The cinematic sequences, which propel the story line, have an anime quality that is dark, foreboding and engrossing.

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.

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

It won't win any awards for originality, but it's good enough to shrink your nightly sleep to just a couple of hours.

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.

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.

The game slows down when the track is full of cars. Plus, you might find your attention distracted by an over-detailed landscape that washes out the course ahead.

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.

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.

A dangerously addictive diversion to monkey around with.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

The story is slow at first, but patient players will find it ultimately becomes one of the game's stronger features, along with its atmospheric visuals.

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.

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.

Unfortunately, Half-Life’s puzzle-oriented play leads to some problems. On several occasions, you’ll be forced to make almost impossible jumps. The difficulty of such maneuvers finds you making 10, sometimes 15 attempts. The frustration distances you from a story that should have you absorbed.

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

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

Deep where it counts — the game play.

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

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.

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.

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