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.

Other than the lack of waypoints and some AI-balancing complaints, there's not much to find fault with when it comes to Burnout Paradise.

Unless you're a huge Beatles fan, there's no need to go out any drop the additional $250 for Beatles-era instruments, because the existing Rock Band instruments work just fine. There's also no need to rush out and get the game today, because chances are you'll "beat" the game well before the weekend.

Easily the best arcade basketball game I've played in years, but the requisite 14 fingers needed to play it is a bit ridiculous.

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.

Madden NFL 06 is still an outstanding game, but EA needs to re-think the reality and practicality of its Superstar mode, and it has plenty of work to do to make QB Vision both effective and enjoyable.

Yet Again Zen Studios delivers some of the best video pinball tables they've produced. Changing up from character based to more cohesive story based didn't cause them to miss a beat. Fast, tricky and gorgeous tables are again the norm here – make sure you get your friends list to buy these as well, as the leaderboard integration still remains one of the best implementations on the console.

Dead Space introduces some much-needed new blood into the survival-horror genre, and it does it with style. There are a few minor annoyances and ridiculously hard sequences, but other than that, EA's new franchise is rock solid.

Almost the complete fighting package. I say “almost” because it offers no online gameplay, and is limited to the PlayStation 2. This is one of those games that would’ve been amazing online.

Spectacular in its combat and technical areas but a complete letdown in its storytelling and paranormal aspects. Ultimately, it’s a highly polished but surprisingly standard first-person shooter, a game that feels like it's missing some parts. If you can ignore all that, it’s an absolute blast.

"Creative" and "well-executed" are the perfect terms to describe Psychonauts as a whole. Psychonauts is simply one of the most inspired, fun and ingenious games to appear on Xbox, if not any of the current console systems.

Uncharted flirts with greatness, but some gameplay, AI and plot issues keep it from achieving its full potential. It's still an incredible game, though, with the best production values we've seen in 2007.

The story is compelling, the additional gameplay mechanics and improved AI are great, and Attack and Defend mode is certainly something to be proud. But most importantly to gamers: Rainbow Six Vegas is pure fun.

It's still a lot of fun, but it doesn't quite have the same magic as its immediate predecessor.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma is by far the definitive version of the franchise, making Sony's PlayStation 3 the lucky beneficiary of this gorgeous, fast-paced -- and still difficult -- game.

On par with "GTA III" and "Vice City," and it includes multiplayer. Fans of the series should just go get it now.

Gameplay-wise it's pretty standard, but for the sheer fright and experience, this is a Doom fan's dream.

One of the most original games in recent memory, and among the best Xbox games of this generation.

Each of the other nations has some new wonderful advantages in line with their own historical value. Most new units are actually replacements of old units, but the Indians (India), for example, have elephants in addition to their horse units.

The content is there, the presentation is there, the depth is there and so is the pedigree. The controls and unabashed complexity, however, are also there. And the experience (and final score) suffers because of it.

Other than the lack of waypoints and some AI-balancing complaints, there's not much to find fault with when it comes to Burnout Paradise.

The game has such an immersive, dark style that it stands out as one of the scariest games ever made. The action is intense and gripping.

The narrative is outstanding, even in spite of a few plot-point missteps, and the character evolution of Master Chief and Cortana deserves to be further explored with these wonderful storytellers (well, maybe one of them can't happen, but I'll avoid spoilers). However, the gameplay feels jilted, awkward and unrefined, three unforgivable sins in a landscape populated with other quite-capable FPS franchises. As a result, I'm going to average everything out: great story plus bad gameplay equals an average experience. And in this overcrowded FPS genre, "average" is isn't something I'd recommend buying.

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.

Jeanne d'Arc mixes history with fantasy in one of the finest strategy RPGs to grace the PSP.

Forget that it’s the only college football game for a minute and just bask in the glory of a well-executed title.

If you like boxing and you play video games, Fight Night Round 4 is a must have.

Some dedicated Dirt fans might feel slighted by the shift, but as a newcomer to the series this was a fantastic place to slip in.