Sure, it moves fast, and the online options deliver a sweet community aspect, but the 1/4-mile drag events suck, the game at times looks jaggier than a shark's mouth and the drab presentation denies it much needed personality. It's a decent racer, but not sexy enough to rev our engines.

Potential players don't need to fear it sucking away hours of their lives (although it still might), but they can look forward to an excellent game with some very amusing stories to tell.

The visuals and sound carry the anime style to near perfection and the gameplay, while lacking originality, has lots of kick, even though online battles suffer from lag problems.

With a rousing, pulp fiction style story that seamlessly intertwines Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's world famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, into H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos, a slew of incredibly shrewd and logical puzzles and a surprisingly beautiful game world to explore, players get a mature, immersive experience that will have them begging for more adventures like this one.

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

The spread-out checkpoints infuriate, particularly since they take over a minute to reload. Despite some provocative multiplayer options and a likable presentation, this Tactical Strike lacks impact.

If anything, multiplayer feels tacked on. Ultimately, Wolfenstein is a decent shooter full of explosions, machine guns and plenty of drama. Just don't expect it to wow you.

The game can grow repetitive over time, but being able to use three multitalented superheroes helps the game significantly -- especially with two players working together. In addition, the graphics and sound excel, and at only $20, it's an essential purchase.

Those who want a quality game consisting of innocent fun should look no further than Noddy: A Day in Toyland.

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.

Think of it as a combination of "Deus Ex" and "Half-Life 2," wrapped within a fantasy feast for the eyes.

The sloppy presentation, lack of online multiplayer and way-too-easy controls make this more like a bronze contender than a gold medal champion. Oh well, there's always 2012.

Although the game received a significant facelift with high-resolution textures to provide a sharper look, the graphical progression of more recent shooters leaves this improved Halo 2 feeling like a 2004 game.

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.

A huge improvement over the below-average Bulletproof.

It has its moments, but this clumsy conglomeration suffers from an identity crisis and is best left as a rental.

If you've been waiting for a WiiWare game to download, Dr. Mario's got the cure – and it won't set your wallet back to Medicaid levels either.

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.

There's not really much of a game here, with no goals and too few songs to choose from. The inability to record vocal performance hinders it, too. It's still worth jamming with, though, so find a seat.

It's good fun, especially for Guitar Hero junkies, but while we enjoy hitting the fret buttons and rocking out, playing for just a few minutes cramps the hands, and the limited soundtrack cannot compare to Guitar Hero World Tour's.

Not every game in this collection will strike up wondrous memories of gaming's past, but Capcom choose some fine selections here that warrant constant play, alone or with a friend.

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

The cartoony look might turn off mainstream sports gamers, but anyone who can stomach it will be treated to the best -- and most challenging -- round of Wii golf yet.

Graphic flaws aside, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 serves up an adequate game of golf. The course selection, respectable number of modes and solid game play make it worth a rental.

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

If anything, multiplayer feels tacked on. Ultimately, Wolfenstein is a decent shooter full of explosions, machine guns and plenty of drama. Just don't expect it to wow you.

Even though it lacks an abundance of new content, its Wii-sensitive control set-up and additional content do enough to keep the blood pumping -- fighting fans will find bloody satisfaction with Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

An outstanding game for Xbox and PS2 last year, but the Wii version shines even brighter. The controls work great, with players able to shoot specific body parts or wave a chainsaw around by maneuvering the Wii remote.

The graphics look OK, although clumsy camera issues hinder gameplay.

The visuals and sound carry the anime style to near perfection and the gameplay, while lacking originality, has lots of kick, even though online battles suffer from lag.

Play at your own pace and forgive the technical quirks, though, and you'll appreciate this game for what it is.

A decent rental.

Sure, the gameplay grew stale sooner than we expected, but it's hard resisting Lego Indiana Jones 2, especially once that familiar theme music kicks in. Just don't expect it to hold your attention for long.

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.

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.

If you dig the swinging and master the controls, you might find this sequel worthy of its legendary name. Other players, however, will discover a linear game banking on a gimmick.

The bothersome camera often gets stuck, thus obscuring your vision and two-player split screen messes with the game's speed, but the exclusive clips and humorous presentation make this a must play, especially for diehard Simpsons fans.

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.

It has improved better than anyone could've expected. A step forward always beats a step backward. Players left with no choice but their cherished portable should definitely check it out, especially for some paper wedge-flicking action.

Call of Juarez resembles an archaeological dig -- in order to locate treasure, players must dig through lots of crap.

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.

It's not the most comfortable way to play, but it is very effective way to jam with.

A huge improvement over the below-average Bulletproof.

With a convoluted plot that's difficult to follow and no motivation to achieve objectives apart from "because the random guy told me to," TimeShift doesn't leave a very strong impression.

The modes maintain their phenomenal impact, with franchise and online options to keep you busy throughout the season -- and well into next year.

Despite the lack of online play and songs missing from the set list, Lego Rock Band's happy presentation, enjoyable soundtrack and rockin' gameplay will keep you entertained for quite some time.

Compared to most movie-based video games, Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy, sans Matt Damon, is a miraculous achievement in that it doesn't suck.

A bit disappointing. It was easier to excuse issues with previous DLC because it was free, but at 560 Microsoft Points, we expected more from BioWare; by comparison, Zaeed Massani's mission was far more interesting. However, downloading it won't break the bank, and for the sake of completing the team, it's worth the cash.

The combination of Season and General Manager Modes into a single 24/7 Mode isn't entirely for the best. However, the gameplay executes well and the graphics, aside from the glitches, respectfully recreate the WWE experience. It's no champ, but this piece of wrestling mania still ekes out a win.

Guitar Hero's fifth installment is easily the most accessible.

While the $7.99 asking price feels excessive for a game that offers little content versus other downloadable games, flOw deserves to be experienced, thanks to its dreamy visuals, angelic soundtrack and addictive play.

If you need a party game, you could do a lot worse than Lips.

The bothersome camera often gets stuck, thus obscuring your vision and two-player split screen messes with the game's speed, but the exclusive clips and humorous presentation make this a must play, especially for diehard Simpsons fans.

The fancy technology powering the experience is impressive, as is the performance by actors who lent their voices and likenesses to the game's pivotal characters. That's mixed with rote game mechanics -- hack, slash, fight big boss, level ends -- that can easily grow tiresome, and a leveling up system that's more distraction than a way to create a customized character.

With all its features and the charm from its wicked sense of humor, Hellgate makes for a very entertaining game, but it needs more depth.

If you dig the swinging and master the controls, you might find this sequel worthy of its legendary name. Other players, however, will discover a linear game banking on a gimmick.

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.

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 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.

All of what made the original great is still here, with lots of new recipes and new additions like a multiplayer mode, but it's really just the same game reheated.

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

It might be fun with friends, but Let's Tap doesn't have enough meat on its bones to justify its price.

Despite the lack of online play and songs missing from the set list, Lego Rock Band's happy presentation, enjoyable soundtrack and rockin' gameplay will keep you entertained for quite some time.

The game doesn't boast a lot of depth, and it does not contain the same flair that its sister games have, but it still presents polished gameplay and plenty of replay value, so long as friends want to join in for some multiplayer sessions.

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.

The lack of downloadable content is a shame, especially with certain Aerosmith tracks like "Amazing" and "Chip Away At the Stone" missing. The guitar-strumming gameplay is what you would expect from a Guitar Hero game, catchy and entertaining, although there's nothing new.

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.

Compared to most movie-based video games, Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy, sans Matt Damon, is a miraculous achievement in that it doesn't suck.

Skate It won't appeal to everyone, but it's as close to skateboarding as you can get without falling off the real thing and scraping your knees.

The game's complex interface (composed primarily of a series of menus) makes it unapproachable to many people. Its slow pace gets exacerbated by the fact that cities can either produce or research, not both.

For creative types looking to craft new adventures and share them with fellow players, Galactic Adventures is a must play.

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

Play at your own pace and forgive the technical quirks, though, and you'll appreciate this game for what it is.

We're also disappointed by the lack of content about the band, interviews or other items that fans might enjoy.

You'll find three excellent Real Bout Fatal Fury games here, all restored to their classic 2-D glory. There's nothing mind-blowing here, but it's far more functional than most of SNK's other compilations.

The big green ogre saves his best outing for the Nintendo DS.

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.

Despite such changes and an energetic attempt to put more intensity into the game, it reeks of familiarity. The graphics haven't improved over the last two NFL Streets, and the attitude through celebrations and taunts fails to impress.

Those gripes aside, Fossil Fighters doesn't have what it takes to beat Pokemon, but it's still a cool game for kids who love thunder lizards.

While its graphics look jaggy on the tiny DS screen, there's no two-player mode and it game uses very little of the system's touch screen abilities, but if you're in the market for a run and gun video game with lots of action, Metal Slug 7 will work out your trigger finger.

Karaoke fans probably won't mind, but without more songs count and variety, this one can't hold the tune.

The run-in combos take some momentum out of the game, and some characters are unquestionably lame (cough Stryker cough), but this game still knows how to pack a bloody uppercut. Finish him!

The glorious presentation includes realistic animations, arenas that resemble their real-life counterparts and impressive audio commentary from Dick Vitale ("It's awesome, bay-bee!"), Brad Nessler and Erin Andrews.

The lack of downloadable content is a shame, especially with certain Aerosmith tracks like "Amazing" and "Chip Away At the Stone" missing. The guitar-strumming gameplay is what you would expect from a Guitar Hero game, catchy and entertaining, although there's nothing new.

The gameplay is sometimes clunky, and there's not much replay value, save for a couple of additional modes like Points Count and one-hit kill Golden Bullets. However, with its slick presentation and blood-spilling carnage, Wet is a fun action romp.

Sure, the gameplay grew stale sooner than we expected, but it's hard resisting Lego Indiana Jones 2, especially once that familiar theme music kicks in. Just don't expect it to hold your attention for long.

We would've liked more character customization, the ability to complete puzzles out of sequence and online play, but we had fun flipping tiles and beating opponents.

The lack of the PSP's brilliant multiplayer mode hurts. Still, if a PS2's all you have, by all means, snag it.

Pokemon Ranger is worth a try, but like the gameplay, it ends up going around in circles.

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.

It's a novel idea that works, yet despite the fun racing action, Speed Racer suffers from limited tracks, a short Championship Mode and no online play. It's worth a few hours of your time, but don't spend $49.99 for it.

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.

Although the game provides mild amusement, thanks to well-designed stages and different types of marbles, it only takes a few hours to beat.. Its lack of difficulty combined with limited modes keep it from justifying its $39.99 price.

The story is mediocre and the game gets off to a slow start, but the imaginative character designs, epic boss fights, a unique battle system and a cool six person multiplayer mode keep it from being a disaster.

The game's not a head-turner in the way of graphics and sound, and the AI can be a pain at times with some odd calls, but the Xbox Live Camera and multiplayer options still make this a game of poker worth ante-ing up to, especially if you're a poker enthusiast.

It's a sometimes great-looking, seldom spooky copy of its original that doesn't quite live up to the media buzz.

Not only does "Guitar Hero II" feature ten more songs, but Encore copies off its predecessor, retaining its venues, characters (they feature 80s style) and the loading screen. For $49.99, we expected more than just a simple expansion pack.

Even with the frame rate hiccups and the lack of online support, Earth Defense Force 2017 succeeds tremendously, thanks to its devastation and non-stop action. This piece of sci-fi cheesy goodness fits right in with Microsoft's meatier games -- very appetizing.