The graphics are the best ever seen in a fighting game.

The weapons, amazing special attacks, mostly interesting story and button-mashing fun make O3 a highly addictive game and well worth the money.

Seasoned role-playing game fans certainly will enjoy the "old school" look and feel of "Wizardry 8," and there's certainly some meaty, single-player game play here. But younger or novice gamers may lose patience because of the relatively unattractive visuals and technical obstacles.

Rumble Racing is one fast game — redrawing the graphics on the screen at roughly 60 frames-per-second (twice that of television) — so those with a need for speed should strap in for a ride.

A faithful re-creation of the popular 2-D side-scrolling arcade shooter.

A fun and refreshingly accessible RPG that fuses Japanese storytelling and game play with an unprecedented repertoire of recognizable Disney icons.

It's the personal interaction with the characters, the constant ethical decisions, that make Fable such an enjoyable game.

Deep where it counts — the game play.

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

It doesn't win high marks for ingenuity. But a massively multiplayer adventure based on this coveted universe is exciting.

Another minor issue with the game is with the PlayStation 2 version; while the graphics are quite impressive, the speed of the game play seems to lag other platforms (namely, the PC), as well as the competition's hockey games.

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.

A B-movie-based street fighting game with a lot of variation, mini missions and little problems.

If it's heart-pounding action you crave, this anything-but-serious sequel should slap a smile on your face.

Without a doubt, the game's single greatest asset is the graphics, with its unprecedented level of painstaking detail, swirling colors, wonderfully distorted images and dynamic lighting effects.

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

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

Savvy joystick jockeys will be able to finish the story mode in about 10 hours or so, not including the extra game modes. Fortunately, the game is so much fun that you'll want to play it again and again.

Runs circles around the competition thanks to its depth, wealth of options and intuitive controls.

Maintains a retro feel with plenty of humorous touches as well.

The game's plot-twisting story, addictive game play and bevy of single- and multiplayer options makes this an excellent addition to your CD-ROM collection.

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

For once, believe the game's name and hype - this is an almost endlessly entertaining game with tons of fun and gratuitous destruction.

For those looking for a challenging and strangely-addictive diversion that's considerably different than the majority of computer game offerings out there, MTS is an excellent pick for ages 8 to 108.

For once, believe the game's name and hype - this is an almost endlessly entertaining game with tons of fun and gratuitous destruction.

Also new, and welcome for those who don't favor the role-playing aspect, is the ability to ignore the character management with automated leveling up.

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.

An ambitious but successful interactive adventure that blurs the lines between motion pictures and video games.

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.

A B-movie-based street fighting game with a lot of variation, mini missions and little problems.

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

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 improved single-player games are worthwhile enough on their own, but if you can find well connected online matches, multiplayer games will keep you addicted for months.

An ambitious but successful interactive adventure that blurs the lines between motion pictures and video games.

And after spending a week playing "Resident Evil Code: Veronica X" in a darkened room, there's no doubt that the PS2 version is as creepy as video games come.

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.

A visual treat because of its beautifully rendered indoor and outdoor environments, smoothly animated characters and subtle lighting techniques that contribute to the game's atmosphere.

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.

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

For once, believe the game's name and hype - this is an almost endlessly entertaining game with tons of fun and gratuitous destruction.

Features excellent production and plenty of aerial dog-fighting, but the Microsoft video game doesn't soar.

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

An ambitious but successful interactive adventure that blurs the lines between motion pictures and video games.

If you are looking for a challenging and atmospheric brainteaser that places an emphasis on puzzles rather than reflexes, then this four-disc set is a good bet.

The improved single-player games are worthwhile enough on their own, but if you can find well connected online matches, multiplayer games will keep you addicted for months.

Also new, and welcome for those who don't favor the role-playing aspect, is the ability to ignore the character management with automated leveling up.

While the midair stunts and crashes look painfully real, the game also seems to lack a convincing sensation of speed.

Beautiful but muddy environments, frustrating puzzles, repetitious opponents and clunky Kong controls.

Beautiful but muddy environments, frustrating puzzles, repetitious opponents and clunky Kong controls.

Also new, and welcome for those who don't favor the role-playing aspect, is the ability to ignore the character management with automated leveling up.

Unfortunately, the game's graphics are about the same as its predecessor's, and no multiplayer split-screen or online modes are offered.

A slower-paced, puzzle-based game without any combat. But for those who'd rather use their brains instead of brawn, it's a solid pick.

It's arguably the closest thing yet to virtual reality in a computer game.

Graphics are stunning.

This title feels more like an arcade game than a serious simulation, so players who crave an authentic experience probably would prefer Sierra's "NASCAR Racing 4" for the PC, where you drive using a game controller with a steering wheel and pedals.

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.

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.

A good choice for folks who want to wind down at the end of the day with a fast-paced diversion that requires absolutely no brainpower to master and enjoy.

A fun, simplistic diversion, especially with a group of friends. However, once you've seen all the style moves it doesn't have the staying power of much deeper football games like EA's own "Madden NFL 2004."

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.

Beautiful but muddy environments, frustrating puzzles, repetitious opponents and clunky Kong controls.

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.

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.

This title feels as good as it looks thanks to its tight and responsive handling.

A fun, simplistic diversion, especially with a group of friends. However, once you've seen all the style moves it doesn't have the staying power of much deeper football games like EA's own "Madden NFL 2004."

Adds tougher artificial intelligence, realistic outdoor environments and a streamlined command interface.

Yet another stellar sci-fi game. But this time around, the game play requires cunning strategy and tactics rather than a quick trigger finger.

Jet Force Gemini proves to be the one dud to which all game makers are entitled. Should Rareware throw another one of these on the heap, we may be forced to rethink their role as ‘‘king of the Nintendo 64’s developers.’’

Though hard-core golfers might not appreciate exaggerated plaid pants on cartoon characters and sarcastic golfers, pretty much everyone else will get into the game's taunting, tricks and big hit effects and exaggerated character personalities.

A little on the short side (about 10 hours to complete or so) but does prove to be a fun fantasy romp for those who prefer action, stealth and attractive visuals.

While it may look a bit strange to move your body frantically in front of the TV screen, especially if you're playing by yourself, the EyeToy offers family-friendly fun and a little exercise, too.

A fun, simplistic diversion, especially with a group of friends. However, once you've seen all the style moves it doesn't have the staying power of much deeper football games like EA's own "Madden NFL 2004."

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

Beautiful but muddy environments, frustrating puzzles, repetitious opponents and clunky Kong controls.

Players can create their own custom BMX tracks with the bundled 3-D course editor, offering more than 100 variations of ramps, rails and other obstacles.

The cartoon-like graphics are very cute — especially the pre-rendered cut-scene sequences — and the game play is challenging, though it might be a tad repetitive after a while.

Isn't for everyone. The game lacks speech and some of the Japanese-to-English translations don't read welI. What's more, the music repeats too often. But after a while depth of this RPG grows on you. That said, it's probably not for people with short attention spans.

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

Though a little cheesy, it's a good way to create a customized home workout with menu suggestions and progress chart.

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

Incredibly entertaining portable pinball game with additional rumble pack cart.

Video games based on TV franchises don't always live up to the shows that inspired them. Fortunately, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an exception.

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

Short on frills but long on fun.

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.

The improved single-player games are worthwhile enough on their own, but if you can find well connected online matches, multiplayer games will keep you addicted for months.

Instead of flying over hills and sometimes jumping into buildings, as you do in "Rush," MC keeps the racing more down-to-earth.

This title feels as good as it looks thanks to its tight and responsive handling.

The most intense and realistic boxing simulation ever created thanks to its deep and challenging game play, responsive controls, cutting-edge visuals, and something not enough boxing games have: emotion.

A good WWII shooter with great graphics and effects, but missing the finer points and freedom in the first-person mode.

Its many courses, shortcuts and secret areas — along with the multiple stunts to master — ensure that this game is a fun, rewarding and a beautiful escape after a long day at the office or school.

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.

A decent workout routine generator with fun games that will keep you interested and sweaty.

A lighthearted and humorous action/ adventure for younger players who will enjoy collecting coins and keys as well as exploring the mansion's many rooms.

While its game play is good, its graphics and sound are unsurpassed.

A good WWII shooter with great graphics and effects, but missing the finer points and freedom in the first-person mode.