Revenant Wings offers some fresh gameplay for the mammoth RPG series and while the dominant RTS element may not be for everyone, it’s certainly been simplified a lot to offer a good 30 entertaining hours or so.

Medical students, or those interested in the medical field, will be interested in this rendition of hospital life as opposed to the fictional storyline from Trauma Center. [JPN Import]

At the end of the day Bleach should have been the best fighting game to ever grace a portable, but there's just one major sticking point keeping it away from that goal: the d-pad. [JPN Import]

Blue Dragon's light-hearted charm and role-playing goodness fills a lacking aspect of the Xbox 360's lineup. [JPN Import]

By all means for you SRPG fans out there pick this game up! I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed! I myself have still yet to clear this game and it seems that there will be more than enough volume left to satisfy the casual to the hardcore gamers. This is one game that is worth its weight in gold. [JPN Import]

Beautifully presented with a fairly interesting story and fun cast of characters to interact with but it lacks a bit in terms of gameplay content. [JPN Import]

A fun new experience in the Mana series but sadly, bad AI and path finding really drags down the gameplay. [JPN Import]

A great game with an overwhelming amount of things to do giving you a lot of freedom to explore the little world and follow the main story at your own pace. [JPN Import]

Fans of the past Battle Network series may enjoy the little heightened difficulty. [JPN Import]

With the fairly large number of puzzles that come with Picross DS, the game will keep you occupied for quite some time. But with the addition of Wi-Fi features, you could find yourself picking up the game very often even after completing all puzzles.

It’s a solid if shallow title that lacks in content and difficulty but has a really well implemented engine.

Parappa has aged well, with the storyline and music still as amusing as ever. The simplistic game play is still fun, although the game feels shorter now that it did in its original release, mainly due to all the other rhythm games released since that time offering more content.

Remains a classic refreshment to the way RPGs are played and anyone who has yet to play this should give it a shot. If you already own a previous version of this game, I don’t think the full voice acting and fifty extra illustrations are really enough to justify another copy unless you’re a hardcore fan of Riviera. No matter which version you have, it’s a great replayable RPG to add to your proud collection of games.

It's a console RTS that controls well, looks great, sounds great, and is fun from start to finish. [JPN Import]

Graphically, this game is incredible. Physical attacks cause Pokemon to actually make contact, and Special attacks damage the scenery. The Pokemon themselves are rendered incredibly well, as are the trainers. [JPN Import]

The best playable disaster game you can get (though there isn’t much competition out there). Running through a city while trying to stay warm and alive presents some of the best thrills you can find in on the PS2. It’s not a perfect game by any means, and hopefully they’ll iron out the framerate issues by the time the series goes next-gen, but for those who liked the original or are just looking for a good disaster game, ZZ2 is it. [JPN Import]

It's good to have Sim City available when you’re on the move and if you ever want to go back to the game in the distant future, you don’t have to install the game again and deal with compatibility issues! [JPN Import]

Tenchu fans will definitely not be disappointed. Tenchu Senran is easily the best Tenchu game to date. [JPN Import]

It’s a fun game, no doubts about that. But the lack of good use of the DSs features is disappointing, and I’m sure they could have added use of the touch screen, maybe for power-ups or something. [JPN Import]

Raiden III is a good shmup. Its solid looking, has good bullet patterns/enemies, and the levels are set at just the right level in terms of fun and difficulty (there are also multiple difficulty options available from the start).

One thing that I must warn people about is that this games difficulty level at starting is rather high, with the amount of damage the monsters can do.

So the real fun of the game is when you’re playing as Mario and you tap A to switch dimensions. Dead ends suddenly become open roads as you swap between a flat wall and a paper thin backdrop. This really shows off the great 2D art and kills the 3D presentation. [JPN Import]

A beautiful game to look at with some fun replayable mini games. Don’t expect an epic story, though – just lots and lots of Chocobos! [JPN Import]

If you want a taste of the same old Virtua Tennis or have yet to experience the best Tennis game mechanics ever created, then youll be fine with VT3. Although if youre a veteran of the series this is a rental at best. [JPN Import]

While the graphics fit the Wii version a lot better than the 360 or PS3 versions, the controls aren’t really worth the purchase.

Then - oh, as if Kororinpa hadn't lied to us about how much it has to offer - getting to the first 45 levels unlocks another 45 levels, but they're just the same levels reversed. Not played from back to front, just mirrored. It was about at this point that our heart broke, and we couldn't do anything but weep softly. [JPN Import]

The graphics of GoW II are just as beautiful as ever with some of the best art direction in a game to date.

What’s amazing about the multiplayer portion is the co-op. Not only is it completely unique content, but it mixes the greatness of the single player with the amazing new online competitive mode.

Motorstorm is pretty much the best off-road driving simulation ever to grace a console. The physics are so accurate, yet altered for arcade like effect, and feel so right that the development team must have had at least a couple Physics PhD’s on staff to pull off such a feat. [JPN Import]

Due to a few gameplay hiccups here and there and some rather boring gameplay in other spots Wario doesn’t quite approach greatness. It’s a good fun diversion for those who like the platformer/puzzle/Metroid hybrid but all others can probably skip it. [JPN Import]

Overall Bullet Witch is a bit short at 5-10 hours your first time through but its definitely worth a rental if it comes to your neck of the woods. [JPN Import]

Virtua Fighter 5 is downright incredible. Its a near perfect port from the Arcades and features some of the most engrossing gameplay and visuals ever to grace a home console. [JPN Import]

Sonic Team has taken Sonic, put him on rails, added a ton of variety, and made something that is definitely worth a rental. Some might find it too short to be a purchase, while others may just enjoy playing the levels over and over again with different setups in order to unlock the many goals available.

The title may be a little too story heavy for some (the gameplay/story ratio is about 30/70), but otherwise the game is just what the PSP needed and hopefully a sign of what’s to come in terms of the system’s rpg future. For anyone looking for a great portable rpg, Monster Kingdom is where it’s at. [JPN Import]

Despite its flaws, Gurumin is the best action/platformer on the PSP (though many will still prefer "Daxter" most likely). It’s colorful, has a good battle engine, and nice Indiana Jones type levels for players to make their way through. [JPN Import]

Boktai DS is a fun little ARPG presented in pretty much the same fashion as the previous GBA games but, with the introduction of the new weather and team system, the game has added depth to it. [JPN Import]

Final Fantasy VI Advance may not offer as much as previous re-releases of FF titles in terms of extras but, it's still a classic to play through. [JPN Import]

When heading online you’ll find some much needed variety that wasn’t present in the single player game.

A game that's solid in its foundation, provides a standard rpg tale, and last quite a good length. Yet at the same time it lacks anything to make it distinct, exciting, and something that players should care about. While it is no doubt a technical masterpiece, in the current rpg state of the PS2, where quality rpgs exist in mass, it's tough to recommend Rogue Galaxy. [JPN Import]

When heading online you’ll find some much needed variety that wasn’t present in the single player game.

It's good for a few laughs, and it actually seems slightly better animated than the last two (at least to me, maybe Sam and Max made me crazy). If you liked the first two episodes, you'll love this one, i can assure you of that.

If you like interactive adventure games, noir murder mysteries, and the unique capabilities of the DS then this is a no-brainer purchase.

New 25 man limit dungeons in the end game open up things to most everyone but require a ridiculously expensive flying mount to get to them so there will still be some silly gold grinding when you get to 70.

More of the same courtroom drama so fans shouldn’t be disappointed. [JPN Import]

Minor gripes aside, this is a great game with a lot of innovation and fun to be had. [JPN Import]

From the well planned and executed single player campaign to the never-ending online battles, it’s one of those rare games where you feel like you got every penny’s worth and then some. [JPN Import]

The second episode features a few interesting characters, a fun story and the usual Sam and Max humor.

A solid title that uses the Wiimote and Nunchuk controls extremely well. If you're not in it for the offline 4 player multiplayer, which isnt all that great, or the level building then this is probably a rental. Though, if you want to get perfect rankings on all the levels youll likely want to make it a purchase. [JPN Import]

While there is an interesting mix between mini games and the alchemy system, the game is simply too short and enemies aren’t much of a challenge to beat.

Great characters, original courses, loads of items, and an intuitive control system, what more could you ask for? [JPN Import]

A game that stays true to the Castlevania series. [JPN Import]

It truly is, in my opinion, the best and longest Zelda ever made. With nearly 70 hours of playtime committed and more still to do, I cant think of a better experience or value this holiday season.

A very fun game that has a lot of polish and a lot of sequel potential.

While a classic puzzle game like Tetris allows you to manipulate every block freely, Gunpey tries to limit you too much making the action feel rigid and slow and, the little variation it offers in the form of a few extra modes just doesn’t really make up for it. [JPN Import]

This is without a doubt the most fun DBZ game ever. Not only is it the only DBZ game that really recaptures the feel of the anime, but it is fun to play for DBZ fans and non-fans alike. The Wii controls are amazing when you get past the rough learning curve.

I challenge you to keep a straight face while playing Monkey Boxing... Which is what SMB:BB is all about, delivering a load of insane fun to keep you and your friends happy for hours and hours.

An excellent remake that remains very much true to the original game. [JPN Import]

Take one part classic Call of Duty scripted FPS action, add in two parts improved level design, another one part updated graphics, and just about four parts upgraded multiplayer and you've got the ultimate Call of Duty stew.

Take one part classic Call of Duty scripted FPS action, add in two parts improved level design, another one part updated graphics, and just about four parts upgraded multiplayer and you’ve got the ultimate Call of Duty stew.

When you kill an enemy it doesn't disappear and when you blow up part of the near fully destructible environments the pieces don't go away either. The obvious power of the PS3 and the masterful coding work of the developers let everything stay on screen all the time while never taking a frame hit. This is an incredible accomplishment for a launch game on any system. [JPN Import]

Best of all, the game is portable and gives gamers the chance to sit down and re-experience (or experience for the first time) one of the greatest titles known to man.

All this Action and RPG goodness doesn’t take place in a cell shaded world though as developer Cavia decided that realistic graphics were appropriate this time around. Fans of the series might be put off by this at first but after a while it’s easy to get used to. [JPN Import]

Fans who played through Ridge Racer 6 will have to decide if six new tracks, a new soundtrack, slipstreaming, and car customization makes the game worth buying "again." Regardless, there's no denying that Ridge Racer 7 is a solid, fun arcade racer.

From the amazing experience that is the single player to the well balanced and extremely fun multiplayer to the visuals and beyond Gears is the best game of the year hands down.

The game also has a high level of replayability because everytime you play any of the stages, the shapes and enemies never come out in the same sequence or places. Plus, you can always try to rack up your top score and get a better rank in each of the stages. A must have PSP title with a fun presentation. [JPN Import]

Take one part classic Call of Duty scripted FPS action, add in two parts improved level design, another one part updated graphics, and just about four parts upgraded multiplayer and you’ve got the ultimate Call of Duty stew.

Tony Hawk 8 is an incredible upgrade for the series but at the same time it lacks in some areas. Create-A-Park is gone, Create-A-Skate has been downplayed a lot, some things are a bit too easy, and finally the whole world feels a bit stale.

With a better song list, high quality audio for the most part, expanded and improved modes, and all the fun of the original, Guitar Hero 2 is one of this busy holiday season’s best games.

A really well presented game with entertaining scenarios despite being a port from over a decade ago. RPG players and anyone else who has to yet to play these classics should have a fun time watching the story being played out. However, if you're looking for an RPG with a thorough challenge and interesting battle system, you should probably look else where. [JPN Import]

Despite some iffy controls, as a dungeon-crawler CoM provides a fairly enjoyable way to kill numerous hours on the go. The nice graphics and really nice music help to smooth out a game that otherwise is a little bit stale. [JPN Import]

It’s a flawed great game. The battle system is fast and fun, yet it’s a bit simple and repetitive. The license board provides non-linear character growth, yet there aren’t that many ways to raise the characters. The towns feel alive and outdo anything to date, yet the dungeons feel all too similar and repetitive. [JPN Import]

If you’re looking for an arcade like shooter with an overhead camera and around 6 hours of gameplay then Killzone: Liberation is your ticket.

A great addition to the series for fans and probably a decent rental for most. While things have been upgraded and new elements added on, it’s still NFS and it still gets repetitive and boring after awhile. It’s like EA's "Madden" of racing.

A great addition to the series for fans and probably a decent rental for most. While things have been upgraded and new elements added on, it’s still NFS and it still gets repetitive and boring after awhile. It’s like EA’s "Madden" of racing.

Another GTA added on to and upgraded. If you like GTA then you will like this game. If you’re tired of the series then maybe you should sit this one out.

With next generation touch screen gameplay that works perfectly, an incredibly well created main quest, and a lot of extra Pokemon to catch this is a must for fans of the series and fans of Action RPGs. The use of the DS’ touch screen is unprecedented and has really captured a new form of gameplay. [JPN Import]

From its huge offline game to its infinite online game, you can spend 100s if not 1000s of hours playing. [JPN Import]

Another solid amazing effort in the Marvel Universe.

Another solid amazing effort in the Marvel Universe.

A very fun game that has a lot of polish.

This is an A+ racer with new twists that will keep hardcore racers as well as Tony Hawk fans entertained for many hours both online and offline.

From the beautifully modeled and textured aircraft, to the expansive ground below, everything looks incredible for a PSP game. Explosions look natural, cutscenes are well choreographed, and the anime art looks as good as ever.

The beats are creative and the music will stick in your head for days. [JPN Import]

All in all quite a satisfying experience, although a bit short.

Isn’t it about time we stop judging graphics solely on realism and clarity and take a look at the visual continuity and overall artistic craftsmanship? Extremely skilled artists worked day and night for years to create this world and they definitely succeeded in every way.

One of the major new additions to the series that really sets Double Agent apart from the rest is the branching storyline. Not only is the story eons better than the past games in both presentation and writing, but you actually get to change the course of what happens for better or worse.

An extremely fun game. The gameplay is unique and plays fairly well, the cast is fantastic, and the visuals do the job. It’s filled with the addicting gameplay of the SMT series, yet provides a different enough type of game that it doesn’t feel like more of the same. [JPN Import]

The sound is truly what sets it apart from the rest. From the crazy background sounds you get after some Techniques, to the insanely hilarious dialogue you get in cutscenes, the sound is what kept me going until the end. [JPN Import]

It’s a great collection and with single player objectives and online capabilities it’s one to own.

At a length of about thirty hours, the game may be considered short by epic RPG standards, but it also makes the game that much more replayable. [JPN Import]

It's a lot of fun while it lasts, and if you have the skills required to get the coveted 'no stopping' bonus then there's plenty of mileage to be had out of beating your own high scores and comparing your progress to your friends over Wi-Fi.

A huge rpg (even longer than the first, which was already 60+ hours) that lights up a system nearly deceased at this point in time. [JPN Import]

While its slower adventure game style pacing and low difficulty may throw off a certain crowd, Okami’s charming world with its nice fairy tale story, great gameplay, and incredible graphics will give most an experience likely to be remembered for decades. Okami is truly a remarkable experience. [JPN Import]

There are now a whopping 25 sliders which adjust your mobsters face and body. Looking at all these new features I really whish I would have waited for this one before diving into this epic adventure.

A great game that might not be pushing the DS visually, yet it's filled with great gameplay featuring deep tank battles and fast-paced action sections. No doubt, it will put a smile on your face for the ten hours or so that it lasts. [JPN Import]

Graphically the DS version is only slightly better, but nothing that you will even notice unless you put them side by side. The one crucial advantage that the DS version holds over the GBA one is that it sounds much better. [JPN Import]

Fans of Pokemon who want a different adventure with all the monsters will surely enjoy this product, but so will people who like Dungeon RPGs. [JPN Import]

Fans of the Harvest Moon series will enjoy this game a lot, not only because it's the first for the DS, but because it integrates the best parts of a few of the older games all into one. [JPN Import]