Need for Speed: Undercover is a game that both satisfies and disappoints on a regular basis. While the chases provide top-notch thrills and spills, you can’t help but feel like you’ve just done it too many times to really care anymore.

Even factoring in the many heart-pounding battles with gangs of bloodthirsty zombies, there's no denying that most of the game is spent walking around hallways trying to find a key or some other random object.

On paper, it's got the potential to be more than a match for "San Andreas"; in practice, it's nowhere near it.

The humdrum gameplay won't convert anyone. Clumsy combat with fists or firearms makes up the majority, and the rest of the game is usually a glorified switch and key hunt... and not a particularly complicated one, either.

It's kid-friendly and quirky at the same time, extending its appeal to pretty far reaches. Legacy of the Spirits may not be the king of GBA role-playing games, but it still deserves to hold court.

With its kickin' mid-'90s visuals, unintelligible voice samples, and total lack of coherence, Mobile Light Force 2 is the videogame equivalent of a cheesy, late-night kung fu flick.

A more robust story line, more variety in combat, and greater length would help a lot. But the game is still extremely enjoyable for what it is -- a hack-and-slash weekend time filler.

Even though its list of features, modes, and wrestlers outshines most, it lacks a solid gameplay engine to provide a firm foundation. Because of this, most players won't find enough here to compete with the more rewarding action found in THQ's WWE titles.

What could have been the modern equivalent to classic bizarre Japanese shooters like Parodius is instead a one-trick pony.

Ancient Wars: Sparta just isn’t an enjoyable game. The only reason it’s not getting one star is because technically, the game is very proficient and quite polished.

The controls just aren’t responsive. You’ll never feel like your player is doing what you want, when you want.

Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows’ biggest issue, however, is its short length. Each of the game’s 16 levels can be completed within 10 minutes--10 extremely repetitive minutes--and there is no incentive to revisit past stages due to the lack of hidden features or bonuses.

Playing through 18 holes takes way too long. Because you have to wait while everyone takes a turn, you’ll spend too much time doing absolutely nothing during these multiplayer rounds.

Between graphics, story, and gameplay, we want at least two out of three to drive us to complete the large undertaking that is playing an RPG. Lunar excels at none of the above.

Hard-core GT fans who love the intricate, inchworm tactics that can make racing a science will find some budget fun here, but others run a serious risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

Yes, the collision is iffy, and yes, the platform elements are vicious at times, but the end result is still better than, say, the majority of games based on, ahem, that other Matt Groening license.

A beautiful game. Much like its predecessor, AquaNox 2 sets a new high water mark (heh, heh) in graphics. High end PC gamers are in for a real treat. It doesn't hurt that the game plays well too. Yet the single player campaign just isn't all that long.

The most distinguishing feature of Duelists of the Roses is that the game is really freaking hard.

Although it's good that the game tries to stay true to its '80s roots, the unnecessarily complicated controls, distracting plot, and bland visuals keep it from being much fun.

Players of Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Store can't help but feel they're getting screwed over on both ends.

The lackluster presentation combined with the clunky and often frustrating gameplay makes Fellowship of the Ring more of a chore to play than anything else.

There's nothing deep in Big Mutha Truckers, of course, but the humorous gameplay makes this a surprisingly fun driving game, especially for only $20. Offbeat, distinctive, and reasonably original, there's nothing else like it on the Xbox.

There’s a ton of unlockable mini-games, items, explosions, and levels. It’s hard to find shooters aimed at kids, so on that level, Bionicle is an ok choice. Older gamers, however, will want to pass this one by.

A good portable game is one that excels in short bursts; boring you in a few minutes isn't the same thing.

If the game offered anything beyond a gimmick that grew stale three games ago, we'd have something to recommend. But with nothing more than generic button mashing and a sorry excuse for a career mode, Bloody Roar 4 is for die-hard fans of the series and furries only.

The biggest problem with this game is that it emphasizes the weaknesses of the original's gameplay, and tones down or eliminates many of the strengths.

The presentation is weak, the gameplay flawed, and the reliance on insanely in-depth customization will likely end up annoying most gamers.

A game needs more than good atmosphere. Monster House could have been a spiritual successor to the GameCube launch title, Luigi’s Mansion, and rips off plenty of elements from Nintendo’s haunted, vacuum cleaner-endowed game. It just doesn’t do it very well.

Split-screen multiplayer is in, but the game completely lacks online multiplayer, which is downright shocking for a racing title in this day and age. L.A. Rush feels like a fourth place finish in a highly competitive field.

Though Lemmings lacks any multiplayer or customization options, it is still one of the best bargains on any online service.

There is a feeling of respect for the source material present in the Xbox Fellowship that is lacking in the PS2 version. Still, the heavily flawed combat drags this title down to a great degree, effectively making about half the game into more a chore than anything else.

While the computer AI, stat tracking, control, and sound are not in the same league as "Madden NFL 2003" or "NFL 2K3," audiences normally intimidated by professional football games no longer have to wish upon a star for a game designed to their tastes.

With its fair share of gameplay issues and dated presentation, this Samurai walks away with his blade between his legs.

Patient, strategy-minded players who don’t mind reading volumes of on-screen text littered with typos may just fall in love. However, the onerous difficulty and complexity, along with grueling amounts of typo-riddled text, will quickly discourage most from trying to conquer this nuclear wasteland.

Epic Mickey 2 once again pays heartfelt tribute to animation history, and does it with style and sincerity. As with the original game, anyone who loves Disney, Mickey Mouse, or just animation history in general will find something to enjoy here, and the fact that the game is a superb platformer and co-op title is icing on the cake.

As a history lesson it scores high. But as a game, it’s a slow starter with graphics that can’t hold a candle to The Sims. Still, watching history unfold makes it worth a go -- particularly on the PlayStation 2, where there are three more missions than in the Xbox version.

Dynasty Warriors has a rabid fan base, and so it stands to reason that Koei doesn’t want to mess with the formula too much. It’s disappointing that seven years and endless games later, this latest iteration feels like such a miniscule step forward in the series.

Rise of the Argonauts is an unquestionably flawed game. This should not be taken to mean it's not fun to play. Even with the underwhelming aspects of the game factored in, this is a truly ambitious game. It feels like an A-list title made with a C-list budget, but there is heart to it.

A game with a long life span. Colorful imagery, creative levels, and a good score add to the experience.

Amazing Island is the sort of game that lies tantalizingly close to the edge of coolness, yet remains firmly on the side of mediocrity.

As simple and effective the control scheme is, other elements in the game are rough around the edges. It’s a little surprising that more ship types aren’t available in the game (less than a dozen). The visuals are nice, but not exactly jaw-dropping.

It's a budget title plain and simple, and as such it slacks on nearly every aspect. With about three million PS2 racing games and counting -- including Gran Turismo 4 as a $20 Greatest Hit title -- TXR Drift is about as essential as a two-foot high spoiler on the back of your mom's minivan.

The repetitious gameplay, in conjunction with the prehistoric technology, creates a package that few will appreciate.

And urgency is desperately what this game needs, but sadly doesn’t have. Boredom is sure to set in during the very first level.

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.

It's a good premise but the game proves to be boring over the long haul... it's just too simplistic and easy to hold your attention for more than a couple days.

The presentation is gorgeous and the gameplay has enough fun elements to make it worthwhile. Though not as deep or complex as it could have been, this is certainly one of the best movies-turned-games we’ve seen lately.

Battle of the Bands simply has no legs. Once you’ve learned the basics of the game, there’s nowhere else to go.

It looks fairly good, but it doesn't play nearly as well as "NBA Live 2004" or "ESPN NBA Basketball."

While Strike Force is not without its share of interesting features, they are lost in substandard visuals, controls, and level design.

A fun game with great characters and level design, and plenty of gameplay. While the graphics aren’t as good as they should be, this port comes from a solid pedigree that manages to shine through.

There’s just not enough of anything here, except combat, combat, and more combat. On a system as thick with RPGs as the PSP is these days, there are plenty of games with more to do, plus interesting stories and more visual flair besides. Unless combat’s all you want, give something else a look instead.

There isn't much in way of story or expandability, but it gets basic, punishingly repetitive combat down just right, and that makes it worth a purchase if you're looking for something to fill the time.

And this wouldn't be so bad, except for the draconian daily qualification requirements you face during the Olympic Games mode.

If you were hoping that the Need for Speed series would ditch the underground in favor of some sunshine, Ford Racing 3 is your type of game. The outdoor environments are fun and memorable, and the events grow increasingly competitive as you rise in rank from an amateur to a pro.

Though on the surface Jackass looks like it has strong replay value, the content is as shallow as Steve-O’s take on world peace. Players will breeze through the story mode within a day, and the challenge mode simply offers the same events with slightly higher score requirements.

The mere history and legacy that the Looney Tunes world and its characters encompass makes for an enjoyable ride. However, history and beauty can only take you so far.

The game isn’t particularly original, creative, or inspired, but for fans of the movie and parents looking for an entertaining, if harmless division for their kids, this is a good choice.

Though it’s refreshing to play a quirky game amidst a sea of copycats, Samurai Western is far too repetitive to merit a purchase unless you are the type who feels an action game isn’t fun unless your thumb is throbbing and your wrists are one flex closer to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Not an ambitious sequel, but it’s a frightfully intense experience for horror enthusiasts who like to share their scares.

Eidos looks stupid for accepting the AO rating, yet covering up the genitals with fig leaves. And the IDSA has only succeeded in making its own rating system appear useless.

Mind-numbing button mashing with unremarkable stages can only be used to help you forget about the six hundred dollars that you blew on a system to play a game no better than its PSP cousin.

More than once we snapped back from a gaming haze, wondering why we were still playing.

Edward Carnby's return had the potential to be the next Silent Hill. What we ended up with is more reminiscent of Trespasser.

There's almost nothing to recommend here save for the novelty of doing a flipside grind into Frankenstein.

Seems like it is just trying to be a fancy 3-D version of an early-90’s platformer and that just doesn’t cut it today. Too many traps and too much repetitive combat with not enough challenge and fun in the mix do not make a great game.

Emergency 3 isn’t so much a bad game as it is a disappointing one. It’s a title that has lots of promise and potential, but steadfastly refuses to deliver. You’d think by the third game, they’d get it right.

TMNT's uninspired brand of ninjitsu-fueled platforming won't be blowing any minds.

A solid disappointment. Fans of the series will find nothing to like here and real-time strategy gamers have plenty of better games to play.

Legend of Heroes needs more innovation in the areas that actually matter – scenario writing, game design, the tricky stuff like that – before it’ll spawn an installment worth playing.

The wonderful graphics and cut scenes are nice, but it's solid, innovative gameplay -- not cut scenes -- that makes a game great. Highland Warriors sadly misses the mark.

It would be nice if it were a little deeper or offered a few more ways to play, but we’d recommend anyone looking for some light and wacky sports action to look no further than Ribbit King.

The level design is generally uninspired. It doesn't take full advantage of your Jedi powers.

In fact, this game serves as a great example of how wonderful the original games would be on the Xbox 360 Live Arcade service, at an even better price.

Lost in Blue 2 does prove rewarding down the back stretch, and fans of Harvest Moon and similar games probably won’t have as much of a problem with the early going. This is a game that expects you to pay your dues, though, and most players will probably find that too high a price.

KDV clearly went the “gameplay first” route, and the result is a surprisingly absorbing strategy mash that no one’s really heard about...but should.

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.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects on PSP feels like it was made by a bunch of Madden jocks as a way to screw with comic nerds.

Constantly fighting the camera to get the view you’re looking for, sword duels with all the grace of a rusty robot, and unpolished graphics and presentation make Fatal Shadows feel like a much older title that hasn’t aged well.

Feels like a great game that wasn't finished. It's not that the game's too short; it's that it's too sparse. More enemy types, weapons, and spells could have really fleshed this out into a hack-and-slash classic. As is, it feels like a demo stretched into a full length game -- and a short one at that.

The game feels like it was made a few years ago, took few risks, and was just now released. Now it feels dated.

Suffers from outdated technology being applied to a game design that doesn't really know what it wants to be.

It isn't a great game, and it quickly becomes redundant, but it's a guilty pleasure you can get for cheap.

It’s disappointing that to get the most enjoyment out of Rogue Agent, you have to “bond” with others.

Playable (if you're lucky enough to avoid the movement bug), and it hits all the marks expected of a scrolling shooter. It's hard to applaud a game for being merely adequate, however, and Blowout's plainness will make it of little interest to the majority of gamers.

Wii Play may sound like some kinky German fetish video (our last Wii pun, we promise!), but it's actually good, clean fun overall -- aimed at those who either A) are in diapers, B) list Pac-Man as the last video game they played, or C) a twisted combo of both. It also caters to lazy bastards, with its ability to be played from a sitting position.

But what ultimately tips the scales against Mega Man X7 is the series' continued insistence on being difficult to the point of absurdity. Three lives and no save points other than at the end of long levels just doesn't cut it.

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

At best, Romancing SaGa is an eight-part RPG miniseries contained in one overflowing DVD. At worst, it's an unbalanced snooze-fest whose surface you won't feel too compelled to scratch.

The core game is still excellent, but offering a handful of new campaigns and maps without even attempting stir up the gameplay feels like a gyp.

Factor in a very mushy and imprecise hit detection system, and Nick's life can drain frighteningly quickly without you even realizing he's being hit.

Not funny, despite its pathetic attempt at being so. The jokes are racist for the sake of being racist, confuse fecal references with wit, and are just generally asinine.

For some, Shellshock may represent the true horrors of war; for us, it simply embodies the terror of a bad game.

And this is one mythical, three-headed dog that could possibly have some bite in it, if only the damn thing would only, for one second, consider ceasing its infernal barking.

Driver ’76 offers a number of fun missions playable through an entertaining driving engine that will make you want to set up some heavy duty police chases and go tearing through the city. Unfortunately the miniscule police presence really puts a damper on the fun, and the tired out graphics engine just can’t cope.

An Armored Bore.

It’s better than DBZ games used to be – back when nobody, fan or otherwise, could possibly stomach them – but Atari and Bandai still have a ways to go.

More about the story it presents than the game play used to advance the plot. Luckily, said story is so compelling that it largely makes up for the sins committed in other aspects of the title, keeping the game interesting despite the trial-and-error mission setup and sometimes-confusing objectives.