That said, this entry is more challenging than previous Guitar Hero efforts, so newcomers should hone their plastic guitar-playing skills on World Tour before braving this one. Once you've learned to shred with the big boys, though, feel free to stage-dive into one of Guitar Hero's best encores yet.

The premise, when paraphrased, is an interesting one and as a huge fan of last year's Time Hollow and any good mystery in general, I'm always willing to sit through any amount of text if it provides a means to an end, or at the very least, something somewhat cohesive. Lux-Pain fails on both accounts, serving as a poorly thrown together, somewhat interactive novel that really doesn't know what it wants to be - or, if it does know, it certainly doesn't want to be a game.

With elements taken from many different genres, it offers simple yet difficult gameplay for hardcore gamers.

Worms is a game that offers a lot of fun -- sometimes in a way you can't even put your finger on. But for some reason, you like it, and you keep playing it.

Almost everything about Uno Rush is an upgrade from the original. The problem is, unless you can't put down the Uno and are craving more, Uno Rush's upgrades are probably not worth another $10.

Its arcadey addictiveness and cinematic style successfully lands it in a sweet spot right between those two genres, taking players for a ride that's totally on par with the summer movie excitement it emulates.

Its arcadey addictiveness and cinematic style successfully lands it in a sweet spot right between those two genres, taking players for a ride that's totally on par with the summer movie excitement it emulates.

With a ton of unlockables and dozens of classic wrestlers from the glory days of the World Wrestling Federation, Legends of WrestleMania is a fan's dream come true.

With a ton of unlockables and dozens of classic wrestlers from the glory days of the World Wrestling Federation, Legends of WrestleMania is a fan's dream come true.

All in all, Wanted: Weapons of Fate isn't so much a game for fans of the shooter genre, but it's a game for fans of Wanted.

All in all, Wanted: Weapons of Fate isn't so much a game for fans of the shooter genre, but it's a game for fans of Wanted.

While the online upgrade and improvements in the wireless multiplayer make it a feat to behold, just make sure to play the DS version instead of its unattractive, very unpolished console port.

For a DS title, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time sets a high bar for handheld RPG games. Lag-less action, wireless play, and a mind-boggling amount of items and customizable ways to outfit your adventurer are how most online RPGs should be built. With the Wii version, you've got the same good gameplay, just cramped and um, ugly.

If you ignored Dark Sector on consoles, have a reasonable PC, and are itching for a solid action game during a slow release month like April, that meager price tag will not steer you wrong. However, if you've already experienced Dark Sector once, there's really no reason for you to bother with this port.

A die-hard Tenchu fan, Heather was more than happy to see the series return to form in its latest portable iteration. It may even move a hardened assassin to poetry.

For 500 Wii points, Pop 'Em Drop 'Em SameGame is a very good game and definitely worth a look. While it may not be as enthralling as Dr. Mario Rx, it has its own quirks that let it stand out from the crowd.

Flaws aside, The Pitt is still an enjoyable experience. This more story driven DLC is an enjoyable diversion from the main Fallout 3 plot. And unlike Operation: Anchorage, when you’ve completed your mission your time in The Pitt isn’t over.

With a bright and bubbly gameplay, it's hard not to enjoy the work Telltale put into it, with fun sounds to go right along with it. With about six hours of gameplay, you'll be hooked and wanting more, just in time for the release of the next episode.

While Pokemon Platinum may not be a completely fresh RPG experience, the rock-paper-scissors gameplay remains every bit as engaging as it's been for the last 10 years.

Mevo & The Grooveriders offers incredibly addictive achievements, enough to keep your appetite full with a never-ending plate.

This version offers is not worth the $15 asking price and should be avoided by all but the most hardcore "Wheel" fans.

Yahtzee makes a smooth transition into the virtual world. Because you don't have to do your own calculations the gameplay is faster paced.

Just like the board game its easy to learn, fast paced, and fun to play. But unlike the other Hasbro Family Game Night offerings, its two new modes are pretty feeble.

The game takes a long time to play. Since you can't look at your tiles when its another players turn, it takes longer than normal to think up new words. But what most people will miss most is the feel of Scrabble. Its a tactile game, something you just can't get from playing it on your TV.

Battleship is actually more enjoyable as a downloadable game than as a board game. Fun sound effects, an attractive board with ships that sink, and even gently rolling water make this a sweet looking game.

Catering to a portable game console and still keeping Resistance fans happy is a tall order, but at the end of the day Resistance: Retribution pulls off these difficult tasks with flying colors.

It's as addictive as Puzzle Quest, but instead of utilizing an RPG element, EA married the puzzle concept to a platformer. The result is a fantastic title that should appeal to gamers of all stripes.

From it's impressive presentation to addictive nature, Suikoden: Tierkreis is a journey worth taking for role playing fans - even if you're bound to come across a few bumps along the way.

This is Grand Theft Auto the way you love it: all of the innovation, charm and thrills from its past installations neatly tied together in a creative package worthy of any DS owner.

Marble games aren't everyone's idea of a thrilling adventure, but Marble Saga: Kororinpa may very well sneak up and show the curious a good time.

If you found last year's game enjoyable, but lacking in depth you should be plenty happy with what Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 has to offer.

The title's refreshing accessibility also makes it a perfect entry point for those new to this under-the-radar franchise. [Apr 2009, p.84]

This is the first in the series of Bit.Tip titles brought to you by Gaijin Games and they knock it out of the park with a great first title. Solid controls, four player co-op play, enjoyable music and old school visuals that will make anyone smile. This is a must download for the Wii.

Hardcore fans may be disappointed by the departure from the traditional survival-horror roots but trust me, the game delivers enough thrills that you probably won't care. [Apr 2009, p.68]

Hardcore fans may be disappointed by the departure from the traditional survival-horror roots but trust me, the game delivers enough thrills that you probably won't care. [Apr 2009, p.68]

Peggle is a game that everyone should play, even if you've already done so on multiple other platforms.

Dark, brutal and hilarious in just the right way, MadWorld is a title that has rocketed to the top of every staff member's must buy list. Don't let the fact that it's on a "kiddie console" fool you-this is one title every "hardcore" gamer needs to play, provided you're over eighteen years old, of course.

Avalon code is a pretty linear game with lots of hidden things to find, and some fun little side tasks. [Apr 2009, p.83]

The frustrating trial and error aspect is the main issue I find with this cute budget title. As it gets more difficult it just seems like more and more trial and error: Memorize the sequence of actions to take and perform them as flawlessly as possible.

The PSP version, however, has this incredibly unfun, dual-pronged fork-in-the-eye problem of too many pokey load breaks paired with one...h-ell of a...won---ky, fra-me...rate. There were so many times until I got used to it that I thought the game was just going to crash altogether.

As one of the first budget-priced GameCube-to-Wii upgrades, New Play Control! Pikmin is a perfect example of what the series is capable of.

Trying to hit balls through rings or paint a canvas with colored balls by accurately aiming your shot is now frustratingly impossible. And since playing a standard set is crazy enough with the new controls, adding turtle shells and banana peels to the mix makes the matches unmanageable.

So, is Watchmen worth your hard-earned cash? I'm going to have to give a resounding "yes" to this expertly crafted beat-em-up. Even with its' shortcomings Watchmen always feels fresh, and really stands apart as a downloadable title.

So, is Watchmen worth your hard-earned cash? I'm going to have to give a resounding "yes" to this expertly crafted beat-em-up. Even with its' shortcomings Watchmen always feels fresh, and really stands apart as a downloadable title.

So, is Watchmen worth your hard-earned cash? I'm going to have to give a resounding "yes" to this expertly crafted beat-em-up. Even with its' shortcomings Watchmen always feels fresh, and really stands apart as a downloadable title.

The good news is that Halow Wars masterfully transports the series' best elements to an entirely different genre, and its unparalleled accessibility makes for an excellent introduction to real-time strategy. The bad news is that its self-imposed limitations take a meaty chunk out of its longevity.

Empire proves no different: It's a game that has great potential and with some extra tweaking, could have proven itself an excellent title. For now, Empire: Total War is a fine game, but one that has a heap of problems that need resolving before its worth any more of my time.

Are the four player mini-games enough to interest those with zealous hedgehog love? Maybe, but it's really too bad that the combat is so annoying, because the game actually looks great, especially the storybook painting cut scenes. Ah well, better luck next time, Sonic.

You have four major game options when online: quickmatch, play a friend, custom match and home run derby. On top of single game options you have what amounts to be the best online function any sports game could have, leagues.

You have four major game options when online: quickmatch, play a friend, custom match and home run derby. On top of single game options you have what amounts to be the best online function any sports game could have, leagues.

I think the real conversation is whether or not it's the best baseball game of all time. In my opinion, it is the greatest video game simulation of America's past time ever.

It took a long time for Killzone 2 to finally come out, but after diving head first into the game, there's no doubt in my mind that it lives up to the hype and is a must-play for FPS fans. [Mar 2009, p.70]

Peggle on-the-go means you might end up accomplishing more while you're actually at your desk-a perk-but if that seems like small consolation, then you're better off sticking to the classic version. Plus, you'll save $9.99.

Matt Hazard is not a great game. It falls victim to a lot of the cliches that it pokes fun at and Matt Hazard doesn't have the star appeal of a Duke Nukem or a Marcus Fenix. It doesn't take the spoof thing far enough--they totally waste the voice over talents of the awesome Will Arnett--and the action needs three more coats of polish but it definitely has its moments. Despite its faults, I more or less enjoyed it.

Matt Hazard is not a great game. It falls victim to a lot of the cliches that it pokes fun at and Matt Hazard doesn't have the star appeal of a Duke Nukem or a Marchs Fenix. It doesn't take the spoof thing far enough-they totally waste the voice over talents of the awesome Will Arnett-and the action needs three more coats of polish but it definitely has its moments. Despite its faults, I more or less enjoyed it.

There's no denying it: Blood on the Sand is completely senseless, wholly obnoxious, incredibly thoughtless, and insanely fun. Hampered by a sore lack of multiplayer, Fiddy's second console excursion still remains an entertaining, if completely mindless experience.

There's no denying it: Blood on the Sand is completely senseless, wholly obnoxious, incredibly thoughtless, and insanely fun. Hampered by a sore lack of multiplayer, Fiddy's second console excursion still remains an entertaining, if completely mindless experience.

The fourth installment in the space-faring series, Star Ocean: The Last Hope, not only blows recent next-gen JRPGs out of the water, but proves itself a fantastic swan-song for the cult-favorite space opera.

It's a little rough around the edges, so we'd still recommend Resident Evil 4 as the premiere Wii survival horror game, but if you want to dismember the undead in a non-lightgun setting, it's a pretty solid choice.

An RPG classic revitalized and re-engineered from the ground up, this decades-old adventure holds its own in this remarkably solid remake.

Deep, addictive gameplay; worthy sequel to the original Puzzle Quest.

Even though it's slightly hampered by some clunky presentation, Blue Dragon Plus is still intuitive, interesting, and has enough character and charm to set itself apart as an engaging SRPG.

Some gamers will no doubt hate the new direction they've taken but the game is much improved and definitely deserves its fair share of love. While it still early, I wouldn't hesitate to nominate it for PC Game of the Year honors come December.

Death Tank is a well made game but does not offer any mind blowing features. At the current overpriced price point, Death Tank is tough to recommend.

At the end of the day, that's really what this Street Fighter is: it's a title that's built for newcomers, yet tweaked for old school vets from the arcade and console days. [Mar 2009, p.75]

At the end of the day, that's really what this Street Fighter is: it's a title that's built for newcomers, yet tweaked for old school vets from the arcade and console days. [Mar 2009, p.75]

While it may start slow, its got enough action and new content to make it well worth the wait.

Unfortunately, thanks to the unwieldy controls and poor design choices, Prinny bombs. [Mar 2009, p.81]

Painful level grinding aside, Dragon Quest V is a fantastic, innovative experience.

It's an advanced version of a game like Asteroids -- yet has an advanced multiplayer where you and three other friends (or strangers) can get together in a last-man-standing fight to the death, a definite positive for the title.

A unique, beautiful title that tells a story without uttering a word - Flower is a quality game that deserves your time and attention.

NHL Arcade falls short in too many areas to be highly recommended. Unless you're a diehard hockey fanatic you can pass up this title. It's a shame too, we needed a good hockey arcade title for PSN/XBLA, but we haven't gotten it yet.

Now, the spine tingling sequel, Project Origin is here to continue the story of the psychic and psychotic Alma with damn good results. [Mar 2009, p.78]

Now, the spine tingling sequel, Project Origin is here to continue the story of the psychic and psychotic Alma with damn good results. [Mar 2009, p.78]

Now, the spine tingling sequel, Project Origin is here to continue the story of the psychic and psychotic Alma with damn good results. [Mar 2009, p.78]

Still, with its quirky presentation and interesting gameplay, LocoRoco 2 makes some fantastic improvements over its short-but-sweet precursor that should attract fans of the series and newcomers alike. [Mar 2009, p.80]

All in all, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection is an extremely solid assemblage of some of the Genesis' greatest hits, and with extras and achievements, hidden interviews and an entire museum of concept art thrown in for good measure, it's definitely worth a look from old school gamers looking to re-live the glory days when a hedgehog didn't need a lame Werehog gimmick to prove that he was the baddest mascot around.

All in all, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection is an extremely solid assemblage of some of the Genesis' greatest hits, and with extras and achievements, hidden interviews and an entire museum of concept art thrown in for good measure, it's definitely worth a look from old school gamers looking to re-live the glory days when a hedgehog didn't need a lame Werehog gimmick to prove that he was the baddest mascot around. [Apr 2009, p.83]

It's a solid game and should please any horror movie addict who owns a Nintendo Wii.

Leaving you with a bad taste in your mouth and an unwashable feeling of downright sleaziness, Onechanbara can be simulated by checking into a shady motel.

LIT is a puzzle game wrapped up in a 3D candy shell and delivers a fun, creative experience that many will enjoy.

NHL Arcade falls short in too many areas to be highly recommended. Unless you're a diehard hockey fanatic you can pass up this title. It's a shame too, we needed a good hockey arcade title for PSN/XBLA, but we haven't gotten it yet.

It's a mindless button masher and that is all it needs to be, that's what makes it so fun.

I can't in good faith recommend Rygar: The Battle of Argus--both fans of the original and newcomers should avoid it. [Feb 2009, p.77]

Far from perfect but still an incredibly entertaining play, Afro Samurai captures all of the style and substance from the hit TV show with amazingly innovative combat and absolutely stunning visuals.

Far from perfect but still an incredibly entertaining play, Afro Samurai captures all of the style and substance from the hit TV show with amazingly innovative combat and absolutely stunning visuals.

While The Chase certainly shines in its addictive and innovative gameplay, it has the misfortune of just becoming too much and too hard too fast.

Despite its shortcomings, Operation: Anchorage is a must own for Fallout 3 owners. It may be short and sweet, but anything that can add life to a title this good deserves needs to be played.

It's too bad the play mechanics are not more engaging, especially given the potential of the Wii-motion controls. But as is, the range of mini-missions and quests you lead the precocious Coraline through will feel familiar to anyone who's played any number of average film-tied titles.

Talk about full-featured-Big Bang Mini is a $19.99 package that is hard to pass up.

The first Skate was a refreshing take on virtual skateboarding, so expectations were high for this one. Maybe they were a little too high: Skate 2 doesn't quite deliver the revolutionary skating experience that we were all hoping it would be. It's still a lot of fun and has a lot to offer, especially with its awesome multiplayer modes, but the franchise is still a ways away from living up to its full potential.

Skate 2 does have a lot to offer but it falls short in a lot of ways. Its realistic feel is great when it comes to technical aspects like tricks and controls but it's taken one step too far. [Mar 2009, p.79]

While the game does have a few drawbacks – it’ll only take you 3-4 hours to beat and the camera is a bit inflexible – you’ll certainly have fun with this title. With adorable characters that fit perfectly into its retro style of play, The Maw offers XBLA fans something new and unique.

Square Enix has done an admirable job of updating classic titles from its library and Second Evolution is just the latest example of their commitment to its loyal fanbase. [Feb 2009, p.70]

Moon is a decent time killer and is great for anyone looking for an interesting sci-fi adventure for their DS handheld.

A great title for the price. It offers a ton for the family and can make for a good drinking game as well if you tweak it right.

Poor visual presentation, repetitive, very short.

Although a full-fledged single player campaign would have been nice, Crash Commando still provides hours of gameplay at the bargain price of $10.