A wonderful game, and an equally tremendous addition to the series. Fans of the series will find more than enough new here to warrant continued devotion, while it has been streamlined so as to be highly accessible to novices as well.

It features outstanding visuals, tremendous gameplay, and enough options to keep even the most meticulous players entertained for hours.

The game is fantastic – absolutely the best graphic adventure title of the year – and is a game others should aspire to in many ways.

The controls in Soul Calibur II are nearly flawlessly executed, and considering the Xbox and Gamecube controller configurations, just making a fighting game playable, let alone as fluid as Soul Calibur II, is a miracle unto itself.

It's a very alluring piece of work, and the little virtual puppies can be very enjoyable playmates. They're lifelike and responsive, and they can learn a wide variety of tricks. It's also not too much effort to care for them.

Though it falls short on some of the series' more lofty standards, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops combines addictive gameplay, impressive sound and graphics, and an astoundingly fleshed-out multiplayer component into a package that is easily recommendable to both fans and newcomers alike.

Black Arrow's biggest attraction is its many new maps, fourteen in all, most of which are absolutely huge.

Everything, from the flawless animation and stunning visuals, to the addictive yet intuitive gameplay screams for this game to be labeled an instant classic.

An excellent college football game. The controls are spot on. The graphics are solid, and the dynasty mode will keep you playing for a long time.

For a shooter, the visuals in R-Type Final are nothing short of stunning. The environments are crisp, colorful, and many varied.

You know what, man? I really like this game. Maybe it's cause I been drinking, but now that I think about it, this is a damn fine racing game. It might even be the best racing game I ever played.

For players who are in the market for a good single player and multiplayer game that is easy to pick up and play, this game is ideal.

It's original, action-packed, and boasts a story that is on par with even some of the Final Fantasy series.

For prior fans of the series, or just fans of fighting games in general, it doesn't get much better than Soul Calibur III.

It may not really innovate or move the genre into a new direction, but it offers everything most players want from the genre and it does it with certifiable mastery.

Warlords isn't as huge an expansion pack as some of the previous Civilization titles have had, but it's the best balanced, most refined expansion pack a Civilization title has ever had, and it carries more than enough new content to justify the purchase price.

There truly is something for every fan of the genre within the many hours of game play. Fans of the more spoon-fed console RPGs may be a bit turned off by the openness and non-linearity of the story, but you are doing yourself a disservice if you fail to pick this game up at least to try it out.

It’s difficult to complain at length about any particular gripe in the face of truly spectacular levels, innovative gameplay and almost obscenely high production values. For the first time in years, "Goldeneye" has a little competition.

With all of the additions Viewtiful Joe 2 introduces, the game is still very similar to the first game, right down to a final showdown prefixed with having to fight all of the previously defeated bosses. Not that I mind terribly, as this is a functional formula that proves it still can deliver in spades.

Xenosaga’s third episode is an outstanding game; it's one of the best games to surface of late amid a sub par crop of PlayStation 2 role-playing games, though it’s bittersweet to see the series come to an end prematurely after the second episode feel so far below expectations.

Drop-in multiplayer, replay in spades, and optional objectives give players a reason to continue playing and get their money's worth out of this title. If you like fun, this is a great addition your gaming library, regardless of age or skill level.

The difficulty may be a prohibitive factor for some, but make no mistake, this is the new king of the DDR mountain.

Where the game shines is control. Not to say the other features contained in Guilty Gear X2 are not spectacular, because indeed they are, but I have not in recent memory played a fighting game with such fluid control.

This sequel magnifies everything the original did right, and corrects nearly everything it did wrong.

With all of the additions Viewtiful Joe 2 introduces, the game is still very similar to the first game, right down to a final showdown prefixed with having to fight all of the previously defeated bosses. Not that I mind terribly, as this is a functional formula that proves it still can deliver in spades.

The game has its flaws- some of the platforming areas are a pain in the neck- but Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is probably the best thing to happen to Kombat fans in the past five or six years. If you're a fan of the series, or even a fan of fighters in general, pick this one up.

Easily one of the deepest games I’ve played in a long time.

Stands out by the sheer amount of detail put into each and every unit and action. The opening cut scene is simply stunning in the amount of force and power it portrays and watching the battles is a treat.

Causal gamers can log in for an hour or two occasionally, complete a few missions, and have a feeling of accomplishment, while hardcore gamers can mow through levels through ‘street cleaning’, missions and task forces.

It is challenging, with enough depth of both gameplay and story to please existing fans, while multiple difficulty settings will keep the title accessible to most everyone.

A top-notch title and a must buy if you’re a fan of this series. It has everything you love about the series and more, even if it is a bit difficult.

The game plays like a dream, too. Control is spot on, and never presents itself as a problem.

Basically, what all this goodness translates to is a fantastically well-balanced and tremendously fun fast-paced tactical RTS.

The great single player gameplay should help to alleviate any pain that the lack of multiplayer may have caused. In typical Kirby fashion, this is a wonderful title that is fun, addicting, and exudes a kind of charm not found in many games today.

It's a very alluring piece of work, and the little virtual puppies can be very enjoyable playmates. They're lifelike and responsive, and they can learn a wide variety of tricks. It's also not too much effort to care for them.

This collection is possibly the most remarkable of its kind to come along. The sheer quality of titles, which range from classic shooters like "Legendary Wings," to notable action titles such as "Ghouls 'n Ghost" and "Commando," raises the benchmark - and consumer expectation - of what a collection such as this can bring to the table.

It’s the premier racing franchise on the console, one of the best graphical showcases there is, and one of the best online components you can find anywhere.

What really pushes God Hand over the top, though, is the presentation and how fun it is. In other brawlers, you’re restricted to punching guys in the face or kicking them in the stomach. God Hand finally lets you kick that stupid demon that’s been giving you trouble right between the legs.

This collection is possibly the most remarkable of its kind to come along.

The game is unique, intelligent, attractive, and altogether well-designed. Above all, though, the game is fun.

An extremely enjoyable experience, and any fans of "Disgaea" or "Final Fantasy: Tactics" would be doing themselves a disservice by not checking it out.

Add in the co-op mode, and it comes down to the fact that if you've ever liked any first-person shooter, you should pick up Serious Sam II.

This may be the most rewarding CCG-based videogame on the market today, and it comes highly recommended for both novice player and seasoned veterans alike.

Die-hard Marvel fans can adjust the score on Ultimate Alliance about ten points higher. The character dialogue alone will cause numerous geek-outs, chock full of obscure references as it can be. All other comers will find a capable, high quality action RPG that offers a huge amount of customization and a lot of unique characters that are far more than sprite swaps of each other.

Fantastic – absolutely the best graphic adventure title of the year – and is a game others should aspire to in many ways.

Saints Row is still incredibly polished, unmistakably fun, and is absolutely one of the best games for the Xbox 360.

And while the difficulty will turn away those who either don't have the time to invest in learning how to pilot an aircraft properly or were simply looking for an arcade-style flight-sim, it shouldn't turn away many and the learning curve, while extremely steep, is also very short.

Aesthetically, the first Otogi game was a real knockout, and Otogi 2 ups the ante considerably. In truth, there are few games on any platform that come close to this level of polish, and it's surprising the series isn't selling like hotcakes on the merit of its visuals alone.

The developers at NCL have done a lot with the original game to give players a considerable amount of new content to keep the experience of playing a title that originated back in 1996 still feeling fresh and fun.

Add in the co-op mode, and it comes down to the fact that if you've ever liked any first-person shooter, you should pick up Serious Sam II.

[EA] cleaned up the graphics and gameplay to some truly astonishing levels and produced a game that is a top-notch simulation of college football. The good far outweighs the bad or missing in this game.

From stick figures to rough polygonal approximations of popular franchise titles, Wario Ware dares to impress via sharp and insanely creative (or is that just insane?) art direction rather than traditional horsepower or amped up visuals.

The whole game plays faster than FIFA 2006, as here EA has managed to set the perfect pace for soccer.

The game succeeds, though perhaps not as brilliantly as past iterations. Musical taste is always a subjective criteria, but more objectively it could be argued that SuperNOVA is a case of too many musical cooks spoiling the broth.

The whole game plays faster than FIFA 2006, as here EA has managed to set the perfect pace for soccer.

The game’s pinball mechanics, save for the somewhat inept table-tilting feature, are expertly implemented, and the numerous flavors of Metroid have been liberally sprinkled throughout the experience the ensure fans of the franchise will come away both smiling and humming a familiar tune.

Agent 47 continues the tradition of greatness in Blood Money, taking the sandbox formula that’s worked for years and bringing it into 2006.

2006's biggest flaw is the lack of change. Players who own Tiger’s 2004 or 2005 incarnation have little reason to buy this edition.

The whole game plays faster than FIFA 2006, as here EA has managed to set the perfect pace for soccer.

In many ways, it treads the same ground as previous titles in the series, but the new control method is like a little mini-revolution for sports games.

This is the best offering EA has created in many years. The gameplay isn’t perfect, but the addition of superstar moves makes it extremely entertaining.

A somewhat unique experience to portable turn-based strategy gamers, and may actually be the best strategy title on the Nintendo DS to date, given the added complexities over other popular series.

A terrific chapter in the franchise’s sometimes-rocky history.

A few minor improvements have been made here and there, but this sequel doesn’t fix what wasn’t broken to begin with. It remains an utter blast, online or off.

The whole game plays faster than "FIFA 2006," as here EA has managed to set the perfect pace for soccer.

Even though it is still the same formula EA has gone with for years, Tiger Woods PGA Tour continues to be play home to a winning formula that has gone largely unchanged for a good reason.

This is the best offering EA has created in many years. The gameplay isn't perfect, but the addition of superstar moves makes it extremely entertaining.

Once players start to acquire more and more interesting jobs, allowing a varied number of party customizations, the game begins to come into its own as yet another enjoyable, well-polished Final Fantasy title that any Nintendo DS RPG fan would be proud to own.

The real question is whether the game can rise above the hardware constraints, and the answer is yes. As a result, Fireteam Bravo 2 may be the premier shooter in the PSP’s library.

It can be absolutely brutal at times, but it is also true to the series' fundamentals, and that alone should ensure acceptance from fans of the series.

A considerable entry in the field of hack and slash RPGs for the PC. The action is intense, there are a host of options for character development, and the story, while negligible, still more than serves its purpose. Save for a few annoyances, the bankrupt AI being chief among them, this is a game that will see any fan of the genre coming away satisfied.

The thriving fan community and huge potential of the movie making tools push this game over the edge and really make it an attractive purchase for anyone interested in the theme.

The one thing keeping it from breaking 90%, I found the conclusion of the story to be a huge letdown. While several of the threads come to satisfying (And even surprising) conclusions, the major plot thread started in the first game was revealed to be, and I might be getting a little mean here, stupid.

It is a larger and more ambitious title than the previous games, which is no easy feat as the X series has always been thought of as particularly ballsy.

This is definitely the best game from Oddworld Inhabitants thus far. If not for a few technical issues-such as a dodgy camera and unreliable radar-it would be an unquestionably stellar title.

The story is interesting and well-told, and the dual-map system breathes new life into a genre that was beginning to leave a sour taste on the palates of many gamers.

It is the game’s endearing story and characters, coupled with an intriguing adventure that help to make Trace Memory succeed in being truly memorable, pardon the pun.

Even though it is still the same formula EA has gone with for years, Tiger Woods PGA Tour continues to be play home to a winning formula that has gone largely unchanged for a good reason.

Though certainly not without its flaws, the most problematic of which being the somewhat mismanaged combat system, this is nonetheless a terrific game that delivers a fun quest, stellar presentation, and an added incentive to revisit the game after it has been completed.

It offers enough action for fans of brawlers to sink their thumbs and teeth into, and its controls are simple and intuitive enough for a novice to pick up and enjoy. Spider-Man 2 is one of the most enjoyable DS launch titles, and even outside of that thinking it is a tremendous effort and a fabulous game.

What could have been just another First-Person Shooter instead proves itself to be one of the most fun times to be had on a home console this year. It isn’t the most innovate game on the block, but it is one of the most entertaining.

Steambot Chronicles is a little weird at times, but in the end it is both fun and unique, and not many recent games can claim to be both – sandbox fans should definitely take a look.

It is the story, with its endearing characters, epic confrontations, and masterful dialog that make the experience work.

One of the best action games to come along in recent memory. It's unfortunate that the experience ends so quickly, but few games twice as long leave behind such a lasting impression as remains after completing this adventure in the Old West.

Super Dragon Ball Z takes the best elements of Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball universe and meshes them with solid fighting mechanics to deliver a one-two punch that all fighting game fans should enjoy.

The linear storyline, inability to build your own house, and total lack of autonomy for the character under your control may turn diehard Sims fans away, while the number of mundane chores that are required to get through the game may repel those looking for a graphic adventure. To me, the game is a perfect mixture of both.

What it does do is take the simple, tactile pleasure of solidly built FPS action and inject it into such a staggeringly wide variety of situations, contexts and scenarios that putting down the pad after a heavy blasting session is genuinely difficult.

For fans of action role-playing games, especially those who enjoyed the source material, Monster House offers a reasonable amount of value. If Monster House has one flaw, it's that it may be a bit too difficult for its target audience, specifically younger fans of the film.

This is an engaging title and one that RPG fans should definitely look into – it is the best traditional RPG that the PSP currently has to offer so far.

Though some of its design is questionable, the game is still one of the best Star Fox branded titles in years. The varied and branching single player campaign will keep you glued to your Nintendo DS for multiple playthroughs.

A surprise hit. It doesn’t try to offer anything other than what the title indicates, and yet this is exactly why the game succeeds. It doesn’t offer a robust set of playing modes, and instead simply does one thing really well.

Even so, the mini-games are excellent and really do provide a quick, painless focus for the mind.

There are hundreds of hours of gaming wrapped up into 2006, and even more if you get a group of friends who know how to play.

Smart Bomb will make you alternately hate and love it. You’ll swear, curse, kick and scream, and come back for more. If you’re up to the challenge, Smart Bomb will give you one of the best puzzle experiences in years.

One of those games that blindsides you and defies expectations. What could have been just another First-Person Shooter instead proves itself to be one of the most fun times to be had on a home console this year. It isn't the most innovate game on the block, but it is one of the most entertaining.

This game is a lot of fun, and offers all of the humor, charm, and personality we have come to expect from NIS America. This is the kind of game you won't want to end.

A fun, challenging, and addictive game. The levels are short, and easily digestible, making this the perfect game to pick up and play for a few minutes on the go, while this very nature makes it difficult to put down.

It can be beaten in a couple hours on Bronze difficulty, then Silver and Gold fall not long after that. It is a roller coaster ride of pretty graphics and interesting characters.