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.

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

Despite a distinct lack of impressive new features, Donkey Kong Country is nonetheless an enjoyable platform game offering around 10-15 hours of play (expect to devote even more time to get a 101% completion rate) and generally pleasing visuals and sound even if they aren't up to the level of the Super NES version.

What gives Cool Boarders 2001 its biggest style points, however, is something it shares with Tony Hawk: performance goals...This turns an average snowboarding game into a fun, engaging experience.

Once you finally get underway, however, it becomes evident that the graphics suffer from the anti-aliasing problems that plagued the Japanese PS2 launch.

Unlike most ultra-hard games, however, Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is thoroughly addictive, despite the fact that it does get frustrating.

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.

The arcade-style atmosphere goes a long way in creating an immediately playable game, but in light of titles like "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell," there's a strong desire for more involved missions (NightFire's attempt at stealth is almost silly in comparison).

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.

An enjoyable game, but it's AI shortcomings keep it from being great.

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.

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

As fun and addictive as any of the high profile RTS games on the market.

Gamers who love space combat games should enjoy this one immensely. Environments and scenery are top-notch and the dogfighting very fast paced.

If games like "Tomb Raider" are your thing, then you should enjoy this one. Although the action is similar, the enemies and storyline are more original. Overall, it's a fantastic game.

It is an adventure that can be enjoyed by just about anyone looking for a great story and cast of characters, beautiful artwork, Japanese animation and a unique world that's actually worth exploring. Oh yeah, and there's a ton of good laughs to be had.

It's a confusing and uninspiring game that leaves you frustrated and wanting to play something else.

In the hands of designers who will use Geo-Mod technology to mine its full effects to combine creative gameplay and a well-told story, it could be awesome.

The particle effects for the spells and treatment of the landscapes are well done, but graphics alone don't make the game.

With tons of different mech-building options and a healthy two-player mode, fans of the genre will find themselves having a wonderful time for quite awhile.

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

Brings back the enjoyment of multiple tracks and fun, fast-paced racing, while at the same time adding new twists and more stages than similar racing games of the past.

A beautiful and entertaining title that falls just short of the initial hype.

There is enough of Tolkien's story and Jackson's presentation here to do the title justice, and enough classic action role-playing to make for an engaging, enjoyable game.

Despite being a stunning title in many ways, with some unique gameplay to boot, Luigi's Mansion ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive gameplay experience over the long-term.

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

The main problem comes from Amped's lack of a racing mode, which takes away from the game's intensity.

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.