For me, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne HD Remaster is worth the premium, if only because I hope it encourages Sega and Atlus to remaster more of their catalogs (Panzer Dragoon Saga, please). However, players who think they’re going to find another Persona here will be disappointed. Nocturne is one of the great traditional JRPGs, but potential buyers should know what they’re getting into before they pull the trigger.

Platformers have technically advanced a lot since the original Psychonauts, though they’ve never really grown up. Despite animated films from the likes of Pixar addressing depression, grief, and even dementia for a younger audience, games rarely explore hard-hitting topics in a way that’s palatable for kids. Psychonauts 2 not only does a terrific job of exploring mental health without the confrontational heaviness of the M-rated The Last of Us 2, while diving in deep enough to warrant lengthy conversations about its themes long after its credits have rolled. While its old-school nature can lead to frustration, I was far too enamored by its characters and their heart-warming empathy for one another to let it dampen my enjoyment of this long-awaited sequel.

Tormented Souls is the successor to classic survival horror. I’ve wanted a new Silent Hill (or classic Resident Evil) game for years, but I’d trade all the drama and disappointment for a fantastic spiritual successor like this any day. Exploring Winterlake Hospital channeled all those feelings of dread and loneliness that made those games special and proves that the format still works. The biggest issues with Tormented Souls seem like they stem more from a problem with budget more than the devs’ ability. With indie games, there are always compromises that have to be made to launch a title, and I think Dual Effect struck the best balance it could here.

The Pitt is a much more fleshed-out expansion than Operation: Anchorage could ever hope to be. Still, its four-or-so-hour campaign does not have as many choices as the original game, making it feel limited in some aspects. However, even after considering these issues, your trip to post-apocalyptic Pittsburgh is worth the ten dollars (or 800 Microsoft Points).

The only real compelling argument for getting into the game now comes from that group of friends who spend hours a day playing, telling you how great it is until you finally give in and join the madness with them.

The lack of online play and the sheer difficulty for newbies keeps it from attaining GR gold, but we're just happy to see it back on the podium where it belongs.

Some purists may still be turned off by the confusing tracks and the "traffic-check" carnage, and there probably isn't enough new here to warrant a buy for those who have already played through Revenge last year, but the engine is running more smoothly than ever, adding another solid racer to the growing 360 garage.

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.

The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition comes highly recommended, whether or not you are a series aficionado like myself, or just a noob pirate.

These minor faults—jerky background characters and a lack of add-on extras for the sake of variety—may seem silly when we're talking about a gorgeous remake of one of the arcade's few luminaries. Still, the lack of renovation below the surface might make the celebration short-lived.

Certainly a big game, but the gang at Pandemic has seen fit to provide even more in the form of unlockable goodies. More weapons, more vehicles and even a few more characters (this is a LucasArts game after all) are tied to the free-standing bounties, extending the game’s already long shelf life.

The bevy of new moves and increased difficulty will surely please fans, though more work could have been done polishing the graphics and smoothing out some of the gameplay quirks. As it is, this is a solid drive to the basket.

Breach shows strong respect for armed combat. The weight, realism, and dry approach to the online shooter genre proves Atomic Games as a developer who takes their first-person shooters seriously. By dealing with its content maturely, Breach proves that sometimes games don't die; they just change shape.

Breach shows strong respect for armed combat. The weight, realism, and dry approach to the online shooter genre proves Atomic Games as a developer who takes their first-person shooters seriously. By dealing with its content maturely, Breach proves that sometimes games don't die; they just change shape.

A snazzy tactical RTS that breathes some life into the genre without necessarily redefining it.

While unadventurous, these recipes go beyond merely competent and are instead really, unbelievably good.

The inclusion of Sylvia doesn't really add much to the sequel. But this kind of thing doesn't come along very often, so embrace Japan's love of nonsense and make this Joe a real American superhero.

All in all, this is a very solid entry for the franchise, with enough new features and assets to please loyal fans and with enough improvements to attract initiates.

It's highly likely that if you spent any energy at all anticipating Pokémon Black and White, you're going to be ridiculously pleased with whichever version you choose. For Pokévirgins who are curious as to what it's all about, this is a fine place to start.

It's highly likely that if you spent any energy at all anticipating Pokémon Black and White, you're going to be ridiculously pleased with whichever version you choose. For Pokévirgins who are curious as to what it's all about, this is a fine place to start.

The storytelling is just one not-so-great addition they’ve made in a series of other great additions, like the spot-on implementation of the Wii controls. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption blossoms into a fun, massive game with a tiny bit of heart, and if this is the high note in the trilogy it is a perfectly agreeable conclusion.

Great, creepy fun. Although weak combat and arcadey features flaw this endeavor, it's simple to play and very immersive with plenty of dark atmosphere, cool magic effects, and more shuffling zombies than you can fit in a mall.

Dungeons' biggest problem is really the up-front investment it requires.

As a singleplayer experience, Bad Company 2 is mostly forgettable, which is a disappointment considering how entertaining the first game’s campaign was. Thankfully the multiplayer features are so polished and well designed that BC2’s shortcomings won’t matter in the slightest.

Does what it sets out to do with aplomb. It’s a larger, more complete game than "BG:DA" and offers enough enhancements to please RPG and action geeks alike.

Simply one of the best DS games released thus far and an easy choice for DS owners griping about the lack of strong software for their tech-heavy handheld.

For all the attention to detail and convincing immersion during the investigation and questioning-the bulk of the main storyline-there are inevitable moments that pull you back out. You'll earn experience as you do well, which pops up on the side of the screen to indicate how close you are to your next rank. There's nothing like virtual points adding to an arbitrary numbered rank to remind you that you're playing a video game.

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

The designers heard everyone say that their favorite part of "Shadows of the Empire" was the first Hoth level, so they made an entire game out of that concept. Not a lot of depth, but a heck of a lot of fun.

Fight Night Round 3 may not have a spotless career, but with such hard hitting graphics and intense Vs. action, we're willing to forgive its foibles and trumpet its unparalleled successes.

For all the attention to detail and convincing immersion during the investigation and questioning-the bulk of the main storyline-there are inevitable moments that pull you back out. You'll earn experience as you do well, which pops up on the side of the screen to indicate how close you are to your next rank. There's nothing like virtual points adding to an arbitrary numbered rank to remind you that you're playing a video game.

Irrespective of these minor interface wobbles, Monster Hunter Tri is undeniably addictive. It has arguably the most up-to-date online mode on the console. And it’s the friendliest to newcomers that the series has ever been.

An action game fan’s wet dream. Despite a derivative structure and a few technical stumbles—like occasional slowdown and frequent screen tearing—Bayonetta takes everything that’s good about every other combo-heavy action game, cranks up the intensity, fine tunes the combat, and bundles it in a single, sexy, “au naturel” package.

While BlazBlue is unabashedly brutal online, there's more than enough offline content to keep beginners busy until they feel skilled enough to brave online play. BlazBlue doesn't apologize for its complexity, but it does make everyone feel welcome.

If Resident Evil 5 is a new flavor of game for the long-running franchise, it's also a strong, spicy one—with occasional chucks of co-op wasabi to goad your inner action hero into fits of running and gunning... albeit, not at the same time.

It's not as groundbreaking as the original, but it's just about as fun.

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

Despite the disappointing Gauntlet mode and its insulting lack of story and patronizing tutorials, Broken Destiny is a great addition to the series because the core gameplay is as solid as ever, which is especially impressive on the small screen.

Uploads a serious dose of style into the FPS scene and is easily recommended to fans of the genre. The subpar AI and annoying platform segments hold it back a little, though the great delivery and lengthy, engrossing Campaign keep it ahead of the curve.

Though the formula for destruction is basically the same, there's enough new material here to please fans of the series and newcomers alike. Who knew this old samurai could cut so deep?

Those few gripes aside, Resistance: Retribution is fairly long, and after getting accustomed to the awkward use of the face buttons as a supplemental stick, it feels pretty damn nice.

From the small screen to the big one (well, your television), God of War: Origins Collection won't disappoint. Though it's just yet another collection, it's hard to argue with two solid titles for $40.

It very easily could be the best game for youngsters I've ever played, and with my nephew I've played a decent number.

If "MVP Baseball 2004" was Alec Baldwin, MVP Baseball 2005 is Daniel – mostly the same, but a little bit sleazier.

But while some will dig the new chaotic maps and aggressive traffic-checking, others may be turned off by the loss of precision and the dependence upon blind chance.

If you're into Tactics, this game is definitely one of the best. It takes more than a fair amount of commitment on the player's part to get absorbed into the intricate, many-layered story and environment, but if you do, you won't be disappointed.

Go buy Silent Hill, pour yourself a strong drink, turn out all the lights, and immerse yourself in the sickness. It's a hell of a lot better than going to see the latest Wes Craven movie.

The good news is that this old friend seems to be trying to change for the better, at least on the 360 (and almost assuredly on the PS3...eventually) and that’s great.

The look, sound and feel of Call of Duty: United Offensive ooze quality and playability. Couple that with the $30 price tag and you wind up with a strong expansion. It might be short, but that should hardly prevent you from enlisting again.

If "MVP Baseball 2004" was Alec Baldwin, MVP Baseball 2005 is Daniel – mostly the same, but a little bit sleazier.

Is it better than NBA 2K3? Well, no, not really, though some of you will find the faster-paced gameplay to be more enticing, and even doubters should check it out for the Freestyle control alone.

One of the best experiences I’ve had with a Wii game since "Super Mario Galaxy."

The new battle system and improved graphics mixed with solid features from the past make for a seriously addictive game. Great for old school vets and newbies alike.

Not everyone may take to the strategic undercurrent, but as it stands, this Pikmin has already fixed its roots deep in my jaded gamer's heart.

This is just a smart, well-made racer. Props to Codemasters for putting out the two best rally games ever. If you like video games and have two opposable thumbs, I recommend that you buy this game.

The only thing missing from the game is a decent story for the single-player mode. I understand that this is a game made for online play, but you get this really great animated opening that kind of lays down a general plot and that’s it.

The Gamecube version of SSX Tricky manages to retain the most important quality of the PS2 version - the fun - despite having a few flaws. This is a very good game, and while it's not quite as polished as the PS2, it's still worth the money for Gamecube owners.

The addictive gameplay, well-rendered graphics (even on an aged system), easy control scheme, innovative cooperative features and tons of replay value make for a winner.

Black Rock has proved the concept, shown what kind of polish they can muster, and given arcade racing fans a reason to get back in the game. The explosions and thrills will certainly last until the inevitable "Split/Second 2" throws a couple of different buildings at us.

The bevy of new moves and increased difficulty will surely please fans, though more work could have been done polishing the graphics and smoothing out some of the gameplay quirks. As it is, this is a solid drive to the basket.

While the PS2 version looks solid and runs smoothly, the Xbox version suffers from ugly framerate issues. Never mind the superior textures - during most plays the framerate will slow down a bit, while on running plays the pace practically drops to 15 fps.

It very easily could be the best game for youngsters I've ever played, and with my nephew I've played a decent number.

Other than a lack of choice with the controls and a little heavy-handedness in the presentation and direction, Metroid: Other M superbly creates a familiar-feeling Metroid experience that really isn't that familiar at all. And don't worry, your thumb will forgive you someday.

With the enhanced Campus Legend content, realistic momentum system, excellent "Get the Jump" mechanic and the tried-and-true core gameplay, this is another championship season from the official alma mater of college football games.

Even though Crackdown 2 feels more like Crackdown 1.5 than a true sequel, there is enough here and enough that has been improved that you will enjoy it just as much as the original, if not even more.

The versus mode breathes some fresh air into his little lungs, but this latest foray has us wondering: can Mario ever truly be new again?

While the control scheme is easy to grasp and intuitive, simple commands on the controller translate into some incredibly complex and violent moves onscreen. The use of one button for general defense adds great realism.

Sure, the Hulk is really just a one trick pony of destruction, but what a satisfying pony ride.

The cutscenes are just as fun to watch as the game is to play.

They did a great job with the sound and voices. The key is that they used enough voice to evoke the right feeling, but not so much that you could hear the always-crappy acting and repeated use of the same five people.

So, yes—the online functionality is a little on the shallow, blunted side compared to that of its next-gen console peers, and there are some offputting load times…but these are minor complaints. There’s so much here in the way of cool details, nifty items and ubiquitous, understated fan service that it’s a little difficult to grade Brawl’s raw gameplay without factoring in the Nintendo-culture saturation factor.

For either system, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is a portable addiction, and while I recommend the PSP version, the DS game is almost as good.

SCIV certainly doesn’t break any new ground, but it continues to do what it does best by providing us with some of the best weapons-based fighting action in town. The character customization is worth the price of admission, and the online game will keep you coming back for more.

This is one of the few games I’ve felt the urge to replay on a harder difficulty, just because those 7 hours were so sweet. Nariko’s time on earth might be cut short prematurely, but she does offer a small taste of the milk of paradise.

A great looking, well-written beast of an RPG, though some of its technical aspects could’ve operated more smoothly. We don’t like the fact that everything feels unorganized, or that we still have to spend so much time with menus, but we love the story and the world and the humongous levels of customization.

The formula from the original series has been transplanted to near perfection and the Ready at Dawn crew has added a few gems that will keep you coming back for more.

An A-list, big budget, mass market, entry level MMORPG. It's simply terrific for a while, and the easiest-to-play massively multiplayer game so far.

Simple, stupid, silly, and easily the most fun I’ve had on the console.

The goal of any superhero game is to make you feel like the hero, and by that standard, Spider-Man 2 is unrivaled. That it also happens to be a fantastic action game is icing on the cake, a true treat for both fans of the webslinger and general gamers alike.

Thanks to its many improvements and additions, Bravo 3 has everything what fans have been loving about the series, and then some.

Smart, stylish, and original, Bully deserves a spot in your class.

It's informative, useful, well thought out, and exhaustive in it's attention to detail.

Yes, fanboys, it's okay to pick this one up. Transformers, Roll Out!

The kind of game that comes along only once in a long while. By pushing the boundaries of gaming, it has secured a warm spot in my jaded reviewers heart.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon is a great entry in the series, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether you’re new to the series or genre or you’re a seasoned FE fan this is a great game. It adds just enough new material without making it too different.

Taking the 2D online brawlers in the marketplace into account, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is easily the friendlier of the bunch in terms of new players jumping in.

About as slick as they come, with a presentation and verve that supercedes cutting-edge. It's a short one, but good things do come in small packages after all.

It does a nice job offering a much cheaper alternative without sacrificing too much quality. It's just a shame that the online play is broken, though I suppose you get what you pay for after all.

The cutscenes are just as fun to watch as the game is to play.

The weapons can get a little overwhelming and frustrating at times, especially when you’re in the lead (and the frankly unfair brutality of the 150cc-class rubber-banding, curse-evoking A.I.), but most of what’s in place, both old and new, still makes for a romping good time, locally or globally.

There are some flaws, including the lack of a local co-op mode, however there is just so much that was done right that you can't help but have a blast. It may not be everything you ever wanted out of a Ghostbusters game, but it's as close as you're going to get to perfection at this point.

This is another fun, solid entry in what’s quickly becoming the most dependable series in handheld gaming. To truly become an unstoppable power, however, it will also have to become the most daring.

The story wasn't much of a story at all. So for all you readers out there that are hoping for a whopper of a tale, I hope you can be satisfied with a mere kid's meal.

No matter how much you tweak it, no matter how realistic you make it, tennis eventually boils down to a game of "Pong."

A terrifying, chilling, disturbing, and in every sense scary psychological horror game.

Disgaea can be on the tough side, and the 'game over' screen will come up often, but with the Item World, the ability to continuously develop new characters from a pool of 150 and characters that can level up in four areas, the advantage is on your side.

If you can get past the difficulty swings, The 3rd Birthday is a surprisingly fun experience. It's pretty; it's easy to dive into (a pun!); and the story is told in such a way that it's easy to follow… especially for a Square-Enix game!

The whole package is very much worth playing through, even if it doesn't do much of anything outright new apart from the genre combination. This is the title, like Retro Game Challenge, that is helping to keep the classics around. And for good reason: everybody should get the chance to play them.