F.E.A.R. on Xbox 360 gets high marks for atmosphere, graphics, and enemy A.I., but a stern finger-waving for a lack of a structured internet lobby or buddy system. FPS fans looking for quick frights, superior enemy A.I. and tons of weaponry should look no further.

All of the characters in Iconoclasts have a lot of personality, there are multiple difficulty levels, and I always felt like I had a reason to return to previously explored areas to use new skills to reach different places.

If MMOs are what you enjoy, Warhammer Online is one of the best on the market. It may not have a new combat system built from the ground up, or flashy next-generation graphics, but its success without those two elements is a feat in its own right.

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.

This is the Monster Hunter game for the world. There is no better entry point for beginners and no better magnum opus for the series.

Series fans will find that Rune Factory far exceeds their expectations. The inclusion of combat, magic, and other RPG elements greatly expand on an excellent game design that will feel familiar, if not significantly improved, to many players.

EA has seemingly done the impossible by revamping the game in a way that not only increases the realism, but also improves the gameplay.

The game is extremely expansive, and features just as much value as (if not a little bit more than) the original.

Though you can power through the game's platforming levels in a day or two, getting 100% of all the goodies will take some time, and the endless community offerings should keep you busy for months to come.

EA has seemingly done the impossible by revamping the game in a way that not only increases the realism, but also improves the gameplay.

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.

Plain and simple, the game delivers. It’s not going to blow your mind in the way you think it should, but that’s exactly how EA Sports wants it. Like the forgotten rookie flying under the radar with an 80-point season, it’s impressive, but only if you know what you’re looking at.

The learning curve is steep for new players, and the new features will disorient veterans for the first few matches. But once you grasp the concepts, you won't want to loosen your grip on the mouse.

The Project Diva series has proven itself as one of the most challenging and robust rhythm games available. Project Diva F for the PS3 is a force to be reckoned with thanks to its 38 included tracks and unbelievably intricate song editor.

Chariots of the Dogs continues on in the same clever, funny, and endearing way as past cases, and it's one of the better entries in the series.

This is an action-packed fighting game that features incredibly powerful robots, albeit of very slight proportions.

Rock Band 3 is simply the best there is in the music genre.

Not only is the game technically solid but it's a real looker. It's easily the best looking console game ever.

It would be hard to find a better deal anywhere and you definitely won't be disappointed by what is in the Box.

Rock Band 3 is simply the best there is in the music genre.

Offering a new element to Red Dead Redemption, one of this year's best titles, Undead Nightmare refreshes everyone's mind on the title right during award season.

Rock Band 3 is simply the best there is in the music genre.

Braid is stellar and a true accomplishment. It not only represents the potential for more creative and innovative titles to reach the masses via downloadable service, but it stands as a game you won't forget.

A fantastic game. It improves upon last year's version in several ways, making this the best soccer simulator to ever hit store shelves. Whether you bought the game or not last year, it's definitely time to upgrade.

Overall, CW for the PSP is a slightly better version of the game than the DS original. Although the mini-games do feel a little out of place without touch-screen controls, everything else is just as good if not better than it was on the DS.

It isn’t perfect, with some characters who might look a little too familiar from past appearances, an incomplete Pokedex, but it is still has the same satisfying gameplay loop, array of characters to collect, and a series of gyms you’ll feel compelled to challenge. Pokemon Sword and Shield are a lot of fun and will get people thinking about things to come.

By adopting a laissez faire attitude to player discretion, Ubisoft has crafted a brilliant follow-up.

It isn’t perfect, with some characters who might look a little too familiar from past appearances, an incomplete Pokedex, but it is still has the same satisfying gameplay loop, array of characters to collect, and a series of gyms you’ll feel compelled to challenge. Pokemon Sword and Shield are a lot of fun and will get people thinking about things to come.

It isn’t perfect, with some characters who might look a little too familiar from past appearances, an incomplete Pokedex, but it is still has the same satisfying gameplay loop, array of characters to collect, and a series of gyms you’ll feel compelled to challenge. Pokemon Sword and Shield are a lot of fun and will get people thinking about things to come.

If you love music and you love video games-and especially if you love rhythm games-Sound Shapes is simply a must-buy title. For the low price of fifteen dollars, you could be creating that musical masterpiece you've always dreamed of but simply lacked the tools needed to compose it.

The sheer amount of content in The Lost and Damned is truly impressive considering its modest twenty dollar asking price.

Small criticisms aside, Fire Emblem: Awakening will have you hooked from the very beginning, and will be incredibly hard to put down throughout. You'll always want to take just one more turn to build more relationships, gain a level, forge a new item, and see what will happen next in the gripping narrative.

FNR4 is the most realistic video game portrayal of the sweet science to date as well as being incredibly enjoyable to play. It has improved upon the previous Fight Nights in every way imaginable.

The inclusion of Air Jordan, the improved dribbling and shot stick use, the ramped-up AI, and the TNT presentation means that there isn't much to dislike about NBA 2K11.

Taking into consideration the healthy challenge and the excellent online play, which completely eliminates ever having to attempt "Call of Duty 2's" shoddy, buggy, laggy online play, you won't go wrong with taking G.R.A.W. for a spin.

The consistent level of quality has never been a question with the series and the addictive nature of the gameplay always leaves you wanting more...You can bet that Portrait of Ruin will be one of my top-10, DS picks of 06.

Ultimately, NBA 2K11 brings a lot of freshness to the formula. The inclusion of Air Jordan, the improved dribbling and shot stick use, the ramped-up AI, and the TNT presentation means that there isn't much to dislike about NBA 2K11.

One of the best deals in gaming. All five games that are offered are a blast to play, and if Portal and Team Fortress 2 were fleshed out a little more, they could easily stand on their own. However, most gamers will not be angry at Valve for packaging all of the games together, giving a nearly complete Half Life 2 experience.

Dance Central 3 is one of the best, if not the best, game the Kinect has to offer, and yet there is still room to grow in Dance Central 4. Here's hoping the next game will have a more refined feedback system and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

The fighting system in BlazBlue is the deepest I have seen this generation, and the level of exploration that is possible within the combat is something that is rare indeed.

Offering a new element to Red Dead Redemption, one of this year's best titles, Undead Nightmare refreshes everyone's mind on the title right during award season.

I suppose the best way to describe Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is as a finishing move of its own. Though, it’d be a Friendship, rather than a Fatality. It’s in many ways a means of NetherRealm showing appreciation for the series’ history. The free additions pay tribute to the past by bringing back old moves in a gorgeous way. The paid elements give two more classic fighters a chance to return, Robocop a chance to dole out justice, and an even better capper to a story that gives returning fighters who showed up as DLC a place in the story. It’s all handled incredibly well and, to be honest, even people who just come back to the game for the massive free update and its balance updates and additions will be more than satisfied.

The effort put into the depth of control of this game is very apparent. Each of the four modes of racing controls in subtly different ways, and racing aficionados will definitely be able to tell the difference.

LittleBigPlanet is exactly the type of game that the Vita needs right now. It's equally playable in short bursts or marathon sessions, it uses the Vita's unique controls in ways that feel intuitive, and its creative tools and level sharing provide the potential for almost unlimited replayability.

None of these games is perfect, but all of them will draw you in, and for $20 most gamers would be insane to pass this up - provided they didn't already acquire these titles through XBLA.

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!

An excellent example of what can be done on the DS platform when a developer puts enough time and effort into a project.

A masterful title that is sure to scare the crap out of you. Plus, there are three modes of difficulty, so this is an experience that casual and hardcore gamers alike simply cannot miss. This is a highly polished and well-crafted title that transcends standard video gaming. Simply put, it is one of the best games I've ever played.

While the turn-based card battlin' combat might sound like the antithesis of edge-of-your-seat gaming, give Ac!d 2 a couple of hours of your undivided attention and I guarantee you'll be up to your eyes and ears in white-knuckle action.

It's one of the most intense action games available on the PS2 and it's just begging to be opened up and shot (figuratively of course). Even if you've beat the original; heck, even if you own the original, it's money well spent.

Dead Space, improved. Not just a great sequel, but a great horror game. Isaac's dementia and the underused impaling in combat mechanic are the only disappointments, and they're pretty slight.

Dead Space, improved. Not just a great sequel, but a great horror game. Isaac's dementia and the underused impaling in combat mechanic are the only disappointments, and they're pretty slight.

Dead Space, improved. Not just a great sequel, but a great horror game. Isaac's dementia and the underused impaling in combat mechanic are the only disappointments, and they're pretty slight.

The cutscenes, while possibly too numerous, are seamlessly integrated into the overall narrative in a way that often makes you forget when it's time to take control of your character.

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.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is one of the very best games to grace the Nintendo DS - it outdoes even its excellent predecessors. This game exudes quality at every turn, and it's easy to see it was developed with a remarkable amount of care and love.

FIFA 10 is a fantastic game. It improves upon last year's version in several ways, making this the best soccer simulator to ever hit store shelves. Whether you bought the game or not last year, it's definitely time to upgrade.

The culmination of amazing sound, throwback 8-bit cutscenes, excellent graphics, spotless presentation, and enough details from the 80’s to pack a game twice this size; Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon delivers on every front near flawlessly.

It's another Nintendo masterpiece with gorgeous and vibrant graphics, loads of original characters and enemies (both classic and new), beautiful and unique environments, classic Mario tunes, superb voice acting, amusing but challenging gameplay, engaging multiplayer action, and more.

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

The worst part about So Long My Love is that awful feeling when you realize that there are at least four other Sakura Wars games that have never come to America. I desperately need to return to the warm and happy world of Sakura, but the best I can hope for is a second (or third) playthrough that takes advantage of Sakura's branching storyline.

Though there is no real story to speak of, the fantastic tutorial makes up for it.

Even if you believe you've seen everything Revenge had to offer on the current gen consoles, this sleek revamped racing hottie will show you a few new tricks.

The excellent single-player campaign is loaded with goodies and can easily be played through a second time due to the inclusion of Infected Mode. The multiplayer offering sets the bar for competitive shooter gameplay on the PSP.

For football fans it simply cannot be missed. There are really no glaring faults at all. One would be hard-pressed to improve upon the graphics, controls, sounds, modes of play, varied content, and online play.

A quest mode that is fun and interesting, diverse set lists, and the inclusion of new power abilities will definitely find a special place with fans of the series.

The Coalition takes the template and heightens its controls and visuals to a level that puts other games fresh off the press to shame. It's the same great game you loved nearly a decade ago, it just looks and feels a whole lot better.

A quest mode that is fun and interesting, diverse set lists, and the inclusion of new power abilities will definitely find a special place with fans of the series.

A quest mode that is fun and interesting, diverse set lists, and the inclusion of new power abilities will definitely find a special place with fans of the series.

It is a great finish to a truly original tale, and a trilogy that anyone not already familiar with the series should absolutely purchase and enjoy.

This prequel has everything you've come to expect from God of War, just in a little disc and on a smaller screen.

I really cannot praise Skylanders: Giants enough. Last year's beginnings were just that, a launch pad for what was to become one of the most sought after collectibles of the 2011 holiday season. With tons of new and exciting things to do, new figures to collect, and the ability to use your previous Skylanders, it feels like someone finally got everything right when creating a sequel.

It is only March and I already know Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure is a very strong candidate for game of the year on Nintendo's handheld. The exciting adventure mode mixed up with the puzzle gameplay is a surprisingly good formula that's both entertaining and very rewarding.

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 team at Quantic proves that if games are made correctly, players will have an experience they will feel for many years to come. For this reason alone, I love this industry and those who constantly want to bring the best gaming experiences available, and Beyond: Two Souls is a perfect example of this.

Despite some really nit-picky problems, Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 is a fun, frantic game that's worth trying. Regardless of what type of gamer you are, you owe it to yourself to try out the madness that is Trauma Center. Once you start playing, you'll be a hooked.

With more modes, weapons, health items, special infected - you name it! - L4D2 feels like a massive upgrade from the original L4D.

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!

Fans of Formula One can finally rejoice that their favorite sport is being faithfully represented in the video game realm, and fans of racing games get another great series from a great developer. It's a perfect 1-2 finish.

The Darkness II is everything I wanted a sequel to The Darkness to be. It's almost excessive in its violence, the combat is addicting, the hand-drawn Graphic Noir art style is gorgeous, and underneath it all is a game with a heart and a truly interesting story. Jackie's a supremely messed-up individual, but we still love him because of all the crap he's willing to go through in order to save Jenny. If you're looking for any of these things, The Darkness II won't disappoint.

Fans of Formula One can finally rejoice that their favorite sport is being faithfully represented in the video game realm, and fans of racing games get another great series from a great developer. It's a perfect 1-2 finish.

With a lengthy story mode and the addition of mini-games, picture books, and free downloadable puzzles, there is plenty of content here for those who enjoy puzzles.

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.

An excellent title. It features memorable gameplay, stunning graphics, and a great multiplayer mode. It is also a very long title, and will keep you playing for quite a while.

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.

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.

The sound in Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise is particularly good, and I really enjoyed the classically-inspired score. The relaxing orchestral tunes really provide an excellent catalyst for creativity and definitely help you feel like creating a piñata masterpiece.

The level of quality and depth here is absolutely extraordinary.

The game runs smoothly in single or two-player mode. It manages to use the PSP's screen to good effect so that everything is easy to see. However, you may want to turn off the distracting, undulating background.

It's absolutely a pure Bayonetta game, it's an absolute blast to play, and it absolutely belongs on Nintendo's growing roster of excellently crafted games for the Wii U.

Just about every change they have made to the core gameplay, aside from the stat-capping, works to perfection and provides hours upon hours of engaging golf.

I have literally never had this much fun with a fighting game before.

The kind of 4X that brings my relationship with strategy games to a lofty peak. It is engaging and yet oddly meditative, almost relaxing to play rather than nerve-wracking and brain-frying.

For football fans it simply cannot be missed. There are really no glaring faults at all. One would be hard-pressed to improve upon the graphics, controls, sounds, modes of play, varied content, and online play.

I was thoroughly enraptured by Jeanne D'Arc. It's a sweeping epic that has both the mechanics and visuals to make it a must-play title.

Even if you haven’t picked up Episode 1, even if you've never played Borderlands before, pick up Tales from the Borderlands. You won’t regret it.

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