It is a more diverse game, both in terms of the kinds of characters displayed and the sorts of choices people can make. Quantic Dream’s formula is evolving, even if it does rely on some of the same crutches.

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars is a fine choice for DS, and with the added content, there’s something here for newcomers and long-time fans alike.

There's potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay. The gameplay is deep, rewarding, and addictive.

There's a lot to do in this game from playing pachinko, visiting hostess clubs, and beating up punks to participating in the intrigue of organized crime. It's just so far from anything most Westerners are used to that many will have a hard time warming up to it.

I felt there was entirely too many bosses to fight and not nearly enough run and gun action. Each short action stage is merely setting you up for another boss battle.

The new console format allows you to have control of up to six Sims at a time, who you can follow, nurture, torture, or ignore. The possibilities are endless. And when they die...you can just create more!

Just a good-old fashioned BMX game in the spirit of Tony Hawk. There are no hookers, topless dancers or fornicating dogs.

An arcade-style game that really hits the mark. It doesn't attempt to give you all the bells and whistles but what it does give you is quality entertainment. For the best value, make sure you rent it first.

A great debut and one that should be applauded by gamers that want some variety and imagination put back into their platforming.

It may be simple in presentation, but the execution is near flawless, and all the extra content shows a great level of dedication on the part of the developers. Skylanders is certainly a full and unique gaming experience.

Small visual shortcomings and some audio annoyances might keep Madden 12 from being 100% on top form, but with the crazy amount of content and nearly endless gameplay possibilities, these seem like minor grievances.

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.

There are hours upon hours of interesting content for gamers to explore and uncover in Lost Odyssey. Sadly, the pace of the game is rather slow and will deter the vast majority of 360 fans from purchasing and/or completing the game.

Rez is not so much a game as it is art.

It combined puzzles and action adventure with the platforming for an experience that was not only challenging but displayed depth and variety - and it doesn't feel old-school.

With its cute colorful graphics and simple yet entertaining quests, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure is one of the few games everyone should play if for nothing else than the sheer fun of it.

Hardcore soccer fans who wanted even more realism from this series will enjoy playing around with the new controls but if you’re a player who thought "FIFA 2005" wasn’t a great game might as well rent this game or stay away from it cause you won’t be missing much.

Madden on PSP this year is a much better experience than last year, but EA Tiburon has yet to provide a reason to pick it up beyond the PS2 connectivity that allows gamers to take their PS2 seasons with them on the road.

There's always something new and fresh to discover, plus plenty of worthwhile collectibles to seek out.

The House of the Dead: Overkill isn't an epic adventure, and it actually lacks a fair bit of polish - purposely or otherwise. However, it's just the breath of putrid air the Wii needed, and in many ways it speaks to exactly what the system is all about: short bursts of great entertainment.

With both off and online modes, combined with the classic Bomberman gameplay, this is one game that can most certainly referred to as da' bomb.

Big Bang Mini is a $20 title that will rival many of the top releases on the system in 2009.

A pretty awesome horror game. The game's focus on story and substance rather than just shooting zombies really makes this one worth picking up if you are getting a little bored with your run-of-the-mill horror shooters.

It has a feature set unlike any other and its commitment to both built-in narrative and player-based customization is greater than anything we have seen from almost any other title on the market, regardless of genre. In fact, the only flaws I can find in WWE '13 are concerning the gameplay engine itself, but the feature set is so huge it's almost like it doesn't even matter.

Though the mode on hand are all old hat, they've been greatly refined. The online experience in particular is vastly improved.

If you enjoy mystery novels you'll find yourself immersed in this game in no time. You will be required to read a lot, but if you're patient enough and love reading as much as playing a game, this could become one of your richest and most interesting gaming experiences.

One of the best games to release this generation and is definitely the best game to drop in 2009 (so far). Outside of the lackluster stealth and disguising mechanic, the brutal combat, huge open-world, varied challenges, and utterly satisfying gameplay makes this a must-have title for any serious gamer's collection. Get ready to put your life on hold!

Perhaps the best way to describe Borderlands 3 is to say it is exactly the game you would expect it to be. There are plenty of familiar faces, and it has the same sort of ambiance and atmosphere. People will still keep going into quest after quest for the same reasons (loot). While it might be difficult to accept the new villains after a great one like Handsome Jack, the twins are fine. Most importantly, the new Vault Hunters work well and the game is as fun to play alone as it is with friends. It looks, works, and plays well, and fans of the series will be more than happy to join the Crimson Raiders.