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.

A positive step forward for an already good series.

A positive step forward for an already good series.

But there's nothing in the game that you haven't already heard blabbed around the water cooler. Besides, if you play the modest mess that is Lost: Via Domus you'll never again wonder if the TV series has jumped the shark. It can't possibly get this muddled.

The game tells its story horribly, your character is both improbable and without any personality, the AI is terrible, the gameplay lackluster, and graphics middling. Even as a budget title, which Turning Point is certainly doomed to become, the game is hardly worth the bother.

The game tells its story horribly, your character is both improbable and without any personality, the AI is terrible, the gameplay lackluster, and graphics middling. Even as a budget title, which Turning Point is certainly doomed to become, the game is hardly worth the bother.

The game tells its story horribly, your character is both improbable and without any personality, the AI is terrible, the gameplay lackluster, and graphics middling. Even as a budget title, which Turning Point is certainly doomed to become, the game is hardly worth the bother.

But there's nothing in the game that you haven't already heard blabbed around the water cooler. Besides, if you play the modest mess that is Lost: Via Domus you'll never again wonder if the TV series has jumped the shark. It can't possibly get this muddled.

But there's nothing in the game that you haven't already heard blabbed around the water cooler. Besides, if you play the modest mess that is Lost: Via Domus you'll never again wonder if the TV series has jumped the shark. It can't possibly get this muddled.

Patapon is manna from heaven for PSP owners.

Fans of first-person shooters will likely find issues with the game's controls and slower pacing, and the PS3 game is not a smooth port of the Xbox 360 version.

The Williams Collection is a top-tier set of pinball tables that fans should not pass up.

Those hoping for a strong single-player campaign should consider Frontlines a rental at best, as the entire experience is over within six hours. Yet if your Xbox Live itch hasn't been scratched by either Call of Duty 4 or Halo 3, consider moving Frontlines to the top of your soldier's shopping list.

With hard fought battles, simple controls, and destructive abilities associated with the four main roles, Frontlines' multiplayer offers hours of addictive fun, especially on the 32-player dedicated servers. Yet all in not rosy on the multiplayer front.

The Club may not satisfy your daily dose of carnage, but what you will find is a challenging shooter that tries something new with a tired genre.

The Club may not satisfy your daily dose of carnage, but what you will find is a challenging shooter that tries something new with a tired genre.

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.

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.

A sequel isn’t supposed to be softer, poorer, slower, weaker, but that sadly sums up FIFA Street 3's questionable content.

This game has no personality because it is filled with predictable, relentlessly average design. Sadly, even the boring design actually manages to struggle, thanks to a few key flaws.

The visuals in Wipeout Pulse are a subtle improvement over Pure. Interestingly, the opponent AI appears a lot more aggressive which makes for a much more interesting race.

Dark Messiah is a frustrating title, since moments of fun are outweighed by long stretches of tedium.

Incredibly repetitive.

If you enjoy "Final Fantasy" and its ilk, Lost Odyssey will appeal. It’s not innovative and doesn’t take any chances, but there’s a lot of classic turn-based adventure just waiting for you in four long disks.

Unfortunately, what aim-assist there is in Turok is woefully inadequate. Getting the reticule to move that last quarter inch often proved impossible and aggravating.

Unfortunately, what aim-assist there is in Turok is woefully inadequate. Getting the reticule to move that last quarter inch often proved impossible and aggravating.

The simplicity of Culdcept hides an incredibly deep system, but one that almost everyone will grasp immediately.

Devil May Cry 4 is also nothing close to the full next-gen transformation that the moody, gothic world of Capcom’s demons deserved.

Devil May Cry 4 is also nothing close to the full next-gen transformation that the moody, gothic world of Capcom’s demons deserved.

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.

If you ever were a fan of the Twisted Metal games, and especially if you’re still a big fan of the series now, give this a look. You’ll probably have a good time with it, and you’ll definitely learn a few things you never knew before.

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.

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 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.

The real triumph of Suda 51’s surreal, occasionally obscene romp is that behind all the cynicism, satire, and gory ultraviolence lies a true joy of creation that is too rarely seen in gaming. In playing No More Heroes, one gets the impression that the development team truly enjoyed making it, that no idea was thrown out for being too ridiculous or far-fetched, and that it is intensely aware of its own absurdity at all times. The excellent fourth-wall shattering ending is proof enough of that.

There’s something pretty telling about a game that can suck away hours of your time before you know it. That’s just what Endless Ocean did to me. Despite not being a game in the classical sense, Endless Ocean is a solid and fascinating diversion.

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.

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 glitches and lag, however, are quite annoying, and the individual aspects of the title – FPS and RTS – just don’t compare to other standalone games.

A simple, unpolished action game. The music is comprised of simple, repetitive loops that are just begging for the mute button, the voice acting is absolutely atrocious, the plot of each campaign is held tenuously together by the slimmest of threads, and the most important part of a game, the gameplay, is shallow and unsatisfying.

Multiplayer action adds as a bit more life to this bare bones game. Coming from a series that understands character progression and massive battles so well, Circle of Doom seems more like a quick way to put out a title instead of a fully developed idea.

One thing NFL Tour is great for is padding your Xbox gamerscore. Otherwise, don’t bother with this one.

NFL Tour has its fun moments, but the gameplay is just so damn shallow.

In just about every way "Motorstorm" bests this one, particularly in the feeling of intensity.

Despite being formulaic and a little bit frustrating at times, Super Swing Golf Season 2 is a solid addition to the Wii’s sports lineup.

Despite the dull window dressing, Winter Sports does have lots of game modes. There are more good events than bad ones. The good ones actually show some pretty well thought out ways to use the Wii controls to good effect - a solid effort.

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.

A towering achievement that surpassed my expectations on every level. While aspects of the game may feel familiar, this is the game that all the other before it only hinted at. Do not plan to play it just once. The world created here is to be explored different ways to find all the amazing goodness tucked away in its corners. Thirty hours after I began, all I wanted to do was build a new character and start again. It’s just that good.

Overall Kane & Lynch is an interesting -- if overly violent -- take on the “buddy” game. The tag-team setup adds something to what would already be a solid action game and makes it that much better.

There’s just nothing out there that comes close to what this game can deliver with three friends. And don’t even get me started on what will happen if you break this out at a party.

This package should make any arcade lover happy.

If you’re yearning to do something other than dress your cat as Baby for the tenth time, then I highly recommend checking out your local internet provider for a slew of better flash games that won’t cost you a dime. Dirty Dancing – The Videogame is a cheap attempt to cash in on a twenty year-old movie.

The painfully simplistic controls and short nature of the mini-games aren't going to satisfy most players, even those who routinely fire up the Wii to play with friends.

Overall Kane & Lynch is an interesting -- if overly violent -- take on the “buddy” game. The tag-team setup adds something to what would already be a solid action game and makes it that much better.

Overall Kane & Lynch is an interesting -- if overly violent -- take on the “buddy” game. The tag-team setup adds something to what would already be a solid action game and makes it that much better.

Mario Galaxy is one of those charming, perfect achievements that remind you why Nintendo saved our pastime in 1985 and has reinvigorated it in 2007 with the Wii and the best game made yet for the system. Hell, this is better than "Super Mario 64," not as revolutionary, but a better game. Do yourself a favor, play it and smile.

True, those newcomers are going to have a rough time of it for a little while, but they’ll have a good time if they stick with it a while.

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.

Rarely does a game shine in every area and accomplish everything it sets out to do. Call of Duty 4 is unquestionably one of those rare titles...It may not revolutionize the shooter genre, but it comes damn close to perfecting it.

Lag is a constant problem, with characters and enemies often freezing in their tracks for a few moments before warping ahead to make up for time lost. The in-game visuals don’t impress at all.

Online, however, is a broken mess as of launch. In time, you’ll probably be able to add at least a point to our score, but as of right now, you’re better off waiting to jump into this demon-infested version of London.

It hits the right notes in so many ways that it would be a shame for the game to go unnoticed. So go bulk up you PC, install this game, and get ready for a dark, gritty, and very engrossing ride.

If you’re just a casual viewer or not a fan at all, then there’s nothing in the game to warrant your cash. On the other hand, if you are a Simpsons devotee, then the pitch-perfect humor, writing, and look of this game will more than make it worth putting up with the standard gameplay mechanics.

If you’re just a casual viewer or not a fan at all, then there’s nothing in the game to warrant your cash. On the other hand, if you are a Simpsons devotee, then the pitch-perfect humor, writing, and look of this game will more than make it worth putting up with the standard gameplay mechanics.

If you’re just a casual viewer or not a fan at all, then there’s nothing in the game to warrant your cash. On the other hand, if you are a Simpsons devotee, then the pitch-perfect humor, writing, and look of this game will more than make it worth putting up with the standard gameplay mechanics.

The action and violence are satisfying enough to make the game marginally recommendable, but only barely. Add in the complete lack of any multiplayer options, a terrible ending, and Clive Barker’s Jericho feels like a game where the good parts are overwhelmed by the shortcomings.

The action and violence are satisfying enough to make the game marginally recommendable, but only barely. Add in the complete lack of any multiplayer options, a terrible ending, and Clive Barker’s Jericho feels like a game where the good parts are overwhelmed by the shortcomings.

The action and violence are satisfying enough to make the game marginally recommendable, but only barely. Add in the complete lack of any multiplayer options, a terrible ending, and Clive Barker’s Jericho feels like a game where the good parts are overwhelmed by the shortcomings.

Though the visual glitches hurt the game somewhat, the terrifically violent and expansive combat makes this game worth playing.

The game looks and sounds fantastic, and offers an impressive level of control and combat refinement that fans have come to expect from the series.

It fixes the main problem with the original ZX, throws in some other major improvements besides, and keeps everything that almost made ZX a classic to begin with.

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a top developer at the top of their game. The fact that a game this polished and expansive comes merely a year after the release of Insomniac’s "Resistance: Fall of Man" (the other great PS3 game) is nothing short of awe inspiring.

The course selection is world-class.

There is some fun to be had with EA Playground, but it doesn’t do much to rise above the glut of mediocrity that has made a cozy little home on the Wii.

If there’s anything to complain about in Beautiful Katamari, it’s that vets will likely tear through the game in a matter of hours. Still, there’ll always be the online multiplayer aspect to keep them going.

Proving Ground is far from a bad game, but it's a disappointment nonetheless. That's what happens when creativity gives way to complacency.

NBA 08’s small improvements do not cater to the hardcore NBA fans that drop hefty amounts of cash every year for a great basketball sim. The game lacks a solid TV presentation and feels very rushed.

It’s hard to think of a game on the shelves that provides more bang for the buck than The Orange Box. For $60, you get one of the best games ever made along with its episodic sequels, a top-tier multiplayer game, and a brilliant little puzzler with some of the best writing in the medium. There’s really no reason not to own it.

One of the few ideal family games on the 360, Thrillville: Off the Rails is an impressive feat. The variety of fun mini-games mixed with an excellent roller coaster creation tool, and a surprisingly fun and light theme-park sim all add up to a good casual gamer romp.

A pleasant surprise. It has deep and varied gameplay, yet manages to keep things extremely focused. It’s too early to tell how well the gaming community will take to these new-fangled ideas, but we’re sure glad someone had the guts and smarts to put them in a game.

Undeniably fun. It’s also incredibly derivative and still, after three tries, flawed.

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.

What makes a Zelda game Zelda? Whatever that might be, this game’s got it. Chalk up another success for a classic franchise, and another must-have for just about anyone that owns a Nintendo DS.

The maps are all well-designed, the equipment adds strategic elements to matches, and the creative powers granted to players are unrivaled, at least for a console game. Add to the recipe that unmistakable Bungie polish, and you have a Multiplayer experience that will be enjoyed for thousands of gamers for years to come.

It does demand a fairly hefty system to run smoothly, especially if you want to pull the camera back and take in a broader view. Once you get a chance to take in that view, it’s undeniably satisfying.

The more discerning gamer will find themselves assailed by Soul Nomad & The World Eaters' obnoxious characters and confounded by clumsy menus and insufficient in-game tutorials.

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.

Excellent multiplayer options and a lengthy single player campaign manage to add up to a commendable air combat experience.

My Sims is a nice beginning for a potentially new game franchise. Right now, it has more in common with creativity software than a video game.

Another solid DS game starring the little blue hedgehog, and will likely count as one of the only reasons series fans won’t write off Sonic and his friends anytime soon.

A truly refreshing change of pace. It takes a lot of the waiting out of RTS games, but does so without sacrificing sound tactical decision-making.

Warriors Orochi is really only for the hardcore fans of the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors franchises. We freely admit that we’re not one of those. You either like it or you don’t. You either care about the story or you don’t. Put Average Joe Gamer and this reviewer down in the “don’t” column.

Warriors Orochi is really only for the hardcore fans of the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors franchises. We freely admit that we’re not one of those. You either like it or you don’t. You either care about the story or you don’t. Put Average Joe Gamer and this reviewer down in the “don’t” column.

Is it too much to ask that JRPG’s grow up? That we stop letting “aww, pretty!” moments excuse cornball ones? There’s no reason an RPG like Eternal Sonata couldn’t be twice as well written and half as morally blunt.

Fatal Inertia has solid mechanics and graphics, but is almost completely devoid of personality. The storyline is lame and utterly generic, the locations are clichéd, and the game just lacks a memorable sense of enthusiasm. Still, the actual racing is definitely serviceable, the sense of speed intense, and there are enough clever gameplay elements to make it worth playing.

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.

Drawn to Life is perfect for younger or novice gamers who enjoy the artistic aspects the game offers and prefer their action lightweight. It’s a great concept and overall, done well, but once you get over the stylus drawing and coloring pad gimmick.

Yet those who value realistic AI, tight matches, and deep franchise play will nonetheless appreciate what NHL 2K8 brings to the rink: enough technique and skill to compete with an Alex Ovechkin highlight reel.