An interesting strategy game that is best suited for beginners and intermediate players. It has some intricate micromanagement elements but overall it's a relatively easy game to learn and play.

By far one of the best budget titles I have ever played. It has very solid racing mechanics, and is a very fun game to play with friends.

Just like many of the game's secondary characters, it will be difficult for most players to be convinced that experiencing Chou-Chou's charms is worth the attendant drudgery.

A dated game that is today belittled by the very games that it helped inspire. I can't believe that this game hasn't been tweaked. It's nearly identical, warts and all to the DC port.

If you didn’t enjoy the single-player experience, chances are the multiplayer won’t offer incentive to stick with Legendary Warriors.

It's a rental, plain and simple, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Dawn of Mana has several things going for it that are good - a solid story, a quick and easy to learn melee attack system, graphics that please the senses, a score to please the soul, and voice acting that doesn't cause you ears to bleed - quite a few in the grand scheme of things.

There are several attempts at greatness, like the mini-games that can be enjoyed with your friends. Yet, the mini-games are more of a distraction than anything else.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground for the Wii is a good game with classic gameplay and creative controls. The graphics fall short and there is no online component, but it is a very entertaining title on the whole.

If you log some hours with the game, you'll get to be pretty good at these classics. That way when you do finally get to grandma's house, you can show her who is boss and win some cookies out of her.

The lack of a grid is probably the biggest pull-down for this game; if it had been a bit more structured, it could have really been great. But that problem doesn't negate all the good things about this game. It's still addictive, and it's still fun. Squad Command may not be the best strategy game out there, but it's by no means the worst.

If you're planning a road trip and have always loved the dry tales of this particular mystery-solving savant, then perhaps it's worth a rent. For everyone else, hang tight until the release of the next Professor Layton.

Punch, punch, punch, jump - and throw something. That seems to be the extent of the gameplay.

The game looks good, sounds good, has a great collision detection system, no drop in the framerate or any other noticeable technical flaws. But like so many sequels, it's just void of a soul.

There are a lot of levels and unlockables to discover. Also, earning ranks and setting high scores could keep you busy for days. However, the multiplayer component is not well supported, and gameplay soon gets dull and repetitive.

Mortyr 2 is exactly what you would expect to find in a litter box. It's kind of dried out so it doesn't stink too bad, and it's clumped with the litter so it doesn't look that bad either but let's make it clear that it's still a piece of crap.

Prizefighter lacks the necessary skill set to become the next great champ or even contender for that matter. If I had to compare it to a fighter it would be the 'Hurricane' Peter McNeely of video game boxing. It does everything right to sell the fight, it just can't execute anything resembling skillful boxing once it steps into the ring.

Sure some of the mechanics are weird, and the graphics aren't as good as they could be, but when you get to be your favorite ninja, that's the biggest plus factor for you, and everything else falls secondary.

The game is entertaining for five or ten minutes at a time and works well as a timewaster. If it was any more than 500 points I would say don't bother, but for the money, the game is a good value.

Much too conservative. In my opinion, the Mercedes license should be dropped in favor of more gameplay freedom. If you don't want to knock your opponent off a mountain road to win a race, that's your problem. I at least want that option.

Overall the game plays like it's on a permanent cheat code, which may not be a bad thing to some of our little cheaters out there. Lots of enemies will attempt to overwhelm you but they all have basic moves and very little intelligence making them easy to decimate.

If you're looking for a ground-breaking experience or a robust selection of multiplayer modes- Blacksite's don't offer much more than a weekend distraction--this isn't it. However, if you find the idea of fighting aliens in your own backyard appealing, you won't do better than Blacksite's relatable, the-truth-is-out-there experience.

Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm could have been a very good game if the developers would have sped up the action and further fleshed out the game's more cerebral portions. Unfortunately, the game gets caught between simulation, strategy, and action, and it doesn't pull any of them off.

Despite having some decent multiplayer options, MySims SkyHeroes has a weak single player mode, and will be frustrating to younger players.

There are several attempts at greatness, like the mini-games that can be enjoyed with your friends. Yet, the mini-games are more of a distraction than anything else.

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.

It's a new and improved Sonic Riders with plenty of new tracks and characters to enjoy. It's a must-have for Sonic fans and a "might-enjoy" for aces of the racing genre, especially for those who like F-Zero and Wipeout.

Predictable and repetitive, the A.I. is too easy to beat.

A fun game but it has no lasting appeal. Even the two-player mode becomes more like a game of chance than a game of skill when player of equal caliber have outgrown the simplistic control system.

You'll either love it or hate it. I don't see a lot of people falling somewhere in the middle. The lack of competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes, while not needed, doesn't help the game's replay value.

As stupid as this blend of car battling and wrestling may sound it's not a bad game but it's certainly not going to make any reviews' top ten list.

Slightly flawed and not altogether enjoyable is the prognosis on Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel. Watch the cartoon. It's free and a lot less frustrating.

While the Wii version is an oddly enjoyable experience, the DS version is a complete disappointment.

Families will get their share of enjoyment out of this, but there's not enough to the experience to recommend if for solo players looking for a meaty game. Play in a group, and you'll have some fun.

Coded Arms: Contagion just doesn't do enough from its predecessors to really stand out. From the awkward control scheme to the lack of diversity among stages and adversaries, there isn't really anything extraordinary to take out of the experience.

Even with three difficulty settings the game doesn't last very long. If you're a Spawn fan you'll get a kick out of this game but I recommend a rental.

Players with only a passing interest in tough puzzles with a mild adventure flavor should steer clear. Otherwise, it's a good title that fits a very specific niche.

Even though I was severely disappointed with this title, I am still hopeful for MySims Racing, which is the next entry in the MySims series. Hopefully, that one won't be "just another kart racer."

Seams are starting to show. If this franchise is to survive, it's going to need a compete overhaul from tip to stern. The peasants can only be gouged so much before they revolt.

Vanguard just feels dated and unoriginal. Even by including Wii controls, Vanguard doesn't do anything to make the game stand out from any of the other dozens of WWII games out there, many of which are much more fun.

Maybe kids will get some enjoyment out of it, but anyone over 12-14 years old should probably just skip it. We all know movie tie-ins are generally rushed and second-rate, but from my experience, this one takes the cake!

Few kids possess the capacity required to make sense of this scrambled, onscreen action in real time. It will just frustrate all those that play it except the odd MENSA member.

The pacing of the game is decent even though it's rather easy. You'll eventually get bored, but you'll have fun until you do.

Sing It! is a title that can easily be enjoyed by a wide audience, however, playing the same short game over and over again for a high score to get at the bonus features gets old fast. Ultimately, the missing depth and short length make it a hard sell for the price of the package. Still, the gameplay is solid and it is an entertaining experience while it lasts.

You can throw in all the famous characters you want but if the gameplay isn't there you don't have a game worth playing.

Aside from some improved graphics and the addition of Dolby Pro Logic II, the wait was in vain.

It's a new and improved Sonic Riders with plenty of new tracks and characters to enjoy. It's a must-have for Sonic fans and a "might-enjoy" for aces of the racing genre, especially for those who like F-Zero and Wipeout.

As a pure, out and out challenge, Dynasty Warriors will give your button mashing fingers a real workout. If you're looking to experience and explore the depth of the Dynasty Warrior series you might as well pick up a Zelda game.

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.

The bottom line is Critter Round-Up packs a lot of fun into a short period of time.

Though functionality isn’t one of its strong points, the game’s major saving graces are its humorous cutscenes and voiceover work, namely that of Julien.

A charming tale that's probably not worth playing through. The dated gameplay and stiff controls just don't do the tongue-in-cheek storytelling justice. Most players will become quickly bored with this title, though there may be enough allure in the setting for genre veterans to suffer through the action.

Some events are decent; others are downright terrible. Multiplayer can be okay, but the learning curve is too steep for the title's intended audience.

Dragon Ball: Raging Blast has a lot of things going for it including an interesting story mode, great graphics, and a huge character roster. However, the foundation of the game - the battle system - isn't very fun, and that sinks the whole experience.

You may begin to find yourself suffering from the Too-Much-Sameness disorder. Symptoms include boredom and the unwillingness to complete the game.

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.

If you're a huge fan of Iron Man, this version of the game might be worth a rental. But, if you're just looking for a solid action title on the DS, this is not the game for you.

Even if all the bugs were fixed it would still not be a very deep and engrossing game. It's nothing more than an interactive version of the TV show, and possibly even less exciting.

It's certainly not perfect, but it is definitely playable and enjoyable. Again, my biggest complaint is the pits...pitstop that is. At any rate it's a far site better than the recently released Shadow the Hedgehog game.

Think of an offline version of Phantasy Star Online, but with poorer visuals, limited move-sets, uninteresting music, and repetitive gameplay that offers no real rewards. You'd then have the latest Dungeon Explorer.

Viva Piñata: Party Animals is a colorful and good looking game, and it's suitable for kids and parents alike. No one will get too tired of playing the game, unless the kid turns it into a daily chore!

Most of my complaints have to do with the shoddy graphics and technical glitches. But the gameplay is also suspect and will not escape my wrath. I can't think of one positive aspect of this game to recommend even renting it.

Although there are shortcomings, Legacy is an opportunity for Star Trek fans to experience ship battles from any of the Trek time periods. If you can look past the fact that you'll spend all of your time looking at the hulls of the ships, the battles can be fun.

One unforgiving gaming experience. If you are a card carrying button masher you'll want to pass; Colosseum's deep battle system isn't for the weak of heart. It may seem clunky and unintuitive at first but if you stick it out, you'll find a lot to love - but it's a hard battle to get there.

To get the most benefit from this game this should be your first Spyro game. To many diehard fans, it may be their last.

Although the game does look and sound like the TV show, the gameplay is reminiscent of a budget game. I had to look closely to make sure the box it came in didn't have a hole drilled through it.

Bottom-line: This is a game for completionists, leaderboard junkies, and glory hounds, though it should be noted that there are much simpler ways to proclaim one's video game superiority.

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

An enormous world filled with missions to tackle, secrets to uncover, and ships to sink. Add that to the fact that sea battles are incredibly addictive and you have quite a package.

It may have a sophisticated graphics engine and a good assortment of aircraft but for a game that should be presented in 3D, it falls flat.

The game is a mindless, simplistic punching bag that will either be music to your eyes, ears and thumbs or a crushing disappointment for those looking for more depth (note to self: lower your expectations of superhero games, dude).

What I would hope for this title is for a sequel with improved graphics, sound, and control. If this one is just the first and spawns an entertaining series, then I can forgive the pilot's mishaps. So, here's hoping!

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.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds is striking for its simplicity. It is the game equivalent of a popcorn flick. This is something goofy, simple, affordable, and likely intended to be enjoyed in brief bursts. The Campaign and Battleground Challenge are each presented in bite-sized chunks. The various matches never tend to go over five minutes. Everything is quick and breezy, with systems that put everyone on equal footing. It’s not incredibly deep, the characters don’t always look great, and all the stuff with price-tags on it can be daunting, but it’s surprisingly entertaining. Especially if you’re jumping in for quick bursts and want a goofy wrestling game anyone can enjoy.

The game stood tall and proud on PC, but this port (with its underlying technical issues and wonky controls) doesn't translate the original's epic nature.

Maybe kids will get some enjoyment out of it, but anyone over 12-14 years old should probably just skip it. We all know movie tie-ins are generally rushed and second-rate, but from my experience, this one takes the cake!

The bottom line is that if you get stuck with Bright Lights! Big Screen! this holiday season, there's no reason to despair.

The gameplay mechanics hinder what could have been a decent action game. Instead it's just an average fighting and platform game.

The lack of any real meaningful content beyond a linear action-based story mode does hurt this title, and makes it somewhat forgettable in the grand scheme of things. However, if you are just looking for a fun action game with some great 3D, Pokémon Rumble Blast fits the bill quite nicely.

It does what any solid game in the genre should by immersing players in a deeply interactive and fantastic story environment. It also creates a strong sense of intrigue which will draw you forward through the plot of the game. The problem is there are frequent moments were players may wish to keep moving ahead to find out what happens next, yet they'll be impeded by a number of unintentionally frustrating obstacles in the gameplay.

The story was completely disjointed, and the graphics were only satisfactory, but the gameplay was really fun, and the soundtrack is good, so I'm not going to hate on this one too much.

The story mode clocks in at roughly three hours in length, and the Arena mode does little to add value to the package.

Five missions offer a solid amount of play time, but you won’t want to be revisiting this drama when it’s all said and done.

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.

When you first put it in, you are immediately assaulted by offensively-bad graphics and a career mode that lacks substance. Top it off with a control scheme that’s too complicated to be anywhere near fun and you have the worst golf title of the year.

There are several attempts at greatness, like the mini-games that can be enjoyed with your friends. Yet, the mini-games are more of a distraction than anything else.

I'm not saying that the game is a lost cause; it does have a few enjoyable moments, and N-Fusion did an amazing job bringing Leisure Suit Larry into the modern era. But the original title was definitely a product of its time, and that was 25 years ago.

Studio Gigante's take on Wrestlemania is fraught with bugs, glitches and options that appear in the manual but aren't anywhere to be found in the game itself (auto targetting system).

I wish we could award some points for originality but although the concept may be unique, the gameplay is anything but.

The truly unfortunate thing about FIFA Street 3 is the shallow Street Challenge because the play mechanics work fairly well and the game can be fun. It is just aggravating to do pointless challenge after challenge after challenge.

Kinect Star Wars isn't the worst Kinect game I have ever played, nor is it the worst Star Wars game I have ever played. It's just depressingly mediocre.

Much like a Weird Al song, UTS is a novelty from beginning to end and you might find that the novelty wears extremely thin after a couple of hours (in my case, much less time was needed).

There's not much depth here. This game is likely to be abandoned after a few breakthroughs. It'll give a group a lot of fun before it stops though.

Releasing an older, inferior version of Bomberman on the GBA when there are already plenty of great, newer version available surely must be an indication of madness.

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.

Genji: Days of the Blade may have passed for a launch-title on the Playstation 2 in terms of gameplay, but on the Playstation 3 it is bland, repetitive and asinine.

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!

You'll finish the only interesting mode in less than two hours, and the mini-game modes don't provide much replay value. Expect to play this for a weekend, and then forget about it completely.