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

While Torus Games' update of Space Invaders is fine for what it is, there aren't nearly enough new features or additions to make it worthy of a purchase.

It's a shame more levels weren't built around these activities or the mazes, since the platform action gets tedious.

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

Gets high marks for its animé style, engaging boss encounters, and interesting control system. But similar games like "Jet Force Gemini" or "Body Harvest" offered more in the way of story and role-playing elements to help break up the monotony of blasting bugs and jumping platforms.

Lacking just about everything that makes their top-shelf titles great, namely the depth of modes and the attempt at re-creating the nuances of the sport, Triple Play 2002 is an action-heavy game that needs a complete overhaul in player models, fielding, pitching, and options.

A by-the-numbers port of the PS2 game, which was in itself an extremely questionable upgrade over previous titles in the series.

If they continue to slap a year on the packaging along with a few half-hearted features, as they did with this title, their audience is going to ignore them.

An unwieldy pitching system and terrible fielding result in a twin killing for those expecting to connect with a fast-paced baseball game.

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.

And while it's not particularly deep or complex, the game delivers what's expected by letting you to create and maintain a casino, all within a clean, intuitive interface.

The pacing, the control, the animation, the look, the feel -- the Virtua Fighting itself has been polished to near perfection. The strength of the basic arcade game mode alone is enough to heartily recommend Virtua Fighter 4.

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

The mix of DDR-style gameplay and the Olsen twins makes for a winning combination, providing enjoyable, addictive gameplay injected with the personality of Mary-Kate and Ashley.

Playing through Mister Mosquito for the first time is a unique and memorable experience, well worth a weekend rental if not a full-price purchase.

The main disappointment is that Mad Maestro! doesn't really simulate the feel of conducting an orchestra.

True to its word, a round of 18 holes can be played within 20 minutes, making the game extremely accessible for those who want some quick fun without getting bogged down in reading a series of meters or clicking through multiple menu screens before initiating a shot.

The biggest gripe is the missions aren't very long or difficult, even on the hardest setting. Enemies always appear in fixed locations, so players will be able to breeze through levels for the most part until the very end.

The game swings and misses in so many areas that it ends up alienating arcade fans and simulation fans alike.

The game offers simple controls, fast action, and inventive courses with shortcuts so long they almost qualify as completely new tracks.

Fatal Frame certainly has its share of scary moments without relying on blood or graphic violence, but the battle system is so hokey and repetitive that the game's potential is left underexposed.

The underlying gameplay, which basically consists of herding animals, just isn't enough to prop up the game in its current form.

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.

The lack of modes is also surprising given the EA SPORTS name and the company's previous pugilistic pursuits, with one of the most basic career modes found in a boxing game and limited create player options.

A well-done extension of the show and will at the very least amuse and entertain Dexter enthusiasts.

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

The storyline is weak, but the emphasis is on challenging action with little room for plot development.

Simple graphics, awkward camera angles, dumb enemies, limited animation, and some questionable control decisions undermine an interesting fighting system peppered with some role-playing aspects and flashes of Matrix-style action.

Only diehard supercross racing fans will be able to eke out any enjoyment at all in this inept GameCube title. Steer clear.

The bottom line is this looks, plays, and feels like the classic Crash Bandicoot games that have dominated PlayStation sales charts since 1996.

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

Despite the awkward fielding system, limited camera angles, and inability to modify individual aspects of gameplay, the powerful tandem of great visuals and extensive modes of play will surely satisfy fans of the series wanting more substance over flash.

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.

Chief among the problems is a camera that doesn’t react well to the sudden changes associated with jumping, with imprecise controls being a close second. The end-result is a series of ridiculously difficult stages simply because you don’t have the tools to respond to the tasks at hand.

Taking into account all of the positive aspects of the game, namely the intricate but responsive control scheme, the competitive computer opponents, and the fun courses, the shortcomings can be chalked up to a developer's first attempt at offering something different.

An atrocious two-on-two basketball game that's completely devoid of the excitement and energy of its namesake.

Contains little of the slapstick action of the cartoons appreciate, and the gameplay is so repetitively tepid that there's nothing about the game that makes it worth recommending.

The simple, straightforward nature of gameplay is over far too quickly and the appealing aspect of smashing into buildings and cars is largely neglected.

Its easy-to-learn gameplay will hook you, and its attractive audiovisual package will reel you in.

With a more reliable camera, some nifty voice effects and an advanced mode of play for more experienced gamers, this could have ranked as a must-own game.

What should be an adrenaline-filled journey through busy city streets ends up being a dull ride, which is hard to believe given the exciting premise.

The game offers great control and enough fun to make it a worthy competitor.

There is enough here to use as a jumping point for a potentially exciting new series.

New Legends is so beaten by "Dynasty Warriors 3" on the less powerful PS2 in visuals, control, theme, and playability that you have to pause and scratch your head to figure out how the Xbox is being taken advantage of.

If you’re looking for depth, look elsewhere, but those who miss the style of games made popular on the Dreamcast should welcome this with closed fists.

A big disappointment, primarily because the graphics are the best yet seen in the genre...Along the way both the gameplay and options suffered, making WWF Raw one of the more appropriately titled games available on the Xbox.

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 all about action and reaction, which is almost becoming a dying breed as games move toward stealth, tactics, and exploration.

A disappointment because it feels short. The computer opponents are ultimately not up to the competition, and there is no adjustable difficulty setting to level the playfield.

The use of bright colors and attractive character designs accent the uncluttered playfield to create an overall pleasing visual experience.

The title offers wonderful graphics and some fun levels, the majority of which involve the title character, but the disjointed story line, uneven action, and problematic camera take away from the enjoyment most will have while playing.

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

A remake of the 1991 release, and it makes a great game even better.

The graphics are clean, the action is fast and furious, and the gameplay is simple. Those expecting a brand new style of Blitz will be thoroughly disappointed.

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

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.

Considering the short length and limited replay value, most will find themselves guilty of Wreckless abandonment.

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

Yet another Olympic-style contest failing to deliver gold when it comes to the most important aspect of any title: gameplay.

Little more than an average action-adventure title, with nothing to differentiate itself from the throngs of similar titles in the PlayStation 2 library.

A polished 2D fighting game that won't disappoint the core audience of Tekken fans, but one that's also accessible enough for those simply looking for a well-made fighting game to play on the go.

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

The game is more akin to a single episode of an interactive cartoon than a fully fleshed-out experience worthy of a full price purchase.

Despite an extra year in development, Konami's game is still not quite ready for prime time.

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.

The current system is too cumbersome for an action-oriented game, and the inability to save anywhere only makes things even more frustrating.

For first-person shooter fans, the ten hours you spend with Allied Assault will be most satisfactory. Nazis are fun and rewarding to kill, the missions offer diverse action, and the graphics are first rate.

A solid but bland first-person shooter with no in-depth story or sense of fun to elevate it above any other GBA game in the genre.

Unfortunately, the flaws, especially in the more difficult battle scenarios, make the idea of replaying somewhat moot.

While the options aren’t as extensive as those found in "Madden NFL 2002," and the graphics aren’t as optimized for the console as "NFL Fever’s," NFL 2K2 features the most complete presentation of any football game released to date.

The tight integration of visuals, sound and vibration feedback is an accomplishment, but the player has unfortunately been left out of the loop.

A majority of time is spent going slowly to eliminate the threats before they close in on you. Spread this out over a few hours and your fingers won’t be the only things numb from the experience.

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.

A big disappointment. While there is potential here for a great game, it lacks the depth, production values, and fun associated with a quality Star Wars title.

A collection of mediocre to annoying titles that are over within minutes.

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.

Doesn't feel like the return of a classic game so much as a poorly executed retread of a tired one.

The game is preferable to the PS2 version as it has noticeably smoother frame rates and quicker load times, as well as the ability to Quick Save at any point.

Unfortunately, any promise of a good game is hindered by the insistence that your car explode in a fiery crash nearly every time you come in contact with another vehicle.

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.

Unfocused and strictly average. By trying to be too many things at once, it ends up excelling at none.

While it would have been nice to see some new play mechanics introduced or more bosses to fight (only three are in the entire game), most will have a hard time putting the controller down.

Your worst enemy is not the Dark Side but the simple act of trying to jump from one platform to another. The isometric perspective makes it difficult to judge distance and position, and the actual act of jumping is marred by touchy controls.

It has some serious flaws in the gameplay that ultimately keep it from joining the ranks of the truly inspired wrestling titles.

The title is barely playable in its current form, as each new game reveals a new bug or glitch in the rules, gameplay, or presentation.

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

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.

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

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.

One word, used by Homer throughout, best describes the action in Road Rage: "Bor-ing."

A slow, lifeless racer that’s never any fun.

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.

The fact that it falls short of recommendation is mostly due to the lack of a save function, an omission that was likely out of the developer's hands.

With no challenge, fishing becomes boring and repetitive -- might as well go down to the corner store and pick up some wrapped bass for dinner.

The familiar graphics, interface and gameplay don't add anything to the series, but if you're looking for a way to raise monsters on the go, it certainly fits the bill.

Unfortunately, the game drains any excitement out of controlling a dragon and quickly becomes a mediocre flying shooter.

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.

It's the kind of game that a big brother, or even Dad, might swipe from Suzy after bedtime.