The visuals are dazzling. Normally, you'd probably be frustrated after losing the 58,976 points you just racked up because you landed sideways. But in THPS3, you'll find yourself screaming, "Sweet!!" after marveling at how cool the pane of glass looked as you shattered it with your airborne body because you didn't land that kick flip.

Looks as good if not better than the most cutting-edge PC games available. It's got a unique, cool as ice visual style and a soundtrack that should be winning awards. Most importantly, the gameplay is so finely tuned and tweaked as to be a sublime experience in and of itself.

By far the best game you could ever get for your PS2. This game is reason enough to buy a PS2 even if you never buy another game. Sure, it's dark and dirty, and maybe even a bit evil, but we’re all consenting adults here.

Lighting is outstanding and there is a definitive passage of time that is reflected with various night and day conditions.

HOLY SH..! 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 can’t think of any game more deserving of a perfect ten than BioShock.

The gameplay here is spectacular, you will not find any better.

Everything about it is a little familiar, the result of decades of refinement, tweaked gameplay and an ever more fully realized game universe. Although I was sometimes amazed or delighted by a new trick or character, I never felt really, truly surprised by anything in this game.

Bethesda has refined the RPG genre, crafting what is quite possibly the best RPG ever made.

For an adventure game with only one story to tell, the amount of replay value the designers squeezed into this game is astonishing, and the time it will take players to unlock all of the delicious secrets it has to offer should add up to more than the time spent on most "replayable" games.

BioShock is on the same par as those great classic films that have won awards for years and this one will for the video game industry. The combination of a great story and fantastic gameplay with wonderful scenery has been so well created into an all around well crafted game that it would be a shame to miss out on playing it.

Aside from the over-abundance of movies and com-link chatter, there is a really great game hidden on this DVD. The freedom to explore and ultimately play this game as you see fit within the confines of the parameters of the script is a great feature that offers excellent replay potential.

No one should deny that San Andreas is a great storytelling game. It's just that, between gradually caring less and less about the main characters, and performing many game actions that are nearly identical to those of previous titles in the series, San Andreas could easily begin to wear a bit thin.

The open-ended nature of the game design almost rivals those persistent world games like "EverQuest." You can literally lose yourself in the world of Vice City.

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.

When Rockstar teased fans in 2005 with a video indicating an upcoming PS3 release, fans took notice – sadly, it took nearly five years for the sequel – Red Dead Redemption – to hit the shelves. But believe me, it was worth the wait.

A significant step forward from the original but hardly revolutionizes the genre or even the series. The game starts off playing and looking like the original and slowly evolves into something slightly new and improved.

You can see and do just about everything this game has to offer without ever coming close to finishing it. Only the most diligent racers will have the patience to muddle their way through the entire simulation mode.

Portal 2 may be the best game of 2011. It may be the best game of all-time. It is certainly the best game you can play right now. I loved every moment I spent with Portal 2. I'm even enjoying looking at the game sitting on my shelf knowing how much fun I will have again someday when I revisit Aperture Science, alone or hopefully with a friend who may not have played the game. Portal 2 proves that you don't have to kill things to make a great game and more importantly…science is fun!

When Rockstar teased fans in 2005 with a video indicating an upcoming PS3 release, fans took notice – sadly, it took nearly five years for the sequel – Red Dead Redemption – to hit the shelves. But believe me, it was worth the wait.

Portal 2 may be the best game of 2011. It may be the best game of all-time. It is certainly the best game you can play right now. I loved every moment I spent with Portal 2. I'm even enjoying looking at the game sitting on my shelf knowing how much fun I will have again someday when I revisit Aperture Science, alone or hopefully with a friend who may not have played the game. Portal 2 proves that you don't have to kill things to make a great game and more importantly…science is fun!

They've created a world as much as they've created a game, and it's utterly brilliant. If you've got a computer that can run it, and the ability to manipulate a keyboard and mouse in any way, you owe it to yourself to play Skyrim.

Infinity Ward delivers the "greatest hits" of action movies with references to Cliffhanger, Red Dawn, The Rock, and even Spies Like Us. You're fighting in the arctic one minute and crossing the desert the next, or you might be performing a rescue operation on a terrorist-controlled offshore oil platform or infiltrating a Russian submarine base.

The graphics in DMC are some of the best yet for the PS2. The 3D environments are huge and designed with thousands of polygons, detailed textures, and lit with dynamic light sources that cast real-time shadows and light beams that stream in through windows.

Modern Combat is just about as perfect a game as you can get. It falls short of total perfection only because it really doesn’t evolve the FPS genre in any significant way – not that I know what that might be, but I’d know it if I saw it.

Batman: Arkham City is easily the most immersive superhero game I've played since those open-world Spider-Man games, and quite possibly a contender for Game of the Year.

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.

I absolutely recommend picking up Mass Effect 2 for PS3 today. You won't be disappointed.

What few flaws I can find with the game design are more nuisances than actual bugs and easily overlooked in the grand scheme of things.

A milestone, a legendary achievement in gaming that only comes along once in a very long time. With game quality visuals, and sound design increasing with just about every new title that ships, the fact that Gears of War manages to make such a huge leap forward only emphasizes just how innovative this game truly is.

One of the ultimate RPG’s of our lifetime. It is an experience you won’t soon forget and possibly one that might never end.

Modern Combat is just about as perfect a game as you can get. It falls short of total perfection only because it really doesn’t evolve the FPS genre in any significant way – not that I know what that might be, but I’d know it if I saw it.

There is still a lot of fun to be had with Halo 3, mostly for veterans of the series, just don't try to convince me that this is the end all be all of FPS gaming. Gamers like myself who have already seen and played "the future" will likely dismiss this old-school gameplay and move on to the far more visionary titles that are just around the corner.

It's not very often I can recommend a game with virtually no reservation, but Ninja Gaiden Black is one of those few titles that everyone with an Xbox should at least play and probably own.

With its immersive environment, stunningly beautiful graphics, nonlinear gameplay, and extremely customizable player experience, this game accomplishes more than I have expected in a game and is simply difficult to put down.

Nearly a flawless gameplay experience.

The new camera basically makes Snake Eater a whole new experience, and for those looking to explore Snake’s 8-bit history, you’ll lose yourself for days in the original two Metal Gear games as they make their North American debut.

Infinity Ward delivers the "greatest hits" of action movies with references to Cliffhanger, Red Dawn, The Rock, and even Spies Like Us. You’re fighting in the arctic one minute and crossing the desert the next, or you might be performing a rescue operation on a terrorist-controlled offshore oil platform or infiltrating a Russian submarine base.

Every aspect of the game – from the comprehensible storyline to the updated controls, from the white-knuckle character battles to the lengthy cutscenes – it all exudes a certain air of quality.

The gameplay is fresh and exciting and the interface is flawless. The story has been meticulously crafted and interwoven with intriguing side quests that you are free to complete or ignore. And there lies KOTOR's most valuable feature, total freedom, freedom to go where you want to go, do what you want to do, and let the adventure unfold at your own pace.

Yet another smash hit for Sid Meier and crew, combining deep elements of strategy, with improved graphics, and a stellar soundtrack. Anyone even remotely interested in history, turn-based gaming or anyone who even owns a PC should check this excellent title out.

Building upon the impressive Warhammer engine and tweaking it for historic warfare, Company of Heroes is easily the best strategy game of 2006 and sets the bar extremely high for future RTS titles.

Sam's new moves and gadgets are excellent and tightly integrated into the missions so they aren't there just for the sake of having something new.

Chinatown Wars not only redefines DS gaming, it will very likely redefine GTA when the next installment hits major consoles.

Sometimes the simplest games are the best and Pac-Man Championship Edition DX is one of those rare games that is super-easy to pick-up and play and impossible to put down.

But for now, UT2004 is one of the best, if not the best, tactical FPS games you can play on your PC, either alone or online. With improved gameplay, enhanced AI, and new game modes it’s packed with enough content to keep you entertained for months, and it will take a good solid year to master all the levels and tactical subtleties this game offers.

After my experience with StarCraft II over the last week or so, I can easily say that the sequel was worth the wait. There is more than enough enjoyment to be had on the multiplayer and the potential long-term single player and mod scene.

Cut the Rope HD requires a bit of thought, planning, timing, and even some dexterity. It might even be original enough to give Angry Birds a run for its money.

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

Smashes all of its competitors in the soccer genre and sets a new standard for sports games in general.

Admittedly, it’s not as huge a leap in technology or innovative gameplay over the original that I would have liked to seen, but then again, the original game was already quite close to perfection, even in 1999.

If you've played the first two games you are going to play the third no matter what I or anyone else has to say, and you should, because Mass Effect 3 wraps up the franchise nicely and you need to play it. Everyone else can wait for the deluxe 3-game box set with all the DLC that is sure to come later this year.

And there lies KOTOR’s most valuable feature, total freedom, freedom to go where you want to go, do what you want to do, and let the adventure unfold at your own pace.

While I still prefer "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" to this title, I will say that this is in no way a lesser offering.

One of the most well crafted, and thoroughly developed game worlds made by Blizzard to date. It dazzles, it awes, and it entertains.

The standout feature of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is the expected graphical superiority over its console counterparts. But for the audiophiles, the ability to design and play your own custom radio station is a feature every game needs to have from this point forward, end of story. DEMAND IT!

Blows past its predecessor and annihilates this year’s competition. This is a new standard for soccer and for sports games in general. The new graphics engine not only enhances the details in visuals but actually improves the gameplay mechanics.

Remains a solid, hard-hitting fighting game that requires skillful mastery of it characters and their unique fighting abilities all wrapped up nicely in a next-gen package that no fighting fan will want to miss.

A landmark achievement in game design starting with the addictively fun core gameplay, instinctive controls, then rounding out the package with gorgeous visuals, stunning special effects, and professional sound work.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat is easily the best game in the history of the franchise, at least from a technical standpoint. I didn’t find it nearly as immersive or personally rewarding as I did the previous WWII games where I actually came away having learned something, but that is the risk you take when you abandon history and delve into fiction.

Expect 8-12 hours to unlock the content (on medium) and 8-12 months to master it. By then, it will be time for Guitar Hero III and the insanity can start anew.

A landmark achievement in game design starting with the addictively fun core gameplay, instinctive controls, then rounding out the package with gorgeous visuals, stunning special effects, and professional sound work.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is the perfect symphony of interactive, cinematic, action-adventure; a crowning achievement in game design so amazing I want to replay the entire series from the beginning. This is the adventure of a lifetime and definitely a contender for Game of the Year.

And even if you already own this game on PC or Xbox 360, I daresay the touchscreen interface and just having this game available at any time is worth the double-dip. It's on special sale for $1.99 at the time I write this, so act now before it returns to its regular price of $3.99 (which is still a great price).

I can’t imagine myself ever not playing Rock Band at least for a few hours each week.

If you haven’t yet experienced the Sims phenomenon, the new Deluxe package is a great way to get your feet wet. Guiding your sims through their lives can be a very challenging and rewarding experience. It’s also just plain fun.

Chaos Theory has perhaps brought the series to its finest point, with improved graphics, A.I., more open-ended gameplay and a host of multiplayer additions.

Sure, there are thousands of die-hard Madden fans who will remain in denial and line-up for their copy of "Madden 2005" like the Lemmings they are, but anyone who plays ESPN NFL 2K5 will know the truth after their very first game.

The level of polish in Madden NFL 2003 puts the competition to shame. The few issues that pop up are crushed underfoot by the staggering quality of the game's depth and production values. The most apparent problem - the commentary - can be addressed simply by disabling it.

Rome's campaign mode can be a bit daunting for all but the most hardcore RTS veterans.

If you don't mind the minor annoyance of F.L.U.D.D.'s voice or the occasional insignificant camera problem, you will fall in love with this game.

Remains a solid, hard-hitting fighting game that requires skillful mastery of it characters and their unique fighting abilities all wrapped up nicely in a next-gen package that no fighting fan will want to miss.

The changes that have been made to the FF game system are fresh but still similar enough not to alienate old-time FF fans.

A landmark achievement in game design starting with the addictively fun core gameplay, instinctive controls, then rounding out the package with gorgeous visuals, stunning special effects, and professional sound work.

Lightning does strike twice and Guitar Hero II is 1.21 gigawatts of blazing electric guitar gameplay with a perfect track selection, perfect gameplay, perfect multiplayer, and perfect fun that will start the day you open the game and last until the day you, your PS2, or your guitar dies.

Journey transcends conventional gaming and becomes more of an interactive experience designed to evoke (not force) emotional responses through subtle imagery, sublime music, and the perfect balance of adventure and discovery. It is easily one of the best games I've played this year and one of the top 5 PSN titles of all time.

Perfectly constructed.

In the end, both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus are must-have games for any gamer; from the newbies to the serious collectors. The fact that Sony saw fit to re-release these two epic masterpieces on one disc and at a bargain price, is simply a bonus. Get out and get this colossal pairing before Sony takes them out of print.

It has tougher gameplay, a compelling story and the coolest boss concepts in the series' history. And hey, it has Space Pirates, too!

A near-flawless gameplay experience that not only rivals "Madden" and "Fever" but storms past these two former contenders and into the end zone for a clear and decisive victory.

There is already a steady stream of additional first party content and costumes being released, and thousands of user-created levels ready for gamers' consumption. Add that to the 2.5 million levels from the original LittleBigPlanet, that import seamlessly into LittleBigPlanet 2, and it all adds up to an infinite amount of gameplay that further emphasizes Sony's plan to make LittleBigPlanet a sustainable franchise.

The single best addiction you can play on the PS2 this year... perhaps ever. [Actual score = 11 (or 110), a la "Sinal Tap", but our scale only goes up to 100, so if you need that extra little push over the cliff, just get the game.]

Wrath of the Lich King has all the components necessary to hold the attention of the gaming community for several years to come...or at least until Blizzard decides which game we're going to be playing next.

A gaming masterpiece. Hideo Kojima infuses a game that is a joy to play with an interesting story, great characters, top-notch visuals, immersive sound, and a great sense of humor.

It's hard to beat a classic; it’s even harder when that classic is really good. But sometimes a sequel can make a difference and completely redeem some of its forerunners mistakes.

A great experience but it almost seems like a niche title for those who really like boss fights. As for me, boss fights are generally the least enjoyable part of a title for me.

Crysis is the game of 2007 that will be judged for years to come as how a game should be made.

Not only does this Xbox-exclusive offer blazing action, mind-numbing visuals, and some of the most fluid combat you're likely to see this year, Team Ninja has buried the original three Ninja Gaiden NES games, taunting you to play and replay this game on increasingly difficult skills levels.

In many ways it plays better than the console version when it comes to controls, and the visuals and sound certainly won’t disappoint even the most jaded of gamers.

Though lore fiends may be beating their heads against solid objects thinking about all the new directions The Burning Crusade takes the continuing saga of the World of Warcraft, they really should learn to relax and enjoy what Blizzard has set before them: perhaps the most comprehensive and detailed expansion set ever to be released for an MMORPG.

MLB10 The Show is as close as anyone has come to baseball perfection.

This is easily the most immersive FPS game you can play now, or anytime in the near future.

Much like the real military, Battlefield 2 is not just a game, it’s a way of life.

For gamers who have never played the originals, this is gaming history updated to an impressive level of visual quality that even manages to update the gameplay.

An excellent game and easily the best in the GBA Castlevania series... Put[s] a dramatic spin on the gameplay and the general premise for the story, but it retains just enough of the series to keep veterans happy and newcomers entertained for countless hours.

Annihilates this year’s competition, sparse as it may be, while managing to improve upon last years game in just about every way possible.

This is <I>the</I> online game of 2003 with a single player experience that will be talked about and used to measure all future FPS military games for a long time to come.

There is enough original single-player content to keep you behind the wheel for over a month and the comprehensive Xbox Live support not only complements the solo gameplay but also adds immeasurable value to the multiplayer racing modes.

Because of the included Body Shop utility, the relative ease of creating your own custom content for your Sims makes this game all the more fun.