I just be hating on certain aspects of Splinter Cell’s gameplay formula, and I think it’s about time someone threw a contrary opinion into the ring.

God of War isn't just violent; it's gratuitously violent, and the sex, while certainly a part of the era depicted, just serves to reinforce the notion that this is an "M"-rated title for very good reason.

An enjoyable, if heavily formulaic, RPG to get the PSP life cycle kicked off.

It isn't, you understand, that WipEout Pure is terribly revolutionary. No, the appeal of this game is that it returns to the roots of the franchise, and puts it in the palm of your hand with startling clarity.

A good game... but just barely.

Comparable to the PS2 version, except with much longer loading times.

A game that, while it can’t compete with the hockey titles available for the PSP’s big brother, still has a solid look and feel to it, despite the gaping hole left by the lack of commentary.

While this game makes "RedCard 2003" look like... I can't even think of a non-offensive comparison... it still hasn't gone quite far enough.

What it boils down to is that they fixed the major flaws from last year's game: lefty power, and minor league development. Everything else is merely icing on the cake, but what a cake it is.

An interesting study of a series in transition, but ultimately not a compelling purchase. KoF 2002 is a failed attempt to recall "KoF '98 Dream Match," and 2003 is, while more accessible to new fans, lacks the eye-candy if not necessarily the depth of newer games like "Guilty Gear X2."

Even without the online element, Street v3 is still excellence personified.

A solid game, but largely derivative. Pick it up if you haven't played the first.

Originality is what Full Metal Alchemist and the Broken Angel, in the end, is lacking. The transmutation is mildly creative, but it's not going to sustain a been-there-done-that story or utterly mindless, thoughtless brawling.

There's only two puzzlers on DS to date, and Zoo Keeper trumps "Mr. Driller" with the inclusion of single-cart multiplayer. Worth a pickup, if puzzlers are your thing.

The most depressing thing about Black Monday is that parts of inspiration or beauty occasionally shine in the abyss of missed potential. This game is alright, but aspires—rightfully so—for much more, and misses the mark.

Resident Evil 4 is heartstopping moment after heartstopping moment, paced nearly perfectly and executed flawlessly. 2005 has its game of the year, and that game is Resident Evil 4.

I loved NFL Street 2, but in the end it refused to grab my attention as sharply as the original, perhaps because the key single player modes are inherently similar between the two games.

When you're trying to sell a game to a non-hardcore crowd, don't make it frustratingly hard for no reason.

I've seldom had this much anticipation for a sequel, and even more seldom had my high expectations met.

The presentation is completely misguided, and the combat is largely unrewarding. Under all this, the platforming is as creative and addictive as it was in Sands of Time, but the polish and sense of wonder are sorely missed.

It's a tactical, team-based online shooter that isn't very tactical, is only technically team-based, and has broken netcode. What do you think?

Taken as just another game, rather than as a part of the larger Bond iconography, it's really a fairly enjoyable time. Rogue Agent doesn't go on the "best ever" list the way "Everything or Nothing" did, but there are worse ways to pass a Saturday afternoon.

Alien Hominid is a shiny, bloody cartoon you can play by a team of guys who wanted to make a shiny, bloody cartoon you can play. It works.

Definitely worth a look for fans of the series and newcomers alike, but there are better choices out there.

One of the best games ever made. Not getting this game should be a crime.

The wasted potential here is like a swift kick to the face. Still, it's worth a play if you live by the gospel of QCF + P.

Just as the SNES is frequently called the "RPGers' console," games like Ghost Recon 2 are giving Xbox an enduring reputation as the "shooters console."

This is proof not only that the first game's greatness wasn't an anomaly, but also that true effort in game design can overcome even the greatest possibilities for a letdown. Samus is back, people; get ready to ride, for the most anticipated GameCube game of 2004 is here, and it rocks the house.