SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a solid release for wrestling fans to enjoy, but for the casual gamer thinking about purchasing a new copy, it would probably be better advised to wait to find a used copy or to save the extra dough and get a cheap copy of 2008.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a solid release for wrestling fans to enjoy, but for the casual gamer thinking about purchasing a new copy, it would probably be better advised to wait to find a used copy or to save the extra dough and get a cheap copy of 2008.

A great choice for the Wii. Its many game modes, its realistic controls, sounds, and actions, and its online capabilities all make this game an excellent buy.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is a solid release for wrestling fans to enjoy, but for the casual gamer thinking about purchasing a new copy, it would probably be better advised to wait to find a used copy or to save the extra dough and get a cheap copy of 2008.

Overall, WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2009 is a remarkable title for the PSP. While it might not win over the traditional fighting game fans with its slow paced action, the game features solid gameplay and impressive production values that would make most PSP owners proud – even if they know noting about wrestling.

Although Vigilante 8 Arcade for XBLA maintains the spirit of chaos and destruction of it's 1998 namesake, it lacks the polish one would expect from a game released for a 7th generation platform. However, if you and your friends have an insatiable urge to blow each other up in glorious vehicular combat but you don't want to throw down $60 each for GTA IV, this is certainly a viable alternative that could easily fill a few hours.

Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors, for all of the charm of the movie, is a shoddily assembled game on the Wii.

While the adventure is a short one I found it to be enjoyable and fun.

Graphically SingStar doesn’t need to offer much. While singing the songs, the music video is played in the background. The menus however look sharp and are simple to navigate. The music videos are great quality, and there’s nothing that would turn you away visually.

EndWar is definitely a game that Ubisoft’s military simulation fans need to look at, as it is a natural extension of the gameplay that you (we) hold so dear. But EndWar is not for the faint of heart, and will ultimately only appeal to select console gamers.

Legendary is a fantastic thrill ride that you won’t soon forget.

Quantum of Solace isn’t a terrible game but it is certainly not the game I expected it to be. Treyarch spent too much time trying to convert a WWII engine into something viable for a secret agent game, and we end up with a gun-toting thug in a tux rather than the sophisticated secret agent we all love from the books and the movies.

007: Quantum of Solace was supposed to be the game that got the James Bond franchise out of its slump, but instead it succumbs to its own mediocrity and will only satisfy those with the lowest of expectations.

Quantum of Solace is another great game from Vicarious Visions that not only exceeds its console cousin, it actually enhances the secret agent experience with some clever touch-based gameplay that makes the most of the DS 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.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a great game for kids, teens, parents…heck…everybody is going to love this game. I literally couldn’t put it down for five hours until I absolutely had to go to bed and then it was the first thing I played when I woke up until I finished it.

This game is good, relaxing fun. If you're a big fan of the movies and are looking to spend a little more time in that world, by all means go ahead and buy it.

Many of the mini-games have a multiplayer mode (accessible from the main menu), which means that up to four can play it at once provided there are enough Wii Remotes with Nunchuks attached--that's even more replay value. On the other hand, if you just thought you "might poke around and check out what people are saying about the game because it looks like it might be sort of fun," you're probably better off waiting for a price drop.

Escape 2 Africa is definitely a kids game but geared toward a variety of ages for some fun with Alex, Melman, Marty and Gloria while under the strict tutelage of King Julian.

Tom Clancy’s EndWar on the Nintendo DS is a pretty good game if you enjoy turn based strategy, and it does have plenty of levels to keep you busy.

This would be a nice alternative to Zelda games and if you liked those games, then this one will be a nice addition to your collection.

Red Alert 3 is a really enjoyable, high quality strategy game that has a few minor balancing issues. This is yet another sequel that is destined to become another classic in the ongoing Command and Conquer legacy.

The games may appear unsatisfying, but you’d be pleasantly surprised that some of these games are rather fun and enjoyable.

The sheer frustration of the flaws of each minigame was just enough to want to forget about the game altogether.

Rubik’s World is a fun puzzle game starring the cubie, those smaller parts of the whole Rubik’s cube, and is worth taking a crack at.

After the initial jaunt though, visiting old locations gets repetitive and dull.

This is easily the best new role-playing game that will give you dozens of hours of additional gameplay along with the already lengthy required adventuring.

As the famous saying goes, “Dance like no one is watching and sing like no one is listening.” If you follow those words, there’s a whole world of fun waiting for you in the SingStar series.

Mildly entertaining as a whole. It features good music, decent graphical aspects, but its severe shortcomings slow down whatever good concept the title originally held. I recommend renting this title first before deciding to buy it. If you’re looking for a real off-road experience you better off getting THQ’s BAJA.

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is a great sequel that offers more of what we loved in the first game. You have more tracks and better designs and four unique environments, and with streamlined presentation and navigation, challenging AI, and awesome online play when the AI isn't enough, Pacific Rift is the arcade racer to beat.

For the fan of cute sandbox simulations, this game will provide hours of enjoyment. If you’re simply interested in playing mini-games, landscaping, or interior decorating, I’d say you’re better off looking elsewhere.

If you enjoyed MySims, then you will enjoy MySims Kingdom more.

With songs from newer country artists such as Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts to your classic country of Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, SingStar Country hits on a ton of your favorite country artists.

In short, MySims isn’t really much like a traditional Sims game at all. There are no needs meters to watch, no life aspirations to fulfill, no career ladder to climb, no close social relationships to cultivate, and no genetics to combine—you’ll probably want to stick to the main Sims line if you’re looking for any of that. The simplified gameplay, however, is certainly more accessible and the content optimized for more casual and younger audiences.

LittleBigPlanet is a fantastic platformer game that many people are sure to love with its wide variety of elements and content. Level design may not be for everyone but you are sure to have plenty of levels with the community as well as those in the game.

In the end, if you are reading this review, you’re probably curious about the game because you’re a fan of the website. If you like Homestar Runner and Strong Bad and the Cheat and so on and so forth, there is no reason why you should not get this game. You’ll love it, trust me.

There is something that is totally addicting about participating in a multiplayer band, whether you are all in the same room or joining up with fellow rockers online. And if you are an aspiring musician or music producer, or like to play around with mixing boards and experiment with creating your own music, the Music Studio is a totally original addition to World Tour and sets this game apart from any of the competition.

There is something that is totally addicting about participating in a multiplayer band, whether you are all in the same room or joining up with fellow rockers online. And if you are an aspiring musician or music producer, or like to play around with mixing boards and experiment with creating your own music, the Music Studio is a totally original addition to World Tour and sets this game apart from any of the competition.

The PS2 gets the job done nicely, but without online access to download new songs or even upload the ones you make, it nearly defeats the purpose of the Music Studio and your multiplayer is limited to local head-to-head and four-player co-op.

Celebrity Sports Showdown is exactly what I loved about Deca Sports and then they fixed what I said was wrong in that review. Makes you think that your voice really does have an impact and if you just say what you really feel you can get the game that you want.

If you’re a hardcore shooter who enjoys a game with bleeding edge graphics and ruthless AI, then Space Trader is not for you. However, this game will appeal to Sci Fi fans, indie game lovers, and wannabe business tycoons.

Even the pin action is in question; with beautiful pocket shots rendering less than expected damage, and sure-bet spares often being lost somewhere in the shuffle.

Fable II doesn’t belong to any single genre, instead it paints an engaging tapestry with an interesting story, solid gameplay, beautiful graphics, and near perfect sound.

Since the game is fairly open-ended as to how you play it and which side you choose, you could easily play this game all the way through a few times before you ever started feeling tired of it.

Spyro fans and gamers in the target age group are going to love Dawn of the Dragon and don’t be surprised if the older siblings in the house and even the parents get caught up in the magic that is Spyro. It really is fun from start to finish.

The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragons is an average game but there is just too much that could have been better in the main gameplay for a better score.

While there are some glaring flaws that should not have been overlooked, The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon is a pretty decent game that will satisfy Spyro fans and capture the attention and interest of new fans as well.

The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon may have seen its better days but this game has about as much appeal as playing some of those older games from days gone by. With such a lack of creativity and new gameplay the game does not make for much fun and the PlayStation 2 version is no different than the PS3 version.

The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon is a fairly decent DS platformer and action game, but because of its linear and somewhat shallow design, as well as a number of minor flaws, it doesn’t quite make it past that.

I’m an old fan of the Crash Bandicoot license, and I have always loved the games for their clean, family friendly fun. Whether a blockbuster or a barnburner, I have always shared the Crash titles with my kids – and they have always had smiles on their faces. Mind Over Mutant is a different story in that it actually brought tears of frustration – for all of us.

Naruto Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 is a great game if you’re a fan of the anime or previous games in the series (chances are if you are a fan of one, you’re a fan of the other.)

With stunning visuals, immersive sound, and an epic story, BioShock hearkens back to a time of fantasy and wonder, blending elements of Jules Verne and John Carpenter into a cinematic masterpiece of sci-fi horror that you won’t want to miss. I said it last year on the Xbox and I’ll say it again this year on the PS3 - I can’t think of any game more deserving of a perfect ten than BioShock.

Web of Shadows assembles a great cast of heroes and villains, combines them with a fantastic story, and integrates an intuitive and exciting control scheme and evolving combat system that easily makes this the best Spider-Man game ever made to date for any system.

Web of Shadows assembles a great cast of heroes and villains, combines them with a fantastic story, and integrates an intuitive and exciting control scheme and evolving combat system that easily makes this the best Spider-Man game ever made to date for any system.

The best part about Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is the total freedom you are allowed in not only choosing what to do and when to do it, but also how to do it and what you wear while you're doing it. And when you mix this freedom of gameplay with a massive sprawling city that reaches to the clouds, and an endless supply of intelligent evildoers, there is no end in sight to the superhero action waiting for you in this latest Spider-Man adventure.

Sadly, for as great a game as Web of Shadows is on the DS, it is over far too quickly and leaves you with no immediate reason to revisit anytime soon.

Fans of the series will certainly not want to miss out on this title that offers a great action-puzzle experience that will keep you on your robotic toes.

Disney Sing It unfortunately doesn’t make a very good karaoke game because of various mechanical and design issues, but with its sound list of popular Disney pop tunes appealing to the Hannah Montana and High School Musical crowd, it certainly does fine as a karaoke disc.

If you are a parent of a child who is infatuated with High School Musical or any of the other Disney acts, and you really want to be on your kid’s (or kids’) favorites list – then wrap up Disney’s Sing It and pop it under the tree (or the appropriate holiday gift place).

Disney Sing It will unfortunately be of no interest to general audiences whatsoever for various reasons, including a lack of real gameplay, useless tutorials and a song list full of music most adults and even many teenagers have never heard before.

The best racing game out on the market today PERIOD.

All gripes aside, handheld racing games do not get much more impressive than Midnight Club: L.A. Remix. If our major complaint is that a racing game is too fast – well, that’s something most hardcore gamers are willing to live with.

X3: Terran Conflict is a deep and involving game with gameplay that is difficult to get in to. If you can get past the first hurdle of the initial few missions the game will open up into its massive potential.

With its constantly improving game mechanics, light-hearted yet creepy atmosphere, and creative selection of puzzles, Nancy Drew: The Haunting of Castle Malloy is one of the more enjoyable Nancy Drew titles that I’ve played to date, and I’d recommend it to any of you who collect the series or enjoy a good mystery.

Having not watched Naruto before or played any other game, I found myself enjoying myself regardless of its graphic flaws.

I think this is definitely a game only hardcore SOCOM fans will appreciate or even tolerate.

This game really packs in the action and does a great job of integrating the activities and respect system in order to unlock story missions. And the multiplayer for Saints Row 2 is far more engaging and addictive than Liberty City.

This game really packs in the action and does a great job of integrating the activities and respect system in order to unlock story missions. And the multiplayer for Saints Row 2 is far more engaging and addictive than Liberty City.

Dead Space is a must own title for anyone who loves science fiction, horror, or any combination of the two. When you combine those elements with such amazing gameplay and stylish design you easily have the makings of a Game of the Year contender. It’s got my vote.

Blitz The League II is a spleen exploding, spine cracking, cleat stomping, hand snapping, testicular-bustlingly good time.

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.

EA does it again with FIFA Soccer 09. It is a very good game, certainly the best on the PSP.

Linger in Shadows comes with a handful of trophies; some are easy to acquire while others will require you to play the movie numerous times and dig very deep into the inner workings of this project.

Brother’s in Arms Hell’s Highway is a beautiful and engrossing cinematic experience that is as much fun to watch, as it is to play. Games rarely are this enjoyable and I can't remember the last time I started up a game and couldn't stop playing it.

A well rounded game. It had the “hot key” feature that I love for those of us who fail miserably at those button combos. Being able to play all the characters from the previous title plus several key characters from previous seasons of the show is definitely a big plus.

Crash: Mind Over Mutant is a charming game that will certainly delight fans of the franchise, but it can also wear thin on the more discriminating game player who doesn’t like a lot of repetition.

So if you are a Crash Bandicoot fan who happens to own a Wii this is a must have game. But if you are just looking for a great new game to play, this would be a good, but not great, addition to your video game collection.

I will have to say that Crash: Mind Over Mutant is a very fun and innovative game that is easy to get into and play.

Both games have lots of upside and are well worth the investment if you are interested in a basketball game. Unfortunately for 2K Sports, I would have to give EA the advantage for this year though. It’s not by much, but I just found myself enjoying Live a little more than 2K9.

As for the heads up matchup with the 2K Sports series, NBA Live sinks the buzzer beater as time expires to steal the win this season. Live’s play mechanics and in-depth gameplay features surpass the competition in the heated battle for hoops supremacy in ’09. Without much debate Live ‘09 delivers the best all around NBA game this year.

While it has several good points including a large character creation system with tons of items, armor and weapons.

An extremely shallow game.

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.

The game’s strategy-based team ordering will definitely take some getting used to, but gamers who master the game’s mechanics will definitely find a sense of accomplishment in Hell’s Highway.

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway does an fantastic job of bringing all the intensity of war to your Xbox with a great blend of FPS action and tactical leadership, all the while creating and weaving an emotional tale of comradery that only a group of men thrust into the horrors of war can share.

The sound effects and voice acting (though B-rated in and of itself) add a level of immersion to the game that, without it, would have been an utter failure. Even with them, though, the game only becomes passable.

I can’t recommend Pure highly enough. This is without a doubt one of the best racers I’ve played all year, if not the best.

My family is still completely consumed with Samba De Amigo – and even spurred my wife into picking up a Dance Dance Revolution kit. We are having a ton of fun as a family, and feeling healthier for it – what more could you want as the winter months draw near?

For those who have never played the original, Pitfall: The Big Adventure will be a worthwhile purchase once it drops below the $19.99 price point. Until then, it's a fun romp through a world of freewheeling treasure hunters, man-eating crocs and hidden treasure--just not quite fun, or new, enough.

While this would have been the best Warriors game to date, the frame-rate issue and other technical problems really eliminate it from contention. Hopefully KOEI will patch this game to make it more playable, but with their obvious disregard for their fan-base I doubt it.

Buzz! Quiz TV is going to provide countless hours of educational fun for you, your entire family, and a group of friends that will surely increase in size once they learn you have this game.

Simply amazing.

A fairly enjoyable title that is full of humor and memorable characters.

If you are a big trivial game guru then Buzz! Master Quiz is a must have for you to play anytime or anywhere. Just don't expect an abundance of online competition.

Grab your microphones and sing until your heart is content, but for this review the fat lady has stepped to the mic and my time is finished!

Overall, BAJA: Edge of Control is an awesome blend of simulation racing with a bit of arcade. I personally love this title.

I would enjoy SimCity any time, and veterans of this series will love SimCity Creator immensely, while newcomers will enjoy it even as they learn to play this unique city-building simulation. One caveat; I wouldn’t recommend this game if you do not have the time to invest.

SimCity Creator carries over some trademark gameplay aspects from the original SimCity series, though SimCity veterans may find Creator a bit simplified for their tastes.