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.

The incentive of unlocking new characters, minigames, and even the occasional collectible and interactive toy further serves to make WarioWare Touched! one of the best games on the platform. However, players who are still uncomfortable using the stylus need not apply, as using your finger is far too inaccurate for a majority of the games, and many require the touch screen in one form or another.

Even without the ESPN presentation, the core gameplay continues to shine boldly through – and with the retail price of $20, the game is a steal for just about anybody.

It is complex, deep, challenging, and it is a title that requires a lot of patience. It is not much for presentation, but what it lacks in finesse it more than makes up for in gameplay.

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

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

If you already own the first one and you’re not enticed by a little more MTV in your PSP; if you’re only in it for the falling blocks – just hold the glitz and enjoy the game you’ve got.

It features whimsical, memorable characters, terrific presentation and, most importantly, simply fantastic gameplay.

If you've ever bought a Ratchet & Clank game, (and anyone who's a PS2 owner would be remiss to not have at least one) this one's a no-brainer.

A great game, and is well worth the wait. Secrets, secret characters, and a somber, yet intriguing story round out the experience, and solid combat mechanics make sure players will not get bored with the game’s many confrontations.

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.

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.

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

It has some issues, to be sure, but the combat can be quite engaging and most of its strengths outweigh its few flaws. Spawn-camping aside, it is one of the most interesting titles to come out this year.

Players who don’t enjoy the unforgiving gameplay might find Trauma Center off putting, but most gamers will relish in the intense experience.

Eventually even the most diehard series zealots are going to begin to ask themselves why they are still in the same place playing the same game they were playing nearly a decade ago. While the genre has grown, the series that helped to spearhead games of this type into the public eye has stayed disturbingly static.

Deeply amusing, dramatically fresh, and incredibly novel.

A solid entry in the RTS market, but it's marred by appalling AI which detracts greatly from the single-player experience. Additionally, it's so similar in gameplay to Empire Earth that I find it hard to believe that it didn't begin its development as an add-on for that title.

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.

The game tries to do too many things rather than focus on perfecting a single facet of the gameplay, and as a result Mario Tennis: Power Tour just misses the mark and ends up serving up a shallow, forgettable game.

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.

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.

The issue here perhaps that the SSX franchise was not yet ready for another sequel, and EA's attempt to further cash in on their past success has resulted in a game that is inferior to its predecessors.

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.

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.

University demands a lot from the player to achieve success.

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.

Nintendo comes through with a stunning combination of genres to deliver an Action/Puzzle game that has just enough extras and attention to detail to make it worth the slightly higher launch price of $34.99.

Players who were not bowled over by "Deadly Alliance" will probably find little here that will tip the scales. On the other hand, for those who loved the last game, Deception feels like an expansion pack to an experience that they already enjoy.

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.

Unlike most handheld ports, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance offers more than most console versions of the game do, with more bonus characters and play modes than even the next-gen offerings.

A wonderfully disturbing jaunt into the world of the supernatural. While the time spent with the game is less than perhaps many would have liked, this is an experience that will not soon be forgotten.

It is a fine pinball game, though the difficulty of it seems to be lacking severely, the “Catch ‘em All” theme is still prevailing. At first, the game does catch your attention and shows its depth, but after a while, repetitiveness does drag down the fun factor a bit.

To sum up: Sam’s ability to quip is unparalleled and wanton destruction may, indeed, be Max’s forte. But humor is clearly Steve Purcell’s.

Boasting two discs worth of content, this is the longest offering yet from the Onimusha team, and there’s a lot to like about it. The only caveat would be that gamers tired of the series won’t find much to rekindle their interest here. It’s bigger and a bit more complex than before, but it’s still Onimusha.

Players who were not bowled over by "Deadly Alliance" will probably find little here that will tip the scales. On the other hand, for those who loved the last game, Deception feels like an expansion pack to an experience that they already 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 combines all the elements that distinguish the console on the market today (stunning HD-presentation coupled with thoroughly engaging multiplayer over Xbox Live) into a tight package.

The new first-touch control, the games biggest innovation for 2005 and the catalyst for this change in attacking emphasis, is brilliant. It’s logical, easy to use, works as it should, looks realistic and can blow a game wide open.

The quintessential sequel as it features everything the first game had going for it, only made better.

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.

The new first-touch control, the games biggest innovation for 2005 and the catalyst for this change in attacking emphasis, is brilliant. It’s logical, easy to use, works as it should, looks realistic and can blow a game wide open.

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 is different enough from other RTS's to keep even the most jaded of fans interested, and the game looks and feels so spectacular that those new to the genre will fall in love immediately.

My only minor complaint is an aesthetic one: I like to see my guns in a FPS, and not seeing anything at all except an open screen with a cursor on it is somehow not as satisfying and can tend to lead to some inaccuracy when shooting.

NFL aficionados can find a lot to love here as well because, while this is definitely an arcade-style game, there’s a bit of strategy involved in picking plays, improving your team and setting players at each position based on their skills.

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.

As a Mario game, it is bursting with charm and laughs from all your favorites, and as a tennis game it is both solid and fun to play - Mario Power Tennis comes Heartily recommended.

Unfortunately, the end result is a game that falls somewhere in between the two extremes, and will likely satisfy neither the main-stream gamer they were trying to court, nor the hardcore strategy fan they had in their back-pocket.

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.

I think that even those that hate on Madden for being too mainstream would find a lot to like about the Superstar mode because of how similar it is to more traditional role-playing fare.

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 issue here perhaps that the SSX franchise was not yet ready for another sequel, and EA's attempt to further cash in on their past success has resulted in a game that is inferior to its predecessors.

It absolutely defines mediocrity.

Web Swinging is brilliant and it truly is one of those things that you have to experience for yourself. I can just load up the game and swing around for a few minutes and still have a great time before shutting it off, which is a testament to Treyarch’s great work.

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.

In all, Hearts of Iron II may attract a few new players – the price is right, and it does allow for a longer campaign which alleviates some of the abruptness inherent in the original. However, for those who just couldn’t handle the original, this expansion isn’t going to cut them any slack either.

A deep, enriching, attractive, and extremely fun game to play, online or offline.

The wonderful mechanics and aural and visual treats are simply not enough to lift this game above its own lackluster narrative.

Save for a superbly annoying final level and boss, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is a quality game in most every respect...To play this as just a single player title is to do the entire effort an injustice.

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

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

On its own merits it’s a fantastic cinematic achievement and exceptional precedent for license-based games.

It is a bit of a shock to return to the franchise’s roots after all the improvements that have been made across two sequels in the past year, but the addition of Live support may render many of these complaints moot within the next few months.

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.

With only 10 maps, a lackluster new game mode, and the only interesting modification being the infantry system, it’s hard to justify the $50 dollar price tag. But if players enjoy futuristic large scale battles and they’re already a fan of the series, then 2142 is obviously their best option.

It's certainly nice to have a real focus on multiplayer this time around-especially since that's when the game will see the most use, anyway-but the loss of the campaign mode is a real downer.

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

Luckily, the level design is fantastic, making every repeat through a level bearable, as many sections are just fun. Who doesn't love getting launched out of a barrel into the sky to swing from post to post while grabbing bananas only to land in a mine cart which travels the worst kept track in existence? Everything flows beautifully.

If you’re buying a game other than Zelda with your Wii, make it Trauma Center. The gameplay not only translates perfectly, it evolves, and everything that made Under the Knife great is still on full display.

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.

A modest upgrade from last year’s offering. However, for fans of the series, the changes made can drastically affect the way the entire game is played.

The issue here perhaps that the SSX franchise was not yet ready for another sequel, and EA’s attempt to further cash in on their past success has resulted in a game that is inferior to its predecessors.

For all the good in the game, there’s a fairly steep learning curve that may make some gamers recant their stubborn ‘no FAQ’ tendencies, especially in order to see the game’s multiple endings.

Yes it’s short. Yes it sticks to the series’ formula. And yes it is essentially a one-trick pony. But like a good popcorn action flick, Hitman Contracts hits you in all the right ways and proves to be truly captivating while it lasts.

It’s nothing revolutionary, but for a launch title it serves its purpose—portable baseball befitting any plane ride or waiting room.

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.

If you are looking at getting this game but have a PS2 or DC already, go with those versions. But if you’ve only got an Xbox, then this version is probably worth getting.

The focus on realism obviously isn't for everyone, but the lengthy career mode coupled with the satisfying Xbox Live support, make for an overall great experience.

It's certainly nice to have a real focus on multiplayer this time around-especially since that's when the game will see the most use, anyway-but the loss of the campaign mode is a real downer.

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

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.

If you’re looking for a showcase title to impress your friends, this is it. But, I think focusing so much on the visuals takes something away from the game. Its gameplay is far more impressive, and the fact that the art design has trumped every other action title out there is just icing on the cake.

A relatively short-lived experience lasting only ten or so hours, this is a game that, in typical Rare fashion, positions the entirety of its gameplay upon a single gimmick that, sadly, fails to carry to experience on its own. Kameo is a good game, but it reeks of missed potential.

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

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

While NHL 07 completely nails certain facets of the game, it definitely isn’t the complete package. This franchise certainly has the appearance of going places, but it may be another year or two before it finally proves itself as the best game on the market.

In spite of missteps, if you can find yourself enjoying what Lost Planet does well (which is a lot), you’re bound to experience one hell of a ride that at times gets close to perfection, but just happens to miss its mark.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

Simply too good an opportunity to ignore. Newcomers will enjoy exploring two of the best RPGs on the Game Boy Advance, and veterans will love experiencing the best of their features without the worst of their flaws.

This is the space exploration equivalent of solitaire or hearts; indeed, this game would be a perfect accessory for every PC sold. It is a simple delight that scales to all levels of player and never, ever overstays its welcome.

Everything about this game has it positioned to be an instant hit among fans of Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, as well as tactical RPG enthusiasts in general. Deep game play, an endearing story, likeable characters, and stunning hand-drawn backgrounds round out this experience.

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.

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.