Like the annual appearances of Madden NFL and Tony Hawk games, we might have to complain about Nippon Ichi's strategy/RPG predictability if we weren't so busy immersed in the latest version.

The single-player missions are fairly mediocre, especially in comparison to other shooters. If you really, really need to shoot virtual people in a virtual desert, then this'll do.

The "outlaw" elements in Outlaw Tennis are devoid of entertainment value. They aren't even integrated into the game all that well.

Natsume's "mulligan" to address some of the shortcomings found in the original. It offers the same graphics, same controls, and an identical cast of characters apart from the female protagonist.

With great graphics, challenging gameplay, and plenty of ways to play, Codename: Panzers, Phase Two lives up to expectations.

The simplistic visuals aren’t to the level of a 2005 release, the limited animation and restrictive camera angles diminish the fun associated with the combat engine, and it’s not a particularly violent game despite its subject material.

One has to wonder, however, whether or not there's a price to be paid for the dazzling graphical presentation. Could it explain why the level design is so utterly boring? Aside from background variations, each stage plays almost identical to the others.

Throne of Destiny suffers from the same affliction every long-running online RPG suffers from--feature bloat. In catering to its paying customers, the game has become too confusing, too intimidating, and too hostile to new players.

The visuals are simple yet strikingly effective. The core gameplay is manageable, yet effectively complex. A game like this isn’t produced by huge teams with tons of money. Those kinds of games (god bless ‘em) are pure craft. Darwinia is art.

With a competent two-player mode, there’s certainly a degree of fun to be had. But Flipnic’s promise of Ultimate Pinball is marred by table design straight out of the '40s.

Like a miniature fashion model: short, quite pretty, and as insubstantial as it is fun.

Like a miniature fashion model: short, quite pretty, and as insubstantial as it is fun.

Falls into the same sequel trap that many other games tumble into, where the emphasis in development is placed more on improving visual aspects rather than addressing flaws in the gameplay.

The basic mechanic of the game, building bigger and bigger stuff, is the same as it is in just about all the other Tycoon games; it just happens that in this case you’re building things that are very disinteresting.

Like a miniature fashion model: short, quite pretty, and as insubstantial as it is fun.

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

While it's definitely the safest route for publishers looking to make a buck on the hottest movie of the month, it sure doesn't make for engaging gameplay.

Refined, entertaining, and simple, it's a refreshing change of pace from most of the more violent, dark themes that tend to hound games lately.

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

If this one had gameplay to match its story and visuals, we'd be looking at a Game of the Year candidate.

If this one had gameplay to match its story and visuals, we'd be looking at a Game of the Year candidate.

A good portable game is one that excels in short bursts; boring you in a few minutes isn't the same thing.

It’s not a terrifically engaging or lengthy experience, but with its compelling puzzles and interesting atmosphere you could certainly do much worse if you’re looking for some adventure.

Just not a good game, no matter how much you love the Gundam universe. It's repetitive and unchallenging and not at all up to the system's capabilities.

Deep, fun, incredibly addictive, and perfect in short bursts, Meteos is about as good as handheld games get. Multiple difficulty settings, an engrossing multiplayer experience, and plenty of depth ensure this one won't be wearing out its welcome anytime soon.

Even when padded with so many routine elements, RPG players will probably enjoy Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana, and why not? What seems routine to a non-fan is just genre convention to an insider.

It's over-ambitious, poorly implemented control setup puts it squarely in the rank of games that tried too hard to utilize the hardware rather than offer a fun, interesting experience.

Playing through 18 holes takes way too long. Because you have to wait while everyone takes a turn, you’ll spend too much time doing absolutely nothing during these multiplayer rounds.