One could possibly spend hours on end playing this game, as they obsessively upgrade their shops to unlock more things to buy, until eventually you monopolizing businesses the entire Tamagotchi Mall.

The game's greatness lies in its intuitive interface and ease of use. Just about anyone can sit down and make music in a matter of minutes. [Aug 2004, p.68]

Deception's drop-dead gorgeous graphics are loaded with clever details (Mileena's thinly veiled mouth or razor-sharp teeth, for instance) and vibrant colors.

The game presentation is first rate, with hypnotic music and fantastic visuals.

Its cool story line, kick-ass muscle cars, and high-speed action make it a ride you won't want to miss.

The best thing you can say about The Lost Age, though, is that it's Golden Sun—except more of it. A good 35 hours more, even. If you've played the original, then this is a must buy.

Essentially the same game with a slew of slick improvements, and gamers will have an absolute blast throwing down dunks while exploring its new features.

Oh, if only those Gummi Ship segments didn’t exist! They’re the only blemish in what’s otherwise the best action/RPG since the two N64 Zeldas.

With its PixelJunk Shooter series, Q-Games has created some fascinating, beautiful worlds that are fun to explore and play in. And to its credit, PixelJunk Shooter 2 manages to successfully do what every sequel hopes to accomplish -- improve on the original in almost every way.

Die-hard gamers and fanatical purists will undoubtedly make this game compilation a must-have; but those who took up gaming when the 32-bit era kicked in will find only two titles of interest: "Virtua Cop 2" and "Sega Swirl."

The touch-based lock-on controls work amazingly well, and as a result the game is a joy to play.

Unfortunately, I play-tested the game pre-launch, so there wasn't anyone active in the multiplayer community when I went to try it out, but this should change with the full launch of the game. One disappointment in custom/multiplayer play is that you can't play as the archenemy in an Archenemy game - again, I'm hoping that this eventually becomes an option.

This title features surprisingly solid gameplay reminiscent of SNK’s "Metal Slug" series.

Aside from a few tiny changes, Half-Life 2 on the Xbox is the PC game, right down to the last spattered droplets of alien blood. Half-Life 2's graphics set new standards for the Xbox, blowing right past heavyweights like "Doom 3" and "Halo 2."

As for controls, combat and inventory-sorting are quick and clean. Spellcasting can be frustrating, though, as aiming projectiles is often a trial-by-error process. [March 2005, p.90]

Everything racing fans could want: solid graphics, tight controls, expansive courses, unlockable secret vehicles, and (of course) the multiplayer option.

One main feature that clearly separates Underground from other street racers is its visual presentation. The nighttime glow in the metropolis does take some time to get used to, but the evening air quickly adds to the stunning scenery and detailed avenues as you travel at high RPMs.

As a ninja connoisseur I can easily say this game is one of the top ninja based titles on the market with the exception of the grand daddy of all ninja games: Ninja Blade.

For $5, you get a great-looking game as finely-tuned as any of Cave's other arcade-style games, making it more than the sum of its parts. Anyone into platforming action should give Nin2-Jump a go.

Seemingly everything Magic players would want in a virtual adaptation of the now classic card game.

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.

Even with its minor faults, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better-feeling, better-looking, jack-of-all-trades action game on the market today. [Mar 2008, p.82]

With so many EQ-me-toos out there, it’s refreshing to play something new, and to have it be this good is like finding a cooler of lemonade in the middle of the desert.

Expectations for its follow-up were lofty, and though Viewtiful Joe 2 is a total blast, the new features it introduces don't stack up against its reliance on rehashed ideas enough to keep you from feeling you've tread this path before.

The graphics are breathtaking, and the electronica soundtrack is well-done... The controls are impeccable.

Unless you're a diehard shooter fan it'll give you a beating worse than the one Shane Falco took in the '96 Sugar Bowl, but if you have the skills and are up to the challenge this is a must own.

The Xbox version of 2002 has the sharpest visuals of the three platforms...It would have been nice to have more teams and customizable modes.

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.

It's also refreshing that, instead of a wilder arcade-like approach, the game portrays the sport more realistically; it’s a bit more work to pull off a dizzying spin or flip, as it would be in real life.

Skillful hands have crafted a story that's surreal and spooky, deep, and intriguing. Majora's Mask will keep you glued to your N64 for a long, long time.

The latest Blitz for the Dreamcast is not a huge improvement over the last one, but there is enough here for true Blitz fans to pick up the sequel.

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.

If you missed the game the first time around, this is the perfect opportunity to experience an innovative and expertly designed title. [May 2008, p.83]

With tongue planted firmly in-cheek, this wacky platformer serves up some insanely original action that's definitely worth checking out.

Not all the missions are wildly inventive, but the majority are satisfing and entertaining, and each is more fun than the original title's simplistic collection quests.

With a massive amount of features to unlock and enjoy, SSX Tricky gives fans a whole lot of tasty treats to chew on.

Has its own quirks - you have to be too precise about lining up your player with the ball at arm’s length, so you’ll often miss swings you know you should've drilled. Spins also don’t have as much effect as they should, and the powered-up shots and serves are more challenging than they should be.

If you like first-person shooters with lots blood, fire fights, screaming and explosions… then you’ll rip through this – loving every minute of it.

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.

Stellar cell-shaded graphics, excellent voice acting (with Patrick Stewart reprising his cinematic role as Professor X), and multiplayer mayhem that make Legends look and feel like the A-list game that it is.

The Forgotten Sands is more than just a return to form for a long-running franchise: it's also one of the most gratifying platforming epics to come along in ages. [Aug 2010, p.90]

Requires a bit of fancy powersliding, but it feels a lot more natural and comfortable here than it does in other games - the controls really respond well.

SH2 makes more effective use of shadows, lighting, and sound than 99 percent of the Hollywood horror movies made in the last 20 years.

The anime-mech lover’s dream come true.

But as a fan who actually cares about Kratos and his plight, I found it to be a bit of a letdown. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, I can't help but feel disappointed by the way Kratos chose to say goodbye at the end of it.

There's much to like about 3D Dot Game Heroes, and though it may seem cheap to appreciate a game where so much has been borrowed from games of the past, it's hard to deny that Heroes executes on these stolen ideas commendably.

By no means a perfect game - however, it's quite addictive and has the best controls for any soccer game so far. [Nov 2004, p.145]

After a long string of epic disappointments, it's nice to enjoy a Spider-Man game so much that I'm actually looking forward to replaying the missions with new abilities and new costumes. Even if you've been burned on lackluster Spider-Man titles before, don't miss this game – Shattered Dimensions simply isn't the one to skip.

You'll get their money's worth and more with this game. A puzzle/platformer that's not only challenging and addicting, but also adorable, Adventures of Shuggy is a title that gamers of any age and ability are sure to enjoy.

You can actually feel one with the waves as the water elegantly moves your board across the serene, beautifully created ocean.

The Xbox version of The Sims trades the PC version’s precise control for much improved presentation and more directed gameplay.

A supremely enjoyable online shooter. Against all odds, Battlefront II may make you forget all about that little game called "Halo 2."

By no means a perfect game - however, it's quite addictive and has the best controls for any soccer game so far. [Nov 2004, p.145]

Blood's flaws are easily swept aside when your guns start blasting and the bodies start falling. If you crave a good, violent corridor shooter, this is a great addition to your PC library. It's bloody fun--right down to the last drop.

Having never played Torchlight on the PC before, I was floored by everything the game had to offer. The looting, the character progression, and the addictive combat -- all wrapped up in an attractive bow with a low price point -- make for one fun game that you shouldn't pass up.

In short, it's given me a new perspective on a classic that I had (foolishly) written off. It's not quite enough to sell me on owning a Nintendo 3DS; but if you've already taken the plunge, Ocarina of Time 3D is pretty much the best 3DS game on the market right now. I can't promise that it'll give you a new perspective on the series as it did for me, but I can promise that it's still one fine adventure.

In addition to a well-laid out story, the pixel art is incredible, the gameplay is sensible, and the music is enjoyable. Final Fantasy IV is possibly one of the best, if not the best, game of its series.

You know this gameplay: There’s been a lot of excellent tuning but no mammoth overhauls.

There's an awesome amount of gameplay packed into this cart. The landscapes are so huge it's a challenge to remember everything you need to do.

An eclectic mix of rock and hip-hop tunes resonate well, but it's the authentic (and sometimes funny) banter between the dispatcher and other cops that really shifts your driving experience into high gear.

The arcade-style nature of this release should make it appealing to most anyone, regardless of whether or not you especially like puzzle games.

In all, 2006 FIFA World Cup is a no-brainer buy for soccer fans and is at least worth a rental for everyone else. [Jun 2006, p.82]

The classic 1982 dungeon-crawler finds new life on the iOS with updated graphics and a clever use of the iPhone's touchscreen.

Each gameplay aspect has its own place, joyously gelling together to create a diverse but pleasant experience.

Despite some screen layout flaws, Nintendogs is infectiously cute, and pretty addictive. It's really easy to form an emotional bond with your puppies--they're so life like. Who knew rubbing a pixilated sprite could be so enjoyable.

Played alone, against the computer, the game is barely worth popping out of its case. But, having even one other human opponent ups the fun exponentially--you just can't get the same satisfaction out of trash talking against a faceless computerized enemy.

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.

With its slick voice-command system, depth of strategy and frenetic action, EndWar is one game I'll still be playing after its evaluation. [Dec 2008, p.96]

I would love to see this title moved to a console, where the controls could be streamlined and hopefully the load times reduced. As it stands, The Witcher is an extremely fun game with the nasty habit of succumbing to narcolepsy at the most inappropriate moments.

Overall, the physics find a solid balance between fantasy and reality, and the smooth controls make running contraband an addictive experience.

Defiance shines with pure entertainment value, with crisp and gorgeous visuals and squishy sounds that invoke the feeling of steel crushing flesh.

If you've already tackled the console version, you certainly don't need to shell out for the PC version, too, but if you haven't yet experienced this magnum opus, this is the version you should play.

Oblivion's more than just a game -- it's an entire world for the taking, the only single-player RPG that could possibly give a game like "World of Warcraft" a real run for its money.

There's no shortage of levels to play through, but I almost wish Backflip Studious would integrate some sort of playground mode that I can goof off in. Either way, this game is a lot of fun.

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.

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]

It's gorgeous, long, deep, and fun, and that extra level of challenge should whet the appetites of gamers bored with typical hack-n-slash. [Mar 2004, p.84]

The brilliant level design in this game doesn't take center stage when it comes to eye-popping visuals. There are now many more reasons to drool over your favorite female fighter.

I can't think of a better way to spend your online dollars -- Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is the best version of SFII yet, if not the best Street Fighter game in 15 years.

While Prime's graphics lack a little polish and flair and the controls never really become second-nature, the game itself simply rules.

Never before has a sports game improved so much and added so many new features in a single season. It may not be the league-leader in every category, but excellent performances across the board make it the best baseball game of the year. [May 2004, p.86]

But for all the genre-requisite spike avoiding, platform hopping, and ghost dodging, the stars here are the levels themselves. They are, in essence, entire puzzles to be solved by leading Mario mites into toy chests, finding keys, and backflipping onto triggers that make some walls or walkways materialize from the ether, and others magically disappear. Me likes.

Although it lacks the ultra polish of "Need for Speed" or the outrageous wrecks of "Burnout," its high challenge and huge tracks will keep your hands glued to the controller.

Madden's controls are so sophisticated and complex that I'm surprised more fans of shooters and other action games don't play.

The game's controls are comfortable, but newbies shouldn't be deterred: Reckoning features an extensive tutorial mode that runs through the moves, from the most basic to complex holds and attacks. [Nov 2004, p.110]

A technological treat, with virtually zero loading, crisp colors, and a pleasingly quirky little soundtrack. There's no multiplayer, though Tokobot's single-player is engrossing enough to soak up your valuable attention for a good eight hours.

Overall, these issues are minor annoyances. ilomilo is an endearing, thought-provoking, and addictive puzzler. And with a selection of bonus mini-games and a well-balanced co-op mode, gamers are sure to get their money's worth.

For some strange reason one of the best features of the original game, Mission Mode, is absent. Even more disappointing is the lack of any online versus mode. Sure I can thump my brother in 2-player offline whenever he comes over, but fighting games are perfect for multi-player.

In short, Shot-Online isn't just a good game, it is a game that is good for the industry.

Bloated expectations aside, Virtua Tennis is a fan service treat from the moment you open the box, and setting down the controller without blowing hours on end requires considerable willpower, even if it all comes to feel like just a more refined, balanced version of what we already played to death on the Dreamcast.

While SuperNOVA is more of the same idea, it takes everything that made DDR a smash hit and turns up the volume a notch.

Crush does a great job of turning buzzwords into true and terrific gameplay.

The open, expansive world of Hitman is certainly what makes this game an enjoyable experience. There's a good mix of stealth and action, and your enemies are smart enough to give you a challenge to the very end.

Uncharted reminded me a lot of an Indiana Jones movie in that both are fun and enjoyable romps that are just good enough to make you forgive their respective weaknesses.

With games like Forza Motorsport 2 pushing the boundaries of Internet racing, the inability to put even two human opponents on the same track is breathtakingly lame. It's testament then to DiRT's groundbreaking graphics, chaotic flare, and infectious love of all things dirty and damaging that it delivers a good gaming value in spite of such a startling deficit.

An outstandingly well-made game. Its technically impressive visuals, easy to learn but hard to master gameplay, and great selection of mini-games makes Virtua Tennis 3 an ace.

The storyline is great and the gameplay is as entertaining as you all remember from the other games. If you liked the excellent Second Opinion, you'll love New Blood just as much.

Fun and light-hearted play. A tongue of praise to Yoshi's Island 2 for not only remaining true to the classical style but also adding new elements to keep things fresh.