Although the open world has caused some negative changes, the overall effect is a great one. The game looks and sounds fantastic, but plays even better. There’s so much to do in Paradise City that you’ll spend hours exploring every nook.

The slick presentation, great gameplay, and nostalgia factor all combine to create a package you simply shouldn't pass up.

An uncompromising game in its presentation, scope, and challenge level. It's well-made, intricate, functional, and deadly, much like the weaponry of that distant time.

Of all the enhancements made in NBA Street V3, it would be remiss of us not to mention the visuals, which have moved away from exaggerated, cartoon-like players to a grittier, realistic look that better suits the game's urban theme.

A real treat... However, the occasional way-too-difficult mission leads to some frustrating repetition, and behaving while driving around so as not to blow the last leg of a driving mission can become slightly tedious.

It's a WWII shooter that will teach you about what your grandpappy went through with the same gritty verve as "Band of Brothers" and "Saving Private Ryan." This is the kind of game that proves war is truly hell.

While it has a few quirks here and there, Dishonored delivers on almost every admirably/crazily ambitious promise made by its creators. Its impeccably crafted gameplay and exquisitely haunting and detailed world stand in loving tribute to all of the iconic and acclaimed franchises that inspired it, and yet it still has a soul and style all its own.

Ultimately, we can't deny that this game is incredibly fun. The tables are gorgeous, and it's a fantastic way to breathe life back into a seemingly dead arcade genre. We just wish that The Who was there singing us through the game as we go for the high score.

Frontline isn't perfect, though. For one thing there are the always-problematic control issues. A console system with its gamepad just can't replicate the tight controls offered by a mouse and keyboard.

Despite lacking some tweaks that could have made the most horror-jaded gamers wet themselves, Dead Space delivers scares, gore and a truly disturbing gem of a game.

The quick, aggressive, and brutal matches of Tekken might not be everyone’s ideal fight, but the game does have depth and a decent sense of balance, not to mention a lot of great-looking moves and great character variety.

Despite the recycled enemies and the never-ending labyrinth of steel grates, catwalks, desks, and elevators, F.E.A.R. delivers some of the best action this side of Paris Hilton's cell phone.

The levels are fun, the gameplay is solid, and the puzzles and bosses require more than a bit of brain matter to figure out, resulting in a nice sense of accomplishment every time you reach a new milestone in Raz's adventure.

It’s almost a perfect game. Severe online connection bugs and freezing problems hamper the experience enough that we can’t give it a full five out of five.

Deep, fun, incredibly addictive, and perfect in short bursts, Meteos is about as good as handheld games get. Multiple difficulty settings, an engrossing multiplayer experience, and plenty of depth ensure this one won't be wearing out its welcome anytime soon.

It’s almost a perfect game. Severe online connection bugs and freezing problems hamper the experience enough that we can’t give it a full five out of five.

Every bit as good as the original. The campaigns are wonderfully crafted. There's a good challenging story with plenty of new gameplay.

Round 2 has the substance to back it up its sense of style. The analog control has been refined to the point where it's more responsive and more satisfying than mashing buttons and the new facial and body animations bring a level of authenticity to the ring that's simply never been accomplished before.

Aesthetic quibbles and longish load times aside, Project Gotham Racing 3 strikes an excellent balance between arcade and sim gameplay without alienating fans of either.

Games rarely have things this interesting to say or approach them from this outlandish a vector. Listen up.

This will be the best $19.99 you've spent all year.

A good and stylish mix of the factual and the fanciful.

A wonderful year-end treat that offers ingenious level design and a ton of gameplay.

Places its emphasis on subtle refinements over sweeping changes, which is what tends to happen when the gameplay is seasoned enough to already be considered a class act.

The altered control scheme and new dribbling controls takes some getting used to, but you'll be leading teammates and setting up give-and-gos in no time.

A great choice for gamers who enjoyed "NHL 2K3" but wanted something a little flashier in the audiovisual department. But it isn't as ambitious as "NHL 2004" in terms of control options or depth in franchise play. ESPN Hockey's biggest knock is its goalie AI, which isn't reflective of the sport and seems artificially enhanced in an attempt to create low-scoring games.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma's creator Tomonobu Itagaki has stated publicly that he wanted his game to be difficult. That's fine, but there's a difference between challenge and cheapness. Frequently Ninja Gaiden Sigma feels like it's giving you a wedgie for no other reason but to hear you scream.

There's definitely something special about WarioWare Twisted!

Even though there are minor pacing problems at times, RtCW delivers an amazing single-player and multiplayer game, and for first-person shooter fans, it's a must-own.

This is simply one of the most singular and enthralling RPG experiences in years, and it should be played by pretty much anyone willing to hold a controller.

Frustration has always been a factor in the GTA universe, but never quite so much as in Liberty City Stories.

But I feel like a thief has swiped the perfect pacing out of the series and replaced it with repetition.

It's dark, tense, and occasionally scary. The levels also have an inordinate number of secret hiding places that spit out demons when you walk over some invisible trigger. It's a cheap design tactic that completely pulls you out of the realistic setting.

Places its emphasis on subtle refinements over sweeping changes, which is what tends to happen when the gameplay is seasoned enough to already be considered a class act.

Besides some of the best graphics and sound on the PSP, this Tekken has enough breadth and depth to match its console cousins.

May not be perfect, but it's a definite improvement over 2003's game and you simply can't beat the price.

Although the automatic save system makes it a great handheld title, it's perhaps even better suited to relaxing marathon sessions on your couch. Fire Emblem is well-crafted, and unless you have an aversion to turn-based strategy, it's highly recommend.

What you get in this package is an addictive, satisfying game that feels very polished, offers a wide range of gameplay options, introduces an insatiable lust for loot, and does co-op right. This is what PC (and Mac!) gaming is all about.

A standout Xbox title that not only kicks butt in its own right, but gives the console a niche it was previously missing.

It’s the added complexity and context garnered from these new campaigns that keeps us coming back for more. Thrones and Patriots is a must-have expansion pack for every single person who owns Rise of Nations.

This is a fantastic update to a truly classic game. It’s just plain great on every level. If you don’t like Pirates! you must be allergic to fun.

It's just as solid as its console partners, it looks beautiful, and takes advantage of the Vita's controls in unique ways that don't negatively impact the core of the platforming gameplay. It serves as a wonderful reminder that you can never have enough Sackboy in your life.

The owners and dynasty one-two could make MVP a must-have for detail-oriented fans, especially those without a PS2 who are locked out of "MLB 2006's" equally strong offering.

It features a tighter back story, a more streamlined and interactive combat model, the ability to play the game the way you want to play, and best of all, does so in an easy to understand, even friendly manner.

It has enough useful, new features to make it a worthy addition to the family, including the tremendous inclusion of Internet play and a fully fleshed-out career mode.

Gorgeous visuals, incredibly fun but accessible gameplay, and terrific multiplayer action all mark one of the better console games so far this year. While nothing in the game is particularly revolutionary, what is included is expertly implemented.

Far and away the best racing game on the system, combining slick looks, beautiful sound, and content overload to create a title that every PSP owner should take a look at.

Round 2 has the substance to back it up its sense of style. The analog control has been refined to the point where it’s more responsive and more satisfying than mashing buttons and the new facial and body animations bring a level of authenticity to the ring that’s simply never been accomplished before.

Though it’s easy to knock the game for not radically altering its presentation, it’s hard to criticize the sheer amount of playability (and fun) offered here.

NBA 2K13-building on the successful and delightful NBA 2K12-remains a fantastic basketball simulator. With a robust My Player mode, already-great online multiplayer and gameplay that just won't quit, it's clear why 2K is the only name in the basketball video game market.

The game looks and sounds fantastic, but plays even better. There’s so much to do in Paradise City that you’ll spend hours exploring every nook. Even after the single player game dulls down, the multiplayer should provide even more fun.

It's a visceral experience that too often falls back on tired shooter clichés. But occasionally, it does rise above the mediocrity to deliver a truly compelling experience. That, coupled with the best graphics available.

Many will balk at the game because it doesn’t offer a million different models of car. Those who do are missing the point. Grid is all about the fun and excitement of the race. It’s racing with a capital ‘R’ minus the frustration. You won’t find a more fun racing game this year.

Few risks are taken and most of the improvements over previous games amount to surface-level boosts to the presentation, but that also helps to make for a seamless transition from one studio to the next. As much as Halo 4 makes it clear that this is a franchise that needs to grow and evolve, 343 also gets a pass this time for playing it safe and serving the fans.

Taken together, the new touches are nice, but the graphics are one area where SOCOM II can't yet compete with its PC cousins.

We almost never find games that play as good as they look. But set a few friends in front of Rallisport Challenge 2 on the widescreen with the digital sound crashing, and they'll immediately be hooked not only by the A/V, but by the racing. For sheer playability, fun, and visual appeal most other models don't come anywhere close.

At normal difficulty (which is actually quite easy) the game should take about eight to 10 hours to complete. There is replay value in the different characters, although the dungeons and quests remain identical.

FIFA 09 is the culmination of lots of great features, like robust online support, stat tracking, and the excellent Be A Pro mode, that have been marinating for quite a while. This is the first time they’ve all come together to form a very tasty mix of soccer action.

While Jeanne D'Arc lacks an in-depth job system found in titles like Final Fantasy Tactics, the pre-defined characters can be outfitted with four types of skill stones; granting your warriors with new spells, attacks, and more.

FIFA 09 is the culmination of lots of great features, like robust online support, stat tracking, and the excellent Be A Pro mode, that have been marinating for quite a while. This is the first time they’ve all come together to form a very tasty mix of soccer action.

NCAA Football 06’s refined approach seems to cater most to the hardcore college football fan rather than the casual sports enthusiast.

Many will balk at the game because it doesn’t offer a million different models of car. Those who do are missing the point. Grid is all about the fun and excitement of the race. It’s racing with a capital ‘R’ minus the frustration. You won’t find a more fun racing game this year.

It's hard to ignore the game's addictive nature, however. By removing many of the needlessly complex details from earlier empire-building titles, developer Ironclad Games has placed the emphasis back on grand strategy over babysitting. Sins is one of the biggest surprises thus far in 2008, a game no self-respecting galactic grognard will want to be without.

The graphics are sharper and more vivid, and some of the backgrounds are jaw dropping.

And the co-op means that, like the previous two games, Chaos Theory is as close to an essential buy as we can imagine.

Episode One offers a unique solution. Smaller, more frequent doses of high-quality gaming for less money. Ultimately, every player will have to decide if 20 bucks is too much for content in the vein of Half-Life 2: Episode One. For us, the quality here is well worth the price of admission.

Despite the difficult control scheme, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is a gripping title. There’s a lot to do both online and off with this handheld game. And it handles both single and multiplayer gaming masterfully.

A title that further refines the portable "Castlevania" lineup to perfection.

It's a worthy title and Hitman 2: Silent Assasin places slightly above the rest of the pack.

Unfortunately, aside from slight interludes and fantastic-looking, if generally pointless, prerendered end movies, any actual meaningful bits of plot are almost nonexistent for most of the characters...[yet] one of the greatest fighting games ever made.

It's remarkable how skillfully so many different ideas are blended together into one game. It's equally impressive that it looks and sounds great, has no noticeable load time, tells a decent story, and doesn't saddle the player with restrictions on where to go and what to do.

Once you get a firm grasp on gameplay, you'll be playing a flexible and rewarding game. With its unobtrusive story and mission-based structure, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is perfect for gaming on the go.

NCAA Football 06's refined approach seems to cater most to the hardcore college football fan rather than the casual sports enthusiast.

Dodgy track list aside, this is a consistently fun and often funny title that keeps the charm and oddity of the Japanese original intact. It's also one of those games that could only work this well on the Nintendo DS, and it's difficult to resist these Agents' combination of charm and dance prowess.

Firmly establishes Mario as an RPG force. The game is a stylish, accessible game for RPG veterans and newcomers of all ages, and shouldn't be missed by fans of Mario, RPGs, or just great games.

Even the most cynical gamers will have a hard time not being won over by its charms. In short, it's the type of game you bought a GameCube for in the first place and, thanks to its excellent multiplayer modes, has a lot of staying power.

Racing doesn't get much grittier than this. Here's mud in your eye!

The simplification of the gameplay also tends to make the game feel a bit repetitive, and it can be frustrating to repeatedly try to make the same jump to that last graffiti spot only to fall and be forced to climb all the way back up and try again...[yet] one of the best games on the Xbox.

Years from now, Bully will stand up on any ‘best of PS2 list’, Jimmy Hopkins will still reign as the coolest kid in school, and hopefully one day soon I will finally find all 76 hidden rubber bands.

Its only real flaw is that it becomes repetitious so quickly in multiplayer. Individual players' mileage may vary, but you can get just so much out of plain vanilla deathmatch before you crave something more.

The biggest drawback to the game is that it relies heavily on multiplayer. The single-player tasks are fun, if benign, but the AI is pretty rudimentary and your behavior has no real long-term effect on your relationship with other residents.

There’s a real sensation of extreme speed, and even with a large number of cars on-screen, there’s only rarely a hint of stuttering or slowdown.

Easily makes up for any shortcomings just by its sheer volume. The missions alone will take over twenty hours to complete. It's hard to argue with a release that features over 500 mini missions, a ton of unlockables, and a complete game that was one of last year's most acclaimed titles.

The owners and dynasty one-two could make MVP a must-have for detail-oriented fans, especially those without a PS2 who are locked out of "MLB 2006's" equally strong offering.

MLB The Show 12 continues the tradition of excellence in this installment of the yearly title. Beautifully realistic parks, Vita integration, and a myriad of control options expand on what was already the leading MLB experience.

A fine example of what video games do best. They give players a sense of time and place that is unmatched in any other medium. In United Offensive you are there. And even though it’s short, it’s a great ride.

The levels are fun, the gameplay is solid, and the puzzles and bosses require more than a bit of brain matter to figure out, resulting in a nice sense of accomplishment every time you reach a new milestone in Raz's adventure.

The PC version of Gears of War feels both more and less complete. While the new seamlessly slipped-in missions add more narrative and in a few cases, some exceptionally difficult and satisfying battles; they don’t add anything substantive to a story already at best worth half a buck and a bag of popcorn.

The extremely clean graphics, married to addictive, simple gameplay are enough to recommend this title.

It isn't for everyone though, the difficulty can be infuriatingly hard and means that some players won't ever make it to the later levels.

Resistance 2 is a major improvement over the original in every way. It is an awesome experience of seeing a team of developers at the top of their game and pulling out all the stops. There’s something magnificent in the campaign’s execution, a wholesale devotion to having a lot of fun.

Round 2 has the substance to back it up its sense of style. The analog control has been refined to the point where it's more responsive and more satisfying than mashing buttons and the new facial and body animations bring a level of authenticity to the ring that's simply never been accomplished before.

There's more than enough meat to the single-player component in Dark Crusade to justify a purchase.

Just about everything good about the original has improved. The repetitive dungeon crawling, however, will not appeal to everyone.

Many will balk at the game because it doesn’t offer a million different models of car. Those who do are missing the point. Grid is all about the fun and excitement of the race. It’s racing with a capital ‘R’ minus the frustration. You won’t find a more fun racing game this year.

It is the total package 2D fighter. Any fighting fan owes it to him or herself to snatch this one immediately.

Simply experiencing the old-school "Sonic" gameplay again after so many years of 3D titles makes the title a must-have for longtime "Sonic" fans.

While the rev of the bike engines is dead on, the music is just awful. The same bad grunge rock song (or at least, all the songs seem to sound the same) plays over and over. Unless you can phase the noise out, turning the music off will be your only recourse.