The gameplay improvements were a welcome change and the new split screen is an essential new addition to Lego games. However, without the characters or story to hold it up, the game doesn't reach the height of its predecessors.

Compared to the other recent volleyball games, Outlaw Volleyball focuses more on traditional gameplay, leading to probably the best of the bunch.

While it doesn’t have the complexity or depth to compete with the likes of Burnout 3, it easily holds its own in the arcade race arena. Looks like the glory days still have some glory left in ‘em after all.

What the game does, and the sheer amount of what it does, is done with solid mechanics and considerable style. Also, the ability to review previous game/story progress (to keep track of what’s gone on before) is handled well.

A solid game that, on all platforms, performs admirably, draws you into the story, takes itself (and you) seriously, and does the genre proud. It's too thin around the waist to really tangle with the big boys.

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.

Green Day: Rock Band is a respectable game, but you don't need a review to tell you whether you should pick it up or not. If you like Green Day, you don't need to ask any more questions: Go pick up Green Day: Rock Band today.

It's a good thing the game is all about speed, because the framerate is rock steady. The various mountains are bursting with creativity. Rider animations are oddly cartoony and occasionally you'll get snagged on an object, but for the most part the physics make sense and the game looks good.

And it's nice to see the PS2 getting some good material before it's finished... it's how I'd like to be put down, in the end.

Thunder 2002 opens to the rhythms of "Sweet Home Alabama," giving the game a touch of atmospheric country twang and setting the tone for the rest of the game. Get used to it, because it will be heard through most menu screens.

A lackluster second offering when so much more could be done with the Command & Conquer universe, but just see how much damage I do to you if you take it away from me.

If you already own the original and Volume 2, it makes sense to expand your horizons and grab this one, too, if only for the cool multiplayer modes.

If you get a chance to buy it after the inevitable price drop sale in the future, you can't go wrong with Zeno Clash, but at fifteen bucks (and one huge 1.5 GB download), it might be worth holding on to that red pill for later.

Let's hope that Raven Software can put some creativity together and bring forth more of an expansive multiplayer for a possible sequel or download; I would hate to see such potential be forgotten and aged to dust.

The sheer variety of games will entertain most any party for hours on end (or at least until the beer runs out.)

Otogi's somewhat repetitive action is not entirely compelling, but this one is really all about style and looking cool. It might not suck you in, but it should satiate your hunger for both fast-paced action and eye candy.

Little Nightmares 2 succeeds in building on the foundation that the original game laid out. The folks at Tarsier Studios have expanded on the story and lore with new characters and settings, added gameplay mechanics that don’t overcomplicate the action or bloat the pacing, and proven themselves worryingly imaginative when it comes to thinking up dastardly denizens of a perfectly grim world.

Has enough class to disguise the numbers game of golf, and clears enough distance left by its predecessor for an easy lay-up for next year's installment.

The cinematic sequences are easily skipped at the press of a button, and what remains is a tremendously engaging Western romp.

The contrast between your deranged nightmare apartment and the seemingly normal world outside gives it an especially tense feeling of psychological terror and uncertainty.

What is most appealing about Singstar 90s is that the 90s are a familiar decade. Unless you’re playing with your parents, everyone will know about every song on the list.

It's so unique, revolutionary, and positively delightful that it more than makes up for all its shortcomings. And with a built-in level editor and the ability to share levels with others, the challenges are nearly endless.

Dungeons Runners is a solid MMORPG that doesn't try to be more than it is and that anyone with a sense of humor can enjoy.

It's not a whole lot of replay value, but it's something — and for a $10 retro-inspired arcade-style game, that certainly doesn't suck. Or blow.

Rift's potential is what's most impressive about it. Here's a game that's already accomplished more than half of what all those "WoW-killers" ever did, and it's still in its infancy. Does it have its issues? Of course. Would I rather play WoW? Right now, yes I would. But Blizzard's had over seven years to develop its product, and Trion's just getting started.

The tone is sweet but cynical, a refreshing departure from the usually saccharine Muschroom Kingdom. Lots of humor, lots of character, and lots to do.

Armed with a healthy Internet connection, this game will hold at bay the forces of boredom for months. Switch off that connection, though, and witness the biggest turn to the lame side since the new Star Wars movies.

If you’re into the anime series and have coped with some of the more lackluster titles in the franchise, you may want to consider giving this one a shot, and like me, even if you don’t like Naruto, you may want to check it out.