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

Kane's Wrath brings the challenge of C&C 3 to a new level with new over-the-top units and an equally overblown campaign. The expansion improves on C&C 3 in every critical area while keeping up the game's fast and furious pace. The Global Conquest is disappointing, but not enough to ruin the game.

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.

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.

Universe at War: Earth Assault has what it takes to be a great RTS game, but sadly, it doesn't come together in a fulfilling way.

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 game has a fresh new angle to it, letting you throw batarangs and use different suits to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Villains also have their own missions, which are just as entertaining as the hero ones.

With slick graphics, beautiful level design and of course, the puzzles and action that first captivated us completely, Anniversary lives up to the name of Lara Croft.

Know this: if you're not a fan of simulation games, you won't care any more for this n00b-friendly train empire manager than you would any other sim-type game.

With no clue as to when Lumines Live! will actually contain all of the features listed in its menu, nor how much it will cost to get them there, it's tough to recommend until these details are made available.

Even without the flashy visuals, The Godfather: Blackhand Edition represents the best Godfather game yet, thanks to the wealth of new content and improved controls. W'd recommended the game to newcomers as well as Godfather veterans.

This is great, but expect repetitive block smashing and item collecting that, in this third LEGO game, has overstayed its welcome.

Retro Game Challenge is vintage gaming at its best, whether you're a newbie or an old-school 8-bit kid at heart.

We don't like the story, save for the talking banana aliens (fo fanana), and the whole peg grabbing stuff doesn't light our fire, but Jungle Climber is a cute, simplistic adventure game that anyone can get into, and the addition of four person multiplayer adds to its banana eating appeal.

The gunplay works great and the presentation definitely carries Woo's signature style. It's the quintessential action game experience, even with its weak multiplayer option.

Thanks to excellent controls and a cute premise, Pikmin is a must play for newcomers and fans alike.

With over 80 levels and a few extra modes to play with, this game should keep you glued to your PSP for some time.

The whole street racer theme is getting worn into the ground as well. But with a high-class presentation to its credit and numerous online options available via Xbox Live, Need For Speed Carbon is quite an alluring ride.

Although the real-time strategy isn't for everyone, due to a lack of hands-on controls and tedious pacing, EndWar is well executed and fun.

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.

With very smooth controls, outstanding 2-D animation, a sweet rock soundtrack and plenty of modes and fighters to tackle on your own or with friends, this game packs more than enough value to make up for the $30 beating your wallet just took.

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.

It's a quintessential PS3 action game, even with its weak multiplayer option.

Some of the operations will drive you nutty, thanks to wonky controls and increased difficulty, but working alongside a friend makes things easier, and the ability to upload your scores to online leader boards offers unlimited replay value.

This is great, but expect repetitive block smashing and item collecting that, in this third LEGO game, has overstayed its welcome.

Despite the improved visuals, MLB sports a few nagging glitches, and although the game's fun, it doesn't feel like a huge step up from its predecessor.

The fast-paced and challenging gameplay is difficult to resist.

The game's technical shortcomings are too noticeable. The slowdown is horrendous, especially in multiplayer, there's zero Wi-Fi multiplayer action, some of the non-functional camera angles suck and in-game artificial intelligence becomes sporadically idiotic. It's a fun little portable RPG, but these Rings could've used resizing.

An extremely solid game of football. The motion-sensing SIXAXIS controller does nothing to improve the gridiron experience, but by and large, EA includes everything that makes the franchise great, from the easy to learn controls to the bone jarring tackles.

It's a decent update featuring more the same.

The game plays well, but hasn't changed that much from last year's edition, outside of some ridiculous diving moves and artificial intelligence that's too attentive for its own good. The graphics still appear several notches below current-gen standards and the online play constantly slows down.

Don't purchase Madden NFL 08 expecting beautiful visuals and slick looking menus. Buy it because you crave a more interactive experience as well as modes that you can't find in the other versions. With 22 mini games, trivia and fun controls, this gridiron giant runs the pigskin into the end zone.

The artificial intelligence becomes a little questionable at times, requiring some extra babysitting to keep teammates alive, but players willing to deal with these quirks will definitely find some extremely challenging gameplay in line with the GRAW tradition.

The gameplay is still as addictive as ever, as you tear a hole through the Bydo Empire using power-ups such as reflective lasers and missiles. The difficulty is incredibly high (bullets come at you from every direction), but the newly added stage select and Infinity options relieve some frustration.

If you never got into the first game, then you'll probably skip this Ocean in favor of faster-moving waters. However, if you don't mind playing something with a laid-back pace, a gorgeous presentation, a strong co-op multiplayer component and lots of discovery, strap on the diving gear and enjoy this brand new world.

It's not the most challenging of games, but I think it's cute and very entertaining.

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.

The Sims 2 Pets add-on is the best yet, and breathes a fresh breath of air into the best-selling game as it enters its third year.

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.

The thrill of downhill racing works, whether going at it solo or with friends in multiplayer. The trick system is more limited due to the nature of the game, and some graphical bugs do get in the way.

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.

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

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.

Although the game doesn't go the extra mile like other current-generation versions on store shelves, Madden NFL 08 still provides a solid game of football.

Your guys occasionally act stupid, the final stage is lackluster and multiplayer is your standard squad versus squad affair, but Hell's Highway is the most cinematic WWII game on the market and worth the 10-15 hours to complete.

The "cute" graphics and sound may be overkill (especially once you hear the "Sim-speak" gibberish), but kids and fans of the original game will heartily accept this quest.

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

The visuals and sound are on the same level as Destruction, while the action-oriented gameplay keeps up the pace. There's nothing of long-term value, no Captain Quark minigames or arena missions, but the journey is worth it.

While the artificial intelligence and difficulty pack a huge challenge, the sheer excitement and fun (especially with a friend) make it worth the $4.99 price tag. Lock and load.

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.

For the first time since taking over publishing duties for the series, Electronic Arts has released a Burnout racing game that fails to achieve must buy status.

Few World War II video games are as gripping and brutal as Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway.

Nevertheless, like any good ride, Precipice of Darkness is fun while it lasts.

This is worth picking up even if you're not attractive.

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.

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]

Copying enemy abilities and working alongside helper characters is cool, and we dig the imaginative environments, but there's not enough to keep us hooked.

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.

It would've been nice to download songs from the original SingStar, along with upgrades to the dated interface; this is a sequel, after all. Regardless, Vol. 2 still carries a tune.

The punishing artificial intelligence makes Chocobo's Dungeon more annoying than fun.

There's just a crazy amount of things to do, though the game isn't overly thrilling. It lacks a good sensation of speed, the controls could've been tighter, and the graphics aren't so hot.

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.

The multiplayer modes aren't bad, but you have to unlock most of them and they're strictly off-line.

Although the real-time strategy isn't for everyone, due to a lack of hands-on controls and tedious pacing, EndWar is well executed and fun.

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

The game lacks a hardcore presentation to go with the theme, but that's only a small issue, since this is definitely the best SingStar to date.

Wii Sports certainly won't be hailed as the most realistic sports sim on the market, but it's the best thing - next to a bottle of tequila - to take to a friend's holiday house party.

A few painfully lame game choices hold the game back from being a full success.

Like her previous two games, Underworld is a welcome, if slightly flawed, addition to the franchise.

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.

Some of the games aren't so hot, and the loading is too long. Plus, the decision that forces players to earn unlockable goodies via chance isn't cool at all. Nevertheless, Reloaded earns merit for many of its games, which are perfectly emulated.

Some of the in-game events are tedious, like unlocking Leapgates or tracking down an enemy who is faster than you are, but Galactrix is still out of this world.

Despite a horrendously nonsensical title and some time consuming level exploration, Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker has everything a monster battling role-playing fan could want, including sassy accented text and tons of monsters to recruit and battle.

So while this latest Resident Evil offers up some mindless fun (especially with co-op play), don't expect a full-fledged adventure, especially with the absence of the second and fourth installment, as well as Code Veronica.

The game still holds up well, with a solid (if not entirely amazing) presentation and fun gameplay. The new defensive play touches are nice, particularly when it comes to directing a lead blocker into the thick of traffic.

Just make sure you bring lots of patience along with your trigger finger.

The new faction adds a great new way to play, and every mode of gameplay, including multiplayer, has been reborn with nearly everything a gamer could ask for.

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.

Even worse, the game gets boring quickly. It offers decent fun, especially with four players, but Buzz could've used more organization, spontaneity and humor to liven things up.

With Sega Rally Revo, Sega nailed the series' arcade feel. The game controls just like the original, right down to the muddy power slides and pure sensation of speed.

Unlike NBA 2K9, you don't need to read the game booklet to perform sweet looking ankle breakers or run the reliable pick and roll, but there's more exciting features here than just playing exhibition.

While more modes would've been appreciated and we could've done without the sleepy A.I. teammates, NCAA Basketball 10 is a solid game of hoops. The broadcast styles are unparalleled, the gameplay is good fun and the modes that made the cut are more than enough to keep fans happy.

The biggest features in this game are the Kreate-A-Fighter, Kreate-A-Fatality, and Online modes. It's about time Midway included stuff like this! So yeah, go buy MK Armageddon ASAP! It's one of the major reasons why the PS2 still has plenty of life residing within its dusty innards.

While more modes would've been appreciated and we could've done without the sleepy A.I. teammates, NCAA Basketball 10 is a solid game of hoops. The broadcast styles are unparalleled, the gameplay is good fun and the modes that made the cut are more than enough to keep fans happy.

The card battle system is still very good, and the game has a better emphasis on character design and storyline. However, some of it feels like it's borrowed from the first game, including various play mechanics and several locations.

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.

Like her previous two games, Underworld is a welcome, if slightly flawed, addition to the franchise.

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.

The multiplayer aspect is better drawn out, the storyline is fantastic, and the visuals and sound deliver on every accord. Namco's delivered a real top gun.

This game has a fresh new angle to it, letting you throw batarangs and use different suits to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Villains also have their own missions, which are just as entertaining as the hero ones.

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.

Obviously, critics will obsessively compare Dante's Inferno to other games, or complain about the quick time events, but don't let those nitpicky issues prevent you from experiencing this imaginative and fun adventure. It's one Hell of a good time..

This expansion plays largely like the main game, with only a handful of minor changes and improvements. The story opens up some very interesting plot points and unanswered questions, but none of them are resolved, making the adventure very unsatisfying.

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.

The artificial intelligence is a beast, scoring lots of points and reading offensive and defensive plays like a prodigal genius.

It offers online play through Wi-Fi Connection, but it's strictly limited to ruled nine-hole match play. With the exception of amateur golfers, this Love simply doesn't last.

All Pro Football 2K8 doesn't quite reach championship status, what with its lack of modes and other small items. However, it turns out to be an excellent start for 2K Sports' newest football legacy. Can't wait to see what comes around next year.

The game offers a ton of quality action for a low price.