Graphically, Jetfighter IV is one of the sweetest simulators you've seen.

I've never really found a basketball simulation that accurately translated the game from the hardcourt to the home court. But NBA 2K1 is by far the closest to the real thing I've ever seen.

A game that lets you live out those teenage fantasies we've all had about joining a gang, rollerblading through the streets with total abandon and tagging the hell out of anything with a flat surface.

With the addition of the course designer and the improved graphics engine, diehard Links fans will definitely want to get their hands on this year's model.

Even though Westwood hasn't blazed much technological ground with Red Alert 2, it does succeed in being their most enjoyable real-time strategy game yet.

Amazing sound, strong research, beautiful graphics and varied missions ensure a long shelf-life.

Simply put, if you loved SWAT 3, this upgrade is a blessing. And if you resisted SWAT 3 because of its lack of multiplayer, you're out of excuses now.

Is it perfect? No. But it's pretty damn close.

Combining action and adventure isn't an easy thing to do, but Konami has pulled it off beautfiully with Metal Gear Solid.

May very well be the best computer-based role-playing game of all time.

A fine game and a worthy successor, offering almost twice-and-a-half the original ... and the original was a classic as it was.

The varied mission types, scripted events and engrossing storyline made it great fun to play, an "experience" more than just a game.

With its customizability, near-perfect gameplay and copious amounts of fun, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 is the real deal -- a great sequel and a stellar game.

Not only is this the first console game that allows you to go online and play against other people, it's also the best sports game I have ever played.

Add to the mix that there are plenty of secrets to uncover, including cover art, character viewers, training sessions and even costume changes and you have a one loaded game worthy of high praise.

Whether you're a fan of Bruce Lee, Lennox Lewis or Dalton the bouncer (Patrick Swayze's character in "Road House"), you're bound to find someone who fits your needs.

So even though the controls are shoddy and the physics aren't realistic, those things don't detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

If you ever thought that Bob Newbie was just a little bit boring, look out, because he just changed into his buttless chaps and he's headed for your hot tub.

So if you're into combat flight sims and want something a little more in-depth than just jumping into a plane and firing missiles, than you'll probably enjoy "Aerowings 2."

You definitely get a lot of bang for your buck and fans of the series should be more than happy with the results.

Easily the best racing simulation ever created.

It really is an awesome game that is getting better with age, unlike John Madden, who is heading in the opposite direction.

Verdict: Kickass.

A beautifully crafted and fresh take on stale RPG gameplay, delivering an experience that rivals "Final Fantasy."

It's the most unorthodox, weirdest and freakiest gaming experience you'll ever have.

If you break it down piece-by-piece you won't be blown away, but on the whole it's a solid game that can give any other RTS a run for its money.

It all falls into place here: solid gameplay, genuinely unique artwork and haunting enemies in addition to a well-designed pattern of puzzles gives you a game that deserves more artistic and entertaining acclaim than the band does.

May be the best-looking console game of all time, and that alone is worth quite a bit.

Look. There's nothing about "X-Men: Mutant Academy" that vaults it into the realm of classic or masterpiece, but I have to admit it's one of the most enjoyable 2D fighters I've played in a long time.

I think with a little more RPG and a little less aimless wandering (read: adventure), this could have been one of the best games of the year.

If the glowing gameplay hasn't already enticed you, the splendid, fully-3D graphics should.

Wonderful setting, evolving story, varied gameplay and excellent music and acting all converge to create one of the more balanced titles around. Highly recommended.

If you've been searching for the ultimate 2D fighting game, your search may be over.

Simply put, "Diablo II" is a legalized form of crack cocaine.

The only knock on the game is that it is not particularly lengthy when compared to a behemoth like "DK64."

"Deus Ex," Spector's latest epic, raises the bar once again with a twisting storyline, ingenious character development system and a linear game that somehow manages to feel open-ended.

Finally... a good "Star Trek" game. Will wonders never cease?

One of those games that doesn't just live up to expectations, it destroys them, and sets a new standard.

Whether you've never played an RTS before or if you're diehard fan of the genre, "Ground Control" will keep you sitting in your own filth for hours on end just to get to the next mission.

With an innovative interface that allows the game to switch between three distinct and unique characters and modes of gameplay, "MDK 2" provided enough of a hook to keep me coming back repeatedly.

It's a stunning achievement by any measure and stands as one of those rare products that delivers more than you paid for.

Despite all the disparate elements crammed into it, they all manage to complement each other and function as if Square has been secretly planning and polishing this gem for years now.

A near flawless game that never tries to get too fancy for its own good. It's simple and simply awesome.

While it can be a little overwhelming at first, once you're familiar with the control and functions, things become second nature and controlling your Sim is a breeze.

Although it's not nearly as scary as the "Resident Evil" series, it should give you a few starts and make you say "That's gross!" a lot.

The controls can seem downright impossible to master at first, but with some practice and patience you'll be ripping it up in no time.