Psychonauts may not be particularly innovative in any of its undertakings, but it breathes new life into a stale genre by virtue of its humor and creativity alone.

It might suck WWE die-hards in with its slick, true-to-form presentation, but they'll be quickly turned away by the clunky gameplay and repetitive nature of the game itself.

Psychonauts may not be particularly innovative in any of its undertakings, but it breathes new life into a stale genre by virtue of its humor and creativity alone.

A very interesting demonstration of the DS's capabilities, but it is not exactly a worthy successor to the classic puzzle games of the past.

In a few years, people will look back and recognize this as the game that drove the fast-paced shooters that followed.

A mediocre game, complete with pedestrian graphics and controls. It boasts no impressive innovations, and dubious balancing issues ruin any chance at gameplay variety.

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

Sure, Jade Empire isn't "KOTOR" (despite so many similarities), but that's a rough peak to meet. It's still an easy contender for the title of second-best RPG on the Xbox.

This is a game that has one virtue to call its own (i.e., highly redundant, brainless action in a single vein), but it lacks the sense of style and the production values that saved the first game from complete obscurity.

Clearly the best game of its kind.

If you can handle the teeth-grinding, sweaty-palmed and cramped fingers difficulty, you'll be richly rewarded by a game that is as strategic as it is fast.

Mercury has tons of potential, but it doesn't realize much of it. A sequel that added an autosave feature, perfected the puzzle designs and smoothed out the uneven difficulty would be an utter blast.

In the end, Spy vs. Spy fails to innovate-nothing sets it apart from the Sly Coopers and Maximos of the action genre, except for its mediocrity.

The game pulls together quite nicely, but a bit more polish-such as additional work with the AI-would have propelled the game past above-average status into excellence.

Though it did lose a bit of Nocturne's charm with the replacement of the Fusion system, the game is still a blast to play.

It takes "Mark of Kri’s" great ideas and actually executes them in the fashion they deserve.

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's slower, scarier, and altogether one of the best offerings in the genre for any console.

It's even possible, with a little effort, to unlock everything here in the time span of a rental. While it is an elegant game, Lego Star Wars' simplicity is an unavoidable weak point and it would be negligent to recommend this game wholeheartedly to the average gamer.

Those looking for a fun and easy game for themselves or their children to enjoy however, have an undeniable winner on their hands.

The only thing this game offers is a combination of clunky combat, bad camera and average presentation. Like her adversaries, Red Ninja is in dire need of being put out of its misery.

The thing Myst IV does so well, just like its predecessors, is completely pull you into the game world such that you are only dimly aware that you are sitting on your couch at 4 a.m. in "real world" hours.

If you own a GBA or SP, there is absolutely no reason not to own Mario Party Advance. Heck, even if you don't own one yet, this is the perfect excuse-a true, must-own killer app.

Chaos Theory offers a ton of replay value with the solo mode alone, and the multiplayer games are a blast. With additional bonuses like great graphics, sound effects, voice acting, and a great soundtrack for any console, it's a must-own for any fan of stealth/action.

With a ton of extras, a full cast of Darkstalkers characters, and an excellent multiplayer network mode, Capcom really pulled out all the stops for this game. Minor complaints could be made—such as the PSP's stiff directional pad and some noticeable load times—but fighting fans on the go will be more than pleased with this product.

The graphics are excellent, and it's a ton of fun to play through some of the best levels from "Twisted Metal 2" in online deathmatch.

It's disappointing that the developers have resorted to stuffing the series with such stupidity in order to fulfill popular culture's obsession with morons, but if you're willing to ignore this shortcoming, THUG 2 can be a lot of fun.

Though the console versions had a diversion of saving innocent lives and collecting secret tokens, Spiderman 2 on the PSP seems to be nothing but a technical demonstration coupled with a mundane 3D platformer.

It has raised the bar and raised our expectations of what an action/adventure title can be. This is one instance where the inevitable copycats from other developers will not only be welcome, they are highly encouraged.

It exudes a sense of style that perfectly accentuates the game's over-the-top racing maxim. Still, players and fans who are hoping for something new or different are apt to be disappointed. Beneath the gorgeous exterior lies a game that, while fun, is a bit archaic.

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.

More than just a well-designed puzzle game, Lumines has that rare spark that turns a simple task into a trance-inducing experience. It is a game with lasting appeal, and it is arguably the best title of the PSP's launch.

The largest problem, however, is how repetitive the quests become after extended play.

It follows the same storyline the past 53 DBZ games have, and the limited tactics of the fighting system reduce it to a button-mashing contest.

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.

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.

Offering vibrant graphics backed by precise controls, this iteration in the Wipeout series gets everything right. Sony should be applauded for executing subtle improvements on the original Wipeout formula, instead of "updating" all the fun out of a classic.

The large number of characters and arenas to fight in will keep younger gamers happy for a little while, and you really can't beat the twenty-dollar price tag.

There is no excuse for this--no excuse at all. Driver 3 was a disaster. It was boring. It was sluggish. It was thoroughly buggy. Basically, it was as enjoyable as spending an evening smashing your fingers into pulp with a large hammer.

Bottom line, if you can look past the technical gripes, Act of War: Direct Action is a very solid RTS game with a fantastic story.

The action is too slow, the camera is poorly implemented, the gameplay is repetitive, and the story is clichéd. The only redeeming qualities are nifty “manga” shaded graphics and an interesting combo-learning system.

Aurally Cold Fear truly excels in many areas. The sound effects fit the atmosphere perfectly, and the industrial soundtrack couldn't be better presented.

Peerless as a simulator, no doubt about it, but as a game it has its failings. Despite the efforts of the developers, it is doubtful that anyone who is not at least partly interested in the simulation aspects of the game will enjoy it at all.

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.

First, no Xbox Live! support. A game based almost entirely upon the multiplayer experience should certainly utilize the tools available on a system like the Xbox.

A spooky story to play through, and it doesn't hold anything back in terms of gameplay.

Unfortunately, once players have spent much time learning to play the game, it reveals itself to be critically limited in content—there really isn’t much to it.

It’s not a fun game and it’s certainly not balanced. Stay away if you enjoy such buzzwords as “gameplay,” “graphics” or “fun.”

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.

Pretty standard fare, but Rave Master handles the traditional health bar system in a completely unique way.

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.

DMC3, predominantly, is not difficult. It is an exercise in patience—in passing through agonising roadblocks to reach the border between frustration and fun, and the former wins out.

Bottom line: if you like adventure games, this one is okay—but you won’t be doing yourself any disservice by GameFAQing your way through it.

Therein lies the major problem with Brothers in Arms gameplay mechanics; it uses the whole tactical element as a crutch, but there's nothing really "tactical" about the way the game ends up playing out.

University demands a lot from the player to achieve success.

Republic Commando feels malnourished, lacking in the fundamentals of both first-person shooting and squad-based command, and it is crippled by its simplicity and tactical hand-holding.

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

It’s clear that Tekken 5 is a great game, but the lack of online play is a significant disappointment. There is quite a bit of replay value in the offline package, but the ability to take the aggression online would have made for an astronomical value and elevated the series beyond the contention of its peers.

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

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.

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.

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.

The best version of Street Fighter available, and the ability to play it online further justifies the purchase.

The quintessential rental. It has enough substance to satisfy a gamer for a short while, but it isn’t long before the eyes begin to wander and the initial interest starts to fade.

Precisely what the second volume in a saga should be. It continues the story, and it develops the characters involved with the story... Hopefully, the next installment will propel the story forward a bit more.

Fans of the series should be able to jump right in and enjoy it. However, without a true tutorial for assistance, potential players will have a tough time getting used to the game.

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.

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.

The recreation of Rome, while not completely accurate, feels like Rome, and the wilderness sections are likewise done well. The enemies, however, do tend to be a bit bland, and it doesn’t take long until it feels like the same enemy has been killed numerous times.

Gamers will tire of each and every gameplay mechanic long before the game has reached its completion, and the rest of the presentation—i.e., the story and the characters—is not compelling in the least.

On the other side of the presentation scale, the music is absolutely brilliant. The Star Wars films have set a high bar for any derivative material, but, thankfully, this game lives up to the challenge.

The best thing about this release, though, is that the gameplay for both titles is some of the best the King of Fighters series has seen since "King of Fighters ’98." Both games are exceptionally fast paced and offer a wide variety of characters.

It's definitely a neat little game, but there's nothing about it that demands an immediate purchase. It has no real replay value, and the trading/collecting aspect isn't compelling.

It's definitely a neat little game, but there's nothing about it that demands an immediate purchase. It has no real replay value, and the trading/collecting aspect isn't compelling.

It has the looks, it has the thrills and holds an undeniable charm. If you're sick of not flying 1100 feet in the air and feel embarrassing posers who bring it weak to your home court, pick this one up.

In fairness to games out there that are sequels, and actually bring something new to the table, to call this game a sequel is to do those other games an injustice. Champions: Return to Arms is an expansion pack, if anything.

Soccer nuts will have hundreds of hours of gameplay at their fingertips when they jump into Master League, which easily matches any other sports game on the market in depth, sheer fun, and balls to the wall realism.

If topless girls are your thing and you can ignore the flagrant bugs and lack of content, then go for it. Everyone else, go back to the Sims.

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.

There is very little fun to be had here, and for the price this game simply cannot be recommended to anyone. Surprisingly the sequel, "Full Metal Alchemist 2: Akaki Elixir no Akuma," which is out in Japan, is a much more fleshed out game that towers over its predecessor in most every way.

The gameplay found in Zoo Keeper is both simplistic and addictive.

Eye candy, but not much beyond that.

A disappointment on all ends. Failed potential seeps from every area, and as the game drags on, the realization that it doesn't get any better starts to sink in.

This reinventing of the wheel, so to speak, results in a fresher, more fast paced, and most of all more rewarding experience all around. Truly, everything old is new again... Resident Evil 4 is not only the new benchmark for the franchise, but for the genre as well.

Let me just conclude by defending this game against those that would say it is a Grand Theft Auto clone. While the free-form functionality and mission hierarchy are similar (as well as the ability to steal any vehicle or man any weapon or turret in the game), Mercenaries is its own, unique title and offers quite a few things that Grand Theft Auto doesn't – like the ability to devastate your surroundings.

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

It's frustrating, to say the least, when fights are often won by whichever player was able to mash the attack buttons the fastest during a power struggle, or when a powerful attack misses because the opponent randomly guessed the proper escape button.

It’s considerably derivative and it doesn’t bother with experimental gameplay or ideas.

For what it is, Sprung dishes out a worthwhile and memorable experience that is both entertaining as well as quite funny. I only wish I had known some of these lines when I was dating.

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

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 stages are challenging, the bosses are interesting, though a bit predictable, and the game is just about classic platforming fun.

The bare bones for success are there. With a bit more polish and the intention to deliver the game as a game rather than what amounts to an interactive documentary when all is said and done, I am confident that the developers can pull off a better, more entertaining game in the future.

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.

Typical EA first in the sense of unrelenting polish and presentation, of production values meant to wow you with glitz and glamour at every turn. Typical EA secondly in the sense of a don’t-rock-the-boat, stick-with-the-formula game that offers nothing new aside from a few odd bugs I’ve never seen in an RTS before.

Meatbags should be pleased with the continued storyline, but might find the amount of bugs, loading and framerate issues overshadowing the limited improvements offered.

The implementation of the microphone peripheral is a huge misstep, but a limited number of players may still manage to eke some enjoyment out of its inclusion.

If you like shooters, you would be a fool to not own this game. It's not the best Metal Slug - its easier, has less branching to the levels, and the animation is not as smooth - but it's still awesome.