Certainly engrossing, but it's just not quite fun enough.

Without the maracas, this game turns into a bad version of "Parappa the Rapper." A REALLY bad version.

In its effort to contend with the Rock Band franchise, Guitar Hero World Tour takes several leaps forward, though it falls in some holes already made by the first installment of Rock Band.

Online play could have done wonders for some of the repetition. But if you stick it out, you may be too drunk off the inebriating style and intense action to notice your 20th play-through. Metal Arms: Glitch in the System does what it does very well.

At its best, Rage is the most varied and engaging experience id Software has ever developed. At its worst it feels like mowing the lawn after Saturday morning cartoons. There is so much to love in the wasteland, but quests can feel like they took a back-seat to work on the engine. Games don't have to focus so exclusively on graphics anymore.

I was also a little disappointed that the game didn’t take more advantage of the DS capabilities. For one thing, it barely utilizes the stylus and touch-screen, forcing you to work through the game the old-fashioned way by pushing buttons.

An addictive game that any fan of games like "Animal Crossing" will appreciate. It doesn’t take full advantage of the DS capabilities, but it’s still one of the better games currently available. Look above you for the hovering diamond and give it a shot.

Despite a few rough spots, Nuts and Bolts is a great adventure game that manages to mix the best elements of the Banjo and Kazooie mythos with a fresh take on the series. It's not a game that you can just pick up and play, but for those willing to make the time investment, Nuts and Bolts provides a very rewarding single-player experience. Not to mention, it's also a good value for the money.

The first shock is that this is definitely not the genre you were expecting. The next one comes from playing it and realizing just how well it's done. This is a strategy RPG that rivals the big names in the genre. Unfortunately, there's no prinnies, chocobos, or vibrant spiky hair to seal the deal.

Fans of Mario Party and Fusion Frenzy alike will find no small amount of entertainment here and will thoroughly appreciate the nonexistent barriers to entry. If ever there was a movie game worth picking up to play with friends, Rio is it.

F1 2011 is full of detail but keeps things simple, a solid racing title across the board.

Fans of Mario Party and Fusion Frenzy alike will find no small amount of entertainment here and will thoroughly appreciate the nonexistent barriers to entry. If ever there was a movie game worth picking up to play with friends, Rio is it.

As a basic introduction to the world of fitness, it's hard to go wrong with UFC Personal Trainer. It's the type of game whose potential is based on how much you put into it.

This is not a game for the impatient, and some gamers might find the slow pace and long battles to get a bit boring. But ruling all of Japan should take a while, right?

While it’s not flawless, Pirates! still delivers a lot of replay value and a lot of fun. And for my money, that’s a baarrrrrgain. Ahem.

F1 2011 is full of detail but keeps things simple, a solid racing title across the board.

Coming it at around seven or eight hours, Peter Jackson's King Kong really does feel like a roller-coaster ride through the film, but once you get off, there's not much of a reason to ride it again other than to unlock some extra art and whatnot.

Legends of Wrestlemania does what exactly what you think it should. Despite some repetition and being short on gameplay content and depth, it’s a casual, enjoyable romp through the good ol’ days that put our childhood heroes (and villians) on a pedestal.

A fun game if you decide to play it on anything other than the PS3. It isn't a particularly system demanding title, much like its Telltale brethren, so it runs on a just about any modern day computer. Sure, you'll be missing out on trophy addiction by skipping the PS3 version, but you'll save yourself a lot of frustration.

Left 4 Dead 2 may have lost some of that new zombie smell, but its cooperative play is still among the best.

A very good game that really pushes the envelope is terms of immersion and difficulty.

But while EA has been able to make some improvements to their franchise, they just haven’t done enough to keep up with the ice maniacs over at ESPN.

Most of the sound effects are fine, but the main engine noise sounds a little too high pitched. I know F1 cars run a cool, almost zippy noise, but here, it sounds more like you're driving a high-end Hoover.

There’s plenty in FIFA 2004 to keep you happy until next season, when hopefully we’ll finally able to execute some plays of greater skill and complexity.

[It] would have been much more innovative if it hadn't been kept locked in the attic until "Starcraft" and "Homeworld" had already come out in various iterations.

Though most of its bells and whistles do not hold up to scrutiny very well, the simplicity and depth of the main modes will keep you occupied with more than two hundred unlockable puzzles.

Coming in at 800 Microsoft Points, The Maw is conservative platformer that takes some time-tested ideas and implements them in a fun and easy-going game. Difficulty is not an issue here, and in this case, that's not a bad thing. Enjoy it while it lasts, though, because Maw's stay isn't a very long one.

The ability to explore and choose how you want to approach each obstacle is great, albeit a bit simpler this time around. It’s also much shorter, clocking in at around 15 hours, but again, you can play each level in various ways.

The PS2 version, though graphically inferior, manages to take its act online making it the best of the possible avenues, er, Streets. As unbalanced as the offense and defense are, this game is clearly all about the big offensive play which, in my opinion, is very diggable.

The addition of goals and plenty of different unlockable locations and items does breathe new life into this old game, and slower meters and a more responsive interface lead to a good version of The Sims. However, this game is very similar to the original PS2 version and might not feel filling enough for those who already made that purchase.

A dark, difficult, bloody stealth game that puts fell weapons in the player’s hands, and almost taunts them into action.

While the series is definitely far from its prime, it manages to prove once again that EA and Madden know a good game of football, just not a very new one.

It might look childishly simple, but Super Swing Golf has great control and a ton of courses and content to offer. So many launch titles offer interesting controls and minimal longevity, but this is a club you can swing well into next year.

While the World Tour is interesting with its virtual pet teammate, it can get old and boring.

Grid hits all the basics just right and tops everything off with a shiny, grease-covered bow. With a little more fine-tuning and some added variety, the follow-up could easily be the leader of the arcade racing pack.

While the series is definitely far from its prime, it manages to prove once again that EA and Madden know a good game of football, just not a very new one.

A good deal of dumb fun. Grab a few friends and a case of Labatt's and you've got yourself the perfect rental.

The AI of the game is its most irritating aspect. The computer’s strategy always involves sending small sallies of units to die on your defenses every couple of minutes until you have built up a large enough force to attack and overwhelm them.

Renegade Ops is a fun, if repetitive, vehicular twin-stick shooter that looks great, has a satisfyingly dumb story, and lots of cool explosions. It's a little weak solo, but you could do far worse than spend six hours with a buddy, gleefully blowing things up together.

A cute and entertaining puzzler that will keep you occupied for a while on the cheap.

For better or worse, my sensibilities have changed with the times, and likely, so have yours. But if you’re the type to obsess over increasingly difficult crossword puzzles, Myst IV: Revelation is more than a nod to history - it’s your future.

The addition of goals and plenty of different unlockable locations and items does breathe new life into this old game, and slower meters and a more responsive interface lead to a good version of The Sims. However, this game is very similar to the original PS2 version and might not feel filling enough for those who already made that purchase.

Core fits into the series quite well and makes me curious as to what other old arcade game will be tackled in the inevitable third Bit.Trip game.

Though it struggles a bit as a real-time strategy game, Impossible Creatures makes great strides in unit building and should be commended for its lofty goals.

Pulse-pounding scripted events and great presentation create a nice backdrop for the Pacific theater of operations, but small annoyances such as enemy pop-up and lengthy load times stifle the package.

Though Lost Odyssey won't change your mind about turn-based JRPGs, it fills the void of the genre with a well-paced and pleasing aesthetic, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.

I liked SA2, but it could have been even better. If only they balanced it with a touch more quality in a couple areas in exchange for all the quantity.

Even with the goofy camera, unnecessary cut scenes and mediocre voices, this is probably the best superhero game for the PSX.

Even though Treyarch took Dad’s precious wheels out for a less reckless spin this time around, World at War is still senselessly eating away at Call of Duty’s mileage.

A relatively fresh, stylish new variation on the sneaking man's shooter, and goodness, is it fun.

The only thing inherently disappointing with this game is that... it's the same thing that's been coming out over the past decade-plus.

Creativity covers up many of the imperfections, the artwork in the backdrops is unrivaled in a kids game, and best of all, it's extremely entertaining.

Freestyle control is the same as it ever was, which is a good thing as it still trumps "ESPN" as the better, more responsive control system.

If you want my advice, think of Ultimate Contest as a bandage and tear it off as quickly as possible. Underneath it is a martial-arts fighter of epic proportions sure to satisfy fans and newcomers alike.

A solid racer. There is a slight adjustment period while grasping the concept of racing on snow, but that's the premise here and the physics are really done well.

While the game doesn't bring a lot of new to the table, it certainly removes some wind resistance and delivers another admirable volley of cartoonish violence. Plenty of solid action and good humor make up for its lack of adventure.

Dynasty Warriors Online is a competent, if a little droll, recreation of the longstanding franchise with just as much polish as you would expect from a regular installment. Considering it's free-to-play, that's commendable.

There is simply so much content in Unite, it gets my recommendation sheerly on a bang-for-the-buck basis.

High production values, exciting vehicle sequences and the cool Bond Moments outweigh the tedious shooting bits and subpar stealth modes, leading to a solid use of the license.

There is no lack of creative things you can do with Bon Voyage, and fans will enjoy it. On this vacation all the lifeguards are nice, and there is not a stingray in sight.

Considering its faults and weighing them against the pros, A World of Keflings is still an addictive game with a lot of personality and creativity.

But if you don't expect this sequel to do anything other than continue the same story and gameplay that turned a few heads years ago, Dark Dawn is one of the better RPGs to hit the DS this late in 2010.

A fun ride. It doesn't bring very much new to the table, but it also works just fine and doesn't make you take your shoes off at the security checkpoint.

So what you're essentially paying for in the difference is the graphical polish of the environments, a satisfactory storyline, and clean craftsmanship. If that sounds like a fine deal, then Dungeon Siege III is the right dungeon crawler for you.

Dirt 2 looks great and plays every bit as well as Grid, but loyalists to the Colin McRae series may not appreciate the greatly diminished rally content and simplified tuning controls.

I know that you can't mess with the timeline of the universe, but it would have been nice to see a little more freedom within the layout of the game.

The main problem is that even with the replay value in each level, you probably won't really feel like replaying everything again. Unless you're a true completionist, there's not much of a draw to replaying a level that's essentially the same thing as a number of other stages.

So what you're essentially paying for in the difference is the graphical polish of the environments, a satisfactory storyline, and clean craftsmanship. If that sounds like a fine deal, then Dungeon Siege III is the right dungeon crawler for you.

Heavy Rain is an inspiration board of editorials waiting to be written. It is entertaining without being “fun” and explores the assumptions players make as a spectator and a participant, the extent at which literary drama can interconnect with games, and the uncharted space far beyond mainstream gaming...Even if you come to oppose everything it stands for – and understandably so – Heavy Rain needs to be played.

The main problem is that even with the replay value in each level, you probably won't really feel like replaying everything again. Unless you're a true completionist, there's not much of a draw to replaying a level that's essentially the same thing as a number of other stages.

So what you're essentially paying for in the difference is the graphical polish of the environments, a satisfactory storyline, and clean craftsmanship. If that sounds like a fine deal, then Dungeon Siege III is the right dungeon crawler for you.

Not what it could have been. As a story it's utterly bizarre, as a sequel it's sub-par, but as a stand-alone game it's very good. The simple truth is that regardless of the detractions, killing Nazis will always be fun...always.

Without a doubt, this is the most fun you can have while increasing your typing speed. Zombies make good teachers.

Pure and simple fun.

The rare success of style over substance. It has everything an Austin Powers movie offers, but draws it out over twenty hours instead of two. There are sparks of genuine delight that make you wish the game was balanced better.

The main problem is that even with the replay value in each level, you probably won't really feel like replaying everything again. Unless you're a true completionist, there's not much of a draw to replaying a level that's essentially the same thing as a number of other stages.

Despite its better delivery, though, Major League Baseball 2K5 is not a better baseball game than "MVP 2005." Its offline content is simply not as deep and its play mechanics are broadly inferior.

While EA has been able to make some improvements to their franchise, they just haven’t done enough to keep up with the ice maniacs over at ESPN.

Even on a system where you'd never expect to see the blue streak, there are plenty of classic wide-eyed moments of joy following the heels of the world's fastest, most arrogant hedgehog.

A competent re-imagining of an outrageous spectacle that has been entertaining fans for more than half a century. Gladiatorial machismo is the source material of the game, as it should be; it doesn't need to be more than that.

There are so many great visuals, interesting gameplay moments, and little strokes of genius. It epitomizes how small games can be big experiences.

When all is said and done, Maximo just doesn't provide any staying power. If you've got all four special kisses (you'll have to find out about that for yourself) and pass the game, you'll unlock the art gallery. But since when has art ever been a highlight?

Syberia will return as much as you are willing to invest.

A competent re-imagining of an outrageous spectacle that has been entertaining fans for more than half a century. Gladiatorial machismo is the source material of the game, as it should be; it doesn't need to be more than that.

There are so many great visuals, interesting gameplay moments, and little strokes of genius. It epitomizes how small games can be big experiences.

It gets repetitive pretty quickly. After playing for a few hours, all the games start to feel the same.

In all three console versions (which are identical), A.I. glitches aren't uncommon and the on-foot camera tends to get persnickety. The game looks and plays better while driving.

Streamlines and updates the franchise at the cost of some stiff features and aging presentation.

You won't be thinking so much as grooving - your fingers just race through the key presses on their own.

A unique hybrid of plundered gameplay elements. It doesn't manage to actually improve upon its MMORPG parents, but if you've become tired of space lasers or elf wizards, Burning Sea is easily the most interesting new game in town. In the long run, it will be the complex economy and the faction warfare that will determine the success of this ocean venture.

Streamlines and updates the franchise at the cost of some stiff features and aging presentation.

Exactly what you expect it to be: a solid, offhand reworking of Guitar Hero World Tour with a bunch of Metallica songs.

As you cruise around the city lights, it’s hard not to look forward to a "San Andreas Stories," but in the meantime running drugs and running over pedestrians in Miami is one more crime spree you won’t want to miss.

This year they tried to futz with the gameplay, but the changes are so minute that most veterans will seamlessly transition from last year's game to this one. Whether or not it's worth the green fees depends a great deal on your love of the game, but chances are you've already aced this course.

In the face of "Ghost Recon," Battlefield 2: Modern Combat is by no means the most modern shooter available for the Xbox 360, though its good design and sheer fun still make it a battle to remember.

The most despicable Tekken Tag faux pas is the omission of a last hit slow-motion replay.

While the multiplayer fighting system is flawed, the solid gameplay is largely unchanged and the extra modes add a nice dash of variety.

Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is easily the best Spidey game since the Spider-Man 2 game from '04.