It's definitely preferred to the average character-based kids' games; just don't expect to cast your Tony Hawk or Katamari aside to play it.

Unlike so many tossed-off gunners, it makes the most of the console and will tax most players in equal measure.

We can't stress how much fun we had with Super Off Road. It truly is one of the more timeless arcade racing games.

Its attempts to stand out are partially successful at best, but solid production values and a lower than average price tag could be agreeable to people predisposed to this type of gameplay.

It's definitely preferred to the average character-based kids' games; just don't expect to cast your Tony Hawk or Katamari aside to play it.

An interesting attempt at breaking the first-person shooter mould, and it could have been something special if the rest of the game weren’t rather mediocre.

The main problem is that Ties That Bind doesn't live up to the once-promising pedigree of "The Suffering." While we got more of some things--more swearing, more gore, and more story--we actually ended up with less: less ammo, less creativity, and fewer thrills to keep you going.

An amazing accomplishment, especially considering the fact that Sly 2 was just released last year.

Why the presentation is so flat is a mystery worthy of Veronica Mars, since there are only two athletes on-screen at once (four during doubles matches).

The main problem is that Ties That Bind doesn't live up to the once-promising pedigree of "The Suffering." While we got more of some things--more swearing, more gore, and more story--we actually ended up with less: less ammo, less creativity, and fewer thrills to keep you going.

NBA Live 06's seemingly small additions have improved the on-court action immeasurably, making it one of the best entries in the series to date.

Once again the game to beat, though its controls will be a sticking point for the pick-up-and-play crowd.

We can't stress how much fun we had with Super Off Road. It truly is one of the more timeless arcade racing games.

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."

The experience is a little like being served greasy fast food from an employee that really hates his job. Not only is the product prepared to the lowest possible standard, the bun is mashed, the ketchup and mustard are in one big glob off to the side, and the meat is soggy.

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."

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."

The four-player online play in S.L.A.I. works just fine, but it doesn't make up for the fact that the single-player game wears thin within an hour.

The action is fast, fun, and occasionally almost intense, but not graphic.

Hardcore fans might balk at the scaled back customization, but new players should be able to get up and running quickly.

It does drag on in a few spots, and its sci-fi bent may betray the original premise, but it brings gamers a deep, compelling story told in a clever way -- both in terms of narrative and gameplay execution.

It does drag on in a few spots, and its sci-fi bent may betray the original premise, but it brings gamers a deep, compelling story told in a clever way -- both in terms of narrative and gameplay execution.

Even if you played through the Xbox version multiple times, there’s enough new stuff here for a look.

The story mode is boring and full of repetition, the controls are overly simplistic.

It captures the essence of its predecessor's wackiness, scope, and addictive gameplay; yet it drops the ball as far as advancements and even takes a step back in the audio department.

Even with the short running time, however, Genji is so well-constructed that anyone partial to sword combat should pay attention.

Though the Wayne vs. Wayne mode is an interesting, if not disturbing, idea, it’s not enough to justify a purchase for most hockey fans.

Players who can't stand "Diablo" won't much like Legends, no matter their mutant fanaticism. But for everyone else, the mutant madness will be addictive and appealing.

Despite the knocks against rivals mode and the fact that the new controls are mostly borrowed from what many consider to be a more simple golf franchise, Tiger Woods 06 is still a solid game. Where rivals fails, the more realistic PGA Tour mode is still fun, as is skills 18, a set of target-based minigames.

Despite the knocks against rivals mode and the fact that the new controls are mostly borrowed from what many consider to be a more simple golf franchise, Tiger Woods 06 is still a solid game. Where rivals fails, the more realistic PGA Tour mode is still fun, as is skills 18, a set of target-based minigames.

The story mode is boring and full of repetition, the controls are overly simplistic.

Stand-out art for a diverse cast of heroes, villains, and soldiers helps the game excel in the graphics category, and although complex, it's set up well enough so you won't get lost in numbers, menus, and statistics.

It does drag on in a few spots, and its sci-fi bent may betray the original premise, but it brings gamers a deep, compelling story told in a clever way -- both in terms of narrative and gameplay execution.

Players who can't stand "Diablo" won't much like Legends, no matter their mutant fanaticism. But for everyone else, the mutant madness will be addictive and appealing.

Despite the knocks against rivals mode and the fact that the new controls are mostly borrowed from what many consider to be a more simple golf franchise, Tiger Woods 06 is still a solid game. Where rivals fails, the more realistic PGA Tour mode is still fun, as is skills 18, a set of target-based minigames.

The story mode is boring and full of repetition, the controls are overly simplistic, and the lack of online play on the Cube hurts the game even more.

Despite the knocks against rivals mode and the fact that the new controls are mostly borrowed from what many consider to be a more simple golf franchise, Tiger Woods 06 is still a solid game. Where rivals fails, the more realistic PGA Tour mode is still fun, as is skills 18, a set of target-based minigames.

This is the first time since the original that the series has been so accessible. With the full 3D engine and freedom of movement, Myst V is more fun and fast-paced than you can reasonably expect an adventure game to be, and is just as visually stunning as its predecessors.

The control setup here is undoubtedly unique, and works great for the most part. It's just not intuitive or interesting enough to build an entire adventure game around.

Battalion Wars carries over the charm, fun, and visual style of the "Advance Wars" games that came before it. However, with no multiplayer and minimal replayability, this is a considerably shorter war than the portable ones.

The game gets by purely on the appeal of its characters, and ends up being a reasonably entertaining game for kids.

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.

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.

Next to Silkworm and Ninja Gaiden, these efforts are just warm-up practice for the real thing. Even at a budget price, spend accordingly.

An Armored Bore.

Unlike "University," which takes you completely out of the Sim’s home environment for long stretches of time, Nightlife is expertly integrated into the core game.

We're peeved at the ability to flick aside 18-wheelers like they're raisins on a table, but overall, you're going to have problems finding a more visceral, violent driving game.

Forcing the player to endure 100 repetitive missions just to unlock the meat of the game is an insult, as is the imbalanced fighting engine.

The storyline and voice acting are the high points, but it's a real shame that all the Evil Dead games have simply focused on mindless combat instead of more substantial adventuring.

A damn good game of hockey, and one that shows tremendous promise for the next few years.

Light on substance and heavy on style. If you're a One Piece madman who simply has to have everything to do with the series, it's not a horrible game. It's just not exceptional. As a multiplayer party game, it's good for a quick fix every once in a while.

Light on substance and heavy on style. If you're a One Piece madman who simply has to have everything to do with the series, it's not a horrible game. It's just not exceptional. As a multiplayer party game, it's good for a quick fix every once in a while.

It's a different style of game than previous versions, one that dumps some of the innovations from earlier titles in favor of crowd-pleasing simplicity.

While the level of exploration and interaction is nowhere near the quality of later games in "The Legend of Zelda" series, Radiata Stories offers several genuinely humorous moments, a colorful world, and a cast of characters that stick with you long after you’ve powered down the PS2.

It's a different style of game than previous versions, one that dumps some of the innovations from earlier titles in favor of crowd-pleasing simplicity.

A damn good game of hockey, and one that shows tremendous promise for the next few years.

It's a different style of game than previous versions, one that dumps some of the innovations from earlier titles in favor of crowd-pleasing simplicity.

The laughably bad voice acting will irritate, the ornery puzzle situations will annoy, and everything will be over so quickly you’ll wonder why you bothered in the first place.

New players are likely to feel totally lost in a sea of hostile troops and jittery unresponsive allies who can walk through walls but not fire through hedges. Not a game for the uninitiated.

Players on the fringe of the card game, however, will find more frustration than fun in Nightmare Troubadour.

This game is the "Ninja Gaiden" of racers. It's as deadly as it is beautiful; but if you can tame her, she'll purr like a kitten.

The visuals are in need of an upgrade. It could be that EA is just phoning the graphics in until the next-gen systems arrive, and that's a shame. EA Trax is just as annoying as ever. Please stop it.

"DDR" veterans are sure to Pump It Up, but if you're just starting out then it's best to start with something easier.

While it can't match the other versions of the game in terms of scope or graphics, and it is a bit repetitive, Dynasty Warriors Advance is a surprisingly comprehensive package that is simple, fun, and offers plenty of action.

Not the most technically advanced game, and if you're looking for all the hardball minutiae you're going to be disappointed. What it does have is gameplay that's easy to pick up, and a great deal of depth for those who dig.

The gorgeous graphics, broad character roster, large number of matches, and multiplayer action offer a ton of fun for players that can forgive technical flaws.

If you dig dog-eared InuYasha and his rather violent friends, Feudal Combat is a pleasant diversion.

If you're looking for a game to kill some time with and don't mind if it's a little stupid or embarrassing, Ride or Die is a racer that's easy to pick up and fairly easy to put down.

It's leaps and bounds above the mediocre, movie-based Hulk game, and smashes itself a niche in the genre.

Yet another DS title that feels like it should have been part of a larger overall game, rather than the entire focus of the product.

An average-looking game with a number of above-average ideas that ultimately fail to elicit the sense of excitement you should have while playing.

It's leaps and bounds above the mediocre, movie-based Hulk game, and smashes itself a niche in the genre.

It's leaps and bounds above the mediocre, movie-based Hulk game, and smashes itself a niche in the genre.

If you're not heartless, Nintendogs will be one of the most innovative, inimitable, and impressive games you've come across.

If you're not heartless, Nintendogs will be one of the most innovative, inimitable, and impressive games you've come across.

If you're not heartless, Nintendogs will be one of the most innovative, inimitable, and impressive games you've come across.

Those who became addicted to either of the first two Advance Wars titles will surely be hooked by this one, too.

Though Voyage takes its concept from Jules Verne, the game itself lacks any real storyline or dialog, feeling like more of an excuse to take a lunar vacation than anything.

The inclusion of an intuitive, open character building system, commendable AI, and great multiplayer options make this a fine choice for fans of the original game, and those looking for a good action-heavy role-playing experience.

All of the games included here are fun--some more than others--but none of them will hold your interest for very long.

It's all very frustrating because Sigma Star Saga hints at greatness. More time spent tweaking the shooter mechanic and the leveling structure would have sent this game into the stratosphere.

The biggest draw in DarkWatch is the setting. It's just different enough to remain interesting the whole way through.

If you can't go anywhere without your Chococat pencil case, go ahead and pick up Roller Rescue. We're sure you'll manage to delude yourself into thinking it's great.

We can't stress how outstanding Sonic CD is. It was one of the finest games around in its day and it still offers a fantastic time years later. This game alone makes Sonic Gems Collection a consideration at $30. The other featured titles don't add enough to the offering.

It's riddled with great ideas that are realized using merely decent execution, and saddled with a painfully linear level design.

But anyone looking for a good brawler on the GBA needs to look somewhere other than Dragon Ball GT: Transformation.

Yet, gameplay is still the biggest flaw, with inconsistent AI (the computer never runs and doesn’t manage the clock effectively in the second half) and electric football-style physics.

The big addition to the series, QB vision, is a love it or hate it proposition, and we're not convinced it even adds to the realism. Most of the other additions are the result of EA playing catch-up with the "NFL 2K" series.

Although Summit Strike still boils down to more of the same, the Ghost Recon 2 series has proven itself to provide some of best squad-based, realistic action out there.

The single-player missions are fairly mediocre, especially in comparison to other shooters. If you really, really need to shoot virtual people in a virtual desert, then this’ll do.

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.

The single-player missions are fairly mediocre, especially in comparison to other shooters. If you really, really need to shoot virtual people in a virtual desert, then this'll do.

The "outlaw" elements in Outlaw Tennis are devoid of entertainment value. They aren't even integrated into the game all that well.

Natsume's "mulligan" to address some of the shortcomings found in the original. It offers the same graphics, same controls, and an identical cast of characters apart from the female protagonist.

With great graphics, challenging gameplay, and plenty of ways to play, Codename: Panzers, Phase Two lives up to expectations.

The simplistic visuals aren’t to the level of a 2005 release, the limited animation and restrictive camera angles diminish the fun associated with the combat engine, and it’s not a particularly violent game despite its subject material.

One has to wonder, however, whether or not there's a price to be paid for the dazzling graphical presentation. Could it explain why the level design is so utterly boring? Aside from background variations, each stage plays almost identical to the others.

Throne of Destiny suffers from the same affliction every long-running online RPG suffers from--feature bloat. In catering to its paying customers, the game has become too confusing, too intimidating, and too hostile to new players.