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.

New tools and enemies are introduced throughout the adventure mode's more than 80 levels, which helps keep things interesting. [Apr 2008, p.84]

I plan on playing more Heroes VI, and if you've enjoyed past Heroes game, you're going to enjoy this one, too. But it'd be nice to see Ubisoft try more new things and ditch their lousy online strategy.

Carbon almost always manages to feel as finely tuned as any of its high performance sleds, and with downloadable content on the way, it seems safe to think that it'll be an adrenaline generating favorite for a good long while.

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]

Overall, the result is an efficient, memorable, and entertaining DLC release that's easily worth the $15 budget price.

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]

The custom built 4A-engine does a terrific job of bringing this desolate and sad world to life, and the developers made an admirable attempt to build the gameplay around the narrative. But Metro 2033's strength lies in the ideas which underpin its action -- without them, it's just another gritty first-person shooter with some interesting tweaks built in -- and it's unfortunate that the rich source material didn't mesh with the actual gameplay to form a cohesive whole.

Exit's gameplay - you're a slick wannabe superhero rescuing innocents from dangerous situations - is deceptively simple in that it has a relatively low learning curve, but once you get further into it, it proves to be far from simple.

You like nice graphics? Go and buy it. Otherwise, stick with your current copy of "SimCity 3000"... and save your kopeks for the new crop of exciting releases scheduled to hit stores in the next couple of months.

It's faster and nastier than most of the kindred of "Resident Evil" at the cost of losing a bit of edge. [May 2004, p.71]

All-Star Baseball was always one of the best console baseball series when it was on the Nintendo 64, but it's amazing how much the PS2 and Acclaim Sports' two years of development have added to the series. Most impressive are the excellent player models and faces.

This is no sim by any stretch, even with the new Franchise mode. Still, it is a decent game of belligerent baseball with mindless fun and laughs for anybody looking to play two - whether that's a doubleheader or just a deuce of innings. [July 2004, p.96]

Damn fast, damn challenging, and thoroughly addictive, F-Zero: GP Legend dominates the handheld circuit. [Oct 2004, p.90]

While it's not an instant classic, it is a cathartic and chaotic speed-based wreck-em-up, and motor-mayhem fans will love it.

At just $19.99 and probably the most engrossing story of the Resident Evil series, neither veterans nor newbies should miss RE2.

While not perfect, this game is still a lot of fun. The definition of easy to play and tough to master, SkyDrift is an addictive romp for those willing to take the time to learn how to become the Dominic Torreto of the skies.

On the whole, War for Cybertron is a solid, in-your-face shooter that goes out of its way to appeal to longtime fans of the franchise.

This is still one of those timeless classics you can enjoy over and over again. It’s just a very simple shooter that takes you back, if you played it back in the day that is.

The Godfather is one of those films that defined a decade of cinema. The somewhat open-ended world of this game isn't destined to have anywhere near that level of impact, but it is juicy amoral fun all the same, even if its belated arrival on the next generation is more than a little disappointing.

The brilliant graphics and intriguing combat system make Grandia III an excellent choice for PS2 RPGers-and should happily tide them over until "Final Fantasy XII" arrives. [Mar 2006, p.102]

DKC 3 is a passable casual adventure platforming title, but it just doesn't compare to the masterpiece of the original--how can you have a Donkey Kong game without the main ape anyways?

Amidst constant industry talk about brutal work conditions and failing studios, every bit of this package makes it seem like these folks are having an absolute blast creating one-of-a-kind games -- and it's an infectious type of jubilance that emboldens this memorable experience into more than the sum of its parts.

Thanks to the GameCube's unfriendly button layout, performing the new demanding dial-a-combos is harder than ever. Patient players, however, will uncover an almost overwhelming array of play modes and hidden features.

While Summon Night has fairly intricate graphics, for the GBA anyway, the audio could have been better; it's reminiscent of the SNES era but it fails to fully live up to old standard. The storyline is somewhat lacking and a bit shallow.

NFL Street 2 remains a ton of fun. It lays out more features, more gameplay, and more outrageousness than any other freaky football variation ever, and if it's not careful it might become as complex as a real football game.

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.

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.

For Romance followers, this addition to the series is the best yet. An unlimited number of accounting practices combined with more depth to the lives that you control can be an overwhelming if not humbling experience for wannabe rulers of the land. Just make sure you’re up for a long lesson in advanced bookkeeping.

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.

A fun, fast-paced RTS that boasts lots of nifty features and a few annoying flaws that keep it from beating up on its bigger PC cousins.

If you're not a Mega Maniac, there's no point in bothering with this game. [June 2003, p.96]

Presentation wise, the wide range of characters and vast courts look great and feature a high level of detail. Animation can be a bit stiff looking, but this is still one of the best-looking volleyball games ever.

The game may not have the depth that some are looking for, but regardless, it'll still provide loads of fun.

Shining Force's biggest strengths are its setting, a delightfully half-serious anime fantasy world, and some of the most memorable, weirdest characters (jellyfish, armadillos, crash-test moles) you'll ever amass for an army. [July 2004, p.88]

The combination of puzzles, exploring, and Phoenix Wright-style point-counterpoint gameplay is honestly an interesting concept along with the attractive art, but the production is mired in soulless English dialogue, badly looping music, and awkward navigation controls.

It's not a flawless package: there are some localization hiccups every now and then, and it's frustrating to waste time and money using crafts and erecting facilities that turn out not to yield much. But Oh! Edo Towns' combo of engaging simulation gaming, interesting theme, and distinct Kairosoft charm makes it well worth your time.

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]

The Sims Medieval is a beautiful game with fun and interesting ideas, but it doesn't live up to my fantasy of the Middle Ages and it doesn't completely satisfy the Sims fan in me.

Gun does have its moments, but it never fully comes together and ends way too soon. [Jan 2006, p.82]

In the end, Klonoa is a fantastic game that unfortunately suffers from a high degree of difficulty.

With its spectacular graphics, awesome sound, and easy-to-use interface, "DR2" is a perfect example of how to make a great 3D real-time strategy game, but the gameplay may be too familiar for gamers who have grown tired of the genre.

A platformer with more than just jumping and crawling around, though it can get tiring for those looking for a more fast-paced adventure.

Brute Force is fun for a while, a forgettable destruct-a-thon with an OK squadly gimmick, but that’s about it. This gang of four doesn’t add up to one Master Chief.

For 99 cents? Get this game. I'm serious. Do it now.

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.

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.

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

Dead-on fun.

The weak Story mode is the only blemish on what's otherwise the best DBZ game yet.

If you've been looking for something to fill the void that 1 vs. 100 left behind and you're into Texas Hold 'Em, even on a casual level, Full House Poker is a must buy. Fun card-playing action, plenty of game modes, customizable features, and a chance to give your lonely Xbox Avatar someone to play with make it hard to pass up.

If you're prepared for the deliberate nature of its gameplay, Sniper Elite is a rewarding way to fight WWII from the comfort of your couch. Just keep in mind the prerequisite degree of patience.

What Monsters Joker 2 really does best is to create a bright, vibrant world that does a great job of paying homage to the Dragon Quest franchise while also giving it a different spin. It's a bit slow to start -- monster synthesis takes a bit to unlock -- but it's an overall rewarding experience and one of the best Nintendo DS games to be released this year.

The gameplay gets a little repetitive, but fans of "Pharaoh" will definitely have fun with Cleopatra.

It's a good all-around package, but I expect that it will sneak under the radar now that the fall release season is in full swing. It's a shame because the single-player is every bit the addictive sugar rush that Modern Warfare is, and it's handsomely produced to boot. It's the perfect palate cleanser for a game like Dark Souls, which is the diametric opposite in terms of mood and gameplay. After being lost in a dungeon for hours on end, sometimes you just want to jump into a jet fighter and blow stuff up for a while. And in that regard, Ace Combat fits the bill perfectly.

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.

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.

Sonic's got the best portable pinball game on the market now—his tables are dead simple to get into, and there are enough extras to keep any Sega fan enthralled. It's also the closest thing to a new Nights game you'll ever get.

An engaging, sometimes cerebral experience that transforms familiar genre elements and lumps in spectacular art design for a sharp single-player experience.

Madden 07 PS3 is lightning-fast and silkily fluid. In fact, after playing the two versions back-to-back, we're inclined to say that the PS3 version feels a smidge faster and more responsive than the Xbox 360 version.

Though it may lack the polish and panache of mainstream football franchise games, Blitz: The League plays to its strengths as an over-the-top, hyper-aggressive action-sports experience.

If you're prepared for the deliberate nature of its gameplay, Sniper Elite is a rewarding way to fight WWII from the comfort of your couch. Just keep in mind the prerequisite degree of patience.

The game is wrapped up in a professional-grade package that makes it stand well above nearly every other shooter on the App Store.

Cross Fingers is a challenging tangram puzzler that combines problem-solving, creativity, and reflexes. From the beginning levels to the brutally difficult later missions, this digit-twisting game is great for puzzle fans of all abilities.

Kinda accessible, sorta deep, and relatively enjoyable, MX2002 may find its true niche with big motocross fans, but casual gamers will likely be left in the dust.

Visually, there’s lots to explore on every map, and the characters actually show decent detail. Cool voices and slick weapon effects complete a solid soundtrack.

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

The two-man commentary is frequent, but Marques Johnson’s color jabber starts out funny only to get downright stupid fast.

By far, the best element in the game is the hilarious commentary.

It's a neat show of some of the inventive ways developers might be able to use the Wii-mote in the future, but it's not really worth the 50 dollars unless you really dig its quirky style or absolutely love minigames.

The solid tilt controls matched with the crazy ways that the undead jerk your van around make for an inherently enjoyable experience, and should earn Zombie Driver a solid spot in your undoubtedly expansive undead App Store collection.

While Xbox 360 and PS3 owners get a slick upgrade over Madden '07, Wii owners get a mediocre and lackluster version. Diehard fans and series n00bs alike should avoid the Wii version, as it's inferior in just about every single way.

If there are any complaints, it’s that the range is a bit too wide this time and some crooners will not find as many songs they know. Konami definitely needs to release more song discs to satisfy the fans.

With a complex control setup, Knockout Kings 2002 can be frustrating even before the first round ends.

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

Lara's latest riveting adventure plays like her others, and if you're a fan, you'll be instantly hooked. The control and severity of the puzzles will drive you insane at times--but no one said it would be easy.

It's classic side-scrolling action like it was originally designed to be played. The two selectable characters and brain-spraining puzzles mean you'll get more than your money's worth in replay value.

One of the messiest, darkest, and most amoral titles to come along in some time. If that doesn’t bother you, you’re in for a treat.

It’s no secret that the Xbox looks the best of the bunch.

An excitingly action-packed, senses-shattering romp that stays closer to its comic book roots than any other handheld game before it.

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.

The easy tricks provide immediate gratification with a shallow learning curve, but there’s little depth.

As a sequel, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: March of the Minis surpasses the original by leaps and bounds backed by the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, however the new control scheme does take some getting used to.

Half-Minute Hero may be "JRPG-lite," but even if you're not a fan of the genre there's plenty of great gameplay to be had. A clever game with plenty of humor and personality, Half-Minute Hero: Super Mega Neo Climax is certainly worth your time.

You’ll get an unforgettable experience of different military tactics, plus you’ll have a better idea of what the Army went through in Somalia.

No multiplayer, boring sound and graphical design, lack of variety.

I'd recommend it in an instant to fans of the developer's past works, and just as fast to those looking for a fresh, fun shooter with a penchant for the eccentric.

Save for a handful of relatively current songs, most of which are unlockable, the music is purely recycled from earlier games. Some of the new gameplay modes are interesting, like playing online, but a "workout mode" hardly seems innovative.

The Puzzle modes are also fun, and a great way to learn how to minimize the number of moves it takes for you to create lengthy combinations, which lead to exponentially higher scores.

While no title as ruthlessly-streamlined as this one will keep you playing for long, ones as well-executed as Nuts are certainly worth more than the asking price.

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

[It] offers giddily satisfying gameplay.

The tendency toward newer tracks, and the neglect of excellent older ones, is a bit disappointing, but as a whole, Green Day: Rock Band plays like a big, wet kiss for its fans. [Aug 2010, p.88]

The exhilaration of getting the enemy in your sights and squeezing the trigger still hasn't worn out, even despite its similarities to "Forgotten Battles."

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.

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.

A high-energy romp with a fun, 90's anime style story (the G Gundam references are much-appreciated), easy to grasp mechanics, and plenty of things to find and collect. But I think its real strength is that lush world and the truly outstanding cel-shading, which makes me want to take back every bad word I ever said about the Nintendo DS and its 3D graphical capabilities.

Casual players and even tactical RPG fans may have a hard time getting used to Knights in the Nightmare, and I can guarantee that the effort to learn the battle system will be worth it in the long run. [July 2009, p.86]