Once again, the solid controls and polished presentation make the game enjoyable, but I can't help but feel like I've done all this before, less than a year ago... oh, that's right! I did.

It’s a generous presentation with lots to do… locally. Some of the extras are a worthy addition to the package, while others feel slapped together.

All in all, this one just can’t measure up to the heavy hitters.

All in all, this one just can’t measure up to the heavy hitters.

With almost no new features to speak of, there is little reason to do away with 2K8 and replace it with 2K9, other than the fact that it is, on its own, an enjoyable baseball game with new rosters.

With a ton of varied game modes, authenticity galore, near-perfect gameplay, and extensive yet somewhat glitchy online play, there's at a year's worth of content for you to swing through!

The story presentation isn't so hot, and the gameplay can get repetitive, but hunting for items, weapons, and gaining experience is addictive.

With just one substantial game mode, poor controls, and tacked-on unlockables, you'll get bored with this game in less than an hour.

This is a good pick for the younger gamers or casual players in your life. Beware, you just might find yourself enjoying it too.

If you're a PS3 fanboy and were a little bit jealous because your "Xbot" friends were loving it up with Gears of War 2, don't worry too much. Killzone 2 is every bit as engaging as that title is. In fact, the story and characters are much more interesting and, dare I say, the graphics are even better. However, the lack of co-op features is a substantial misstep; anyone who has gone through Gears 2's Horde mode, blasting away with their buddies can tell you that.

I love what Vicious Cycle and D3Publisher tried to accomplish with Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard. Unfortunately, the satire and humor isn't enough to save the title from its contrived gameplay.

I love what Vicious Cycle and D3Publisher tried to accomplish with Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard. Unfortunately, the satire and humor isn't enough to save the title from its contrived gameplay.

The game starts off slow but really pays off after turning pro. A lengthy career and the ability to take to the online slopes will keep you playing this one for longer than you may expect.

This is simply a blast to play, and there's a lot of replay value. The only problem is that the campaign is short, maybe five to seven hours.

This is simply a blast to play, and there's a lot of replay value. The only problem is that the campaign is short, maybe five to seven hours.

The first really great RPG on the Xbox 360 so far this year. Although series producer Yoshinori Yamagishi has said that it is the last in the series, I can't help but hope this is not the case and we can look forward to even more Star Ocean in the future.

It may not be on the same level as the original, but it holds its own among other Wii titles. Admittedly, this one is for newcomers instead of those already blood-soaked from the original.

Shellshock 2 is incredibly short, largely unsatisfying, and even painful to play at times.

Shellshock 2 is incredibly short, largely unsatisfying, and even painful to play at times.

The inclusion of both Ys I & II along with multiplayer functionality gives players a good bit to wade through. Although, the simplistic action-RPG mechanics aren't compelling enough for a second playthrough, even though multiple difficulty levels are offered.

The crew at Infinite Interactive did a fantastic job of continuing the Puzzle Quest series without letting it get bogged down in the mire of unoriginality. The story is great, the presentation is slick and polished, the puzzles are challenging, varied, and fresh, and the new setting really makes things unique.

It's the same puzzle over and over again, but the game stretches the concept to cover all sorts of different twists and turns.

It would be nice to have a decent third-person shooter on Wii, but Battle Rage isn’t even close to being that shooter. That’s a little disappointing, but hardly surprising for a console whose non-Nintendo offerings have been, with very few exceptions, embarrassing.

It proves that it's possible to make a decent FPS title at an affordable price with limited space resources. Sure, first-person shooters have been done before on the Wii and done better, but for $10 Onslaught is hard to resist.

Drakensang: The Dark Eye is a rare breed these days. It's not a hardcore RPG, but it still offers a lot of complexity. The beauty of the game is the way in which the developers tailored the gameplay to include newbies without dumbing-down the genre. Don't miss a chance to play a game marinated in the classic RPG tradition.

This game can be very addictive, but it's also a bit disappointing. There's no goal in the game other than making Girl grow, and there's no competition either.

Although the new format may turn off those who appreciated the old school feel of the original Blue Dragon, there is still a lot to like here, even if the story feels a little tacked-on.

Replay value is off the map. It's like two games in one with plenty to go back for.

There’s not a ton of depth in the package, and the $15 price tag seems steep, but frantically blowing away opponents is addictive enough to elicit numerous return trips to the mountains for more carnage.

All told, RACE Pro is a game that unashamedly aims at a niche market: dedicated sim fans who want the most realistic driving experience possible. The game delivers that experience just about perfectly, so it can be said to have accomplished its goal. The next step for SimBin, however, is to come up with a better presentation for its next console game.

The extensive character list, tried-and-true mechanics, gorgeous graphics, and quality play modes (including online battles) have updated this franchise in such a way that it feels both fresh and familiar. If you own a PS3 or Xbox 360, you simply have to go out and pick up Street Fighter IV - it will be remembered as one of the marquis fighting experiences of this generation of gaming.

The extensive character list, tried-and-true mechanics, gorgeous graphics, and quality play modes (including online battles) have updated this franchise in such a way that it feels both fresh and familiar. If you own a PS3 or Xbox 360, you simply have to go out and pick up Street Fighter IV - it will be remembered as one of the marquis fighting experiences of this generation of gaming.

The sheer amount of content in The Lost and Damned is truly impressive considering its modest twenty dollar asking price. With its lengthy single-player experience that provides a good amount of new content, while also shedding light on some of the events of GTA IV, as well as its enjoyable new multiplayer options, it would be impossible to not recommend this title to fans of the series. Hell, the inclusion of checkpoints in every mission throughout the expansion, avoiding the frustration experienced in GTA IV from having to drive back to every mission after failing, is worth it alone.

The game is short if you're only into a single run-through, but all the unlockables and multiple endings give this game serious legs.

Although it has been ported to the DS, Dragon Quest V is one of the biggest RPGs of all time, and it is certainly an adventure worth taking, even if it has taken more than a decade to be released!

An excellent DS debut and offers a solid introduction point to the series for new players. It refines and fine-tunes the gameplay to provide a largely enjoyable strategy adventure. The only major complaint is the game doesn't really bring anything new to the table, aside from changes made to properly utilize the DS hardware.

The game takes an innovative premise and executes it in a way that's incredibly frustrating to deal with. It's so frustrating, in fact, that few people will find it worth the $10 asking price.

But, if you don't mind taking some time out of your day to enjoy something completely different, with no real goal or objective, then Flower is definitely worth its $10 purchase price. With stunning visuals, a beautiful soundtrack, and relaxing gameplay, this title is one-of-a-kind and, as such, simply can't be missed!

But the improvements to the classic design are substantial, and they really make the gameplay more accessible.

As you can see, F.E.A.R. 2 is 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. Certainly the game is disturbing, but it is definitely not frightening.

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.

As you can see, F.E.A.R. 2 is 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.

Gameplay becomes redundant quickly. It's very unbalanced.

Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers was a total surprise for me. Before even playing the game, my arm was sore just thinking about the notion of gesture-based combat. However, I came away amused and delighted.

The carefully crafted animations always transmit the right feel at the right time, whether you're bouncing over a spongy surface, gliding through windy areas, or sliding on ice. Everything in this game is charming; it has a cheery vibe you won't be able to find elsewhere.

NASCAR Kart Racing is a solid kart racing game, but its biggest flaw is just that there's so little to make it stand out. It's so amazingly similar to Mario Kart Wii, and the latter is a better, more memorable game in every way possible.

Retro Game Challenge hearkens back to a time when 3D graphics didn't exist and video games were nowhere near as elaborate as the high-end affairs current-gen systems offer. Even so, the highly creative presentation is top-notch, and the varied gameplay will keep you busy for hours on end. This one's a must for retro gaming enthusiasts.

The House of the Dead: Overkill isn't an epic adventure, and it actually lacks a fair bit of polish - purposely or otherwise. However, it's just the breath of putrid air the Wii needed, and in many ways it speaks to exactly what the system is all about: short bursts of great entertainment.

My DoItAll is not extremely useful if you own a gazillion other gadgets with the same features, but if the DS is your best traveling pal, it's kind of nice to have a unit converter, calculator, and world map.

The most that can be said in support of Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad is that it's mildly amusing, at first, to slice through countless zombies in quick succession, while watching the blood fly. From there it's all downhill: the sex and blood represent a dedication to offense, not art; there's no technique required in the hardest immediately available difficulty; the game was poorly executed on a technical level.

The combat and motion controls are less than perfect, but the level design and cinematic storytelling really steal the show. Deadly Creatures offers a rare perspective that's very entertaining, if only for a brief time.

Despite finding quite a few things that proved substantially irritating at different moments, the battle-heavy action does indeed scratch an itch.

The presentation has some clever and fun touches, and frustration and blemishes not withstanding, fans of both puzzles and the macabre should definitely give the game a look.

Despite finding quite a few things that proved substantially irritating at different moments, the battle-heavy action does indeed scratch an itch.

Despite finding quite a few things that proved substantially irritating at different moments, the battle-heavy action does indeed scratch an itch.

The further you delve into the game's entrancing plot and ninja sneakiness, the more you'll come to appreciate its high points. Plus, who doesn't love being a ninja assassin?

R-Type Dimensions is an attempt to appeal to both retro gamers and newcomers. It's an unmitigated success when it comes to the former, and an unmitigated disaster for the latter.

My World My Way is definitely not going to win any awards for being complex or deep. However, this title has earned a special place in my heart because of its tongue-in-cheek story and fun, simplistic gameplay.

For many casual gamers, scrolling shooters are something to play online for free when there's time to kill. It will take a little more dedication to spend $30 on this collection, especially considering that leaderboards, perhaps the only reason to play for long periods of time, aren't available. For those looking for a unique take on a genre and willing to pay for it, however, these three games are worth at least a rental.

Of all the new tower defense games that have come out out recently, I have to say that I was very impressed with Savage Moon. Sure, it may not be a beauty in the graphics or audio department, but the layered combat and multitude of tactical options make Savage Moon a must for fans of the ever-evolving tower defense genre, and it isn't a bad choice for those who are interested in RTS-style games in general.

The simple action may get tiresome for those that don't put the time into learning the controls. Also, the game is quite short. Nevertheless, I had a blast cutting my way through, and have made this game part of my personal collection!

This may not be a must-buy, but it is a stylish action romp that will please a mature audience looking for laughs and an ass-kicking good time.

Kids who pick up SimAnimals on the DS will find it's easy to dive right into the accessible gameplay. The lack of variety in objectives and occasional controls problems might be less of an issue for these younger players who find the meat and potatoes of the game - attracting new cute animals to their forests - to be joyfully addictive.

While The Iron Triangle may not seem like it’s for everyone, with a little bit of patience and trial and error, even an action hero could rule the world.

Masochistic players who get excited over an extreme level of unfair challenge might find some mileage out of this title. However, most folks who'd find themselves drawn in by the game's concept and presentation will likely be put off by its grueling unfairness.

Electrified ninja swords, stealth armor, and a new gauss rifle are only a few of the goodies awaiting players. The vignette is an entertaining diversion, but the rewards for completing it are what make it truly worthwhile.

Other than the three or four hours of play you'll get out of Coraline, there isn't much left to be done.

Other than the three or four hours of play you'll get out of Coraline, there isn't much left to be done.

Running around, talking to different characters, and finding items for five hours just isn't very fun, and this game does a poor job of representing its eccentric source material.

DJ Max: Fever is not a better mousetrap, it's just a good mousetrap, and it's managed to hook a rat like me. I hate to end this review with a pun, but due to the rhythm genre and the insane difficulty level, this game is hard to beat.

Electrified ninja swords, stealth armor, and a new gauss rifle are only a few of the goodies awaiting players. The vignette is an entertaining diversion, but the rewards for completing it are what make it truly worthwhile.

Wonder World Amusement Park is one of the rare occasions where a handheld version is actually far better than the console edition. It's a decent themed mini-game collection with reasonable replay value and just enough charm to keep younger players busy for an hour or two at a time.

Big Bang Mini is a $20 title that will rival many of the top releases on the system in 2009.

For the most part, it's simplistic and lighthearted animal-based gameplay is fun and enjoyable. However, the gameplay is just too basic to make this title more than just that, which is a shame when titles like "Viva Pinata" and "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King" for the Wii offer better managerial-style gameplay.

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

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.

The Maw's a very good game, just don't expect it to rival a title such as Bionic Commando: Rearmed.

As it is, it is only middle-ground, very much a "what could have been!" Metafalss is an interesting place where you'd perhaps like to spend a weekend, but hardly anything more.

A few play modes add some variety, but it’s just not particularly challenging. The fun is fleeting.

Most quality RPGs can easily absorb dozens of hours of your time; Second Evolution doubles that with multiple playable character perspectives and a compelling tale that simply screams for a second playthrough.

There's so little offered in Hot Rod Show, it feels a lot like one of those trinkets you'd buy from a machine at the grocery store. Still, the game has an undeniable charm, and it's fun in extremely short bursts.

The Lord of the Rings: Conquest is a fun title that should keep many diehard fans, especially younger players, engaged. However, if you're looking for something with a bit more depth than button-mashing your way to glory, you will likely find the game shallow and frustrating.

Outside of the excellent split-screen and online multiplayer experience, Conquest doesn't substantially distinguish itself from games in the franchise released five years ago, and this holds the overall experience back.

While Pandemic Studios has attempted to bring their applauded formula to The Lord of the Rings in Conquest, the game is just missing too much finesse to impress most audiences.

Moon is by no means perfect; from the lack of variety in enemy types to the repetitive nature of the core gameplay and terrain types, there is room for improvement.

FusionFall is great for fans of the cartoons on Cartoon Network. This is a great way to get in to the mindset of playing an MMO. Having the anime feel and characters that you know and love is an added bonus. It’s not every day that you can play around inside an animated universe.

If anything, the only problem with Mirror's Edge is its relatively short story, which is only increased by the lack of a multiplayer component that does its gameplay justice. Nevertheless, Mirror's Edge is a solid and innovative title that takes the FPS genre and reminds it that things don't always need to stay the same.

An initially interesting concept falls apart quickly as the frustration level rises. Though there are many levels, wading through them quickly feels like a chore.

There will be little debate that Inkheart makes a better novel and a movie than it does a game. Don't let it break your heart.

A package that isn't completely terrible, nor is it remarkable in any way. The mini-games that are included are fairly simple to play and could have been a lot more fun if the controls had been fine-tuned. Conversely, while the controls can be frustrating at times they don't completely ruin the experience, especially when playing with friends.

While it is fairly short, simple, and not particularly impressive in any way, Interpol still somehow manages to be an enjoyable experience.

Without the game's being talked up so much over a period of ten months, and without the overconfident price point all that talk probably inspired, this would be a terrific value and an inspiration to indie developers everywhere. As it is, the too-easy levels, the lack of any limitations to make the puzzles more difficult, and the serious technical issues make Crayon Physics Deluxe a bit of a disappointment.

I can wholly recommend this game to a very narrow audience. For sportsmen gamers out there, we'll just have to wait for a game that utilizes Wii Motion Plus.

This game is little more than a lowbrow, yet humorous, thug-life simulator.

The three distinct arcade games offer some very fun and difficult casual gameplay, and the interactive element of playing all three on the same screen is simply brilliant. Puzzle addicts, arcade enthusiasts, and players seeking a solid and inexpensive multiplayer experience will find this WiiWare title fits the bill nicely.

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.