SFG seems larger than it is because each campaign has its own flavor and unique perspective, but slogging uphill through one nation's campaign is such a test of patience that it's hard to imagine what would drive someone to willingly play through a second or third time.

With the addition of Proto Man, a challenge mode, and an easy mode for beginners, Mega Man 10 has more to offer than 9 and can be fun for almost any player, not just the longtime fans.

Although collecting monsters with the camera can be confusing and tedious, the battle system is rather good. Being able to fight and trade monsters with a friend wirelessly is also a welcome addition.

Excellent detail comes through in terms of the characters, items, and environments. Sure, there aren't a lot of different locations, but everything looks great with lots of depth and dimension.

The genre's classics were more fun, and you have to play irritating "demolition derbies" to progress through the single-player mode. Also, it's overpriced. But, it's more fun than nothing, which is the alternative unless you still have a 16-bit console lying around.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Portable is a solid port that is on-par with its console predecessor. Although the visuals have been downsized and the online mode is missing, the new content added to the portable version more than makes up for these few shortcomings.

Final Fantasy XIII is an amazing game. With an engrossing story and a thrilling new battle system, this is one title you can't afford to miss as an RPG fan. However, though it succeeds on the most important fronts, there are some notable areas where the game could have been better. The linear level design is a fairly large stumbling block, and if you are used to open-world games, it can make the entire experience feel a little claustrophobic.

If you're expecting a Japanese take on GTA, guess again. If you want pure action, you'll be bored to tears by the lengthy cutscenes. If you're hoping for complex, RPG-like leveling mechanics, you'll be disappointed. Yakuza 3 is a quirky hodgepodge of various genres that rewards the patient japanophile looking to kick a little ass.

Final Fantasy XIII is an amazing game. With an engrossing story and a thrilling new battle system, this is one title you can't afford to miss as an RPG fan. However, though it succeeds on the most important fronts, there are some notable areas where the game could have been better. The linear level design is a fairly large stumbling block, and if you are used to open-world games, it can make the entire experience feel a little claustrophobic.

It's tough to pull off a survival horror game that doesn't feature much combat, but that's no excuse for making navigation a chore and boring us to death. Wii owners who love pointing their flashlights around in the dark should stick with Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, or visit their local cemeteries after midnight.

If you were enamored by the creative ideas promised by games such as Drawn to Life, definitely give Max & the Magic Marker a look. It's not an epic adventure by any means, but there's still something magical about it.

With four different modes and the twists that can arise from simply using different weapons and power-ups, you'll likely get more than your five dollars out of this one.

I always appreciate it when a game that touches on some cultural commentary, whether it's obvious or not. And given how entertaining it is to "play war" in the setting provided here (and believe me, it is) is proof that sometimes violence isn't as much about what is shown-in a game as much as anything else-but what isn't.

The combat is fun, the characters are great, and there is a ton of gaming value shoehorned into this disk. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a worthy sequel to the original.

The combat is fun, the characters are great, and there is a ton of gaming value shoehorned into this disk. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a worthy sequel to the original.

The combat is fun, the characters are great, and there is a ton of gaming value shoehorned into this disk. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a worthy sequel to the original.

There's nothing new or innovative to the genre here, but there is a lot to enjoy. The half-broken online play needs to be addressed before the series goes forward.

There's nothing new or innovative to the genre here, but there is a lot to enjoy. The half-broken online play needs to be addressed before the series goes forward.

MLB 2K10 is a decent game, and I almost want to tip my hat to 2K for including PS2 owners in their line-up. But the core mechanics aren't innovative; certain elements of the gameplay are cut back too much, while others are convoluted and unintuitive.

Nothing captures the flavor of Major League Baseball better or in so many ways. Addictive as can be, even for the casual fan.

If you enjoy platformers filled with puzzles and a classic storyline, this is your chance at playing a good, portable movie tie-in.

If you've played another Lips game, then you know exactly what you are getting here: a regular singing mode, the freestyle mode, and the MyLips social tool. There's nothing new in this title, which is disheartening considering this is the third iteration of the franchise.

Though the game isn't that great whilst playing alone, it isn't too bad either. Moreover, the single-cart multiplayer adds a lot to the overall package.

Simplified gameplay can be hit or miss, while Steam integration and leaderboards for the multiplayer are a welcome addition. The single-player campaign remains very weak.

Hacking your way through hell is quite enjoyable, and fortunately, making your way through all nine circles of it provides the game with a decent length.

With the addition of Proto Man, a challenge mode, and an easy mode for beginners, Mega Man 10 has more to offer than 9 and can be fun for almost any player, not just the longtime fans.

The game is entertaining for five or ten minutes at a time and works well as a timewaster. If it was any more than 500 points I would say don't bother, but for the money, the game is a good value.

Greed Corp. is an excellent, user-friendly turn-based strategy title.

Believe me; you will care enough about these characters to want to see just how things play out differently each time. Heavy Rain potentially marks the beginning of something new in the industry and I hope the rain continues to fall.

The online mode is easy to use and can be replayed endlessly. The story mode is a nice bonus, but is only really good for a single playthrough.

With huge campaigns and multiple gameplay options, you won't be finished with Napoleon until the next Total War game is released.

I expect only hardcores and nostalgic gamers to truly enjoy the game. Everyone else will probably play it a handful of times and set it aside.

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.

A game this derivative can never be great, but it's really, really good.

There is a good amount of single-player content here, including multiple difficulty levels, and a large number of challenge missions. The inclusion of Wi-Fi multiplayer and single-cart game sharing rounds out this package as a must have for kart racing fans.

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 story and characters are a total wash, and the gameplay doesn't change up much. It's also a fairly short adventure for a console RPG. The battle system, however, is innovative and fun, sans a few extraneous additions. In the end, though, the package and the asking price don't match up well.

Diving, exploring, salvaging, and learning about ocean wildlife is actually quite satisfying. Of course, the lack of action makes this a niche title rather than one with particularly wide appeal.

The problems are pronounced and obvious, but somehow it has a charm and appeal that defies logic. This game is not for everyone. In fact, it won't be for most people. But, at an amazing value of twenty dollars, it may be a worthy investment for those that are bored of their current slate of games and are ready to put up with the numerous frustrations to experience the inane charm that Deadly Premonition offers, but don't say I didn't warn you.

It's not a fun-filled romp through a fantastic world - it's a test to divide the clever from the slow. Have fun, but all the same, buyer beware!

While I found the single-player campaign to be extremely lacking and short, the multiplayer component of FB3 helps to salvage this package by providing a replayable and enjoyable experience.

This is a mediocre effort in every sense of the word.

This is a mediocre effort in every sense of the word.

This is a mediocre effort in every sense of the word.

This is a nice, long adventure, one that feels more engaging than past games in the series. Replay, as always with the Ace Attorney games, is quite limited.

Tropico 3 offers gamers hours of strategic goodness on Xbox 360. However, playing by yourself will probably only hold your interest for short stints.

The deliberate pacing and educational value of simulating forensic investigations makes for a great adventure-style gameplay.

The single-player campaign is a long, text-filled, boring grind, and the multiplayer is even worse.

This program offers unlimited replay value for musicians and non-musicians alike.

This game is an entertaining experience full of mystery, well thought out cases, and clever, often comical dialogue. With around fifteen to twenty hours of gameplay to be had, the ten dollar price tag also seems quite cheap.

Not only is the price outrageous for the amount of game you're getting, but the game you're getting is absolutely terrible.

Darwinia+ has an interesting idea behind it, and its retro aesthetic and aural qualities are a great touch to the game's digital world. But given all the laborious gameplay, I would hesitate to recommend it to most. The multiplayer, exclusive to this XBLA release, might add a little bit of pizzaz.

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.

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.

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.

Much like last year's Demon's Souls, this title will mostly appeal to the hardcore sect. However, I think the development team has done a great job opening up the format.

It's about eight to ten hours of pure, fast-paced action no one should look down on, unless you're just not a fan of the genre. With such an appealing story and addictive gameplay, Dante's Inferno's only sin seems to be its shameless similarity to Sony's celebrated franchise.

It's about eight to ten hours of pure, fast-paced action no one should look down on, unless you're just not a fan of the genre. With such an appealing story and addictive gameplay, Dante's Inferno's only sin seems to be its shameless similarity to Sony's celebrated franchise.

Lengthy and varied single-player mode plus plenty of mini-games make Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll a good enough offering.

All told, World of Outlaws is a decent buy for fans of unforgiving racing games. It's not as exciting as an arcade racer, but it does a good job of mixing accessibility with realism and challenge. For $20, that's a pretty good deal.

If you have played the Xbox 360 version, then the International version probably won't be worth your while. If you haven't played the previous release, the extra features on the International version make it superior.

The game has some pretty cool features, even though many of them are old hat at this point. Overall, the package feels slapped together - more a proof of concept than an actual game. The location of most save points is sure to be a source of frustration for most folks, and ultimately, it's a game that begs to not be played.

If you enjoy platformers and want to go on the cheap, this is a game packed-full of original levels and fun gameplay. Plus, it offers co-op.

At least $3 of the $5 you spend will go to charity, and you'll get at least several hours' worth of play time.

If you can get a group of friends to partake of the Ad Hoc multiplayer mode, you will generate a bit more enjoyment from the game listening to your friends freak when they can't control their Core. Misery loves company.

Newcomers will probably find Call of Pripyat to be a less frustrating and more stable experience, while seeing the Zone's amazing environments with fresh eyes.

White Knight Chronicles does something that recent traditional RPGs have not: it has played it safe and close to genre conventions. While taking a worthwhile risk in the combat system , Level 5 doesn't stray from the old magic of what makes RPGs some of the greatest games published.

Global Agenda isn't an excellent game, but there is a lot of co-op and competitive fun to be had. In fact, the overwhelming vibe from current players is quite upbeat. Still, there's not enough content included with its purchase to keep you playing for months on end; you'll have to pony up the monthly fee for the Conquest mode to get any lasting appeal.

The chapter's final thrilling moments ratchet up to a ridiculous crescendo in one massive action-packed confrontation between the reanimated hero, his re-reanimated nemesis, and a whole bunch of other bony folks.

Hustle Kings is a pretty impressive game of pool. There are loads of options, more than I would have ever expected from a $10 game, and the mechanics are pretty much spot-on. The button sensitivity for fine-tuning shots could use some improvement, but otherwise the game is butter.

Whether you're paying $5 or $9.99, this is a worthwhile buy, providing hours of fun and lots of play options.

It's little more than Xbox 360 shovelware that no one's going to pick up. Do yourself a favor: If you absolutely must own Blood Bowl the video game, pick it up on PC. Not only will you save $10 bucks, you'll get an extra playable race, better controls, and a more vibrant community.

I commend the development team at BioWare for all the hard work that went into making this title not only shine but feel both familiar and completely fresh at the same time.

I commend the development team at BioWare for all the hard work that went into making this title not only shine but feel both familiar and completely fresh at the same time.

NMH2 is more akin to a shot of gaming adrenaline, delivering over the top action, entertaining minigames, and an enjoyably absurd storyline and characters directly into your veins without delay. If you're a fan of the original NMH or are just looking for a great action title, you definitely need to play this game.

A must-buy for fighting fans. Its balance, variety, accessibility, and depth are unmatched on the Wii, and it gives even fighters on other consoles a run for their money.

The bottom-line is that MAG is a game that requires a pretty serious time-commitment in order to enjoy. You won't get involved with the Shadow War until you've been playing for a while, and most of the individual leveling seems to be designed with hardcore players in mind, possibly taking hundreds of hours to fully level-up.

The story and adventure itself is actually solid enough to merit checking out if you're an adventure game fan, but everyone else will want to steer clear.

You get a lot of game for $15, but a ho-hum presentation and antiquated gameplay counterbalance the actual value of the package.

There are a lot of levels and unlockables to discover. Also, earning ranks and setting high scores could keep you busy for days. However, the multiplayer component is not well supported, and gameplay soon gets dull and repetitive.

You get a lot of game for $15, but a ho-hum presentation and antiquated gameplay counterbalance the actual value of the package.

The story is bad, the shooter elements are lackluster, enemies are repetitive, level design is confining, and vertical combat is a gimmick.

The story is bad, the shooter elements are lackluster, enemies are repetitive, level design is confining, and vertical combat is a gimmick.

The story is bad, the shooter elements are lackluster, enemies are repetitive, level design is confining, and vertical combat is a gimmick.

The collection quests and bonus UFO ending make this one you'll have to play through several times to get the full experience; ss long as you don't mind lots of running.

It's an unorthodox approach to Silent Hill, but Shattered Memories is certainly intriguing. Just be prepared for a more methodically paced, cerebral experience.

Our disappointment with the mini-games and minor pacing issues is ultimately outweighed by an innovative and enjoyable battle system. You'll get a lot of bang for your buck here too. The story is funny, the characters completely loveable, and the interface is a treat to tinker around with.

What's there is fun and feels well designed, but with only three levels it is over far too quickly.

Chronos Twins is a fairly lengthy experience, and one that feels incredibly unique, challenging, and ultimately satisfying.

It's short, addictive, and a wonderful novelty for gatherings. An online leaderboard would have been cool, but Wii owners are still getting a worthwhile addition to their library with this one.

Bottom-line: This is a game for completionists, leaderboard junkies, and glory hounds, though it should be noted that there are much simpler ways to proclaim one's video game superiority.

No deathmatch? What? Super old gameplay tenets and painful repetitiousness reign supreme here, which is what ultimately tanks the fun.

A solid, not groundbreaking, action experience for its fans. If you like to shoot stuff, and your friend does too, you've got a winner.

A solid, not groundbreaking, action experience for its fans. If you like to shoot stuff, and your friend does too, you've got a winner.

Bottom-line: This is a game for completionists, leaderboard junkies, and glory hounds, though it should be noted that there are much simpler ways to proclaim one's video game superiority.

Bottom-line: This is a game for completionists, leaderboard junkies, and glory hounds, though it should be noted that there are much simpler ways to proclaim one's video game superiority.

Though the game only lasts a dozen hours or so, and features mostly random battles, the story and the battle system make the experience worthwhile.

It's easy to get sucked into the story and find a lot to enjoy in the game's 18 action-packed missions.