Intense, gorgeous and with a well-plotted original story, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare should be atop everyone's list of first-person shooters this year.

Intense, gorgeous and with a well-plotted original story, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare should be atop everyone's list of first-person shooters this year.

Viva Pinata: Party Animals is a fun family game that might be a little too easy and repetitive for adult gamers, but the kids will love it especially when you play it with them.

We've never been fans of forcing someone to play a set number of mini-games to advance to the next mission, and we don't like that element in this game either. But the mini-games are simple enough and the mission structure repetitive enough that young kids are likely going to have a good time.

Easily the best use of a licensed property, but by parodying old gameplay mechanics, the game reinforces just how tired we've gotten of the same elements that the game itself relies upon.

Easily the best use of a licensed property, but by parodying old gameplay mechanics, the game reinforces just how tired we've gotten of the same elements that the game itself relies upon.

Even with a new developer, the game doesn't miss a beat.

Even with a new developer, the game doesn't miss a beat.

Even with a new developer, the game doesn't miss a beat.

Even with a new developer, the game doesn't miss a beat.

One of the best games in the series, but the return to platforming introduces a bit more linearity. The creativity and humor, though, can't be topped.

EA Playground is probably the best multiplayer Wii experience since Wii Sports. Even with its eventual AI challenge, there's nothing complex about this game--and there shouldn't be.

If rhythm and trippy visuals are your thing then you'll find this bazaar shooter worthwhile.

The third time is definitely not a charm. Multiplayer is better in concept than practice, and the rest of the game just feels "tired." Even fans of the series will lose interest.

The game makes great use of the Wiimote controls yet a lack of game modes and online play will leave you wanting more.

Tilting the Wii Remote to control the table is intuitive and feels natural. Color matching can be frustrating at times, but adds to the overall challenge of the gameplay.

Last year's strong foundation has apparently crumbled, as the gameplay and audio just have too many miscues to make this year's outing all that enjoyable.

GeoDeformed ruts are cool, but when each like-classed car handles the same and there's no threat of driving off the road, the only "rut" that matters is the one you feel you're in when going from one race to the next.

If you're tired of the traditional pinball game then you might find Flipper Critters mildly amusing for its quirky style and large environments, but if you're looking for something more traditional with quick gameplay or point delivery system then you might want to look elsewhere.

Poor execution, no real personality and identical gameplay across multiple characters squash the fun factor like a 50-ton Acme anvil.

Poor execution, no real personality and identical gameplay across multiple characters squash the fun factor like a 50-ton Acme anvil.

Bleach: Shattered Blade remains faithful to the television series and offers tight controls utilizing the Wii Remote and Nunchuck. However, a lack of variety in character moves, an overly used special move sequence and no online multiplayer add up to litte replayability value.

Poor execution, no real personality and identical gameplay across multiple characters squash the fun factor like a 50-ton Acme anvil.

With poor gameplay and too-strict rules for unlocking new races, this is one game Nintendo should've let die. Instead, it'll just kill you to play it.

Tetris is Tetris. Nothing new, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If updated graphics and a unique aquarium screensaver are enough to make you spend ten bucks, then by all means, go for it.

There's nothing new to be found in this button combo platformer, but solid controls, drop-in anytime co-op, plenty of unlockable characters and upgrades, and surprisingly entertaining dialogue save this game from being a forgettable addition to the Spider-Man franchise.

The presentation and feel of the game is near-perfect, but the actual gameplay, particularly on offense, comes up short and frustrating. Lock-On D is a nice feature as well, but it can be a crutch.

The presentation and feel of the game is near-perfect, but the actual gameplay, particularly on offense, comes up short and frustrating. Lock-On D is a nice feature as well, but it can be a crutch.