant graphics, and appealing sound effects, Super Monkey Ball Jr. feels right at home on Game Boy Advance, even despite the sometimes hairy controls. It's a great title to take on the road or to enjoy with a group of friends.

The single most endearing attribute of this title is its simplicity and ease of use, regardless of which aspect of the hobby enthralls you.

The short length is the only serious flaw in an otherwise original and gratifying gaming experience.

Sets a standard all subsequent wrestling game will have to meet.

Missions are well designed, elite squads carry out reasonably realistic actions, and the level of challenge is difficult but not overly daunting.

Perhaps the best and certainly the most unique thing about the game is Hotsuma’s thirsty-for-blood sword, which keeps the action at a brisk pace by forcing gamers to keep moving and keep killing.

If it seems you don't get your money's worth in videogames anymore, Blast Corps is truly exceptional value. Three words: original, addicting, and challenging. There's no game quite like this in the 32/64-bit generation.

For a game priced in the budget range, Baseball Mogul 2003 is one of the best bargains in the annals of sports management simulations.

The hardcore fan will be rewarded after investing plenty of time exploring the depths of the simulation, which makes it a worthwhile endeavor. Outflanking the enemy and unleashing a devastating shelling barrage has rarely been this enjoyable.

This game will keep you hooked all the way up to its finale. Even after completion, you may opt to go through it a second or even third time.

A solid racer with highly addicting gameplay, a nice variety of modes, and enough hidden extras to keep even the most dedicated rider occupied all winter long.

While camera problems are nothing new, Devil May Cry's biggest flaw is that it ends too quickly. Thus, its biggest strength is also its biggest weakness: the fast-paced nature of the game makes it easier to finish.

A highly enjoyable game. The learning curve is tough without becoming impossible, and races never seem out of reach to win even if you keep coming up just short.

Nintendo has done it again. Mario Golf takes the sport and makes it more entertaining while retaining realism. Both golf fans and non-golf fans alike will find the game highly enjoyable.

A great game that perpetuates the tradition of quality games with the Madden nameplate. If you like football, you will love this game.

While there isn't much for fans of the popular PC version of Starcraft to get excited about, those new to the series will enjoy engaging, addictive gameplay coupled with an incredibly protracted single player mode.

Gets its roots from the very first game of its origin: "Bushido," a 2D, four-color PC title that had similar features such as the low, mid, and high attacks with weapons (mainly swords).

A sports title that is not to be missed. You needn't be a hardcore soccer fan to appreciate the realism, tight mechanics, and rich, vibrant graphics that EA SPORTS has brought to the GameCube.

No matter which game you prefer, this is a great collection. Except for the forgivable absence of the lesser known "Super Pac-Man," this game has everything a fan could ask for.

Above all else, Freelancer is a fun, enjoyable experience that both veteran and novice players can quickly get into -- even those who have never mastered the art of dogfighting in space with a joystick.

A must have for history buffs and a good choice for other gamers who have the time, patience and will required to master the intriguing gameplay.

Despite the fact that Mario Kart 64 doesn't quite compare to the original, it's nevertheless one of the best racing games for the system. The good still far outweighs the bad.

But what really sets Ecks vs. Sever apart is its emphasis on story, and the way its missions consist of more than just straightforward running and shooting.

With 200 items to unlock, eight different modes, and Link as a playable character, Namco has certainly delivered an impressive package for fighting game fans. Yet if players look closely, they’ll see the package is wrapped using recycled paper tied together with frayed twine that has a few too many loose ends for such an important sequel.

The graphics, sound, presentation, and depth are unrivaled thus far on PlayStation 2, putting the title on equal footing with "Madden NFL 2003" as the top sports games available on the system.

A diversely beautiful and deadly environment filled with amazing characters and a myriad of possibilities. For any fan of the original, this is a must have – it's just too good to pass up.

The combination of action, treasure seeking, and character development is highly reminiscent of that other hit PC role-playing game, "Diablo II," with 3D graphics that go far beyond Blizzard's 2D beauty.

Though most of the few changes to the original Super NES games were good ones, there are a few annoyances in the PlayStation versions. The most noticeable of these is the speed of play.

Rather than simply adding three new campaigns and 18 additional scenarios, new civilization powers for all 23 cultures, from Ancient Greece's flaming arrows to Rebel Forces' cloaking, bring new excitement to many epochs with some interesting changes or enhancements to gameplay.

The voice acting is almost infallible, and would be quite at home in any Saturday morning cartoon. That said, the writing is inconsistent.

A treasure trove of interesting and creative ideas, all melded to form a title that falls short of a classic, but will fill in the niche void for the console's RPG fans.

Simply put, Final Fight One is the arcade game shrunk down to portable size. It offers nothing more or less than what you'd expect from such a transformation.

Yes, the graphics are less than desired and the camera and control can be bothersome. But the quest as a whole -- action, platforming, story and challenge -- is so satisfying that the problems can be overlooked. Be sure to give it a shot.

While it might not be quite as feature intensive on a technical level as the "The Chessmaster" series, it's an enjoyable, well-made chess simulation that provides the essential elements of the game and even manages to break some new ground.

A great example of how to make an entertaining comic adventure.

The amout of things to do in this game is staggering. From the Private Actions to the Skills, this game will keep you occupied for many, many days.

There is a sense of teamwork involved in the multiplayer competition that makes the action far more rewarding than if it were merely a straightforward deathmatch against everyone else.

Although it doesn't bring anything new to the table, Sonic Advance is an enjoyable 2D platformer that will meet players' expectations.

After conquering the human opponents, the toughest challenge is to move into tournament mode and take on Jeanette Lee. Better make sure you're at the top of your game, though, because she doesn't enjoy losing.

Leveraging great depth, wonderfully simple play mechanics, and competent graphic touches, this game should last as long as an official baseball season.

Simple, intuitive, and very easy to pick up on! If you liked the multiplayer interaction of Mario Party, are eager to see classic Nintendo characters beat each other senseless, or are starved for a fighting game, then this is the one for you!

Whether re-fueling in midair, trashing a multi-million dollar aircraft by miscalculating your landing corridor, or blowing enemy fighter jocks from the sky in a blaze of glory, the level of sophistication in F-14 Tomcat is as welcome as it is surprising.

While the enemy selection could have been more diverse, and the camera angles more intuitive, the quality of the environments, control, and music is high enough to live with some of the shortcomings.