While it's rough around certain edges, this ninja's Rise stays on the up-and-up.

Although it would've been nice to have more modes besides Arcade, Planets and the boost-happy Impact (there's no sign of Survival or Endless), this gorgeous shoot-em-up is worth its $10 price tag.

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.

One of the PSP's best games. The depth of this adventure will keep gamers enthralled for hours. Be it sword fighting, scoring hidden treasure or engaging in a massive multiplayer ship battle, the discoveries here add up significantly.

The three-quarter view that the game employs is actually put to good use, particularly with weapon aiming and engaging against other players, AI or human.

Despite the implications of its poorly designed map, Mega Man ZX is still extremely enjoyable and rewarding.

But Stuntman really shines at parties, where over excited and likely intoxicated friends all want a crack at busting through the floating house and splitting police cars.

Saints Row 2, despite looking awful, is a guilty pleasure that'll entertain you for hours as you streak across town, blow up cars and slice gang members with a samurai sword.

It's not often that a developer starts a sequel from scratch and succeeds. The WiiMotion Plus-supported controls have no equal (at this point, anyway) and the presentation is the best we've seen from Ubisoft on the Wii.

Excessive quick time events, repeated moves and puzzling omissions (no Macho Man Randy Savage) had us griping, but overall, Legends of WrestleMania is a fun homage to wrestling's glory days.

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

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

There are three excellent control options available for both old-school players and precision shooters. They work most of the time, although realism takes a back seat with the excessive checking and occasionally dumbfounded artificial intelligence.

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.

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.

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 presentation is top-notch, with tight level design and no shortage of jump-out-of-your seat moments. Multiplayer is somewhat empty, with only a few modes that all feel the same. There's no reason you should avoid F.E.A.R. 2.

HAWX features multiplayer dog fighting that runs smoothly over Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. Hokey dialogue mars the otherwise stellar presentation and flight sim fans will balk at the simplistic controls.

Although MLB 2K9 offers entertaining base-rounding thrills for both Xbox 360 and PS3, these issues prevent it from topping Sony's higher-quality MLB 09: The Show.

It suffers from a couple glitches, but this is without question EA's greatest Harry Potter, as well as one of its best movie-based games.

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.

The single player game's story features poor voice acting and the game doesn't look as photo realistic as Namco Bandai wants you to believe, but AC6 successfully delivers the quality Top Gun experience, allowing you to live out your fighter pilot fantasies.

The MyPlayer mode is easily accessible, even to those that don't care for Franchise modes, and the improved gameplay (for the most part) and presentation make this game closer to the real thing than the competition. Imagine how much more awesome next year's will be.

Unless you've got nerves of steel, this game will at least send chills up your spine and at most scare the crap out of you. Sure, it feels similar to its predecessors, but the familiar mechanics and scares still give us hours of monster bashing fun.

You'll get more than your $30 worth from this nifty little package. Nearly two decades later, Genesis still does what Nintendon't.

In a surprise twist, the Game Boy Advance TMNT is vastly superior to its mediocre console counterpart. Instead of shoehorning the same adventure onto the limited GBA, Ubisoft created an entirely new game, one based on the classic, side scrolling Turtles games from the NES and SNES days.

The lack of off-line multiplayer is a shame. The presentation isn't perfect either but holds together just fine, with lots of explosive pandemonium.

This fast-paced arcade shooter has heaps of action and modes for players of any skill. Its visuals look good, with intricate level designs and cool explosions.

This year's game slam-dunks its predecessors, thanks to improved speed, more realistic player animations and most importantly, exquisite five-on-five play.

The addition of Free Fall Combat (where you pummel someone as you fall towards the next platform) and Close Combat (where the camera zooms in as you pound someone) are terrific, as are the building-smashing Test Your Might segments.

Blur is a great effort from Bizarre Creations, one that will introduce a slew of kart-racing fans to the scene. While its visuals don't overwhelm like Split/Second's, it holds its own with cool weapons-based gameplay, making it a fun experience.

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

The motion controls needed tweaking and it's sad that the game lacks multiplayer. In the end, however, these Creatures will send shivers down your spine and put a smile on your face.

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

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.

The few tweaks to the mechanics provide a better experience, complete with the tricky puzzles and amusing dialog that make the original so notable. [JPN Import]

Anyone who played Bethesda's Oblivion, 2006's 'Game of the year,' will find the mission structure familiar, save for the game's auto-targeting system, called V.A.T.S., which is sometimes more of a hindrance than help. Even so, gamers with a taste for detailed storylines and Mad Max style visuals, will find that Fallout 3 delivers a solid, entertaining role-playing experience that will keep you glued to the couch for hours.

This action opus provides buckets of blood-spilling entertainment, especially once you utilize the raw power of the Glaive weapon.

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.

But the real shocker is how stacked the single player experience is. Players can acquire assistance from not only their own sources, but from the locals as well, depending on their in-game performance.

The visuals may be jumpy from time to time, and building a skater isn't so compelling an experience this time around, but past these negatives, skateboarders should buy this game immediately.

It will appeal to both hardcore gamers who want to spend hours exploring every square centimeter of this immense world, as well as the casual gamer who only wishes to play for 20 minutes at a time yet feels like they accomplished something.

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

The game is similar to the original, but has a couple of extra features and an engaging multiplayer mode in addition to the unforgettable music, visuals and gameplay. Newcomers and fans alike, prepare to rock on.

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.

If you like the first two games (even mildly), there's no need to plead a case. Go get it.

The new gameplay features, particularly Total Pitch Control, are great, and the franchise and online modes will appeal to baseball fanatics. The graphics and sound could've been better.

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.

Not all is perfect, however. UT III's single-player campaign is shallow, the dialogue is cheesy (and constantly repeated) and you can't create your own maps. Aside from those dilemmas, this is still a Tournament worth your attention.

With plenty to do and gorgeous visuals, Pirates of the Burning Sea is a quality MMO no one should miss.

Online play is missing, but these Power Pros still score a homerun.

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 are flaws with the Heat meter and Balls system (yes, Balls system), and the graphic engine could've used some more polishing, but the game has hours of entertaining chaos to spare, and it nails down the movie's atmosphere and Tony's attitude perfectly.

There are three excellent control options available for both old-school players and precision shooters. They work most of the time, although realism takes a back seat with the excessive checking and occasionally dumbfounded artificial intelligence.

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.

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.

The gameplay could have used some more originality outside of "let's beat everything up", but Ultimate Alliance basically hits the mark with thunderous force.

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 presentation captures the essence of the show– even with its sometimes-squeaky character voicework. Revolution also has Wii-specific mini-games packed in, along with the option to fight against three other players – always a bonus for this type of game.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is a thoroughly enjoyable sports game with accessible controls for hardcore players and newcomers.

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.

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 in-game combat isn't bad either, if you can accept two things—there's not enough variety to the combat, and the extra effot to sneak around often isn't worth it. The guards can be real idiots, too. Past that, this Assassin cuts deep.

The addition of online play is also splendid, as you can go up against others in tournaments.

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

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.

Long-time fans shouldn't miss it.

It could've used better visuals and artificial intelligence, but Skate 3 lives up to the hype. It plays well, offers a lot to do both online and off, and its team-building and park creation modes will keep you busy.

Both games offer plenty of action and the inclusion of Butcher Bay makes this a potential must buy, depending on how much you love the character.

A huge improvement over the below-average Bulletproof.

The level of destruction and the special effects are outstanding, and while the single player campaign is a bit short, the console exclusive Instant Action Mode is a great way to continuously relive battles against the intelligent AI.

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

Smash Court Tennis 3 is infuriating, as you must use ultra-precision timing to hit the tennis ball to the lame-brained computer.

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.

Unlike previous episodes, this one doesn't have as many pointed one-liners or gags, but it remains amusing nonetheless, much like a mid-season television show.

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

This game has a fresh new angle to it, letting you throw batarangs and use different suits to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.

If this is your first Guitar Hero experience, then indulge. If you've played these songs before, wait for new songs in the upcoming Guitar Hero 5.

The gameplay is simple and is short enough to finish in one evening. But that's not the point. The focus is on the characters, humor, and story, which the game delivers in spades. This is a joy to play.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 is a thoroughly enjoyable sports game with accessible controls for hardcore players and newcomers.

Excessive quick time events, repeated moves and puzzling omissions (no Macho Man Randy Savage) had us griping, but overall, Legends of WrestleMania is a fun homage to wrestling's glory days.

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

The missions are terrific, action-packed stages where something is always happening. More multiplayer maps would've been nice, and the challenge might be too much for rookies. Otherwise, these Two wholeheartedly entertain.

With a fun Career Mode, online play and an incredibly addictive mini game (Homerun Pinball) round out this enjoyable package that, although it cannot compete against the much deeper MLB 2K franchise, deserves some playtime, if for nothing else than to rob someone of a game winning grand slam.

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.

The new gameplay features, particularly Total Pitch Control, are great, and the franchise and online modes will appeal to baseball fanatics. The graphics and sound could've been better.

Sam & Max never claimed subtlety, and this episode throws in a clear clue for future journeys. Audiences simply need to stay tuned for the next episode to see what zany adventures come down the line.

Unless you've got nerves of steel, this game will at least send chills up your spine and at most scare the crap out of you. Sure, it feels similar to its predecessors, but the familiar mechanics and scares still give us hours of monster bashing fun.

Get it unless you absolutely despise wrestling.

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.

A lack of a quick save option makes restarting entire missions a pain and tanks that stupidly wander into enemy fire require constant micromanagement, but Halo Wars' engaging narrative, likeable characters and addictive play make it a welcome addition to the series.

World In Flames has a satisfying amount of destruction, whether you blow up an oilrig with a well-armed helicopter or bring down a building with C4 and gas tanks. It's engaging and exciting, especially if you play co-op.

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.

No online play hurts, and the two-player split screen mode offers limited enjoyment, but overall, EA successfully "blurs" the line between realism and fantasy, creating a great video game for all ages.

The controls click almost perfectly, the multiplayer options are through the roof, there's plenty to do on the single-player front and the characters and levels are like a treasure trove of Sega history.

A major improvement on the formula first introduced in 2005 with "Mario Superstar Baseball" on the GameCube.

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.