One of the most innovative games to grace the GameCube. But its unrestricted style of game play isn't for everyone. Younger players may prefer video games that pack more action.

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

Graphics are stunning.

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.

Features a rich and colorful 3-D world to explore, with the best-looking Mario game visuals to date.

Easily the game's greatest strength is its simplicity — there's no need to "monkey around" with complicated controls or even crack open the manual for that matter.

This story-based, action-adventure title is probably the most gratifying Xbox-only game this summer, even though it does have some flaws.

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.

While not in the same league as the "Madden" series or "NFL 2K3," Sony's latest PlayStation 2 football title is fun and accessible.

It's a fun, impressive football game but doesn't compare to the likes of "Madden" or "NFL 2K3."

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.

May very well be the most beloved PC game of the year.

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.

The most engaging GameCube title for the platform to date.

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

Incredibly deep and gratifying.

A rare example of how to successfully evoke emotion in an interactive medium.

This tale includes more than 3,000 nonplayer characters (NPCs) and hundreds of monsters to interact with, giving the impression this open-ended (and certainly nonlinear) game is as limitless as the player's imagination and time.

It remains enjoyable and challenging with considerable replayability even if it's not going to take home any awards for visuals or challenge the popularity of the bestselling "Tony Hawk" titles.

Reasonably fun, but don't expect the level of immersion and polish found in other PC action games such as "No One Lives Forever" or "Jedi Knight II."

Spoiled by an overly confusing story, ambiguous puzzles and a flawed interface.

Lack of innovation aside, Dungeon Siege proves to be a polished, stylish and highly addictive computer game.

Deep where it counts — the game play.

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.

In addition to lots of racing choices, "RalliSport" has impressive force feedback in the game controller.

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.

The game is fun, but only after you master the steep learning curve. The game is tough to learn because all of its controls — buttons, triggers and thumbsticks — must be used for practically any race.

This new "bad boy" of the video game industry is extremely fun to play — for those old enough and mature enough to purchase it — as a campy stress releaser at the end of a bad day.

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.

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

It's a refreshing twist on the extreme sports video-game genre, with plenty of solo and multiplayer modes, attractive graphics and a toe-tapping urban soundtrack.

Not for everyone. It's a very intense and immersive war game so folks who play computer games to relax and unwind might want to leave this one on the store shelves.

The English voice-overs (a first for the series) are a mixed bag because some words are translated oddly and the voice acting from the Tidus character could be better. The music, on the other hand, is extremely well done.

Outstanding polish.

The characters in Legends have an exaggerated action-figure look, but they move smoothly and have a robust collection of moves.

An intense sequel that shines in both its solo and multiplayer modes.

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

For combat flight sim enthusiasts, IL-2 Sturmovik is a dream thanks to its countless solo missions, meaty historical campaign, smooth multiplayer options, flexible customization, accurate handling and great graphics.

If there was ever a reason to purchase this compact new console, this is it...[but] there's no multiplayer mode. It would have been fun to fly alongside or against another player in some of the missions.

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.

A dangerously addictive diversion to monkey around with.

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.

A must-have for 3-D shooter fanatics.

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.

This title is a good pick for players ages 13 to 17 (especially those who liked the film), though older players might grow tired of the gags after a while.

A perfect game for "guy's night" at home.

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.

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

Slick, sexy and jam-packed with action — but this adventure is short with limited playability over time, except perhaps for its multiplayer modes.

There's enough depth and playability here to keep you clicking well into the spring of 2002.

There are dozens of hours of gameplay here, with 80 main missions and countless optional side missions such as drag racing for extra cash or carjacking cabs.

The game adds enough new missions, locations, structures, weapons and units to justify its purchase and will likely keep you clicking until the wee hours of the morning.

Designed for younger players, "Casper: Spirit Dimensions" is a fun and attractive action-adventure hybrid.

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.

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

The sound effects and music in the game are as inspiring as the graphics. The engine motors and tire screeches are incredibly lifelike, and the soundtrack is top notch.

Because of its wealth of game modes and many tricks, "MX 2002" has a long life span, so players who invest in the game will likely get a lot of bang for their buck.

TNN fails to frighten and is marred by a few flaws that may frustrate rather than satiate.

A stellar strategy/simulation game with incredible depth and detail — but it may turn off some players with its steep learning curve.

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.

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.

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

The games are also a tad on the short side, but immersive while they last.

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.

An extremely fun dancing game.

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.

Almost every aspect of this series has been tweaked, from the graphics to the artificial intelligence to the TV-style presentation (new camera angles and more commentary for starters).

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.

Successfully fuses brains with brawn, and delivers one heck of a memorable team-based, multiplayer experience.

Virtually the same as the PS One version, although the PS2 game has superior graphics and faster, smoother play.

A heavenly refreshing virtual toy in which to lose oneself for hours on end.

Can be fun at times, but overall the game play is merely average compared with other PlayStation 2 offerings.

A throwback to the good old days of unadulterated combat with boatloads of wacky enemies and sci-fi weapons. Action fans will love this game.

Ouch. Now, this one is painful.

It may not be a lengthy adventure, but it sure is an intense and gratifying one.

A sharp-looking game. All the characters closely resemble their silver-screen counterparts despite the graphical limitations of the aging PlayStation system.

The game's greatest shortcoming, however, is that this style of over-the-top gameplay hasn't evolved much from Midway's own "NBA Jam" or "NBA Showtime" titles.

An enjoyable, silly diversion that will trigger a few laughs and -- unfortunately -- a bit of aggravation, as well.

There are some other beefs, too, such as odd-looking animations that make the players look like they're skating on the court.

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.

There's not a lot of depth and it might grow tiresome

What differentiates "NASCAR Racing 4" from the many racing games on the market? In a word, it's detail.

The entire game takes place indoors, with only a few moments spent alongside and atop the building complex. I would have preferred to also battle in detailed outdoor environments. Think of some of the jaw-dropping fighting sequences in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

A very entertaining, exhilarating and challenging game for those who would rather star in an action movie than merely watch one.

Offers everything you'd want in a basketball game — fast and fun gameplay with tight and responsive control, gorgeous graphics and realistic animation, and many game modes, each with a boatload of customizable options.

A fun but easy diversion that's geared more toward the younger or casual gamer.

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.

Although the game audio is good, with classical music and impressive voice acting, outdated visuals spoil the fun. Better to see the movie or read the book.

The multiple game modes and environments, new wrestlers and intuitive control makes WWF Smackdown 2!: Know Your Role one of the best wrestling games to date, on any platform.

Overall, however, while NFL GameDay can be quite fun -- especially with two players, rather than solo -- it disappoints because it looks and plays unpolished, like a mere rehash from NFL GameDay 2000 with a few minor bells and whistles.

One of the best games in the coveted series and one of the top RPGs of the year.

It goes in a different direction, simulating the feel of televised tournament coverage. PGA Tour comes with multiple courses and a "Course Architect" creation tool.

One of the most refined basketball games -- perhaps the best -- ever created for any platform.

This is a game with seemingly endless slopes and fields that look so real, you'll swear you've run them.

Another hard-hitting, fast-action, brutal-but-bloodless battle with Barbie-doll gals battling Schwarzeneggerish behemoths....Sound ridiculous? It is, but it's also a whole lot of fun.

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