Birds of Prey shines brightly as a solo endeavor in large part due to the extreme level of authenticity and attention to getting the flight mechanics just right.

The forty-plus hour new story mode, plus the new bonus modes and characters give fans a lot to play with. Beginner mode makes it easy for newcomers to jump right into BlazBlue.

The folks at Double Helix gave me the Silent Hill I wanted: a nerve-racking, scary as hell experience to hold me over this Halloween season. Any fan of Silent Hill should be checking this out, and anyone just needing a good scare can join in the Homecoming.

Despite my criticism of some of the modes and gameplay mechanics, Mario Kart 8 is still an amazing game, and as intense and addicting as its predecessors. I may wish for a better Battle Mode and more online features, but I have happily raced hundreds of matches, and expect thousands more for many months, and even years, to come.

The short of it: I don't like racers, and I rarely like driving games, but Driver: San Francisco hit a sweet spot with its gameplay that had me continually coming back for more.

The short of it: I don't like racers, and I rarely like driving games, but Driver: San Francisco hit a sweet spot with its gameplay that had me continually coming back for more.

Immensely enjoyable. Almost endlessly so, in fact. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing out on a very clever 2D crafting/survival game that wears its retro influence on its sleeve. If you’ve already spent hundreds of hours in this world, there’s some new stuff to see in this version of the game.

Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is a game that any player at any skill level can get the hang of in a few minutes, but be warned that the last part of each mission is a killer - literally.

A great game. There are so many elements to this title that will knock your socks off. It is not the true NFL simulator that is Madden, but it is an awesome football game that plays better than the competition in many regards.

It does, however, stay true to the gameplay mechanics of its predecessors, and provides countless hours of rewarding multiplayer options. The Gears faithful should rejoice, as a new saga is just getting lubricated.

A little Lost goes a long way with diehard fans. So, while I wished there were some deeper gameplay moments or a longer adventure (the game clocks in at about seven hours), I couldn't imagine, as a Lost fan, not playing this game and loving what it has to offer.

Skate 2 is a great game, and, in fact, it is the best skating game to date, so I recommend it to everyone.

If you're a Western-style, fantasy RPG nut, you simply can't go wrong with Dragon Age: Origins. BioWare has outdone itself once again - they've created an RPG masterpiece that more than rivals its competitors, even if it loses its tactical luster in translation to consoles.

Stranglehold will capture the hearts of anyone looking for an action game, period. It might even capture the hearts of anyone looking for a game. While there are problems with the game, you will quickly forget what those are as you continuously mow down your enemies with various execution techniques.

Plenty of race types, a decent campaign, and online multiplayer will keep you coming back-if the community survives.

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

The relative ease of the gameplay and the downplay of violence makes this an excellent game for kids of all ages - yet it's not completely sucky. A first-rate adventure for everyone.

Plenty of race types, a decent campaign, and online multiplayer will keep you coming back-if the community survives.

Despite the relative lack of new content, the one new feature, Dynasty Online, will keep you coming back for more.

The puzzles are well done, as usual, and the rest of the game is fun too.

This title has the great control and excellent assortment of play modes that made the original title so impressive, and it adds more characters and a new story mode to make the whole experience feel new.

Although the storyline, sound effects and soundtrack are different, the 2D, side-scrolling gameplay is bound to give experienced gamers deja vu.

Swarm's bizarre take on platforming is a great, addictive challenge, but this strange journey is over too quickly. Here's hoping for some DLC.

It's much better looking, the controls are easier to use and the wider screen format makes the game appear to be about twice the size of the DS version.

Swarm's bizarre take on platforming is a great, addictive challenge, but this strange journey is over too quickly. Here's hoping for some DLC.

The quality of the presentation, action-oriented battles, and solid multiplayer mode all add up to a game that is worth a recommendation. With little on the Wii these days aside from ports and mini-games, Battalion Wars 2 is a breath of fresh air.

Unite is an excellent game for those that haven't played Freedom 2. Otherwise, it's just a fun and addictive addition to an otherwise excellent game that already exists.

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.

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.

The levels are incredibly fun to play, but there are omissions likely to leave Mario fans shaking their heads.

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.

Birds of Prey shines brightly as a solo endeavor in large part due to the extreme level of authenticity and attention to getting the flight mechanics just right.

It's not perfect, but it's insane amounts of incredibly stylized, so-moronic-it's-almost-genius fun.

BioShock 2 is a great game that I thoroughly enjoyed playing. Unfortunately, the experience wasn't as fresh as I'd have liked. It seems like the dev teams didn't take enough chances for fear of alienating the rabid fan base. Still, despite the overwhelming familiarity of the title, there's a load of quality gaming to be found here. It's definitely worth suiting up and heading back into Rapture.

On an immersive level, the authenticity both in the visuals and atmosphere is astonishing. The fighting itself is intense, but requires patience, skill, and memorization to master. It's a must have for any MMA enthusiast, and one that promises months of full-bodied content in its meaty modes.

The game's replayability is arguably the greatest in recent gaming history, with so many reasons to keep going back, from the plethora of things to unlock, to the endless things to smash.

It's absolutely great for fans.

If we haven't stressed this enough, this is not a game for everyone. Its glacial pace and text-heavy gameplay will put most gamers to sleep. But those looking for a deep combat system, a complex story, and a long-awaited new entry in a beloved franchise will absolutely love the many hours they spend working through Golden Sun: Dark Dawn.

The game's replayability is arguably the greatest in recent gaming history, with so many reasons to keep going back, from the plethora of things to unlock, to the endless things to smash.

This is a great game. There are so many elements to this title that will knock your socks off. It is not the true NFL simulator that is Madden, but it is an awesome football game that plays better than the competition in many regards.

The game's replayability is arguably the greatest in recent gaming history, with so many reasons to keep going back, from the plethora of things to unlock, to the endless things to smash.

A very competent and enjoyable game. As a shooter, I was very impressed with the title. Unfortunately, I never really felt the fear that gave the game its moniker.

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is a must-have purchase for anyone who likes challenging gameplay, big weapons, even bigger enemies, a hefty crafting system, and a satisfying cooperative experience.

The campaign is solid, but I can’t help but feel it could have been a bit more robust. The improved multiplayer more than makes up for this fact though.

You'll get your soccer fix with good controls, great graphics, and tremendous license support.

There's no getting around the fact that Charlie Murder is a blast to play, alone or with friends, and that it's well worth your $10 if you love beating the crap out of zombies and laughing at bloody, disturbing, slapstick antics.

The most fun I’ve had with a multiplayer FPS in a long time.

SEGA has delivered a standout title, one that pushes past its strict genre boundaries and deserves to be played by not only fans of tactical RPGs, but also those that have never touched the genre. Turn-based strategy doesn't get much better than this.

If you are looking for a game that’s a non-stop thrill ride, you should look somewhere else. But if you want to connect with a game in a way that you aren’t used to, want to feel something, or just love buckets of precipitation–rain is the game for you. At $15, there isn’t really anything else like it.

The arcade style of gameplay in which the difficulty increases to make new levels more challenging is going to bore the novelty seekers, but hardcores will appreciate the virtually unlimited replay value, the two-player mode, and the online leaderboard.

Overall the game is solid, fun, and action-packed. The production values are great with excellent graphics, animation, voicework, music, and sound effects. The game itself is almost as impressive as the cutscenes.

Sure, it's not a big deviation from the Clash of Ninja franchise formula, but I can appreciate it for what it's worth: a good time.

This is not a replacement for your favorite golf simulator, but it is a very well made title that hits on almost every level.

Gitaroo Man Lives is definitely a must-play game but I would recommend a rental since it’s relatively short and the replay value is limited.

If you’re a "Virtua Tennis" fan you simply owe it to yourself to play ball with Table Tennis.

It's an experience that can penetrate even the thickest of skin, and it will make you feel something. What that is, I can't exactly say, but this is an emotional journey you won't soon forget. It's a short journey, but it's packed densely enough with cool stuff to see and do that I would enthusiastically encourage you to pay the fifteen-dollar asking price.

Bottom line: A three day rental would definitely give you an insight into how much longevity you'll wring out of Naruto: Clash Of Ninja in the long run.

If you're looking for an entirely new gameplay experience from the folks at LucasArts, then you won't find it in LEGO Indiana Jones. However, this is the most polished and enjoyable entry in the LEGO series of games.

Operating the hounds is a breeze. They are even easier to operate than the mechs in Mech Assault, although they don't move as quick. Speed is sacrificed for ease of control.

Perfect for quick sessions or marathoning through, MI2:SE packs a lot into its package.

Loads of courses and the addition of the Ryder Cup make this the deepest Tiger to date.

Persona 3 was an excellent game to begin with, and if you have never experienced it, Persona 3 Portable is a must-play title. However, if you have played it before, the extra content makes this title worth picking up and playing through again.

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

The folks at Double Helix gave me the Silent Hill I wanted: a nerve-racking, scary as hell experience to hold me over this Halloween season. Any fan of Silent Hill should be checking this out, and anyone just needing a good scare can join in the Homecoming.

This is expansion is much, much lighter in tone than the last two. The overall look of Pandaria is sure to cheer you up, with its bright colors and traditional Asian architecture setting it off from the rest of the WoW universe. The developers have said that since players have already spent so much time saving the world, this time they can focus on exploring. The soundtrack of inspiring instrumental music helps as well.

Kung Fu Panda is definitely one of the better movie-inspired games I've played. The combat system as well as the puzzle-platforming style of the game work well together, and the whole game is fun to play.

It doesn’t over promise nor does it under deliver. You won’t be disappointed even with the annoyances and objectionable ways you have to obtain certain things. It’s Dragon Ball Z the way you remember it and the way you love it.

Need for Speed: Shift is a great reboot for the NFS franchise.

The free content is extensive, and if you don't like it, you can always quit without spending a dime.

There's more content here than you could shake a stick at. What's more, it is all incredibly well put-together; from the single-player career to deep customization and truly robust online play.

Knack may not be the most revolutionary game, but it is yet another promise from team Sony for what the company plans to achieve with the PS4.

This is both a reward for players that have spent lightyears leveling their characters up to 60+ and an incentive for other players to reach these high levels.

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.

Really what you're getting with this latest entry is improved input recognition, better song compression, and 28 new master tracks to jam to while on the go. In other words, it's a tight package you've likely been longing for.

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.

Loads of courses and the addition of the Ryder Cup make this the deepest Tiger to date.

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.

Black would be an absolutely fantastic game if it only lasted half-an-hour. There's an old show-biz axiom that states: Leave them wanting more. The problem with Black is that it starts off in high gear and has nowhere else to go from there.

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.

Though playing individual instruments may not be quite as challenging, the overall level of difficulty can be even more trying. Thankfully, for the rhythmically-challenged and casual players, four levels of difficulty mean you will be able to gradually improve your skill set and still jam on to great tunes.

Perfect for quick sessions or marathoning through, MI2:SE packs a lot into its package.

If you want a soccer game that can actually last you more than a year, then FIFA Soccer 08 is a good choice. You'll get your soccer fix with good controls, great graphics, and tremendous license support.

There is no question the game looks dated, but it’s got arcade written all over – for better or for worse.

There are plenty of songs to dance to in the exhibition mode, and newbies will appreciate the exhaustive training mode.

The slick presentation and intensely fun co-op play has made a believer out of me even though gameplay can feel sloppy at times. If you love shooters and are looking to play an interesting campaign mode with a friend, then Army of Two is a must-buy.

If you're a Western-style, fantasy RPG nut, you simply can't go wrong with Dragon Age: Origins. BioWare has outdone itself once again - they've created an RPG masterpiece that more than rivals its competitors, even if it loses its tactical luster in translation to consoles.

Grinding, leveling, and, of course, dying over and over again will keep the most dedicated players immersed in this world for a very long time.

Grinding, leveling, and, of course, dying over and over again will keep the most dedicated players immersed in this world for a very long time.

LostWinds is a solid WiiWare title. For game adventurers, it's certainly well-worth the money and the experience.

It's tied tightly to last year's game with a digital umbilical cord, trying desperately to rectify the mistakes of the past with little regard for the future. It could have been so much more.

Retro City Rampage had me giddy as a schoolgirl. I think it's safe to say that if the thought of 8-bit nostalgia appeals to you at all, this game will make you weep gigantic pixilated tears of bliss. Of course, it's also possible that those are actually tears of frustration.

There's plenty to do when playing alone or in split-screen multiplayer. The only real downside is that the online multiplayer is restricted to just racing.

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.

The PC version and the Xbox 360 are so similar it's not even funny but if you're like most console gamers, you probably have a lot better sound system hooked up to your TV than your computer. So sit back, crank it up and prepare to immerse yourself in the final battle.

It does have some problems, but besides the running controls and the steep learning curve, there is not a better skating game out there. So go out, buy it, play it, and enjoy another great game from Black Box.

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.

This is a game that turns an entire genre on its head and lives to tell the tale.

This is a huge, well-made title that stays true to the roots of the series without throwing in the towel and becoming a straight-up nostalgia trip. It can be punishing at times, and its elaborate plot is a spectacular misfire thanks to the horrendous voice acting, but it's a must-play for Might & Magic fans.