Pokémon games have been around for almost two decades now, and whether it's an entirely new set of adventures or updated classics like Pokémon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, the core gameplay formula remains virtually untouched. More features are added to burst the seams of content, with extra activities from the originals carried over.

Possibly the best action game ever made for Nintendo DS. Tecmo did an outstanding job with it and most gamers should be more than happy if they decide to pick up the title.

Rhythm Heaven is just fun. It's not the longest game out there and it's a simple premise, but it has the childlike charm that its predecessors had, coupled with the graphics capabilities of a console rather than a handheld.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 has enough extra content and polish to make it the hands down, definitive version of the game.

An easy game to get into and a hard game to put down. It’s one thing after another that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

If you're a Contra fan--especially of the classic side-scrolling action of the series' early offerings-- picking this title up is a no-brainer. The fast action, upgradeable weapons, platforming level design, and awesome bosses are all back and joined by two-screen presentation, a nifty grappling hook, and enough extras to make those next-gen "Collector's Editions" envious.

Punishingly difficult, yet ostentatiously cute, Rhythm Heaven is the epitome of what a handheld music-based game should be. Forget guitar grips or funky cheerleaders! You won't find a more engaging or entertaining music experience for the DS.

A plethora of content plagued by a buggy release that can be ridiculously frustrating.

Although the Dual Shock is mapped to function as all of the buttons you could ever need to contol your Sims, I found the interface to be clunky and unintuative. A keyboard and mouse would have made the experience a thousand times more enjoyable.

Concocting cool critters is incredibly addictive, and the ability to save any and all of your beasts for future use in the game is pretty awesome.

The single-player story is short, but it's filled with a lot of great moments. The co-op multiplayer helps to give the package a lot more bite.

Despite being a strictly single-player experience, Absolution packs more replay value into its two game modes than most games would do with five. It has its fair share of deficiencies-a goofy narrative, okay gunplay, a few bugs here and there-but overall, Absolution is a game that demands you explore its nuances over and over again.

If you’re just looking to blast your way through level after level, Blood Money, is not the game for you. If you want to assume the role of an actual hitman and utilize the most dangerous weapon of all, your imagination, then by all means get your hands on this one.

Kirby Mass Attack may cause you some grief if you're aching for a perfect score of gold medals, but the span of the campaign far exceeds most platformers, and the few sparkling minigames are almost worth the purchase by themselves.

This is the Guitar Hero to have. While it may not be a true revolutionary step forward, it does take its strides towards what I one day hope the Guitar Hero series will achieve.

Alan Wake is an exceptional thriller that was a pleasure to play. That said, if you're a gamer that exclusively values action, you may find the combat to be too repetitive for your liking.

Brutal Legend didn't live up to my expectations. While I absolutely loved the immersive world, despite the graphical shortcomings, and the amazing voice work and soundtrack, despite the inclusion of Whitesnake and Skid Row, I was left miffed by the lack of main story content and the uninspired gameplay.

In the proper hands, the game can be a breeding ground for racing bliss. GTR Represents racing simulation realism at its absolute best, even if that means it sacrifices accessibility and broader appeal for general gamers.

Even despite its few flaws, MUA is a blast to play. If you've ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that. RPG and dungeon crawler fans along with comic-book lovers will find much to love about MUA.

While Scholarship Edition is a better game, the extra content and much-improved controls simply don't warrant a fifty-dollar purchase from somebody who's already played the PS2 version of Bully. But if you haven't, and you're looking for a fun, engaging, and lengthy Wii gaming experience, it's certainly tough to go wrong with Bully: Scholarship Edition.

One heck of a good time. Its story is great, but even when you aren't watching a cutscene or listening to the competent voice acting, you will get plenty of joy out of simply seeing numbers pop up over your enemies' heads in swarms.

Just the next game in a long line of great games. If you are content with the version you already have, then there isn't enough staggering new content to warrant an upgrade. However, this is the best game in the franchise to date, and I'm glad I made the switch.

With plenty of maps and intriguing campaign missions, Battlefront II's replay value is already pretty high. Tack on the addictive nature of Xbox Live and we have a game that is worth every penny you dropped for it.

Colonization is far more than a simple mod or add-on; it clearly stands alone as a fully fledged blast from the past. This is one walk down memory lane you'll want to take.

PES 2008 brings soccer games back to life with its fresh approach. Plus, with hidden gems like the ability to field a team of your Miis, it is impossible for me to not lend it my staunch support.

The level of graphic detail is astonishing. The dogs are fully rendered in 3D and display incredibly realistic animation as the puppies frolic and tumble all over the screen. It's hard not to get attached to these mutts for crying out loud.

Paradox has made huge leaps in the series with its latest edition. With its simple controls and easy to understand directives, Europa Universalis III is both for newcomers and old veterans of the series alike.

Honestly, I love soccer. I played it obsessively in my youth. I watch it when I can. It is my favorite sport by far, so it is with a heavy heart that I would say that a better option for sports fans looking for a visceral experience that is sorta, kind of, somewhat similar to soccer might find solace in NHL 19. That, of course, doesn’t apply to people who just want to play soccer and don’t care much for other sports. That’s okay, because this is definitely a good soccer game. It’s just not as good as it could be. It should be immediately apparent, due to a lack of modes, if this game isn’t for you. For that reason, I might suggest renting the game before jumping in feet first.