Visually, Bloody Roar Extreme is fine if somewhat boring. It does have a very smooth framerate, but it's readily apparent that these graphics weren't designed with the Xbox originally in mind.

The bad enemy AI, poor enemy variety and extreme linearity makes it hard to want to play any of the levels more than once. In the case of the Banner levels, you won't want to play them at all.

The game is longer, the gameplay is more fun and flowing and the main character is a bit more interesting. The only parts requiring more work are the story, the visual interface and the camera.

Where Rise of Nations really sets itself apart from the pack is with two innovations: territorial control and a big Risk-like macro game.

Just learning the myriad of functions, trying to organize a group and then arranging transportation will easily eat up a couple hours before you've even fired your first live round at a real enemy.

Clearly the weakest baseball offering of the year. However, it's the only one that's online, and playing online can be fun.

The PS2 version is the ugliest, with the Gamecube a close second and the Xbox looking the best, but even the green machine version won't be winning any awards.

It's blatantly obvious that this game isn't quite finished... While it does have its moments and diehard Matrix fans will drool over the extra videos, this game receives the blue pill.

It's blatantly obvious that this game isn't quite finished... While it does have its moments and diehard Matrix fans will drool over the extra videos, this game receives the blue pill.

The game seems geared towards the under 12 crowd, but despite the simplistic controls and goals, Finding Nemo can be a touch hard too quickly in specific areas, such as navigating through the pipe currents or the sliding block puzzles.

Sure, it's got plenty of new items and toys, but unless the majority of your Sims have an interest in a show biz career, this star-studded expansion is somewhat hollow and does little to bring the rosiness back into this old game's cheeks.

You could play this game for years before you really started to feel like you might have seen everything it had to offer. If you can just get past the rough beginning, the difficulty, and the steep learning curve, Eve Online is the biggest game you could possibly hope to play.

The single player is okay, but it's really all about sticking with a friend and coordinating offensives with your fellow teammates over Xbox Live. This one should keep you in the field until "Counter-Strike" and "Halo 2" make their way out of developer boot camp.

Even worse than the graphics is the sound, which is abysmal. I'm not talking about the music, which is an adequate orchestral score. I'm talking about the sound effects, which are the worst I've heard since my Atari 2600 stopped beeping.

Though virtually identical, the three versions of NBA Street Vol. 2 differ when it comes to control. The PS2 is the native platform for the series and hence the most accessible, mapping out the trick moves to the four triggers.

As usual, the Xbox looks the sharpest, with the PS2 and Gamecube just a bit foggier.

A burly single-player, exciting multiplayer and plenty of nifty additions makes for a Hall of Famer in only its second outing.

It has the right elements of speed and control, but it just sticks too close to the mainstays of the genre to carve out a niche. There needs to be more uniqueness to Tube Slider besides the title.

Despite the change in systems, the graphics still aren't great. The monsters look halfway decent (Godzilla 2000 looks the best), but are still weakly textured and suffer from mediocre animations.

That you can only tweak the Ford Focus and drive only as McRae in the Championship mode is a little silly, but the game still kicks ass and is a lot of fun to play. And that's what really counts in my video game drawer.

The story concept and solid gameplay give it a definite edge. While it's not really the caR-PG it sets out to be, there's more than enough here to warrant a try.

There's no way I could recommend buying this wallet draining mutant. While the heart of the character is here, the brain is not.

There's no way I could recommend buying this wallet draining mutant. While the heart of the character is here, the brain is not.

Once the gross novelty wears off, you'll discover that there's not a lot of game underneath, and even Hannibal Lecter would get bored after this many victims.

There's no way I could recommend buying this wallet draining mutant. While the heart of the character is here, the brain is not.

The lack of vehicle specific control and any real customization leaves it a little too light. You find yourself playing through it just to unlock the goodies for the online game.

I have played many city-building games over the years, but this one almost suffers because of its pirate theme, showing you by glaring contrast all the raucous fun that you're missing.

Unfortunately, Def Jam drops the mic again by not providing any sort of Character Creator.

A much better gambling system, improved breeding and hours and hours of racing keeps this one at the head of the pack.

Unfortunately, Def Jam drops the mic again by not providing any sort of Character Creator.

The easy playability, decent graphics and dumb violence are perfect for the young, inexperienced and generally immature gamer. However, the lack of multiple paths, weapon variety and useful shortcuts keep it from satisfying basic kart racing requirements.

Should have been pushed back even further if only to deliver the key online element.

A very average FPS. While the framerate and graphics engine are a big letdown (these are the same folks responsible for the stellar gangster hit "Mafia"), there is surely enough going for it to turn the heads of jungle warfare aficionados and gamers who just crave anything FPS.

Although Auto Modellista does an outstanding job in its visuals and customization, the racing aspect certainly did not get enough attention.

Reminds me of Sony's own "The Getaway" - a game rich in atmosphere with gameplay that doesn't keep up.

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

While the game has some minor pacing and audio problems, the brave new art style, tightly evolved gameplay and humorous story takes the famous series in a bright, new direction.

The level of detail for the urban environments is jaw dropping. Colors are sharp and crisp and the textures are terrific. A ragdoll physics engine serves up some impressive death animations.

May not have as much punch as its predecessors, but it still keeps the Rayman fun alive while adding some new tricks to the mix. A few fixes here and there and the Rayman series can easily get back on track.

Ultimately one of those games whose cinemas are more interesting than the actual gameplay and from a gamer's standpoint, that's never a good thing. If I want to watch a movie, I'll watch a movie - but I came to play.

Unfortunately, some good ideas are handled badly and some basic, necessary rules are strangely ignored, leading to a thoroughly sub-par combatant.

You'll find it almost unplayable thanks to both the worst camera and control in the history of video gaming.

If you're the type who goes for intricate Franchise modes, then you'll probably dig WSB 2K3. The same goes if you like astounding graphics and good gameplay dynamics.

Without the revamped control, some of you might even forget which version of GP you're playing. MotoGP 3 is all about refinement, which is swell, but how about something a little spicier next time?

A great multiplayer trip; it just doesn't have enough to keep the single-player afloat.

The lack of licensing, clear instructions during the tutorials and a few play issues spoil some of WE 6's game, but it still competes nicely with the FIFA kingpin.

After the last ridiculously fast pitch is thrown and the last batter has grounded out, 989's MLB 2004 is probably the most flawed baseball game available for a modern system.

While not the most detailed baseball game around (in fact, this game takes a distinctly reductionist approach to many areas of its play), MVP Baseball 2003 is the most fun and exciting of the recent batch. The new pitching system, quick tempo and cool new mechanics really sets this one apart from the rest.

Improves upon the original through and through. We're happy they got it right.

For implementing a great new pitching system (that blows every other off the plate), taking risks by omitting several deeply rooted clich&#233;s and basically being the first really <I>new</I> baseball game in at least 2 years, MVP Baseball 2003 deserves your attention.

High production values, awesome details and options and generally involving play dynamics made last years' World Series one of the greatest ball games ever, and the minor improvements to this year's game seem to be enough to keep Sega Sports' franchise on top of the pack.

7 weak mini-games do not make for a good game. With only 2 out of the 7 warranting continual play, I'd say that's a pretty pathetic batting average.

You'll be impressed by the graphics. They don't seem as jaw-dropping as they did three years ago, but they have held up nicely and allow for an astonishing number of different ships and other space objects onscreen at the same time, which makes for some very hectic battles.

Tenchu's disjointed mission structure, temperamental camera and disappointing enemy AI will leave new gamers looking for something a bit more polished and sophisticated.

Isn't so much terrible as it is pointless. The success of a stealth-based game relies very heavily on complex AI and interesting moves. Sadly, IGI 2 fails on these fronts.

A port handled as well as this comes up practically as often as a deal like this. Bear in mind, it's still a port, and noticeably aged compared to brand new RPGs. But it's still a terrific game.

What really takes me away from the serious nature of Post Mortem are the shoddy character animations. The characters fidget and jerk in repetitive, awkward ways. It really gets distracting and pulls you out of the narrative. Less movement would be have been far more effective.

Harbinger defines mediocrity.

With both this expansion and its predecessor, Heroes IV expansions only give you more of the same... and charge you $30 for the pleasure. Does that make this a bad game? No, it doesn't, but it is a bad expansion.

While I disagree that the future of RPGs entails such a separation between movie and game elements, the two still propel one another in the best interests of the story.

The developers and testers got so used to this game's ponderous interface and extreme complexity that they lost sight of the average gamer, whose primary goal is to have fun.

Everblue 2 does a nice job of being strange. Unfortunately, it does a poor job of being fun.

Its style and abundance of butt-kicking goodness provide enough fun for the whole ninja clan, though it's a little light on depth for the more hardcore fighters.

Better than average combat through exotic locales is always fun. Just steady that camera, grab your wetsuit and don't eat the monkey brains.

Splinter Cell's gameplay is perfectly adapted to the mouse and keyboard.

The refreshing battle system is worthy of props.

Filled with innumerable challenges, likable characters and a high production value. But beneath the surface, the lightweight story and characters combined with the almost rigidly episodic game flow still hold it back.

Its story concept and great visuals give it a nice boost, but its lack of options and frustrating AI add some unnecessary weight.

It flexes its muscles with artistic creativity, much like "Ico" and even "Rez" before it. But those two were much, much stronger in the gameplay department.

Carried over from the last generation, this fighting game just feels old and fights with no heart whatsoever.

Even though Capcom vs. SNK 2: EO for the Xbox is about as fresh as a two-day old bagel, the online capabilities of the Xbox revive this tired title.

It's a much slower-paced affair than most other recent RTS games like "WarCraft 3" and "Impossible Creatures," but the slower movement makes for a more strategic game.

"Everquest Lite." It's not a bad game and I give it credit for being the first true console MMORPG, but it gets boring to play since you can only go forward.

I disagree with the "improved" character design, feel irked by the hateful camera, and in all, the game has aged in the short time between the PS2 and the Gamecube.

What it has gained in control it has lost in style and pacing.

From the demon rock musician, I-no, to the back broken zombie, Zappa, there is something unmistakably Japanese in the extreme garishness of it all.

Considering it's a port, I would have been much happier if more attention was given to the audio and video.

While technically polished, the artistic vision of the first game has been lost. There's just not enough style or substance to DMC 2.

Succeeds on two fronts: lightweight volleyball action and lighthearted digital chick eye-candy.

Simply aimed too high, and fell short. The basics of the game, like control and fun should have been figured out before anyone tried to make it into a movie.

In a genre full of stinkers and throwaways, the care the developers put into making this game special is notable. While it won't change your life, it's a suitable distraction.

A surprisingly solid game. The numerous missions are hard, but not impossible.

I was expecting a reiteration and that&#146;s what I got, but deep down, I was hoping for more of a rejuvination.

I am simply amazed at how cowardly these creatures become when close to death.

The new feature I found the most interesting is the ability to tax different income brackets.

Even as a shooter, its superior control, astounding visuals and all-around enjoyable gameplay come together for one hell of ride.

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.

The Sims Online is burdened by an intense emphasis on drudgery and an amazing lack of emphasis on fun - unless it's a quick pit stop at a pool table or in front of a TV to juice up your Sim's Fun meter to prepare for more work. That's just a little bit too much like real life for my tastes.

I can't shake the feeling that Star Wars: Bounty Hunter started off as a grand and ambitious project that got pushed out into space before it was ready.

Though Evolution Worlds' tale of Mag and friends can't compete with a more mature RPG, the lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek story and straightforward gameplay can be appreciated for its easy, pick-up-and-play value.

It is not unique or special in any way, shamelessly biting the style of other, more polished titles. Erasing this game from your memory is probably a good idea.

TIR ought to be politely referred to as SIR... Sorta Immersion Racing. Everything works, but it doesn't offer anything that hasn't been done better before.

With a beautiful game engine and elaborate quest system, the game doesn't disappoint.

The biggest hole to the Seablade hull is its frustrating gameplay, coupled with the fact you can only save after each mission, which are not short by any stretch of the imagination.

It's got great lightsaber battles and enough Star Wars action to satisfy even the biggest George Lucas junkie.

The manual actually lists such devastating moves as Punch, Punch, Punch. Or you can top that one with Punch, Punch, Punch, Punch. And even Punch, Punch, Punch, Punch, Punch. (I am not kidding, it's actually in the manual)

The level design and flow of the game grows tiring quickly.

The possibilities for some genuine bounty hunting fun are in there, but too many kinks exist for this particular mercenary to make it to the big time.