Call of Duty 3 on the Wii is one of the best examples of the system’s ability to make up for substandard visuals with really engaging control. The Wiimote is a fluid and, mostly, precise method of directing all of the carnage, and there’s no denying the fact that pointing and shooting is infinitely more fun than weaving around with two analog sticks.

Quake 4 brings an engaging single-player challenge with a refresh of some of the genre’s most popular online play. Still, this is an incremental step, not a leap in design.

Realistically, very little of the series’ gameplay dynamics were changed for Ridge Racer 6. The nitrous system is an evolved form of the one found in the PSP version, but beyond that, it is still a good old-fashioned Ridge Racer at heart.

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.

Putting it on the DS was an excellent decision. The touch screen abilities go a long way to keep the game innovative and fun.

Not content to rest on the laurels of its lengthy name, World Championship Poker: Featuring Howard Lederer – All In distinguishes itself on the strength of its poker/RPG hybrid gameplay, it’s sleek, thematic atmosphere, and an AI that understands how to play the game correctly.

In all, Keepsake may not redefine the genre; the graphic adventure genre is definable by its tenets and only its mechanics seem to change from game to game. Still, this game is fun, very attractive, offers an excellent story and a ton of puzzles.

An extremely viable alternative to the otherwise monolithic DDR franchise.

If Pac N’ Roll had been on any other system, it would still have been a fun game, but the way it plays out on the DS is just magic.

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

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.

A good arcade-style basketball game to pass the time. Just keep in mind that the loading is atrocious.

Project 8 doesn’t push very far beyond its previous boundaries. Most of the gameplay is very similar, and players familiar with the series will not find many surprises. However, the new coat of paint and the “Nail the Trick” mode help make the game seem at home on the next-gen consoles.

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

A surprisingly well made game, especially when compared to its boring counterpart on the PS2.

The graphics are far from superior, but the environments with the ambient noise and activity allow for a unique experience which other action-oriented war titles have not been able to completely or adequately emulate.

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.

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 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.

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’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.

With better visuals, more side quests, and an enthralling story, Baten Kaitos Origins will keep most role-playing enthusiasts glued to their controllers until the very end.

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

Although controls are clumsy and some technical sacrifices had to be made, the added single player and multiplayer content makes Showdown a much longer-lasting game than its rent-worthy predecessor.

There are enough things that feel distracting to keep this from becoming a classic game, but a strong enough foundation of gameplay and direction to make it a worthy addition to the console library.

The game is a penny shy of twenty dollars, and for that price, if you remember any of these games there is no reason not to pick it up and relive those days spent hunched 'round a cabinet, stubbing out cigarettes on the top and hoping the manager didn't see.

What it really comes down to is the cinematic experience, and at $30 for ten hours of single player campaign plus a fairly passable multiplayer, it’s roughly comparable to a few trips to the movies.