The aiming system is a pain. While you can look down the sights of your weapon for a supposedly more-accurate shot, it seems nearly impossible to hit a target without firing several times, and don't even think of trying to shoot without looking down the sites.

Sure it's a knockoff of "Advance Wars DS" in almost any way, but it's still incredibly enjoyable.

A chaotic ride through the Marvel world. Exciting, fun and even moreso when you play with friends.

It’s scary, different and great at what it does, with only a few missteps and a story that needs some more fleshing out. Bring on the sequel!

Those of you who are invested in the series will be very happy with the new features and the 15 to 20 hours of single player hack-and-slash action that this expansion offers.

It doesn't break the mold, but then again, no game in this genre really has to if it wants to be enjoyable.

There's seldom a dull moment in this game, and when one arises it's intentional. Raven completely outdid themselves with this game, delivering one of the best Marvel games yet to ship.

Simple fun doesn't mean simplistic play. Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds stays within the bounds of pick-up-and-play fun without alienating more "refined" golf-game fans.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is a solid game that should prove enjoyable to fans of single-player and online shooting fun. We highly recommend Ubisoft's latest outing in 2008.

Overall, though, I found Disney Pixar's Brave to be fun! Actually, I found the game to be more entertaining than the movie. I think kids and adults can enjoy it, though I don't see too much repeat play after one has beaten it.

After years of seeing Konami pump out game after game in the MGS universe, it's a pleasant surprise to see them use the franchise in a wholly unique way.

With three campaigns, 30 lengthy missions and online multiplayer, it’s no wonder Codename: Panzers will keep you playing (and loving every minute of it) for a long time to come.

COD3 packs more impressive features than any previous installment: gorgeous graphics and audio, an intense single-player campaign and a wealth of multiplayer options. Even if it isn't the most original WWII game, it's certainly one of the finest.

Quite a fun game, once it gets up and going.

The story is better, the trust meters "work," and the gameplay is still fun. Only problem: the next-gen content snub. Had it included online co-op and Ubisoft done more to integrate the single- and multiplayer modes, it would've scored a [90].

An incredibly deep sim that hits all the right notes for hardcore racing fans.

A chaotic ride through the Marvel world. Exciting, fun and even moreso when you play with friends.

Its lack of online multiplayer, and the fact that you can’t control an entire party at once hamper the overall game a bit, but as a whole, it’s an enjoyable fantasy romp.

Still, The Sims 2 has made a much smoother transition to the console than the previous versions. The new control scheme helps in this, with the direct control offering a nice option in place of the keyboard and mouse.

The open-world genre has never looked so good, but it could've played a bit more realistically given the subject matter. A few fewer Biblical references would've been nice, too.

EndWar is fun, fast-paced and will likely swoon even a few jaded shooter fans to the RTS fold.

2K Sports has introduced a lot of concepts and perfectly captured the college arena atmosphere, but the game itself needs a bit more work on all of its moving parts.

Considering that this is a smaller piece of Skyrim DLC than Dawnguard, though, that nitpick doesn’t deter me from saying that Hearthfire is worth the price of admission. Customizing a home and populating it with kids fits perfectly into the premise of making the Skyrim world your own, and it’s certainly provided some fun add-on entertainment.

The character animation is very simple but clean, clear and well done. If you look carefully, you can make out small gestures made by the characters during conversations.

Taken too seriously the game can become frustrating and repetitive. But if you're just in it for the fun, fun is what you're going to have.

All around good stuff, worth putting on those worn out virtual combat boots for again.

2K Sports has introduced a lot of concepts and perfectly captured the college arena atmosphere, but the game itself needs a bit more work on all of its moving parts.

Much more than a clone of "SimCity", City Life is a deep, realistic urban planning simulation that is both challenging and entertaining.

There's seldom a dull moment in this game, and when one arises it's intentional. Raven completely outdid themselves with this game, delivering one of the best Marvel games yet to ship.

The best in-game destruction ever can't make up for a few major shortcomings, but when a game is built to blow up buildings, it's hard to find much fault when it does that so well. You'll definitely overlook the shortcomings and focus on what this game does well instead.

If you enjoy games like Catan, this game goes a little deeper and offers a lot more, but with exceptional controls that give you a fun, action-based experience without all the memorization of various control schemes.

Although the campaign is more of a how-to, there are plenty of planets available with varying difficulties, promising hours of adventures whether you’re a fighter or a builder.

In spite of its aging engine and average sound, Catacombs is probably one of, if not the best add-on packs ever been released for an MMO. With the new areas, new tasks, model upgrades and inclusion of tons of content for solo players, this is a must own for any Dark Age of Camelot player.

If you wished the Xbox had a "God of War" to call its own, then Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks should be your cup of tea.

A chaotic ride through the Marvel world. Exciting, fun and even moreso when you play with friends.

EndWar is fun, fast-paced and will likely swoon even a few jaded shooter fans to the RTS fold.

Other than that this is a great table that will take a while for most to master – but once you find out the little tricks and tips, it's sure to keep your attention for quite some time.

Really, Borderlands is like crack. But these 16 hour marathons have to stop. I have laundry and other things to attend to.

I'd easily recommend that you go out and pick up this little gem of a licensed game and add it to your pile.

Some of the games seem similar to one another, and occasionally you'll find yourself frustrated at a performance, but the younger gamers to whom this is geared will almost assuredly have a blast.

Really, Borderlands is like crack. But these 16 hour marathons have to stop. I have laundry and other things to attend to.

I'd easily recommend that you go out and pick up this little gem of a licensed game and add it to your pile.

A genre-specific racing sim that immerses you in the world of round-track racing, NASCAR '07 does not disappoint.

Rare has put together a deceptively deep gameplay formula that successfully pulls you back in time-after-time again. Cutesy characters shouldn't deter even the grisliest gamers from dropping anchor and exploring Pinata Island.

The simple pick-up-and-play mechanics embody everything the Nintendo Wii is about -- and they make for a fun experience, too.

The improved accessibility is welcome, the deepened career mode is great and the overall presentation quality can't be overlooked.

It looks and sounds "next-gen," and the career mode is definitely deep, but it might be a bit intimidating for casual fans who just want to hop into a Grand Prix race and play. It could also benefit from more people actually playing online.

It's the best "superhero" game ever made, but the lack of side missions and its annoying co-op bugs hold it back from greatness.

With such good multiplayer options, graphics and sound, it's a shame that the single-player portion of RalliSport Challenge 2 falters as much as it does.

A surprisingly deep fighter. Occasionally the fast combat can degenerate into button mashing, but the strategic elements are there if you can keep your wits about you.

A fun and stylistic outing by any measure, but the game-lengthening tactics are all-too apparent.

A new character brings new and compelling gameplay elements, but the repetition gets a bit tired, even if it is a Capcom calling card.

With its good graphics, audio and party-based play, Shrek 2 improves in nearly every way upon the original game.

NASCAR junkies no longer have to live vicariously through the TV, because NASCAR 06: Total Team Control darn near puts them in the driver’s seat themselves.

With its good graphics, audio and party-based play, Shrek 2 improves in nearly every way upon the original game.

There’s some good gaming here for people new to the franchise, but some parts will feel old to experienced AOE vets.

Possibly the best new-gen (or any) version of Madden since 1995.

A new character brings new and compelling gameplay elements, but the repetition gets a bit tired, even if it is a Capcom calling card.

It's not quite as open ended as we'd hoped it would be, but the taste of freedom has whet our appetite for more, and the weapons upgrades keep gunplay fresh throughout the campaign.

Technically, graphically and aurally it's impressive, but if you're not into the act of driving or not on Xbox Live, it's best suited to be a rental. The multiplayer socialization and implementation is really where it shines.

SingStar has good karaoke and non-multiplayer online functionality, but it enters a crowded field and is really just "more of the same." Sure, it's a good same, but karaoke is karaoke.

It's not that often you encounter a game that mixes genres and still manages to be above-average in quality.

Cooking Mama seemed like an insurmountable franchise at one time, but Order Up! has -- at least to this editor -- added just the right amount of gameplay spice to surpass the competition.

The co-op gameplay is both Army of Two's savior and burden, but the end result is still an enjoyable experience that fills a void not just in the Q1 doldrums, but in the shooter scene as a whole.

Beefier graphics and a complete game are nice, but still missing some overall next-gen polish.

The across-the-board improvements on Xbox 360 pick up where the current-gen gameplay left off, but they probably don't justify the added cost for people who have already played a current-gen version.

It's not quite as open ended as we'd hoped it would be, but the taste of freedom has whet our appetite for more, and the weapons upgrades keep gunplay fresh throughout the campaign.

The co-op gameplay is both Army of Two's savior and burden, but the end result is still an enjoyable experience that fills a void not just in the Q1 doldrums, but in the shooter scene as a whole.

With its good graphics, audio and party-based play, Shrek 2 improves in nearly every way upon the original game.

As I said, I've been a fan of the Need for Speed franchise for quite some time, but even I've been rubbed a bit raw by some of the franchise's evolution over the years. It's not like EA and Black Box were struggling to find an identity, but they seemed to always be looking to switch things up just for the sake of switching. With Need for Speed: The Run, it seems like EA finally found the right mix of action and challenge, and the sporadic out-of-the-car sequences give just enough of a break to keep you pushing forward.

It's not that often you encounter a game that mixes genres and still manages to be above-average in quality.

Halo Wars, as solid as it is from a gameplay perspective, is not an appropriate game for kids weaned on teabagging and fragfests.

Still, even with its virtual omission of anyone not with "man" at the end of their name doesn't keep LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes from being fun. Watching a beloved hero like Batman fight baddies and his own issues with Superman is a great combination, and it's all presented in the family-friendly LEGO wrapper we've come to expect from Telltale. If you or anyone in your house is a fan of the caped crusader - even the newest iteration - you can rest assured that LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes will be a hit.

The gameplay is exactly what you've come to expect from a LEGO game, but the graphics look better than any LEGO game before. The issue is more a matter of the franchise it's tied to, which isn't as memorable or charming as the other movies with LEGO tie-ins and thus doesn't provide the same number of memorable levels, scenes or characters.

There's so much good going for it, I can't see not recommending it as a purchase for most gamers, although the subject material and weird moments in the storyline might be a bit too off-putting for casual gamers.

The controls are revolutionary and the game looks great, but there's still room for improvement on the puck physics and pacing. A few more features would be nice, too.

Plenty of fun, but you're better off waiting for them to become freebies.

All in all, Guitar Hero World Tour is a fun experience.

All in all, Guitar Hero World Tour is a fun experience.

Its difficulty and niche sensibilities prevent me from recommending it to casual gamers, but those hardcore tacticians with at least 30 hours on their hands will not be able to get enough of it.

All in all, Guitar Hero World Tour is a fun experience.

Definitely more inviting to non-rallycross fans, and the graphics and modes are certainly a boost. Unfortunately, the online mode is a letdown, as are the framerate issues.

Any time you let minions do my dirty work you'll win me over, so the great genre-combining gameplay is just icing on the cake.

Fun, creative and surprisingly fresh, but not quite enough gameplay variety to carry the load.

Flower delivers on what it promises, and along the way you just might find yourself enjoying the ride again and again.

Frustrating at times but on the whole a great game for individual or multiple players. It's definitely worth the low price of 800 Microsoft Points.

Still the best NBA game you can play, without question. However, the lack of new features may prevent it from being a slam dunk worthy of your $60.

Very stylistic, intense and creative, Mirror's Edge is missing the replayability to justify its $60 price tag, and it has a difficult learning curve that never quite levels out.

With its focus on fun over competition-like accuracy, this is the first dancing game to grab and hold my attention beyond just a couple of songs. Plus, the soundtrack is just plain hard to top.

But for kid-focused entertainment and the knowledge that a movie-based game is actually well executed, it's hard to top these meatballs.

Coming in at 240 points, it's a tad more expensive than the rest of the Pinball FX 2 tables for some reason or another but don't let that $0.50 scare you off as if you're a fan of what Zen has done to revitalize video pinball then you'll be happy with the new table to help fill in your grid.

But when the game does things well, it does them really well. Activating Dr. Doom's multiball is a joy, and trying to keep those four balls in play makes for quite a feat – but when you hear the Super Jackpot has been hit you know you've done something right. Even when non-standard things such as The Human Torch lighting the ball on fire and the ball absorbing Dr. Doom's power in other modes are not as distracting as you might think – and they fit really well into the game.

But for kid-focused entertainment and the knowledge that a movie-based game is actually well executed, it's hard to top these meatballs.

If you want to feel like you're immersed in a heavy conflict, with combatants screaming commands, bullets zipping through the air and grenades exploding, Ghost Recon 2 is the game for you due to its powerful audio engine. The key weakness? The weapons sound like toys.

As a multiplayer game, this is sure to bring some friends together for some online poker who might not otherwise be able to play together, and at that point the pacing of the game isn't really that important. As a single player game, if you can put aside the duration of the tournaments and look at the AI that the game has in the form of the Pros, then this game really succeeds in my opinion.

It may sound simple -- and really, it is -- but Space Invaders Extreme loses nothing in playability.

Not a huge leap in RTS gaming, but a good progression in the WWII RTS genre.

A few questionable issues with AI and replay aside, it’s a good purchase for stealth-action fans who want to see some action in with their stealth.