Thrill-seekers in search of a stylized 3-D shooter with a compelling story will find plenty of both in Ubi Soft's XIII.

A refreshingly smart, elegant adventure.

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.

A refreshingly smart, elegant adventure.

An exceptional follow-up to the original.

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.

Savvy gamers can also unlock Snoop Dogg as a playable character.

Savvy gamers can also unlock Snoop Dogg as a playable character.

Savvy gamers can also unlock Snoop Dogg as a playable character.

An intense, gritty World War II-themed action game played from a vertigo-inducing first-person perspective.

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.