There’s a ton of levels and bonus content to explore for the reasonable price tag.

Fun to play and offers a great story and awesome visuals. The hardest thing you may have to decide is when to hit the save button and stop playing. The game draws you in quickly and holds your attention.

The sound in Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise is particularly good, and I really enjoyed the classically-inspired score. The relaxing orchestral tunes really provide an excellent catalyst for creativity and definitely help you feel like creating a piñata masterpiece.

This game's weak. This is essentially the movie tie-in of sports titles; about as interesting and worthwhile as games fashioned after the Olympics or the X-Games. There is no reason why this shouldn't have been relegated to a premium add-on through the FIFA Store.

NHL 19 can be shaped into the hockey game you want it to be, which is lucky, because EA’s hockey games don’t have any real competition. If you were put off by NHL 18, which felt lazy, then NHL 19 is the apology you deserve. If you skipped NHL 18, then this game will be an even bigger leap forward for you. If you’ve never played a hockey game before, you can feel assured that the ponds and stadiums of this game will be accommodating. EA’s NHL 19 is a sports simulation, a fantasy league, a social hub, and a comforting arcade game all at once, and that is quite a thing to accomplish.

It's an irresistible blend of top-notch production values, simple gameplay, and endless small innovations to keep that gameplay fresh.

A rewarding experience. Sure, it doesn't have 1,000 cars made up of more polygons than the moon or a vinyl editor Michelangelo would have deemed 'adequate,' but it's still a complete package.

There are countless tense moments playing as Jack and my only complaint is not playing as the featured star more than we were given the opportunity.

Tomb Raider: Legend is the definitive sequel/prequel/quadquel to the Tomb Raider series. It's hard to imagine where it can go from here.

An incredible, bang-on port of the Cube version including many of the levels, modes and characters - all in 3D. Yes, we're talking full 3D here not just some cheesy camera swirls.

LEGO The Lord of the Rings takes the charm of the LEGO games and mashes it up with the brilliance of Tolkien's beloved masterpiece in a way that does justice to both. This is a refreshing, from-the-ground-up rebuilding of the LEGO formula, making this perhaps the best LEGO game to date.

A solid first-person shooter marked by exceptionally smooth multiplayer support. Plus, the community of players that gamers who purchase the game will be joining is outstanding.

Antichamber is so much more than a first-person puzzle game. It’s indie development at its best. It’s simple in premise but it makes you question everything you know. It tells its entire story and expresses its entire theme through gameplay and gameplay alone. This is art—admittedly abstract art, but art nonetheless.

Whereas Live 09 offers similar new features, 2K has the ability to back up their new features with smooth on-court gameplay. This is simply a more fun basketball experience.

Though there's not nearly as much content as the first go-round, there's still an awful lot to love.

There are countless tense moments playing as Jack and my only complaint is not playing as the featured star more than we were given the opportunity.

If you loved Total War get ready for another rendezvous.

To say that the Lead Blocking Control completely revolutionizes Madden is the understatement of the year.

It's also incredibly challenging. You might want to purchase another controller just in case you hurl your present one at the wall.

If you’ve ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that. RPG and dungeon crawler fans along with comic-book lovers will find much to love about MUA.

Between the lengthy career mode, customizable characters, and online tournaments, there's enough here to keep fans of the series and tennis game newcomers alike grabbing their rackets and hitting the court.

You may have to be a football fanatic to like this game, but if you are you will love it.

The Darkness is truly a brilliant ray of light during this otherwise abysmal summer gaming drought.

A huge game. It's the game to point to when asked what a remake should be. The amount of improved and original content added to the title is extraordinary.

Disgaea DS is an SPRG-fan's dream; it's got incredible customization options, the potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay, and a unique and varied job system.

The stylus is used to direct your craft and also to target the enemy. It requires some practice, but it's a great addition to the gameplay.

Taking place on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the environment is huge. There are literally hundreds of streets to traverse in the city.

Lair of the Leviathan doesn't wind down on quite the same cliffhanger ending we've seen in the last two chapters, but the continuity in the story throughout the three episodes released so far is coming together very impressively.

Blur's mix of strategy-based power-ups, load-out menus, and largely varied challenges really make this game a must for all automotive fans. In a genre this oversaturated, it is good to know that there is still some innovation left.

Rebellion is easily the definitive game of this series, with lots of new content and all the old stuff thrown in too-and if Legends of Pegasus wants us to "forget our Sins," it had better give us something truly great.

A random map generator will give you some decent replay value as it works great. It's almost like acquiring a new expansion pack every time you use it.

It's simply more levels and an online mode, neither of which are earth-shattering.

Despite a good selection of campaigns, the single-player mode feels like a prelude to the real thing. It's like having to sit in the lounge of a popular club and have a drink while waiting to gain admission to the main room.

Even despite its few flaws, MUA is a blast to play. If you’ve ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that. RPG and dungeon crawler fans along with comic-book lovers will find much to love about MUA.

It's an extremely technically proficient game, and it accomplishes everything that it sets out to do with flying colors. However, Darksiders only crime may be that they set their sights too low. This game hits the bullseye in the center of the target, but I couldn't help but wish that the target was a little higher towards the heavens.

Metro Exodus is a departure from the cookie-cutter shooters, focusing on a gripping single-player narrative and a more cautious pace than the adrenaline fueled, multiplayer-focused titles bloating the genre. Every character is fully fleshed out, the stealth and survival mechanics are a delight for careful, completionist gamers, and the setting is as varied and detailed a post-apocalyptic playground as you’re going to find.

A great example of a successful collective consciousness. It just lends credence to the saying: If a group of programmers that are confined to a room are placed in front of computers, eventually they will create a great game.

Pocket Paradise succeeds in condensing a console experience into a portable game without many sacrifices and even some improvements.

I have literally never had this much fun with a fighting game before.

PJS2 isn't a paradigm-shifter, but it's smart and fun.

Though there is no real story to speak of, the fantastic tutorial makes up for it.

Sure, it comes with a ton of bugs, and some of those bugs are damn near game-breaking, but if you can give Bethesda yet another (probably undeserved) pass here, Dragonborn has a ton of content to enjoy.

Dragon Age 2 is a long, epic adventure that will give you your money's worth. It's just that some of the execution didn't feel spot-on. The story needed work, and the characters sometimes felt flat.

Dragon Age 2 is a long, epic adventure that will give you your money's worth. It's just that some of the execution didn't feel spot-on. The story needed work, and the characters sometimes felt flat.

It captures all the essence and excitement of the series even if it doesn't offer a lot of new elements.

There's nothing not to like about this game and I don't say that lightly. It's definitely a contender for Game of the Year - at least the online portion.

While other faithful ports of have seen their fair share of action on Live already, Doom trumps them all with its intense action and countless secrets.

It is only March and I already know Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure is a very strong candidate for game of the year on Nintendo's handheld. The exciting adventure mode mixed up with the puzzle gameplay is a surprisingly good formula that's both entertaining and very rewarding.

This game offers a more powerful presentation than previous installments, and it's also more complete as far as gameplay modes are concerned. In addition, co-op gameplay lets you share the experience.

Not only is the game very cohesive in the structure and storyline but the fighting engine is good enough to stand alone.

As far as Dance games go, this is the undisputed winner.

Promising at least 20 hours plus gameplay (not including the multiplayer facets) is nothing to sneeze at. X-Men Legends 2 isn't miles away from the original which will please fans of the first game undoubtedly.

There's good deal of content when compared to other 3DS titles. But with such much offered in the console version, it feels like more could have been added here.

Hitman 2 is for people who liked the episodic Hitman and wanted to see maps that were more even and consistent, have access to additional equipment for Agent 47, and generally get more of what they wanted. It does have some issues where it can feel disjointed, but this is really most noticeable in the campaign and will not be an issue for folks who want to take on contracts, hunt down Elusive Targets, complete challenges, and learn everything they need to know about each of the locations in the game. The Ghost Mode has potential for those who feel like they are going to put upwards of 30 hours into it, but I feel like it could be a while before Sniper Assassin hits its peek. If you are an Agent 47 fan, it is time to grab your briefcase and put on your suit again.

Death Stranding will not be for everybody. It seems meticulously engineered for a pretty specific kind of nerd. My wife, for example, loves this game, and when she loves a game, she dumps hundreds of hours into it. Me? I merely like this game, and probably wouldn’t invest a bunch of time into it were it not for work. Of course, there will be people who won’t like the game at all; it will feel like a chore to them. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to determine whether or not Death Stranding is a game for you. I recommend experiencing it in some way, though, be it through a stream or a borrowed copy, because I think it will be talked about for years to come.

Flaws abound in the game.

This is a full-sized 8-bit title, complete with a time trial mode. Playing through the story once can take between six to eight hours, but you could easily spend twice this amount of time with the game and still be having fun.

If you have a DS and enjoyed Okami, Okamiden would be a great addition to your collection.

Somehow, the developers wrung all this out of a simplistic 30-year-old game that hasn't stood the test of time. That is a true accomplishment, and at $20 purchasing this title is a no-brainer.

Be prepared for some slightly clunky movement and somewhat repetitive walking simulator sections. Past that, it’s a wonderful sequel to a game that was originally sort of a miss, rather than a hit. You’ll become just as invested as Sebastian is when trying to find his daughter and walk away from the experience feeling like you got your money’s worth. The Evil Within 2 is well worth the purchase, but especially (for) those who enjoyed the first game and want something more.

It has enjoyable gameplay, an engaging story, some freaky visuals, and super-effective sound. And while it is the single player mode that stands out as the best part of this title, the multiplayer is not too shabby either.

If you’re just looking to blast your way through level after level, Blood Money, is not the game for you. If you want to assume the role of an actual hitman and utilize the most dangerous weapon of all, your imagination, then by all means get your hands on this one.

Brutal Legend didn't live up to my expectations. While I absolutely loved the immersive world, despite the graphical shortcomings, and the amazing voice work and soundtrack, despite the inclusion of Whitesnake and Skid Row, I was left miffed by the lack of main story content and the uninspired gameplay.

This is a long, meaty game with replay value galore, but it feels a whole lot like Fallout 3.

Castle Crashers is a great title for those who are looking for a quick romp through a magical world full of off-color humor. The controls are straightforward, the simple cartoon visuals are great, the music is perfect, and the combat is fun.

The Wolf Among Us Episode 3 is once again another fantastic adventure game from Telltale games. No, there aren’t many puzzles to be solved, so if you are looking for a more traditional adventure experience you should probably look elsewhere. However, if you want perfect narrative, wonderful characters and a plot that will keep you guessing, then this is the game for you.

Getting two excellent single-player campaigns as well as a sizeable online offering should please fans of the original game and newcomers alike. While there are some minor graphical issues that can be found throughout both games, they thankfully never adversely affect the gameplay.

If the grind gets cut back and maybe the internet restrictions relaxed, it could end up becoming one of the most solid and beloved entries in the series.

Tomb Raider: Legend is the definitive sequel/prequel/quadquel to the Tomb Raider series. It's hard to imagine where it can go from here.

The "RPG" elements in this game refer to the leveling up of your mutant heroes. Rest assured you won't have to spend countless hours going on useless quests to find the magic vinegar and water to clear the smell out of town hall and nonsense like that.

Freedom Fighters is one of the most engrossing action games on the market today and if you think the concept is cool, wait until you are in the thick of battle. The length may be an issue, but as I've been told, it's not the length it's how you use it.

Looks great and runs smoothly. It's superior to the PS2 version in terms of cleaner graphics.

This game is well done and even though I have played it for two days straight, there is still more to see and do.

It's not so much the gameplay that lures you in as it is the story.

The focus is on atmosphere and brain-teasers, both of which the game pulls off with absolute aplomb and unbelievably slick production, to the point where one can almost smell the grime and mold on the dungeon's walls.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 delivers on the most important level: giving fans what they want.

NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits is old-school at heart, but completely innovative and fresh when it comes to gameplay. It's an excellent adventure that defines the gold standard for WiiWare.

The gameplay is the truest reason to download this game. Even though the hour-long aspect of the game could hinder replayability, you will from time to time wish to save the fair princess from the dastardly Grand Vizier.

The entire adventure lasts anywhere from 18 - 25 hours + depending on your abilities and in todays market that's a decent bang for your gaming dollar.

A solid set of new missions. The real benefits come with being able to fix the ending and explore more of the world afterwards.

It might not have Gears of War's deep budget or high level of polish, but it more than makes up for it by giving you a bunch of locations and missions you haven't yet experienced and won't soon forget.

The only major problem I have with this game is that it has all been done before. If you’ve played several WWII shooters, you won’t find anything really new here. If you are a fan of the genre, you should definitely play this game.

The fresher elements improve on the firmly established vibe and gameplay, making this a solid follow up episode.

The game excels at preserving the core arcade mode from the console version, but the lack of online mode gives the portable version less replay value. Still, with robust customization and a different story format, there is plenty of content in the PSP version.

If anyone tells you they don't like the game, then they probably don't like chocolate, the Superbowl or comedies either. There is so much fun packed into the title that all but the most "alternative" of core gamers are bound to love it.

College Hoops 2K8 is a great college basketball game, both for dedicated fans of the game and for casual b-ball lovers. The new additions to the game, even the flawed ones, are a step in the right direction, bringing the game closer and closer to the definitive college basketball experience.

Because it is practically the only game in the genre, EA Sports UFC 4 is the uncontested champion. The fact that it singlehandedly fills a nice isn’t the only reason to play it, though. Once you grasp the basics, EA Sports UFC 4 is a deep game that lets you engage with it on your own terms. You can get by on easy mode, or you can rely on skills and abilities to compensate. You can simulate training if you just want to fight. If you want to develop a mastery over the game, the training menus offer a wealth of information and practice mode is very accommodating. If you want to learn about optimal builds and “hit boxes,” there are already a variety of communities online who excitedly welcome the opportunity to geek out about the game’s technical side. That’s where I’ll be going to improve my ground game. A week ago, I couldn’t imagine saying such a thing.

This game suffers from being a little too shallow, and after playing the same tracks over and over, it's a little too easy to tire of the game after the main story mode has been completed. Still, I would hope that there will be a sequel to this title, as the premise is solid. The execution just needs a little fleshing out.

This game is imminently replayable and pushes the boundaries of what is still possible in the 2D realm. This game could have easily been a disaster, counting on art style and bra size to sell copies. But Vanillaware pretty much nailed it in all categories.

With such faithful recreations of classic SEGA Genesis games, and a few not-so-classic ones, I can finally take my Genesis out of the closet and get some use out of it as a doorstop.

The bottom line is that Paradox Interactive knows its audience, and the developer hand-crafted Crusader Kings II to fit the needs of its dedicated fan base. This is not an accessible game, and it does not pretend to be. If you want an update to the original Crusader Kings, or if you want to play Sengoku in the context of a different culture, Crusader Kings II is a must-buy. If not, stay away.

I could not image a more perfect racer for a beginner or young child. This game is absolutely the bomb. It's easy to learn, easy to play and very easy on the eyes.

Due to the rich history of the series, you can't help but feel like you're taking part in a fantastic epic that hasn't even begun to scratch the surface in terms of totality. That's why I love this series and that's why I love DDS2. Chances are, you will too.

Ice Station Santa is definitely one of the longer episodes of the batch, and it may easily become a fast favorite. Still, even with the hints turned completely off it will only take you a handful of hours to plow through this gem.

All in all, this is a welcome return to an adventure that changed the face of gaming a decade ago.

The second screen really adds a great new dynamic to the gameplay, and the classic feel of the game is as sharp as ever. I really can't recommend this title enough; it is very fun to play, and the online modes provide endless replay value.

No two games play alike thanks to the incredible AI who act like real human enemies. They also die like real humans, meaning that they aren't given an unfair advantage. This is war.