A very playable and engaging, if unattractive, port of the PC game that offers no surprises.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Boasting some of the most impressive physics and visuals ever to find their way into a current-generation console racer, VP is another of those damnable "must-have" titles for anyone who appreciates a finely tuned driving experience mated to state-of-the-art graphics.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Along with the sharp graphics, RE3 features outstanding sound and music.

A unique gameplay experience. If you can leave the guns, bombs, monsters, and aliens behind, you'll find plenty of variety and replayability here to keep you hooked for some time.

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.

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.

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.

If, however, you want to move beyond the limitations of the original, or are simply interested in an action driving game that will remain compelling for months to come, Midtown Madness 2 will most likely not shift your gears.

Introduces many new and interesting elements into the sometimes stale RTS genre; although it has a moderate learning curve, fans of the genre will want to pick this one up.

Quite possibly the best action-adventure game you're going to play this year.

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

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.

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.

If you're looking for a strong upgrade to NHL FaceOff 2000, you won't find it here.

This game not only has everything that an add-on pack should have -- fresh units, a new campaign, and new multiplayer maps and modes -- but it has one thing that most don't: a goose-egg price tag.

While its predecessor broke new ground in the stealth-action arena, "Tenchu 2" hasn't improved much over the original, and has even taken a step back in some areas.

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

Easily the best in the series and one of the best first-person shooters on the system.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

A solid if unassuming 3D real-time strategy that will score well with "Dark Reign" and multiplayer fans.

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

Nothing more than a fun, nostalgic 2D platforming romp that will only appeal to true hard-core fans.

Even despite slight control problems, terrifyingly bad documentation, and console-style save points, there is still enough here to warrant that horror fans check it out.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The slow-paced gameplay and monotonous platform-style action is likely to grate on your nerves and provide more than a few bouts of exhausted frustration.

One of the best console strategy games ever made.

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

When all is said and done, The LoD is like your typical one-night stand: it's OK for a quick fix but it's nothing that will get you emotionally involved.

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

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

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.

A solid combat flight sim that rivals many PC games for challenge and realism.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

With only ten small stages, the game can be completed in about 20 minutes.

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.

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

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

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

Relies heavily on stealth tactics and interesting scenarios, but often finds itself without a clear course for entertaining and compelling gameplay.

Competent in all regards yet spectacular in none, it's a pleasantly surprising title worthy of attention from fans of the genre.

Featuring an all-new game engine to complement its fully licensed collection of Winston Cup drivers and tracks, NASCAR 2001 is a very slick and entertaining new addition to the series.

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

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

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.

More of the same NFL Blitz antics you know and love, but a shamefully sparse set of upgrades steals its thunder.

While the graphics certainly aren't horrendous, they lack overall polish.

A breath of fresh air on the PlayStation that has the total package of graphics, gameplay, and an arsenal of incredible weapons.

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.

Though not dithpicable, this game is merely average compared to other third-person action-adventure titles for the PlayStation.

At this price and with these features, "Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition" cannot be ignored.

A squad-level shooter that's easier to get into than "Rainbow Six" and tons more fun.

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

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

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

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

Even with the game's wealth of gameplay modes and excellent sound, the developers' failure to provide analog support and to improve the game's frame rate really hampers the franchise.

Rare isn't breaking any new ground with Mickey's Speedway USA; in fact, it's covering the same ground as the kart racers before it, only not as well.

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

The best NBA hoops game on the system.

An imperfect FPS that is too much Psycho Circus, not enough KISS.

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

By no means a bad game, but it's going to require a lot more than a quick tune-up and lube job if it ever wishes to turn the corner and become a great PS2 racing game.

Frequent and unexplained crashes, constant lockups, myriad bugs, and an insane difficulty level mar what otherwise could have been an outstanding and addictive adventure on the high seas.

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).

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 Build-a-Mountain mode is a fabulous addition.

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.