Its only real drawback might be its rather short length, as experienced gamers will probably smash through the single player levels in no time, even at the highest difficulty level but for small, bite-sized chunks of action, Empire definitely satisfies.

Tabula Rasa is a fun game, but frustrating enough that you are left with a feeling that the fun parts are mocking you from their inaccessible tower guarded by the lag monsters, poorly designed controls and the never ending kill-or-be-killed pacing.

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.

The time travel themed story is ineffectively told and the enemy AI is rather brain-dead. You'll also face overwhelming numbers during most battles but the good thing is that your time powers provide a nice edge.

Although the game is short, it manages to stay fresh thanks to the way new areas and moves are doled out.

Viva Pinata Party Animals is squarely aimed at a specific audience populated by those that find burping hilarious and think cartoon violence and comic mischief are peak entertainment; i.e. children.

All in all, The Simpsons Game is a good effort but there are some glaring flaws that hold it back. [Dec 2007, p.129]

But despite all of the control issues, for my money, this is one of the most fun games I've played in a while.

Only mildly amusing and the violence and gore gets tired after a while. If you're into movies like Eli Roth's Hostel then this game's right up your alley. But, if you're looking for a thriller with a little more substance, you might want to look elsewhere.

Battalion Wars 2 is a solid title with a hearty single player mode, a decent amount of unlockable content and a fun online component.

Guitar Hero 3 for the Wii rocks. While the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions are easier on the eyes as well as the ears, the Wii version is home to the best guitar controller of the lot, features an engaging online mode, and plays just as nice.

By virtue of being around longer, the Xbox 360 has more compatibility and a larger, more cohesive community to play with. While you're still guaranteed a good time on the PS3, it's tough to truly rock out when you know there's a bigger venue to play in and a better band on the way.

Everything just screams high production values, which is pretty awesome. The song list is also impressive and features a good mix of the old and the new.

A cohesive game with the sum of all of its parts adding up to a frightening whole.

Its slick style, amazing graphics, and dark atmosphere really make it stand out.

Fans of the Conan books will likely be disappointed by the disjointed narrative and surprisingly dispassionate vocal performances, and most gamers will see the button-tapping mini-games and bare-breasted maidens as the hollow window-dressing they are, but Conan is still an agreeable diversion despite its obvious faults.

Fans of Conan will appreciate this game as much as hack-and-slash fans who've never heard of the franchise. It's a lot of fun, challenging without being frustrating and all in all, a great example of its genre.

If you own a PSP, there is no excuse for you to not own this title. [Nov 2007, p.95]

About the only shortcoming Ace Combat 6 possesses is an intimidating visage, especially if you're using the Ace Edge flight stick. This is definitely a hardcore game, not one intended for casual play given its attention to detail, simulation-style controls, and general difficulty.

What seems like the perfect game for kids is actually a challenging game for adults. Who knew? Still, Zack & Wiki is a terrific game that will stick with you for a long time.

The courtroom antics of Phoenix Wright are well worth the trip, even if the formula hasn't changed.

An amazing PS 3 game that fully leverages the power of the console. It sets the bar high for not only the series but for all PS3 games to come. It is, without a doubt, reason enough to buy the system.

We got a fair amount of play out of Prism--at times it was tough to put down--but the fact is, you won't be able to stick with it for more than a short time.

Target Liberty will only serve to frustrate even the most die hard of tactical shooter fans.

The game is also rather short, but when every outrageous environment is so chock full of goodies, and the atmosphere so relentlessly positive, it's still hard to resist playing just one more time.

Although it's leaning in a good direction, Music Jam could've used some more rehearsal.

My initial enthusiasm for the game quickly waned and was snuffed out as I realized that there wasn't much content to the game as the game is limited to just two modes: Tournament and Exhibition.

Despite the multiplayer lack, it's fun enough taking turns on puzzles that you can play it with friends anyways.

There's no denying that the Tony Hawk franchise has some life left in it and Proving Ground is yet another satisfying entry in the dominant skateboarding franchise. But here's hoping they start to innovate again next year, because if they don't, their competition might just leave them in the dust.

Still, there's no denying that the Tony Hawk franchise has some life left in it and Proving Ground is yet another deep and satisfying entry in the dominant skateboarding franchise. [Dec 2007, p.120]

Despite the cute retro-styled characters, cheery music, and narrated post-work-out relaxation exercises (which I actually skipped after the first time because they felt like more strain than comfort), I can confidently say this is not the next must-have brain game.

Everyday Shooter is one of the most compulsively re-playable games we've ever played and a terrific value. PS3 owners bemoaning the lack of quality titles should stop whining and get their hands on this budget-priced masterpiece immediately.

For first-person shooter fans, it doesn't get much better than this. What's even better is that each individual game runs amazingly well on the Xbox 360. The graphics are amazing as is the presentation. The interface that Valve created for navigating through the content is also wonderful.

Anyone with even a passing interest in puzzle or role-playing games should take a long hard look at this endlessly addictive gem. Chances are that within an hour of downloading the trial version you'll be looking to purchase it.

While it may come off as unimaginative and highly repetitive to some, there is an ample amount of entertainment awaiting fans of the Sega Rally series, and those fans of arcade racers in general.

Rally looks amazing. Courses look sharp and consist of intricate details. But what really looks the best are the things thrown in to slow you down: ice, water, mud and dirt are all present, and you'll have to learn how to interact with each.

The gameplay boils down to a simplistic mix of platform jumping and enemy bashing, with a good dose of item collection thrown in. It won't tax your reflexes or your brain, which is why the game is perfect for younger gamers; players who grew up with the cartoons, as I did, will also experience a nice feeling of nostalgia as they play.

A slew of glitches run constantly throughout the game.

If you don't mind a somewhat simplistic third person shooter and are a Star Wars fan you could do much worse than Renegade Squadron.

A decade after the original's release, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a faithful improvement on what is still one of the best tactical RPGs around. [Nov 2007, p.97]

What saves this game from being just another monster collection RPG is the compelling narrative and the unique environments.

Aside from that, Touch Detective 2 1/2 is just more of the same, so your enjoyment will depend on what you thought of the first. [Nov 2007, p.96]

The game's youngster charm ultimately ends up as its greatest strength and weakness. Off the Rails does a great job in appealing to a younger crowd, which is encouraging for those looking for a good holiday gift; however, its cheesy style is lost on anyone over the age of 12.

Controls aside, the gameplay itself is nothing to be excited about. The courses are clumsily designed, the races are repetitive, and the characters are unmemorable. In short, Barrel Blast is offensive to all the senses. It feels wrong, looks awful, and it isn't a treat for the ears, either.

Fans of the classic puzzle game should stay far, far away from this truly awful version of Tetris.

A butter smooth online FPS experience with finely balanced gameplay.

Get past the frustrating difficulty and you'll find a beautiful, rewarding game that is easily the best yet in the series.

A fairly simple racing game with tons of extra content and options that keep the game fresh and challenging.

Enjoyable enough that it warrants a look but it just doesn't play to its strengths well enough to stand toe-to-toe with the current champions of the next-generation racing world.

I am giving FoF the benefit of the doubt because it's obvious that it's geared towards a younger audience: the difficulty is low, the action is mind-numbingly simplistic and the overall vibe of the game, from the art style to the character dialogue, is juvenile--as in youthful, not immature.

All in all, Phantom Hourglass is a successful sequel that improves on everything that its predecessor did right. [Nov 2007, p.92]

Unfortunately, the stunts which are normally hilarious and cringe worthy on the show come off as dull and uninteresting in the game.

It's solid gameplay, immense replayability, online functionality and incredible production values will ensure its place in video game history, and it is, without a doubt, a satisfying and fulfilling close to the beloved trilogy[?].

While the graphics are rather plain, the sound is quite good. I never got tired of the main adventure theme, and the thunderclap of your magical dragon appendages displacing the air with their glowing energy is the perfect effect.

Unfortunately, for all its charm and interesting controls, the game is seriously hard. It requires a large degree of precision and finesse in your movements--a single misstep and you can wave goodbye to Dewy.

This game is not for the faint of heart and should be reserved for those that enjoy repetitive battles and watching badly built sprites bumble across their television screen.

I think gamers who are hungry for skating but tired of Tony Hawk should give this title a try. There are plenty of similarities, but I think the actual gameplay is unique and enjoyable and will appeal to many.

Few expansion packs come loaded with as many new features as Relic has seen fit to put in - two entirely new sides, an equal number of expansive campaigns, and enough potential multiplayer action to keep any player occupied for months.

The game works and I got a minor amount of satisfaction completing higher level missions in the story mode. However, The clunky menus, gun fire that sounds like a woodpecker trapped in a metal trash can, and freeze-framing of the character in the middle enemy assaults are just more examples in which there just wasn't enough effort put into Contagion.

Casual gamers might be able to overlook these faults but longtime Sims fans shouldn't let the brand name fool them into investing in it. [Nov 2007, p.96]

The collection itself is great, but the way it's been fleshed out is really impressive. The full-fledged treatment of each game makes this edition of Namco Museum really feel like a museum.

Another great aspect of the game was its length: while there are only seven islands in total, there is a surprising amount of content that is unlocked. The graphics are also excellent as are the designs and layouts of the various levels.

Series fans'll eat it up , but others may want to contemplate whether learning the Digiropes is something they're really willing to invest in.

Series fans'll eat it up , but others may want to contemplate whether learning the Digiropes is something they're really willing to invest in.

The most imaginative RTS since last year's "Company of Heroes," World of Conflict arrives with one hell of a bang, offering up some of the most explosive real-time experiences I've ever seen.

More a mediocre tribute to past games than a fresh experience. Unimpressive graphics, a mundane fighting system, and a slate of characters borrowed from other titles leaves Warriors Orochi a stale appetizer left on the plate as you wait for the "Dynasty Warriors 6" main course.

There's plenty of fun to be had but the title falls just a little short of the hurdle that it's trying to leap. [Oct 2007, p.83]

Beyond its online career mode, there's not much that leads Juiced 2 to stand out from the pack. It's an unassuming street racer with few flaws, but at the same time, few outstanding qualities. Even the visuals don't inspire much, leaving Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights cold by morning.

This is a good first step but the graphics need to be improved upon, the control scheme needs to be tightened up, and little things like the character creation system and the mission types need to be expanded upon.

So, while it doesn't eclipse the greatness of the original title that inspired it, Heavenly Sword is still a fun, engaging, and most importantly, exclusive PS3 title that Sony fanboys can brag to 360 fanboys about.

This years best hockey game offering. Adding vastly improved gameplay to last years impressive control scheme ensures EA's hold on the title of Best Hockey Game Yet Devised.

DiRT is by no means for everyone. Most racing games are difficult at first, but you eventually master them. In DiRT, you are always on the verge of totaling your car. There's never a moment to screw around, because you will crash.

An overwhelming lack of personality.

DK: Jungle Climber is arguably more of what we saw in King of Swing, but with updated graphics. For those who felt that game was already a one-trick pony, it may be an undesirable sequel, but tons of hard-to-reach collectibles, unlockable mini-games, and four-player downloadable battles will keep the rest of us honing our skills for hours.

Drawn to Life is a must-have for every DS owner's library. [Oct 2007, p.87]

2K Sports is relegated to a distant second-place, plagued by overly complicated controls, a badly designed interface, and subpar gameplay.

Stranglehold might stumble occasionally under its own ambitious weight, and might not quite deliver on all its promises and potential, but it's still a unique and absorbing 8-hour tour through a legendary action director's potent unfilmable dreams.

It's not an instant classic by any means, but even burnt-out veterans should enlist and take the plunge for one more tour of duty. [Oct 2007, p.79]

The bottom line is that Worms has always been a fantastic game so it all comes down to how complete a given installment is, and Worms Open Warfare 2 is easily the defining title in the series. [Oct 2007, p.87]

I expect many fans will be disappointed thanks to all of the hype that's built up around the game, but the inevitable complaints about the control scheme will be warranted. [Sep 2007, p.79]

The controls for the plane are everything they should be, and echo most every other aspect of the game: a tightly polished product that is simply intuitive. Though the action became intense and sometimes frustrating, I was always ready to jump right back into the mix.

Blue Dragon might not be sheer perfection, but it still delivers a truly exemplary console RPG experience by thoughtfully executing and expanding on longtime genre traditions.

If you're looking for a long-term relationship with your handheld action RPG, and can suffer through a couple of rough patches, you will find yourself in the loving embrace of all the addictive content Monster Hunter Freedom 2 has to offer.

Stuntman: Ignition isn't for everyone, and even enthusiastic wannabe performers will occasionally cry out in frustration if they play for too long at a stretch, but it's still as good an execution of this offbeat concept as you're ever likely to see, and a welcome online departure from straight-laced racing purism.

The sometimes ridiculous characters, anime presence, and engaging story line work together with intensely fun and strategic play mechanics to make this installment of the ARMs series the best yet.

If you can tolerate endlessly replaying the same levels just to progress, light RPG elements like collecting equipment, acquiring skills, and upgrading pilot and mobile suit levels might make up for some aggravation, but even faithful fans of Gundam and Dynasty Warriors alike won't find much in the way of lasting excitement here.

Carnival Games may look cute, but it doesn't translate into gameplay you'll come back to, and in the end, is just a novelty Wii game that wears out it's welcome way too fast to be worth any price.

A young fan of the TV show could theoretically search out a modicum of fun from this game, and perhaps they would find the puzzles more brow-furrow worthy. Maybe. I have a feeling, though, that this one will make its way swiftly to the bargain bins.

No doubt about it Tiger Woods 08 offers up an excellent round of 360 golf. The gameplay upgrades are right on and GamesNet promises unlimited potential for online action.

While the game isn't littered with NPCs, there's a lot of interaction with fellow bounty hunters and objectives given from outside sources. It seems like this and the multi-planet settings were both added to make the game feel more like an action-adventure than an adventure-action title, which is a shame since it flies in the face of what made Metroid one of the best franchises in gaming.

Overall, if you liked the first GRAW, you can look forward to more excellent military shooter action, with excellent multiplayer features.

Those who have been waiting for a quality role-playing will be sorely disappointed, and anyone brave enough to search for the positive aspects in Two Worlds may find something to satiate their appetite, but finding those good aspects takes far too much effort than it should.

What if a game's narrative was as intricate and as immersive as its graphics? What if as much attention went into dialogue and atmosphere as went into pixel shaders and high-resolution textures? What then? Ladies and gentlemen, the answer is BioShock, one of the most playable, thought-provoking, and just downright impressive games to emerge on a home console since, well, ever.

However, what it does right it does well, and it doesn't weigh you down with some of the more cumbersome aspects it shares with other titles in the strategy RPG genre. [Sep 2007, p.86]

Repetitive to the point of brain damaging; and a few giant leaps in enemy difficulty will have you cursing the fact that save points are at the beginning of each area.

However, don't expect too much more content than new tests and more Sudoku grids. [Sep 2007, p.80]

Even dedicated role-players are better off with a pencil and some paper.

At the end of the day, Persona 3 is an engaging title that truly pushes genre conventions in an exciting way. [Sep 2007, p.82]