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.