This is a fantastic update to a truly classic game. It’s just plain great on every level. If you don’t like Pirates! you must be allergic to fun.

It's just as solid as its console partners, it looks beautiful, and takes advantage of the Vita's controls in unique ways that don't negatively impact the core of the platforming gameplay. It serves as a wonderful reminder that you can never have enough Sackboy in your life.

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.

It features a tighter back story, a more streamlined and interactive combat model, the ability to play the game the way you want to play, and best of all, does so in an easy to understand, even friendly manner.

It has enough useful, new features to make it a worthy addition to the family, including the tremendous inclusion of Internet play and a fully fleshed-out career mode.

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.

Far and away the best racing game on the system, combining slick looks, beautiful sound, and content overload to create a title that every PSP owner should take a look at.

Round 2 has the substance to back it up its sense of style. The analog control has been refined to the point where it’s more responsive and more satisfying than mashing buttons and the new facial and body animations bring a level of authenticity to the ring that’s simply never been accomplished before.

Though it’s easy to knock the game for not radically altering its presentation, it’s hard to criticize the sheer amount of playability (and fun) offered here.

NBA 2K13-building on the successful and delightful NBA 2K12-remains a fantastic basketball simulator. With a robust My Player mode, already-great online multiplayer and gameplay that just won't quit, it's clear why 2K is the only name in the basketball video game market.

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.

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.

Many will balk at the game because it doesn’t offer a million different models of car. Those who do are missing the point. Grid is all about the fun and excitement of the race. It’s racing with a capital ‘R’ minus the frustration. You won’t find a more fun racing game this year.

Few risks are taken and most of the improvements over previous games amount to surface-level boosts to the presentation, but that also helps to make for a seamless transition from one studio to the next. As much as Halo 4 makes it clear that this is a franchise that needs to grow and evolve, 343 also gets a pass this time for playing it safe and serving the fans.

Taken together, the new touches are nice, but the graphics are one area where SOCOM II can't yet compete with its PC cousins.

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.

At normal difficulty (which is actually quite easy) the game should take about eight to 10 hours to complete. There is replay value in the different characters, although the dungeons and quests remain identical.

FIFA 09 is the culmination of lots of great features, like robust online support, stat tracking, and the excellent Be A Pro mode, that have been marinating for quite a while. This is the first time they’ve all come together to form a very tasty mix of soccer action.

While Jeanne D'Arc lacks an in-depth job system found in titles like Final Fantasy Tactics, the pre-defined characters can be outfitted with four types of skill stones; granting your warriors with new spells, attacks, and more.

FIFA 09 is the culmination of lots of great features, like robust online support, stat tracking, and the excellent Be A Pro mode, that have been marinating for quite a while. This is the first time they’ve all come together to form a very tasty mix of soccer action.

NCAA Football 06’s refined approach seems to cater most to the hardcore college football fan rather than the casual sports enthusiast.

Many will balk at the game because it doesn’t offer a million different models of car. Those who do are missing the point. Grid is all about the fun and excitement of the race. It’s racing with a capital ‘R’ minus the frustration. You won’t find a more fun racing game this year.

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.

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

And the co-op means that, like the previous two games, Chaos Theory is as close to an essential buy as we can imagine.

Episode One offers a unique solution. Smaller, more frequent doses of high-quality gaming for less money. Ultimately, every player will have to decide if 20 bucks is too much for content in the vein of Half-Life 2: Episode One. For us, the quality here is well worth the price of admission.

Despite the difficult control scheme, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is a gripping title. There’s a lot to do both online and off with this handheld game. And it handles both single and multiplayer gaming masterfully.

A title that further refines the portable "Castlevania" lineup to perfection.