With an extremely realistic presentation, augmented control system, and additional attention paid to the overall gameplay, MVP 2005 could be one of those games baseball fans keep returning to in the upcoming years of exclusive sports games.

Some of the magic wasn’t there this time, whether because KOTOR II is a sequel using a similar engine, thus removing the novelty of the game, or perhaps because Obsidian tried to do too much in the game, and the things that don’t quite work or that were cut out due to time constraints have a negative influence.

Easily one of the best sports titles that have come along recently. The expansive and highly replayable Street Challenge mode can absorb gamers for months, and the level of customization is truly massive.

"King of Fighters 2003" is a great addition to anyone's PS2 library. Just try to pretend it's the only game in its case.

Easily one of the best sports titles that have come along recently. The expansive and highly replayable Street Challenge mode can absorb gamers for months, and the level of customization is truly massive.

Easily one of the best sports titles that have come along recently. The expansive and highly replayable Street Challenge mode can absorb gamers for months, and the level of customization is truly massive.

Yet, even with newly included character classes, new gameplay features and a cleaner online system, the fact still remains that Return To Arms is a title with relatively few advancements within the formula.

An incredible title. Humorous play, engaging action and an interesting plotline coupled with creative game mechanics combine to make a title that worthily upholds the Oddworld franchise.

Technical merits aside, there are a couple of hiccups that complicate the game. The first, and perhaps greatest issue, is why the hell are the deaths censored as much as they are in this game?

While it might not have a lot that players will find in replay value, the story and in-game action, particularly those of the interrogations, makes The Punisher a title that a number of gamers will enjoy.

While it might not have a lot that players will find in replay value, the story and in-game action, particularly those of the interrogations, makes The Punisher a title that a number of gamers will enjoy.

The concept of the game itself (and of the series) is a decent one that’s hampered by a lot of AI and gameplay issues. What’s more, the inclusion of stealth play that is weakly implemented compared to other titles further sheds light on the problems of Black Monday.

Capcom's reinvented the wheel in high style, and while they've traded in their usual attempts at horror in favor of intensely creepy action, the game's better for it.

A historian’s best ticket to replaying some of the biggest what-ifs in the twentieth century. The depth in this game is almost unparalleled but it is a double-edged sword. At times, it can seem like the game is filled with a lot of waiting for production (when you put the game at the fastest speed) and a lot of micromanaging your troops (when you put the game at normal speed).

Although NFL Street 2 has managed to double the number of playable modes available for gamers, the large amount of recycled material and somewhat imbalanced or unnecessary tweaks make Street fail to live up to expectations.

Although NFL Street 2 has managed to double the number of playable modes available for gamers, the large amount of recycled material and somewhat imbalanced or unnecessary tweaks make Street fail to live up to expectations.

Although NFL Street 2 has managed to double the number of playable modes available for gamers, the large amount of recycled material and somewhat imbalanced or unnecessary tweaks make Street fail to live up to expectations.

It’s just that, while I liked Bad Mojo well enough, I didn’t care that much about it, and so the bonus DVD didn’t do all that much for me.

Better than any licensed game has been in months and maybe years. It is at least one of the top games from 2004, superior in my mind to the likes of "Doom 3" or "Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines."

Obsidian ditched the level cap, added randomized items, and made Knights of the Old Republic II a better game in almost every respect than its predecessor. I just wish they'd had the time to iron all the bugs out of the final version.

It's got the same flaws as Painkiller, as well as all its considerable merits.

While the game does address previous game issues and is a worthy successor to the previous title in its own way, it does make you wonder what the game could've been if it'd straddled the line between light and dark.

While the game does address previous game issues and is a worthy successor to the previous title in its own way, it does make you wonder what the game could’ve been if it’d straddled the line between light and dark.

I'm really surprised how poorly Ghost Recon 2 for the PlayStation 2 turned out. Uninspiring level design, terrible squad AI and minimal multiplayer support all contribute to a frustrating and ultimately dull gaming experience.

So don’t be fooled into thinking that Konung 2 might be worthwhile to purchase since it’s only $20. I got it for free, and I hated it. If you’re interested in this type of game, then I’d recommend "Prince of Qin" instead.

While the game does address previous game issues and is a worthy successor to the previous title in its own way, it does make you wonder what the game could've been if it'd straddled the line between light and dark.

Offers up a serving of both what was great and frustrating about old-school gaming. This is likely to divide players, but me? I liked it.

A game where analytically I keep thinking I shouldn’t like it all that much, but then I play it and get absorbed, and I look up and see it’s 4am already. So Pirates! is a fun game to play, but it’s a little bit shallow and repetitive.

Offers up a serving of both what was great and frustrating about old-school gaming. This is likely to divide players, but me? I liked it.

Legacy is sloppy and silly, it doesn’t try to tell a coherent story or develop its characters, and its puzzles aren’t even close to being entertaining enough to make up for the rest of the deficiencies.

Not only is Snake Eater a triumphant return to the PS2, it's perhaps the best installment of the franchise to date. The inclusion of camouflage and greater attention to hand to hand combat via the CQC system are great additions to gameplay.

One of those titles that fans of D&D might wish was a bit deeper and a lot longer. As an action title, it's decently presented, albeit repetitive, and has a creative control scheme, although not fully implemented.

It's a beautiful game with fantastic design and writing that's a little short but delivers boatloads of action in what time you do end up playing.

This isn’t the game you’re looking for unless you are Vampire: The Masquerade obsessed or just completely strung out on buggy RPGs. There’s a lot of nice elements hiding under the hideously overwrought surface, but it’s hard to say that they’re worth digging for.

The five cases that you solve are pretty ordinary, and you spend way more time chasing down false leads than figuring out what happened and why.

A lack of checkpoints, imperfect weapon design and control along with a lack of a story that players will care for makes this the low point for the impressive franchise.

A lack of checkpoints, imperfect weapon design and control along with a lack of a story that players will care for makes this the low point for the impressive franchise.

Bottom line, when it comes to squad-based tactical shooters, it doesn't get much better than this.

A lack of checkpoints, imperfect weapon design and control along with a lack of a story that players will care for makes this the low point for the impressive franchise.

Broadening the racing arenas to include a complete city, the number of race types and vehicles significantly increases the number of things to do in the game. However, the quirks of the world map, lack of visual speed and other gameplay issues keep it from surpassing the original title.

Broadening the racing arenas to include a complete city, the number of race types and vehicles significantly increases the number of things to do in the game. However, the quirks of the world map, lack of visual speed and other gameplay issues keep it from surpassing the original title.

Novice gamers or gamers who don’t really like games where there are objectives (such as fans of "The Sims" or "SimCity") might like Zoo Tycoon 2.

While there's something to be said about the upfront nature of Rumble Roses as a jigglefest, you'd almost hope there was more behind it to make it more of a guilty pleasure than a gimmicky title.

The graphics are buoyed by the exceptional voice acting for the characters in the game.

It's fun, but a shallow fun, based on shallow characters ' maybe the perfect game for the kids from "Clueless" or "The OC."

Were the tracking of physical movement a bit sharper, the length of the game a bit longer or the number of tricks a bit deeper, this would be a phenomenal title.

The idea of including duets in Karaoke Revolution seems like a natural one given the scope of the title itself. Hell, some of the most emotionally engaging or memorable songs are duets. However, the poor execution of the feature, along with the lack of innovation for the title, makes Volume 3 much less appealing than the previous games in the series.

Worth the hype it received? Well, it definitely is worth it for the multiplayer, for the augmented gameplay features and for the vocal delivery by the Hollywood talent in the title. It isn't, however, thanks to the weakly developed storyline, similarity to the original title and the long duration that we'll have to wait through for the continuation of the saga.

It's fun, but a shallow fun, based on shallow characters – maybe the perfect game for the kids from "Clueless" or "The OC."

It's fun, but a shallow fun, based on shallow characters – maybe the perfect game for the kids from "Clueless" or "The OC."

A nice game but not a great one. It’s slow-paced and thoughtful, it looks nice and it’s polished, and while it has some problems here and there, none of them are major. It’s just that nothing about the game made me say "wow!"

It's no longer the de facto title out there. I still came away enjoying my time with Pacific Assault immensely.

A phenomenal game.

This disregard for some details feels somewhat connected to the lack of full story development as well.

The balance in the game is a little off (I lost count of the number of times I had to load before I finally beat the end boss), and things are a little bit sloppy (I don’t think one sentence of the spoken dialogue actually matches the subtitles).

And so am I recommending Return to Mysterious Island? You bet. In a year that has been lacking in adventures and role-playing games -- the two genres I typically review -- Return to Mysterious Island is more than a welcome find, and, along with "Syberia II," is one of the best adventure games of the year.

Isuka would've made a great 3D brawler in the tradition of "Power Stone," or a cool two-on-two team game like "X-Men vs. Street Fighter," but in its current state, it's just not much fun at all.

If you liked the movie, you'll probably like the game, as it's a near-perfect blend of classic gameplay with the production values and design of the film.

If you liked the movie, you'll probably like the game, as it's a near-perfect blend of classic gameplay with the production values and design of the film.

If you liked the movie, you'll probably like the game, as it's a near-perfect blend of classic gameplay with the production values and design of the film.

A solid game but it doesn’t really do anything new or unexpected other than exceed as an actual good Vietnam game.

It’s quite tricky to evaluate this rendition of the Bard’s Tale compared to the older titles in Fargo’s legendary series. This is particularly true when you consider that this Bard would’ve skewered it with his wit.

Thanks to the sheer level of detail and the amount of gameplay you'll be able to engage in during C.J.'s adventures, San Andreas surpasses just about any game that’s come along in the PS2’s history.

There’s also something terribly wrong with the sound in RollerCoaster Tycoon 3.

Peripheral issues aside, Taiko Drum Master is probably one of the first rhythm games in a while to actually provide some amount of creativity to the genre.

It has the best online play of any fighting title on the market. If you dig fighting, you'll really like Dead or Alive Ultimate.

RPG fans that are interested in a good laugh at their favorite genre's expense will probably dig this title, flaws and all.

Easy to pick up controls, an interesting story line and plenty of fast paced action will feed any adrenaline or action junkie’s desires.

It's a great rental for a slow weekend, and a decent gift for a kid. If you're older, though, Ape Escape: Pumped & Primed will seriously try your patience.

A polished and relentless action game with some of the craziest levels in this console generation.

It switches out the series's usual pistols for fully automatic firepower, but its biggest mistake is in replacing previous games' lunatic action setpieces with simple destruction for destruction's sake.

Really, when all is said and done, if there was a way to just play the arcade version of TMNT without having to play through most of Battle Nexus first, then at least it would be worth it in a bargain bin.

A decent story, coupled with impressive graphics and extremely solid voice acting combine to deliver the best Vietnam game yet.

Really, when all is said and done, if there was a way to just play the arcade version of TMNT without having to play through most of Battle Nexus first, then at least it would be worth it in a bargain bin.

Really, when all is said and done, if there was a way to just play the arcade version of TMNT without having to play through most of Battle Nexus first, then at least it would be worth it in a bargain bin.

It was silly in all the right ways, and the graphics and the voice acting got the job done. So if you like strange but straightforward adventures, then you might enjoy Atlantis Evolution.

In the end, if you really like online CTF style play or a good single player FPS then you can’t do much better than Tribes: Vengeance.

One of the few things that can be said about BloodRayne 2 is that it’s a nice looking title. The character model for Rayne looks extremely detailed, as do the character models for some of the main enemies.

Initially fun, but it wears out its welcome pretty quickly.

It is unfortunate there isn't a free campaign mode in this game like Rome: Total War or any of the Total War series. Such a feature would have taken this title to the next level and mitigated the shortcomings of an overly rigid single player campaign and a reduced multiplayer component. Still, it is one of a kind.

One of the few things that can be said about BloodRayne 2 is that it's a nice looking title. The character model for Rayne looks extremely detailed, as do the character models for some of the main enemies.

The inclusion of nearly perfect emulations of "Mortal Kombat 2" and "3" alone make this collection worth it for any fighting fan.

The inclusion of nearly perfect emulations of "Mortal Kombat 2" and "3" alone make this collection worth it for any fighting fan.

The inclusion of nearly perfect emulations of "Mortal Kombat 2" and "3" alone make this collection worth it for any fighting fan.

Simplistic gameplay aside, the game is honestly funny when it’s not being too lowbrow. Well, even when it’s lowbrow there are still quite a few amusing moments.

Only buy it if this sort of game overly appeals to you, or if you’re a guy and naked computer women turn you on.

Simplistic gameplay aside, the game is honestly funny when it’s not being too lowbrow. Well, even when it’s lowbrow there are still quite a few amusing moments.

The puzzles are still really easy, and they still only account for maybe 10% of the game’s playing time.

There are some great elements and firefight sequences in Conflict: Vietnam but you just don't see them enough. And when you do, it's sometimes offset by other factors that ultimately mire Conflict: Vietnam's better traits into gameplay quagmire. Instead of an exciting battle, you find yourself slogging through the game.

Simplistic gameplay aside, the game is honestly funny when it's not being too lowbrow. Well, even when it's lowbrow there are still quite a few amusing moments.

The included game modes expands the replayability for Deception significantly, and the stability of online play will guarantee that this title will stay in consoles for a long, long time.

The lack of attention to the pure mechanics that attracted so many players to the series is a significant detraction to the game, as are the limitations placed on some of the game modes and the overemphasis on acting crazy.

The lack of attention to the pure mechanics that attracted so many players to the series is a significant detraction to the game, as are the limitations placed on some of the game modes and the overemphasis on acting crazy.

An impressive addition to the Mortal Kombat Universe, one that handily picks up where "Deadly Alliance" left off. The included game modes expands the replayability for Deception significantly, and the stability of online play will guarantee that this title will stay in consoles for a long, long time.

The lack of attention to the pure mechanics that attracted so many players to the series is a significant detraction to the game, as are the limitations placed on some of the game modes and the overemphasis on acting crazy.

The lack of attention to the pure mechanics that attracted so many players to the series is a significant detraction to the game, as are the limitations placed on some of the game modes and the overemphasis on acting crazy.

Revistronic missed all sorts of opportunities for humor in the game, and so Wanted ends up being pleasant and occasionally funny, but it’s hardly a knee-slapper.

Timing and game issues aside, Evil Genius is one of those great strategy games that will appeal not only to strategy fans, but to players who like operating on the wrong side of the law in their games.