The adventure ends sooner than expected (10-12 hours), but it's worth every breathtaking moment. This is one of 2008's best.

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.

The attractive graphic novel cut scenes, devastating electrical attacks, a moody soundtrack and a sprawling post apocalyptic metropolis make inFAMOUS a welcome addition to the PlayStation 3 library.

The multiplayer is excellent too, whether playing with someone locally or uploading scores to an online leaderboard.

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

The combination of a loaded single player campaign with an entertaining multiplayer mode makes Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters an excellent addition to the PSP library.

Seeing as how most military first-person shooters take themselves dead seriously, it's refreshing to see Battlefield: Bad Company's dark sense of humor.

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.

Now for the big bummer -- there's no Wi-Fi multiplayer for Peggle: Dual Shot.

The single-player campaign ends way too quickly, but the multiplayer campaign more than makes up for it with several co-op and competitive missions.

Not everything is great, however. 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.

While the developers' decision to copy elements from Resident Evil 4 make it feel less original (despite better visuals and a new location), you'll have a blast (especially with a buddy) but after waiting four years for a sequel, we expected better.

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.

Even though its visuals and audio come up short, Monster Hunter Tri is one of Capcom's best. The gameplay grows on you after the first few monster kills, and teaming up with friends on epic quests never get old.

The dunks are emphatic, the court chatter is cool, the sound of the ball striking the rim is excellent, and the action is fast-paced, realistic, and just a hell of a lot of fun. And thankfully, the rest of the modes are also quite entertaining. The franchise mode, dubbed Association, is deep and rewarding.

The gameplay is sparkling with life, and picks up even more once Dante enters the fray. The visuals and sound are excellent, even with slightly bothersome camera hitches.

If you love music/rhythm games and looking for a new challenge or you just love Metallica, you need to buy this video game. More downloadable content would've made this the best Guitar Hero yet, but as it stands, it still rocks. Snag it and obey your master.

While there are a few things we could've done without (frustrating recharging, camera issues, worn-out voices), No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is incredibly entertaining.

New creatures added by users will continue to make the universe of Spore interesting but its lack of depth in the single player version of the game, along with linear storyline may be a sign of its eventual extinction.

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.

Charming and addictive.

Factor in the terrible menu navigation, and 2K9 has more problems than the Charlotte Bobcats. However, its five-on-five online play, updated Association mode and enjoyable hoops action still makes it a slam dunk.

Just Cause 2 is a sequel that outdoes the original with gripping gameplay, exquisite visuals and a variety of missions that will keep you playing longer than you might expect. If you're an action fan, you need this.

Skate 2 is also an ideal choice for multiplayer action, thanks to enjoyable online skating sessions; solo players will also love the career mode.

With Split/Second, Black Rock Studio has clearly blown the doors off. This is fast-paced racing at its finest, the best of its kind since Burnout 3: Takedown hit the open road years ago. It'll take a lot to top this one.

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.

Each game session plays out very quickly, which is part of the charm and challenge.

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.

Skate 2 is also an ideal choice for multiplayer action, thanks to enjoyable online skating sessions; solo players will also love the career mode.

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.

The new Dervish and Paragon professions add a lot of flavor to both role playing and PvP. Yet, the game's story takes a long while to pick up, and some design issues from previous games still exist.

ETQW delivers plenty of fast-paced action, and nothing beats the feeling of finally breaking through firmly entrenched defenses. It's not the absolute best multiplayer game, but it's definitely worth playing.

The inability to pause cutscenes is a bummer, but that's no reason to avoid one of the most unique role-playing titles on the PlayStation 2.

A superb online experience...a beautiful combat game full of breathtaking scenery and plenty of chaos.

Combine the fighting with the grand presentation, visuals that include sweaty characters, large breasted ring girls and detailed arenas, and UFC 2009 Undisputed has the teeth rattling brutality fans crave.

After a lackluster performance from last year, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 excels in every area imaginable. The addition of Woods' personal coach, Hank Haney, introduces a significant new skill improvement system with a series of practice drills and advice.

For its budget $20 price, this is a great introduction for those who missed the glory days of gaming or a pleasant welcome back to those who loved the original.

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.

The multiplayer options are sweet, too, but you'll probably spend more time with the single player game. N+ rocks.

This jaunt away from the Capitol Wasteland is a welcome addition to the three adventure add-ons that build on Fallout 3's awesome adventure.

The best way to approach No More Heroes for the Nintendo Wii is with an open mind. It's a mesmerizing game with lots of blood-spilling action, but it's far from mindless.

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

The stylish menus and helpful narration give way to eye melting graphics featuring realistic tracks and cars with sick damage modeling.

While the developers' decision to copy elements from Resident Evil 4 make it feel less original (despite better visuals and a new location), you'll have a blast (especially with a buddy) but after waiting four years for a sequel, we expected better.

It's damn near impossible, but you'll feel a great sense of accomplishment if you manage to beat the final boss. The replay value is high, thanks to additional challenge and time attack stages, along with promising downloadable content.

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

The high system requirements might turn some people off, but something has to power the jaw-dropping graphics and highly detailed environments. The new version of Unreal Tournament has a few things that long time players will need to get used to, but the one thing that hasn't changed is incredibly fast-paced and addictive action.

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.

Tomb Raider Anniversary offers some nice, solid gameplay for both newcomers to the series and experienced players. Grand, complex, puzzles brings great challenges and adventure.

Bangai-O Spirits lacks a story mode, but it makes up for this with over 160 stages of explosive shooting action.

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.

The game's presentation couldn't be better and the story provides some extra weight along with doses of humor.

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.

This 2-D brawling game has classic fighting gameplay, visuals and sound that stay true to the show. The four-player bouts justify the price of admission, either online against others via Wi-Fi Connection or playing locally with friends.

While it lacks the high-tech finesse of Super Stardust HD, Everyday Shooter explodes with style. The eight stages offer tons of blasting action with a musical twist, and we enjoy replaying them.

Unpolished targeting mechanics lead to unfortunate deaths, but leaping across buildings Matrix style while shooting heads gets the adrenaline flowing; a guilty pleasure indeed.

Combine the fighting with the grand presentation, visuals that include sweaty characters, large breasted ring girls and detailed arenas, and UFC 2009 Undisputed has the teeth rattling brutality fans crave.

Madden NFL 2009 stumbles, but manages to regain its composure long enough to stiff arm critics and dive into the endzone.

Just Cause 2 is a sequel that outdoes the original with gripping gameplay, exquisite visuals and a variety of missions that will keep you playing longer than you might expect. If you're an action fan, you need this.

Picross DS is one of the best puzzle games for the system, and therefore, a must play.

Jabs, haymakers and devastating knockouts have never looked so vicious, thanks to wicked damage modeling and photorealistic player models of 28 boxing greats, such as Muhammad Ali, Bernard Hopkins and Evander Holyfield.

Clubhouse leans heavily on the Wario Ware theory that an abundance of great, short games will always prevail over a longer, more serious game with nothing to offer.

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is a cinematic masterpiece, an orgy of exquisite full motion video sequences, beautiful music and quality vocal performances. As such, it's not a movie. It's a video game, and as a game, Crisis Core is good, not great.

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.

The stylish graphics look fabulous and gamers will enjoy posting scores to the online leader boards.

In the grand scheme of role-playing games, the story turns out rather conventional, but the large variety of content and game play should cement Rogue Galaxy's place in the collections of those seeking a lengthy, fulfilling adventure.

The cars lack weight and the multiplayer mode needs more content, but overall, players should enjoy this attractive and intense racing experience.

Seeing as how most military first-person shooters take themselves dead seriously, it's refreshing to see Battlefield: Bad Company's dark sense of humor.

In comparing Smooth Moves to the rest of the WarioWare video games, the Game Boy Advance edition, "Twisted!," remains Nintendo's greatest achievement, thanks to spot on controls as well as a host of unlockable content. Despite this, Smooth Moves stands out as a fine addition to the series as well as a must play for all Wii owners.

If you love soccer and can't wait to get your kicks in, 2010 FIFA World Cup will give you your money's worth. The online and offline competition, gameplay enhancements and presentation will make you feel like you're in an actual tournament, and Story of Qualifying will put your skills to the test.

The game comes to its conclusion sooner than expected, with only a few unlockables to take advantage of. Nevertheless, here's a handheld game that cuts deep.

With all things taken into account, Rise of Kunark provides the most comprehensive EverQuest II experience and offers a great deal to both new and veteran players.

Irresistibly charming.

Invest immediately – unless you're a wuss.

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.

Unfortunately, it also requires a lot of battling to keep characters learning new abilities, and the frequent encounters are often tedious in their simplicity.

The retouched graphics shine, thanks to cute animated characters and explosive effects. The gameplay is the real attention getter, however, with addictive combo-building gameplay that works both off and online.

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.

The presentation creates a genuine survival/horror ambience that's hard to shake (without the need for excessive gore) and the gameplay shines (no pun intended).

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.

This Wii version doesn't see much in the realm of visual improvement, but with a handful of new missions, characters and classes, as well as good use of the remote, this is a necessary purchase for those who missed out the first time.

It just about looks, sounds and plays as it did before, solidly but without anything "wow"-worthy to justify your $60 purchase.

Unfortunately, co-op multiplayer and the Zombie Mode didn't make the cut. World At War on the Wii ends up a distant second to the PS3 and 360 versions, but it's still a fun shooter.

Pitching, hitting and fielding mechanics work beautifully, and the presentation, while not stellar, captures the essence of major league baseball. Until the PlayStation 3 version comes along, this Show shouldn't be missed.

Even with those minor complaints, Platinum will score with hardcore fanatic and newbies alike.

Atlus plucked another gem from Japan and brought it to the U.S.

The gameplay is very tight and easy to get into, whether you're going solo through Campaign or Racebox or challenging others through AdHoc and Infrastructure. The downloadable content is hot, too. It may not be easy, but this Pulse definitely rates high.

Even though there's very little change, Rainbow Six Vegas 2 maintains a steady balance of tactical command and shooting; the presentation lives up to Ubisoft Montreal's standard; and the single and multiplayer options will keep you busy.

Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 is like seeing a cover band over the original performers -- you'll have a good time but you'll notice something is missing.

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 keeps everything that made the original so excellent and then throws in several new features.

Make no mistake – SingStar on the PlayStation 3 is a party that shouldn't be missed.

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

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

After a lackluster performance from last year, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 excels in every area imaginable. The addition of Woods' personal coach, Hank Haney, introduces a significant new skill improvement system with a series of practice drills and advice.

The gameplay is about the same, but fans of micromanagement and virtual pet care will thoroughly enjoy it. Co-op mode is fun as well, in case a frustrated player needs a hand from a parent or a buddy.

With short but sweet game play, easy puzzles and jokes that had the staff hurting from laughter, this episode needs to be played.

If you love soccer and can't wait to get your kicks in, 2010 FIFA World Cup will give you your money's worth. The online and offline competition, gameplay enhancements and presentation will make you feel like you're in an actual tournament, and Story of Qualifying will put your skills to the test.