With a gentler learning curve, an extra level, tweaked controls, and completely reworked cinemas, the PS2 version is the equal of its Xbox predecessor.

Diehard fans will probably find the added cards and light quest mode to be worth the investment, but casual "Yu-Gi-Oh" players who already have "Eternal Duelist Soul" may not want to shell out $30 just for a minor update.

Delivers a fluid and challenging (if thinly plotted) single-player experience and shell-shock multiplayer that makes this new Xbox recruit easily worth the war debt of the game's price tag.

Just flat-out fun. It's not the most complex offering, but there's something to be said for a title that doesn't overreach and instead focuses on tight gameplay and enticing features.

The races are challenging and exciting, plus the management features give the game a considerable amount of depth. The game goes beyond its high concept and delivers a rather enjoyable hybrid of arcade and simulation-styled gameplay.

There's a good deal of trial and error involved with The Lost Vikings, an aspect of the game that may seem tedious to some people. But there is a suitably addictive challenge awaiting gamers the first time through.

The real lesson here is that there's a place for a run-of-the mill shooter. Just keep those aspirations modest. Throw in teammates and base defense, and you can throw your entire project into turmoil.

The repetitive races keep it from a higher score. Still, the snarky attitude and sweet physics model of the go karts make for a good deal of fun.

If you can get past the terrible documentation and very steep learning curve, Galactic Civilizations will be not only enjoyable but also addictive.

The story lines, dialog, and cutscenes in the game effectively emulate the characteristics and nuances that have made the television component so captivating to watch. On the other hand, the gameplay isn't as deep as it could have been.

The controls handle adequately, although KITT's steering feels far too responsive. All in all, the controls aren't as good as the controls in most recent driving games, and the physics lack accuracy. The game also lacks a sense of speed.

Although the flaky sense of physics and controls bring it down a couple notches, Bandits: Phoenix Rising is still an entertainingly destructive auto combat game.

Excerpt forthcoming.

A very addictive game that continues to surprise and delight the more you play. For the money, there's plenty to do, and best of all it lets you focus on what you find fun.

It's fast and easy to play, and it looks terrific. At least the cars do. Serious car culture enthusiasts and a very select group of auto-manga readers will dig it, but its dusting of drawbacks leave it just barely on the three-star side of the rating scale.

The game looks and feels dated. The colors are drab, and the world lacks character. Nothing here looks state of the art, yet the system requirements are quite high.

Looks good and plays well, though you have to accept that a tough puzzle or vague objective can bring your progress to a screeching halt at any moment.

AI is greatly improved.

The effect of collisions is inconsistent. You can pass through some objects and be stopped dead in your tracks by others. The car physics are far too "floaty," and you'll find yourself catching too much air and doing crazy spins and rotations from minor bumps.

This console version makes enough changes to the original game that even hard-core "Sims" purists will want to give it a spin.

This console version makes enough changes to the original game that even hard-core "Sims" purists will want to give it a spin.

The wide selection of music ensures that it will have something for just about anyone, and the gameplay is challenging and incredibly addictive.

Epic in scale, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker oozes quality craftsmanship from start to finish. Most importantly, it's incredibly addictive and almost impossible to put down until the end credits roll.

A true gem. It's a breezy, easy-to-play game that will leave you wondering where the hours went. With such a beautifully refined title now under its belt, it's hard to see how Sunflower will top it.

Though mostly a run-and-gun affair, the adrenaline-charged atmosphere makes up for the deficiencies in the computer AI.

The mix of mission and circuit racing along with the interesting ranking system are offset by the poor mechanics and sloppy design.

The fighters look great... until they move, anyway. But they've looked pretty good for years now and the lack of innovation combined with the gimme-some-Viagra blahness is disheartening to say the least.

The game's plot doesn't come together in any grand way, nor does it need to. The plot's just a latticework for the excellent, challenging missions.