The problems with the framerate and inability to save my game made me want to break the CD into tiny pieces.

One of the most novel gaming premises to come along in quite some time, (but) its poor gameplay mechanics and woeful graphics ultimately relegate it to that ignominious coulda-been, shoulda-been pile of underachieving PlayStation action titles.

Great characters, unbelievable level design, well-executed game-engine cut scenes, outstanding voice acting and style that just won't quit, No One Lives Forever is the best game I've played in far too long.

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

Its unique melee-based combat sets it apart from the usual guns-'n'-grenades blood sports, but a lack of variety in the single-player game means that it never becomes quite as addictive as it could.

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.

This game is neither as creepy as Blair Witch Volume 1 nor as adrenaline-pumping as the other "action" games on the market, and in the end is something of a disappointment.

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.

Overall, 4x4 Evolution is a fun offroad racing game, with beautiful visuals, solid AI and some cool track designs. While it's certainly nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary.

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.

The whole multiplayer aspect was wasted, essentially a glorified deathmatch where players can either be bugs or humans, but once again there's just not a hell of a lot to do and the whole things feels tacked on just so they could slap "multiplayer" on the side of the box.

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.

Unfortunately, while the story is well-told and intriguing, the gameplay is unwieldy and frustrating -- and after all, we aren't watching a movie, we're playing a game.

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

Essentially a multimedia encyclopedia with a few playable levels thrown in, Covert Ops Essentials is mainly for "Rogue Spear" fanatics and those with a passing interesting in counterterrorism.

Unfortunately,TXR2 ends up being less of a game than its predecessor, despite double the number of opponents and a vastly larger racing area.

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.

Microsoft should be ashamed for releasing a game with so many obvious and nasty bugs, basically throwing away a year's worth of work just to meet some pointless deadline.

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.

Every gamer who doesn't play D2 because he read this review means that at least the two days of life I lost playing it weren't totally wasted.

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

A graphical dream stuck in a gameplay nightmare.

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

Some good, some bad and no ugly, "FAKK2" is fun in parts and frustrating in others, and ultimately disappoints only because it could have been great -- more creative level design, more missions and a few weeks of bug testing could have made this a winner.

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.

Frantically pounding buttons just to win a grapple is not my idea of fun.

Unfortunately, actually playing "Strider 2" also drove me to tears, but not the joyous tears of teenage nostalgia, oh no: the bitter tears of disappointment. And boredom.

If you're looking for a game that brings back the glory days of mindless arcade shooters, then "Bang! Gunship Elite" is the game for you.

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.

It's one of the most disappointing titles I've seen in a long time.

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?

"PGA European Tour" exemplifies boredom.

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

Ultimately, I can only recommend "StarCraft64" to those of you that simply have no other alternative in playing the game.

A slew of design issues and bugs rear their ugly heads, making this a game that doesn't live up to its full potential ... yet.

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.

I guarantee you'll be amazed at how phenomenal this game looks, and you won't be able to put it down.