Sim purists will still want to get their "Colin McRae" on, but those looking for a fun and challenging rally racer that bends the rules in favor of fun will want to make RSC 2 a permanent addition to their Xbox library.

I love the action, but I just wish I had a more compelling reason to play the game other than the sake of completing it.

Everything you loved about the first game is back and better than before.

EA does it again with FIFA Soccer 09. I am amazed that there are still those who swear Pro Evolution is the best soccer game. FIFA Soccer 09 has everything Pro Evo has, plus the kitchen sink. FIFA is simply the best soccer game on any platform.

Jeanne d’Arc is the best tactical RPG that I have played in a long time. The amount of skill customization and various character types with their own weapon types and skills is amazing as is the sheer level of detail in ever facet of the presentation.

A must for any strategy gamer's collection. I'd also highly recommend it to sci fi fans looking for something a little different than the next futuristic shooter. Killing alien scum with a laser rifle is so passé when you can vaporize the alien mothership with your trusty ion cannon.

The staggering difficulty and blazing visuals may overwhelm the casual gamer - it took me two days to get to the second boss, but anyone who takes the time to master the binary gameplay model will find a deep strategic shooter.

The presentation for Heavy Rain is nearly flawless with some stunning mo-cap work, not only for overall character movement and subtle character traits and idle animations, but also in the detailed facial capture and lip-synch.

It's a lot of fun and a must by for any Square or SRPG fans.

It doesn’t get much better than this folks. Regardless of whether or not the online is just a rehash of the last, or that the levels aren’t quite as large as the Xbox’s title, and even if the co-op is only split-screen – Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is the best of the best on the PS2.

DiRT 3 is the best rally game I've played to date, both in realistic handling and performance and especially in its visual and audio presentation, which can only be described as perfection. A lengthy solo career and some amazingly fun and addictive multiplayer await anyone who dares climb behind the wheel of any of the powerful off-road vehicles you can drive in DiRT 3. No true race fan should miss this game.

A highly polished game that covers so many genres and styles of gameplay that it can hardly be classified. In less than 15 hours Beyond Good & Evil has become my second favorite game of all time on the Cube and easily one of my top five games for 2003.

It is far from the DJ simulation I was expecting and more of a button and slider memorization game set to killer jams, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Bully is all about choices and making something out of a bad situation. It’s also a really great game full of humor and believable characters. I recommend it highly.

I admit I had my doubts about Black Ops. It seemed that Modern Warfare 2 was going to be impossible to top, but Treyarch has come in and trounced that game in every possible way.

The revamped controls are a little better than previous efforts, but the entire package of enhanced graphics and amazing number of fully licensed teams and players really puts FIFA 12 above the rest.

Do I really mean that after 25 years of gaming, and thousands of titles in my collection, that Beyond Good and Evil is one of the best games I have ever played? Yes.

MLB 12: The Show offers a massive amount of gameplay wrapped up in a simple brown cardboard box. This is like the slightly less-attractive sister who is really smart, so while her hot sibling (MLB 2K12) is getting all the superficial action, those seeking a more permanent and richer baseball relationship should probably overlook these surface flaws and stick with the REAL DEAL – MLB 12: The Show. From a purely gameplay standpoint - it doesn't get any better or more complete than this.

Dead Space 2 is the first must-play game of the year for consoles, and Dead Space is the first must-play app for the iPad, paving the way for what is sure to be an exciting year for tablet gaming.

An amazing ride, definitely more exciting than the original game, but probably not as unique since most of us already knew what to expect.

wipEout HD is easily one of the top five, if not top three downloadable games this year. If you’re a fan of the series then this is the best version yet, and if you’ve never played a wipEout game before, strap yourself in and prepare to be amazed.

If you like taking notes on graph paper, then this game is for you. If you have more than 2 teams in fantasy soccer leagues on the Internet, then this game is for you too.

The production values are top notch in every department. If you're the kind of gamer who craves the weird and unusual, look no further; this is your game.

Gears of War for the PC is a great game and one that is especially well built in many areas, it may be a port for some of the gameplay and levels but it does not feel like one at all.

Rayman Origins is a rare breed indeed. In a culture obsessed with realism and violent action and FPS titles it's great to see a major studio take a risk and release an old-school platform game for a next-gen system.

Resistance 2 is the perfect sequel. First of all, it plays out more like a continuation of the first game, wrapping up some unfinished business and introducing new business. Secondly, the improvements in the overall game, both in design and technical issues are amazing.

Flower is the best $10 you can spend on your PS3. It is the most relaxing, soothing, and otherworldly experience any console has ever seen, and only the power of the PS3 can bring something this original and breathtaking into your living room.

A game that grabs you and doesn’t let go. It is one of the most addicting arcade games that I have ever played.

Infinity Field offers a mind-blowing visual experience that will assault your eyes and ears and put your reflexes to the ultimate test. It might not do much to push the boundaries of the twin-stick shooter genre but it certainly perfects the concept and is a fantastic bargain for only $2.

I am quite pleased with what Sony Cambridge has done with the LittleBigPlanet franchise, and I hope we see more of SackBoy in the future.

The single-player campaign in GRID is definitely worth a test drive. Multiplayer has its moments, but you could skip over it without missing much.

If you don't already have the online adapter for your PS2 you now have the single best reason to get one and get online. Then again, if you have an Xbox or a suitable PC you would probably be better served playing Pandora on either of those formats.

While Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time doesn’t really evolve the franchise to any significant new level; I did appreciate the clever time puzzles for Clank and the interactive space combat and moon exploration.

The closest thing you can get to saddling up on a hundred thousand dollar racing machine and challenging the best of the best from all over the world - a definite must-have title for motorcycle freaks or fans of online racing.

With an intriguing story, varied and fun gameplay, awesome graphics, a catchy soundtrack, and tons and tons of stuff to do, Persona 3 is easily one of the best RPGs to come out for the PS2 this year, if not the best, period.

Unreal Tournament III is a must-own PS3 title for anyone who enjoys frantic online shooters and total mayhem.

Bastion is one of the most original titles I've played in quite some time. From the charming graphics to the smooth vibes of the narrator perfectly blended with a magical soundtrack, and the 10-12 hours of action-packed exploration and combat, Bastion is like kicking back with your favorite interactive storybook.

DJ Hero 2 is a significant improvement on last year's original title.

It’s not often I can wholeheartedly recommend a game for mandatory purchase, especially at full price, but Burnout Legends is one of those games that is just so much fun that you won’t be able to resist.

The best boxing game available for next-gen gamers (which includes PS3 gamers this time), and with a fun online experience and the challenging World Championship mode, there is probably more fun to be had after the career than during.

UFC Undisputed 3 is a great game for any fight fan. It's a perfect mix of boxing and WWE showmanship with the cuts and cauliflower ears to prove it.

With more campaigns and the larger and non-linear missions and objective structure, Call of Duty 2 is easily much more than the original. 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.

I still hate the illogical checkpoint system that turned a 15hr game into a 22hr game, and the fact that the game can be won by running and gunning more easily than tactical gameplay.

While the story might be a bit light, there is so much to do that just finding those missions that advance the story becomes a mere afterthought as you lose yourself in the dozens of challenges and cash-op mini-games.

While it does cater primarily to existing players of newcomers, EverQuest: Omens of War is one off the strongest expansions since "Scars of Velious."

This score is for the Metallica fans who will be buying this game regardless of what I have to say, and hopefully the next Guitar Hero installment will continue to improve the technical side of things why offering some music more appealing to the masses and not just a niche group of hard rockers.

The addition of new units and other things is not so great but the new ways to start out your game and change the style and tempo create a whole new interest to the core game. Sadly, Firaxis didn't improve the graphics or sound that much in this latest expansion and they should have, at least for some of it.

Thankfully with beefed-up graphics, added multiplayer support and another solid storyline filled with classic comic goodness, they came through in heroic fashion.

Personally, I found these tables much more enjoyable than the four tables that released with the core Pinball FX2, so if money is tight just download the free core game and grab the Marvel Pinball tables instead. Stan Lee will thank you.

But whatever you do, don't miss out on this fantastic new installment in the God of War saga. The story will impact you as much as the insane action, and with dazzling visuals and sound, this is one adventure you can't afford to miss.

Offers the best in arcade street racing with a large selection of cars, lively cast of characters, wonderful locations, challenging course designs, single, multiplayer, and online racing, and endless creative possibilities with the Race Editor.

Proving that style and substance is always better than flashy graphics, then going ahead and adding the flashy graphics just to add insult to injury, Arc System Works has created one of the best fighting game you can get on your Xbox to date.

Does this game come through for the hype behind it? Does a Wookie tear your arm off if you don't let him win? So if you have any interest in a compelling well-told story with good characters, dialogue, all rolled up into something that's fun to play then pick this game up. Could it have been better? Yes.

Crysis 2 meets and exceeds all my expectations as a sequel and a next-gen shooter.

Everything about it is magic - and even if it is a bit on the short side, it's an amazing game that no one who experiences will soon forget.

This is definitely a must buy, despite the surprising $60 dollar price tag for a PC title. Grab your gear; you’re in for one hellava ride.

I enjoyed this new vision of Mortal Kombat more than any previous edition in the franchise. It has some issues, mostly in the single-player game, but all the hardcore fighters are here for the human-on-human interactions so it probably isn't a deal-breaker. If you love Mortal Kombat or just want to play an uber-violent and bloody fighting game then Mortal Kombat is the reigning champ and definitely worth adding to your collection.

Everything about the core gameplay and fighting engine has been tweaked and refined and taken to the next level. Soul Calibur III is the definitive fighting game on the PS2 mixing up martial arts, weapons, and more levels, characters, and game modes than you can shake a giant sword at.

That said, NHL 12 is a serviceable hockey game with excellent presentation value. I wish it were a bit faster and more fluid, but the increased control that comes with slower gameplay is nice as well. Owners of NHL 11 may want to skip this year's offering because the changes are not all that much different from last year's model – but if you were one of those clamoring fans asking for goalie fights, then your prayers have been answered.

It is pretty rare that I recommend an upgrade for owners of the previous season's game. But NCAA Football 11 warrants an upgrade.

Street Fighter III: Third Strike - Online Edition is not a game for everyone. This is for the die-hard Street Fighter gamers that are looking to relive their childhood and to improve their skills by fighting real opponents and move up in the online leaderboards.

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

It’s every bit as lovable as "Katamari Damacy" was, and now you can bring a friend along for the entire ride.

Dance Central 2 is a solid game and perhaps an even better dance instructor.

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.

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.

For only 1200 MS Points ($15) you are going to experience one of the more original XBLA titles I've played on the Xbox 360 in quite some time. From the charming graphics to the smooth vibes of the narrator perfectly blended with a magical soundtrack, and the 10-12 hours of action-packed exploration and combat, Bastion is a great way to kick off the Summer of Arcade.

Playing this with a friend or single player can be a blast, but remember to play with the right kind of gamers.

The 3D real-time combat sets this game apart from anything else in the genre and takes the edge off what is typically a grueling leveling-up grind of endless encounters and combat.

Definitely a niche game targeted to a specific group of racing fans, mainly hardcore rally racers. With its ultra-realistic driving and damage model combined with a distinct lack of game modes and content, this may not be the game for everyone.

Ubi Soft has taken their PC masterpiece and trimmed it down just enough to make it accessible on the Xbox while adding enough new features like the voice command interface to make Rainbow Six 3 the most immersive tactical simulation you can experience without years of military training.

More than just a novelty, it’s outrageously entertaining.

Like the book it was based on, The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is poised to become an enduring classic in its own right.

If you are fan of Warhammer or just RTS games in general then you owe it to yourself to buy and play this game. It might be a long time before you play anything else.

All in all, skate is just too different and will have a rough time converting even the most rabid fan of skating games.

If you're looking for a new MMOG, or simply want to try an online role-playing game for the first time, you won't be disappointed in joining the defenders of Order or the marauders of Destruction.

Overall, the amount of different play modes both online and offline are staggering. There is something for just about everyone and when you get tired of one mode there is something different to explore.

It is far from the DJ simulation I was expecting and more of a button and slider memorization game set to killer jams, but enjoyable nonetheless.

DJ Hero 2 is a significant improvement on last year's original title.

Neversoft did an admirable job, especially considering they had to take a legendary franchise and rebuild it from scratch and Vicarious Visions created an excellent Wii port. But for a series that I have traditionally given perfect scores and continuous editorial awards, I can’t help but feel a bit let down by some personally distasteful music and poor note designs.

Guitar Hero 5 isn’t the best game the industry can offer but it has made huge leaps, and for once, this time, they are all in the right direction.

It has a solid and compelling single-player mode that only gets better when you play it cooperatively, and with a huge fan base, numerous multiplayer maps and games modes, and perfectly balanced gameplay for teams and individuals.

The amazing graphics and overall experience earn EA the GCM editor’s choice award this year, but they still have room for improvement. If they keep up this level of improvement, NHL 09 is going to be amazing!

This might not be the biggest Splinter Cell in the franchise but is by far the best and gets my vote for most innovative action game of the year.

The levels are so large they border on intimidating, yet it never gets dull exploring them thoroughly. And with a dozen skaters, hundreds of tricks, and infinite combinations of trick lines and combos, this is one of those rare games that has no end.

As far as puzzle games go, Rinth Island is in a class of its own, not only by putting a new 3D spin on the stacking puzzle genre, but by giving gamers the tools to build their own levels and extend their enjoyment well beyond the scope of this already quite substantial game. And it's only $1, so you might be tempted to buy a few of those in-app treats.

Definitely an advancement over the original release – not so much an improvement, mind you, just a bit more quantity at the same quality.

THQ has set the bar incredibly high for EA's upcoming MMA game. UFC Undisputed 2010 is probably the best fighting game ever made. The massive improvement over last year’s game is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Yukes development team.

Once again this year is far better than last year with better online play, your Madden IQ, and if you want to practice before you play the big boys online; you can play a game and use the rewind to help develop your gamer eye.

Neversoft did an admirable job, especially considering they had to take a legendary franchise and rebuild it from scratch. But for a series that I have traditionally given perfect scores and continuous editorial awards, I can’t help but feel a bit let down by some personally distasteful music and poor note designs.

It's challenging gameplay and charming characters are timeless and suitable for gamers of all ages. Don't miss this exception value.

Daxter continues to prove that the PSP is the best handheld system out there and the closest thing you can get to a home console experience. I’d certainly stack this game up against anything in the genre on the PS2.

It seems like Sony paid too much attention to detail in the small areas and forgot why a lot of people buy baseball games: home run derby and other mini-games.

Not only redefines our perception of multiplayer games, it raises the bar of the deathmatch genre to new heights and will become the benchmark by which all future online combat games are measured.

If you are a hardcore boxing fan and love grinding for stats and money and slowly rising up huge leaderboards then Fight Night Champion is probably the game for you, although from what I can tell, it doesn't really add anything to what you already had in Fight Night 4 other than the whole money thing. Sure, you can square off against 50+ licensed boxers, but for me, the big attraction was the cool story mode with enough blood and F-bombs to force a Mature rating. But even this gritty and realistic boxing story is only good for a few hours of violent fun, making Fight Night Champion a rental for casual boxers and a wait-for-budget-price upgrade for everyone else.

Rainbow Six: Vegas is an obvious port from the 360 and regrettably, a broken one. It has a solid and compelling single-player mode that will keep most gamers engaged for a week or two, but once they try to go online and play all those modes they can see in the menus and find they are all broke and full of glitches, most will walk away in disgust and regret.

The epitome of effective game design, especially with regards to the MMO arena. If you have even the slightest interest in comic books, role-playing, MMOs, or beating on mooks, you owe it to your self to pick up City of Heroes.

Bottom line; you won't find a better game on the Xbox Live Arcade this summer (perhaps ever) and you won't find a bigger bang for your $15.