The overall design and presentation is the game’s strong point and helps to make up for the fact that there isn’t a whole lot of substance underneath.

The sense of scale is commendable. Trudging through heavily populated urban areas while stomping on and picking up buildings as though they were mere toys is strangely fulfilling, as is the act of devastating these areas, though problems begin to surface here.

A solid, enjoyable romp Vampire Night may be, but it adheres strictly to the same trite concepts we've seen recycled so many times before.

On a purely technical level, the collection is rock-solid, with graphics, sound, and gameplay that are generally accurate to their arcade counterparts.

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

With the tag combos, tag meteor combos, and dozens of special move-laden combos, there's plenty of depth here for fighting game fans.

The competition is rough and cutthroat at times, but only by mastering the intricacies of 14th-17th century European commerce and politics will you become the richest, most powerful and evil man in Italy.

If you like your games with less thought and more explosions, you'll have fun with Land Warrior. Those expecting another Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six will want to look elsewhere.

It is a huge game with a fairly engrossing story, but thanks in part to a few design flaws, it's hard to keep playing all the way to the end.

Often frustrating due the limitations associated with a linear narrative, its lack of incentives to replay missions, and its stubborn attitude in not providing clear visual feedback on how well the player is doing at any given stage.

Unfortunately, this version of Unreal Tournament does lose a lot in the translation. Although the basic game is very much the same, this title was created to be played online.

This game has more than enough depth with its mini-games and driving modes, but what is most fun is the wanton nature of its car crashes.

With a story line based very closely on its movie counterpart, Hey Arnold! The Movie is similar in play and repetitive fun to "Super Mario Bros.," yet boasts the improved graphics of the GBA.

For young dinosaur enthusiasts it would be an appropriate choice as it's based on a peaceful premise and contains no graphic content or gore.

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

Less demanding players will be more tolerant of the game's repetitive nature, while others will yearn for something juicier to sink their teeth into.

Yet another delightful and highly original game from DMA Design. If you're looking for a long and challenging game, or a more adult-oriented title, Body Harvest fits the bill.

It's likely that fans of the series will find The Sims: Vacation more of a luxury than a necessity.

It's simple but oddly addictive.

Gameplay is complex enough to feel realistic, action-packed enough to be exciting, and easy enough to learn for players who are flight-challenged.

The single-player experience becomes dull after a few games thanks in part to ruthlessly difficult computer opponents.

The replay value is inexplicably weak, because getting all of the treasures, statue pieces, and rubies is not as complicated as it sounds.

Although the game is short-lived, some thought and creativity clearly went into the production, and there are just enough extras to keep Britney fans happy.

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.

Offers a new twist on old gameplay, and as such it might be a title worth the time for those players who like the idea of totally free movement. In all other areas, however, it is quite marginal.

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

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 the game is not as deep as a "Blaster Master" or "Metroid," the exploration element, the ability to switch between three distinct characters, and the large worlds are well worth a look

Even with the ordinary combat and rather tedious puzzles, Blood Omen 2 still manages to be compelling enough to keep you playing to the end, which is a testament to the overall presentation and varied locales.

The colorful manual includes a Strategy Guide as well as comprehensive details on the combat, exploration, and role-playing aspects of Vanguard Bandits.

Sadly, the most innovative aspect of the first title has been diminished to the point where Buffy isn’t much different than a routine 3D slugfest. An easy recommendation for loyal fans of the series, but the game's appeal would be lost on the casual player.

A well-conceived concept suffering from a somewhat lackluster execution.

Don't expect to win based on skill or shrewd decision making. In fact, this is one of the most random playing board games I've seen! Mario Party is a great idea, but the simplistic nature of gameplay coupled with extremely short mini-games will leave most players feeling unsatisfied.

As a pure fighting game it doesn't hold a candle to such hits as "Dead or Alive 2" or "Tekken Tag Tournament."

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

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.

Beyond basic maintenance, you'll mostly just watch and wait for the next rush of action.

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.

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.

Spearhead isn't a disappointment, exactly, because the three hours of gameplay are excellent, and arguably better than the original missions of "Allied Assault."

Apart from a new trivia quiz, the collection delivers just about what you'd expect from such an anthology.

There is considerable room for improvement, but Pirates is a hearty choice for those who'd rather focus on attacking than adventuring.

The final level feels abrupt, not allowing the surprising end to have as much of an impact as it should. However, despite some frustrating moments and the somewhat disappointing later levels, Chaser is an enjoyable shooter with an interesting story that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The GameCube version is, not surprisingly, the best looking of the four games, but it’s not the huge leap in visual quality it could have been given the dramatic improvement in technology.

The company also has a reputation for releasing fairly polished but rather dull titles, and WDL is no exception in this area, either.

Diehard rodeo fans will most likely find something to like about Professional Bull Rider 2, though the very nature of the real sport results in repetitive gameplay.

Riddled with decent attempts at notability, and whether successful or not, overall the game provides plenty of furry rodent fun with no messy cleanup.

The technique associated with controlling the motorbike that makes Freekstyle such an entertaining diversion from other racing games, and the sound effects and music are easily among the best available on the handheld to date.

Though winning isn't an easy feat, there is enjoyment in the pursuit. Whether racing against the computer or a friend, kids who enjoy the versatility of LEGOS will enjoy this game and the competition.

Though rich with a variety of units and resources, European Wars simply doesn’t have the polish needed to put it on the frontlines in the genre.

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

Nintendo's censors required the removal of many of the game's more "suggestive" elements (sex shops and strippers), which is obscene in my mind. It is okay to include violence but not sex? Isn't this a double standard?

An unoriginal clone of most other kart games available for consoles and for the PC. If you don't have a kart game in your collection, it might be worth picking up, but if you do, skip it.

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.

Part patch and part expansion, and players will begrudgingly shell out for the experience.

Season of Flame would benefit from better control and more objectives apart from collecting a bazillion trinkets, but the graphics, humor, and puzzles are engaging enough to warrant a purchase for devotees of the purple dragon.

Ultimately, the biggest problem with the game is longevity. There is no scoring system in place and subsequently no battery backup to save best times, points, or top achievements.

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.

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.

The golf engine is solid, the visuals are striking, and the play modes are impressive. A few tweaks to the interface, more courses, and less reliance on scripted cut-scenes would put this title right in the same league as "Tiger Woods PGA Tour" series, which is great company to be in.

Accomplishes what it sets out to do: provide young players with a solid introduction to football while adding enough light touches to make it fun.

Lacks the necessary energy to keep the game moving, and instead relies on the gimmicky "fingerboard" to set itself apart. But as far as gimmicks go, it's a good one.

The fast-paced combat is only marred by rather tedious and simplistic level objectives, but after seeing how bad a licensed game like this can get, the developers should be congratulated for delivering a game that looks, sounds, and plays better than most typical releases on the platform.

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 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.

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

A solid value well worth a spin. Just don't expect much more than the original titles.

If you're expecting more than just a straightforward simulation, however, Q-Ball isn't going to do the trick.

Unleashed's control is among the most frustrating of any racing game I've played in a long time. Maybe it's just the track layout, or maybe it's me, but I found my Porsche smacking straight into a wall or spinning out of control about every time I blinked.

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

Those looking for revolutionary gameplay or a game that pushes the envelope of the latest generation of gaming systems will most certainly be disappointed.

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

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

Oddly though, despite the game's limited premise, Britney's Dance Beat holds a curious mixture of addictive gameplay and fascination.

Suffers from the same problem found in other games in the genre -- a lack of detailed record keeping or performance statistics to encourage replay value.

Has beautiful graphics, intuitive control, excellent sound, and a fun co-op campaign offering three difficulty levels. It is also a rather dull experience when playing alone and doesn't push the genre in any way, shape, or form -- in many cases, it takes the genre back.

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 improved animation, a more robust career, and a better choice of modes, it could have easily been a knockout instead of a contender. Rocky the game certainly has the heart of a champion, just not the tools needed to go the distance.

Think of it as a "Half-Life" and "Resident Evil" sandwich with some new innovations as condiments. But be forewarned: not everyone will enjoy the taste.

Even with these improvements, State of Emergency is still a relatively shallow game that focuses on in-the-moment action, offering no real depth or continuity.

It isn't anything revolutionary, just very solid, balanced between simulation and arcade, delivering just enough technique to satisfy demanding players.

The characters are varied and some of the storyline is interesting but, unfortunately, it's too easy to become stuck or bored.

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

Despite the problems, players will likely find themselves coming back to the game, because it is just as entertaining as it is frustrating.

The presentation is really where Mobile Suit Gundam: Journey to Jaburo shines.

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.

Sartre once noted, "Hell is other people." The Sims Online is strictly for those who would disagree.

A game that won't bowl anyone over with deep gameplay and a compelling, cohesive storyline, but it's arcade sensability is strong enough to make it a decent enough diversion for fans of air combat.

Rather than featuring play-by-play and color commentary, the folks at Tecmo decided that Bon Jovi-inspired rock music would be the way to go. This touch of bad medicine to an otherwise decent soccer game, gives Super Shot Soccer a bad name.

Accessible and exciting. It's also disappointingly easy.

It is designed specifically for those who enjoy using their minds, and it will occasionally even frustrate the best of those players.

Not the worst puzzle game on the market by any means, but by the same token it offers little to entice fans away from the select few gems that have dominated for years.

It is not the best playing game, however, due to the unwieldy cursor system used to hit the ball, the lack of useful onscreen indicators to help make catches, and suspect fielding and baserunning AI.

Fun for the three minute speed-fishing rounds, setting the pace for those who might not otherwise get into the sport. While it can be an enjoyable game with fluent gameplay and nice graphics, don't expect it to resemble a fishing trip.

While Madden NFL 2003 is far from perfect, it is a solid all-around effort that runs circles around the competition.

It captures the essence of "King's Field" and builds upon its foundation; which means those turned off by From Software's previous first-person RPGs will find little excitement here.

It's Quake, what else do I have to say?

Kids of nearly all age levels will become quickly enthralled with the adventure.