Tomb Raider Underworld was far more enjoyable than I ever thought it would be. The expansive environments, solid platforming sequences, challenging puzzles, and adventure-filled storyline should appeal to anyone who loved the Prince of Persia games and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Disappointingly, combat is fairly mediocre, and a lot of technical inconsistencies are troublesome. Nevertheless, Underworld is a very good game.

It's a fun romp though and definitely a welcome companion to the upcoming movie. 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.

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.

This is a fantastic game. Where some strive for realism while sacrificing fun, or focus on fun to the detriment of realism, Sleeping Dogs manages the impressive feat of finding a between the two. The characters are universally interesting, the story is engaging, there is never a shortage of things to keep you busy, and it all comes packaged in a gritty and visceral virtual version of Hong Kong. What more could you want?

It's one of the best downloadable values on the PlayStation Network - this game is packed with content and you can easily spend dozens of hours exploring all that it has to offer.

Hardcore soccer fans who wanted even more realism from this series will enjoy playing around with the new controls but if you're a player who thought FIFA 2005 wasn't a great game might as well rent this game or stay away from it cause you won't be missing much.

While it’s not a very newcomer-friendly series, both in terms of gameplay and catching up with the story, it’s so well-constructed and compelling that I didn’t have much trouble being motivated to play and learn, even after dismal failures that sent me all the way to the beginning of some missions. Fans of Ace Combat will no doubt be all over this big return, and while anyone on the outside looking in won’t be able to just hit the ground running, there is enough substance here to make that daunting journey worthwhile.

Although playing as Daud might seem a strange choice, his complex life lends itself to an interesting narrative. This interesting narrative offers new insights into the city of Dunwall and one of the original game’s most unsympathetic characters.

A beyond competent, gorgeous, and well-crafted World War II strategy game. It may very well be the best WWII strategy game ever produced. It is, however, a game for those who already enjoy the genre, and particularly for those entranced by Company of Heroes’ hallmark approach to combat.

Swordplay is very enjoyable and has enough variety to keep you entertained, yet one-to-one sword fighting is still not an option.

Crash smashes his way back to relevance.

There's a ton of levels, lots of cool ninjas, and a strong multiplayer mode. This game is highly addictive.

Usually games that tend to offer something for everyone, end up being nothing for nobody. Moto GP 06 is an exceptional exception to that rule.

These titles are true classics from the last generation. They have been skillfully upgraded by the folks at TT Games to give us the definitive edition.

If you take things seriously and practice a daily routine, this game will be the most useful one you've ever played. Staying fit is important so you don't have to feel guilty when playing all the other games!

The great thing about Ultimate Brain Games is that there is enough variety here for all interests. Even if you're not convinced you would make a good chess player, it's always there should you want to take a stab at it.

What I liked most about The LEGO Movie Videogame is that it is completely original. Maybe not in terms of gameplay, though they do get creative in sections, but because it is its own story.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue certainly proved to be worth the hype. I was excited for this game, and when I finally started playing the full version, I was in awe of how amazing this game really felt.

I can't say this is the best game ever made but as far as the arcade racing genre is concerned it would be difficult to imagine how to improve on it.

NHL 14 is a very polished game that takes full advantage of its subject to create an intense, thrilling sports title. Its brutal, energetic nature offers a unique experience that most gaming versions of sports lack, and it’s definitely my favorite sports game of the year.

Fable III is a good game, and in some ways it's a great one. But playing it, one can't help but wonder what it would be with better combat and a more thoughtful second half.

You'll want to finish the story and solve the mysteries on your own, but the game itself can get in the way of these goals.

Despite its open-world growing pains, Gravity Rush 2 is a charming game that's well worth playing, both for its story and its quality action moments. I just feel that it would have been a stronger overall title if it were more streamlined and leaned more on its best qualities rather than shoehorning in activities that don't match with its action-packed, gravity-shifting theme.

The gameplay is challenging and interesting, the content is varied and encompasses two full games, and the attention to detail is great.

It isn’t perfect, with some characters who might look a little too familiar from past appearances, an incomplete Pokedex, but it is still has the same satisfying gameplay loop, array of characters to collect, and a series of gyms you’ll feel compelled to challenge. Pokemon Sword and Shield are a lot of fun and will get people thinking about things to come.

I almost don't even care about the rest of the game. I can't say enough about the pitch detector. It's one of the most incredible tools available for potential musicians, and I don't say that lightly.

The relationship between the two main characters is remarkably real - so much so that the ending of the game comes off as bittersweet. Thankfully, the moment it ends you can return to the game, and the adventures of the boy and the blob can continue for as long as you'd like them to.

World of Tanks has a great premise, and it offers surprisingly deep gameplay for a free game.

The bikes have a nice low end growl to them that is a pleasant departure from the typical mosquito-like buzz that is usually afforded them.

A game that can take its place alongside Capcom's "Street Fighter II."

Battlefront works because it's not an overly complex game. Within the confines of a FPS, you won't have to learn a lot of button combos and other complex configuration.

Rivals delivers the most solid racer to come from EA in a long time. The ability to play as both Cops and Racers is a welcome gameplay diversity that gives you the power to choose how to play the game. Back that up with a seamless multiplayer, a solid audio foundation, and killer visuals, and what you get is one of the best racing games to come out in recent years.

0-D Beat Drop isn't a revolutionary game, but it is a clever and fun one. The learning curve is steep for the first hour or so as you figure out the rules, but from there it's a matter of getting just a little better with each playthrough.

Thankfully, all the fundamentals are sound: From the well-designed campaign, to the fast-paced multiplayer, to the graphics, to the sound, this is a solid, well-constructed title that's sure to be worth your money.

The excellent tables, tight controls, fun multiplayer and community options, and potential for expansion via DLC in the future make this a great title. Unfortunately, I can't give the title a must-buy rating as it is just pinball - many untrained players will find the game somewhat dull.

Dead Rising 2's biggest strength lies in its variety of both story and side missions. There is never a shortage of things to do in the game, and the co-op ability makes this a trip you can take several times with friends.

A first-rate game that would be an excellent addition to your sport-game library. The multiplayer games are phenomenal, and the single player mode isn't half bad either.

The mechanics that have made the series great in years past have made a return, while new additions like offensive off-ball control add an almost endless number of ways players can attack and score.

Playing DKC 2 is the equivalent of going to a restaurant and only ordering the appetizer. Sure, it's something to eat but you're missing out on the filet Minot by chewing on cheese-covered tacos.

It's hard not to have a smirk on your face throughout most of the game as you revel in the light-hearted, comical atmosphere. It's a treat not to have to take things so seriously for a change.

It's not the real thing, but at ten dollars, it's an incredible value with a great selection of modes and plenty to unlock.

Pokémon Conquest comes out at just the right time, as it looks like the perfect summer vacation game. It's portable and breezy, yet has enough depth to keep gamers interested over the long run.

The multiplayer games are phenomenal, and the single player mode isn't half bad either.

This is an incredibly fun game, but it's mostly stolen from an earlier series, and it's too expensive.

If you're looking for a unique experience on your Wii, or even enjoyed the first Trauma Center, TC:SO is a good bet.

There's a lot more to war than just moving about shooting at the enemy. Fortunately Battlefield 2 ignores that fact and gives us action junkies just what we crave.

Hardcore soccer fans who wanted even more realism from this series will enjoy playing around with the new controls but if you’re a player who thought FIFA 2005 wasn’t a great game might as well rent this game or stay away from it cause you won’t be missing much.

While the new foundational changes are awesome and it’s more fun than ever to play Madden, it almost feels like it isn’t enough in comparison. It especially stings that the Longshot sequel feels so unsure of itself, despite its high production values. It’s easy enough to recommend Madden 19 to sports fans, but if I’m trying to get someone new started, it feels like last year’s game is required reading to get the most out of this year’s entry.

Men of War is not going to appeal to the casual gamer. Only hardcores will be willing to attempt to crack this nut – it almost cracked this nut.

Those who are looking for more Tony Hawk style challenges which are entirely based on skill, might not dig the On Tour vibe with it's easier than pie trickstylings, but those who know that it's all about getting to the bottom first and looking awesome while doing it will really get into this one.

The kind of 4X that brings my relationship with strategy games to a lofty peak. It is engaging and yet oddly meditative, almost relaxing to play rather than nerve-wracking and brain-frying.

Frontline isn't quite as action intensive as "TimeSplitters 2," but it's head and shoulders above "Turok Evolution."

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.

Better courses, more tricks and a major overhaul in virtually all departments, Rides Gone Wild has improved on everything that reviewers and fans alike criticized in the original.

If you've got your PS2 hooked up to a good stereo you will be tempted to do the glass-of-water test from the movie Jurassic Park. So powerful are the pounding sounds that they're sure to leave ripples in your glass of water.

The graphics, actual gameplay, and quality voice work have changed very little over the course of the first four chapters, and we expect that will follow suit in the grand finale. What each chapter does bring to the table is continuity, plenty of surprises, new avenues for strange humor, and some truly memorable character interactions. The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood isn't the best chapter among the bunch, but it's an important piece of the puzzle.

Though the game's length might be a bit short for some, I found it to be the perfect slice for my tastes.

It's worth it just to see where the story goes.

Revengeance can be summed up in one word: "fun." Well, maybe two words are better: "stupid fun." As was shown with DmC, there are still a lot of fans out there who want to have button-mashing fun and be rewarded with carnage in its most primal form.

The most complete and refined version of the series yet. Overall, it is very similar to last year's Tiger, but the refinements are cool.

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

Unfortunately, the main single-player mode feels like an extended tutorial, and the multiplayer options are limited to ad-hoc. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for customization, and the trials and versus modes are always fun.

A treat from the past with enough new features that somehow makes you feel like you're playing it for the first time while making it a worthwhile game of golf with plenty of competition.

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! is a powerful example of what Pokemon can and should be like on a console, and I’d love to see the best elements of this title get rolled into the next evolution of the series.

Lock's Quest is certainly one of the better DS games to hit the platform this year. If you're a fan of past DS strategy titles - LostMagic or Revenant Wings, for example - picking up Lock's Quest is a no-brainer.

A strong story that doesn't drag on too long makes for a satisfying RPG experience.

Another bone of contention is your AI tag-team partner that can be totally oblivious to your situation as you’re getting the hit shicked out of you. It’s times like this you wish you could toggle between them with the push of a button.

You'll spend tons of time attempting to beat the online GamerNet challenges, and pushing yourself closer to The Masters in career mode. The only annoying part of this game is its DLC course selection.

There is so much game here in Kingdom Hearts 3, and it’s all coming from the mind of an auteur with far too much power. But if you dare to take that plunge, as much of an investment as it is, there is a great adventure to be had here. So much adventure. Probably too much. After all, this isn’t really Kingdom Hearts 3. It’s more like, seven, or ten, or something.

It finally nails the spirit of LEGO, and does so with a great deal of panache.

The Wii version is not perfect, but the game is easily as enjoyable and addictive as it is on other consoles.

Fans of the original that are still clutching to their original copies will find nothing new here, however, which is a huge letdown for anyone looking to revisit one of Playstation's greatest on the little screen.

Kirby Triple Deluxe is an amazing game with tons of replay value and is one of the few games that makes the most of the 3DS' capabilities. It's a sure winner and will long be remembered one of the best games the 3DS has to offer.

The single-player game isn't very long, but the core of this title is the multiplayer, anyway, and you can play it for hours.

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

Whether playing a campaign against the computer or taking on eight other players in a random map, it bears the hallmark only a few empire building games have--the addiction to take "just one more turn".

Does an acceptable job of bringing Magic into the world of video games and upgrading the 2012 version. However, there are enough hiccups in the implementation that most Magic fans will prefer to stick with the paper product-and those of us who no longer play Magic aren't missing anything by skipping it.

Hardcore soccer fans who wanted even more realism from this series will enjoy playing around with the new controls but if you're a player who thought "FIFA 2005" wasn't a great game might as well rent this game or stay away from it cause you won't be missing much.

inFAMOUS: Second Son is a title you need to own. It exemplifies what is to come from next-gen while keeping the game rooted in pure simple fun. I have played several games throughout my career, some have been glorious train wrecks, and then there are a few which scratch the surface of extraordinary. Second Son doesn’t scratch the surface, it blows a damn hole through it, and you will enjoy every time a new hole is made.

Though I was a bit disappointed by the Guitar Hero Live portion of the game, Guitar Hero TV is onto something special with a lot of potential longevity.

Hot Shots has always been a fun-yet-challenging series, and that description remains apt here. If you enjoy tennis, this is a good one.

Truth be told, Rock n' Roll Racing makes an interesting novelty game with some tough challenges but it follows the hackneyed gameplay format of just becoming more difficult using the same premise.

I admit the game doesn't look very serious but all it takes is a few minutes of play to see that this game really kicks ass.

The game itself is quite lengthy (as any good RPG should be), and once you beat the last boss you can unlock a special game plus mode with additional challenges.

The player likenesses are fantastic and the overall presentation is wonderful.

Beaterator is not perfect, it's got a ways to go but the potential that it displays is incredible. It won't be long until you can have a professional recording studio and tone generator in the palm of your hand. For the time being, Beaterator is the closest you're going to get, and it's pretty damn close.

Though the game does feel a bit unpolished and unbalanced, there's still a lot to enjoy. This franchise has a ton of potential, and we'll be interested to see how it evolves in the coming years

If you're looking for a horror survival game that can fill the gap left by the Silent Hill and Fatal Frame series, look no further.

A scaled-down version of "MLB 2006" for the PS2. Some might even call it inferior and they would be right since it's missing a few modes, options and details.

Cooperative play is a joy, an abundance of gear means your agent is ever-evolving, and an air-tight narrative set within a game world that is unmistakably Tom-Clancian provides a sense of purpose and urgency that makes it nigh impossible to put the controller down.

A near-perfect port of DOA5 for the Vita. If you want to play DOA5 on the go, then by all means pick it up. The game has a few extra bells and whistles, but none of them are worth buying a portable copy for if you weren’t looking to buy one already.

Another year, another Live… and a little extra. At least Live Run might keep the online play interesting.

Online play has been Battlefield's strongest feature up until now. In this version the single player mode rivals the online mode.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies is a game for the old school hardcore gamer that loves to push himself to the limits. It is a game that is best served in short doses, but each dosage is an incredible experience of psychedelic gameplay that is both frenetic and engaging.

It is a little expensive, but the quality of the Wii Balance Board seems to justify the price. The title is missing some key elements that would have made it better, such as different training programs and maybe some other tracking systems.

It features very deep managerial gameplay, which it is easy to become entranced with. This title gives you so many options for gameplay that it is hard to resist the urge to level up your adventurers just one more time, or unlock a certain building before shutting it off.

I can honestly say that as far as wrestling games go this one is pretty darn decent. It's due to the grappling engine and the excellent graphics and animation.

I will warn you and even I admit I had only two fights against players in Japan and got shown why they love fighting games.