While at its heart the game is still an arcade-based skateboarding simulation that challenges players to perform tricks for points, the emphasis is less on Tony Hawk and other pro skaters and more on, well, nobodies like us.

The Xbox Music Mixer can help you turn your living room into a karaoke lounge for parties and family get-togethers.

While at its heart the game is still an arcade-based skateboarding simulation that challenges players to perform tricks for points, the emphasis is less on Tony Hawk and other pro skaters and more on, well, nobodies like us.

While at its heart the game is still an arcade-based skateboarding simulation that challenges players to perform tricks for points, the emphasis is less on Tony Hawk and other pro skaters and more on, well, nobodies like us.

While the cartoon like graphics are cute, they hardly take advantage of the Xbox's power. Many of the enemies and objects in the rooms lack detail. This noticeable shortcoming shouldn't detract much from the fun - and often frantic - game play.

There are more than 20 different locations in the game to unlock and visit.

Graphically, Jak II resembles a colorful cartoon, with a hero that moves with grace and agility, and an intelligent camera that never gets in the way.

While the game is a tad short and there isn't a multiplayer option, Max Payne 2 is an excellent choice for mature gamers for its nonstop action, high-production values and incredibly realistic graphics.

Does have one noticeable omission. In the Xbox title, gamers can choose to play the campaign mode alongside another player. This isn't an online option on the Windows version, which is disappointing because it would be fun to run through the story mode cooperatively with a friend.

While the game is entertaining while it lasts, it's on the short side, and with little reason to play the adventure over again.

The egg-rolling and egg-hatching game-play mechanics, while a clever concept, get stale after a while. Except for new environments and a different "boss" enemy at the end of each level, no new game-play elements are introduced after the first hour.

EA Sports has put considerable effort into improving this franchise by adding more game modes, an intuitive swing mechanism, online play, lifelike graphics, plus more depth, options and customizability. No other golf game is on par.

EA Sports has put considerable effort into improving this franchise by adding more game modes, an intuitive swing mechanism, online play, lifelike graphics, plus more depth, options and customizability. No other golf game is on par.

While this clever European import proves there are still fresh and innovative concepts for PC gamers, the fun is over too quickly. A skilled player will be able to complete all 14 episodes in about two or three hours.

EA Sports has put considerable effort into improving this franchise by adding more game modes, an intuitive swing mechanism, online play, lifelike graphics, plus more depth, options and customizability. No other golf game is on par.

EA Sports has put considerable effort into improving this franchise by adding more game modes, an intuitive swing mechanism, online play, lifelike graphics, plus more depth, options and customizability. No other golf game is on par.

What it lacks in originality it more than makes up for with its fun and easy-to-pick-up game play that will appeal to fans of the long-running comedy.

What it lacks in originality it more than makes up for with its fun and easy-to-pick-up game play that will appeal to fans of the long-running comedy.

What it lacks in originality it more than makes up for with its fun and easy-to-pick-up game play that will appeal to fans of the long-running comedy.

Year after year, ESPN NFL Football (formerly NFL2K4) inches closer to becoming the "must have" football game. Almost.

Year after year, ESPN NFL Football (formerly NFL2K4) inches closer to becoming the "must have" football game. Almost.

The single-player game play, however, hasn't changed much over the past couple of years. It suffers from a skimpy playbook and dim-witted AI-controlled opponents who do odd things like leave receivers wide open for a throw with no defensive backs in sight.

While not as comprehensive as "Madden" or "ESPN NFL Football," mainly because of fewer game options and graphics that haven't improved much over last year, NFL Fever 2004 is a fun multiplayer game with a lot of replayability.

Whether or not you're a fan of the movie, TRON 2.0 oozes with style and substance. Developer Monolith Productions deserves credit for creating one of the finest and most unique PC games of the year to date.

If speed kills, then F-Zero GX should get a life sentence.

Because of its tight game-play, depth and dizzying amount of features, Madden is still the one to beat.

Because of its tight game-play, depth and dizzying amount of features, Madden is still the one to beat.

Because of its tight game-play, depth and dizzying amount of features, Madden is still the one to beat.

Not only the best game in the series but may be the finest survival horror game to date.

Graphically, Flight Simulator 2004 is the most attractive yet, especially in the clouds department, though the ground scenery looks much better higher up, but objects such as skyscrapers, greenery and airport towers aren't as detailed up close.

One of the game's greatest assets is its intuitive control scheme. Novice and seasoned players will be able to pick up and play with little trouble. There are customizable options for manual or automatic swing modes.

To say Knights of the Old Republic is an ambitious stab at turning the Star Wars universe into a deep RPG would be an understatement.

This game is obviously targeted to male adolescents, so the T&A and obnoxious commentary may turn off other potential consumers. But if you take Outlaw Volleyball for what it is, it will provide many hours of enjoyable action.

Pirates does have a few shortcomings such as some cumbersome controls, which result in a fairly steep learning curve, and some technical bugs. They don't detract from the game too much but may affect its suspension of disbelief from time to time.

While not a perfect piece of interactive entertainment, it's enjoyable, and thanks to the way you can customize the Doodles, it's fun to play again and again.

WW isn't the best platform game on the console, but it has its charm.

This action/adventure suffers from sloppy controls, unwieldy camera angles and frame rate issues that can slow the game to a crawl.

Perseverance will pay off, but mastering this game can be frustrating.

Perseverance will pay off, but mastering this game can be frustrating.

The Hulkster follows commands easily, the camera gives you an excellent view of the action and you don't need to mash 20 buttons for every combat move you make.

The Hulkster follows commands easily, the camera gives you an excellent view of the action and you don't need to mash 20 buttons for every combat move you make.

Unfortunately, there isn't an online option to let friends play over the Internet-based Xbox Live service.

The Hulkster follows commands easily, the camera gives you an excellent view of the action and you don't need to mash 20 buttons for every combat move you make.

A fun fighter with attractive visuals and an easy control scheme.

The Hulkster follows commands easily, the camera gives you an excellent view of the action and you don't need to mash 20 buttons for every combat move you make.

Enter the Matrix isn't a perfect slice of interactive entertainment, but it does provide at least a dozen hours of action-packed fun and serves as a clever vehicle to expand on the events in "The Matrix Reloaded."

Enter the Matrix isn't a perfect slice of interactive entertainment, but it does provide at least a dozen hours of action-packed fun and serves as a clever vehicle to expand on the events in "The Matrix Reloaded."

Enter the Matrix isn't a perfect slice of interactive entertainment, but it does provide at least a dozen hours of action-packed fun and serves as a clever vehicle to expand on the events in "The Matrix Reloaded."

Enter the Matrix isn't a perfect slice of interactive entertainment, but it does provide at least a dozen hours of action-packed fun and serves as a clever vehicle to expand on the events in "The Matrix Reloaded."

The game also throws in some science fiction by adding monsters and the undead who fight alongside the Nazis.

While it lacks 3-D graphics and an impressive use of lighting and shadows found in its predecessors, the stealthy action game still captures the thrill of modern espionage.

Once the game has been completed, more Ninja Five-O fun can be had with an unlockable difficulty setting (making the game more tough to complete) and an optional Time Trial model.

Controlling Wolverine during combat can prove difficult, especially when there are multiple enemies onscreen simultaneously.

Controlling Wolverine during combat can prove difficult, especially when there are multiple enemies onscreen simultaneously.

Controlling Wolverine during combat can prove difficult, especially when there are multiple enemies onscreen simultaneously.

If the controversial content isn't enough to turn off players, the game's annoying technical problems will. The length and frequency of load times between levels is the biggest problem.

If you liked "Lord of the Rings," then you'll love Golden Sun: The Lost Age.

Controlling Wolverine during combat can prove difficult, especially when there are multiple enemies onscreen simultaneously.

Electronic Arts deserves kudos for breathing new life into the aging fighting genre with this title's fresh approach.

This title's great story, realistic visuals and immersive game play will keep you glued to the screen for hours.

It's a perfect match for music fans and parents looking for a constructive - rather than destructive -game experience.

Easily the finest game to grace the GameCube to date.

If you can forgive the game's lighter approach - one that emphasizes action instead of strategy - then you'll enjoy Black Hawk Down.

The word epic describes Freelancer, Microsoft Game Studios' latest title, thanks to its strong narrative and virtually limitless game play opportunities.

This atmospheric whodunit differs from others thanks to its moody film noir-style tone.

A perfect pick for those who prefer strategy over action.

Just be sure not to make any plans until the summer - it may very well take you that long to finish this elaborate role-playing game.

The end of this first episode of .hack - dubbed Infection - will leave players hanging and longing for more.

Despite the game's stunning, high-end graphics, Generals loads quickly and plays smoothly.

A 3-D shooter that pays as much attention to a compelling single-player storyline as it does blasting enemies with futuristic weaponry.

A comprehensive, deep and fun fighting game.

This expansion focuses on the little-known Italian and Sicilian campaigns of World War II.

The problem lies in a finicky third-person perspective camera that swivels around the protagonists. In many cases, it will switch angles right in the middle of combat, making it difficult to stay focused on who or what you're attacking.

The biggest hindrance in The Getaway involves its user interface - or lack thereof - as the development team attempted to make the game look and play out like a movie.

Kudos to the developers for including a new game mode, multiplayer options and more suitable visuals to the console.

Not worth your time or money, and it's certainly a shame for fans of this once-groundbreaking series.

Unfortunately, the game play in "Impossible Creatures" doesn't match the title's ingenious premise.

Not worth your time or money, and it's certainly a shame for fans of this once-groundbreaking series.

One of the best console games of the year.

Visually speaking, Resident Evil 0 is the best-looking game in the series to date. Players can expect photo-realistic environments, smoothly animated characters and creepy lighting effects.

Sony's latest is all about unadulterated cartoon action, with dozens of crazy weapons and gadgets at the player's disposal.

The extra missions can be played as either Solid Snake or Raiden, the two heroes from last year's hit game. The VR missions are equally compelling.

New to this series is the ability to mow down multiple enemies at once, enhanced graphics, a variety of endings and new creatures.

The game suffers from some repetitive missions with a lot of "fetch this and find that," plus many of the camera angles are finicky.

A solid pick - especially for players who enjoy nonstop action - that lives up to the expectations set by the movie on which it's based.

From the first few notes of Steppenwolf's “Magic Carpet Ride” to the victory lap at the end of the season, NASCAR Thunder 2003 proves to be the most enjoyable NASCAR racing game yet on any console.

The game hasn't changed much in three years, so the graphics are starting to show their age and players cannot "ride" their creations.

The game suffers from some repetitive missions with a lot of "fetch this and find that," plus many of the camera angles are finicky.

In this Game Boy Advance version, "Yugi" fans can duel against dozens of opponents from the TV series or link up with another Game Boy Advance player to duel head-to-head and to trade virtual cards.

And while the game has a variety of game-play modes, they aren't very deep once you've mastered the basics.

From the first few notes of Steppenwolf's “Magic Carpet Ride” to the victory lap at the end of the season, NASCAR Thunder 2003 proves to be the most enjoyable NASCAR racing game yet on any console.

Delivers a good twist on the "Resident Evil"-style game play by adding more action and speed, a decent script and memorable characters.

Great fun, especially for younger PC gamers.

Seven huge, trap-filled worlds and many mini-games.

The game suffers from some repetitive missions with a lot of "fetch this and find that," plus many of the camera angles are finicky.

One of the better expansions for The Sims owners, and especially for pet lovers.

From the first few notes of Steppenwolf's “Magic Carpet Ride” to the victory lap at the end of the season, NASCAR Thunder 2003 proves to be the most enjoyable NASCAR racing game yet on any console.

From the first few notes of Steppenwolf's “Magic Carpet Ride” to the victory lap at the end of the season, NASCAR Thunder 2003 proves to be the most enjoyable NASCAR racing game yet on any console.