Overall, Overlord Minions is a missed opportunity for the Nintendo DS. It had a lot of potential, but it was lost to the inaccuracy of game play.

I do commend Codemasters for catering to the Wii with a brand new Overlord game instead of porting over Overlord II, which could only have ended in tears -- but give us a challenge guys. We're not stupid.

If you enjoy spending time in the world of Fallout 3, Point Lookout is still a great value. While some gamers will whine about its brief play time, they just need to get over it.

There are over 400 missions, which is insanely impressive and the depth of the weapon and armor customization is ridiculously. But in the end, all that content feels kind of wasted due to the horrible camera and lackluster combat.

While Neves Plus seems like its barebones there is actually a lot going for this package. The only letdown is a lack of an online mode.

Brace yourself and buckle your seatbelts kids, it's going to be a bumpy -- and destructive -- ride through the sky.

If you can get over some of its geriatric issues (I'm not an ageist, I swear), you'll get plenty of enjoyment out of Sam & Max Save the World. Its quirky fun and offers gamers a change of pace from traditional XBLA fare.

Though I was ultimately somewhat disappointed by the flawed and fundamentally repetitive nature of my time as a green recruit, Ghostbusters' tight online component renewed my long-term enthusiasm for slam-dunking slimers.

Though I was ultimately somewhat disappointed by the flawed and fundamentally repetitive nature of my time as a green recruit, Ghostbusters' tight online component renewed my long-term enthusiasm for slam-dunking slimers.

While I salute Flower, Sun and Rain for its innovation and uniqueness, its mind-boggling puzzles met with surreal gameplay makes for one hell of a trip in every sense of the word.

I didn't expect Guitar Hero Smash Hits to dramatically change what has become a tried-and-true formula, but I definitely anticipated a better value proposition than this.

I didn't expect Guitar Hero Smash Hits to dramatically change what has become a tried-and-true formula, but I definitely anticipated a better value proposition than this.

Mediocre. It lacks in overall game play and its weak multiplayer offering and brief amount of game time will leave players wanting.

Still, the control scheme is interesting and unique enough that I think some Wii owners will dig it.

Bomberman Ultra is a must own for fans of the series but the lack of new features doesn't make this a must buy for fans of the 2007 XBLA release. However, if you do not own a 360 and are waiting for the classic Bomberman experience on the PS3, download this version immediately.

Fun co-op play, fun weapons, short and sweet.

I can't wait to go play some more. I suspect that some people will find their enthusiasm drained more than mine by the shallow enemy gene pool, but even they're bound to get swept away by the myriad pleasures of tearing up town as a ghoulish and preternaturally fleet-footed shape-shifter.

I suspect that some people will find their enthusiasm drained more than mine by the shallow enemy gene pool, but even they're bound to get swept away by the myriad pleasures of tearing up town as a ghoulish and preternaturally fleet-footed shape-shifter.

If you've been aching for a hardcore RPG experience on the PSP, go to class. [Apr 2009, p.83]

Still, it's an enjoyable way to waste away the weekend, especially for casual Wii owners who are looking for a challenge; hardcore gamers, on the other hand, will scoff at the games' puzzles' but as long as you don't go in expecting the second coming of The Last Crusade, you'll be fine. [July 2009, p.80]

Weighing in at five cases, Miami Law isn't a terribly long game nor is it terribly original, but for what it is -- a rather mindless police point and click -- it's a decent enough adventure.

Even with these minor additions, Modern Hits never really justifies itself as an upgrade from the stellar Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades. Still, any on-the-go rock star is bound to have a blast with the ageless GH gameplay, not to mention the return of plenty of classic characters and brand new venues.

But as a rhythm game, Unplugged is a wonderful portable title. [July 2009, p.84]

As a quality tennis title and an impressive showcase of Nintendo's new tech, EA's ambitious first effort easily takes the cup.

This year's version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour is as sweet as a 350 yard tee shot down the middle of the fairway. It will challenge experienced players while still providing enough teaching and lessons to acclimate even the newest of players.

This year's version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour is as sweet as a 350 yard tee shot down the middle of the fairway. It will challenge experienced players while still providing enough teaching and lessons to acclimate even the newest of players.

The visual and music portion of the game offer up little to no innovation, it all seems very plain and lacking, almost like a rejected Warner Bros. cartoon.

For those looking to fill the void for a zany platformer, Starfy is your starfish.

The sound becomes annoying because the same track plays on loop. Trash Panic's graphics are impressive for a pretty simple downloadable game. Maybe that's why the game is more than 1GB!

This is still one of those timeless classics you can enjoy over and over again. It’s just a very simple shooter that takes you back, if you played it back in the day that is.

Casual players and even tactical RPG fans may have a hard time getting used to Knights in the Nightmare, and I can guarantee that the effort to learn the battle system will be worth it in the long run. [July 2009, p.86]

Though the game has a few faults, such as some occasional background pop-in and a few minor AI issues, the whole experience is a blast (literally), and you'd be missing a great action experience by not checking this one out.

Though the game has a few faults, such as some occasional background pop-in and a few minor AI issues, the whole experience is a blast (literally), and you'd be missing a great action experience by not checking this one out.

Definitely a huge step in the right direction with all the improvements it offers. I would've liked more of a true story mode, like we've seen in the console versions or in the Stories series. And at times, I was reverting back to the mundane "eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep, work" cycle that I thought we'd be done with by now (though this micromanaging is way more streamlined now). But The Sims 3 allows players to play the way they truly want, way more than they ever were able to do before.

As it stands, it's the third best next-gen off-road racing title I've played and while third place won't get you the checkered flag, it still gets you onto the winner's podium.

A great start for this sequel to FFIV. The bad part is that while 800 and 300 points sound small you’re going to be spending roughly 3700 points ($40) to get the full experience. That’s a big chunk of change for a DLC title, so being a fan of Final Fantasy is a must.

Great game, minor faults, a lot of fun to be had, terrible story but the gameplay holds up despite it. Maybe this "sleeping on it" thing has some merit, after all.

Although it is not a title for everyone, fitness enthusiasts will get a kick out of this simple title.

Crimson Gem Saga is as classic as modern RPGs come, but it also stands to remind why this genre has been so steadfast throughout the life of gaming.

The Munchables is one those games that you know is silly, and you'll feel guilty for playing it, yet you can't help but love it. With a $30 price tag, you can't go wrong picking this up.

Bubble Bobble Plus!, with its great music, tons of content and multiplayer, finally has pulled WiiWare out of the slump it’s been in.

The game hasn’t strayed far from the original at all, except that you don’t die after one hit like the original, unless you fall in fire.

Despite the pun-tastic monsters and multiplayer vs, the virus busting just didn't hold our attention as long as we would've hoped.

Action mode is fast-paced, as you seek out a fresh pathway for a pursing tank, which becomes immobile if gel blocks stand in its way. Puzzle mode, however, is less stressful.

UFC 2009 Undisputed does have a couple of issues that keep it from being a MMA-fan's dream come true but it is still a tremendous title that will make any fan of the sport proud.

UFC 2009 Undisputed does have a couple of issues that keep it from being a MMA-fan's dream come true but it is still a tremendous title that will make any fan of the sport proud.

Steal Princess is a game that has decent, challenging puzzles, but may leave you falling flat into a bottomless pit as a 3D platformer. [Apr 2009, p.80]

As a multiplayer experience, Bash Party succeeds but it's less a party and more of a social gathering.

While there are some cheap thrills to be found in the title's rail-shooter segments and hardcore Terminator fans will no doubt want to rent the title just for the chance to go toe-to-toe with a T-600, I can't recommend Salvation as anything more than exactly that: a rental.

While there are some cheap thrills to be found in the title's rail-shooter segments and hardcore Terminator fans will no doubt want to rent the title just for the chance to go toe-to-toe with a T-600, I can't recommend Salvation as anything more than exactly that: a rental.

But EA Sports Active has a great core--it will motivate you to work out and have you doing it the right way.

Even multiplayer is a strange blend of inspiration and worn convention.

Even multiplayer is a strange blend of inspiration and worn convention.

The game is a blast and gave me a nasty blister on my left thumb, which to me is always a good, albeit painful sign, of a solid and addictive gaming experience.

While it would have been nice to have more features, what Silver Star Chess offers is a mediocre chess game. With a $5 price tag, this title is justifiable if you’re a fan of chess and want a chess game for the Wii, but if you’re a beginner looking to learn the game, this certainly won’t get you to start playing.

Overall, Zen Pinball does it right and puts itself into a class of its own. Pinball machines are a very unique invention and to replicate the feel of one by using a gaming controller isn't easy. But with gorgeous graphics, fun sound effects and addictive featury gameplay, you'll gain faith in a game like this.

The $10 asking price is too much to plunk down for this shallow card game.

D-A-C is a fun title that would have faired better at a lower price point due to the lack of content and overall mediocre feel.

Battestations: Pacific might not blow many players away initially but look beyond the middling graphics and fairly simplistic presentation and you'll find a complex and rewarding experience that both strategy newcomers and genre experts with an itchy trigger finger can embrace.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is a mindless blend of walking, jamming on the attack button, and repetitive objectives -- but it still ends up being a lot of fun, provided your patience can tolerate the crippling halt after a technical meltdown.

There is just so much wrong with this title that it is crazy to think that this passed the focus testing from Nintendo.

While it would be nice if the old school version were included with this new download, “Space Invaders Extreme” is exactly what gamers want in an arcade title – its hard to put down, inexpensive, and a blast to play.

There's no doubt that Patapon 2 is as graphically stylish and addictive as the first game. It retains the core gameplay that you love while adding a ton of new features and concepts.

In the end, Klonoa is a fantastic game that unfortunately suffers from a high degree of difficulty.

An incredibly zany yet infectiously fun study of what happens when an irresistible force meets an an army of unmovable flesh-eating objects, Plants vs. Zombies proves that the masterminds at PopCap know how to take an original idea and run with it, producing addictive, and oftentimes hilarious results.

Wallace & Gromit: The Last Resort is a bit tougher than Telltale's usual adventure offerings, but if you're up for the challenge, this is one of the more quirky and adorable games in the developer's lineup.

Despite not being as creative or purpose driven as previous offerings, Broken Steel is a must buy. Its natural transition from Fallout 3's original conclusion and its open-ended nature are just what fans wanted.

It's a fine game to play with Remote and Nunchuk, with some level segments changed to accommodate them, but at points you can really tell the game was intended for more tactile controls.

It could have been a great board game tie in to the Wii, similar to Xbox’s Hasbro game night. But with the lack of some much needed content to the overall package you could just as easily go grab the board game off the shelf and have more fun.

Its repetitive gameplay, mundane puzzle design and eye-twitching platforming segments really cuts into Origins' fun and yet, for fans of the franchise, it's a solid title that's worth playing through. It will even make the most jaded comic fan smirk every once in a while. However, if you're not a huge fan of Wolverine, I'd suggest you sink your claws into something else.

Its repetitive gameplay, mundane puzzle design and eye-twitching platforming segments really cuts into Origins' fun and yet, for fans of the franchise, it's a solid title that's worth playing through. It will even make the most jaded comic fan smirk every once in a while. However, if you're not a huge fan of Wolverine, I'd suggest you sink your claws into something else.

An ambitious experiment from beginning to end, this innovative wartime stealth effort just can't seem to rise above the commonplace level of mediocrity found in a sea of cookie-cutter World War II titles.

If you want an RPG experience that's not heavy-handed on the story and touts some truly unique gameplay, then you definitely need to pick up Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier

Charming idea met with terrible execution, deep fried in repetitive, unresponsive gameplay, more bugs than an ant farm and served with constant, nonsensical lag.

By playing Banjo-Tooie, you can get a sense of what platformers used to be like. Besides Nintendo with Mario, no one pulls them off better than Rare and this is no more evident than in this well-made remake of the classic Banjo-Tooie.

Still, if you're a hardcore Dynasty Warriors fan or you're easily enthralled by the idea of mindless hack and slash gameplay, then Strikeforce is a decent enough game. But if you're looking for a more complex battle or can't stand Dynasty Warriors, this title won't change your mind.

For the $7 price tag you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck. Decent gameplay and addicting multiplayer make “Cocoto Platform Jumper” something to check into despite its very few flaws.

Even though so much is included, it all comes down to the gameplay. It's tough to fault the developers for staying true to the original, but in today's age, games have gotten more forgiven, something that Lode Runner seems to forget.

It tries everything, and is maybe a bit too crazy for its own good, but it's definitely unforgettable. Your mileage will vary in accordance with your sanity.

Newcomers to the series will find this a fun and delightful title to play around with. But veterans won’t find anything new here and should stick with the 360 version of the game.

Classic arcade racing successfully ported to the Xbox 360, reasonably priced, smooth running online multiplayer, high replay value.

However, I realize there is indeed a market for this kind of game, and for those looking for a fun (albeit masochistically hard) old-school RPG, there is no better place to go than The Dark Spire. [Apr 2009, p.80]

Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic is one of those games that really feels like it is missing online multiplayer.

If you're a Dragon Ball enthusiast or a fighting fan in general, Evolution is at least worth a rental. [Apr 2009, p.81]

An addictive title with a deep single-player campaign and a unique take on the match three genre is sure to keep gamers busy.

Flock! packs a mean graphical punch, as the animals are adorable even when running for their lives. The sounds are cute for the game, even in the idea of abduction. But even with loads of replay value, something seems off, whether it's your general control over the game or ability to master it and feel like you conquered and defeated it. That's just not there. But maybe for you, it is -- only one way to find out.

But when you step back and consider the entire package, you start to appreciate Dark Athena for what it truly is. Instead, look at Dark Athena as a flawed yet enjoyable way to extend the thrill ride that is Escape from Butcher Bay.

But when you step back and consider the entire package, you start to appreciate Dark Athena for what it truly is. Instead, look at Dark Athena as a flawed yet enjoyable way to extend the thrill ride that is Escape from Butcher Bay.

It isn't the best open-world game out there, but it does a sublime job of capturing what it feels like to be the head of a virtual crime family. [Apr 2009, p.81]

It isn't the best open-world game out there, but it does a sublime job of capturing what it feels like to be the head of a virtual crime family. [Apr 2009, p.81]

Overall, the strongest aspect of this game has to be its charismatic personality. [Apr 2009, p.83]

Ninja Blade is a game full of awesome moments. It's not incredibly deep and it won't redefine the genre but it's a kick-ass title that will please action junkies looking for an adrenaline kick.

The 4-player multiplayer and the inclusion of the use of the balance board certainly add to the life of the game. Unfortunately, it just isn’t enough to keep everyone entertained for a long period of time.

Still, with such a wide selection of games to choose from with over 30 core mini-games, not to mention medals to win, "Perfect" ratings to earn, and incredibly simple yet insanely engaging Endless Games and Rhythm Toys to unlock (never thought I'd spend two hours digitally flicking a coin in tune with an ever-changing tempo), Rhythm Heaven is a must-own for handheld gamers everywhere, plain and simple, and a welcome breath of fresh air for the gaming scene in general.

Minor complaints aside, Comet Crash does a fantastic job at easing the unfamiliar into tower defense territory, and is well worth your asteroid-powered space bucks if you are looking for a light (yet addictive) strategy title.

Easy isn't easy and difficulty levels above that are just stupidly tough.

From its hilariously campy dialogue to the fantastic seventies vibe, Tokyo Beat Down is worth checking out for on-the-go rumblers, and with it's almost non-existent learning curve it's absolutely perfect for first time brawlers as well. [Apr 2009, p.77]

Gardening Mama doesn't do anything that we haven't seen already in the Cooking Mama games. [Apr 2009, p.79]