If you own an iPhone, DS, or PSP, those are probably better platforms to play this on, but this iPad version is still a great game that perfectly captures the console GTA experience.

Unlike a lot of the shovelware on the App Store, Gesundheit! feels like its developers were very passionate about their idea, which, married with its overall level of polish make it a must own title.

My only criticism is its price – while I hate quibbling over bucks, $5 does feel a bit steep. Then again, I bought the app with my own cash, and so far I've spent hours on it – so I can't complain too loudly.

Like other great physics puzzlers on the App Store, Cover Orange consistently adds plenty of variation to its puzzles as players progress.

Eustrath feels like a polished console release in a handheld package, but it's not without its issues -- namely, the story translation could've used a bit of work, and there are some noticeable balancing problems early on.

Luckily, Treasure Seekers blows open the genre's doors for idiots like me with a fantastic hint system that requires a bar to fill up over time before you can use it to cheat your way to victory.

Aqua Globs HD is just another enjoyable game that could only be possible on an iOS or touch-screen device, and I highly recommend it.

For now, Angry Birds Halloween is a totally justified release at a reasonable price point, so there's no reason for fans of the original to skip this version.

A stellar recreation of the PC version. I've encountered absolutely no slowdown (or any other issues) during my time with the iPad edition.

The game's intensely warm, orange-heavy environments and hundreds of glittery leaf-like particles that float along with the wind make Spirits feel like a walk through a forest on a late October evening, and it's hard not to become enamored with the game if you're a fan of Lemmings-style gameplay.

Packing pretty much all of the major features of its bigger console siblings, FIFA 11 does a remarkable job in bringing the world's most popular sports game to iPad.

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Quotation unavailable.

It is the quintessential Nintendo party game, and a recommended purchase if you happen to have a friend or two with a 3DS, which should be a bit more likely now that Black Friday is over.

It's tough to sum up everything that makes Arkham City work as well as it does. If Arkham Asylum was a fun-house chock-full of Batman's most famous foes with a decent dose of fanservice for Dark Knight die-hards, this is a sprawling theme park that plumbs the depths of his case files.

King of Fighters XIII is a title that every fighting game fan should take notice of. It's gorgeous and surprisingly accessible, yet challenging and deep for competitive play. There's no shortage of solo gameplay appeal, either: the characters are great, the story is intriguing, and there's a wealth of varied content to keep you playing.

King of Fighters XIII is a title that every fighting game fan should take notice of. It's gorgeous and surprisingly accessible, yet challenging and deep for competitive play. There's no shortage of solo gameplay appeal, either: the characters are great, the story is intriguing, and there's a wealth of varied content to keep you playing.

Admittedly, critiquing Minecraft's ready-made dungeons and NPC villages is a bit like complaining about the beans served alongside an immaculate five-star steak. Sure, the side-servings might be mediocre, but at its core Minecraft is one of the most forward-thinking games ever created. It spits in the face of the conventional games industry, and it's raked in millions of dollars while doing so

Originally on WiiWare, there are some concessions to the touch screen with virtual buttons occasionally getting in the way of objects you need to move. This is a small price to pay for such a wondrous platformer at a fraction of the price.

Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 is still a spectacle, but compared to the first time around, the hype feels far more subdued.

Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 is still a spectacle, but compared to the first time around, the hype feels far more subdued.

And yet, even with the flaws, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary dramatically succeeds in being a celebratory look back at what was considered a "perfect" first-person shooter experience 10 years ago.

It's not a flawless package: there are some localization hiccups every now and then, and it's frustrating to waste time and money using crafts and erecting facilities that turn out not to yield much. But Oh! Edo Towns' combo of engaging simulation gaming, interesting theme, and distinct Kairosoft charm makes it well worth your time.

It's juvenile, it occasionally objectionable (I'm sorry, I just don't like blasting away at bikini models, even if they are trying to kill me too) and sometimes after playing I feel like I should go take a shower. But I can't remember a game I've played recently that was so dedicated to letting the gamer have as much fun as possible any way they want to. And when it comes to having fun, Saints Row: The Third is like a big party that you don't want to see stop.

It's juvenile, it occasionally objectionable (I'm sorry, I just don't like blasting away at bikini models, even if they are trying to kill me too) and sometimes after playing I feel like I should go take a shower. But I can't remember a game I've played recently that was so dedicated to letting the gamer have as much fun as possible any way they want to. And when it comes to having fun, Saints Row: The Third is like a big party that you don't want to see stop.

Skyward Sword​ is absolutely packed with content. There's hardly any fluff to be found in the 35 hours or so it takes to complete the main quest, outside of the typically sluggish opening scenes. But I feel like Zelda should be going back to its roots and becoming less linear, rather than moreso. It's a curious decision, and I'm not sure it'll sit particularly well with longtime Zelda fans.

Like every other game in the series, Skyrim is going to eat hundreds of hours of my gaming time over the next few years. It has that sense of wonder that makes he Elder Scrolls games so great, and with the changes to skills, the Shouts, and dual-wielding, I think any gamer is going to have a lot of fun with Skyrim (and its eventual expansions) as well.

The game is crafted with so much love, so much humor, and does so many things right, that it's impossible not to have a blast.

In short, it's one of the best value PC games you'll ever buy.

The tired, princess-saving formula never seems to change, but somehow Nintendo makes every visit to the Mushroom Kingdom feel like the first time.

Melodramatic monologues and clunky controls aside, there isn't a whole lot else I can say about the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection outside of this: if you loved these three gruff, gravel-voiced games on their original releases, or missed them the first time around, they're certainly worth adding (or re-adding, or, if you're like me, re-re-adding) to your library.

If you haven't played Cave Story before and want to see what the fuss is about, or are a die-hard fan who needs to have it in every form possible, you simply can't go wrong with Cave Story 3D.

It will be yet another go-round on the same rollercoaster. And this time, to enjoy it fully, you won't have to measure up at a sign that says "you must be this obsessed with multiplayer to ride this ride."

It will be yet another go-round on the same rollercoaster. And this time, to enjoy it fully, you won't have to measure up at a sign that says "you must be this obsessed with multiplayer to ride this ride."

To the Moon is a rare treat in this current crop of game releases. It doesn't break new ground with its storytelling, and it won't drop jaws with its unfolding action, but that's exactly what makes it a different kind of game. It calls for a moment of your time, and your undivided attention. It involves a lot of reading and a very little strategy. It explores a human concept -- the dying wish -- and invites you to come along. It's simple, poignant, and full of heart.

Drawn: Trail of Shadows manages to be casual without being pandering, stupefying without being stupid, and artsy without being pretentious. When it was all over I'd restored not only paintings, but my enthusiasm for the floundering genre as well.

While the game has some flaws, the annoying issues with Kinect Sports: Season Two didn't adversely affect my enjoyment of the game. As a Kinect Sports vet, I expected more of the same -- heck, I even wanted it.

Without its surreal mix of worlds and characters, Disney Universe would be little more than a fun, but forgettable LEGO game rip-off. However, with enough charm and personality to fill Cinderella's Castle, it's hard not to recommend it to those who make annual treks to Disneyland or catch every Pixar flick on opening day. If that doesn't describe you, but you're an adult looking for a fun interactive romp to take with your kids, Disney Universe is still a great place to visit.

Without its surreal mix of worlds and characters, Disney Universe would be little more than a fun, but forgettable LEGO game rip-off. However, with enough charm and personality to fill Cinderella's Castle, it's hard not to recommend it to those who make annual treks to Disneyland or catch every Pixar flick on opening day. If that doesn't describe you, but you're an adult looking for a fun interactive romp to take with your kids, Disney Universe is still a great place to visit.

While it's light on content and features and isn't about to make anyone forget about the triple-A racing titles coming out this holiday, Daytona USA is an enjoyable ride that proves that great gameplay almost always ages well. For those who still long for the simplicity of old school titles and the challenges that typically come with it, this downloadable slice of gaming nostalgia is well worth a look.

While it's light on content and features and isn't about to make anyone forget about the triple-A racing titles coming out this holiday, Daytona USA is an enjoyable ride that proves that great gameplay almost always ages well. For those who still long for the simplicity of old school titles and the challenges that typically come with it, this downloadable slice of gaming nostalgia is well worth a look.

The House of the Dead: Overkill: Extended Cut adds more content to a raunchy, entertaining romp. If you got tired of Detective Washington's non-stop cursing while playing it before, you'll find no reprieve here. But if you've never experienced it, or you're hankering to test drive it in HD, it's well worth your while.

Overall, the combination of a robust multiplayer, a surprisingly compelling co-op adventure, and a thrilling ten-hour single-player campaign add up to a title that is, quite simply, a must-own

Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken is a blast to play. A title with a silly premise, satisfying action, plenty of content (15 solo chapters and 10 co-op) and a first rate game presentation is hard not to cluck about.

While it doesn't change much from Layton's previous adventures, the small tweaks (and the generous extras) make this my favorite Layton game to-date. The series is one of the few remaining champions of the graphic adventure, and, fortunately, they're doing a damn fine job of keeping that genre relevant for a modern audience.

A better dance game than Just Dance 3. The workout modes and campaign give you a reason to keep coming back, whether you're playing alone or with a group, and the mechanics behind the body tracking are second to none (even if the voice control commands are still a bit spotty).

There's a real sense of progression to Arkham City in its gameplay, in its story, in the variety of its missions (the abundance of open world side-quests will keep you busy for a long, long time), and in the evolution of its pointy-eared protagonist, that really deserves to be commended.

There's a real sense of progression to Arkham City in its gameplay, in its story, in the variety of its missions (the abundance of open world side-quests will keep you busy for a long, long time), and in the evolution of its pointy-eared protagonist, that really deserves to be commended.

The AI personalities still offer a diverse range of difficulty and play styles though, making Quarrel one of the best options for wordsmiths on the go.

To-Fu 2's difficulty can ramp up pretty quickly, but thanks to precise controls it's never a source of frustration.

Those without boiling Guardian Heroes nostalgia are probably going to wonder what makes it any better than Castle Crashers, another celebrated downloadable beat-'em-up that was greatly inspired by Treasure's classic brawler. They have their little similarities, but is there anything that makes one less worthy over the other? Not at all -- GH still has that extra complexity in the fighting and the RPG-like leveling system.

Sideway: New York is available for download for $9.99 on PSN and is well worth a look. While it's probably going to be derided as an easier version of Super Meat Boy or a less intellectual Braid, the truth is that Sideway: New York carves its own identity and deserves consideration among the best regarded downloadable platformers.

It's a good all-around package, but I expect that it will sneak under the radar now that the fall release season is in full swing. It's a shame because the single-player is every bit the addictive sugar rush that Modern Warfare is, and it's handsomely produced to boot. It's the perfect palate cleanser for a game like Dark Souls, which is the diametric opposite in terms of mood and gameplay. After being lost in a dungeon for hours on end, sometimes you just want to jump into a jet fighter and blow stuff up for a while. And in that regard, Ace Combat fits the bill perfectly.

It's a good all-around package, but I expect that it will sneak under the radar now that the fall release season is in full swing. It's a shame because the single-player is every bit the addictive sugar rush that Modern Warfare is, and it's handsomely produced to boot. It's the perfect palate cleanser for a game like Dark Souls, which is the diametric opposite in terms of mood and gameplay. After being lost in a dungeon for hours on end, sometimes you just want to jump into a jet fighter and blow stuff up for a while. And in that regard, Ace Combat fits the bill perfectly.

If you never got the chance to play the original Crysis -- either because you didn't have a decent enough rig to power it, or you just never got around to it -- it is still a fantastic shooter that's worth downloading. And considering that it's part of a planned trilogy, now's a good time to get caught up on the story and experience the game that started it all.

If you never got the chance to play the original Crysis -- either because you didn't have a decent enough rig to power it, or you just never got around to it -- it is still a fantastic shooter that's worth downloading. And considering that it's part of a planned trilogy, now's a good time to get caught up on the story and experience the game that started it all.

It's dedicated to the spirit of the game, both in the present and in the past, in ways that so many other sports games, even some of the great ones, have never really been able to do. NBA 2K12 is essential for any fan of video game sports.

It's dedicated to the spirit of the game, both in the present and in the past, in ways that so many other sports games, even some of the great ones, have never really been able to do. NBA 2K12 is essential for any fan of video game sports.

Atelier Totori is a hidden gem of a game. It's far from perfect, but it's so wildly, wonderfully distinct and different from the typical crop of titles out there that it's hard not to love it.

The ultimate automotive playground. A place where car buffs can come together and enjoy virtually every aspect of car culture you can think of – and engage in fierce, beautifully articulated competition.

If you can get past the War Mage's obnoxious personality and the repetitive and equally obnoxious Gothic metal soundtrack, which isn't asking for much, you'll find endless hours of good times in Orcs Must Die.

Once you get a game going with friends or online fodder, though, On Fire Edition shows its best side, and could easily turn "one more match" into hours spent cracking jokes and laughing at every comment the announcer makes. And for a b-ball know-nothing like me, that's more than enough justification to find yourself playing a sports game. Just don't take it too seriously.

Once you get a game going with friends or online fodder, though, On Fire Edition shows its best side, and could easily turn "one more match" into hours spent cracking jokes and laughing at every comment the announcer makes. And for a b-ball know-nothing like me, that's more than enough justification to find yourself playing a sports game. Just don't take it too seriously.

Thankfully, Isaac's shmup-like approach makes the game a little easier than the nightmare of a melee-only roguelike, though it's still no cakewalk. Like the Souls series, you'd best keep on your guard, since death is permanent and there are no saves. A playthrough can be as short as an hour, but with randomized loot and boss encounters on top of several unlockables, you'll want to put Isaac through hell multiple times.

In short, it's everything I could have hoped for in a (spiritual) successor to Demon's Souls. I'm pleased to recommend it to anyone who wants to see the medium pushed to its limits and beyond.

In short, it's everything I could have hoped for in a (spiritual) successor to Demon's Souls. I'm pleased to recommend it to anyone who wants to see the medium pushed to its limits and beyond.

Most surprising are the vehicle-based sections of the game. In a word, they're fantastic.

Most surprising are the vehicle-based sections of the game. In a word, they're fantastic.

Minor issues aside, this is a very fun title. Leaderboards, trying to beat your personal best times, and some unlockable bonus levels do add some replay value, and clever features (free look mode, the blob itself has a high cuteness factor) give the game some charm. If you're looking for a fun and breezy diversion, and an excuse to brush up on your knowledge of the periodic table, Mercury Hg is worth a look.

Minor issues aside, this is a very fun title. Leaderboards, trying to beat your personal best times, and some unlockable bonus levels do add some replay value, and clever features (free look mode, the blob itself has a high cuteness factor) give the game some charm. If you're looking for a fun and breezy diversion, and an excuse to brush up on your knowledge of the periodic table, Mercury Hg is worth a look.

It's a great game that is a lot of fun to play -- that's not "great for a free to play game," but simply "great."

Rochard the man may be ordinary, but the adventure he stars in is anything but.

Tiny Heroes is an excellent game, but with a few caveats: there's no iPad version (and this would be perfect for an iPad), placing traps/weapons precisely can be difficult, and sometimes the levels are just too hard.

A high-energy romp with a fun, 90's anime style story (the G Gundam references are much-appreciated), easy to grasp mechanics, and plenty of things to find and collect. But I think its real strength is that lush world and the truly outstanding cel-shading, which makes me want to take back every bad word I ever said about the Nintendo DS and its 3D graphical capabilities.

A landmark sports game. Not only is it the greatest football game we've yet seen, it's a masterclass in how to capture the essence of a sport. From they way it looks to the way it makes you think about how you play the game, FIFA 12 is brilliant, through and through.

A landmark sports game. Not only is it the greatest football game we've yet seen, it's a masterclass in how to capture the essence of a sport. From they way it looks to the way it makes you think about how you play the game, FIFA 12 is brilliant, through and through.

It's not as bite-sized as the rest of the iOS puzzle elite, but the patient are aptly rewarded with a satisfying challenging experience.

But for a reasonably priced downloadable game where you're driving/flying around in tiny vehicles, Renegade Ops certainly doesn't feel small. In fact, it's genuinely one of the most entertaining and polished action titles I've played on a digital platform.

But for a reasonably priced downloadable game where you're driving/flying around in tiny vehicles, Renegade Ops certainly doesn't feel small. In fact, it's genuinely one of the most entertaining and polished action titles I've played on a digital platform.

RO2 is an acquired taste and brutally punishing to newcomers.

What Monsters Joker 2 really does best is to create a bright, vibrant world that does a great job of paying homage to the Dragon Quest franchise while also giving it a different spin. It's a bit slow to start -- monster synthesis takes a bit to unlock -- but it's an overall rewarding experience and one of the best Nintendo DS games to be released this year.

Sadly, Saga is slightly gimped when measured up to its Wii counterpart, Bit.Trip Complete. Aside from sometimes-wonky controls (gyroscopic movement for your paddle in Beat or Flux are inexplicably absent, for one), 3DS owners have been bafflingly shafted on the extras Complete offers Wii users, though the bonus of 3D effects here isn't a terrible compromise. Minor gripes aside, this is still a must-own 3DS title.

Most gamers will balk at being asked to pay $15 for a WiiWare title, and considering the game's visual presentation and accelerated difficulty level, that's a legitimate gripe. However, MotoHeroz has so much to offer and is so much fun, you shouldn't let that get in your way.

Resident Evil 4 is still an outstanding shooter, but as I keep re-iterating with these recent high-def rereleases, your mileage is bound to vary.

Resident Evil 4 is still an outstanding shooter, but as I keep re-iterating with these recent high-def rereleases, your mileage is bound to vary.

Kirby Mass Attack rewards you for replaying it many times over, with several impressively polished mini-games (my favorites being the RPG and pinball ones), big fruit bonuses, and very frequent references to past Kirby titles.

The most polished and satisfying entry in the series, and it presents enough fresh ideas to make it worth seeing through to its gripping conclusion.

While not perfect, this game is still a lot of fun. The definition of easy to play and tough to master, SkyDrift is an addictive romp for those willing to take the time to learn how to become the Dominic Torreto of the skies.

While not perfect, this game is still a lot of fun. The definition of easy to play and tough to master, SkyDrift is an addictive romp for those willing to take the time to learn how to become the Dominic Torreto of the skies.

The realistic fluidity of the water and the realistic properties of the fire (they spread if left unattended) are what makes this game different.

Is RSG worth downloading? If you read everything above and it sounds intriguing to you, then yes, absolutely. If this doesn't sound like the sort of shooter you're looking for, you might want to think it over for a bit before committing to a purchase.

What makes Monolith's game such a stellar experience is the fact that everything it does dramatically improves and innovates the RPG genre. Xenoblade gives the player a whole world to interact with and explore, removing boundaries and convenient game design choices for the sake of fun and immersion.

As much as it looks like a souped-up NHL 09​, the improvements to the engine, the A.I., Be a Pro mode, and the overall presentation really add up, and that's aside from the fact that it was already a pretty darn good sports sim to begin with.

As much as it looks like a souped-up NHL 09​, the improvements to the engine, the A.I., Be a Pro mode, and the overall presentation really add up, and that's aside from the fact that it was already a pretty darn good sports sim to begin with.

While it is precious about distinguishing taps intended to boost rather than switch junctions, Tiny Invaders achieves a triumphant victory thanks to its Bizarre-like charm, challenge, and clever design.

Amidst constant industry talk about brutal work conditions and failing studios, every bit of this package makes it seem like these folks are having an absolute blast creating one-of-a-kind games -- and it's an infectious type of jubilance that emboldens this memorable experience into more than the sum of its parts.

Even with some minor hiccups, 4 Elements HD is worth the price. If you're a match three-fan looking for a game that will bring back fond memories of turkey legs, flowing white beards, and pointy hats, you'll get your money's worth out of this title.

So while Star Fox 64 3D isn't quite worth a 3DS purchase on its own, it still has a place alongside Ocarina of Time 3D as one of the few 3DS games worth buying immediately. If you decided to spring for a 3DS at the newly-reduced price point, now is the time to make good on your purchase.