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.

Occasionally sloppy visuals and dialogue can't derail a fantastic, involving role-playing experience. Baldur's Gate veterans should definitely apply.

Despite the lack of online play and songs missing from the set list, Lego Rock Band's happy presentation, enjoyable soundtrack and rockin' gameplay will keep you entertained for quite some time.

Despite the lack of online play and songs missing from the set list, Lego Rock Band's happy presentation, enjoyable soundtrack and rockin' gameplay will keep you entertained for quite some time.

Despite the lack of online play and songs missing from the set list, Lego Rock Band's happy presentation, enjoyable soundtrack and rockin' gameplay will keep you entertained for quite some time.

Dragon Age: Origins is a fulfilling, involving adventure that is worth picking up. The choices you make for your character, along with the twists and turns that follow, will keep you engaged. Furthermore, the controls are well done, even without the standard PC and mouse combination. This is one adventure you'll keep coming back to for months to come.

Dragon Age: Origins is a fulfilling, involving adventure that is worth picking up. The choices you make for your character, along with the twists and turns that follow, will keep you engaged. Furthermore, the controls are well done, even without the standard PC and mouse combination. This is one adventure you'll keep coming back to for months to come.

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 voice acting continues the Grand Theft Auto trend of excellence, even with weirder characters like Yusuf. ("I seem to have forgotten my pants.") The dialogue is excellent, even if it is laced with enough slurs and profanity to make a senator cringe.

Tekken 6 is still a quality fighter, from its straightforward and amusing gameplay to its rich presentation and huge roster. It falls short of Street Fighter IV, but it's still got enough power to knock you on your butt.

Tekken 6 is still a quality fighter, from its straightforward and amusing gameplay to its rich presentation and huge roster. It falls short of Street Fighter IV, but it's still got enough power to knock you on your butt.

DJ Hero is without question Activision's coolest rhythm game. The turntable has its drawbacks (it's a bit small for larger folks), but that soundtrack will give you a new appreciation for music and perhaps satisfy your DJ fantasy. Just don't pass this off as another game with a useless peripheral. It's one of the sweetest, most original games we've played in a long time.

DJ Hero is without question Activision's coolest rhythm game. The turntable has its drawbacks (it's a bit small for larger folks), but that soundtrack will give you a new appreciation for music and perhaps satisfy your DJ fantasy. Just don't pass this off as another game with a useless peripheral. It's one of the sweetest, most original games we've played in a long time.

DJ Hero is without question Activision's coolest rhythm game. The turntable has its drawbacks (it's a bit small for larger folks), but that soundtrack will give you a new appreciation for music and perhaps satisfy your DJ fantasy. Just don't pass this off as another game with a useless peripheral. It's one of the sweetest, most original games we've played in a long time.

DJ Hero is without question Activision's coolest rhythm game. The turntable has its drawbacks (it's a bit small for larger folks), but that soundtrack will give you a new appreciation for music and perhaps satisfy your DJ fantasy. Just don't pass this off as another game with a useless peripheral. It's one of the sweetest, most original games we've played in a long time.

We could nitpick the small things (returning courses, the developers force players to repeatedly race on the same tracks), but none of those issues affect an otherwise incredible racing experience. Forza Motorsport 3 is without question one of the best racers and a surefire contender for 2009 game of the year.

It's a monumental space adventure you shouldn't miss, whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer. Insomniac wraps up the duo's space saga in style. We just hope to see more of them in the future. We can't get enough of these guys.

Borderlands surprised us. We went into the experience expecting a pulse-pounding shooter with fancy cut scenes and lots of drama (no surprise, since we play more FPS on consoles than RPGs), and instead found a slower-moving and tough (but immensely rewarding) slog through a beautiful fantasy world populated by imaginative monsters and more weapons than we know what to do with.

Borderlands surprised us. We went into the experience expecting a pulse-pounding shooter with fancy cut scenes and lots of drama (no surprise, since we play more FPS on consoles than RPGs), and instead found a slower-moving and tough (but immensely rewarding) slog through a beautiful fantasy world populated by imaginative monsters and more weapons than we know what to do with.

Borderlands surprised us. We went into the experience expecting a pulse-pounding shooter with fancy cut scenes and lots of drama (no surprise, since we play more FPS on consoles than RPGs), and instead found a slower-moving and tough (but immensely rewarding) slog through a beautiful fantasy world populated by imaginative monsters and more weapons than we know what to do with.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars has problems, but we're still giving it a hefty thumbs up. The brutal nature of the series remains intact, the new top-down perspective rocks on PSP and there's plenty to do, both on your own and with a friend. Unless the violence offends you, it's a must have game.

There's nothing revolutionary about how it plays, but the likeable characters, rockin' soundtrack and jaw-dropping scenery make it worth experiencing. We certainly hope that Eddie Riggs (and Jack Black along with him) appear in the future sequel.

There's nothing revolutionary about how it plays, but the likeable characters, rockin' soundtrack and jaw-dropping scenery make it worth experiencing. We certainly hope that Eddie Riggs (and Jack Black along with him) appear in the future sequel.

If any game in 2009 deserves a purchase, it is undoubtedly Uncharted 2. But taking a very close look, it isn't perfect.

Another classic series is reborn on Wii with impressive results.

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.

We just wish the designers paid more attention to the controls and did something dramatic with the gameplay. Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes is a below average adventure that's difficult to recommend, even as a rental. We suggest Force pushing it into a galaxy far, far away.

We just wish the designers paid more attention to the controls and did something dramatic with the gameplay. Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes is a below average adventure that's difficult to recommend, even as a rental. We suggest Force pushing it into a galaxy far, far away.

A game that features numerous upgrades guaranteed to please hoops fans who love rainbow threes and rim rattling dunks. On top of that, it has one of the most impressive sounding crowds this side of FIFA 10, and those 20,000 screaming maniacs make all the difference.

A game that features numerous upgrades guaranteed to please hoops fans who love rainbow threes and rim rattling dunks. On top of that, it has one of the most impressive sounding crowds this side of FIFA 10, and those 20,000 screaming maniacs make all the difference.

It's tough to choose between this and NBA Live 10, but in this reviewer's opinion, NBA 2K10 wins at the buzzer.

It's tough to choose between this and NBA Live 10, but in this reviewer's opinion, NBA 2K10 wins at the buzzer.

Whether or not Wii Fit Plus will help you get in tip top condition remains to be seen, but this is an incredibly enjoyable video game for a budget price.

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.

It's short on scares, but the well-written story, graphic dismemberment and drop-in co-op make it the Wii's best shooter.

Even though it has less content than the first two games, we still enjoyed the ride.

It's a decent update featuring more the same.

It's a decent update featuring more the same.

ODST covers a lot of familiar territory. Only two new weapons appear, and a majority of the missions feel similar to ones from previous Halos. Because of this, the game doesn't feel nearly as epic, but it still provides several hours of Covenant stomping fun.

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.

The result is so good that we're declaring it an easy 'Best of' contender for 2009.

Need for Speed: Shift is a wonderful re-imaging of Electronic Arts' classic series and one of 2009's best racing games. The combination of exquisite graphics and hardcore crashing delivers an adrenaline shot to players who drool over squealing tires, burnt rubber and exotic muscle machines.

Need for Speed: Shift is a wonderful re-imaging of Electronic Arts' classic series and one of 2009's best racing games. The combination of exquisite graphics and hardcore crashing delivers an adrenaline shot to players who drool over squealing tires, burnt rubber and exotic muscle machines.

Even though Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 may seem like more of the same, dig a little deeper and you'll reap its rewards. A great storyline, satisfying beat-em-up action, nifty Fusion attacks and a cornucopia of familiar and new characters make this a very friendly Alliance.

Even though Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 may seem like more of the same, dig a little deeper and you'll reap its rewards. A great storyline, satisfying beat-em-up action, nifty Fusion attacks and a cornucopia of familiar and new characters make this a very friendly Alliance.

Scribblenauts stands apart from the usual assortment of puzzle games, thanks to its charming design and wealth of possibilities. Don't let it fly under the radar. Go out and buy a copy right now.

Whoever made this game, did so with tremendous amounts of love. That's what ultimately makes Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story so incredible. It's one of those rare games that received enough time and attention to make it sensational, a real treat for DS/DSi owners.

The Beatles are worth every penny, especially for fans of the Fab Four. This game delivers one of the most phenomenal music experiences, outside of hopping into a time machine and watching them perform live, we're likely to see during this phase of our digital age.

The Beatles are worth every penny, especially for fans of the Fab Four. This game delivers one of the most phenomenal music experiences, outside of hopping into a time machine and watching them perform live, we're likely to see during this phase of our digital age.

The Beatles are worth every penny, especially for fans of the Fab Four. This game delivers one of the most phenomenal music experiences, outside of hopping into a time machine and watching them perform live, we're likely to see during this phase of our digital age.

The best part about Muramasa, though, is the presentation. This Wii effort sports vivid hand-drawn animation, breathtaking locales and a memorable soundtrack. It's without question one of the better games you'll find on the Wii.

All of this combines to form a wonderful racing experience that Colin McRae would be proud of, so pick up Dirt 2, rev some engines and enjoy one of 2009's best.

All of this combines to form a wonderful racing experience that Colin McRae would be proud of, so pick up Dirt 2, rev some engines and enjoy one of 2009's best.

The presentation hasn't changed much and the gameplay still revolves around the same note hitting formula, but if you love music (and who doesn't), you can't afford to miss this latest jam.

Seasoned pros will love the new performance challenges and multiplayer-oriented party games for local and online play. As for the remarkable set list, Activision delivers a mix of old and new, from artists like Iron Maiden, 3 Doors Down and Elton John.

Guitar Hero's fifth installment is easily the most accessible.

The presentation hasn't changed much and the gameplay still revolves around the same note hitting formula, but if you love music (and who doesn't), you can't afford to miss this latest jam.

The result is so good that we're declaring it an easy 'Best of' contender for 2009.

The result is so good that we're declaring it an easy 'Best of' contender for 2009.

If you grew tired of these games years ago, then move along. But if you love Metroid and want to experience the first two adventures with more user friendly controls, happily indulge in this creature blasting, planet hopping trilogy.

Charming and addictive.

Shadow Complex is still 1200 Microsoft Points well spent for a simple shoot-em-up that will keep trigger-happy gamers blasting bad guys for days on end.

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.

If you rarely play online or have a slow Internet connection and hate micro-managing, stop reading now and go buy last year's game instead. If you don't fit into either of those molds, then this will be the most satisfying experience playing virtual sports ever.

If you rarely play online or have a slow Internet connection and hate micro-managing, stop reading now and go buy last year's game instead. If you don't fit into either of those molds, then this will be the most satisfying experience playing virtual sports ever.

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.

The result is a game that looks great, ends well, but at times, leans too heavily on formulaic game mechanics.

The result is a game that looks great, ends well, but at times, leans too heavily on formulaic game mechanics.

With more than double the games and a new level of accuracy, Wii Sports Resort was worth the wait.

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.

Battlefield 1943 is exactly the kind of game we like during these hot months -- not deep enough to play for an entire year (and at $15 a pop, would you expect to?) but definitely entertaining enough to tide you and your friends over until the fall's A-list releases.

Battlefield 1943 is exactly the kind of game we like during these hot months -- not deep enough to play for an entire year (and at $15 a pop, would you expect to?) but definitely entertaining enough to tide you and your friends over until the fall's A-list releases.

Bottom line, The Bigs 2 is everything a sequel should be, a game that adds to the previous edition while retaining its magic. Unless you despise unrealistic and arcade style sports, we highly recommend it.

Bottom line, The Bigs 2 is everything a sequel should be, a game that adds to the previous edition while retaining its magic. Unless you despise unrealistic and arcade style sports, we highly recommend it.

While EA did a poor job fleshing out the story, some of the sound-alikes aren't nearly as good as the film's cast (Snape doesn't even sound close) and a few facial animations look bizarre, but for the most part, Half-Blood Prince is one of the best Harry Potter games we've played.

While EA did a poor job fleshing out the story, some of the sound-alikes aren't nearly as good as the film's cast (Snape doesn't even sound close) and a few facial animations look bizarre, but for the most part, Half-Blood Prince is one of the best Harry Potter games we've played.

While control issues with the Wii Remote add more labor than needed at times, if you're looking to be a little more like Potter, you won't get any closer than this.

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.

The word hardcore works for and against the game. On the positive side, BlazBlue features complex stories for each of its 12 fighters, magnificent art, special moves mapped to the right analog stick and lag free online play with detailed stat tracking. If you love anime, this is an essential purchase. On the negative side, however, BlazBlue's narratives make little sense, characters talk over one another before fights, others have long-winded dialogue and a steep learning curve will frustrate a lot of casual fighting fans hoping to button mash their way to victory; you just can't walk into this game expecting to unleash insane combos ala Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.

The word hardcore works for and against the game. On the positive side, BlazBlue features complex stories for each of its 12 fighters, magnificent art, special moves mapped to the right analog stick and lag free online play with detailed stat tracking. If you love anime, this is an essential purchase. On the negative side, however, BlazBlue's narratives make little sense, characters talk over one another before fights, others have long-winded dialogue and a steep learning curve will frustrate a lot of casual fighting fans hoping to button mash their way to victory; you just can't walk into this game expecting to unleash insane combos ala Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.

The immensely satisfying micro-level gameplay far outweighs the minor difficulty problems in the game -- if you're looking for a new timewaster on the PC, 360 or PS3, definitely give Droplitz a spin.