The lack of guardrails leaves little room for error, and the camera often fails to let you know what's coming until you're already diving head first into a bottomless pit. That's the most common way to go.

The updated graphics and sound effects are an improvement, but the game is still inferior to modern PC games in this regard. Not to mention, there's something to be said for the massive community that may remain loyal to the original.

It's long, complex, and difficult. There's so much freedom of control and so many passages to discover, that it's hard not to find yourself completely immersed in this dark and dangerous world.

And although Blade & Sword tries to make it more interesting with the custom combo system, it's still boring. Make that, boring and tedious. The levels aren't even randomized, so incentive to play again as a different character is limited.

Once you get used to the quirky, low-budget sensibility One Must Fall: Battlegrounds is a decent fighter, especially for online play. But the random crashes really put a damper on the fun.

The limited units and resources make for tight, intricate matchups, and there are few models of the RTS that can claim to be as accessible.

And if the thought of cleaning up virtual garbage and keeping your sim familiar with the toilet isn't your idea of fun, steer clear. Love it or hate it, this is still "The Sims."

There's something inherently insipid about a game that simulates something already simulating something else. You can't help but wonder if fans wouldn't simply rather race RC cars instead of playing this game.

With a great core story and plenty of incentive to replay, Fatal Frame 2 is a horror-themed title that anyone should consider playing. If you're brave enough, consider playing with the lights off.

If you're looking for the ultimate racing experience, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Those of you who are patient enough to learn its intricacies, and open-minded enough to put up with its modest production values will find a rich experience.

Harmlessly addictive, if not wholly derivative. But it's great for the kids, and offers a satisfying, officially licensed Harry Potter experience.

What's most surprising is that titles such as "Pitfall" are still a lot of fun, and even the included sports games still offer a decent amount of replay value.

The humdrum gameplay won't convert anyone. Clumsy combat with fists or firearms makes up the majority, and the rest of the game is usually a glorified switch and key hunt... and not a particularly complicated one, either.

If you're already a fan of point-and-click adventure, then you'll probably dig it. If not, then get out the tissues and be prepared to be bored to tears.

Doesn't have nearly enough in the core gameplay to recommend to the average gamer.

An excellent gateway game. It's accessible enough for non-gamers to play, yet deep enough for the more hard core to enjoy as well.

One for the fans. While the fighting is passable, it's too shallow and strategically repetitive to hold any serious fighting freak's attention for more than a few minutes. Even if you're a fan, approach with caution.

In the end, it's almost physically painful to try to wade through this game, especially if you've already played it in its previous incarnations.

You get a capable, satisfying single-player game, access to many new prestige classes, a much higher level limit, and a wide assortment of new bits for the toolset. For the closet game designer, these additions alone are worth the price.

An aggravating save system makes the game almost completely unsuitable for taking on the go, and popping Surma in your Game Boy only amplifies the game's audiovisual ugliness.

For most players Operation Surma will feel like a stopgap measure until Sam Fisher returns for the next "Splinter Cell," despite its great gadgets and fairly solid play. It's just too reliant on this recently popular template, making every weak spot seem glaringly obvious.

Despite the wonky AI, the game mechanics are solid. And the rip-roaring story gets better with each passing hour. The problem with "Invisible War" is that it requires the player to stop bitching about every little detail and just enjoy the ride.

There are glimpses of genius here for sure -- the landshark gun, the topsy-turvy mine, and some of the level design and humor come to mind -- but it doesn't add up to a complete game.

With so much replay value in the multiplayer and a solid single-player experience to be had [in Pac-Man World 2], don't be surprised if you come down with a case of Pac-Man fever all over again.

Has fun, straightforward gameplay and a simple heart. There is a little more to it, like plenty of game-time extending side quests, but some of the extras just seem like coronary blockage.

Fans of the "1080" franchise will find that other games have left the franchise behind on the bunny slope. Rent it, ride the avalanche, and return it.

A hollow, stripped-down experience.