The graphics are slick and I can tell a lot of historical research went into making this game, but I can’t shake the feeling that the Pyro designers are still using muskets while the competition has moved on to assault rifles.

As it stands, X-Blades sports an underdeveloped story, uninspired arena-based level design, and little or no incentive to progress on through the hackneyed storyline.

In the market for a puzzle game that'll really take dedication and time? Stick to Ico and its ilk. Looking for something to unwind with for 20 minutes after a hard day at work? Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge is worth every penny.

Games literally take weeks to complete, and chances are you won’t see how it begins or ends; you will merely be just passing through.

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.

The cutscenes are shockingly brutal, the language is shockingly harsh, and the gameplay is shockingly bad.

Just not a very good game. It's playable, but even in that aspect it has some strikes against it versus other PC games thanks to bad camera work and a frustrating character control scheme.

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

Thanks to solid gameplay, realistic AI, value pricing and especially the unique online features – Host Migration, persistent funds, EyeToy and USB headset support – World Championship Poker can proudly stand near the top of the bargain bin.

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.

The story is predictable to a fault, but with a nice twist ending.

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.

If you liked the predecessor Tenchu games, then you’ll like Tenchu Z, at least a little. FromSoftware and K2 must have obviously not devoted a lot of their resources to this game, though.

Only a small percentage are going to really enjoy all of the overly difficult simulation aspects that go into nailing a successful run in this game.

The game succeeds too well in creating the emptiness of space—I want to feel the emptiness of space, not feel like the game is lacking way too much content.

Unfortunately this game is better suited for the PSP with its widescreen more so than the DS, where it feels crunched.

I really can’t believe that they didn’t include a multiplayer option. The option of competing with other people would have really made this game a whole lot more fun.

For those of you who have heard of the show, but never seen it then this title maybe worth the 30 bucks. For those that have placed the previous title or those not fans of RPGs you should hold off until this title drops $10 dollars or at least rent it first before you buy it.

Barnyard was a surprisingly solid release in the fall of 2006, but this Wii version tries too hard to incorporate the unique Wii controls, and it all ends up falling flat.

If you don't normally play adventure games and feel like going out on a limb there are probably better games to cut your teeth on, but however you spend your money Crystal Key II does offer a unique and pleasant experience.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is a linear action-brawler, and at some basic levels of design no more ambitious than your standard God of War game.

Quality took a backseat to just getting it done in time for the film’s premiere. Our loss.

If, like me, you have a couple of kids, even teens, prancing around the house – go ahead and rent Fairly Odd Parents: Shadow Showdown for a weekend. They’re sure to get a kick out of seeing familiar characters onscreen, even if only for a few minutes. For seasoned adults, the gameplay will prove to be a bit tired, yet strangely addictive.

Vicarious Visions has achieved a nice presentation with Bee Movie, but the watered-down gameplay is sure to wear on experienced gamers. The game is perfect for the younger set, but older gamers might want to look elsewhere.

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

Unless you have some little relative who is just begging and begging and begging and begging you to get this for them then I'd say stay way from it.

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.

Poorly slapped together in some aspects, awkward dialog and delivery noticeably mar Shrek the Third.