The extensive training tools will drastically improve the game of any lower-level player who is willing to learn.

Even at full retail, this is an awesome game, loaded with single and multiplayer content.

Doom 3 is more of an experience than a game. I was reminded of those haunted mansions or “dark rides” they have at theme parks.

Adults will want something that feels less childish to play, and kids will want a game that is less demanding in terms of micro-management.

The puzzles are a bit formulaic and the ghosts aren’t as scary as they could be...But if you are looking for a good scare with a sci-fi twist then Echo Night: Beyond fits the bill.

A deceptively cool game in that it hooks you almost immediately with its approachable controls and intuitive building-block combos, not to mention the sheer artistry of the graphics and animation. Then once you are entranced the game gets harder, but by then your skills are more than up for the task.

NFL 2K5 not only has the best gameplay, both in accuracy and pure fun factor, but the entire game is wrapped up in an ESPN presentation that is worthy of being watched on Sunday with a group of friends.

The combat system is totally unique but flounders in some clunky timing issues. The skill strikes are cool but few in number and lose their "wow factor" about six hours into the game.

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.

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

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.

Whether you are looking for a quality arcade race experience, challenging puzzles, an in-depth racetrack design tool, or all of the above, TrackMania is one game you won’t want to miss out on.

Myst Uru: Complete Chronicles is a spectacular adventure, and while I was sad to see the online component fail before I even got to login I am glad to see that Cyan came through and delivered some substantial content that not only enhances the original adventure, but completes the saga.

And even though you might have that sense of familiarity while playing the game, almost every aspect seems original, both in its presentation and its implementation.

A stunning journey, more so in its visual splendor and complex gameplay than its weak narrative, but a journey that every self-proclaimed adventure gamer should experience.

Using the simple control dynamics to soar through a living, breathing, virtual New York City is as much fun and exhilarating as watching it on the big screen.

Action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, romance, combat, exploration; this game has it all, and at times dangerously approaches becoming a simulation. That's just how immersed you will become.

The missions can get repetitive, but there are hundreds of them to take care of. The story mirrors that of the movie, yet it adds in a lot of twists and turns without feeling stilted.

Pool Paradise is the definitive pool simulation for next-gen consoles. While nothing will ever replace the actual art of playing “real” pool, this is as close as it has ever come. The controls are intuitive and the interface is fun and accessible to young and old alike.

Missing: Since January is so innovative it almost seems that the designers are testing the waters for a new genre of games.

Despite its stripped down gameplay, Ground Control finds a perfect balance between action and strategy. The result is a game that will appeal to explosion-addicted gamers and tactics fans alike.

The gameplay remains fun and humorous yet it features all the modes and licensing you would expect from the more serious games including a new serious mode of play.

Out of the box, Söldner is bug-ridden and weak, but in its current patched state the game is a worthy contender in the recent crop of online war game titles. It’s fun, and in my opinion more fun than Joint Ops and even the Battlefield games.

The strength of it lies in the quality of the provided samples and the ability to import more of your own with ordinary music CDs. But that wouldn’t mean much if the interface weren’t so intuitive.

It's a pretty solid wrestling game but if you don't really care about the "legends" you'd probably be better off going with a game from the Smackdown series.

Does a remarkable job of simulating just about every aspect of the IndyCar season and the world famous Indianapolis 500. The car setup, the schedules, the teams, the racers, everything is perfect and you won’t find a more authentic presentation of IndyCar racing on the Xbox.

A scintillating package of retro Capcom goodness; there’s something for everyone to love here, and the low price makes it a killer buy.

About as much fun as playing in traffic. Avoid this game like a speed trap.