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.

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

Much like the original, LocoRoco 2 is too easy to beat and Sony reused a lot of the same artwork and music, but there's no denying this game's charm and budget friendly $19.99 price.

Punishing artificial intelligence, unbalanced online play and annoying lag will have you chucking your controller. Those small issues aside, Soulcalibur IV is razor sharp.

Punishing artificial intelligence, unbalanced online play and annoying lag will have you chucking your controller. Those small issues aside, Soulcalibur IV is razor sharp.

This well-rounded, gorgeous game delivers on all fronts with scarcely a problem in sight. With superb and precise controls, Logan's Shadow provides gamers with an intriguing story, a variety of environments and all the tactical gunplay they can handle.

Options like the hotseat multiplayer turn out being a massive waste of time. Lastly, the expansion doesn't integrate very well with Medieval II, with each campaign operating like a stand-alone, multi-part, Total War scenario.

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.

The presentation hasn't changed much and the gameplay still revolves around the same note hitting formula, but if you love music (and who doesn't), you can't afford to miss this latest jam.

Its visuals, gameplay and intricacy make it the best downloadable shooter available since "Geometry Wars: Evolved" – end of story.

Looks a lot more exciting than it actually is. Nintendo fans will revel in the 2-D-meets-3-D world of Mario and company, and the recent drought of good Wii games makes this a welcome addition to any library. Yet, Nintendo drowns players in boring dialogue, and the ability to switch the 2-D world to 3-D makes the game too easy.

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

Although its simplistic set-up and weird rectangular-shaped animals appear decidedly kitschy, Boom Blox is one of the Nintendo Wii's best third-party games, a work of genius from the collaborative efforts of EA and Steven Spielberg.

After two disappointing efforts the last two seasons -- disappointing by the high standard that EA's football franchise set for itself over the years -- Madden NFL 08 redeems the franchise as one of the best-playing football games in recent memory.

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

Although the single-player quests might invoke a sense of deja vu, Pokemon enthusiasts will love the brand new story and other small tweaks added to the game. The new online battles, however, make this a Pokemon essential for anyone's -- fanboy or not -- DS collection.

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.

Ultimately, the lack of mission variety cost Red Faction a higher score, but it's still an explosively fun time.

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.

The 2-D graphics are wonderfully drawn, the soundtrack is epic and the bosses are among the best we've seen. We don't like the boring two-player races and item trading, but overall, this is one of the best Castlevanias to date.

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.