A Witch's Tale isn't a bad game. However, it is a generic game. In fact, if being generic was an Olympic sport, A Witch's Tale would definitely be a gold medalist.

There is just so little content and the levels are so repetitive that Wild Things spends its cache of charm in the first few minutes, and once its gone, you'll be left asking yourself one question: When did the Wild Rumpus get so boring?

There is just so little content and the levels are so repetitive that Wild Things spends its cache of charm in the first few minutes, and once its gone, you'll be left asking yourself one question: When did the Wild Rumpus get so boring?

Clocking in at around five or six hours, depending upon your commitment to nabbing hidden items, the experience is short-lived. The adventure is rock solid, though, in spite of some repetition. The game's high points are sure to shine especially bright for anyone who loved the book growing up.

A fun, fast, frenetic game that is truly unique.

As it is, it’s a fascinating combination of different gameplay elements, and it works surprisingly well. Anyone who likes swordfighting, the freedom of an open-world, and the opportunity to shape a story would be well-advised to pick it up.

It's still possible to have fun racing in this game, but given the steep learning curve and plethora of other Wii racing options, there's no answer to the question of, "Why bother?"

Racing game of the year? Definitely not. A decent effort that will entertain kids and tide fans of the movie and original game over until Cars 2? Definitely.

Racing game of the year? Definitely not. A decent effort that will entertain kids and tide fans of the movie and original game over until Cars 2? Definitely.

There's certainly no shortage of content in Race-O-Rama, and quite a few of the tracks are truly enjoyable. However, the overworld has had little love put into it, and there are many minor issues and bugs that come together to create a fairly uninspired package.

There's certainly no shortage of content in Race-O-Rama, and quite a few of the tracks are truly enjoyable. However, the overworld has had little love put into it, and there are many minor issues and bugs that come together to create a fairly uninspired package.

While Explorers of Sky would be a decent game if it were judged in a vacuum, when viewed alongside Explorers of Time / Darkness, there simply isn't enough unique, quality content to make it relevant. This is perhaps one of the worst values in gaming I've ever seen.

This addictive puzzle game is lots of fun and comes loaded with dozens of adventure, puzzle, and challenge stages as well as local and online multiplayer gameplay. Best of all, it's super cheap!

There's a lot of replay value, but it's ridiculously frustrating to get through this game the first time.

There's a lot of replay value, but it's ridiculously frustrating to get through this game the first time.

Quite a few levels to play through. Online play and challenge levels are nice, though the overall experience is rather short.

The stiff challenge of the single-player campaign and the quality, if not perfect, multiplayer component will keep skilled, patient gamers playing for hours. Unfortunately, this experience simply isn't tailored for home consoles.

The stiff challenge of the single-player campaign and the deep multiplayer component will keep skilled, patient gamers playing for hours.

While neither the mission mode nor story mode have any outstanding elements, the game works well enough, and if you have to get your Ninja on with the PSP, Akatsuki Rising is your best bet.

The adventure is a respectable length, but it's a slog getting through. The off-line Sporepedia is kind of pointless, as are the multiplayer arena battles, since battling offers no shred of enjoyment.

Spore Hero Arena's premise of designing creatures for the purpose of arena fighting is a good one, but the execution is a bit off here. The endless series of unexciting tasks brings the game down and often makes it feel like a cash-in.

The game may be long but every level seems the same as the last, making it feel more like a repetitive endurance run than a game.

The game may be long but every level seems the same as the last, making it feel more like a repetitive endurance run than a game.

The obligatory checklist of unlockables is present here, but it's not enough to really sweeten the pot. The gameplay feels like it was phoned in to the programmers by the creative team, and the overall execution is really sloppy.

The obligatory checklist of unlockables is present here, but it's not enough to really sweeten the pot. The gameplay feels like it was phoned in to the programmers by the creative team, and the overall execution is really sloppy.

There are enough gameplay elements to take your mind off how bad this game is for a while, but it eventually catches up to you.

The game may be long but every level seems the same as the last, making it feel more like a repetitive endurance run than a game.

The innovations here, particularly the cover system, open up a world of possibility, but it doesn't seem like the developers were up to exploring too much of that world.

Between its active battle system and its online functionality, there is a whole lot that separates Demon's Souls from other games in the dungeon-crawling genre, bringing it into the current generation.

In the end this game feels less like a thrilling adventure and more like an eight to ten hour endurance test.

In the end this game feels less like a thrilling adventure and more like an eight to ten hour endurance test. It's a good looking game, though the visuals will never 'wow'.

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

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

NBA Live 10 is not much of an improvement over Live 9. The numerous modes and multiplayer component don't make up for the flawed control scheme. Best rent this game first if you think you can't pass it up.

NBA 2K10 is a fantastic, fun, and deep representation of the NBA experience. While it may be too much for a very casual basketball fan looking for an arcade experience and instant gratification, 2K10 will certainly appeal to longtime fans.

NBA 2K10 is a fantastic, fun, and deep representation of the NBA experience. While it may be too much for a very casual basketball fan looking for an arcade experience and instant gratification, 2K10 will certainly appeal to longtime fans.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that I didn't enjoy my time with this game at all. In the end, the game of basketball on offer in NBA 10: The Inside for the PSP simply isn't the complex, free-flowing sport it should be.

The stiff challenge of the single-player campaign and the quality, if not perfect, multiplayer component will keep skilled, patient gamers playing for hours. Unfortunately, this experience simply isn't tailored for home consoles.

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!

Faranga is a finely crafted setting for what ultimately turns into a tremendously deep and very satisfying fantasy RPG. It has a few shortcomings; they're largely forgivable, once you get lost in the adventure.

It's a nice little diversion, one that adds a decent twist to an old classic arcade game. Sometimes being a reasonable time-waster is all that a game needs to accomplish.

However, Polyphony Digital has not only delivered on their promise to make a great portable Gran Turismo, they have created the best portable racer this generation.

So if you're itching for a decent survival horror game on the go and can deal with the "teen slasher film" feel and storyline, OTA is a pretty good choice.

Between the new maps, new towers, and the online capabilities, there is plenty of new content and features for diehard fans to experience in this new version.

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.

Dead Space: Extraction is everything EA promised Wii owners. Rather than getting a dumbed down experience, the developers were able to play to the console's strengths, bringing an electric, scary, and polished mature entry to the platform.

The experiment is largely a success, and anyone with even a passing interest in the MySims franchise will find Agents' adorable characters, funny story, and other endearing qualities outweigh any minor foibles that arise along the way.

If you must experience MySims Agents, it looks like the Wii version is going to be your best bet, as the DS version just doesn't get the job done.

All in all, this is a great title, not only for the PSP, but in general. Players will really enjoy all the polish that has gone into the game, the quality tracks, the different vehicles, the varied game modes, multiplayer and leaderboard support, all the unlockables, etc.

Were there an online community for Deca Sports 2, the hockey alone might be a selling point. Ultimately, though, the game will only serve to remind people of the value of Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 has enough extra content and polish to make it the hands down, definitive version of the game.

Undead Knights' frustrating control moments and sometimes dull design elements don't completely outweigh its violent charm. The gruesome, dark premise is slick and the underlying gameplay is definitely enjoyable in short bursts.

Aside from the story, 358/2 Days still has the signature Kingdom Hearts style of action RPG combat, which is a boon all by itself. The more strategic leveling system also helps keep this title feeling fresh, and the multiplayer options are just icing on the cake.

The presentation is solid, though it also feels pretty light. Were the game not so difficult, most players would zip through it in only a handful of hours. With a few tweaks, Tornado Outbreak would make an excellent WiiWare title.

A lengthy campaign, extra modes, and multiplayer. In a Call of Duty game. What's not to like?

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.

Battle of Giants: Dragons is a pretty tight package, but it's presented with little consideration for the player. The gameplay is absurdly obtuse, with objectives that amount to little more than slowly meandering through uneventful levels and engaging in battles that yield little reward.

The co-op multiplayer experience, well-implemented theme, and arcade price means it's a nice bit of valuable fun to pull out when your buddies come calling.

The co-op multiplayer experience, well-implemented theme, and arcade price means it's a nice bit of valuable fun to pull out when your buddies come calling.

Aion is one of the best, most well-polished MMORPGs to be released in a long time, which is reinforced by its popularity and hype. It stays within the traditions of an aging genre and makes sure to maximize on it at the same time. Nevertheless, its lack of unique components doesn't help set it apart from the competition, and calls into question Aion's ability to establish a solid, faithful, and long-lasting community.

Overall, Order of War asks consumers to forgive quite a few major gameplay errors in favor of a $10 price cut from the PC standard MSRP. This is a game that will be a tough sell for anybody who is a veteran of real-time strategy games, but it's not entirely bad. The right type of gamer (RTS newcomer/casual tactician) will be able to have some fun with it.

It's absolutely great for fans.

While ODST is my personal favorite Halo single-player campaign to date, it is a tad short at only six hours. Luckily, it is still excellent despite its length and has a ton of great multiplayer content to fall back on for replayability and longevity.

A highly polished JRPG that is a must-play for fans of the Persona series. Although the visuals do look a little dated, the gameplay is as solid as the most modern entries in the series and certainly won't disappoint fans or newcomers.

Honestly, a game based on cyborg spies should be far more entertaining than what Spyborgs provides.

This really is the best version of virtual pinball currently available on the market. With its spot-on controls and gameplay, authentic-looking and sounding tables, HD visuals, online leaderboards, and sheer variety of tables to choose from, TWC is the quintessential game for any pinball fan.

This really is the best version of virtual pinball currently available on the market. With its spot-on controls and gameplay, authentic-looking and sounding tables, HD visuals, online leaderboards, and sheer variety of tables to choose from, TWC is the quintessential game for any pinball fan.

The fighting mechanics are tight and responsive, in spite of a few technical shortcomings. It doesn’t feel weighty enough or polished enough to warrant a $50 price tag, but TMNT and Brawl fans alike might still get their money’s worth.

Smash-up’s online gameplay is more functional than Brawl, though it still doesn’t live up to expectations. The extras and unlockables aren’t that interesting, but the game’s good fun when played locally with friends.

Scooby Doo! First Frights goes where many games have gone before, but it's a respectable title fans should enjoy. Levels are often huge and interesting to explore, and ultimately, the developers make fun use of the license.

Scooby Doo! First Frights goes where many games have gone before, but it's a respectable title fans should enjoy. Levels are often huge and interesting to explore, and ultimately, the developers make fun use of the license.

Play this game for the rest of your life if you want.

The fun 8-bit plot scenes and gadget based levels offer kids plenty of fun gameplay, and the option of co-op play and collection quests make this an easy choice for older kids to really get into. However, the short gameplay time and repetitive vocal and graphical elements of the title make it a bit hard to recommend at a $50 price point.

The fun 8-bit plot scenes and gadget based levels offer kids plenty of fun gameplay, and the option of co-op play and collection quests make this an easy choice for older kids to really get into. However, the short gameplay time and repetitive vocal and graphical elements of the title make it a bit hard to recommend at a $50 price point.

Majesty 2 brings some fresh updates and spruces up the overall gameplay to make up for almost an entire decade of technological advances in between the games. It isn't cutting edge by any means, but the modern touch will no doubt bring many new players into the fold. They won't be disappointed.

There's a lot of fun and depth to be found here for the right gamer. Furthermore, the bargain price is a real treat! Still, not everyone will enjoy this game - it's definitely for fans of arcade shooters.

Commander's Challenge is a game that requires a tremendous amount of patience, skill, determination, trial and error, and plenty of luck.

Wet is a very good game that any fan of shooters will enjoy.

Wet is a very good game that any fan of shooters will enjoy.

I can say with confidence and cannot stress enough, Batman: Arkham Asylum is, without a doubt, the best Batman game ever created. It does more than give you the Batman game you want, it gives you a video game that you could play repeatedly, even if it didn't have the caped and cowled Dark Knight in it.

The shallow battle system makes the single-player mode boring, and while the story mode is interesting, it isn’t all that long and doesn’t cover much new ground.

Though this game will certainly please longtime fans of the franchise with it's original story, the lackluster RPG format relegates this title to the "fans only" designation.

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

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

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

If it's fast-paced racing you crave, and you don't care about adjusting every nut and bolt on your car, then Shift is an excellent game that exceeds expectations in all areas.

NHL 10 is one hell of a good hockey game. It nails playability, presentation, gameplay variety, online options, and realism. It also is one of the best local multiplayer sporting experiences available.

NHL 10 is one hell of a good hockey game. It nails playability, presentation, gameplay variety, online options, and realism. It also is one of the best local multiplayer sporting experiences available.

Multiplayer modes are limited, though the dogfights and team battles for up to 16 players are still quite fun. It's satisfying taking down an enemy plane when you know there's a human cursing you out from his burning cockpit on the other end.

Multiplayer modes are limited, though the dogfights and team battles for up to 16 players are still quite fun. It's satisfying taking down an enemy plane when you know there's a human cursing you out from his burning cockpit on the other end.

It's hard to recommend a game when there is a clearly superior alternative on the market that does everything so wonderfully. NHL 2K10 isn't bad and it is poised to make a run at the EA franchise sooner rather than later. But for this year, unless you are completely adverse to anything other than a quick arcade hockey fix, NHL 10 is the game to get.

It's hard to recommend a game when there is a clearly superior alternative on the market that does everything so wonderfully. NHL 2K10 isn't bad and it is poised to make a run at the EA franchise sooner rather than later. But for this year, unless you are completely adverse to anything other than a quick arcade hockey fix, NHL 10 is the game to get.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, it just tightens a few of the lug nuts.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, it just tightens a few of the lug nuts.

Despite the acceptable graphics and high-quality story, this one's not worth your while.

That rant out of the way, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 for the Nintendo DS is a fun game that has the most to offer when played cooperatively. The biggest flaw, beyond the minor aforementioned annoyances and distractions, is when you boil it all down this is a game intended for the consoles and that is where it excels.

Combat can be mildly entertaining for a short while, and there is a neat selection of superpowers to tinker with. In the end, though, the game's problems are piled sky high, making it simply too frustrating to be worth bothering with.

What's on offer here is pretty fun, regardless of what age you are. The game makes smart use of its few mechanics, and the missions are a nice, quick burst of entertainment. There's very little under the hood, though, and not much incentive to retread levels.