With so much replay value in the multiplayer and a solid single-player experience to be had [in Pac-Man World 2], don't be surprised if you come down with a case of Pac-Man fever all over again.

Can something be entirely derivative and almost great? Why not! Titan Quest does for action-RPGs what "Serious Sam" did for shooters and offers something enjoyable to mouse-poke-poke-poke until Blizzard gets off its collective derriere and dishes up a proper sequel.

Those expecting a completely revamped sequel will likely find the additions to be slight, but NFL Street 2 is nonetheless a great-playing game that's an unqualified blast with a few trash-talking, chest-thumping friends in tow.

To have transformable jets in the follow-up game to Warhawk feels like a natural evolution for Sony's flight combat series. Starhawk's multiplayer showcases this with superb results, so it's that much more of a mystery that the same can't be said about its other modes.

If a game can make you smarter, or at the very least make you feel like you're getting smarter, maybe our detractors will get with Dr. Kawashima's program and opt for making change and sketching mathematical symbols over tallying curse words and counting sexual acts.

It has everything the last version had, right down to the training and calorie-counting modes, and, aside from the EyeToy support and new songs, not much else. So, if you aren’t into watching yourself onscreen, the upgrades are minimal.

The bar has been set higher by "ESPN NHL 2K5," whose presentation, sense of realism, and play modes simply outclass, outshine, and outperform those found in NHL 2005.

Probably the game's biggest flaw is that it doesn't do anything new to woo over gamers who don't like platformers. But it does take a waning game style and pump it so full of energy, humor, and near-psychotic malevolence that you may have to play something tame such as "Ty the Tasmanian Tiger" just to come down afterward.

One thing 2K Sports continually proves, however, is that it can bring the game even when it doesn't look as sharp as the competition.

Understand going in to this game that you're going to die a lot. And you're going to have to replay the same scenes over many times before you get past them. And if you see Cthulhu, give him our best.

The new features aren't exactly earth shattering for this year's installment, but the game is fun to play and a noticeable improvement over "NBA Live 08."

Unfortunately, there's very little actual innovation in the gameplay here, and the overall package is just starting to feel old.

The tactical gameplay is refined and intelligent, yet easy to grasp, and the mix of a fun single player modes, and exceptionally in-depth multiplayer makes Field Commander not simply the best strategy game on the PSP, but one of the best on any system.

If you’re willing work though the interface and aren’t opposed to saving and reloading over and over again, you’ll find that Soldiers has legs. What we’d like to see in a future release is a cleaner interface and a more clearly defined design.

The game creates a distinctive, unflattering view of criminal life in the 40's, and the huge virtual city the Godfather offers is rife with missions and opportunities.

If you’re looking for some wholly new content to revolutionize the game for you, unfortunately this isn’t it. But, for $30, you can’t have everything.

Gameplay as a whole is woefully unbalanced, leading to death after death for no good reason. Each time, you will question your desire to persevere; it's a losing battle.

It's more successful than any other surfing game that's come before it, but its seemingly random waves and amazing physics don't entirely overcome its repetitive nature or lack of difficulty.

Shaolin Monks' replay value could use a jump-start or two from Raiden’s fingertips. Despite an arcade port of Mortal Kombat II and a two-player versus mode, there’s simply not enough "kontent" to justify a purchase for most.

A solid game that manages to be more than just a "GTA" clone. It was clearly rushed, however, and the numerous bugs and glitches drag it down to a great degree.

Fortunately the on-screen action moves at a blistering pace, with colorful visuals, impressive animations, and eye-popping embellishments such as motion trails, super jumps, bats bursting into fire after multiple hits, and pitches that defy physics. The depth of features isn’t quite up to the competition’s, but in terms of action and excitement, MLB SlugFest: Loaded covers all the bases.

If you have the choice, it holds many advantages over "Donkey Konga." The graphics and song list are superior. However, drumming requires a bit more coordination than playing the bongos.

If you’re looking for a great platform game then you’ll probably be disappointed by Ape Escape 3’s sometimes simplistic and repetitive gameplay. However, if you’re looking for a game with a unique feel and a carefree tone then you’re likely to enjoy this title and overlook its shortcomings.

The battles are explosive and exciting, and despite having three really odd factions, the learning curve isn’t terribly steep making it easy to pop in and play any side without too much of a headache.

Nexus plays like a great game that misses the mark almost every step of the way. It’s slick, complex, and ambitious. But the potential here is never realized.

A fun game that train buffs and even non train fans will find very fun to play. However, it just doesn’t have quite the same greatness of many of Sid’s other games, especially when it comes to stability.

While there isn’t enough in the Wii version to warrant a buy if you’ve played the game before, Blackhand Edition provides a much needed M-rated action game for the system.

There's something almost absurd about paying for a game that inundates you with a constant stream of ads.

Final Fantasy III is the gaming equivalent of comfort food. It tells a tale of crystals and chocobo we've heard a dozen times before, it delivers old school challenge and does its job with the kind of confidence that comes with 20 years of experience.

With "Winning Eleven" on the market you just expect more, and you get it. FIFA may have high-priced Premiereship licenses and a killer career mode, but at the end of the day, it’s just not as much fun as the competition.

Good looks and tactical high jinks aside, it's tough to recommend HoMM5 with a mere ten skirmish maps, no map editor (for shame!), and a barrel of bugs, e.g. random desktop crashes, missions that "break" if you perform certain tasks out of order, heroes that attack through castle walls, incorrect initiative bar tallies in battle, etc.

LEGO Indiana Jones may not be quite as engaging as LEGO Star Wars, but it’s still a lot of fun to play through. That’s doubly true with a friend. The quest isn’t particularly long, but there’s plenty of incentive for a second run-through (or a third …), and Indy fans will definitely have a blast re-living the original films -- LEGO-style.

If you're already a fan of point-and-click adventure, then you'll probably dig it. If not, then get out the tissues and be prepared to be bored to tears.

For Potter fans of all ages, Chamber of Secrets is a must-have.

While the gameplay is super tight, the depth is a bit lacking and the single-player modes could definitely use more variety. But for a lot of gamers, the killer personality, fast pace, and handsome looks of Ultimate Muscle will highlight the best trait the game has, it's simply fun to play.

Hopefully DK’s second outing in his latest franchise will garner a bit more support this time around, because the big ape’s game definitely deserves it.

The short length and repetitive sequences make it more of a rental for non-believers, but overall, excellent gameplay, a great presentation, and familiar characters make this the best superhero-based game since, well, "Spider-Man 2."

An hour a day will probably give any shooter fan a thrill, but prolonged and involved play makes all the small flaws more apparent and all the pyrotechnics more numbing.

Creepy though she might be, it’s fun to school your friends with a 10-year-old in a swimsuit.

It'll surely be recognized as one of the better puzzle games of 2012, despite its liberal platforming demands in the first person.

Sharp visuals, solid handling, and a rollicking soundtrack are joined by some slightly inventive play mechanics.

Other than the addition of co-op campaigning everything feels more or less like it did 12 years ago, though prettier of course. Even so, with the new faction and new units those old game mechanics still make for a good time.

Despite the appealing presentation, it's generally a de rigueur platformer, and no more than par for the series. And with the wildly extreme difficulty settings, this is one for die-hards only.

A gorgeously fast racer, with plenty of compelling action and a surprisingly meaty single player game.

Offers enough playability and action to satisfy any action RPG fan, but it lacks the intricate story and involving quests that would lure in traditional role-playing vets.

Console gamers or those new to the RTS genre would do well to check out EndWar. It is a fun, if simplistic game that has succeeded where many others have failed.

A well-crafted game that's strictly for those who get off on blood, nastiness, and the darker side of the psyche. You know who you are.

Fortunately the on-screen action moves at a blistering pace, with colorful visuals, impressive animations, and eye-popping embellishments such as motion trails, super jumps, bats bursting into fire after multiple hits, and pitches that defy physics. The depth of features isn’t quite up to the competition’s, but in terms of action and excitement, MLB SlugFest: Loaded covers all the bases.

Those that have yet to exceed level 40 and undertake some of the main game’s tougher challenges are probably unprepared for the trials this expansion pack has to offer and will likely find them frustrating and unrewarding. For those prepared to throw down the gauntlet, though, there’s a lot of fun content and gorgeous new areas to be discovered.

While the underlying gameplay of F-Zero GP Legend hasn't changed much since 1991, it's still good enough to make it one of the best racers on the GBA. Its multiple modes and bite-sized action make it ideal for the portable environment.

Still, if you can stick with it through the boring movie and dialogue sequences, there’s an excellent adventure waiting for you in this grand world.

Gives a strong performance on a lot of levels, but finds itself stuck in the hangar when it comes to the actual feel of flying. It's a fun, challenging game, but far more attention should have been given to the physics and plane mechanics.

Heavy Weapon is a fun, if repetitive, game for one, but it is truly comical multiplayer diversion.

It doesn't take new hardware to crank out good-looking graphics, and you definitely don't need to buy a PSP or DS to find memorable handheld gameplay.

Online quibbles aside, NFL Street 2 easily bests its predecessor in terms of depth, visuals, and overall fun.

Heavy on the text, and some of it is dry and repetitive. There's great depth and nearly endless variety, but only a certain type of gamer will make a match with Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII.

While it is disappointing to see yet another rally game ignore most elements that makes rally racing great, the shallow, but exciting, racing is sure to deliver enough thrills for any driver.

A captivating strategy game with oodles of character.

This one has the looks, raunch, and laughs, but it also packs a solid volleyball engine. It's what "Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball" should have been.

Like the annual appearances of Madden NFL and Tony Hawk games, we might have to complain about Nippon Ichi's strategy/RPG predictability if we weren't so busy immersed in the latest version.

ZombiU should also be recognized as one of those rare launch titles that doesn't have the classic earmarks of a launch title that's been rushed out the door.

Has much potential, but fails to deliver in the variety department. A straight-up sequel to "X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter," complete with online multiplayer, may have been a more successful venture.

Judgment itself may not be anything special, but it's a good enough freebie to go with a legitimately great game.

In short, if you like FEAR, you will love FEAR 2. It may be too scary for some and the wobble of your character walking might induce a slight bit of motion sickness, but it’s a well constructed horror/action title.

It's hard to describe just how much better LEGO Star Wars is than it should be. All the pieces just fit together perfectly. It's cute yet cunning, easy but addictive, and simultaneously light-hearted and intense.

With a fresh take on combat that forgoes a targeting system in favor of a simple crosshair, the game shines in both the visual and gameplay department.

The big problem when playing Doom II, however, is just trying to see it.

A solid, good-looking, and fairly robust little stealth action game that sticks to the mission plan of its bigger console co-operative.

Like a toaster wrapped in gold leaf under the Christmas tree. The contents simply defy the billing. But if you're looking for some disposable, forgettable fun, this is one Xbox game that'll cure your itchy trigger finger.

LEGO Indiana Jones may not be quite as engaging as LEGO Star Wars, but it’s still a lot of fun to play through. That’s doubly true with a friend. The quest isn’t particularly long, but there’s plenty of incentive for a second run-through (or a third …), and Indy fans will definitely have a blast re-living the original films -- LEGO-style.

It's painfully obvious that Sony just took its PS2 game and jacked up a few stats here and there.

Even gamers who don't know Gohan from any other spiky-haired anime kid will smell what Budokai 3 is cooking.

Although Brain Training asks you to figure out increasingly intricate problems in a short amount of time, there's something quite relaxing about the whole thing. Not worth full price, since there are only nine different games to play here, but definitely a fun time-waster. [JPN Import]

One thing that is nailed down tight is the visual style. Every area in Arx Fatalis is extremely atmospheric, and in a nod to the backstory, just feels right.

Just as Diablo recreated the sheer joy of finding fifty bucks on the sidewalk, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates rinds and nails a perfect loot-rinse-repeat rhythm.

Perhaps the best thing about MLB Slugfest 20-03 is how well all the different elements come together to create a game that is both recognizably baseball and something you've never played before. The "extreme" additions work exceedingly well in the baseball setting.

an up-and-down affair. On the plus side, it's gorgeous, and still as complete a golf game as there is on the market. On the downside, it can be frustrating to play, and the online currency system that restricts a good deal of content is a slap in the face to longtime players. Also, Kinect at your own peril.

Characters look more realistic than ever, but they still act like they did in the last generation. Collision detection is still a joke, penalties come few and far between (seriously, watch am NFL game and count the false start penalties; now play 5 straight games of Madden and see if the AI commits even one.) and overall it just doesn’t feel like real football.

There is also an annoying amount of trash talking cutscenes after each play, but fortunately they can be skipped or turned off entirely.

Sniper Elite delivers the sort of slow-paced and rewarding gameplay experience not usually found on consoles. Gamers with the right mindset will love every mission here, while more impatient ones will be pulling their hair out long before the end of the first one.

The gameplay is still the best out there but Konami needs to step up their game. The changes were very minor and the new AI is not as sharp as advertised. This would have been a solid first game, but this is pretty much an exact replica from last year’s version with a revamped AI and the same old online issues.

This is undoubtedly the best Puyo title yet, giving you both old-school gameplay and new, along with well-rounded multiplayer and challenging difficulty.

Hitting bunnies on the heads with shovels – Yeah, it’s as awesome as it sounds. Don’t worry, they have super thick skulls.

NCAA Football 13 brings to the table two new features: a bullet time mechanism and an ability to play as past Heisman Trophy winners. Beyond that, it's just the same old solid football game that is sure to please, but not excite.

One of those rare games where the story nearly eclipses the gameplay. There is some powerful imagery throughout the game that will stay with you long after you've played it, and the choices throughout add to the replay factor because you'll want to go in and see what would have happened if you had made a different decision.

And perhaps even more than "DDR" or "Samba De Amigo," Karaoke Revolution is a game that will be embraced by non-gamers, since it requires no physical dexterity or interaction with a controller.

It's not quite the best of the best in its genre, but if you're interested in signing up, odds are you'll have an enjoyable tour of duty.

The story could easily have been told in a third of the time, leaving room for more substantial narrative and perhaps even more inventive level and game design.

Competent but unimpressive.

An extremely refreshing puzzler that should find a huge audience on Nintendo DS. It may not have the legacy of Lemmings or the multiplayer gaming of Worms, but its stages are brilliantly crafted and the creator can't be beat.

Though mostly a run-and-gun affair, the adrenaline-charged atmosphere makes up for the deficiencies in the computer AI.

A solid and extremely fun game that will probably be overlooked by many in favor of more high-profile titles. It's a shame really, because Moonbase Commander's simple focus and gameplay is an excellent example of substance over style.

Nothing terribly new and exciting, just another solid entry into Konami's dancing series.

Like any new pet, sometimes it will drive you crazy when it pees on the floor, but the moment it does something adorable and curls up on the end of the bed you will love it all over again.

If you're looking for a refinement and re-balancing of Dead or Alive 4, then Dead or Alive 5 will suit your needs just fine. It's also the most welcoming to newcomers, so if you've been curious to try DOA, this is the time to get in. If you're a hardcore DOA fan though, keep your expectations in check and don't hope for too much.

Pirates of the Burning Sea is a very, very deep game. There’s PvP for those who want it; trading, crafting, and a detailed economy for the would-be barons of the sea; and the kind of strategic and dynamic combat that will appeal to gamers who just can’t get into the typically boring MMO function key combat system.

The game is an intense shooting gallery, despite the repetition, yet the set-up, landscape, and gameplay feel so familiar at this point that it borders on boring.

Precisely more of the same. It's bigger, stronger, and deeper. Even the flaws are repeated, as party members still need a lot of hand-holding.