I'd recommend keeping your copy of NHL 2K7 and pretending this year's version never actually came out. Like an NHL videogamers lockout or something.

NHL 2K7 is cheaper and more fun to play than NHL 2K8. Rush out to the discount bin and get yours now!

The game is short, but it almost seems like a good thing, as too much more of it would have been too much. Again, the game is great fun (even given some frustrating camera issues that make it difficult to pinpoint an enemy causing Tequila damage), but it’s best in small doses.

A package that will only appeal to long time fans. SNK would have done them a better service with a total update of the game, allowing it to benefit from the improved technology available today. Then instead of making these ports the main feature, they would be a great bonus.

The parachuting mechanic just isn't well-realized enough to levitate this game (ha) beyond its problems, and there are much better titles on the market this year anyways. Skip it.

This franchise is quickly heading for the bottom. This is one of the few second installment to expand on the original in more than just character selection. Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is for serious fans only.

A classic game with a great presentation and tons of options and gameplay modes, but nothing really new. Anyone who’s played the game in the last decade or so knows what they’re in for here.

This is a great game for DS Wi-Fi, and for once it is one that isn't made by Nintendo themselves. There is may not be much more to this game, but for fans that should be more than enough.

Liar is thrilling and a dream to control via SixAxis motion-sensitivity, but the sharp graphics simply don’t measure up to the “full HD” promise of early game trailers. Still a sharp action title to kick off the fall holiday gaming season!

While Blue Dragon is clearly old school in its cartoonish art and turn-based gameplay mechanics, very distinctly different from a completely next-gen RPG-style title like Mass Effect, Blue Dragon definitely delivers something to the 360 that the original Xbox system never had enough of: an RPG so original, exciting and appealing, it will make PlayStation fans feel like they’re missing out on something important in the RPG landscape.

It would have been easy to slam this as yet another mini-game collection. It isn’t the developers fault, and they made a fun game. Mini-games are a crowded field on the Wii right now, and while the market may be as saturated as a sponge at the bottom of the ocean, each game still has to stand on its own. Carnival Games stands up very well.

Out of the two Tom Clancy games for the PS3 I'd take a look at Rainbow Six first, but both are impressive shooters for all of your military needs.

It meshes impressive graphics with an inventive gameplay system, and uses them to push an amazing story in a refreshingly unique setting. Unless you faint at the sight of blood or you absolutely despise FPS games, you should consider this game a must buy.

It meshes impressive graphics with an inventive gameplay system, and uses them to push an amazing story in a refreshingly unique setting. Unless you faint at the sight of blood or you absolutely despise FPS games, you should consider this game a must buy.

Immediately becomes the best reason to own a PSP in ages. MUST… HAVE!

This is a game that will only satisfy the most die-hard of adventure fanatics. This game lacks the essential spark of life to make an adventure game come to life.

Dungeons & Dragons Tactics is the best thing to happen to the D&D license since Wizards of the Coast commissioned the first Neverwinter Nights PC game.

While dark and moody and supernaturally-tainted, Persona 3’s obsession with the day-to-day school humdrum of its main characters’ lives delivers some unique game play ideas, but also transform it into a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Recommended only for SMT fans.

The quality of this game’s interface proves that RTS gameplay can be every bit as compelling on the DS as it is on the PC. Unfortunately, the severe lack of quality in the gameplay itself makes this completely broken RTS a waste of your time and money.

Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a wonderful birthday gift for 10-year-old Lara; just wait till she hits puberty!

It’s a quick ‘n easy port of the arcade and Dreamcast games, which may be enough for fans who want Crazy Taxi on the go, but those of us not blinded by nostalgia will be frustrated by the game’s shortcomings caused by the choice of platform and the simple onset of time.

Overall fans of the original will be satiated with another entry in the series, but this game just feels really dated.

If we’re lucky, the game’s designers will take the lessons learned while creating this game and go on to make something truly great with them. Unfortunately, the flaws that impede the main game and two minigames here rob all three of their potential, leaving us with a title that, quite simply, isn’t fun.

They should perhaps forget about the half-hearted measures and just stop putting out these cosmetically-enhanced, half-effort retreads and forge ahead with something new already. Like Parasite Eve 3!

You'll play through the songs once and then go back to playing Guitar Hero II while waiting for Guitar Hero III to come out.

While PaRappa the Rapper isn't worth the initial asking price, its mix of clever songs, cute graphics, and downloadable content make it a great bargain bin purchase.

All-Pro is still playing at a collegiate level; while not bad in multiplayer online, there’s simply no depth for the single player who is looking to carry a franchise through to greatness over several seasons; that feature’s just completely MIA.

If you don't have Virtua Tennis, that's the tennis game to get. If you have Virtua Tenis and you absolutely must play Pac-Man Tenis, I guess this is the game for you.

Not a game you'll play for hours on end, but good fun for short amounts of time.

It's a rock-solid action game that looks spectacular, but if ports like this are really the best the PS3 is offering I'm a little concerned about the system's future.

Carcassonne is a solid board game, but I personally feel it’s just not quite as strong as Catan, its only direct competition on XBLA. In addition, problems with the camera and presentation only add to the frustration.

It's more of a straightforward shooter, but it's still gorgeous and the best squad-based shooter for your money on the PS3.

This is an addiction, not a game. As hard as you may fall for it, there are rewards for sticking with it, but the later levels will make it harder to do so.

Transformers The Game is as underwhelming as Transformers The Movie. A lot of missed potential. Too bad.

Transformers seems like it was built by a machine to a factory spec – all the parts are here that should, in theory, form an outstanding game. But it’s like no human actually gave it a test-drive to see if it was actually fun.

This game could have been so much more. The skeleton of a great game is here, but nothing comes together.

They should perhaps forget about the half-hearted measures and just stop putting out these cosmetically-enhanced, half-effort retreads and forge ahead with something new already. Like Parasite Eve 3!

Secret Stash strikes again with a reinterpretation of a classic game. This is for classic arcade freaks, and new initiates. While it works within the classic game design, some of the new game modes are truly original.

This isn’t an exceptionally bad game, but it is an extremely mediocre one. The movie is a must-see, but unless you’re a huge fan of the film (or desperate for an Xbox 360 platformer), you should stay away from this one.

You've seen this before and you will see it again. Just wait until the next big kids movie comes out.

This isn’t an exceptionally bad game, but it is an extremely mediocre one. The movie is a must-see, but unless you’re a huge fan of the film (or desperate for a PSP platformer), you should stay away from this one.

A generic platformer with a movie license slapped on it, this better than most but a tiger cannot be expected to change its stripes.

These licensed glut the GBA library and this title doesn't do much to rise above the pack.

You've seen this before and you will see it again. Just wait until the next big kids movie comes out.

This series holds some promise, as long as the issues with fielding are fixed by next years release (and we all know that if this sells more than four copies 2k will update the roster for next year) it'll be a great game. For now this is a quick game with friends only.

Hour of Victory is simply too bad for anyone to spend their money on.

Fans of card and parlor games will find some good stuff here, even though they’ll have to shuffle through the various games included here to find it. Just keep in mind that you can play games just like these for free on your PC.

It's not exactly the new face of tactics RPGs, but as a modern face lift on a classic it's worth a second look.

Transformers The Game is painful to play, unenjoyable, and frustrating. Do not approach. Do not buy. Do not taunt. It is lethal and is suspected of fatalities is six states and two Canadian provinces.

Dungeon Maker: Hunting Grounds is the equivalent of light summer reading; fun and frothy, but not overly involving, slow or ponderous.

Don't get me wrong, this is a great version of the game that improves upon the original. I just want to impress upon you that you won't have any new experience, beyond the Wii remote.

Not as good as the first game, but far more enjoyable in multiplayer than in single-player mode.

The game seems to be designed to be rented rather than purchased, as it is not only boring, but short as well. Have a few friends over and knock this one out in an evening. Then return it and never think about it again.

A weak handheld title, that doesn't give any reason to run out and get it. This is a passable title, but barely. If you have every other action title mastered, and a long flight then I'd recommend it.

Pac-Man: Championship Edition is a surprisingly fun retooling of the classic that may even find fans in those that didn’t care for the original. It’s just a shame it’s a tad feature-poor and a little pricey.

A powerhouse at multiplayer, a pinto at single player, if you have a group of friends or the patience to wait for the online players, this is a must have.

If you have a little girl (or perhaps a somewhat effeminate little boy) that loves ponies, you really can’t go wrong with Pony Friends. While it’s not quite as polished and ambitious as Nintendogs was, it’s still surprisingly good, and head and shoulders above most other virtual pet games.

Mad Tracks makes for a nice distraction, but it’s doubtful that you’ll want to play this for more than ten minutes at a time.

Forza 2 is a great game for novices and gearheads alike. Play it simple or fiddle with every last thing you can – the game works both ways.

Shadowrun doesn’t just trample on the memories of the classic RPGs many people fondly remember. It’s a sham and a rip-off, especially on the Xbox 360. If you absolutely must buy this game, buy it on the PC. Better yet, don’t buy it at all, at least not until it hits the bargain bin.

Don’t be fooled by comparisons to Super Paper Mario – Crush is its own unique animal, and a puzzle game through-and-through. However, if that’s what you’re looking for, Crush delivers with a fresh concept, a solid presentation and some truly enjoyable dimension-twisting puzzles.

Despite a nice-looking game with well-done subplots for minor characters, the game is fundamentally flawed.

Like vinyl, Adventure Games’ nostalgic qualities are aiding a comeback of sorts. With the resurrection of Sam and Max, as well as some other notable titles, the bargain bin quality of The Secrets of Atlantis doesn’t warrant a second glance.

A great introduction to crosswords on a handheld system. The engine is a great asset to a handheld that has provided new ways to play many pen and paper puzzles. For crossword junkies, this is a must-have.

Dawn of Mana is an extremely beautiful game that is irreparably broken both functionally and conceptually. It may look like a dream, but it’s a nightmare to play.

We don’t get many dating games here in the states, which makes Brooktown High somewhat unique. Unfortunately, the slow pace and lack of opportunity to actually socialize with the other students makes this a game that does little to capitalize on that fact.

It's hard to play, but if you like the tabletop version of the game you'll enjoy having this one on the go.

Where before there was too little, here there is not enough worth getting involved with. The home console installments are usually worth your time, but Namco-Bandai has yet to make a handheld Naruto worth it.

Another case of too much for too little. The extremely simple gameplay and unimpressive graphics just don’t justify a $30 price tag, and arguably wouldn’t even justify even a $20 or $15 price tag.

If you’re looking for a PS2 RPG with a unique personality, Odin Sphere’s the game for you.

It’s a shame that it’s so boring to play that putting up with the game just for its presentation seems like walkin’ the plank because you wants to get to heaven.

Poor execution dystroyed this game, with a little polish and better design work this could have been a really fun game.

This is the best of the Pirates games this summer, and adventure platformers are a throwback that is worth revisting.

Touch the Dead might give some loyal Nintendo-owning parents a heart palpitation; this isn’t a Mario title, Mom and Dad. So save it for when the kids are asleep and the two of you want to get scared-n-cozy!

Yes, it’s free. It’s also repetitive, tedious, unambitious and boring. You know how they say “time is money”? Don’t spend your time on this game.

It's a solid game for baseball junkies, but it's paced like...well, a baseball game. You've got to be into it to get anything out of it.

Shrek the Third is probably one of the best platformers on the Xbox 360. Too bad there aren’t more to compare it to.

This is a take it or leave it kind of game, and it would be good for fans, but doesn't offer anything unique beyond the license.

Overall for a legacy system, this is a pretty decent titles, and becuase the PS2 is in almost every family room in America, I can bet this will be on more than few kid's summer gaming list.

This is a decent game for kids, and adults who refuse to grow up. You may not want to go see the movie again, but the game can at least keep your kids entertained in their need for more Shrek and Co.

It's so firmly steeped in the style and mythology of the series that fans already know if they'll like it or not. New players ought to start with the original, or at least volume one of the current series.

Remember how good Spider-Man 2 was? Hang onto that feeling by not playing this game.

The whole “two hands” thing may have been a good idea, but it’s poorly executed, as with the rest of the Wii controls. As for the rest of the game, it fails to make a significant improvement over Spider-Man 2.

The DS version of Spider-Man 3 is a lot like the DS version of Spider-Man 2, but with a new, slick touchscreen interface that, while nice, does nothing to address the problems the last game had.

It’s not perfect, but overall this is possibly the most delightful surprise on XBLA since Geometry Wars came out of nowhere to be the platform’s killer app.

Fans of the old Cardfighters game or the Capcom vs SNK series in general will love this, but the cardfighting hardcore have probably already moved to Yu-Gi-Oh.

A better storyline and characters actually make Aedis Eclipse more tragic than it is more appealing; the game underlying this improvement is still as problematic, sluggish and poorly designed as the original title.

It is perfect for fans as it is new material for a show that is soon ending it's run. However if you aren't already invested into the universe, there is not a reason to pick this up. It's too slow of a game to engage you, and once you've invested 45 minutes in starting the game, there is no excuse to be just starting the first real level.

Frankly, this is, for better or for worse, exactly the kind of Pokemon game that we are all expecting. The storyline hasn’t evolved, the gameplay is unchanged but has had a few refinements, the DS’ touchscreen is liberally used, the game is playable online, the graphics are sharp but still evoke the GBA standard, and there’s plenty of new Pokemon to capture.

Frankly, this is, for better or for worse, exactly the kind of Pokemon game that we are all expecting. The storyline hasn’t evolved, the gameplay is unchanged but has had a few refinements, the DS’ touchscreen is liberally used, the game is playable online, the graphics are sharp but still evoke the GBA standard, and there’s plenty of new Pokemon to capture.

A better-than-expected billiards and snooker sim can be found under the somewhat sleezy, “Skinemax” softcore wrapping.

Despite hinting at an interesting experience, Valhalla Knights squanders its potential with a lack of style and unfortunately compelling substance.

As combat flight sims go, this one is different enough for a test flight for those interested.

It's not a bad game, and it's actually pretty fun in short doses. If you're a patient person who likes to multitask this might be the perfect game for you.

On PS2 or Xbox 360, Guitar Hero II is a fun game. The Xbox 360 version just doesn’t match up to the promise of what it could and should be.

Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales is a great “starter” title for younger gamers, to introduce them to the Final Fantasy universe. One of the sharper-looking titles on the DS to date!

Pick up a different arcade collection. Unless you're really interested in some of the lesser known (for a reason) titles, such as Circus Charlie and Pooyan, you can get the other marquee games elsewhere.

This is the best tennis game on the PSP, but it’s not much improved over last year’s title. Only serious tennis fans and those who don’t already own "Virtua Tennis: World Tour" should bother with this one.