If you absolutely loved the Battle Network games or played the first Star Force to death, then this is probably a game that you'll want to look into - it's a solid title with a lot to offer. [July 2008, p.83]

If you absolutely loved the Battle Network games or played the first Star Force to death, then this is probably a game that you'll want to look into - it's a solid title with a lot to offer. [July 2008, p.83]

Political junkies will almost certainly find themselves sucked in, along with those who have only a smattering of knowledge about the American political process.

A frustrating and inconsistent mess that truly disappoints. By the time I reached the seventh episode, which degenerates into a needlessly painful time-sink grind to upgrade Edward with "spectral vision" points, the few things the game had done right had been virtually drowned in a murky sludge of ill-conceived and half-baked failures.

Dynamic action, tons of features, and highly-detailed visuals come together for the first significant step forward of console first-person shooters since "Halo: Combat Evolved." While there are a few minor quibbles, you're assured to become addicted to Bad Company's twitch gameplay.

Dynamic action, tons of features, and highly-detailed visuals come together for the first significant step forward of console first-person shooters since "Halo: Combat Evolved." While there are a few minor quibbles, you're assured to become addicted to Bad Company's twitch gameplay.

The player-creation mode is decent but not great. Those gamers who have mastered the art of rendering their likeness onto the small screen may have a difficult time here.

It's perfect for quick sessions and there's enough content to keep you satisfied for a long while. If you take your DS with you everywhere you go, you definitely should put this on your shopping list.

Still, despite a few obvious limitations, it's still Rock Band, which means it's a fantastic gaming experience that's great played solo or with friends.

The learning curve is gradual but the action starts from your first race and never lets up. Fans of racing games will like this title especially ones who want a little something more.

Elements of Destruction can get a bit repetitive, mostly because you only have 3 elements at your disposal - a tsunami, flood, or avalanche wouldve been cool - but the enjoyment gamers get from laying waste to a wide variety of environments and EoD's oddball humor (Doc Herbert sending cows flying at a farm in Canada while singing the country's national anthem) more than makes up for its shortcomings.

Just don't expect any depth if you pick this title up... and don't be surprised when your kid asks if he can trade it in for another game.

Space Invaders Extreme is an addictive trance-like experience, and no PSP or DS owner should be without it. Even if you've never heard of Space Invaders, missing this game would be a tragedy.

I recommend the paddle controller. If you're up the import, Arkanoid DS becomes quite interesting, but otherwise it's a well-done, extremely casual affair.

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

The Playstation 3 finally gets its "savior", Kojima gets his masterpiece, and gamers get one of the best games of all time. [July 2008, p.72]

The worst part is that Jake Hunter had a lot of potential. [July 2008, p.84]

The crummy gameplay combined with Frogger 2's deceiving graphics (kids will struggle with this game) and jab-a-screwdriver-into-your-ear music make this one of the worst titles available on XBLA.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit managed to really impress me. It's not perfect but it's a fast, over-the-top fighter that's an absolute blast. The single-player Z Chronicles mode is perfect for hardcore fans and the multiplayer options are good enough that you'll want to call your friends over for a few matches.

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit managed to really impress me. It's not perfect but it's a fast, over-the-top fighter that's an absolute blast. The single-player Z Chronicles mode is perfect for hardcore fans and the multiplayer options are good enough that you'll want to call your friends over for a few matches.

The almost total lack of interaction makes the title difficult to recommend to many audiences, but if you need to fill out your Pokédex and enjoy watching cute creatures fart on each other, My Pokémon Ranch might be worth a look.

The game presentation feels dated with generic graphics and music taken straight from an 80's Stallone action flick. The driving mechanics are poor, with the driving sections feeling like rushed add-ons. But most disappointing is the game's repetition.

Blasting alien scum, avoiding mines and meteors as you put up with the self-absorbed (yet hilarious) villains will bring out anybody's inner Alex Rogan.

Because you rarely see the same thing twice, the game will be frustrating for some. Gamers are used to seeing patterns in puzzle titles and there aren't many here, but that's what makes Roogoo so addictive, and with 45 levels, a game with high replay value.

There were definitely moments when I wanted to chuck my controller across the room because one of its minor design flaws sent me to a cheap and unfair death. And yet, there were also moments when the game clicked for me and I really did feel like I was a damaged super spy on the run.

There were definitely moments when I wanted to chuck my controller across the room because one of its minor design flaws sent me to a cheap and unfair death. And yet, there were also moments when the game clicked for me and I really did feel like I was a damaged super spy on the run.

Ninja Gaiden II is a slick and thrill packed action game but it's nowhere near the masterpiece that fans have been clamoring for. It's worth playing through and you'll have plenty of fun but finicky camera and uneven difficulty definitely cuts into the fun.

Despite its rather basic approach, GRID does deliver an intense model of racing that is as enjoyable as it is plain. The lack of vehicle tuning and the dearth of available cars leaves one corner of this square missing, but that doesn't keep it from rolling along.

Summon Night Twin Age is suitably cute and colorful, more or less what you'd expect from a Japanese RPG. The character sprites and magic spells are shiny and well-animated.

The tone might be almost overwhelmingly saccharine sweet, with even the caricature Nazis of the films stripped of their insignia and leering malice, but all gamers, young or old, are virtually guaranteed a great time. [July 2008, p.78]

LEGO Indiana Jones isn't without its flaws-the lack of online co-op is almost criminal-but it so beautifully mixes the spirit of a beloved adventure series with the playful heart of cherished childhood toys that it feels like much more than the sum of its angular parts.

Ultimately, Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 is still going to appeal to people who like golf games.

Protöthea's music is the worst offender, though -- its muffled tunelessness recalls the early days of hack composers attempting to extract vaguely music-like noise from the Super NES's default sound libraries. Expect lots of muddy bass and cheesy synth guitars.

If you find yourself the baffled over ways to entertain your guests at a gathering, it might be money well spent.

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.

Mathphobes will still probably view Buku Soduku like a homework assignment, but if you're looking for a fun way to exercise your brain this game is for you.

Warlords useless original version and some odd Achievement quirks (I met the goal for 3 Achievements but never received points for them) take some shine off this updated classic, but for $5 this title is a bargain.

Still a blast to play, and with online multiplayer and CPU controlled bots readily available from the get-go, you'll never find yourself fighting a battle alone. It may not be deep, but it sure as hell is fun.

Playing Dr. Mario Online RX for an hour or so virtually guarantees a smile and good mood to follow. Precious few full-price Wii games are that much fun, and a $10 game that delivers and that every single member of your family is likely to enjoy playing - is frankly a bargain.

Luckily, Family Table Tennis' low cost makes it easy to justify an impulse buy for those in quick and urgent need of a virtual ping pong tournament. Just make sure you bring at least one friend along, though, because the single-player modes will leave you bored in a hurry.

Most people will be reluctant to fork over that much coin for an XBLA title but considering the game's box feel and content both Penny Arcade and non-Penny Arcade fans will enjoy, you should get over that concern and play this game.

The further you get from the starting levels, the more you'll have to deal with smudged content. The voice acting will mysteriously disappear, along with the quests, the single-player story, and the engaging instances.

Also lacking is the game's graphics, which are a huge letdown. Despite its tight story and well-balanced action, the killer buzz Haze cultivates all but dies when it comes to the visuals thanks to janky animations, blurry textures, and downright pitiful special effects-it really is fitting that the game is called Haze.

If you are a Wii fanatic or are just looking for to play a game that entertains as much as it innovates, then Wii Fit is right up your alley.

Some may not appreciate Star Soldier R's replay-intensive gameplay, and may view the game as something that can be seen in its entirety in less than ten minutes. It's a fun ten minutes, though, and assuming you're willing to accept it for what it is, your Wii Points will be well-spent.

Narnia is a cherished children's property that deserves a fully fleshed-out game, not a hasty cash-in. It's sad to see Prince Caspian's potential go to waste.

In the end, Deca Sports isn't a great title but it is a fun diversion that's sure to go over well with the casual Wii owner. [June 2008, p.85]

I can't imagine playing it top to bottom, but as a discounted novelty to pop in every now and then, We Ski is a good time.

Whether you pay $15 for the game itself or more than $30 for the title and its expanded content, you'll find a surprisingly fun and refreshingly original experience that rivals full-priced retail software in depth and scope. Just make sure that you give it a chance past its slow first hour. I'm glad I did.

The creepy lifelessness of it all can be mitigated somewhat with the addition of up to three human opponents in a barebones multiplayer mode, but otherwise, the most fun you'll have with V.I.P. Casino Blackjack is in watching Mr. Paradise slowly clap his hands like one of those cymbal-playing toy monkeys whenever he wins a hand.

This is the breakout, must-buy hit that WiiWare needed to justify its existence. LostWinds is a beautiful and unique exploration-based platformer that takes full and natural advantage of the Wii's control setup.

This is a game that was made to break the ice at parties and gatherings of gamers, and it does that job amazingly well.

Pop delivers on its promise of providing a bubble-popping game for the Wii, and it somehow turns the premise into an unexpectedly satisfying experience.

The games biggest offender is the questions themselves, there's no rhyme or reason to any of them.

For what it is, with voiceovers from the actors, what I imagine is probably movie soundtrack, and some excellent-looking, swift racing with seriously fun combat stunts, Speed Racer: The Videogame is awesome.

A forgiving, kid-friendly experience. Any times I somehow fell off the course were balanced by the times I probably should have, but didn't. Since you never actually explode, it's pretty much mindless fun, even when dealing with AI that always seems to manage to catch up.

Boom Blox offers a great gaming experience with a ton replayability; you'll have to excuse the pun but this is one title that truly does qualify as a "summer blockbuster."

Any way you cut it, it's just not worth the aggravation to play through what is just another botched licensed movie game. [June 2008, p.81]

There's nothing awful about Iron Man for DS, but there isn't really anything that spectacular about it, either. Shmup fans already know they can get great, stylish games online, so this one will probably be left to young fans of the movie.

As Obi-Wan Kenobi once told me, "Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view." Good advice when thinking your way through Echochrome's frequently mind stumping, addictive I-think-my-IQ-just-went-up-10-points, levels.

Any way you slice it, Niko Belic journey through Liberty City and his quest for answers to his shadowy past is an experience you just cannot afford to miss.

Considering the fact that it's been a target of political and media pundits who keep harping on the infamous "Hot Coffee" incident, it's understandable to think that Rockstar might tone down the adult themes in GTA IV. But thankfully, that didn't happen. This is a mature game, and a devilishly good one at that.

The characters models are ugly despite aspiring towards cuteness, and the soundtrack will turn your brain into oatmeal.

The refined gameplay, the super slick presentation and the flexible controls all add up to one of the finest racing experiences ever.

The briskly moving plot and the unique battle system adds up yet another winner for Square Enix. [May 2008, p.82]

The core gameplay is great--the counters are brilliant and the energy stays high--yet it isn't enough to be chosen as more than a casual distraction.

It's a fun little title that will prove especially pleasing to those who can't wrap their heads around Rock Band or Guitar Hero. It doesn't have the addictive staying power of those two heavyweight franchises but it's an accessible rhythm game that's perfect for the casual gamer and younger rock-god wannabes alike.

If you played Shiren, however, you may find Pokemon to be too forgiving for your dungeon-hacking skills.

The Xbox LIVE Vision Camera, used for many of the games, is a complete bust (surprise!) forcing players to rely on a sometimes baffling controller scheme.

Despite its faults, for old school gamers this trip down memory lane is worth the low price of admission, but for others it'll get tiresome quick.

The graphics in GT5: Prologue are even better than "Crysis."

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]

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 real meat of this Director's Cut, however, comes in the form of new content, although sadly, there are no new storylines or assassination targets.

A puzzle game has to be challenging in order for it to be addictive but TiQal gives players too many chances.

Dark Sector isn't a bad game but its considerable potential is squandered thanks to some iffy design decisions and inconsistent gameplay.

The action does deliver its fair share of thrills, but its repetitive and simple nature quickly wears thin.

Regardless of its flaws, the depth of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 gives fans good reason to dust off their PS2s and jump around.

Though Opoona is original and exciting, there are too many problems for it to be anything more than an interesting diversion. [May 2008, p.84]

As a standalone DS game, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword is an amazing adventure almost at the level of "Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass". [Apr 2008, p.79]

It's so hard not to like Crisis Core because it does so many things right. [Apr 2008, p.76]

It exhibits the same sense of polish and depth that made the original Tiberium Wars such a classic.

No online multiplayer! Not like we generally expect that from Wii games, but we should be able to by now.

It's done a great job of balancing fun animation and serious gameplay.

You have to wonder if games like this are best left to the Wii. As consoles become more sophisticated so should the games.

An even larger frustration, though, is everyone's inability to recover lobs. In most tennis games, if you hustle you can often find some way to smack the ball back over the net, even if it's behind you. Here your characters just give up even if you are clearly within a reasonable rescue range.

When you come right down to it, though, Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 succeeds thanks to its amazing co-op, carefully balanced gameplay and memorable setting.

Only Stephen Hawking and a few select Nobel Prize winners will ever unlock the 100% Brain Usage Achievement. Load mechanical pencils in your pocket protector and tape those glasses because Brain Challenge lives up to its name.

This game was meant to be played with four players instead of two, but considering how much fun you get for the price, you shouldn't be deterred from buying it.

A solid title that boasts some amazing production values. It's single-player campaign tends towards mindless hack-and-slash gameplay and there are some noticeable slowdown flaws, but it's still offers up a good dose of fun, especially if you're looking for a dungeon crawler with a bit Final Fantasy flavor.

The writing is solid and engaging and the setting is fun and different but the adventure and platforming elements are completely average.

Nanostray 2 will definitely please hardcore arcade shooter fans, but the increased difficulty may narrow the game's mainstream appeal. [Mar 2008, p.86]

There's no doubt that Wild Arms XF is best left for hardcore fans of the series who will probably be more forgiving of the game's faults; the rest of you should look elsewhere for your tactical RPG fix.

Imperium Romanum has some significant problems - it's a buggy mess, has horrible combat mechanics, and doesn't really get across what the problems with your city is - but in spite of these problems there is still a good amount of fun to be had.

From the fighting mechanics to roster of players Brawl is a well-rounded game that I just couldn't put down. The only downside to Brawl is that it doesn't do anything to reinvent the series. It takes elements of past SSB games and refines them, which is great, but players expecting an entirely new experience won't find it here.

If you're playing alone, or looking for a competitive online rampage, Army of Two teeters between middling fun and frustration, but if you take the time to give the meaty co-op component its due you'll find yourself sucked in by one of the few gun-obsessed romps worth playing through again and again.

The best PSP title I've ever played.

It's disappointing really because Bully offers incredibly entertaining gameplay that's worthwhile, but the improvements that should have come with the jump to the more powerful Xbox 360 hardware just don't pan out.