While a multiplayer mode is sorely missed, with Zuma's Revenge PopCap has given gamers exactly what they wanted, a new title that's even better than the original.

A game that will have you laughing one moment and cursing the next but you'll enjoy doing both. The cutscenes and challenges are equally entertaining, if in very different ways. Bowser's Inside Story works hard to make sure it's never boring or mindlessly repetitive and quite nearly succeeds.

Simply put, it’s ok, but it’s not great.

Is $8 a bad price for a game like Spaceball: Revolution? No. Is putting the game on a console rather than a mobile device such as the iPhone or iPod Touch limiting its appeal? I think so.

And although the sound of a shopping game sounds only slightly more fun than the real thing, it's actually quite enjoyable.

Darkest of Days' best missions come right at the end (with closer-quarters action and a fantastic original weapon), but by that point, it's too little, too late. An entire game built in that mold might've been able to overcome the numerous problems, but unlike with time travel, there are no do-overs in game development.

There's an incredible amount of fun that comes from filing the shoes of some of the most inspiring musicians ever to walk the earth, and Harmonix captures this experience with same sense of magic that the Beatles were known for. It's well worth the price of admission, even if you forgo the replica instruments and stick to your stock Rock Band gear.

There's an incredible amount of fun that comes from filing the shoes of some of the most inspiring musicians ever to walk the earth, and Harmonix captures this experience with same sense of magic that the Beatles were known for. It's well worth the price of admission, even if you forgo the replica instruments and stick to your stock Rock Band gear.

There's an incredible amount of fun that comes from filing the shoes of some of the most inspiring musicians ever to walk the earth, and Harmonix captures this experience with same sense of magic that the Beatles were known for. It's well worth the price of admission, even if you forgo the replica instruments and stick to your stock Rock Band gear. [Nov 2009, p.74]

Knuckles is a blast to play with, because he can climb walls -- bringing a different aspect to the game from simply spinning and rolling like Sonic. Also, if you own Sonic 1, 2 or 3 in your XBLA game library, you can play as Knuckles in them as well, a little added extra courtesy of Seeeeeggaaa!

My only qualm with the demon was that he never really veered us off the beaten path, for the most part we were always trying to get from point A to point B; I would've loved to take in the sights more.

There are so many courses, cars and race types in DiRT 2 that it's almost overwhelming to look at your world map. At one point I had almost 30 unlocked, un-played events just waiting to be tackled. It's a dense game with a lot to do, and you'll want to do it all.

There are so many courses, cars and race types in DiRT 2 that it's almost overwhelming to look at your world map. At one point I had almost 30 unlocked, un-played events just waiting to be tackled. It's a dense game with a lot to do, and you'll want to do it all.

It's funny, it's charming, and it's an absolute blast to play for both aspiring Demon Lords and returning Overlords.

anything, Colorz serves a purpose reminding players that people suck at multitasking, all while testing their knowledge of the color wheel.

Contra ReBirth is no doubt one of the best, if not the best, titles to hit WiiWare this year.

Despite leaving me frustrated most of the time, I still enjoyed my time at the Draft Combine. Maybe I'm a masochist but feeling the pressure to play well so I could improve my draft status felt good.

Packed full of great content (more than 250 missions, unlockable illustrations, movies, and character models) and supporting local wireless play, this is a game that belongs on your PSP. [Oct 2009, p.83]

Overall, this game is for you. Intimidated by a tower defense? Don't be. It requires some heavy thinking and brain power, which is good for everyone. Since no one reads books anymore, you mind as well play a game that requires you to think on your feet. Defense Grid: The Awakening will love you if you love it.

The pistol is one of the most satisfying I've handled since scoring head shots with Halo's popular handgun, and when you're shouldering the rocket launcher, your character fills nearly a third of the screen with an impressively threatening presence. Most of the gadgets and features from the online conquest mode carry into the solo campaign, too.

With such amazing aesthetics one would expect some other technical areas to take a few hits, notably the load-times and the sound. Yet neither is diminished, with load-times being fairly short and easily endured, and with a dramatic score that is well done and fitting.

An incredibly solid title with plenty to see, do and most importantly, rock out to. Brandishing some stellar new Competitive play concepts (Do or Die, Momentum) not to mention some incredibly creative new stages to play on, Guitar Hero 5 stays true to its franchise roots and rocks just about as hard as anyone could expect it to. With its astounding variety and tried-and-true formula, it's truly hard to find fault with Guitar Hero 5 without resorting to nitpicking.

An incredibly solid title with plenty to see, do and most importantly, rock out to. Brandishing some stellar new Competitive play concepts (Do or Die, Momentum) not to mention some incredibly creative new stages to play on, Guitar Hero 5 stays true to its franchise roots and rocks just about as hard as anyone could expect it to.

While Guitar Hero 5 doesn't re-invent the wheel (or the guitar, for that matter) it does offer up a bounty of new rockin' features that puts it above a "yearly update." With an eclectic set list, 85 playable tracks, and some DLC content sure on it's way, GH5 will keep your fingers strumming for a good while until the next inevitable installment arrives. That is, if you can get over the creep factor of seeing Kurt Cobain in GH form.

After playing this game, it would be a real stretch for me to recommend Invincible Tiger at any XBLA price level.

After playing this game, it would be a real stretch for me to recommend Invincible Tiger at any XBLA price level.

Despite leaving me frustrated most of the time, I still enjoyed my time at the Draft Combine. Maybe I'm a masochist but feeling the pressure to play well so I could improve my draft status felt good.

Batman: Arkham Asylum doesn't quite deliver on all of its big ideas, and thus dodges the highest of accolades, but its rousing peaks make its low points more than bearable. Its best moments of dazzling showmanship easily qualify as must-see entertainment, even if they're not sufficient to make the game as a whole a must-play.

It's a triumph of mood and psychological tension, and devoted fans will find a great deal to excite them. But they're also bound to be disappointed by its reliance on repetitive combat and a shortage of villains worth the big man's attention.

This is Final Fantasy like you've never played it before.

Unfortunately, in order for a player to lay claim to Frantic Farming mastery, he'll need to perfect one specific technique. [Aug 2009, p.84]

Three of the finest FPS experiences from the GameCube days gets the port they deserves in this stellar recollection of the Metroid Prime series.

Overall this is a great puzzle game with both an entertaining story and mind-bending puzzles. The numerous locations are both a burden on the art style and a blessing for the expanded scope of the game.

Despite all the feel-good cuteness and decent gameplay, there is not a lot of variety in the game. It’s all about digging through colorful blocks that look good enough to eat with no multiplayer or anything of the sort. It’s a downer, because the game would be perfectly suited for some kind of split-screen 2-player race mode or something similar.

The graphics will suck you in and the audio is lovable too.

An engaging and action-packed title filled with the type of old-school arcade action that you just don't see too much in this day and age.

Again, it's nothing new but the weapons and powers are interesting enough that, if you put in the work, the reward is there. But it probably won't make you forget about Modern Warfare or Halo 3 or Killzone 2 or whatever online FPS you're currently hooked on.

Again, it's nothing new but the weapons and powers are interesting enough that, if you put in the work, the reward is there. But it probably won't make you forget about Modern Warfare or Halo 3 or Killzone 2 or whatever online FPS you're currently hooked on.

While the outrageous roller coaster inspired tracks and arcade-themed charm where enough to bring a smile to my face, Speed Zone's charm is inevitably overpowered by a lackluster control scheme and a barrage of all-to-frequent deaths.

The game does have one redeeming factor, the visuals.

There's a noticeable focus on keeping you actively involved in the game and it's an effort that succeeds in spades.

Being able to focus on finding an open receiver without worrying as much about the split-second paranoia of protecting my player was a welcome relief.

The game may not have the depth that some are looking for, but regardless, it'll still provide loads of fun.

Overall, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is pretty much a picture-perfect port that won't disappoint fans or newcomers to the series. [Sept. 2009, p.82]

Enjoy the game for what it is and get better to beat your friends. It's entirely worth it.

Everything is in place for an absolutely great game that's unfortunately bogged down in a mess of bad design decisions, bugs, and some odd gameplay changes.

Turtles in Time Re-Shelled is a great example of how much games have evolved. Even though we may have thought we wanted this classic "remake" this release shows that it is no longer enough to slap on a coat of paint to outdated gameplay.

While I wasn't expecting too much from G.I. Joe as a whole, I walked away with the impression that, while it wasn't absolutely horrible, it really didn't leave much of a lasting impression either.

While I wasn't expecting too much from G.I. Joe as a whole, I walked away with the impression that, while it wasn't absolutely horrible, it really didn't leave much of a lasting impression either.

At 500 Wii Points, it's hard to recommend the title to anyone. Sexy Poker is one of those games that would be better served as a 99-cent iPhone app reserved for no more than novelty purposes.

While not without value, instead of wrapping up my time in the Capital Wastelands in a nice big irradiated bow, Mothership Zeta just left me wondering how much fun being in space could’ve been.

While not without value, instead of wrapping up my time in the Capital Wastelands in a nice big irradiated bow, Mothership Zeta just left me wondering how much fun being in space could’ve been.

One of the most original downloadable games to date. The amount of strategy that exists is plentiful and there is more than enough content included to justify the purchase.

Watchmen: The End is Nigh, Part 2 is a straight up brawler. You have a couple of combo attacks and blocking maneuvers. There is almost no gameplay variety as you button mash your way through the three chapters.

Overall, it's a must-have and a keeper in your PC collection. With crystal-clear visuals and addictive gameplay, not to mention loads of replay value, you'll be telling your friends about this one. Unscramble some words and get going. Lex is waiting for you, giant lenses and all.

Overall, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is pretty much a picture-perfect port that won't disappoint fans or newcomers to the series.

In the end, East India Company is a game that manages to merge effectively its twin themes of trading and naval combat. Unfortunately its also a game that is plagued with several important interface issues that make the game more frustrating and tedious than it really should be.

But even without that crucial feature, Wii Sports Resort still feels like an accomplishment, not only because it offers a fun and accessible experience built around the MotionPlus attachment, but because it may very well renew optimism in those jaded by the lackluster motion controls seen over the last couple years.

Most gamers may not want to pay full retail price for only a handful of light features, despite how pretty the game is, but if you love your fighters old-school and 2D, The King of Fighters XII is probably worth checking out.

Most gamers may not want to pay full retail price for only a handful of light features, despite how pretty the game is, but if you love your fighters old-school and 2D, The King of Fighters XII is probably worth checking out.

Shatter adds a lot of flavor to a traditional block breaker game. With definite influence from Geometry Wars and other HD remakes, Shatter is a must buy for almost anyone.

While not for the meek, Splosion Man is terrific game and at a paltry 800MS Points, a great value. Not only is it funny and fun to play but with tons of content (50 single and 50 multiplayer levels; theme, gamer pics and Avatar clothing to earn; time trials to participate in) its a must add to your XBLA game library.

An intriguing blend of real time strategy, life development and role playing action, Little King's Story proves itself as a fun-filled and wholly engaging experience for even the most jaded gamer, all wrapped up in a deceptively cute package.

I liked the deep strategy but I was as frustrated as I was entertained. [Aug 2009, p.83]

Ultimately, Namco Museum Essentials is a group of old games available for $10. Namco did a great job of assembling the package but not enough effort was put into updating these classics and making it a must buy.

But the moral of the story here is, well-written scripts and addictive story modes never spell a bad time. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is impressive, hilarious and downright worth your money.

Madballs offers a complete package for $10 but because of a lacking online community you will be playing most of the game in single player mode. Overall, Madballs is worth a purchase if you are looking for a fast paced shooter.

But the moral of the story here is, well-written scripts and addictive story modes never spell a bad time. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is impressive, hilarious and downright worth your money.

NCAA Football 10 is like an above average college football recruit: it plays hard, keeps its nose clean and eventually gets drafted in the second round. It doesn't make ESPN's Top 10 Plays segment on a weekly basis nor does it rack up the jersey sales but it works hard in the trenches and is a great locker room presence.

NCAA Football 10 is like an above average college football recruit: it plays hard, keeps its nose clean and eventually gets drafted in the second round. It doesn't make ESPN's Top 10 Plays segment on a weekly basis nor does it rack up the jersey sales but it works hard in the trenches and is a great locker room presence.

The main game alone will keep you busy for several hours. Constantly grinding your ants and hoarding food will give you plenty of time to become familiar with Ant Nation, but will also become tedious.

With satisfaction always within reach, Battlefield 1943 makes for an addictive online experience. [Aug 2009, p.79]

With satisfaction always within reach, Battlefield 1943 makes for an addictive online experience. [Aug 2009, p.79]

The Bigs 2, like its predecessor, is bringing fans an action-packed experience with the same over-the-top gameplay that made the first so enjoyable - and it's doing it with far less glitches.

Telltale hit it right out of the park with the first installment of the series. It has plenty of humor, fun gameplay, nice puzzles and wonderful music and voice work. The only real setback to the game is that the hint system can be too helpful.

It takes you about three seconds to learn how to play it and it takes quite a few mistakes before you hit a game over, but this is a remarkably intense, challenging game.

For a fraction of the cost of Mario Kart (HCR sells for 800 Nintendo Points/$8) gamers can have almost as much family racing fun, almost.

In closing, Trine is an excellent downloadable game that will take you roughly four to five hours to complete. The graphics are amazing, the three characters are fun to play, and the fairytale story is cute.

Best weapons to date, crystal clear sound, easier control than previous Worms games.

In the end, the game isn't a horrible experience. It is kind of fun and features some decent gameplay, but is it worth $50? I don't think so.

Overall, RooGoo Twisted Towers adds a unique perspective to the puzzle genre for the Wii, but it lacks the exciting and addictive nature of puzzle games.

It was definitely a nice change of pace from the standard World War II/sci-fi settings and until someone does it better, Bound in Blood is, in my opinion, the best Western-themed shooter around.

It was definitely a nice change of pace from the standard World War II/sci-fi settings and until someone does it better, Bound in Blood is, in my opinion, the best Western-themed shooter around.

But if you're looking for a unique fighting experience with tons of charm and wit then look no further than BlazBlue. [Aug 2009, p.80]

But if you're looking for a unique fighting experience with tons of charm and wit then look no further than BlazBlue. [Aug 2009, p.80]

The problem with Treasure World is once you find items and add them to your garden, that's about all there is to this game.

The reason for buying Rise of Flight, you'll quickly see, is the graphics. Most notably, it's the planes.

Even with its faults this game is a great value. Other arcade titles with fun, solid gameplay, simple controls, and this many customizable features will run you between $10-$20, but lucky you, you get Battlefield Heroes for free.

No multiplayer, boring sound and graphical design, lack of variety.

No multiplayer, boring sound and graphical design, lack of variety.

Fight Night Round 4 lacks some of the wow factor of its predecessor, but it builds upon the strengths of Round 3 and corrects most of its weaknesses.

Fight Night Round 4 lacks some of the wow factor of its predecessor, but it builds upon the strengths of Round 3 and corrects most of its weaknesses.

To be blunt, The Conduit is a by the numbers shooter that offers a couple of thrills but ultimately doesn't make much of an impact.

Still, aficionados of the Megami Tensei universe will undoubtedly get a kick out of the game's intriguing story and colorful cast while fans of turn-based combat might just find an addicting and innovative adventure - just don't expect an RPG that'll re-invent the wheel.

If you like Transformers, buy this game. Even if you don't (or you just hate Michael Bay), you should still give Optimus Prime a try.

If you like Transformers, buy this game. Even if you don't (or you just hate Michael Bay), you should still give Optimus Prime a try.

Overlord II is a decent game that maintains its predecessor's greatness, but it doesn't show enough progression or improvement. The unforgiving checkpoints and host of other problems make it a frustrating experience, making for a sinfully fun title that forces you to a steep penance for your enjoyment.

Overlord II is a decent game that maintains its predecessor's greatness, but it doesn't show enough progression or improvement. The unforgiving checkpoints and host of other problems make it a frustrating experience, making for a sinfully fun title that forces you to a steep penance for your enjoyment.