If you're patient and spend a good amount of time playing against the AI bots, your enjoyment of Tribes 2 will increase tenfold.

It delivers more great city building action with enough twists on the genre to keep fans playing for hours on end.

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.

The only downer to this solid racer is the cumbersome controls.

All in all, NCAA Football 10 is an enjoyable college football sim that doesn't quite reach superstar status. It has a great set of skills but it doesn't excel in any one area.

It’s a testament to the strength of Knights’ original design that it manages to be gripping and engaging while in the midst of distracting technical problems.

There's decent action and above-average variety of gameplay.

Although the turn-based combat system brings nothing notably new to this party, it remains mesmerizingly awesome when you unleash the right variety of attacks to make your Pokemon opponents "faint."

EverQuest II a metric crapload of game, to be sure-complex, huge, versatile, and lots of fun with friends, but slow-paced and visually schizophrenic. When Norrath calls, you'd better be prepared to give a very long answer.

Sure, if you can grind through numerous random battles without losing your patience, the experience can be rewarding when you finally succeed. But for the rest of you, I'd recommend something else if you're not ready to devote some serious study time to the hardcore, incredibly unforgiving trek through this steampunk city.

A unique action game that’s repetitive in its style and level structure, Alter Echo is kept from being boring by its over-exaggerated morphing combo system and a wide variety of enemies that adapt to your attacks.

In the end, Dementium: The Ward is a cohesive game with the sum of all of its parts adding up to a frightening whole.

Sometimes you just want to drive. You want to jump into your car and jam on the accelerator. That’s Test Drive.

Delivers all the requirements of an exciting FPS, and the 20-buck asking price is a sweet incentive. Second Encounter is a shooter with simple requirements: A minimum of brains and maximum of reflexes.

This tactical FPS impresses with its slick shooting mechanics and presentation, but suffers from cluttered touch-screen controls.

It’s both fun and immensely frustrating, and it’s so old-school you’d swear you’d have to blow on a cartridge to get it to work, but it’s a very good example of an ancient, long-missing genre.

At high levels, playing Shiren is a bit like Demon's Souls -- impossible tasks slowly become manageable and then trivial as your skill increases. Shiren the Wanderer is a hard game to put down once you've gotten into its one-more-turn rhythm, which is exactly as it should be.

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

A beautiful and mesmerizing title that warrants a look. It can't top the cream of the current crop of downloadable PSN games like Super Stardust HD, PixelJunk Monsters, and Tekken 5 Dark Resurrection Online, but it certainly holds its weight if you're looking to kill a few hours on a lazy Sunday.

LucasArts has done a super job in bringing this game to life thanks to the outstanding story, tight controls, and the hefty amount of intense action, while also including a standard list of multiplayer modes and Xbox Live online support. That it won't win critical acclaim for being revolutionary is beside the point.

Every year the NASCAR series seems to emphasize a different aspect of the sport. But this year, the focus is back where it belongs: on the driving and on-track competition. [Nov. 2006, p.102]

Although enjoyable, Duke could have used more fine-tuning in gameplay and perks. It seems so ordinary without the PC raunchiness - so much like Doom that there's little to separate it from other corridor shooters.

With tons of multiplayer options, cool new technological levels, and two slightly different characters to try, the new "Turok" should offer enough to keep you busy when you're tired of "Perfect Dark."

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.

An intensely addictive, if not particularly innovative, racer.

Even though a better BMX game—"Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX"—has been released since the first Dave Mirra, the core gameplay of Mirra hasn’t been much improved, just expanded.

Despite these shortcomings, Destination Berlin’s blend of battlefield strategy and sneaky infiltration will appeal to experienced strategy fans. Novices should scout out another battle.

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]

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.

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.

Awkward controls may impact the fun a little, but Edge's fascinating romp through block-filled worlds is one well worth indulging in.

A decent addition to the handheld fighter genre, and if players can discipline themselves not to buy many of the all-powerful techniques, River City Ransom Ex can be a cool gaming experience.

The fact that the game is so close to perfection is what makes the multiplayer so damn disappointing.

This massive third-person shooter from newcomer Swingin' Ape Studios features an epic scope, boffo production, great controls, and thoroughly enjoyable gameplay propelled by a somewhat cliché-ridden yet ingratiatingly humorous story.

Only rabid third-installment fans and RE newbies need apply for this last escape.

If you can get past its gimmicky aspect, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat becomes an interesting spin on the side-scrolling hop-n-bop action genre that ultimately relies on endurance as much as reflexes. [Apr 2005, p.82]

A fun diversion, but it's not particularly deep.

In the PS2 version, the game’s depraved humor is intact, and the gameplay is still a refreshing variety of action and strategy, though the RTS aspects of the base-building missions have been simplified.

Despite all the feel-good cuteness and decent gameplay, there is not a lot of variety in the game. It’s all about digging through colorful blocks that look good enough to eat with no multiplayer or anything of the sort. It’s a downer, because the game would be perfectly suited for some kind of split-screen 2-player race mode or something similar.

Those expecting a true sequel here will be disappointed: Substance strictly builds on the success of existing material.

Even though it's yet another take on Tetris, Pokemon Puzzle League has enough game modes to give it extra depth, and learning the art of advanced chains and combos will take a long time.

A fun, good-looking ride, but it could've been much better with more opponents, a little smack talk, and gameplay beyond checkpoint racing.

All quibbles aside, though, there's a worthwhile experience waiting to be unearthed for lovers of aesthetics and adventure alike.

This minimalist take on a Commodore classic impresses with its unique design and tense atmosphere, but suffers from some noticeable bugs in its initial release.

While some who prefer more traditional gameplay might not like Orphen's action adventure twist, it still has a compelling storyline, interesting characters, and a good dose of fun.

Bazzle is a bargain at $0.99. This game is an original work of art with plenty of challenge and dozens of expertly designed levels. Hopefully an update or a sequel will extend the Bazzle forest even further with additional levels and more surprises.

It's ultimately the inspired intermingling of the disparate abilities bestowed on partnered players that makes Too Human worth playing.

It doesn't shine as bright as "Golden Sun," nor does it have the complexity of "Tactics Ogre" - it's just a good-natured dependable RPG that never did any harm. [Apr 2003, p.63]

Despite the clumsier controls, the GameCube version has the PS2 version beat simply because the graphics look cleaner and the frame rate is better.

Ace Combat Zero is, without a doubt, the most fun I've ever had with a flight simulator, and it's the best one in the series yet.

Is it worth the price of admission? Solving puzzles with Professor H and the gang will only set you back $5, which is a great overall value considering what you get. If you enjoy match games and are looking for something different, Jewel Keepers: Easter Island won't disappoint.

Still, Defy Gravity Extended's slick controls and novel gimmick provide plenty of platforming pleasure.

Definitely follows the standard formula, bolstered by some nice additions. Then again, it’s an enjoyable formula that works—so no problem.

The one snag is the character graphics, which are nicely detailed but look slightly indistinct (particularly for the enemy combatants) and are not quite up to the caliber of the rest of the visuals.

The beautifully lit ballparks look great, and the solid audio nicely re-creates the ballpark feel.

Super Meat Boy is a thank-you card addressed to great game design. It recognizes and embraces everything we've come to love about the indie scene, even going so far as to include it – Braid's Tim and Gish's Gish, for instance, show up as playable characters.

While its nothing new it does provide some enjoyment to those looking for a new puzzle title and have had enough with the other ones on the market.

Madballs offers a complete package for $10 but because of a lacking online community you will be playing most of the game in single player mode. Overall, Madballs is worth a purchase if you are looking for a fast paced shooter.

Comes up like the Calgary Flames - a very close second - because "ESPN NHL 2K5" is the better game due to its overall complete package. [Dec 2004, p.146]

Really, beyond the obvious presentational issues, all that keeps Undisputed's portable edition from going toe-to-toe with its console counterpart is online multiplayer

The intended audience will love Quidditch World Cup, if only because it expands on the Potter novels' rich mythology. It’s fun, and as a fantasy-sports game, it flies - but not as high as it could.

The only downside to this fabulous adventure is the tricky controls. The digital directional pad doesn’t allow for smooth diagonal movement, which Spyro does a lot in each world.

A must for every action RPG fan who doesn't mind sharing the love with only one friend.

Drawn: Trail of Shadows manages to be casual without being pandering, stupefying without being stupid, and artsy without being pretentious. When it was all over I'd restored not only paintings, but my enthusiasm for the floundering genre as well.

In terms of the batting cursor interface, the GameCube version offers the tightest joystick control in the batter’s box with the Xbox version being a little too stiff and the PS2 version a little too loose.

Well done, but with a few tweaks to the graphics and sounds, it could have been a very good game.

The controls feel stiff at first and aren't configurable (lame!), but racing pros will like learning to finesse tight responses from the controller.

Those who paid the $10 fee when it was an iPad exclusive are essentially getting the iPhone game for free, and those who haven't purchased the game yet should jump at the 50%-off price, because it might not last long.

A new arrow on the power meter shows you exactly how hard you should hit the ball-very handy, but it can't be turned off and makes the game a little too automatic.

If you’re an RPG fan with tons of free time and patience, or if you’re an EQ fan dying to see what Norrath was like hundreds of years ago, EQOA is a great time.

Once the action's underway, however, ESPN NHL is old school all the way in its approach to passing and skating, but it offers the most extensive array of moves, and everything just handles butter-smooth. For sheer playability, its controls rule.

Knuckles is a blast to play with, because he can climb walls -- bringing a different aspect to the game from simply spinning and rolling like Sonic. Also, if you own Sonic 1, 2 or 3 in your XBLA game library, you can play as Knuckles in them as well, a little added extra courtesy of Seeeeeggaaa!

XIX just doesn’t have the oomph of a "SmackDown" or even a "Raw." The Revenge mode is a cool idea, but the execution needs work, and the lack of a traditional season might chase off some fans.

All things considered, I'd have to say that Dark Souls is a much better (if largely similar) game than Blade of Fate.

Academy focuses on the best elements of Jedi Outcast (fast-paced lightsaber combat and wicked Force abilities), discards the worst (jump puzzles, confusing levels, and long durations armed only with blasters), and lets you choose missions, Force powers, and whether or not you'll become an agent for good or for evil.

Winter Assault is, ultimately, a modest expansion pack that will manage to satisfy, if not thrill, Dawn of War diehards. In this topsy-turvy world, sometimes that's more than enough.

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.

The control is tight and responsive, making any fatal face plants entirely your own fault, while the tutorial/licensing helps quickly acclimate you to competitive racing. All in all, the difficulty might turn as many casual gamers away as it will attract hardcore racing fans, which isn't always a bad thing if you're looking for racing authenticity.

The only ailment of Super Princess Peach is its severely easy difficulty, but that doesn't take the fun away from the game.

Complex action games haven't proven especially successful on Sony's handheld but Pirates! succeeds by offering up simple yet intuitive controls and an easy to navigate interface. [Apr 2007, p.82]

A gripping and action-packed experience that will appease if you’re jonesing for a straightforward FPS.

This challenging game organized into vertical and horizontal levels makes excellent use of the DS dual-screen format.

Looks sexy and plays like pro, but it's just not the polished veteran that you've come to expect with PS2 and Xbox. At least it's clear to see that with a little more seasoning, this game should be in fighting shape next year.

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.

MTX's visuals definitely contribute to the fun time. Bikers and their motorized partners look sharp, while the arenas surprisingly offer a lot of detail. [June 2004, p.71]

A nostalgia trip worth taking.

MK vs. DC isn't the best Mortal Kombat game, not by a country mile, but for the first time in years this series feels relevant and energized.

Again, it's nothing new but the weapons and powers are interesting enough that, if you put in the work, the reward is there. But it probably won't make you forget about Modern Warfare or Halo 3 or Killzone 2 or whatever online FPS you're currently hooked on.

The game can be annoying at times--opening doors is almost always a hassle, for example--and the limited time you have to find the Elebits makes things a little hairier than necessary but this is still one of the more original and fun titles available for the Wii.

Detailed textures and a fast frame rate let you savor the disturbing damage, and the precise controls never fail.

Even with its flaws, this is an excellent title. A lovely game with charisma to spare, Winter of the Melodias shows off WiiWare's true potential.

At first, combat seems too twitchy and simplistic, while the training sequences last too long, but as you grow in power, and unlock your substantial latent wealth of special moves and combination plays, the rich combat possibilities reveal themselves.

In no other game, however, will you be cleaved in half by a bull who screams, "Long live vegetarianism," and love it like in Cel Damage.

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.

If you haven't picked up a copy of Disgaea previously, be sure to give the DS version a try. [Oct 2008, p.93]

Despite a few structural flaws, Fortress is a fun way to kill little chunks of time.

Blows away all other surfing games already out.

The game gives you too many handicaps and leaves an unsavory taste of an unbalanced fighter. Even with these minor faults, Battle Assault is an excellent handheld fighter and still recommended.