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

Between all the ship battles, alien spiders in dark caverns, and action-movie challenges, Mace Griffin delivers a good-looking and constantly engaging experience that is equal parts cinema, all-out combat, and skulk-and-kill infiltration.

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

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.

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.

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

The animated sequences are less than stellar, the plot is trite, and the game feels like it was pared down at the last minute. Despite all those flaws, the running-based gameplay makes you want to forgive everything else. No other game is quite as exhilarating and uniquely exciting, and it’s this part of the game you’ll remember most.

Fez is a flawed work of genius, in a way. The base mechanics are lacking, glitches abound and yet the world -- so full of secrets and hidden puzzles -- is an utter joy to explore.

Its original plot and setting, polished visuals, and overall high production value make this a must-have for any skilled console gamer. It's unfortunate that its seemingly complex control scheme will alienate most casual players.

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

Xbox strategy fans will surely have a great time reuniting our great homeland.

Outside combat, unfortunately, the game drags a bit.

Though it has some faults, Brothers in Arms: D-Day retains the heart of what made the console versions stand out, and it's an excellent choice for tactical war game fans looking to exercise their brains as much as their trigger fingers.

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

Hard-core gamers might find the gameplay too forgiving and simplistic, but everyone else will be delighted to discover a land of beautiful graphics, intuitive and entertaining gameplay, and plenty of cool characters.

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.

Compelling visuals, competent acting, totally appropriate music, and amazing animation married to great controls make The Two Thrones a strong action game. It might not be the king of the genre, but this Prince deserves respect.

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.

It doesn't take new hardware to crank out good-looking graphics, and you definitely don't need to buy a PSP or DS to find memorable handheld gameplay.

With tons of secrets to uncover, and a surprising array of different gameplay options, Mortal Kombat: Deception is a surprisingly fun package.

Owners of both Prophecies and Factions will eat up the Asian-themed landscapes and ability to travel between both games. For new kids, if MMOs freaked you out because of their overwhelming commitment, Factions will reward for your hard hours quickly.

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.

Though it's disappointing the presentation has taken a backseat in the development phase, Madden edges out "NFL 2K5" because, ultimately, it's the gameplay that matters after you've owned a football game for more than a couple weeks.

The entrancing music and compellingly complex but accessible gameplay are still unparalleled, making minutes transform into hours as your nights are dominated by the story of your civilization.

We’re happy to report that since applying the patch, we have not encountered any more crashes.

This is far more than just a port; it's a comprehensive console-specific retooling. The thought of that may make some fans sick to their stomach, and yes, some of the more detailed options for taxation and civilization management have been automated to a greater or lesser degree, but there's still plenty of strategy here for even hardcore fans to appreciate.

There’s a little Crimson Skies, a little Starfox, and even some Diddy Kong Racing. They took a bunch of good ideas from those titles and assembled a rock solid action game for the younger set.

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.