The larger scope of Thongs of Virtue makes it a great second entry, but when comparing it to the first, the lack of improvements put it in a bad position. It's definitely still a worthy title but it would have been even better had there been more time between releases and some much needed improvements were made.

Even though the changes in Civ V seem to be nominal, the impact they have on the game are massive. Most importantly, all the new adjustments continue to maintain and refine what is - in my opinion - the best turn-based franchise ever made.

Though it is quite the challenge throughout, when the class systems, party mechanics and questing all pull together, this becomes one RPG that is nothing short of brilliant.

If you're feeling nostalgic, yet looking for a modern shooter, Infinity Gene is a wonderful addition to your hard drive. Even without the Space Invaders pedigree, the game is a fast-paced shooter with real depth and addictive gameplay.

Although It carries a great deal of nostalgia, especially for the Dreamcast, Sonic Adventure has a hard time adjusting to life on PSN and XBLA.

It won't court the anti-Haloites back into the fold, but it will more than satisfy the fans and will create plenty of news ones in the process. For Bungie's final stab at the Halo universe (for the foreseeable future), Reach is the swan song legacy that every developer strives for.

If you're going to play alone, you will have to deal with some noticeable camera issues and hours of grinding. If you're planning on playing with friends or strangers, you'll still have to deal with the same problems, the amount of content available may make up for it.

All I can say is that PopCap will be hard pressed to top Plants vs Zombies with any of their future releases.

Just like Madden NFL 11 before it, NHL Slapshot is yet another example that great things can be accomplished on the Wii if the desire to deliver a faithful and respectful product is truly present. Of course, this won't make you buy it over NHL 11, but if you are a hockey fan and the latest games from 2K weren't what you truly wanted, this game is worth your attention.

Aside from the minimal framerate drops during Be A Pro and cut-scenes, it's hard to find notable faults to NHL 11. There's a lot to do in this game, whether you play online with EAUHL or Online Team Play or offline with Season, Be A Pro and Be A GM modes. There's no reason why a hockey gamer shouldn't be picking up this bad boy.

Aside from the minimal framerate drops during Be A Pro and cut-scenes, it's hard to find notable faults to NHL 11. There's a lot to do in this game, whether you play online with EAUHL or Online Team Play or offline with Season, Be A Pro and Be A GM modes. There's no reason why a hockey gamer shouldn't be picking up this bad boy.

Hardware issues aside, this is as close to a perfect port as we are likely to get on a handheld and is by far the best MMA experience you'll find in portable form.

It remains a game worth checking out, but almost by default due to the small number of air combat games on the market.

As the core PS Move title, Sports Champions delivers on what it intended to deliver: offering fun and easy sports games that everyone can pick up, play and enjoy from the start.

Being their "first true big project", Beenox successfully pulled off what seemed to be an impossible task for many of us within the game industry. With Shattered Dimensions, Beenox stays true to the colourful and adventuring character of Spider-Man and propels him back into the spotlight.

Being their "first true big project", Beenox successfully pulled off what seemed to be an impossible task for many of us within the game industry. With Shattered Dimensions, Beenox stays true to the colourful and adventuring character of Spider-Man and propels him back into the spotlight.

Aside from giggling like a deranged maniac while eliminating marmot infestations or hunting waskely wabbits with a shotgun, Cabela's North American Adventures has a very limited appeal.

Even with the imperfect controls and average multiplayer, veterans of the genre will find satisfaction in the game's attention to detail. Seeing RUSE appeal to anyone else is harder to fathom.

While Start the Party lacks on the overall mini-game count, the combination of the varied gameplay, the zany presentation and the dead-on Move controls still makes it a solid choice for those looking to add some group fun to their early Move collection.

EyePet is a unique experience that children will absolutely adore, provided you can overlook some of the issues that tarnish the experience.

Nintendo has a long way to go before it can compete with the likes of Bioshock in the storytelling department, but despite its missteps, this is a great first attempt by the company to hone those skills.

An addictive, fun and replayable experience that will make you circle September 28th on every calendar around the house. If you were waiting for Dead Rising 2, Case Zero is a must have. If not, it may make you change your mind.

When people complain that there are not enough quality games on the PSP, it's wonderful to finally get a game that immediately stands to the contrary. From top-to-bottom, Valkyria Chronicles II delivers what a portable game should. A great story, plenty of variety with nice, bite-sized missions and content that will last months.

Arcade maniacs may be the only ones getting a kick out of this compilation but I still have a hard time recommending it. Perhaps these two titles would have been a bit more interesting as $5 WiiWare releases.Instead, they had to go retail. Ah SEGA, you used to be cool.

If you enjoy beat-em-ups or old-school gaming at all, you should definitely give it a try. It should be noted that while I completed the Xbox 360 version, I found the PS3's d-pad offered more precise control.

The karaoke combined with the mini-games is the aspect that truly carries this game above the mediocrity bar. With no singing options, I highly doubt its appeal would have been the same.

After 2010 has given us open worlds as complex as Red Dead Redemption, Mafia 2's empty city and two-dimensional campaign is hard to tolerate. No matter how much the game may pride itself on supplying a mature tale of crime, it can't overshadow a relentlessly bland gameplay experience.

After 2010 has given us open worlds as complex as Red Dead Redemption, Mafia 2's empty city and two-dimensional campaign is hard to tolerate. No matter how much the game may pride itself on supplying a mature tale of crime, it can't overshadow a relentlessly bland gameplay experience.

Elemental has potential, can be very engaging (when not crashing constantly) and even manage to offer some surprises. Unfortunately, there are so many wrongs that everything remotely positive gets kicked out of the curve very quickly.

And Yet It Moves is a solid effort that should have no problems finding a place in your game library. Great level design, improved controls over its PC brother and interesting visuals bring a fresh feel to the genre that easily makes it worth the price of admission, regardless of its flaws.

Lara Croft is a good looking and well balanced puzzle gaming experience that breathes fresh life into the aging franchise.

Top Gun ends up being fair to middling; and is certainly a long way from being the best flight-combat game out there. Although, you could do worse.

While we still might be in need of an injection in the J-RPG landscape, it is nice to see one that does stand on its own instead simply being a generic wannabe that is a blatant cut and paste of past glory.

While there is quite a bit of short-term fun here, I can't see it lasting with the less-dedicated players unless Uber takes advantage of their update system and provides a continuous flow of changes to keep things interesting.

It may sound like a broken record of past years, but the 2011 version of Madden truly is an improvement over its predecessor. Though it's not by a lot, it is absolutely enough to warrant a day-one purchase, especially if you're one of those who skipped last year's game.

It may sound like a broken record of past years, but the 2011 version of Madden truly is an improvement over its predecessor. Though it's not by a lot, it is absolutely enough to warrant a day-one purchase, especially if you're one of those who skipped last year's game.

If more developers were inclined to offer fun and bright experiences for Nintendo's home console, gamers wouldn't have a white brick collecting dust on their shelves for long periods of time. It may not be the most amazing football game ever created, but EA Tiburon deserves a nice pat on the back.

Despite its shortcomings, Disney Sing It: Family Hits has guilty pleasure written all over it and is definitely a great game to play with the family and friends.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane shines with its crazy core racing mechanic, but falls short because of a repetitive single player component and meager list multiplayer options.

In the end, even with the free-to-play model that Need For Speed World offers, its hard to recommend this game even to hardcore NFS fans. Considering it doesn't cost anything to try this out, some may wish to download it and give the game a shot.

This is certainly, alongside Rogue Warrior and Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust, one of the worst games I've had to play during this generation of consoles.

Kudos to Playdead for developing what is not only the best Xbox LIVE arcade game this year, but quite possibly one of the best ever to grace the service.

Even with the issues in regards to its level design and some noticeable glitches here and there, Young Thor is still a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

Deadliest Warrior fails on two fronts: as a representation of the show it's based on and as a fighting game altogether.

There are so many good things in DeathSpank; the amount of loot collecting (and bacon), quests to complete (and bacon), and fantastic look and feel of the world make up for any shortcomings and give a lot of value and enjoyment (and did I mention this game has bacon in it?). If you're a fan of action-RPGs, you will not be disappointed, and those looking for a game that will bring them into the genre need look no further than DeathSpank.

There are so many good things in DeathSpank; the amount of loot collecting (and bacon), quests to complete and fantastic look and feel of the world make up for any shortcomings and give a lot of value and enjoyment. If you're a fan of action-RPGs, you will not be disappointed, and those looking for a game that will bring them into the genre need look no further than DeathSpank.

Hardcore Road to Glory fans may not agree with my final statement, but NCAA Football 11 is the best game in the current generation series and is definitely a solid and important improvement on its predecessor. What EA Tiburon/EA Canada have accomplished deserves all the praise I can give.

Hardcore Road to Glory fans may not agree with my final statement, but NCAA Football 11 is the best game in the current generation series and is definitely a solid and important improvement on its predecessor. What EA Tiburon/EA Canada have accomplished deserves all the praise I can give.

DarkStar One: Broken Alliance has solid combat and a promising RPG-type leveling system. It is unfortunate that everything else seems to have been sucked into a black hole. The campaign is repetitive, and the lack of explanations and direction makes this game a confusing play and provides an overall thin experience.

In spite of its flaws, Little League World Series 2010 is an enjoyable game. It's just not one that discerning sports game enthusiasts or ball game players are going to be able to enjoy with the same level of satisfaction that the younger target audience will.

Dragon Quest is one of the most popular franchises ever in Japan, yet has not hit anywhere close to the same level here in North America. This iteration could very well change that as it not only makes it more accessible to Western audiences in general, but provides an welcoming experience for new fans while not alienating the long-time fans.

Blacklight: Tango Down has positioned itself in the precarious spot of being an XBLA game that wants to be a full release. I can't fault Zombie for being ambitious, but this is what ultimately leads to the game's failures.

Crackdown 2 doesn't take any risks, instead opting to preserve the spirit of the first game almost verbatim. The lack of progression is undeniably disappointing in some respect, but at the same time you can't help but have fun. Ten minute play sessions turn into hour-long hunts when searching for those last few orbs and leaping from the such great heights never gets old.

With the super-long story, tons of side-quests and 4 character classes to choose from plus the multiplayer component, 3 different difficulty settings and the ability to play any of the mini-games independently of the main story, Puzzle Quest 2 offers a virtual truckload of gameplay for your 1200MP. In the end, the main question is whether or not the magically addictive spirit of the first game is still here. The answer is a resounding "YES!"

If you're looking for a fun and interesting puzzle-based platform game for your 360, Ancient of Ooga is a worthy option. The combat and sometimes unnecessary tutorials might bring it down a notch but thankfully, its concept and quick-play feel more than makes up for those short-comings. Again, if you are in need of some enjoyment after a long day in the sun, you can't go wrong with this one.

Even with fairly long Career mode and single console Multiplayer option, Arcade Darts feels too cheap for any real enjoyment. Those who already enjoy playing Darts will rather play the real-life version. At the same time, those who are unfamiliar with the sport would be better off simply watching others play the real thing then trying to enjoy this poorly implemented iteration.

Fans of the original Nintey-Nine Nights game will likely be much more forgiving when it comes to the sequel. The core hasn't changed much, and the online play is decent, though the lack of co-op is a disappointment. As for those who have not played the original...well, there is little reason to start now.

DeathSmiles is a tough game to recommend. Not because it's bad though. It's great, for the market it's targeting. However, that market is pretty niche these days. If you don't fit in the SHMUP demographic, there is no compelling reason to add DeathSmiles to your game library.

Considering the $20 price-point, getting a friend to play with shouldn't be a problem and will most certainly lead to some long rallies and plenty of smack-talk.

When it comes to Shoot-em up options on any console, the selection has always been pretty slim. Thankfully, Sin & Punishment: Star Successor does a fantastic job in offering a fun and frantic adventure.

While the taste of being the baddest m*thaf*ing bear to ever live grows on you after the first two hours, the game's numerous glitches make you wonder how many chances you'll give Naughty.

I may not be the greatest RISK: Factions player out there but it will definitely get my vote later this year when the time to choose our favorite downloadable games of the 2010.

High Moon managed to recreate a classic formula in a different medium and make an extremely large amount of fans very happy. This is a great big step in the right direction for the franchise and brand-owner Hasbro knows it.

High Moon managed to recreate a classic formula in a different medium and make an extremely large amount of fans very happy. This is a great big step in the right direction for the franchise and brand-owner Hasbro knows it.

Transformers: War For Cybertron made a valiant attempt at breaking the licensed stigma that seems to follow tie-in titles like this. While it doesn't achieve greatness, I can't help but at least give it credit for the attempt.

Transformers: War For Cybertron made a valiant attempt at breaking the licensed stigma that seems to follow tie-in titles like this. While it doesn't achieve greatness, I can't help but at least give it credit for the attempt.

Any gamer over the age of 15 will be sorely disappointed with ugly visuals, bland gameplay, and a confusing story.

If someone were to ask me why they should buy Space Ark I would ask them if they really love to play games to compete on leaderboards and then I would ask them if they have superhuman patience and Arkanoid skills. That's the type of gamer that will likely enjoy this experience, the same ones that enjoyed the heyday of the Arcade. Old busted cabinets and all.

Toy Story 3 isn't the best game out there and is far from being flawless. However, in the realm of movie licensed titles and family games in general, this one deserves the opening of your wallet.

Toy Story 3 isn't the best game out there and is far from being flawless. However, in the realm of movie licensed titles and family games in general, this one deserves the opening of your wallet.

While it fails to improve or fix any of the issues in Just Dance, it still manages to offer enjoyment in its key department...dancing.

A great addition for someone who plays musical games regularly, especially for that music game junkie that has downloaded every single track out of the Music Store and wants to expand its Rock Band DLC library even more. But, if you're looking to experience Green Day's career vicariously through this game, you may be left a bit disappointed.

A great addition for someone who plays musical games regularly, especially for that music game junkie that has downloaded every single track out of the Music Store and wants to expand its Rock Band DLC library even more. But, if you're looking to experience Green Day's career vicariously through this game, you may be left a bit disappointed.

This might be the Ryder Cup Edition of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, but it is actually the closest the series has ever been to fully replicating the sport. The new changes are under-advertised, but once you get in there and start playing them, you will be pleasantly surprised at what a difference they make.

This might be the Ryder Cup Edition of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, but it is actually the closest the series has ever been to fully replicating the sport. The new changes are under-advertised, but once you get in there and start playing them, you will be pleasantly surprised at what a difference they make.

Woods on the Wii is the definitive experience. If you're looking for a game of golf that plays like a game of golf, this is as close as you can possibly get.

Joe Danger arrives on the gaming landscape as a refreshing experience despite its strong resemblances with other titles in the genre. It's cartoony visuals, bright colors and intuitive gameplay makes it a worth-checking out title.

For $10, you are definitely getting something that hasn't been offered on an Xbox console since Crimson Skies: an easy, straightforward and incredibly fun to play aerial combat game that you can enjoy for hours.

Backbreaker brings the fun first and opens up a door for the future. For a freshman effort, the final result isn’t perfect but it’s far from being boring. And please, don’t get this game with the intention of skipping Madden. This isn’t a Madden killer…at least, not yet.

Backbreaker brings the fun first and opens up a door for the future. For a freshman effort, the final result isn’t perfect but it’s far from being boring. And please, don’t get this game with the intention of skipping Madden. This isn’t a Madden killer…at least, not yet.

While it's not the top mini-golf game out there, it's still an enjoyable $15 investment.

Alpha Protocol does offer some nice role-playing opportunities with an interesting story and plenty of different ways to optimize your character. It's unfortunate the gameplay mechanics hurt things as much as they did as this could very well have been the next big RPG franchise.

It’s certainly not as amazing as it once was sixteen years ago. But, it will scratch that itch if you feel nostalgic or if you have 800 Microsoft Points in your account begging to be spent.

Trying to dissociate their name from the PGR brand wasn't going to be easy. Fortunately, BLUR succeeds. With games like Need For Speed, Burnout, Midnight Club and most recently Split/Second all having a share of the high-octane crazy racing pie, BLUR can proudly sit beside them.

Trying to dissociate their name from the PGR brand wasn’t going to be easy. Fortunately, BLUR succeeds. With games like Need For Speed, Burnout, Midnight Club and most recently Split/Second all having a share of the high-octane crazy racing pie, BLUR can proudly sit beside them.

EA Sports MMA is going to have a lot to live up to when it launches as UFC Undisputed 2010 raises the bar for virtual Mixed Martial Arts. Is it perfect? No, not at all. But, if you put this side-by-side with its predecessor, the differences are like night and day. You could almost go so far as to say that Undisputed 2009 was the trial run and this is the real game.

EA Sports MMA is going to have a lot to live up to when it launches as UFC Undisputed 2010 raises the bar for virtual Mixed Martial Arts. Is it perfect? No, not at all. But, if you put this side-by-side with its predecessor, the differences are like night and day. You could almost go so far as to say that Undisputed 2009 was the trial run and this is the real game.

While ModNation has some minor balance issues to address for solo racers, the online and creation features are the best you'll see on any console. If anything, it makes a nice, fresh experience to transition to from LittleBigPlanet while you are awaiting the release of the sequel.

Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype is certainly an improvement on the original thanks to the focus on allowing new players the opportunity to still have a fun experience. At the same time, the inclusion of challenges and putting an emphasis on collection in order to experience the complete single player campaign will keep the hardcore occupied for a while.

This isn't just the best Mario game on the Wii, it's arguably the best Mario game on any platform. A ton of fan service, served up with multiple slices of newly minted Mario gameplay take Galaxy 2 beyond a level that I think anyone could have expected.

Credit to Games Distillery. AQUA - Naval Warfare is an enjoyable dual-stick shooter while it lasts, especially considering this is their freshman effort.

If games can’t be called art unless they illicit an emotional response from their audience, then Alan Wake could easily take up a spot in the Louvre.

Without being a perfect game, Red Dead Redemption is, in my personal opinion, Rockstar's best effort to date. If it was a movie, it would certainly share the podium with classics like Unforgiven and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly as one of the best Westerns ever conceived.

Without being a perfect game, Red Dead Redemption is, in my personal opinion, Rockstar’s best effort to date. If it was a movie, it would certainly share the podium with classics like Unforgiven and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly as one of the best Westerns ever conceived.

Trauma Team does a great job of enticing new players with some great new gameplay, while not alienating those who loved the challenge of the previous games in the series.

Split/Second is a unique, innovative, and aggressive experience that is not like any other racer out there.

Split/Second is a unique, innovative, and aggressive experience that is not like any other racer out there.

Even with all its short-comings and 'rushed' feel, The Forgotten Sands is still a fine Prince of Persia title and one that will satisfy long-time fans. Like so many other games, a few more months of R&D would have addressed all of its issues and transformed a good game into a fantastic one.