It takes a while to get started, and the story has some faults, but the game packs wall-to-wall action, realistic tactical maneuvers and a superb presentation that even outshines "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter."

While it lacks large amount of modes and options, the ones provided will keep you punching for hours. In addition, online play is excellent, with very little lag.

An immensely entertaining shooter that demands your attention. Single player doesn't measure up to multiplayer (a potential deal breaker for the loners of the world), but taken as a whole, this is a gun firing, tank crushing good time.

An immensely entertaining shooter that demands your attention. Single player doesn't measure up to multiplayer (a potential deal breaker for the loners of the world), but taken as a whole, this is a gun firing, tank crushing good time.

It's a convoluted story, but with intriguing characters, inspiring visuals and a stellar soundtrack, it's a journey worth your time.

It is without question one of the most intense experiences on a console. However, its faults (poor design choices, really) keep it from being triple A.

The original PSOne game finds a new home on the PSP, sporting some new features that enhance the already incredibly deep tactical role-playing game, but at the same time retaining some of the flaws.

There are still some strange artificial intelligence quirks in both the turn-based and real-time aspects of the game, and it appears that the Total War franchise is starting to steer away from more casual players who would prefer a little less realism in their game. Still, Medieval II presents a great challenge.

Much of it looks and feels familiar, but 2K Games proved that there is a whole other side of Rapture worth exploring, as well as new and interesting stories to tell. Gripping, wondrous and at times horrifying, it's a superb effort that opens the door for perhaps another game, but don't worry about that. For now, put on that Big Daddy helmet and pay this phenomenal city a visit.

Hilarious and addictive.

Paradise has its frustrations, such as the lack of a Crash mode (Showtime just can't compete) and the inability to instantly restart an event you recently lost.

The Flashback feature is a splendid addition, which allows you to reverse time for a few seconds, despite having to use it sparingly.

While it lacks large amount of modes and options, the ones provided will keep you punching for hours. In addition, online play is excellent, with very little lag.

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.

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.

Incredibly accessible thanks to an ample introductory section of the game which teaches new players the ins and outs of the genre.

Although the game is challenging, it's not so tough that winning seems completely out of reach for novice drivers, which makes this racing game worth having.

A beautiful and bloodthirsty representation of boxing, as well as a superb visual showpiece for either console.

Sins of a Solar Empire combines the depth of traditional turn-based games like Civilization with the action of real-time strategy (RTS) games like Command & Conquer. The result is a rich and highly detailed game that pleases fans of both types of strategy.

It's undoubtedly hard, but looks, sounds and plays wonderfully, both alone and online through Xbox Live. Download this baby immediately.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a wonderful video game, but its designers drew upon 24 years of familiarity to produce an experience that makes us smile one moment and shrug the next.

The Americanized version has lost something in translation, but for those who don't know any better; Elite Beat Agents delivers a fresh portable gaming experience with far-reaching appeal.

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.

Dated technology aside, Bully's a fresh breath of air in a stagnating game market -- complete with cool art direction, a great soundtrack, a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and a gameplay mechanic that's new, yet familiar to anyone who's played any of the 'Grand Theft Auto' games.

The PSP's inability to match the functionality of the PlayStation 2's Dual Shock controller causes some problems and the degree of control accomplished by developer Kojima Productions under the circumstances speaks volumes of their expertise, but the results aren't perfect.

The puzzle design is fantastic, though it leans a bit on trial-and-error. The graphics are vibrant, even if the heroes don't have a memorable spark. The game has long-term replayability too, with a neat little co-op game and hidden treasures to uncover. No Wii owner should miss this.

We also have mixed feelings about the Spirit Flute, a musical instrument that, when played, reveals secrets. To do this, you'll blow into the DS microphone. While a novel idea, you look ridiculous doing it, on par with playing a game on Wii. We get what Nintendo wanted to do, but there was probably a better way to accomplish that, instead of having players spit all over their systems.

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.

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.

Everything you know and love from the classic NES Bionic game is back, including challenging level design, tons of shoot-em-up action and a bionic arm that requires some strategy to utilize.

While not a true sequel (Sony pulled its eight tracks, modes and vehicles from its WipEout Pure and Pulse PSP games), it feels fresh and exciting because of the gorgeous high-definition graphics, which run in 1080p and at a blazing 60 frames per second.

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.

With upgraded graphics, exclusive campaign chapters and a handful of new multiplayer features (handled through Games for Windows Live), Gears of War is a very desirable shooter.

Nathan Hale's lack of personality makes him impossible to like, while trial by death game design forces you to learn the hard way. Enemies have a bad habit of zeroing in on you and ignoring your computer controlled teammates, and the inability to play the single player campaign alongside a friend makes no sense. Despite these flaws and omissions, however, Resistance 2 is still a fun ride.

The tilting gameplay is both surprisingly simple yet elegant, letting you achieve goals at your own pace without frustration.

A fast-paced game that will keep you glued to your screen as you purge the planet of alien invaders.

The driving is an excellent blend of high-speed antics and risk, as one crash can quickly end your run.

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.

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.

Even though the PC version runs faster, Unreal Tournament III for the PlayStation 3 is an outstanding first-person shooter. All of Tournament's frenetic action stays intact, both in the jam-packed single player campaign and numerous multiplayer modes. The graphics explode onto the screen with little loss in detail.

With expansive lands and quests, the Shivering Isles brings forth a landscape that adds further dimension to the already impressive world of Oblivion. Players can find much sadistic joy in going mad.

Supreme Commander makes everything as big as possible, from base-ending nuclear weapons, to larger-than-life experimental units destroying everything in their path.

A beautiful and bloodthirsty representation of boxing, as well as a superb visual showpiece for either console.

Whether you enjoy role-playing games or simply crave a more mature experience, this patched up $39.99 version of the Witcher is bound to please.

It looks great, it sounds great and it plays great, and it won't feel like something you've played before. Try it.

Full of creative weapons, the uneasy chaos of battle and some scary moments, this part-military, part-sci-fi shooter's single player campaign will keep discerning gamers busy with multiple difficulty levels and unlockable weaponry.

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.

Thanks to a scorching set list (over 45 songs to choose from), the inclusion of a new Expert Plus mode and a bass drum track that's so difficult that two drum pedals are nearly required, players can skip their Wii Fit regime for a real rock workout that will mak 'em sweat.

With loads of challenge, stylistic visuals and a catchy if not minimalist soundtrack, Patapon succeeds in creating something wonderful.

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.

The Sims 3 faced an daunting task to live up to the franchise's legacy and yet still deliver a new kind of experience to satiate the desires of any Sims fan.

Online play and additional challengers (Disco Kid is the only new character) would've made this even better, but Punch-Out!! is still a fun and nostalgia driven arcade style boxing game that every Wii owner should play.

The gameplay is satisfying, the Music Studio and Mii Freestyle mode are wondrous addition, the song list is sweet and the presentation isn't bad.

The gameplay works great, although gamers will be more comfortable with the traditional control scheme rather than using the stylus. Everyone needs to join this League.

An innovative traits and title system, unique social-networking -- like an in-game music system and player-driven Wiki -- and the rich storylines and subplots that stay true to the source material easily make this name-brand role-player a hot contender for PC game of the year.

While some of the missions frustrate thanks to the clunky GTA controls, the game's sense of style, the 100-plus-song soundtrack and knee-slapping sense of humor make Vice City Stories a nice place to (re)visit.

Ubisoft and Red Storm Entertainment concocted a short yet satisfying single player campaign full of action, weapons and cool vehicles. It ends much too quickly, but the game's robust multiplayer component more than makes up for that, thanks to 16 player support, new maps, weapons and deep customization.

Some more intricate skateboarding tricks would've been nice (such as reverts and lip tricks) and the city could've used some expansion. Those aside, Skate avoids the bail and lands stylishly on its wheels.

Long-time fans shouldn't miss it.

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.

While we appreciate the new star power, the new too-difficult two-player Battle mode fails to impress and the new guitar, while sturdy and reliable, feels small in comparison to Rock Band's more realistic axe. Regardless, Guitar Hero still has that addictive quality. Combine that with an excellent soundtrack and online play, this mock rock simulator will have you jamming for months.

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.

The lack of rumble and Xbox specific achievements blows, but overall, PS3 owners will have fun with this intense and attractive shooter.

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.

We dislike the PlayStation 3's choppy frame rate (the Xbox 360 version moves faster), but overall, EA delivers an addictive game of hockey that'll keep you entertained for months.

With expansive lands and quests, the Shivering Isles brings forth a landscape that adds further dimension to the already impressive world of Oblivion. Players can find much sadistic joy in going mad.

The two-character system is magnificent and very easy to get into, and the presentation makes proper use of the DS.

Ubisoft took quite a few gambles and not all of them paid off, resulting in a gripping thriller with a few potentially bothersome missteps. If you don't mind a little Jack Bauer/Jason Bourne with your Sam Fisher, you'll enjoy the ride.

We just wish it had the graphical punch that Project Gotham 3 had when it debuted in 2005. With that said, PGR4 still looks gorgeous, and with so many features including the new Geometry Wars: Waves, you'll play it for months.

EA did a superb job, and you need to play this game, whether you appreciate the sport or despise it.

This is easily one of the finest sport recreations we've seen, as it nails the experience. The online fight camps and Create-a-Fighter modes will keep you busy well through the next several pay-per-view events, and the presentation is second-to-none.

A couple of the newer additions don't work as well as they should, such as the unbalanced Madden Test and the cheat-happy EA Rewind. Others, though, are spectacular, such as the Virtual Training Center and the new Online League play.

While we appreciate the new star power, the new too-difficult two-player Battle mode fails to impress and the new guitar, while sturdy and reliable, feels small in comparison to Rock Band's more realistic axe. Regardless, Guitar Hero still has that addictive quality. Combine that with an excellent soundtrack and online play, this mock rock simulator will have you jamming for months.

Aside from online registration issues and the way-too-simplified Wii remote control set-up, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom is easily one of the best beat-em-ups we've played. Bring on a sequel.

Its career mode, Road to the Show 2.0 will keep you busy for months, while additions to offline and online modes greatly enhance the game's replay value. It's so good, you'll play it right up to next year's edition.

Although the single-player quests might invoke a sense of deja vu, Pokemon enthusiasts will love the brand new story and other small tweaks added to the game. The new online battles, however, make this a Pokemon essential for anyone's -- fanboy or not -- DS collection.

I'm also a bit disappointed with the AI, which isn't nearly as sophisticated as Ubisoft has claimed. However, the game offers up plenty of intense thrills. This is by far the most diverse collection of missions ever seen in a Splinter Cell title.

Ultimately, the lack of mission variety cost Red Faction a higher score, but it's still an explosively fun time.

Some of the missions prove incredibly difficult, especially when players need to defend a position against overwhelming odds, but the fast-paced battles and great multiplayer features make it all worthwhile.

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.

The drum set takes a while to get used to, setting up an online match is complicated and there are several repeat tracks from Rock Band 2. However, the gameplay is satisfying, the Music Studio is a wondrous addition, the song list is sweet and the presentation isn't bad.

The throttling gameplay, gorgeous presentation and sweet multiplayer options make it a ride you cannot miss.

Much like the original, LocoRoco 2 is too easy to beat and Sony reused a lot of the same artwork and music, but there's no denying this game's charm and budget friendly $19.99 price.

Punishing artificial intelligence, unbalanced online play and annoying lag will have you chucking your controller. Those small issues aside, Soulcalibur IV is razor sharp.

Punishing artificial intelligence, unbalanced online play and annoying lag will have you chucking your controller. Those small issues aside, Soulcalibur IV is razor sharp.

This well-rounded, gorgeous game delivers on all fronts with scarcely a problem in sight. With superb and precise controls, Logan's Shadow provides gamers with an intriguing story, a variety of environments and all the tactical gunplay they can handle.

Options like the hotseat multiplayer turn out being a massive waste of time. Lastly, the expansion doesn't integrate very well with Medieval II, with each campaign operating like a stand-alone, multi-part, Total War scenario.

Call of Duty: World At War needs better character development and more "oh my God" moments. However, it's still a terrific first-person shooter. The combat is tight, the presentation shines and the multiplayer, particularly Nazi Zombie mode and co-op campaign, will keep you blasting enemy soldiers for weeks.

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.

Its visuals, gameplay and intricacy make it the best downloadable shooter available since "Geometry Wars: Evolved" – end of story.

Looks a lot more exciting than it actually is. Nintendo fans will revel in the 2-D-meets-3-D world of Mario and company, and the recent drought of good Wii games makes this a welcome addition to any library. Yet, Nintendo drowns players in boring dialogue, and the ability to switch the 2-D world to 3-D makes the game too easy.

It's the desire to solve the next challenge, and not the ho-hum story, that makes Professor Layton interesting.

Although its simplistic set-up and weird rectangular-shaped animals appear decidedly kitschy, Boom Blox is one of the Nintendo Wii's best third-party games, a work of genius from the collaborative efforts of EA and Steven Spielberg.

After two disappointing efforts the last two seasons -- disappointing by the high standard that EA's football franchise set for itself over the years -- Madden NFL 08 redeems the franchise as one of the best-playing football games in recent memory.

Compared to the single player adventure, the multiplayer mode comes up short, but the 16 player firefights still offer some thrills.

Although the single-player quests might invoke a sense of deja vu, Pokemon enthusiasts will love the brand new story and other small tweaks added to the game. The new online battles, however, make this a Pokemon essential for anyone's -- fanboy or not -- DS collection.

Even without PlayStation Network support, Virtua Fighter 5 deserves a place in every fighting fan's library. Not only does it provide hours of fun, but also the presentation finally gives PS3 owners something to "ooh" and "ahh" about.

Ultimately, the lack of mission variety cost Red Faction a higher score, but it's still an explosively fun time.