But it all comes down to the gameplay and that is where GRAW really excels. Whether you are exploring the challenging single-player campaign or risking your job, family, and friends to play just one more game online, Ubisoft has created a whole new addiction that will be a tough habit to break. I’m not even going to try.

This is one creepy, horror adventure game that not only features solid gameplay (the point and click style) but also an amazingly good storyline. It boasts good graphics, sound, and interesting puzzles that never become tedious or annoying.

Pursuit Force is just the game the PSP has needed; a fast-paced car/boat/helicopter chase with plenty of gameplay and intense vehicle-to-vehicle jumping. There are plenty of missions to keep you challenged, a scoring system to keep you coming back, and loads of bonus material to quest for.

For those who like to scavenger hunt, you can take your 360 memory card around to various retailers and download custom cars exclusive to their own kiosks.

While Atlantis Quest is not the most innovative or fun puzzle game out there, it does a decent job as a game designed to pass the time and keep you occupied for a little while.

There is definitely potential for much more, but what’s on offer is more than worthy. It’s fun and intense all the way through. And on PS2, no shooter can graphically compare.

It has some solid graphics, an enjoyable instanced mission system, and handy integrated voice, but ultimately falls short due to lack of content.

As a game, 24 is not that strong of an entry into the PS2 library, but as a videogame treatment of a TV show, it does a remarkable job of nailing the presentation and style of the original content.

This isn’t a game for those who don’t like to work hard, and I’d recommend this to college students/graduates looking for a fun, extremely deep and complex turn-based strategy game with infinite replay-ability.

The multiplayer portion of the game is where Swat 4 shines and it is no different with the expansion pack.

If you play Street Supremacy for longer than an hour then you must really be hurting for entertainment. The Team Battle career mode is a cool concept but the poor controls and dismal racing action won’t support it.

I truly never expected Sony to drop a baseball game of this caliber in my lap, especially after the endless string of duds that have rolled out of 989 Studios of late. In fact, MLB 06 alone very nearly makes up for the seven years of bunk since, well... darn, let’s see..."Coolboarders 2."

The controls are tight, the visual presentation polished, and the gameplay is better than ever.

This new expansion adds a new level of challenge to the game and a significantly fresh aspect of gameplay, though few new items and ordinary social interactions, so you may want to keep this in mind if you’re considering investing in this particular expansion.

The gameplay is fast and furious and the presentation will blow you away with stunning visuals and rich 3D Dolby Digital surround. And even when the non-stop shooting threatens to grow repetitive, the ever-changing level design will keep you on your toes.

While definitely not for every gamer, FIFA Street 2 is a very solid entry into the realm of arcade sports and fans of the genre are sure to have a good time – once they get a handle on the control scheme, that is.

One of the finest sports titles on the Xbox platform.

It’s all this wide variety of racing elements and making sure it all works well in a total package that makes TOCA Race Driver 3 an awesome game.

It is the definition of value in gaming as far as I’m concerned even if you’re not completely sold on the genre.

Even those that aren’t well versed in managing a living, breathing city-scape, will be right at home here, with an easy to navigate interface, and simplified economic models.

If you love quirky, concept games like "Katamari Damacy," you will love this game.

And with no incentives to replay, minimal tracks to master, and simple gameplay that is made difficult with faulty controls, Sonic Riders is best left to the kids and our blue hedgehog needs to return to his tennis shoe roots.

Sonic is more suited to 3D platformers than racing, even if he is the fastest thing out there.

The AI is admittedly lacking making this a game that is best played with friends, either online or off. However you play, Fight Night Round 3 is the best recreation of boxing ever made.

An adequate port of an outstanding console game.

For me, this was like having the world’s biggest Star Wars play set and getting to play ‘army”, only with cool special effects and explosions and authentic sounds.

A completely overhauled and redesigned reiteration of the classic PC game. It’s a turn based strategy game that is similar to Nintendo’s Advanced Wars. This is different because the original was a real-time strategy game.

Fun while it lasts but probably best played in short doses.

And even though the game is a bit light in its scope, the treatment of the subject is handled with as much attention to detail as you can possibly imagine, and with a stellar cast of voice actors and a music selection to set the mood, Contents Under Pressure is just waiting to explode on your PC.

And even though the game is a bit light in its scope, the treatment of the subject is handled with as much attention to detail as you can possibly imagine, and with a stellar cast of voice actors and a music selection to set the mood, Contents Under Pressure is just waiting to explode on your Xbox.

A surprisingly fast paced hard-hitting sports game that'll catch any unsuspecting sports fan's eye.

It’s predictable, clichéd, and a bit lackluster in many ways, but it’s not flat out bad.

A technically solid game overall, and its only major stumbling point is simply its subject matter. Arena Football – the sport – may be perfectly designed to emphasize high scoring and high action in real life, but on the gaming consoles it comes across as cramped and chaotic, yet strangely regimented.

If you look closely you’ll find a very fun, challenging, easy to pick up and play shooter that will entertain you for hours when you want to take a break from all the great current generation titles.

I am hooked, and will play this game well after the review is turned in and you're reading it on the Internet.

Torino 2006 is going to get added to the long list of Olympic titles that have plagued the gaming community for the past six years. It's like a recurring virus that surfaces every two years and you hope that this time they have found the cure.

Any racing fan who likes old muscle cars, or classic exotics, will drool over the chance to get as close as you may actually ever get to sitting behind the wheel of these beautiful cars.

Marble Blast Ultra is easy to learn and simple to play, but the increasingly difficult progression of puzzles always manage to throw something new and challenging your way with each new level.

Essentially a direct port of a 3-year-old 2D fighting game on a really old (NeoGeo) system. There's not a lot of value here unless you want are a dedicated old school fighting or SNK fan looking for a showdown.

I really could not thank EA more for the enhanced Online Everywhere Xbox Live support, and the cool control scheme really injects a big slug of coolness into the game.

This game probably had promise but turned out to be your standard first person shooter with the addition of some popular rap music thrown in.

Some of the mini-games are just impossible (for me) and it usually seemed to be those games that were on the squares I needed to make the required line(s) to graduate.

Ape Escape 3 is arguably more of the same, but there is nothing wrong with that when the original games have already achieved cult-classic status.

The good graphics and challenge do not make up for a corny story, generic game mechanics, and obnoxious music.

The ability to use updated roster files from the modding community is another great addition to this game as well.

The combat engine has been refined to the point where veterans of the series might have a tougher time than newcomers, but there are plenty of rewards waiting for those who can master this next-gen fighter.

About the only people that are going to enjoy this game are the ones who really get into alternate history settings, or people who really like a lot of details in their units and can put up with the problematic RTS glitches. Be prepared to micro-manage. Be prepared to save and reload. Often.

If you love the series on the console then you will certainly want to check out Armored Core: Formula Front - Extreme Battle on the PSP. It sacrifices nothing and gives you all that great robot action in the palm of your hand.

A great chess program for helping and improving your chess game. This is not just a game to play chess with others or against a computer; it is a set of tools for teaching and improving your chess game.

When I initially reviewed this game for the PC I found it to be one of the most engaging and addicting titles I had ever played, and thankfully, Wik: Fable of Souls not only holds up under the pressure of steep 360 competition; it actually expands that addiction with new levels, new modes, intuitive console controls, and some of the best gameplay $5 can buy.

The complete package. There is so much content here that you won’t believe you are playing it on the PSP.

A fantastic and totally enjoyable trip down memory lane for any gamer over 40 and a valuable history lesson for anyone younger.

If you're a patient person and can forgive technical problems in your games, and you like adventures with a little freedom to roam about in a 3D world, you might get some enjoyment out of 80 Days.

With a whole new look, updated characters, RPG elements, and a simple but compelling story, Seven Sorrows is truly a futuristic retelling of a classic franchise that will delight veterans of the series and attract a whole new following of would-be adventures.

The poker engine is solid, the A.I. above average, and all of your favorite poker variations are here for the playing.

The gameplay is flawed, the controls are horrible and the on-rails racing creates a game that almost plays itself.

While I commend Human Soft for packing in as much content as they could, the single-frame stills from the console and PSP movies are no substitute for the actual movie, and the total lack of voices, especially considering the amount of humorous Pac-Man and Orson banter, is just too detrimental to the overal presentation and gameplay experience.

Superior graphics are almost enough to balance out the twitchy controls, but the entertaining multiplayer seals the deal for the PSP.

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Gottlieb Collection was a wonderful trip down memory lane; at least for the tables I actually remembered playing.

But glitz and glamour aside, this is one challenging and addictive puzzle game that will keep you highly entertained for weeks and months to come.

Tokobot shows some real promise with a totally original concept that can be expanded upon for what we can only hope will be more adventures on the PSP and if we are lucky, the big consoles.

I was expecting so much more from this title, but the most Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones can manage to deliver is a few new acrobatic and combat moves and a Dark Prince that looks cool but that's about it.

College Hoops 2K6 combines solid graphics/controls, with a deep Legacy mode, that should keep your attention far past this NCCA season.

Although it’s got all the trappings of an RPG, PoPoLoCrois is not very entertaining as a video game. It may be appropriate if you’ve got a PSP and want to keep a young child entertained on a trip, but for veteran RPG players, this game will not be very satisfying.

While the game isn’t exactly deep, it’s a fun diversion for a chunk of time, especially if you have a friend to play with, in person or on Xbox Live. As far as the old classic games go, this is better than most offerings.

Combines solid graphics with time-tested gameplay from the classic X-com series. Sadly, this title has far too many glitches and its lack of diversity hurts it greatly in the long run. Only hardcore fans of the infamous series should check this title out.

Legion Arena is all about the combat, no deciding what crops to raise or whether to feed your troops or the starving peasants.

By far the best pool game I have ever played on the PC or console. Visually, the game is beyond reality with gorgeous textures and lighting effects, flawless physics, all the popular (and not so popular) game variations, and an outstanding online component that maintains leaderboards and even offers online tournaments.

Hardcore Gauntlet players will probably buy yet another copy of this game if for no other reason than the ability to play multiplayer over Xbox Live, which is admittedly a good reason to play what is otherwise a very dated and boring game that will try your patience rather than test your RPG skills.

While Geometry Wars isn’t a classic game in the strictest sense of the word, it does in many ways borrow the idea of classic fun. Give it a try, the game is a blast to play, not to mention very addictive.

As addictive as crack and as hallucinogenic as LSD, you might need some rehab after a few weeks of Mutant Storm Reloaded.

The game’s eccentric and peculiar take on micromanagement gives Outpost Kaloki X a fresh and innovate feel that fits perfectly within Microsoft’s new loose “360” attitude, while still offering many nontraditional gamers a more conservative and cerebral experience.

It will delight and challenge both young and old alike with its bright colors, enchanting music, and addictive gameplay.

If you like tasteless "edgy" games that have mind numbingly repetitive gameplay, then Crime Life: Gang Wars is right up your alley.

By far the best-looking, best working, first person shooter to ever grace the PS2, Peter Jackson's King Kong’s immersing gameplay is second only to the classic Red Faction.

By far the best movie-licensed game to ever be made. Not only does it outshine all other movie-inspired titles, it even surpasses the movie that inspired it. It’s a totally immersive experience with the no-HUD interface, amazing sounds, inspiring music, and a visionary artistic style that is totally unique to the genre.

One of the most intense gaming experiences I've had in a long time, without being too difficult. The game is beautiful, innovative, and a fun run when you get right down to it.

The game is short, but still fun.

QUAKE 4 is an addiction, a perfect sequel, both in story and gameplay, and a game you will want to explore over and over, if for no other reason that to keep piling on those Gamer Points.

It’s one of those games that relies more on instincts and experience than reflexes.

Quite simply, if you don’t have Xbox Live or you don’t enjoy online games then avoid Perfect Dark Zero like the proverbial plague. There is very little about this game that would make is fun or enduring for the solo gamer.

It is a finely tuned work of art with so much research and attention to detail incorporated into it that action gamers will become totally immersed in the unrelenting experience of brutal combat.

America's Army: Rise of a Soldier may lack the polish and panache of Ubisoft's other military shooters, but it does hit the marks where it counts – convincing gameplay.

Call me crazy but I really loved this game... maybe more than I should, but keep in mind I grew up with this game character.

Earth 2160 is pretty much a game by RTS experts for RTS experts. This game is not novice friendly by any stretch of the imagination.

More of an “experience” than a game. You’ll come away from each game session emotionally and physically exhausted and even a bit timid about walking across the dark room to flip the light switch.

It’s a perfectly blend of extreme sports action with an intuitive trick system that allows you to grow with the game, and big city free-roaming adventure much like a GTA game without all the violence.

Without a doubt the finest handheld version of the franchise you can currently play. It might even be one of the top five DS games released to date.

Project Gotham Racing 3 isn’t as next-gen as the hardware you are playing it on, but it is nonetheless a solid and serious racing game and a definite improvement over "PGR2."

The improved defense, especially at the net, the new momentum feature, manual goalie option, and the long-overdue icon passing interface all combine to make this game the closest thing to the actual sport of hockey without putting on all the padding and a pair of skates.

If you love a good western then GUN has all those clichéd moments with Indians, stagecoaches, trains, gunfights, jailbreaks, and everything else that has become a staple in western lore.

I can’t even imagine why EA removed half the stuff they did. They had a rare opportunity to capture the hearts of a new generation of gamers, but serious basketball gamers will likely head over to the 2K Sports camp, at least this year.

I really like Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 despite the troublesome controls. The graphics are gorgeous, especially on a widescreen HDTV in all their panoramic glory, which only makes you wish for more than the six included courses.

Yet another EA Sports title that needlessly sacrifices most of its core gameplay for some shiny new graphics that really aren’t as good as they would have you think. The animation is better than ever but a lot is lost in the finer details and washed out colors.

NBA Live 06 might have an overall prettier package, but I'll take better gameplay and a complete package of game modes over flash courtside graphics any day.

It's too complex for most people to ever enjoy, and if you want balance look elsewhere. But for better or worse, it is the game's only real claim to distinction, and it isn't bad, once you've figured it out.

But with so much content, miles of mountainside, hours of music, addictive mini-games, hilarious movies, park editor, online leaderboards, sleds, snowmobiles and even bathtubs, Amped 3 is in a class all its own.

Whether you just like to tinker with a nice assortment of exotic sports cars or have a general distaste for law enforcement, there is something here to appeal to everyone including a clichéd story with campy acting and hot racing babes that are more suited to be on the hood of your car rather than driving their own.