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.

The game is simple and sweet, is easy to pick up and play, and should entertain most gamers. However, there isn't much to it, and it's rather short, even though it offers a number of extra unlockable challenges.

Even by side-scrolling basher standards, the gameplay here is weak and uninspired. The lack of complexity in the fighting system, combined with the lack of variation in the action itself leads to a game that, despite being gorgeous, is still a total snooze.

Accessible, slick, and most importantly, fun from beginning to end. It leaves the competition clearing powder from its goggles.

The short completion time means you'll always walk away having accomplished something, and the random maps mean you'll always be in for a surprise. But it likely won't be as surprising as just how fun Nosferatu is.

Sure, it might be tempting to focus on the game's weaknesses, such as its repetition or limited focus, but in the end it's hard to dislike such a well-made package.

It's too complex for the very young, and there's not much of interest here for older players. As such, the game seems best suited for parents seeking some non-offensive entertainment for their kids.

In short, this is "The Sims" game for people who don't necessarily like "The Sims," but it's also one that will appeal to fans of the series.

There's a ton of content in "Rebel Strike," and the multiplayer gives it replayability far beyond that of the previous "Rogue Squadron" games.

Really a nice game that continues to surprise and delight the more you play.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Although it has its shortcomings -- especially in its plot and combat -- it's definitely worth a play.

Unfortunately, when the best part of a game is the absurdly vulgar audio, there's definitely a problem in the overall design.

With an impressive variety of creative and offbeat game modes, great multiplayer, numerous tracks and minigames, a horde of vehicles, and endearingly charming characters and gameplay elements, Kirby Air Ride is surprisingly enjoyable if you give it some time.

A fun and fluid representation of the best moments of the film. It isn't the deepest or most visually dazzling game, but it feels right. It's what a "Crouching Tiger" game should be.

A very solid tactical action game that's hampered by some very demanding controls.

There's some shocking stuff, but nothing exciting happens. It's just like watching Jerry Springer. If you've seen it once, you've seen it all.

We're tempted to overpraise "Viewtiful Joe" because it looks so damn cool, and because it's not another cookie-cutter sequel or retread of a tired franchise. It looks like most game reviewers are falling over themselves to praise the game to the stratosphere, but here at "X-Play" we tell it to you straight. So here's the verdict: Viewtiful Joe is very good.

It's a little short, but with four difficulty levels there's plenty of challenge. And since the battles play out differently depending on your actions, there's a good amount of replay value here.

Even though it lacks the cooperative multiplayer feature, Halo: Combat Evolved retains the sharp graphics, heated action, and vehicle-based exploration that made the original such an awesome game.

Aside from the thrill of solving a few puzzles, though, there's little difference between playing L&O2 and watching NBC on Wednesday night.

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.

Even though this is a budget title at about 20 bucks, there's no way the graphics and the frustrating gameplay justify the expense. You're better off saving up for something with more lasting appeal and more, well, fun.

Gameplay modes can't compete with those of the big boys from Sega and EA -- especially the franchise mode. And the hockey school is a waste of space...Still comes highly recommended as a four-player party game.

The best thing that can be said for OUaK is that there's plenty to do. The RPG and RTS games are distinctly different and each are enjoyable for several days of time you'd otherwise waste watching "Gilligan's Island" reruns or possibly eating.