It's going to take some time to learn the ropes but there's a deep game with lots of replay value waiting for you when you become one with the control system.

There's quite a bit of platforming. All together, the levels could take over fifteen hours, which is about normal for a game of its type. More importantly, the experience is top notch all the way.

But gameplay is no better this year than it was last year and everything else is quite poorly done.

The game isn't particularly long, and the lack of substantial side-missions hurts this game's replay ability overall. Still, the story mode experience is good enough that the time you do spend with Mafia II is well-spent.

Going into Star Ocean: First Departure with the expectation of finding an adventure that's in line with current generation RPG fare is going to result in disappointment, but the strong genre mechanics are all here, well-oiled, and mostly in good working order.

Even with its heavy puzzle element, Destination: Treasure Island is a grand adventure. If players don't get snagged up on the rocks of a few of the tougher puzzles, they should be able to make it through the game in several sittings; once you get hooked you'll hardly want to break for the bathroom.

Just a darn good game unto itself... The framerate runs at an unbelievably smooth 60 fps and allows for some very fast and clean looking tracks.

While not every game included plays as smooth as others, the wide collection and the added features makes this one a must own for any fan of the classic games.

The story has lots of potential but unfortunately the game kind of loses sight of Red as it introduces several incidental characters forcing you to play through their perspective. Aside from adding some variety to the game it really detracts from the main storyline.

A competent shooter. It has some good ideas that are unfortunately marred by repetitive gameplay and out-of-place puzzle elements. Its true strengths lie in its interesting setting and fast-paced gameplay.

Like having an arcade in your own home. Maybe not the best arcade in town but more like the cheesy one you might recall on the wrong side of the tracks next to the 24-hour bowling alley and laundromat.

The Canyon Duel and the returning Drift Race, which has been absent in recent years, are both exciting and engaging additions to the already impressive list of race types carried over from "Most Wanted."

It all boils down to the controls. When you have the capability to utilize the innovative controls of the Wii, sure use them to the fullest extent, but don't leave the casual gamer in the powder while you do it.

The advanced controls still need about a year to really nail the feel of the game, but the franchise mode lived up to the hype. Fans willing to give the controls a chance will not be disappointed and the prospects of next years offering are already exciting.

An uninspired action adventure game that rehashes the same old elements that we've seen throughout the series. There is little combat and what is offered is limited by a few moves and combos which are all practically divulged at the outset.

The controls (at least for the Wii) still need some tightening, but Ubisoft is doing a great job with each installment, adding some new modes, adjusting things that may not have succeeded in the past, and delivering a consistently fun rhythm game in a genre that seems ready to be put out to pasture.

DOA5 lives up to the phrase "fighting entertainment" by being a game that trades mechanical depth for accessibility and flash. It's very friendly to mashing, boasts a very simple fighting system without any hidden mechanics, and wraps every match in a dazzling spectacle. It's almost like a Michael Bay version of a fighting game; you don't have to think about it too hard but that's why it's so entertaining.

There are dozens of animals to try out and level up, a deeper than expected strategy to maximize your end score, and a ton of replay value for only fifteen bucks.

Lack of replay value relegates this game to a rental.

On one hand it's the most innovative PSP game ever created and on the other it just doesn't carry through on its promise of entertainment value due to the repetitive nature of the single player mission and the lackluster online mode.

Actually pretty fun, and considering that the game is only twelve dollars on the PlayStation Network, it's a pretty good deal if you are looking for a 2D run and gun shooter. It's no Contra, that's for sure, but it's tongue-in-cheek, goofy, and generally enjoyable.

A major difference in this game is that there is no time limit. You can take as long as like to wrap up the case. This time the story is more involved and convoluted. It's not as straightforward as it seems at first.

Just about every aspect of Darkwatch is cool. The environments are cool, the weapons are cool, the characters are cool and while the gameplay is not unique it's definitely one of the best first-person shooters on the Xbox and PS2. The controls alone are worth the price of admission.

Tin Soldiers: Julius Caesar lets the little nerd in you run free without the possibility of getting caught and pigeonholed for life. Just remember to hide the lightsaber under the cough when company drops in.

A solid effort and enough to keep you interested but only if you're into the multi-player modes.

Just don’t expect this episode to feel rewarding. Look at it as something you have to do for the inevitable finale.

For 19.99 OG 2 is a blast to play on or offline. For those old enough to play it lives up to the rest of the other Outlaw titles.

It's a well-thought-out game with responsive controls and a magnificent roster. It's the first game that I can confidently say gives Smash Brothers a run for its money. However, it's not perfect, and it certainly doesn't hold a candle to more balanced hardcore fighters on the market like Street Fighter, BlazBlue, Tekken, or Skullgirls.

This isn't an amazing game, but it is an engaging one. Improving your PQ scores is gratifying, and uploading them onto the PQ2 servers and comparing them to other gamers will be a humble experience.

The controller is a far superior input, the interface is much cleaner and more accessible, the voice chat is ideal for grouping, the subscription is now free, and it brings the MMO genre to the console platform that has few competitors at present.

Exceed is much more difficult than the standard dance games. The difficulty ranking goes from normal to nightmare and all points in between.

Legions is incredibly fun, but the serious lack of modes will end your experience far too early.

I would heartily recommend this game to anyone but I hesitate to recommend a purchase because it's not huge on replay value unless you're into the whole "high score" competition thing. But definitely go out of your way to rent it.

There's a good amount of gameplay involved, and it's a great showcase for the PlayStation Move controller. It's a good value for the dollar.

I can only recommend this title to Guitar Hero enthusiasts that feel the band side of their collection is sorely missing the tracks included with this release. Everyone else out there could just as easily hold out for Guitar Hero 5, or wait for Smash Hits to hit the bargain bin or used section of their favorite game store.

The platforming is absolutely satisfying, but the simplified combat scheme and occasional glitches will leave you wanting for more. Challenge mode and unlockable Ezio skin (via UPlay) extend replay value ever-so-slightly.

Minecraft Dungeons is a rare sort of game that’s probably only possible due to the Minecraft brand’s phenomenal success. RPGs are a relative niche, and historically you’re just supposed to happen upon them and sink or swim. Sure, there’s stuff like Pokemon, but there isn’t really an equivalent for the likes of Diablo. Mojang Studios has used Minecraft as a sort of vessel, with which they can teach that demographic the basic ins and outs of a new genre. And oldheads like myself who live and breathe this stuff can appreciate that mission, especially if they have kids to share it with. Minecraft Dungeons won’t do much for you if you’re looking for a new, true blue dungeon crawler. But if you have a little one to tag along on your expeditions, this is an accessible, cheerful, and polished romp perfect for extra bonding time.

The lack of overall polish is inexcusable.

Those who have been longing to complete their Samurai Shodown collection and its cast of legendary characters should pick this one up.

Like all Harvest Moon games, there is considerable depth to the farming/livestock element, and the relationship sim aspects can add some replay value for committed individuals.

This game is a renter for a few nights. Then use the money you saved or ask Santa for something that has a bit more depth, better graphics and game-play.

I'd recommend "Gundam" or "Armored Core" for better anime robot-fighting value.

Don't let all the razzle and dazzle fool you, underneath this shiny new-looking game is an old creaky, termite-chewed, wooden platform just waiting to collapse under the weight of all the additions on top of it.

I also have to wonder after 3 years why the game still has some things that have not been fixed? It's not that Fever is a bad game. It just seems to be missing that final polished look and play about it.

There's a large amount of content here, and the high level of difficulty will keep you playing for a very long time if you're dedicated enough to stick with it. Players will either love or hate this game, so try out the demo to see where you fall.

Personally, I think that Telltale's designers are spreading themselves too thin by including four main characters, each in a different setting, each with a different goal. Since they devote the same amount of time to each character, it ends up feeling as if very little is accomplished by any of them.

Scrapland has virtually everything that you could wish for in a game although a little more gameplay variety would be welcome. It's loaded with humor, action, great graphics, interesting characters and a kicking soundtrack.

I don't expect this game to be a smash hit because it is a simple cops and robbers chase arcade that's off the commercial radar. However, the game is a lot of mindless fun.

It is not quite ready for the big time, but at least it is not the Sam Bowie of video games like "Live 07."

Let it be said that the PSP version of Yggdra Union is the definitive version. It’s a great game, but once you’re done with it, you won’t likely be back for a visit. The focus is on battling, and, frankly, you’ll have had enough of it by the time you reach the end.

My advice is that if you pick up just one Naruto title this year, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 will be your best bet.

Get beyond poor controls and there's a lot to unlock and do here.

Despite the WWII shooter genre reaching its expiration date ages ago, Heroes offers a well-produced, refreshing experience. And while the dated visuals are as stale as ever, the implementation of the Wii controls drive the genre in an exciting direction. In fact, we enjoyed Heroes much more than the franchise's recent next-gen debut Airborne.

Hammerin Hero is almost guaranteed to disappoint any gamer that purchases it due to the short length, repetitive gameplay, and lack of replay value. But, it does make the perfect rental, and is highly recommended for a brief rendezvous.

The gameplay is actually deep but I do have a bit of a conundrum with the controls. They are simple to use but at the expense of what could have been an even deeper game.

Should be seen as the greatest game in a long line of excellent golf titles. This game is the culmination of six years of genre dominance. The new team game modes are fresh and fun, while the structure of the Team Tour is a perfect blend of team management and in-game strategy.

If you're looking for a good-spirited hack and slash/exploration game or just something to have a fun time playing with a younger gamer, then be sure to give Mini Ninjas a try.

There's not a staggering amount of content here, but there's plenty of unique things to do here to keep you busy during your workout though. There's not enough of a "game" to subtly convince you to continue on.

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.

All-in-all, Killzone: Shadow Fall brings more good things to the table than bad, and a robust multiplayer component gives it a lot of playability past the campaign.

I have long been over Battlefield’s traditional military shooter roots, and since Hardline breaks from that formula, I enjoyed it far more than I have any other Battlefield title yet. If you are looking for something different and experimental, and you enjoy single-player more than multiplayer, then Battlefield: Hardline is a pretty good recommendation for you.

Essentially, Puchi Puchi Virus is a refreshing, innovative, and fun game, and it’s easily worth a buy for the DS-owning puzzle fan.

Blending action, stealth and driving elements, the game offers plenty of variety. Fortunately it's all well balanced.

The graphics themselves are good but not befitting of the Xbox. The gameplay is challenging to an extent but is more targeted at novice gamers.

The game could have been "padded" to be about twice as long but the results would have been an inconsistent game. This way the game is short and sweet and top drawer all the way.

As good as the game is, this one will take time to beat no matter your skill level. There was one thing that had me a little disappointed and that was the trick controls.

Luminous Arc 2 stands out enough in its own right as a charming tactical title that it should provide gamers with plenty of hours of satisfying, strategy-centric role playing.

WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase doesn't improve the series as far as gameplay or visuals. It's all the same wacky stuff, packed with 2-5 second games that get faster and faster till you lose. Still, between the 70+ new micro-games and the downloadable ones, plus the ability to transfer the DS creations to the big screen, there's a good value in this title, which makes it better than the mere "showcase" the name implies.

After you liberate the island and eliminate the dictator, there is simply no other reason to put the disk back in your system. The island looks pretty and there are plenty of attractions to see, but once you spend a little time there, you are ready to leave.

With plenty of new tasks to accomplish, people to find, and lands to explore, there is little more you could ask for in terms of content.

Its appeal is limited to a select audience who will appreciate it for exactly what it is: a trip down the blast processing memory lane. And if you know just what the heck "blast processing" refers to, you're a hardcore oldtimer and should reward yourself with this cool collection.

A compelling if uninventive experience. Working in concert, this game's tired, uninspired mechanics still manage to get the job done; the whole is definitely more than the sum of its parts.

It offers both a substantial kart racing experience and a heaping serving of that LBP flavor we've grown to love. It's not perfect, but it's an absolute blast.

The series has been truly moved into the next generation with a step up in visuals, sound quality, and wide-open level design. Thankfully, the gameplay will seem familiar and will be quickly mastered by anyone who's played the series before.

A watered down puzzle/platformer that has little in common beyond the appearance of Mario's dino buddy.

While the amount of content included in this DLC is substantial-definitely worth the twenty bucks-it's also riddled with bugs, and a few of those make it damn near unplayable. It's frustrating, at the very least.

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.

A solid platformer. It's fun to play and addictive, and its charming spirit easily overcomes its numerous problems.

It's a fun game, but you'll get bored with it pretty quickly.

Project Spark is a very good game, certainly worth your time, and since it’s free-to-play it’s also worth your money. However, it’s also a frustrating game, requiring hours of devotion in order to make something worthwhile, and even MORE hours of devotion to grind out the items you need for your Magnum Opus.

2016’s Battlefield 1 was a refreshing revisit to the first World War that introduced new elements to the genre. Battlefield V refines some of those features, but doesn’t break any new innovative ground. It has enough content to keep you occupied, possesses a decent progression system that keeps you invested, and will receive free future DLC without a whiff of loot crates or microtransactions. However, it follows an expected blueprint that may quickly grow stale for players looking for a fresh FPS experience.

Operation Arrowhead is a realistic combat simulation game that still suffers from a variety of technical bugs, just like the original. There is a great amount of fun hiding under the surface, which requires patience and time to find and appreciate.

Another strong aspect of the game is the realistic weather effects that will have a huge impact on your race.

A game that has incorporated some of the best elements from action adventure and RTS games and has delivered a concentrated strain of shooting action in the distillation process. It may lack depth but I don't think you'll hear too many complaints.

It's like exhuming a dead relative only to find that he can't shake his state of decay or that rotting smell. Okay it's not that bad, but I couldn't resist a little tasteless metaphor.

Pokemon Colosseum doesn't go overboard with these new features however. It's probably the least amount of innovations and updates that a game can get away with and still call itself a new game.

Each of the four playable movies is expansive and features plenty of collection quests and hidden content. Re-plays are a must with unlockable characters.

Unless you happen to be an enemy of all things cool and funny, the first installment of Strong Bad is where it's at. This new monthly series shows tons of promise, and the next episode, Strong Badia the Free, looks even more delightfully ludicrous.

The Lumines series is a great puzzle game series, but Lumines Plus should not be in your collection unless you don't have and do not plan to purchase a PSP.

Gun Showdown portrays the Wild Frontier with a realism that was missed in those old Spaghetti Westerns of the 60s and 70s.

If you like Queen and Singstar, then this is definitely one to get. Though I can't imagine playing it for more than a few hours, it should be a hit at parties.

A somewhat subpar FPS filled with enemies who when they did decide to shoot first, did so with an accuracy that was in direct contrast of their abilities to walk into a room without trouble.

The interface couldn't be easier to use. The first few hours of the story mode is basically a tutorial introducing you to the control system. The tutorial is so subtle, and the interface so intuitive, you'll be playing like a Sims vet in no time, even if you have no previous Sims experience.

One things is clear with NES Remix 2. It is absolutely superior to NES Remix. The assortment of offered games, inclusion of a modified version of Super Luigi Bros., and Championship Mode assure it. Yet, the lag that plagues many of the challenges can be criminal and it's a shame that the emulation issues are present.

Folks whose interest piques upon hearing the words “political simulator” and missed the original would do well to give the 2008 edition a shot.

Urban Chaos is definitely worth a rental. If you’re good, there’s no reason that you can’t complete it in a weekend. There are plenty of side missions that will extend the replay value if you purchase the game and want to wring every second of enjoyment out of it, but you don’t have to take on these side missions if you just want to blast your way through it.

The survival mode adds more play time to the title, although it would have been nice if the campaign would have had more than just ten levels.

Full Burst may not be as cinematic as games like Heavy Rain and Beyond Two Souls, but make no mistake, the whole purpose of this game is to watch the Naruto plotline unfold again… this time with funny costumes!