Merely average, but worth a look for Sega fanboys and girls.

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.

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.

You have to look after several "lucky" survivors who seem incapable of taking care of themselves. This nagging flaw, combined with dreary island exploration and only a handful of acceptable mini-games, results in a loss of interest and fun.

There aren't too many multiplayer options, and the single player game could be longer, but Condemned 2 is still a terrifying sequel.

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.

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.

With spotty combat controls and unintuitive evidence gathering, the game gets boring fast.

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

Although you can beat both games in a matter of hours, their pick up and play nature makes them worth revisiting several times. Sega should have included the original, but for $29.99, we'll let it slide.

The in-game graphics are screwed up by constant glitches, a bothersome camera system and unpolished environments. Furthermore, the multiplayer options are weighed down with several flaws and a lack of online competition.

There are some worthwhile additions to the later World Heroes games, and it's suitably priced at $15. Still, it's mediocre fighting at best, and hardly the stuff of Heroes.

Yeah, the graphics don't really go too far forward, the online options could've been less strenuous, and the load time could've been cut back. Regardless, there's still far greater good here than we could've ever expected from the game.

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.

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.

The visuals and sound are terrific, although the handheld port runs into severe slowdown – particularly in WLAN-supported multiplayer.

The gameplay works wonderfully, even with the limited PSP control set-up. Executing Kratos' vicious attacks and other special moves are easy and enjoyable to perform. Best of all, it's just fun to play, as long as you don't mind the carnage.

The game didn't make a smooth transition from the PlayStation 2, and suffers from frame rate hiccups and lots of load sequences, but it's one heck of a good time, whether you're sneaking through the girls dorm or dissecting a frog.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adventure game fans have come to expect a lot more than this, and fans of the show, while they may enjoy this extra chapter of the story, are not likely to get their money's worth.

A blown opportunity.

A blown opportunity.

While it successfully captures the atmosphere of the series thanks to its episodic nature, excellent environmental visuals and use of the show's soundtrack, it suffers from spotty voice acting, repetitive and bland puzzles, a bad ending and being painfully short.

While it successfully captures the atmosphere of the series thanks to its episodic nature, excellent environmental visuals and use of the show's soundtrack, it suffers from spotty voice acting, repetitive and bland puzzles, a bad ending and being painfully short.

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

The slowdown and overall visual fuzziness leave it looking unattractive and barren compared to the Xbox 360 version; the controls are sorely lacking; the requirement of 5 GB hard drive space to install the game is ridiculous; and the multiplayer is uneventful.

More tables would've been ideal, but this Pinball Hall of Fame is still worth multiple visits.

More tables would've been ideal, but this Pinball Hall of Fame is still worth multiple visits.

Sega could've put more effort into making this a completely new game, rather than a simple port. With that said, it beats the crappy alternatives, so don't throw this one back.

The squad-based combat is effective and loads of fun, as you slowly turn the tides of war in your favor. If you're looking for fresh war action, gas up on these Frontlines.

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

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 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.

Most of the gameplay consists of weak slashing attacks, some of which don't read clearly in the heat of combat. The lack of exploration and a solid storyline hurt as well. These Swords dull way too quickly.

The only severe flaw is that it ends too soon with only four cases and no option to download new ones. Still, it's a legal champion.

Hideous dialogue, repetitive gameplay.

Hideous dialogue, repetitive gameplay.

The graphics don't look bad and the music is a well-chosen, energetic mix of EA Trax. However, the game feels more like a rehash than a full-blown sequel, with little improvement in the controls and not much to explore outside of decent online play and unexpectedly short modes.

The graphics don't look bad and the music is a well-chosen, energetic mix of EA Trax. However, the game feels more like a rehash than a full-blown sequel, with little improvement in the controls and not much to explore outside of decent online play and unexpectedly short modes.

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.

Once you discover the game's deeply flawed combat system and bland storyline, you'll question if it's a journey worth taking.

This episode has all the humor we've come to expect from a Sam & Max game and some challenging puzzles. Unfortunately, there are a few pacing snags, and we spent some time running back and forth trying to figure out what to do, even with the hint system set to maximum.

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

This is the best puzzle game of the year thus far, a perfectly blended mix of Tetris Attack-ish strategy and poker.

The developers do a crappy job filling in the story's gaps, and much of the gameplay relies on trial and error, which leads to tons of unnecessary deaths.

Getting knocked down proves disorientating, the lack of quick weapon switching sucks and the game's weapons aren't nearly as imaginative as the ones from previous Turok games. Multiplayer adds value, but not enough to make this one a keeper.

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.

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

Its online and offline modes make it an ideal purchase for karaoke nuts.

It's okay, but hardly a killer effort for the franchise.

All of the goodness from the PSP version is present and accounted for aside from the online play.

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.

Its length is shorter than we prefer (there are only five stages), but the unlockable bonuses, including the Boss Rush mode, Score Attack stages and additional scenarios justify the meager 800-point price tag. This could very well be 2008's downloadable game to beat.

Most of these mini-games are simplistic, monotonous affairs that require over-demanding skills to earn any kind of real accomplishment. The story is boring too, and impossible to skip past.

The multiplayer games are great, along with the new Bounty and Challenge stages for those desiring a bigger challenge.

The World Records are a joke (you'll beat most of them on the first two tries) and the Trivia Mode is pointless, but the multiplayer action and online scoreboards make up for them.

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. However, the hundreds of racing events, both off-line and through Xbox Live, make Paradise an ideal utopia for fans of the series.

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.

Most of the game is flat, due to monotonous tasks (hitting rocks and trees, going back for items) and bland fighting controls. The multiplayer action is solid and the presentation is true to the show, but this Adventure is too limited.

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.

You'll blow through most of Mega Brain Boost's offerings in a single afternoon – a couple of hours even – and never want to return.

It's strictly a deep-sea diving simulator with heavy emphasis on exploration, treasure finding and aquatic discovery. With that said, it's a mesmerizing experience. Nintendo produces a vivid, wondrous underwater abyss to explore, complete with plenty of missions to fulfill.

Long-time fans shouldn't miss it.

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

The presentation is flavorful and creative, and most of the mini-games are enjoyable when the difficulty isn't ridiculously hard.

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

The episode also features trickier puzzles than some of the past games, which makes the new hint system all the more worthwhile. Although there were moments of confusion, we were still entertained by the newest adventure.

The game could've used a few more levels, along with an online co-op mode. However, there's still plenty to enjoy, with unlockable bonus characters, online scoreboards and Challenge Mode stages.

The game is repetitive and the combat unrewarding. You simply move through each trouble-filled section, slashing away at enemies with little reason – or energy. The game's presentation is mostly acceptable, but fails to captivate.

It's still fun to play, especially when you play online. Overall, though, this Tour will leave you less than thrilled.

It's still fun to play, especially when you play online. Overall, though, this Tour will leave you less than thrilled.

You'll be able to solve all five cases and locate all the "secret movies" within a matter of hours. Fans should check it out; others might want to rent it.

Awful controls, however, ruin the experience.

The on-screen action is a little too bewildering at times and the song offerings aren't nearly as plentiful as other DDR games. However, for its primary audience, Disney Channel Remix serves its purpose, with lots of arrow stepping and various modes to choose from.

There are more than enough brainteasers to keep you unlocking new ones, but it's aesthetically sterile and only fun if you play it for a few mere minutes a day.

There's also a challenging award system to work through, with over fifty unlockable Atari 2600 games once you earn them all.

The presentation is excellent (for the most part) and the online functionality is an astonishing add-on, letting you compete against others in various activities.

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.

The game has balancing issues. Some characters have the advantage of using Special Double Assaults, while others hit a hell of a lot harder than others. The modes are lacking, too. Beyond that, though, this is a reasonable – and fun – fighting game for $20.

The graphics look unimpressive, working off the same basic engine previously seen in other MX offerings. The controls haven't changed that much either, and you'll crash after a high jump or hit a stationary object rather inexplicably. Past these nagging flaws, though, the game features an expansive set of online opportunities as well as a heaping amount of racing events to participate in.

The tracks are dull and lifeless, with little to no detail and the same circular pattern. In addition, each car handles the same, no matter which model you select.

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.

The PS3 version runs slower than its Xbox 360 counterpart, but it's still a heck of a fun time.

The ball physics are sometimes off (especially during rebounding), the animations are repetitive and there's not enough new content. Leave this one on the bench.

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.

The Tour stages are dreadful, causing unnecessary distractions and slowdown. Skip this horrible World Tour and play the real thing.

The camera moves about uncontrollably, making it hard to navigate certain areas or get a lock on enemies. Do not walk in this game's direction.

It's just like last year's game, but with very few changes.

Exteel provides a worthwhile experience for competitors looking for a quality free online game.

While not original, Tenkaichi 3 is a must-buy for hardcore Dragon Ball fanatics.

The presentation is sloppy, with music that abruptly cuts off and a diminished gem playfield. It's worth a rental, at best.

Not only is the game too complex, requiring you to utilize all of the SIXAXIS' buttons, but the developers force you to slog through an annoying tutorial in order to unlock single and multiplayer modes. That in itself, is PAINful.

The multiplayer and co-op modes, through both Wi-Fi and local play, are superb.

With tricks that'll have even the greatest magicians scratching their heads and demanding the DS for their own, Master of Illusion is a great way to add a little magic to your life.

The production values are incredible, with breathtaking worlds to explore, a huge cast of memorable characters (Wrex is awesome) and hours of missions and side quests to delve into. When it's all over, you'll go through it again and find something exciting and new. Mass Effect sets a new standard for sci-fi gaming.