As polished, sharp, and truly intense as Supreme Commander is, the heavy-duty hardware requirements and extreme difficulty level hinders the game’s ability to match the accessibility of its predecessor.

While short, this is the best experience available on the DS right now, and anyone with a tolerance for candy-colored adventure should give it a try.

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.

The most welcome updates are the language options. The game's original English translation was terrible. Much of the dialog has been re-recorded, but let's be honest, voice acting in games is usually barely passable to begin with. That's why the new language options are so welcome.

There’s no feature bloat, and there are no dud missions--just quality gaming from start to finish. That’s just about all we can ask for.

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.

When Valkyria Chronicles is on its game, there’s nothing else like it on the market.

An exceptional example of what makes good games good, the synthesis of several well developed elements into one seamless whole that never distracts you from the action and excitement and doesn’t use up it’s bag of tricks early to just stick you with slight alteration for the remainder of playing.

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.

Lives up to its exceptional pedigree. Not only does this sequel bring back all that was great about the original, but it's longer, harder, and more involved.

Patapon is manna from heaven for PSP owners.

We like Beyond the Sword because it makes the vastness of Civilization 4 just a little bit bigger. Getting to play the Dutch and Portuguese is worth a lot, but we wish all the expansions could have the cunning to make us look at the game in a new way without losing the rich complexity that make us love it in the first place.

It's half a step behind EA's "March Madness," but with a $20 price tag ESPN College Hoops 2K5 costs less than a hot dog at the Final Four.

Sadly, true quality storytelling is extremely rare in this age of overblown and pretentious stories so commonly found in the "Final Fantasy" series and its imitators. Suikoden 3 is a welcome and finely-crafted exception.

[It] will likely prove as influential as all it's inspirations.

The visuals in Guilty Gear X2 are Disney quality, and the game's speed offline never wavers or chokes on the action. The backdrops for fighting have that old school, colorful quality, and it's clear that this game came out long after the "SFII" craze.

It's unquestionably a great game, and certainly the best RPG on the Xbox this year, but the aging game engine and patchwork ending make it fall short where its predecessor excelled.

The wide variety of gameplay elements creates an intoxicating mix that will leave players yearning for more. And this is the game's primary issue. Just when you become fully immersed in all the game has to offer, it ends.

The threadbare story can barely support the game’s 20 hours of gameplay and the brothers don’t have enough moves to keep the puzzle-solving fresh.

We can gripe about colors and crummy modes till the ninjas come home, but the simple fact is that Soul Calibur III is still a top-tier fighting game.

It may not have the infinite replay value of some titles, but it has more intensity than most. If you only play through it once, you'll feel like you got your money's worth.

Galactic Civilizations II doesn’t quite share the spit and polish of its terrestrial alternative, but it more than makes up for it with endless customizability and brilliant gameplay.

Attack veterans likely already have it -- newer puzzle fans should give it a look for another addictive twist on moving stacks of blocks around.

While none of these issues hold the game back from a playability standpoint, Wild World is closer to an enhanced port than an extravagant sequel.

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.

Exquisitely designed levels...Every moment seems fresh and new and deliberately designed to be fun.

Isn't really a sequel no matter what it says on the box. It's an expansion pack. Gamers who already own "IL-2 Sturmovik" may balk at the price, as there's simply not enough new here to justify the purchase.

While there could have been more to advance the series in its first trip to the Xbox 360, the violent visuals more than make it worth a few rounds for any fight fans.

The wide selection of music ensures that it will have something for just about anyone, and the gameplay is challenging and incredibly addictive.

Yet despite its faithfulness to the series, its rousing music, the throwback visual style, and inclusion of familiar characters such as Epona and the owl, the game's narrow scope nonetheless elicits a twinge of disappointment.

From the hectic, mashy battles to the meticulous character customization, there's something here for every breed of player.

It's insanely gorgeous... Beautiful graphics, fantastically designed maps, and slight changes in gameplay.

Niggling inconsistencies and slightly bland between-race presentation aside, Colin McRae Rally 3 is a beautiful, realistic, and smooth translation of rally racing. The tracks are gorgeous, challenging, and addictive.

Katamari Damacy is interactive happiness. Charming, exuberant, and shameless, it’s a rare game in today’s world of self-aware, first-person shooters and freeform crime simulators.

Its launch was technically sound, its production values are top-notch, and its focus on narrative is refreshing.

The game makes no attempt to advance the gameplay or design of the series—it’s simply a smaller version of the original "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City."

It’s a pinch of innovation in a comforting stew of well-worn RTS conventions. And there’s a whole lot of blood. What more do you want?

We’re way overdue for this series to let us issue direct commands to individual squad members, or split up teams in more ways than this awkward 3-on-1 business.

A technological tour de force that will have you screaming "Dear lord!" more times than midnight mass. The performances are top notch, the action plays out with unrivaled fluidity, and the multiplayer is deep and rewarding. Silly distractions aside, Max Payne 3 is an action lover's wet dream that also happens to employ some of the slickest direction and transitional trickery this side of a David Fincher box set.

Public Quests are some of the most fun I've had in PvE, and, as I mentioned, crafting feels a lot more like an alternate activity than just something else to grind.

No amount of emo nonsense could ruin a game this good. Now drained of a substantial part of its charm, this outstanding strategy sim feels more like every other self-serious video game out there. That's a minor tragedy.

Masterstroke of fun, and does a good job moving the series in the right direction. It offers fresh new tracks for everyone to enjoy, and is far more accessible for everyone than ever before.

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.

Persona 4 Arena is as eccentric and Japanese as it gets. Anyone who has ever enjoyed a JPRG will love the game even if fighting games aren't their forte.

In some cases, notably in the variety of bosses and in the unlockable bonuses, the first title is better than the sequel.

It’s half a step behind EA’s "March Madness," but with a $20 price tag ESPN College Hoops 2K5 costs less than a hot dog at the Final Four.

Portrait of Ruin delivers a solid, exciting trip back into the walls of Dracula’s Castle without too many new systems to learn first. However, for the casual fan, Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin delivers little more than its handheld predecessors. A fun experience, certainly, but the same experience they’ve had before.

Visually this generation has progressed well past the point where Project Gotham Racing 4 would evoke the kind of bug-eyed glee that its predecessor did.

Though there's room for improvement in its dynasty mode, controls, and overall presentation, NHL 2004 is a huge step in the right direction for a franchise that was recently skating on thin ice.

Strengthening the improvements to gameplay is the addition of sliders to help customize the action, from the computer's shot block ability to foul frequency, game speed, and more.

The new commentating team, Backtrack replays, soundtrack, and improved graphics really packs that extra punch of realism making this game a must buy.

This is a full-on game that delivers a rich, beautiful, detailed gaming experience on a small, portable screen, which all makes sense when you consider some of the key development staff are former Naughty Dog employees.

The game is the pretty much the same as last year, but with a more updated roster. If you purchased last year’s title, this game is not worth forking over another 60 bucks for the same experience.

With a decent solo campaign, The Liandri Conflict would be near unstoppable. As it is, Epic's latest is one of the best things to happen to online console blasting in years.

The versatile character-creation system will, at the very least, allow you to end up with something reasonably close to what you had in mind. The problem is that your looks pretty much have no bearing on how your character will play.

One word of warning--if you’re only interesting in running around and shooting bad guys stay far, far away from this game. It’s impossible to run through this game like Rambo. You will die.

Perhaps unfulfilled potential and a hard-to-learn layout detract from the product's charm. Details be damned.

Checkpoints are far too infrequent, compelling the player break immersion and save their progress every hundred steps. And the game's level relies too frequently on cliches.

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

It’s been a long time coming, but Dawn of War finally has a proper successor. It’s not perfect, as anyone who enjoys the resource management side of strategy gaming will be turned off by the gung-ho style here, but it’s no different than most of the earlier Warhammer 40,000 titles out there.

While the structure and sidequests are a little too hard core and not as good as we would've hoped for in the first true "Final Fantasy" sequel, Final Fantasy X-2 is a great game nonetheless.

The type of game that tends to get over praised since its simplicity and competency are so refreshing. But you don't have to be an Astro Fan-Boy to appreciate the throwback fun of this well-made shooter.

World Tour's most distinguishing feature is its challenge. Its expert setting is sure to bring some wicked grins to those who felt Rock Band 2 unworthy of their plastic peripheral proficiency.

It's a shame, because this game, while merely good, does hint at the possibility of a truly great RPG, given another development cycle or two.

The marine single-player is exceptional and the multiplayer is very strong. The predator and alien single-player games just pale in comparison, but they don't detract from the other two.

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.

Hardcore fighting fans may turn up their noses at Dead or Alive 4's user-friendly engine, but there's no denying that this game is just loads of fun--especially online.

Though we've managed to tune the game, the clunky interface and hidden Sim settings are definitely a turn-off.

Even after getting all the initial enjoyment out of the game, Pure is still definitely fun to pick up for short, satisfying bursts of speed.

Despite the minor step backwards in single player depth, SoulCalibur IV remains a gorgeous, fast-paced, accessible fighter that also has enough depth for expert level play. While online is more of a novelty than a functional feature, players looking for a next-gen upgrade to the on-the-couch weapons clasher of the Dreamcast days will find the same addicting gameplay here.

The renowned charm of Disney's characters, the stylistic panache of "Final Fantasy" folk, and a well-designed gameplay makes up for Kingdom Hearts' relatively few shortcomings.

Despite the minor step backwards in single player depth, SoulCalibur IV remains a gorgeous, fast-paced, accessible fighter that also has enough depth for expert level play. While online is more of a novelty than a functional feature, players looking for a next-gen upgrade to the on-the-couch weapons clasher of the Dreamcast days will find the same addicting gameplay here.

Easily the best-looking console racer to date...Expanding the kudos system to include bigger payoffs for clean racing would help make "Project Gotham" more well-rounded.

Between the combat challenges, legendary weapons to be obtained, and numerous ways to screw with the heads of townspeople, it's the bits between the storyline that will keep players coming back to Fable.

I'm the type of guy who actually goes for Sunday drives. Weird, I know, but it's true. As such, Forza Horizon felt like it was developed just for me. It may not be the perfect title for the F1 fans looking for a classic racing simulator, but for anyone who has ever turned their head as a Lamborghini whips past them on the interstate; this game needs to be played.

It's balanced to near-perfection, and manages to pack very few slow moments into a few dozen hours of gameplay. Sure, it's not a Square-Enix title, but you'll be surprised at just how good this game is.

Though it could stand to offer a few more play options, one thing is clear: NBA Live 2005’s got game.

It's full of story clichés, but plot in these games is as vital as nipples on guys. It's the combat that really matters, and Sacred Stones is just about as good as it gets.

As the wrestling game with the most depth, great playability, impressive visuals, and slick presentation, SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain delivers in all the categories WWE fans hold in high regard.

In some cases, notably in the variety of bosses and in the unlockable bonuses, the first title is better than the sequel.

Quite simply the best skating game for handheld systems ever. Totally worthy.

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.

The only warning you need: Watch out for bugs that range from slight inconveniences to ones that completely stunt your progress.

The universe is large, but there's not much to do in it. There are infinite numbers of missions to complete, but once you've played a handful, you've played them all.

Some players may not like the pacing or the style, but by any objective standard Final Fantasy IV is as much a success now as it was on the first day of release.

Undeniably fun, and funny.

Technical issues aside, Far Cry 2 is an epic (and epic-ly long) take on the first-person shooter. The setting, open word, and side quests make it feel more like a more action-oriented "Grand Theft Auto," or a less ridiculous "Just Cause," than the original. Which, admittedly, will annoy fans of the original (present company included).

Though gameplay is really one big scavenger hunt though a diverse set of worlds, there are so many memorable moments, from racing down corkscrew slides to surfing lava on a koopa shell, that you can’t help but grin with giddy delight.

This feels like yet another genre shoehorned poorly onto hardware that just isn’t equipped to handle it.

Not only a great game, but also a terrific online RPG that is an ideal ambassador for the GameCube's online hardware.

The sheer escapism Fire Emblem offers is nearly impossible to downplay, but it's difficult not to be judgmental of the game's four-years-ago presentation.

An incredibly attractive game with a vast world to explore and countless hours of entertainment in store for those willing to make the investment. But we warn you: those who venture to Vana'diel may not be coming back.

New scenery, new enemies, and new quests abound for fans of the third Elder Scrolls game, but the familiar story line and lack of any real innovation keeps Bloodmoon from shining too brightly.

Boom Blox delivers so much content, that it would be hard not to find something to love in this title. Give it a try. What looks to be rather simple is actually complex and will keep you playing for hours.

Maybe next year will bring us that much closer to having a Madden game like never before. It’s still a good game, slightly above average, but not as great as it should be.

Technical issues aside, Far Cry 2 is an epic (and epic-ly long) take on the first-person shooter. The setting, open word, and side quests make it feel more like a more action-oriented "Grand Theft Auto," or a less ridiculous "Just Cause," than the original. Which, admittedly, will annoy fans of the original (present company included).

A perfect example of why shooters have become such a niche genre. It's a good game that's well made. It's even got an interesting hook to keep the hard core happy. But the insane difficulty will keep most players from getting past the first level before giving up. And with the ultra-short playing time, even shooter fans might not find enough to like here.

The slow-burning story is fun, and the dedication to stealth results in game mechanics that easily surpass the competition. It's an essential purchase for anyone who values an atmosphere of great gameplay over body counts.