It's a fun diversion and an enjoyable game in its own right, but ultimately the emphasis on objectives and challenges grows a bit annoying.

It's so close to being a masterpiece that you'll inevitably be disappointed, but when you step back and look at the whole instead of focusing on the parts, the one thing that stands out more than save limitations or the lack of configuration is the spectacular action.

May be too complicated for many real-time strategy players and a little too silly for hardcore wargamers. If you don't mind making some compromises in either direction, however, there is ample fun to be had.

Simply isn't interesting enough to merit sticking it out that long.

The only thing it really adds to the Carnivores series is snow and hair, but if you enjoyed the previous hunting games and wanted more, then, well, here's more.

It shamelessly copies two Blizzard classics, "WarCraft II" and "Diablo." The problem is that it doesn't copy from either classic particularly well, and the result is a flat, lifeless experience that quickly becomes more of a chore than a pleasure.

Has all the trappings of a good game: its setting is unique (there are far too few games set in the old west), and it copies a highly successful formula all the while adding enough flavor to separate itself as a distinct product. But limited game options coupled with bonehead AI make a recipe for disaster in the crowded market of the real time strategy game.

Sadly, as egg-cellent as that premise sounds, thanks to some monotonous gameplay and a lazy job of porting it from the PlayStation, Chicken Run ends up being merely medi-yolk-re.

Not everything in Konung is bad, but the game's virtues hardly add up to a ringing endorsement. It can occasionally be fun, but by the end it's the repetition that you'll remember.

Decent graphics, an efficient interface, and a massive technology tree with a wide array of units. On the other, its slow speed, awkward unit movement, and abysmal A.I. add up to a less than stellar experience.

It has a nice wrapper and the budget price is right, but as soon as you hit the second or third mission, you'll be ready to break the disc in half and return the pieces to the store for credit.

What it was designed to do, it does very well. It barely makes a pretense of doing anything else, however—extra bells and whistles are definitely not part of the package.

For grand tactical combat poured sweet and clear, Boku's Combat Command 2: Danger Forward is an excellent choice.

Anyone looking to quickly dismiss it as just another ripoff in the same vein as "MTV Sports: Skateboarding Featuring Andy Macdonald" had better take a long second look, as this game is a great experience in its own right.

It's not a bad game; but with better AI and a few simple options (such as the ability to choose your equipment before a mission, or a "save anywhere" feature), it might have more to recommend it.

Your best bet? Leave this game at the store and pick up a VHS copy of the "V" miniseries if you really need a cheesy alien invasion fix.

The most incomprehensible issue is the lack of multiplayer support. It is interesting that Hasbro found the resources to include multiplayer support in the computer version of Battleship while omitting it in a game that literally begs for a human, network-connected crew.

Clearly not ready for prime time. Abundant bugs, unbalanced campaign prestige, and a non-functional multiplayer campaign all mar an otherwise classic game.

When you take the game as a whole you realize that the stunning art direction writes checks the gameplay can't possibly cash. Playing Alice is a stunningly average experience.

Of drive-in movie reviewer Joe Bob Brigg's infamous three B's, Giants' developers in a politic move took out two (Blood and Breasts). The third, Beasts, is still enough to carry the game, though the addition of a fourth B—Bugs—is certainly regrettable.

For the adventure purist, Riddle of the Sphinx is an intriguing journey that should not be missed. For those who do not typically enjoy lonely exploration, this game may still be a trip worth taking for the sake of learning and experiencing a bit of the Toblers' Egypt.

There's one thing that really distinguishes the EverQuest phenomenon from all pretenders to the throne, for better or worse—difficulty. Slaving for weeks through one of the higher "hell levels" isn't just time-consuming, it's quite often toil.

It's more of a walk down memory lane for lapsed PlayStation devotees than a real game, though it can pack plenty of appeal for those so inclined.

While Earth 2150 clearly takes its inspiration from the best of the RTS breed, it fails to establish any identity that is clearly its own.

Lacking a concrete sense of direction and any evidence that tender loving care was exercised during its development cycle, the journey unfortunately resembles purgatory more than outright damnation.

Delivers its money's worth for true fans of the series, but which is much too hard for anyone not utterly devoted to Jagged Alliance.

The game oozes style, with high quality sound and nifty visuals that make it a simple matter to know at any time what weapon you've picked up, what your current ranking is, and which players are nearby.

The learning curve is extremely steep, so if you decide to take the pilot's seat, be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride. It's exactly the sort of title you would expect from a small, grassroots developer—made with obvious enthusiasm but lacking a lot of the polish of its market-dominating competitor.