Any game that lets you lop off the head of your enemy and then use it as a weapon has our vote.

Though decent for the most part, and occasionally fun, the latest entry in the series remains lackluster and is easily overshadowed by the competition.

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.

Crippled by graphical glitches, poor control, and incompetent AI, TWINE feels more like a wannabe "GoldenEye" than something that can stand on its own merits. It's not that it's a horribly bad game; it's just not a very good game.

The problem here is that there are better, more original and inventive party games out there; Crash Bash fails to do anything to put itself ahead of Nintendo's "Mario Party" series, or even match it.

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.

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.

We won't bleat around the bush -- in terms of shear gameplay, Sheep is a letdown.

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 significantly underwhelming racing title that is outpaced by EA's superior NASCAR 2001 in almost every respect.

Hinging on a technological gimmick and the Pokémon license, the game falls well short of the standard set by previous Pokémon titles.

Featuring improved graphics and tighter control, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is all but assured legendary status.

From its open-ended campaign and mind-searing graphics to its wide variety of multiplayer options, Sacrifice is one of those few games that manage to do just about everything right.

Even though Freestyle Motorcross's outlandish trick selection and arcade-style flair make it somewhat entertaining, the simplistic gameplay, poor graphics, and limited selection of riders simply don't make it compelling enough to belong in your library.

If "GoldenEye" was the Sean Connery of Bond games, and "Tomorrow Never Dies" was George Lazenby, then The World Is Not Enough is a likable Roger Moore--showing its age, in it for the money, and prone to bouts of slowdown, but still sporting that old Bond magic.

It is, without a doubt, the best basketball game on any console.

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.

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

Classic blast-everything-in-sight gameplay that's wildly entertaining and highly addictive.

The design leans far too heavily on passive, informational sequences rather than immersing the user in what is potentially an incredibly interactive environment.

The gameplay is a nice mix of intricate strategy and fast-paced action; online play is an option; and commentators John Motson and Mark Lawrenson are back, accents and all.

The questions are clever and the banter from the game's host continues to be deliciously sarcastic. Those features, combined with an excellent Online Play mode, will surely make this a must-grab for any YDKJ fan.

If you are searching for a truly exceptional first-generation PlayStation 2 title that offers fast action, excellent gameplay, and splendid visual pageantry, you had better buy yourself a copy of SSX the minute you pick up your PS2.

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.

The best NBA hoops game on the system.

A visually gorgeous game that combines awesome graphics, fresh gameplay, irresistible music, and incredible design in a polished package that is a true original.

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.

Deep gameplay and cross-platform online racing make 4x4 Evolution the best 4x4 game going.

KISS fans will almost certainly feel ripped off by the band's phone-in appearance. However, for those who simply want a game with a high body count, K:PC definitely piles the carnage quite high.

Despite its cool premise and rockin' soundtrack, Surfing H3O is nothing but a water-logged train wreck because of its meager gameplay mode selection, horrible graphics, and awful control.

An incredibly monotonous, extremely boring family game devoid of fun.

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.

One of the best fighters available for the PlayStation 2, thanks to rock-solid gameplay that overshadows minor graphical issues.

The best skateboarding experience going on the PC -- and given the improved graphics, it is arguably the best version of the game out there.

From the revamped graphics to the refined gameplay, this is arcade fighting at its best.

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.

Not only contains top-notch gameplay, but it's also the most realistic-looking sports game to ever hit a console

While the main game is fun at first, in the Crazy Taxi vein, the novelty wears thin because of the bland graphics and repetitive nature of the gameplay.

Unfortunately, while the game's premise is certainly intriguing, its fun is sorely limited due to a steep learning curve and lack of racing venues.

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.

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.

Stunning, optimized graphics; immersive, rich sound; refined, complex, and deep gameplay; and a mature, gripping plot make it a game that you won't want to miss.

Though crappy brakes take away some of the game's drivability, the superb graphics and special effects still offer a winning combination for DC off-road enthusiasts.

When you get right down to it, this is the best-looking, best-playing, and most full-featured golf game on the market, bar none.

If you don't mind a lot of draw-in and bad sound effects, you'll be able to stomach this game.

Poor production values and a woefully dated game engine make us pine for what could have been, and we are left with this modern relic.

Its intense gameplay, quality graphics, and tight control will appeal to anyone looking to get their action fix.

Should have been an A-list title. But the steep learning curve combined with the touchy controls and unforgiving physics make what's supposed to be fun just plain infuriating.

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

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.

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.

Combining slick graphics, fast-as-hell gameplay, and an incredibly deep set of features and options, TimeSplitters has what it takes to make the PS2 a premier platform for shoot-'em-up multiplayer action.

There are instances where players phase through each other as they return to their respective huddles after a play. While they certainly don't ruin the game, these little inconsistencies must be noted.

Although X Squad is fraught with many ups and downs, it's still a refreshing foray into tactical territory usually reserved for the PC world.

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.

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

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 it offers the same style of gameplay, its alternate story line, engaging action, and excellent musical score will have you sneaking behind enemy lines until the wee hours of the morning.

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.

Improved graphics and new modes and characters are combined with solid gameplay that's been tweaked for the better to make for a dependable and entertaining sequel.

Shorter scenarios, smarter AI, and extensive military features make the game much more fun and intriguing, and the mythology aspects add a whole new dynamic.

Without a doubt, the best PC-to-console port ever seen.

Red Alert 2 proves to be one of the finest offerings in the C&C series.

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

With various enthralling single-player modes and a smooth online play option, if this isn't one of the best racing games we've played this year, it sure is one of the most fun.

The focal points of the game, the fish, are simply stunning. With fluid animations; bright, clear textures; and a nice reflective sheen, they're very convincing virtual fish.

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.

If you like scrolling hack-'n'-slash with some platformer action, all wrapped in a decent story, Dragon Valor will prove to be at least moderately entertaining.

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.

It's a lot harder to get the full fruity experience that is Samba de Amigo without the maracas. Unfortunately, the maraca controllers -- which are sold separately -- will set gamers back 80 bucks a pair.

While it would've been nice to re-create some of the truly significant aerial engagements of the war, such as the Battle of Midway and the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, Combat Flight Simulator 2 is nevertheless an excellent game.

Once the visual thrill and initial excitement passes, there is little here to draw you back for more.

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

Get past the mentally incapacitating control setup, find a dark enough room, and sit back to enjoy hour after hour of corridor wandering and Xenomorphic genocide.

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

The folks at Insomniac have built an incredibly detailed, fun, and immersive action/adventure that is definitely worth picking up, whether or not you're familiar with this franchise.

EA Sports delivers its strongest installment yet in the PC's best motorcycle racing series.

Somehow, Sierra managed to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory by committing gaffes and other oversights that just boggle the mind.

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

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.

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

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.

Suffers from limited gameplay and a few glitches, but it's a worthwhile title that most Frogger fans will enjoy.

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

PBR2 has more going for it than you'd expect, mostly in the way of visuals, but doesn't hold up as an overall gaming experience.

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

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

This mid-season replacement, though not without its occasional highlights, misfires far too often to run in the same league as its predecessor.

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

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

EA Sports delivers its most solid hockey game yet -- NHL 2001 could be the best sports game released this year.

Aquality game, though it does suffer from a "been there, done that" feeling.

With the limited number of options, poor and inconsistent control, and a weak and unsatisfying multiplayer experience, gamers should change the channel rather than give World Destruction League ratings.

Despite its graphical and play control shortcomings, Wizards & Warriors is a good dungeon romp that stands shoulder to shoulder with those RPG classics of yore.

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

No matter how much fun you had with the first game, this is one to avoid.

Although it brings many new things to the table, for every good attribute the game adds, a new problem comes along, be it awkward camera control or flaky targeting.

Fails in so many areas that the entire experience ends up being one long exercise in frustration.