There's an immense amount of value here, and even dozens of hours and you're sure to still be finding spots you missed or new lines you couldn't have pulled off before. Even with its flaws, Skate is an amazing first attempt at a genre which has been stagnant for years.

Did you enjoy "God of War," "Shadow of the Colossus," and other games of that nature? Then, no doubt, this is a game you'll love. If you are thinking of a game with more platforming elements and puzzles, like the Prince of Persia trilogy, this might not be exactly your style.

Buy DiRT for the single-player mode. Buy it for the excellent graphics, amazing camera angles, destructive environments, and damage modeling. Buy it because it's a fun arcade racing game. Don't buy it for any other reasons, and you won't be disappointed.

While not perfect, Fatal Inertia does keep you entertained for a while, and might even hook you the way F-Zero hooked me. However, I have to warn you, just because you loved F-Zero doesn't mean that you will like Fatal Inertia.

A semi-historical repetitive fighter that does have its merits, but doesn't reach the full potential of what it could have been.

By the end of the day Guilty Gear is a fun game that brings back some great memories of 2D fighting and considering that your options are slim to none on 2D fighters, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core may be your best, if not only, pick.

An amazing, versatile program that is perfectly suited for a handheld system. You can plug in headphones and silently rock out on the bus, or you can plug it into an amplifier, crank it up, and play for an audience. This is a must-have for any musician or music-lover.

New players will likely get a kick out of the interesting control mechanics. Things may turn sour, however, once they get a taste of the game's occasionally grueling difficulty.

A great example of a game that successfully walks the line between new and older territory, offering a package that appeals to a broad age-group.

Redemption may not be the best of the best, but it has the markings of one of the strongest story driven RPGs out there. If you have been a fan from the beginning or one that was sucked in recently, Redemption will deliver on many of your expectations.

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.

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.

Stranglehold will capture the hearts of anyone looking for an action game, period. It might even capture the hearts of anyone looking for a game. While there are problems with the game, you will quickly forget what those are as you continuously mow down your enemies with various execution techniques.

In small doses, Pool Party is capable of providing some entertainment, but marathon single-player sessions just seem pointless. Playing against another human opponent is the better way to go, and it extends the playability significantly.

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.

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.

But fan feelings about the story aside, the narrative isn't the only part of this game that doesn't do the source material justice. The gameplay is pretty bad too.

This is truly the Worms game that many fans have been waiting years for. It is easily as good as the earlier Worms titles and since it is portable, it can quench your Worms addiction no matter where you may be.

Gameplay and storyline trump graphics and sounds everyday of the week. Unfortunately, the story is predictable and the gameplay is tedious. Lair is a classic example of form over function. What a major let down.

You can't put a price on imagination, and this game has that in spades.

It seems a little odd to not have any single player options (outside of learning maps and practicing on a LAN game), but for those gamers that spend the majority of their time playing against others online, Warhawk is a good investment either way.

Classic RPG gaming brought to the next gen. Sure it's no political drama, and it won't have you aggressively button-mashing, but Blue Dragon promises engaging gameplay that you'll not only want to play through once, but revisit again and again.

Unless you're reading something between the lines that was consciously unintentional, you will undoubtedly conclude that I love this game. If you want to love this game as well, all you got to do is get your hands on a copy. It's that simple.

Stuntman: Ignition is a great game for fans of the automotive genre. But it makes itself very accessible for those who may not pride themselves on their excellent driving skills or incredibly precise gaming.

Although it is not extremely challenging, the scale and scope of the game will keep you hooked.

The play modes are all-new, and the team concept is certainly an interesting addition to the gameplay. Not to mention the absolutely unique dichotomy between the Hero mode and the promotion test mode.

The bottom line is if you're smart enough to read the title, you're smart enough to know what you're buying. So anime fans play to your heart's content. I know I am!

The bottom line is if you're smart enough to read the title, you're smart enough to know what you're buying. So anime fans play to your heart's content. I know I am!

Carnival Games was a good idea, but it turned out far from satisfying or entertaining. It's merely a gimmick to play with your friends once when they come over, if anything.

For the casual gamers looking for the title to help them ease into the puzzle solving teamwork games, this is a great stepping-stone. For the hardcore gamer looking for the next great challenge, this one might waste your time with its simplicity.

The most complete and refined version of the series yet. Overall, it is very similar to last year's Tiger, but the refinements are cool.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 is the most complete and refined version of the series yet. Overall, it is very similar to last year's Tiger, but the refinements are cool.

It is a great game to have around when friends come over, and the controls really make the game fun. However, if you just want to play the career mode by yourself, I would suggest picking up a copy for one of the other systems. The overall complexity of the title is not as deep as it is on the other consoles, but the gameplay is much more fun for the average player.

An expansive number of levels, plenty of unlockable rewards, and a variety of play options - all qualities which tend to make game compilations worth picking up in the first place - are noticeably lacking here.

The graphics, the level design, the boss battles, the controls, and the fun are the stuff of legends. Retro Studios has helped validate Nintendo's console by creating a masterpiece so early in its lifecycle.

A pretty awesome game. It definitely takes a little while to learn the game if you're a complete newbie. But once you pick it up and learn everything, it's a very engrossing experience.

Incredible.

There's a lot to Two Worlds that will take you an eternity to complete. This is probably the biggest draw to the game that I can mention. It is one of those games that you can put down, wait a while, come back to it, and rekindle the enjoyment you had the first time around.

There's a lot to Two Worlds that will take you an eternity to complete. This is probably the biggest draw to the game that I can mention. It is one of those games that you can put down, wait a while, come back to it, and rekindle the enjoyment you had the first time around.

Some of Bioshock's storytelling techniques are unprecedented and will perhaps set a new standard for storytelling excellence in gaming. It doesn't hurt that Bioshock's great story is framed by incredible visuals and solid controls as well.

Some of Bioshock's storytelling techniques are unprecedented and will perhaps set a new standard for storytelling excellence in gaming. It doesn't hurt that Bioshock's great story is framed by incredible visuals and solid controls as well.

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.

They say the show's not over until the fat lady sings, but Dragoneer's Aria should be the first song in the plump gal's repertoire. It's over before it begins.

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.

Brain Age 2 is a no-brainer. If you liked the original, you should be smart enough to figure out that this is an excellent sequel.

For a budget title, Operation: Vietnam is a pleasant surprise.

If players can get through the first hour or so of tedium where there is very little player interaction, Atlus has provided another stunning RPG experience.

Luminous Arc may not be the next great title for the DS or SRPGs as a whole, but it is definitely entertaining enough to keep even the hardest of hardcore players enjoying it. Much like the whole game, the online play is equally simple and entertaining.

The game has an excellent storyline, spanning a lengthy quest set in the Mana realm, and up to 40 bonus maps can be unlocked.

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.

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.

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 great game. The new additions to the title are innovative and impact the gameplay positively. Online play will prove to be a boon for Wii owners, the Party mode helps make the title stand out on this console, and the high quality graphics make it competitive with the other versions.

The PSP version looks and feels like one of the big console versions of past years.

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.

This is a great game for fans of HSM, but if it's a rhythm game that you're looking for, Elite Beat Agent just can't be beat.

It's nice to relive the past, but it's a lot nicer when you discover that things are even better than you thought they were.

I wouldn't say I plan to play this game a lot after my first and in-depth gaming session, but it's one I'll keep in mind when I have some free time and feel like diving into some puzzling action.

Like the various mini-games, these multiplayer modes are fun, but they have little lasting impact. In fact, the same could be said for the entire game. Due to the repetition of the gameplay, as well as the locations and the characters, it's best played in small doses.

A darn good game.

A darn good game.

A darn good game.

An absolute joy to play. Though it certainly does its job as a party game and will definitely help liven up your next get-together, it is equally enjoyable when played by itself. Its unique mash up of dancing and karaoke make it an irresistible choice for audiophiles and rhythm-lovers everywhere!

The developers of Glory Days 2 obviously subscribe to the axiom of leaving the audience wanting more. Job well done. I can hardly wait for "Glory Days 3."

There are a lot more engaging RPGs available for the PSP. Brave Story: New Traveler just treads the same old ground.

Picross DS is quite literally you, a grid, some numbers, and the seemingly endless combinations of them. If you have $20 and a DS, Picross DS should be at the top of your shopping list. Games that sell for three times Picross DS's price don't have this much entertainment in them.

The gameplay is classic Nintendo multiplayer fun and will put a smile on your face.

With terrible graphics, boring game objectives, frustrating, at best, controls, and mind-numbing character interaction, Escape from Bug Island sets a new low point for Wii games and video games in general.

Alien Syndrome's best qualities are spread thin over two platforms, yielding two average offerings.

A wonderful little game that is a must buy for any Final Fantasy fanatic. The revamped graphics, sounds, story, and additional content make the game a valuable addition to your PSP.

Rocks the 80's is a .5 version of a great game, released just months before the next full-fledged sequel.

If you're a NASCAR fan, then you'll probably really like this game for the detailed tracks, driver roster, and stock car specific racing features. If you're anybody else, you'll probably be bored and give up due to the learning curve.

If you're a NASCAR fan, then you'll probably really like this game for the detailed tracks, driver roster, and stock car specific racing features. If you're anybody else, you'll probably be bored and give up due to the learning curve.

I just wish that it looked a little nicer, and there was more depth of gameplay added to the Campus Legend mode.

I just wish that it looked a little nicer, and there was more depth of gameplay added to the Campus Legend mode.

Categorically speaking, hardcore RPG fans are likely to get bored with the gameplay rather quickly. Casual and newbies will get the most bang for their buck with this game as it brings them into the RPG genre gently. Best played in small doses.

With the three different ways to play Hot Shots Tennis, including single player challenge mode, the co-op versus mode, and a training mode for those of us that need that extra little bit, the game brings the fun to the PS2.

The PSP version includes a four-player multiplayer mode that lets you compete against other players. It's a decent addition, but the novelty is short-lived.

If you're a rugby fan, then this game is a must buy. The addition of the Challenge mode and the inclusion of the World Cup and World League make for compelling gameplay. The ease of controls will make even first-time rugby players competent in no time. The mediocre graphics, sounds, and lack of online gameplay don't substantively detract from the overall experience.

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.

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.

Don't get this game for the variety of modes. Get it for the simulation.

It may be a great GBA game but it should have been completely overhauled for the PSP, to the extent of creating another sequel in the series. What you're getting here is a game where the expiry date was written over with, "Coming Soon to the PSP."

For those willing to plod through the unforgiving learning curve and often odd-feeling mismatch of genres, Project Sylpheed has a lot to offer and could become this year's biggest sleeper hit.

Hint: There are many good flash-based games out there that you can play for free; just go to their website through the Wii's Internet browser!

It's got satisfying gameplay, wonderful music, and some uber-amazing visuals. And you'll have lots of fun. I can almost guarantee it.

I would like to say to all of the vampire enthusiasts out there, if you have ever wanted to see if you would survive a vampire attack, here's your chance to find out. For everyone else that doesn't desire to know that a vampire would end their life in two hits, stay away from it.

To make things even more frustrating, when you increase the difficulty, you also increase the employment of the stylus. Not only will you have to use the stylus to hit the ball, but you have to use it to move your player around the court.

The addition of a bulked up multiplayer on the PS3 makes this the best version of the game you can buy. The controls and the sound effects are perfect. Unfortunately, the graphics are the weak link.

I just hope in the next game they amp up the free roam capabilities and truly allow us to dive into the world of the robots from Cybertron.

I just hope in the next game they amp up the free roam capabilities and truly allow us to dive into the world of the robots from Cybertron.

I just hope in the next game they amp up the free roam capabilities and truly allow us to dive into the world of the robots from Cybertron.

Its fresh take on the fantasy genre, excellent minion mechanics and morbid humor make for a gaming experience you won't soon forget.

Its fresh take on the fantasy genre, excellent minion mechanics and morbid humor make for a gaming experience you won't soon forget.

If you are looking for a title to suck up about 15-20 hours of your gaming life, then where better to look than the title that really sparked the life sucking genre of RPGs.

A two-player, online component would have really rounded out this title. It's lengthy enough as it is, considering that it can take you months to play, but there is a redundancy to the theme even as you add more spells and soldiers to your arsenal.

If you like to be tortured, you could just go to the store right now and pick up the game; you'll be very satisfied.

The Darkness is truly a brilliant ray of light during this otherwise abysmal summer gaming drought.