The way the story and relationships change depending on your choices will keep you hooked, and warrants at least two play-throughs to see what might have been. However, just be aware that you'll have to put up with some problems.

The way the story and relationships change depending on your choices will keep you hooked, and warrants at least two play-throughs to see what might have been. However, just be aware that you'll have to put up with some problems.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands feels like a slight step backwards from the ambitious tale told a year and a half ago. While it does return to what made the series so strong to begin with, problems with the game's combat and replay value keep it from being the stuff of legend.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands feels like a slight step backwards from the ambitious tale told a year and a half ago. While it does return to what made the series so strong to begin with, problems with the game's combat and replay value keep it from being the stuff of legend.

Even worse, the game's not much fun to play. Each of the six episodes have a series of chapters full of unclear mission objectives; most times, Capcom doesn't give you hints on what to do next, so instead of making progress, you fumble around repeatedly blasting the same monster and/or revisiting the same old areas hoping for some clue, anything, to stand out.

Even worse, the game's not much fun to play. Each of the six episodes have a series of chapters full of unclear mission objectives; most times, Capcom doesn't give you hints on what to do next, so instead of making progress, you fumble around repeatedly blasting the same monster and/or revisiting the same old areas hoping for some clue, anything, to stand out.

Yes, it's cheesy and not the most polished shooter on the market, but it's the perfect rental, a game that'll last through the weekend and dish out plenty of rewards.

Yes, it's cheesy and not the most polished shooter on the market, but it's the perfect rental, a game that'll last through the weekend and dish out plenty of rewards.

A bit disappointing. It was easier to excuse issues with previous DLC because it was free, but at 560 Microsoft Points, we expected more from BioWare; by comparison, Zaeed Massani's mission was far more interesting. However, downloading it won't break the bank, and for the sake of completing the team, it's worth the cash.

If you're a first-person shooter fanatic that's not into micromanagement and just wants to kill things, this is definitely not your game. However, if you're looking for something in the genre that digs a little deeper, this one demands exploration.

Hardcore gamers who grew to love grand adventure games from a decade ago will have a blast. The game mechanics are tired, but there's nostalgic value to it. Fans of the series will also enjoy learning more about the characters. None of this negates the fact, however, that a fresh coat of high definition paint can't mask the fact that the Yakuza series needs to end or change with the times.

Even for $5, we expected more creatures to blast, rooms to explore and weapons to fire. Those glaring omissions make Lost in Nightmares a good, but not great journey into the world of survival horror. Good luck.

Even for $5, we expected more creatures to blast, rooms to explore and weapons to fire. Those glaring omissions make Lost in Nightmares a good, but not great journey into the world of survival horror. Good luck.

The too short campaigns, coupled with the average multiplayer makes it the type of game that you'll play for about a week, sell and then forget about. Had Rebellion tweaked the A.I., added much-needed extras and fleshed out each character's story (with different scenery), this could have been the greatest AVP of all time. For now, we'll have to settle for it being superior to the lackluster films.

The too short campaigns, coupled with the average multiplayer makes it the type of game that you'll play for about a week, sell and then forget about. Had Rebellion tweaked the A.I., added much-needed extras and fleshed out each character's story (with different scenery), this could have been the greatest AVP of all time. For now, we'll have to settle for it being superior to the lackluster films.

So when Level 5 takes these cumbersome elements and drops them into a single game, we end up playing something that feels half-hearted.

MAG is a tough game to review. There's so much keeping it from being a must-own (lack of single-player campaign, visual problems), and yet the multiplayer is really engaging after it opens up the first couple of hours. If you need a combat fix and can't wait for Bad Company 2, this is definitely worth renting.

Its lack of multiplayer (dog fighting could have been sweet) and small hiccups in gameplay and presentation keep it from greatness. On the flip side, does it deserve the relentless beating it's taken from the press? No. It's still a fun science-fiction thrill ride, one worth taking for the sights, sounds and entertaining combat.

Its lack of multiplayer (dog fighting could have been sweet) and small hiccups in gameplay and presentation keep it from greatness. On the flip side, does it deserve the relentless beating it's taken from the press? No. It's still a fun science-fiction thrill ride, one worth taking for the sights, sounds and entertaining combat.

Here's what you will recognize: a convoluted plot involving a missing daughter and rampant, depraved ghosts; frequent switching between the "real" world and a ghastly nightmare realm; and many locked doors with craftily hidden keys.

The new morality system isn't as effective as we had hoped. There are times when you'll make a choice, such as killing a precious white tiger or calling upon a young boy to help you in a firefight. No matter what your decision, they usually end up costing you.

The new morality system isn't as effective as we had hoped. There are times when you'll make a choice, such as killing a precious white tiger or calling upon a young boy to help you in a firefight. No matter what your decision, they usually end up costing you.

Darksiders has an engaging story, beautiful visuals and plenty of badass characters, but THQ/Vigil Games' reliance on tired concepts prevent it from being a must buy.

Darksiders has an engaging story, beautiful visuals and plenty of badass characters, but THQ/Vigil Games' reliance on tired concepts prevent it from being a must buy.

While the Xbox 360's Bayonetta runs smoothly at (mostly) 60 frames per second, Sony's version constantly chugs with slowdown and load times. Even if you're in the middle of a fight, the game will pause for a couple of seconds playing catch-up. For those of you who own Sony's machine, this isn't the end of the world, but it's a shame Sega couldn't get the game to perform the same on both platforms. The Xbox 360 is the obvious choice.

Guitar Hero Van Halen is fun, just not the best in the series. The song selection will keep you and your friends happy (just skip Third Eye Blind) and the options are acceptable. Still, with a little more effort, this could've been on the same level as GH Metallica. The band deserved better.

Guitar Hero Van Halen is fun, just not the best in the series. The song selection will keep you and your friends happy (just skip Third Eye Blind) and the options are acceptable. Still, with a little more effort, this could've been on the same level as GH Metallica. The band deserved better.

Here's what you will recognize: a convoluted plot involving a missing daughter and rampant, depraved ghosts; frequent switching between the "real" world and a ghastly nightmare realm; and many locked doors with craftily hidden keys.

Darkside Chronicles has plenty of teeth-gnashing moments, both out of fear and frustration from missing your shots. However, it's well constructed and fun to play with a friend. If you're tired of Extraction and House of the Dead: Overkill and need fresh meat to blast through, put this at the top of your list. Otherwise, stick with Resident Evil 4.

Sure, the gameplay grew stale sooner than we expected, but it's hard resisting Lego Indiana Jones 2, especially once that familiar theme music kicks in. Just don't expect it to hold your attention for long.

Sure, the gameplay grew stale sooner than we expected, but it's hard resisting Lego Indiana Jones 2, especially once that familiar theme music kicks in. Just don't expect it to hold your attention for long.

A worthwhile pick for fans and those in the mood for a wild brawl. Get some friends together and go ninja crazy.

Scene It? Bright Lights! Big Screen! offers several hours of amusement, but we expected more effort from Screenlife and developer Artificial Mind & Movement.

Scene It? Bright Lights! Big Screen! offers several hours of amusement, but we expected more effort from Screenlife and developer Artificial Mind & Movement.

On top of that, the game looks horrendous, with primitive computer generated cut scenes (hello 1998) and one of the lamest backgrounds we've seen.

While Raging Blast has a likable presentation and lots of options, the stale fighting and infuriating camera are hard to ignore.

While Raging Blast has a likable presentation and lots of options, the stale fighting and infuriating camera are hard to ignore.

As it stands, Modern Warfare Reflex is merely average. The multiplayer is addictive and the control options are varied, but the watered-down graphics and relentless frame rate problems keep it from being a power player. This game has seen better days, two years ago, in fact.

If you haven't played the latest Guitar Hero or are looking for something that all ages of players can get into, it's a respectable choice. However, its mostly flat song list and almost complete lack of anything significantly new may have you feeling a sense of deja vu that can't be shaken.

If you haven't played the latest Guitar Hero or are looking for something that all ages of players can get into, it's a respectable choice. However, its mostly flat song list and almost complete lack of anything significantly new may have you feeling a sense of deja vu that can't be shaken.

If you haven't played the latest Guitar Hero or are looking for something that all ages of players can get into, it's a respectable choice. However, its mostly flat song list and almost complete lack of anything significantly new may have you feeling a sense of deja vu that can't be shaken.

EA's latest Need For Speed effort on Wii would've benefited from online play and several more tracks and cars. As it stands, however, Nitro is an enthralling racing game, with plenty of rubber-burning action for you and your friends.

The sloppy presentation, lack of online multiplayer and way-too-easy controls make this more like a bronze contender than a gold medal champion. Oh well, there's always 2012.

Although the platforming isn't bad, the lack of replay value and small visual problems take away from the overall adventure. However, if you've got kids or you're a fan of Spike Jonze's film, you might be up for some Rumpus.

Although the platforming isn't bad, the lack of replay value and small visual problems take away from the overall adventure. However, if you've got kids or you're a fan of Spike Jonze's film, you might be up for some Rumpus.

The presentation is the best we've seen yet for a PSP racing game, and the controls are surprisingly manageable. Still, the missing online compatibility and extremely limited car store leave this entry feeling above average when it should've been superb.

The gameplay is sometimes clunky, and there's not much replay value, save for a couple of additional modes like Points Count and one-hit kill Golden Bullets. However, with its slick presentation and blood-spilling carnage, Wet is a fun action romp.

The gameplay is sometimes clunky, and there's not much replay value, save for a couple of additional modes like Points Count and one-hit kill Golden Bullets. However, with its slick presentation and blood-spilling carnage, Wet is a fun action romp.

If anything, multiplayer feels tacked on. Ultimately, Wolfenstein is a decent shooter full of explosions, machine guns and plenty of drama. Just don't expect it to wow you.

If anything, multiplayer feels tacked on. Ultimately, Wolfenstein is a decent shooter full of explosions, machine guns and plenty of drama. Just don't expect it to wow you.

Those gripes aside, Fossil Fighters doesn't have what it takes to beat Pokemon, but it's still a cool game for kids who love thunder lizards.

Nevertheless, if it's a good singing game you're after, SingStar Queen says it loud and clear – "We Will Rock You".

So while G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra provides momentary thrills, it's little more than an overpriced and shallow romp through drab looking levels full of idiotic bad guys.

So while G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra provides momentary thrills, it's little more than an overpriced and shallow romp through drab looking levels full of idiotic bad guys.

As it stands, it's just another fighter that tries – and fails – to knock Street Fighter IV off its mighty throne.

As it stands, it's just another fighter that tries – and fails – to knock Street Fighter IV off its mighty throne.

Offers a few hours of decent shooting at $10 less than the average Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 video game.

Offers a few hours of decent shooting at $10 less than the average Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 video game.

What could've been a five-star prospect quickly became a solid backup. Unless you're a college football fanatic, we suggest waiting for Madden NFL 10.

What could've been a five-star prospect quickly became a solid backup. Unless you're a college football fanatic, we suggest waiting for Madden NFL 10.

Thanks to a gripping story, furious gunplay and cool multiplayer, Call of Juarez makes for a smart rental.

Thanks to a gripping story, furious gunplay and cool multiplayer, Call of Juarez makes for a smart rental.

While The Conduit didn't thrill us, we still think it's a solid first effort and one of the Wii's best shooters so far. Just don't expect it to revolutionize anything and you'll enjoy the bug hunt.

It all amounts to a game that'll keep you busy for a few hours, but only because you want to unlock bonus content or score achievement points/trophies. If you're into disposable content and transforming robots, Revenge is a decent rental.

It all amounts to a game that'll keep you busy for a few hours, but only because you want to unlock bonus content or score achievement points/trophies. If you're into disposable content and transforming robots, Revenge is a decent rental.

Dark Legend attractive visuals often force the action to chug, an overabundance of minions makes the game far too easy and at times incompetent artificial intelligence forces you to reissue the same commands to brain dead minions. If you can deal with those issues, then you'll probably enjoy this dark and destructive adventure.

It might be fun with friends, but Let's Tap doesn't have enough meat on its bones to justify its price.

Thanks to excessive fog and pop up, we struggled locating collectibles. As for the upgrade system, there's so much to level up/moves to acquire that we quickly became overwhelmed and abandoned it. In addition, missions eventually grow repetitive, the story failed to hold our interests and cheap computer opponents killed us more times than we care to admit.

Thanks to excessive fog and pop up, we struggled locating collectibles. As for the upgrade system, there's so much to level up/moves to acquire that we quickly became overwhelmed and abandoned it. In addition, missions eventually grow repetitive, the story failed to hold our interests and cheap computer opponents killed us more times than we care to admit.

Some glitches (particularly during the crocodile battle) mar an otherwise satisfying experience, but the designers made up for that with all of the easy achievements and trophies.

Some glitches (particularly during the crocodile battle) mar an otherwise satisfying experience, but the designers made up for that with all of the easy achievements and trophies.

If you dig the swinging and master the controls, you might find this sequel worthy of its legendary name. Other players, however, will discover a linear game banking on a gimmick.

If you dig the swinging and master the controls, you might find this sequel worthy of its legendary name. Other players, however, will discover a linear game banking on a gimmick.

You'll probably enjoy shooting enemies for a little while, and the various power-ups (yes, you can cloak) keep things varied. For $10, D-A-C has its moments. Just don't expect to boldly go where no Star Trek game has gone before.

Play at your own pace and forgive the technical quirks, though, and you'll appreciate this game for what it is.

Play at your own pace and forgive the technical quirks, though, and you'll appreciate this game for what it is.

Despite offering a number of playable mech pilots along with local and online multiplayer modes, the result is an unmotivated rehash that's overdue for an evolution (or extinction).

Despite offering a number of playable mech pilots along with local and online multiplayer modes, the result is an unmotivated rehash that's overdue for an evolution (or extinction).

Despite offering a number of playable mech pilots along with local and online multiplayer modes, the result is an unmotivated rehash that's overdue for an evolution (or extinction).

Ninja Blade's presentation trumps the actual combat. Excessive quick time events result in lots of trial and error, the game chugs along during certain boss fights and monsters have a nasty habit of scoring cheap hits that often put players at a disadvantage.

Ultimately, its poor music and one note gameplay mar the experience, but players in search of something off the wall will probably dig Rhythm Heaven's imaginative design.

Packed with high-speed chases, car combat (you can bump rivals into walls) and ridiculous explosions, the game's still far from perfect. Sloppy looking characters, excessive loading and average on-foot shooting keep it several steps behind the competition. As a rental, however, Wheelman offers some decent thrills.

Packed with high-speed chases, car combat (you can bump rivals into walls) and ridiculous explosions, the game's still far from perfect. Sloppy looking characters, excessive loading and average on-foot shooting keep it several steps behind the competition. As a rental, however, Wheelman offers some decent thrills.

Packed with high-speed chases, car combat (you can bump rivals into walls) and ridiculous explosions, the game's still far from perfect. Sloppy looking characters, excessive loading and average on-foot shooting keep it several steps behind the competition. As a rental, however, Wheelman offers some decent thrills.

While not a deep or especially polished adventure, it'll keep you entertained for a weekend.

While not a deep or especially polished adventure, it'll keep you entertained for a weekend.

While not a deep or especially polished adventure, it'll keep you entertained for a weekend.

Controlling characters is a snap with the Nunchuk's analog stick, and the graphics and sound are as delightful as ever. Mario Power Tennis is mildly enjoyable (especially with three friends), but it needed more love to ace the competition.

There are Achievements and Trophies to unlock, but more levels and characters (no Silk Spectre II) would've made this something to really watch.

There are Achievements and Trophies to unlock, but more levels and characters (no Silk Spectre II) would've made this something to really watch.

Mindlessly shaking the remote gets old and the easy missions pose little challenge, but the storybook presentation, well-animated cut scenes and wealth of hidden items make Sonic and the Black Knight worth a rental.

Bland shooting, idiotic bad guys and an average story left us disappointed. Developer Vicious Cycle should've spent less time making fun of superior shooters and more time making Eat Lead play like one. That's no joke.

Bland shooting, idiotic bad guys and an average story left us disappointed. Developer Vicious Cycle should've spent less time making fun of superior shooters and more time making Eat Lead play like one. That's no joke.

Waggling the Wii Remote to kill zombies never gets old, and the plethora of unconventional weapons (shopping cart, park bench) add lots of variety; and aiming weapons with the remote is much easier than using two analog sticks.

Unless you're a fan, this average RPG has little to offer.

Fun to drive is one thing but racing fans will find issue its plain looking tracks and the cars that feel unrealistic, but Race Pro is worth a test drive for any racer looking for something new.

Hardcore hockey fans might find NHL Arcade too simple, with its lack of official teams, arenas or any kind of tournament mode. However, it's loads of fun against friends, online or off.

Gamers looking to burn $30 on this guilty pleasure should happily indulge.