This game whips "Sydney 2000" for overall fun, graphics, and playability, and "Virtua Athlete 2000" in depth.

Showcasing incredible gameplay, fabulous animations and an unthinkable amount of playable characters, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 shows us why it's a good time to be a Dreamcast owner.

The levels are well designed, and the game's weapons are damn cool and pack a real punch.

A weird combination of action, puzzle solving, and strategy that is freakishly fun.

Hard-core fans will love how the new features affect long-term gameplay, and casual players will find some of the more outrageous scenarios quite amusing.

Great Street Fighter game, but only for purists.

Even though the gameplay is up to par, the graphics need to keep up with the times.

EverQuest reaches a certain peak and maturity with The Scars of Velious, further solidifying the franchise as the premiere massively multiplayer online RPG.

While weaker in the graphics department than its predecessor, this game still delivers punch.

One of the most evilly entertaining time-wasters since the original "Quake."

May feel more like a classic Bond Marathon on TBS, rather than the instant-gratification spy movies we have seen in recent years.

Great graphics and sound, tried-and-true gameplay, and wall-to-wall blasting mayhem make this a winner.

With its engaging mix of humor, excellent graphics, and superior multiplayer mode, this is one "Army Men" game that's worth checking out.

UFC doesn't KO the rest of the Dreamcast's brawling lineup as the best title on the system, but its solid fighting-game engine and distinct mixture of realistic fighting styles and brutal moves make it one fun, tough customer.

Yeah, Giants has its flaws, but it's one of the most competent -- and clever -- action games we've laid our hands on,

With more than 50 WWF superstars, a fantastic array of matches, and unparalleled, blisteringly fast gameplay, it's the only squared-circle brawler you need to buy. Anything else, especially the horrendous "WCW Backstage Assault," isn't worth your time.

The graphics in Ridge Racer V are definitely the game's strong point--most notably, the frame rate. The game runs at a blinding 60 frames per second, which is near TV quality.

With Chessmaster 8000, Mattel Interactive doesn't necessarily reinvent its classic series, but it further refines what is already the most comprehensive chess title on the market.

The added improvements, like the new wings, will ensure gaming pleasure for months to come.

A refreshing change of pace from the usually horrid Army Men franchise thanks to its top-notch action, improved mission structure, cleaner visuals, and added multiplayer elements.

A good game. Real-time fans may like it, and turn-based gamers will like it. And no one will deny that it is unique. If you're a big fan of the series, this fourth installment is a must-buy.

The new game offers impressive graphics mixed with familiar gameplay for a conservative sequel that does the series proud.

By delivering awesome graphics and intense, fright-filled gameplay, RE2 makes for a scary romp you won't want to miss.

While it's certainly not a revolutionary offering, NFL Blitz 2001 contains a nice variety of gameplay modes and exhaustive editing features that should keep fans of frenetic arcade football happy.

Anyone with the slightest interest in historical-strategy gaming will love this title.

Maxis packs in just enough to make this a must-have for fans and newcomers alike.

Like all Psygnosis games, Rollcage Stage II is full of eye candy, with flashy graphics and colorful decor up the wazoo.

This year's game has excellent graphics, a great frame rate, fluid gameplay, and plenty of new features.

Dreamcast's affordable version of "Bust-A-Move 4" pushes the already great puzzle game to new heights.

Despite the fact that the control interface will do a number on your fingers and forearms, this game gets a gold medal for capturing the Olympic action with its combination of frenetic gameplay and excellent graphics.

A typical EX game: solid, a bit boring, and uninspired. It lacks the key elements--great graphics, tight gameplay, and personality in its game design--that give the 2D Street Fighter games their appeal.

With controls that improve on the PSX version, tight graphics, more than ten levels, and plenty of lightsaber action, Jedi Power Battles has achieved Jedi Master status.

A fun game, if you can get over the poor multiplayer support and buy yourself a USB-compatible keyboard and mouse.

There's some fun to be had with the game, and if you're looking for updated rosters and stats this is a must-buy, but don't expect anything revolutionary.

A fine example of arcade-flavored supercross action done right.

It still feels like a "Civilization II" knockoff at times, rather than its own game. As such, it should pacify fans until "Civ III" comes out.

The Bowl selection in GameBreaker is nowhere near as authentic as it is in EA Sports' title (which means no Orange, Fiesta, or Sugar Bowls), you won't find the official BCS ranking poll, and you won't find a situation creator.

A great addition to Impressions' city-building series,"Cleopatra" is a must-have for Pharaoh freaks.

There are about 15 hours of actual gameplay, and about 5 more hours if you want to pick up all the extra goodies along the way. Still, before you know it, you've finished the game.

There is unquestionably some fun to be had in Spawn, but control and camera issues keep the game from realizing its full potential.

The undersea environment it uses is appealing and fun to explore, especially since the open maps of the game facilitate fairly nonlinear exploration.

Aside from the fact that Invasion feels less like a Star Trek title than it does a "Colony Wars" update, it delivers the goods for a shooter: fast, furious, and addictive action.

Definitely more interesting than most third-person action games, though it's hindered by a variety of interface problems.

Where this game excels, though, is the fast, fluid gameplay and the tight controls, which thankfully weren't changed, and which are enhanced by the analog controller.

Even though the lack of gun support takes away some of the appeal, Konami has done a commendable job of bringing the coin-op experience home.

A beautiful game that comes close to "classic" status, but doesn't quite deliver.

The players look and sound cartoony, with gigantic quadriceps and incredibly deep voices.

A solid retro title -- it's over quickly, and the graphics are rough, but the gameplay triumphs.

For those unfamiliar with the title, this is a chance to check out one of the better console games ever made, warts and all.

An entertaining racer, but it could have been much better had Infogrames beefed up the difficulty a notch (or at least given the player the choice to do so).

Unfortunately, the experience isn't very exciting -- although the table variations may may spice up the game, they only add novelty value.

There isn't much to complain about with Maze Madness, except that the game is short and easy.

Multiplayer novelties aside, 4x4 offers a solid racing experience, even if the game is hampered a bit by some poorly designed night races and cruddy collision detection.

A good example of how to do a modern-day remake--the new additions to the gameplay nicely complement the old, and the tried-and-true original formula comes through intact.

A textbook-example survival-horror adventure that goes straight for the jugular.

Tense missions coupled with bug-bashing fun make this one of the better strategy games we've seen this year, though it won't appeal much to gamers who aren't fans of the book or movie.

An interesting take on the classic game and a must-have for fans of the original.

While NBA Live 2001 is very much like the 2000 version, it offers some new extras like the NBA Challenge and new in-the paint moves that will appeal to die-hard ballers.

The game is perhaps a bit too complex, and the graphics--while functional--do little to pull you into the universe. Nevertheless, this game's a keeper.

If you're a die-hard boxing fan, you'll appreciate the extended Career mode and boxer-specific fighting styles. Unfortunately, you won't appreciate the less-than-optimal frame rate.

An entertaining golfing exercise with several unique features and the most intriguing lineup of single- and multiplayer game modes in the business. But it also feels rough and incomplete in its current state.

A solid but not super fighter featuring impressive graphics that's perfect for X-Men fans.

Marred by a dodgy interface, "Toy Story 2" nonetheless knows how to flex its might like a championship weightlifter.

Still contains all the white-knuckle, suspense-filled gameplay that made the PlayStation version so great. Don't go in expecting something extraordinary or new, because you won't find it here.

The Build-a-Mountain mode is a fabulous addition.

Part of you will want to see where the story goes, even as another part will want to go back into the dark to suck blood and kill the wicked, and that mix will keep you plowing onward.

As is the case with any good simulation, there are lots of details for the golf fan to tinker with.

Although Hogs is far from state-of-the-art, it's definitely fun and worth a look if you want something different and smart.

Even though Silent Scope for the PS2 doesn't offer a gun peripheral like the arcade version (can we stress that enough?), it's still an exceptionally fun game that warrants attention.

A surprisingly solid game lies underneath the cute veneer, offering tight control and solid game design.

A fun game, created around a fantastic concept; however, it's not quite the game fans would have wanted it to be.

A comprehensive and versatile stock car title that should appeal to all levels of PC drivers.

Despite the graphical shortcomings, Star Wars Episode I: Battle for Naboo offers some of the best shooter action on the Nintendo 64, especially now that the system is hurting for good titles.

A wickedly fun game despite some of its visual shortcomings, offering the right mix of killer BMX gameplay with X-Games attitude.

Pretty and promising, "F1 World Grand Prix" stands as a good middle ground between arcade and simulation open-wheeled racing.

This expansion's additions prove that more is indeed better, but the balancing issues are troubling.

A grand illustration of a space shooter/space sim hybrid, yet is incessantly hindered by inherent shortcomings and idiosyncrasies.

A must for fans of arcade-style dogfighting -- provided they learn their way around the bugs and download a critical patch.

Even though the developer left out a training module and the CD duplicator unintentionally omitted the game's audio tracks, "Comanche Versus Hokum" is nevertheless a worthy addition to any flight enthusiast's library of chopper simulations.

A light and fluffy offering that's just right for kids, albeit a bit too shallow for more mature gamers looking for a challenge.

A straight-up old-school space shooter dressed to kill.

Aside from lacking an overall slick visual polish, NASCAR 2001 is everything racing fanatics could want, thanks to its huge list of licensed drivers, cars, and tracks, and its intense gameplay.

Rustin Parr captures the spirit of the movie and makes for a compelling adventure game.

While Jarrett & Labonte is a solid title, it's not going to convert non-racing-game fanatics to the fold as "Gran Turismo" has done.

Limited single-player capabilities; clunky interface; online registration costs $10; acquiring additional playing pieces can become an expensive proposition, especially for younger players.

As a simulation, the game, while not very forgiving, definitely provides a lot in the way of intricate fun.

While certainly not a spectacular, original work of gaming art, The Grinch is a solidly done 3D platformer that effectively makes fun use of a well-known license.

Its combination of over-the-top action, an excellent array of outrageous boxers, and multiple game modes makes it a title everyone can enjoy.

Most gamers will enjoy the game's straightforward approach, and there is plenty for hard-core fans to sink their teeth into.

The colors are bright and attractive, and everything looks like it's supposed to, in a sunny, cartoonish way.

Simple, enemy-inhaling fun that's accessible but won't hold your attention for very long.

Despite its flaws and little imperfections, it still manages to deliver a fun gaming experience...though we can't help but feel that it's missing something...(multiplayer).

A good example of an arcade boxer done right, thanks to its wealth of gameplay modes, exhaustive list of fighters, and wildly fun, over-the-top gameplay.

It's a beautiful looking piece of work, even if there is a modicum of slowdown from time to time due to the sheer amount of traffic on the screen.

An incredibly deep and versatile tactical battle simulator, which is fun at first, but not complete enough to provide a compelling long-term play experience.

Character detail comes at the cost of the environments, which are bland and plain. However, the onscreen action gets so hectic that players won't have much time to hang out and take in the sights.

A better-than-average RTS game with some compelling elements, marred by multiplayer game balance issues and a sometimes dull single-player game.

If you have the patience to endure the somewhat slow opening and outdated graphics, you will be rewarded with an intriguing gaming experience.