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.

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.

Nearly everything about the game is antiquated, yet at the end of the day it delivers a more fulfilling experience than many, more “advanced” Role-Playing titles.

It's a great value for its $20 debut price tag, and it’s easily my favorite game of any generation based on the Star Trek license.

A fun title that stands on the cusp of greatness, one step away from achieving something special.

While the gameplay is serviceable, fun and current, the art design and visual production are head and shoulders above similar games in many respects.

This is one of the best RPGs that PlayStation 2 owners could hope for.

It takes a popular character, and with the help of a unique visual style it immerses the player into the world so that they feel as if they are indeed taking part in an interactive comic book.

Whereas Battlefield's previous entries have benefited from deep realistic multiplayer experiences that bordered on wartime simulations, Modern Combat's strength instead lies in its solo arcade-style gameplay that, despite some questionable AI and homogenized weapon selection, still does the franchise proud.

With a little more variation in the combat, and a few less chases, Ultimate Spider-Man could have been a fantastic game. As it is, this is a fun title that stands on the cusp of greatness, one step away from achieving something special.

Atelier Iris isn’t without its faults, and it will not appeal to everyone – the humor is consistently tongue-in-cheek which will drive some people away. In all, though, this game is a rare treat for the traditional RPG enthusiast.

It isn’t for everyone, but those who enjoy taking part in seemingly endless combat should find more than their fill here.

The visuals are beyond amazing, doubly so for the Xbox 360 version, and the presentation alone makes this game worth playing, if only to watch a devastating knockout in slow motion. However, the lack of solid A.I. can lead to the game growing boring quickly.

A wrestling fan’s wet dream crammed onto a disc. Almost every mode you could possibly want is present and well done. The roster is top notch, with nearly every wrestler imaginable available.

While the gameplay is serviceable, fun and current, the art design and visual production are head and shoulders above similar games in many respects.

The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is top notch, and the presentation is just shy of perfect.

While visually lacking, this shortcoming never manages to detract from the game's single or mutiplayer offerings. Cold Winter is an altogether solid package.

While the gameplay is serviceable, fun and current, the art design and visual production are head and shoulders above similar games in many respects.

With crisp visuals, pleasant audio and lots of content, it will likely find an audience, but those looking for the next great Donkey Kong game aren't going to find it here.

It's not the prettiest game on the console – in fact in some ways its downright ugly – but what it lacks in visual fidelity it makes up for in fun.

The moment when your uppercut lands squarely on the chin of your opponent and you see his lifeless body collapse to the ground feels perfect, and you feel like a champion. No other boxing game has ever recreated this so faithfully.

Someday, a philosopher will write a dissertation on how rolling things up is as natural to humanity as being in a mother’s womb. All hail.

With a better A.I., more realistic enemy spawn points, and improved presentation, Modern Combat is a welcome addition to the Xbox 360's library.

The experience is analogous to an elaborate board game in which the board and architecture change from mission to mission—much like Hero's Quest (fantasy setting notwithstanding). It may not be a typical Metal Gear title, but it is a very robust game and it is worth a look for those yearning for something different.

The game is fast and fun, and while far from annoyance free, it is the best sports title to star Nintendo's familiar mascots to come along in a good long while, if not ever.

While the gameplay is serviceable, fun and current, the art design and visual production are head and shoulders above similar games in many respects.

Burning Crusade's most grievous crime is that it totally invalidates the years of work you've put into pimping out your toons, but if you can handle looking like you can't dress yourself in the morning, the new equipment you'll be earning will be a salve on the wound.

Whereas Battlefield’s previous entries have benefited from deep realistic multiplayer experiences that bordered on wartime simulations, Modern Combat’s strength instead lies in its solo arcade-style gameplay that, despite some questionable AI and homogenized weapon selection, still does the franchise proud.

Although not all aspects of the game are as well developed as others, Banana Blitz's lively atmosphere, combined with its tight controls, challenging gameplay, and tons of replay value make it an easily recommendable title for any Wii owner looking for an original experience on their new console.

While the game excels at being a simulator, it falters a bit in being enjoyable. The game can feel a bit boring at times.

It features a deep storyline with a few memorable characters set amidst a lengthy and challenging adventure. Still, the game is hampered by an inconsistent AI, and difficulty that can, at times, render the game more frustrating than fun.

The visuals are beyond amazing.

Despite the small gripes, overall this is a great collection of classic Genesis titles. While the Wii's Virtual Console promises to have at least some of these titles available for download in the near to immediate future, Sega Genesis Collection offers a nice, compact alternative.

The game can be completed in 5-6 hours, although finding all the secrets—which allow you to increase your health and force meters—can take considerably longer.

There are some AI issues, and the multiplayer component seems like it was tacked on as an afterthought, but, as a total package, Legends delivers. It is as true to the source material as any game could hope to be, and as a long-time fan of the X-Men, I am more than pleased.

Players fond of the control methods found in games like Excite Truck should take notice, especially if interested in something a little more quirky and demanding.

The online play keeps the game fresh and the franchise mode, while obviously a far cry from those present in other more realistic baseball simulations, is still an admiral effort and a nice side order to an already delicious meal.

One the best examples of a series which makes you feel like you are a part of the war rather than the most important member of the war, which is perhaps the game's biggest draw, and rightly so.

The missions are plentiful, and thankfully they never become repetitive.

They are thumb-numbingly difficult, though with infinite continues this challenge is undermined – making completing either game a matter of simple devotion rather than skill.

It really is surprising that so many divergent elements were all thrown together and still produced a solid, sound racing experience.

It is is enjoyable, playable, and will find a happy home in any strategist’s library, hardcore or otherwise.

Many will tire of the repetitive game play involved in the single player modes long before unlocking all the secrets. And without friends to play with, there's a lot of content missing.

It’s great at what it does: giving casual users an in-depth and easy way to create their own songs and mess around with others. It’s worth a look, at least, and could even become a nice party game with friends.

Blowing up buildings and abducting humans may eventually get old for the more cerebral gamers in the audience, but Crypto's adventures pack enough charm and polish to avoid much criticism from anyone else.

Though the game does have its quirks, both in its interface and the overall congruity of its various gameplay elements, it is overall a very tight game and offers gamers of any age an enjoyable experience.

Full Spectrum’s audio has a really gritty simplicity to it that really gets one into the mood Pandemic seemed to have been trying to convey.

This is a great representation of the series, with very attractive visuals and a robust collection of maps and tricks, and it’s pretty amazing that Vicarious Visions managed to turn this one around so handily.

It is most definitely not to be missed, but do yourself a favor and bring a friend, or two or three. Doing so upgrades the experience from the sublime to the superlative.

Budokai 3 will rev your engine if you're willing to forgive it for its colourful, crazy, and unserious premise.

The atmosphere, over-the-top-physics, vast seas of enemies and bosses that reign as some of the most impressive in any video game to date all equate to title that is worth your time. It is unfortunate that with a little more focused effort on fleshing out the multiplayer game, Painkiller could have gone from a very good game to an instant classic.

Not the best RPG of the year, nor is it even the most rewarding role-playing title on the Game Boy Advance. However, the game is without question one of the most polished portable RPGs to come to retail in recent months.

An excellent title and is one that everybody should try out – provided they have access to the Xbox version. It's a wonderful and unique experience that really shows a lot of polish.

The new setting is wonderful for the type of game that Battlefield is, a freeform romp through the area with vehicles and different kits to wage war upon.

The developers traded some atmosphere for a faster pace, and their compromises worked well. Less impressive and immersive than the original—yet much more than just a package of extra levels—this expansion doesn't disappoint.

It more than makes up for the mediocrity of the first Vampire PC game, and will satisfy even the most diehard bloodsucker.

The single player game alone doesn't really warrant a purchase-a rental is easily sufficient to see all it has to offer. However, players who are blessed with a broadband connection, network adapter and USB headset should have no qualms about buying this game.

Though press-turn fans may be a little dismayed at the comparatively-simple battle system, there is a surprising amount of depth once players go deeper into the game, acquiring more and more varied demons.

The depth of the game encourages players to try all kinds of different playing styles. Perhaps the biggest disappointment is that once you’ve beaten the game, you’ve pretty much seen everything there is to see, and the only incentive to go back would be besting a high score or attempting a higher difficulty.

It brings itself to the table as a purely fun game, modeled after a true classic, and doesn't try to impress with flashy graphics or a deep story--because it doesn't have to.

Of course, no amount of polish can change the fact that this is still a Pokémon game, and it carries the same flaws consistent to the series. It's certainly a respectable time sink, but-despite the evolutions to the core gameplay-it continues to offer extremely little to win over holdouts. However, it is an ideal starting point for new initiates to the Pokémon franchise.

The lack of content in Advance Tour is a lingering tragedy, because the game excels in most other areas. Advance Tour is fun, addictive, and very relaxing--the sort of game you could easily spend sixty hours on over the course of a year of casual playing. It could have been one of the great games of this generation.

F-zero GP Legend, despite its awkward bumper car-style physics and shortcomings in AI difficulty, is an entertaining game for anyone looking for a portable racer.

Metal Slug 4 & 5 are arcade-perfect translations of the latest entries into a classic series of games. They are thumb-numbingly difficult, though with infinite continues this challenge is undermined – making completing either game a matter of simple devotion rather than skill.

The game offers enough deep gameplay to keep racing enthusiasts happy, but the problem is it's generally the exact same experience that was offered a year ago.

There are some AI issues, and the multiplayer component seems like it was tacked on as an afterthought, but, as a total package, Legends delivers. It is as true to the source material as any game could hope to be, and as a long-time fan of the X-Men, I am more than pleased.

Sadly, the games’ graphics did not get a similar treatment. In fact, some of the games seem surprisingly worse then they did on their original consoles.

Entertaining, addictive, and hard to put down. Next thing you know I'll be watching the sugary sweet anime on Cartoon Network. Just don't tell anyone I know that you heard me say that.

The difficulty alone will put many off, while others won't care for the dark humor and cynical world view that ooze from this game. Those who do, though, will find their willingness to take a chance rewarded by a quirky but ultimately satisfying action adventure.

Without the bongos, the game is a by-the-numbers action platformer, but it's amazing what such a simple change can mean for the overall experience.

Even hampered, however, Empire at War is a great game with exhilarating visuals, and fun gameplay that any true RTS fan should enjoy.

Most of the improvements are minor and unsurprising, but taken as a whole make the new games much better and more refined experiences than the originals.

It’s addictive, straightforward and unforgiving, and most rhythm gamers will be more than happy with that combination.

Lastly, and most disappointing, there is no co-op mode. There is a link mode, which allows you to trade character data and techniques, but there is no two-player mode to speak of at all. This is very disheartening.

Prey offers impressive visuals, a decent story, and high-octane action to bring players the equivalent of an outstanding summer action flick.

Fans of the genre will find a lot to like, but if you want an edge-of-your-seat arcade experience, Blazing Angels will inevitably disappoint. However, for those who simply want to shoot planes out of the sky, especially online, Angels has all of the ingredients for a good time.

The most impressive outlet of Source’s physics engine is the most subtle, that of the corpses left after any particular round of slaughter. Bodies realistically slump into corners, drape over crates, and fall to the ground. I’m sure everyone will have a “coolest corpse” story within a week of playing.

Its attention to detail and realism inevitably means that it will appeal to a smaller niche, but that simply means that it only sets out do one thing, and it does its job well.

Quite possibly the most entertaining survival horror game one the market, and the enhancements Tecmo gave the Xbox "Directors Cut" serve only to enhance that reputation.

The game features spectacular presentation, including some of the most memorable music to come along in an RPG in ages.

CPU management is unbelievably horrid. The CPU controlled teams all have 15 pitchers and 10 batters, which only leaves them with one or two backup fielders. The stats are questionable at best.

The game features some of most stunning scenery yet seen in a video game, and Jack Wall’s ethereal musical accompaniment captures the feeling of the game’s artistic landscape.

The missions are plentiful, and thankfully they never become repetitive.

The gameplay is solid, and even players who might otherwise be turned off by the game's cute style and cartoonish presentation could find themselves falling in love with the pink marauder and his band multicolored friends.

It's got hours upon hours of fun in the single player campaigns, and if that weren't enough, there's the only versus mode and the game's promise of future downloadable content.

Prey offers impressive visuals, a decent story, and high-octane action to bring players the equivalent of an outstanding summer action flick.

There are some AI issues, and the multiplayer component seems like it was tacked on as an afterthought, but, as a total package, Legends delivers. It is as true to the source material as any game could hope to be, and as a long-time fan of the X-Men, I am more than pleased.

The game play of this title is superb, if a bit difficult at times. It has a distinctive "Metal Gear" style of stealth action (indeed, you can even tap on walls ala Solid Snake and distract enemies) blended with fast paced hand-to-hand combat and some mildly amusing block puzzles.

The devilish tracks and quick, pick-up-and-play nature of the mission structure result in a game that is perfectly suited for the PSP console, and gamers looking for something a little different could certainly do a lot worse.

What it all boils down to is a game worth playing if only to see how great the GBA can look and sound, but an average player shouldn't expect to get more than two or three long road trips worth of play out of this one.

Most of the improvements are minor and unsurprising, but taken as a whole make the new games much better and more refined experiences than the originals.

It would have been nice if more frills had been added, and the lack of online play is somewhat disheartening, but overall this collection of some of the best 2D fighting games ever released is a welcome addition to the PlayStation 2 library.

For those that have shied away from the series because it is not as complex as other war shooters, you will be pleased to find this game a bit more to your liking. Be aware, however, that this game relies heavily on story and cinematic.

It can be visceral and exciting and it does a good job of trumping its own redundancy by offering extensive skill trees for character advancement and continuously introducing new areas and adversaries.

An extraordinary addition to the rhythm game genre. It offers simple, pick-up-and-play mechanics that are easy to get into, and significantly more difficult to put down.

The game is very short, extremely linear and somewhat repetitive. However, none of these faults really hurt the game's appeal. Its presentation is top-notch, and the humor, visuals and characters really help to sell the experience.

Fast paced, easy to play and addictive.

Players looking for a true Lemmings sequel may be let down by the PSP version, which offers little more than a port of the original, although it does boast improved graphics, 3D rendering, and a few new levels created just for the PSP.