Real talent produced this technology and artwork. So much of LocoRoco is so clever and original that it's almost perplexing when it stops being any fun. The fun does run out, though, long before the game is over -- in that sense, the experiment has to be called a failure.

If you can't fathom the appeal of 2D old-school revival, save your cash; otherwise, grab a lance and skewer some flying eyeballs. [Oct. 2006, p.93]

A deep and engaging title that makes a worthy capstone to the epic series. Like Return of the Jedi, it brings the trilogy to a satisfying close; here's hoping that they don't mess it up by releasing a bunch of prequels.

Even if you're a diehard fan of the series, there is absolutely nothing to love about Act Zero.

Still, the rock-solid strategy and engaging character developement system make Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories a strong contender for tactical RPG crown regardless of its audio/visual shortcomings. [Oct. 2006, p.99]

Saints Row's Xbox Live presentation is a colossal step in the right direction for the genre, with its live-action lobby, imaginative game modes, and an MMO-inspired element that allows you to amass and spend the money you win online.

The fast-paced Star Fox action, easy controls, and the fun multiplayer portions definitely outweigh the bad.

It shows depth, talent, and imagination. Everything any winning team needs.

A visual masterpiece.

It shows depth, talent, and imagination. Everything any winning team needs.

This is perhaps the only game in the genre to actually make each race feel unique and balanced... However, it isn't enough to compensate for the flawed tactical combat that lies at the game's core; nothing save a complete overhaul can redeem SotS from its current mediocrity.

Those intrigued by the esoteric nonsense of this year's DVD release, Final Fantasy: Advent Children, will likely relish the incoherent sci-fi narrative.

It just turns out to be an object example of how even the prettiest eye candy can't mask flawed mechanics for long, and how gameplay that aims for greatness can stumble and wind up slumming it in Mediocre Town.

The expansive environments are divided by too-frequent load screens, the story elements fall limp more often than not, and corralling idiotic survivors can try your patience, but the visceral thrill of taking zombies apart is so varied and enjoyable that such disappointments are forgiven. Dead Rising isn't game of the year, but it is a whole lot of mindless fun.

Another surprising feature in Original Generations is the amount of customizability featured in this game. You'll be able to level up character attributes, learn new skills, customize your mechs, switch weapons out, and even assign pilots to specific mechs. There's so much to do that it can actually get rather confusing.

Adventure's six party games and puzzle-based challenge mode are the best this game has to offer. With multiple players, Adventure flies in the face of its weak story mode and becomes a genuinely fun experience.

Amp up the speed and iron out the physics and perhaps FlatOut 2 could give EA a run for its money but for now, it's simply eating "Burnout"'s dust.

Adventure's six party games and puzzle-based challenge mode are the best this game has to offer. With multiple players, Adventure flies in the face of its weak story mode and becomes a genuinely fun experience.

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.

Harkening back to when simple games and concepts entertained us all, Battle B-Damam reinvents the classic marble games of yore with mixed results.

Tekken: Dark Resurrection is proof that the PSP is powerful enough to handle a super-speedy, high-resolution 3D fighter without breaking a sweat.

From the moment you begin playing both the open-ended campaign and individual scenarios, it's clear that Firaxis used this expansion to fine-tune and upgrade the game's Artificial Intelligence. A.I. opponents are noticeably more aggressive now, particularly towards the end of a game.

It becomes especially maddening when you're trying to navigate a heavily developed city where one errant mouse click can banish an otherwise productive structure to the ether.

We were also dismayed at how quickly the game lost its appeal; a few levels of the same old, same old and we were ready to call it quits. Beyond a few interesting boss fights, it rarely strays from its simplistic "kill everything and move on" formula.

Cloning Clyde isn't the deepest puzzler in the world but at 800 Live points, it's a terrific bargain.

Miami Vice is a slapped together product that fails to deliver the gritty gut-punch promised by the recently released movie.

Its steep learning curve and the overly convoluted quest system makes it fall short of what could have been a first-rate title.

Not surprisingly, NCAA Football 07 is a no-brainer buy for the college football fans and is well worth a look from even the most casual of sports gamers. [Aug 2006, p.84]

Never before has a college football game been this fun or looked this good. The level of visual brilliance featured in NCAA 07 is unrivaled in any current sports game.

The gameplay is where Super DBZ truly shines. From the first time you load up and play Super DBZ, you'll notice the game religiously pays homage to the Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball universe.

Feel[s] more like a legitimate game rather than a rushed tie-in.

The game that "Doom 3" and "Quake 4" wished they could be. It's ruthlessly violent and action-packed, yet consistently subversive and innovative -- not unlike "Duke Nukem 3D," another 3D Realms-produced game. It's also one of the least frustrating games we've ever played.

Unfortunately, with such drab presentation and predictable gameplay, there isn't enough to sustain interest for long.

The game that "Doom 3" and "Quake 4" wished they could be. It's ruthlessly violent and action-packed, yet consistently subversive and innovative -- not unlike "Duke Nukem 3D," another 3D Realms-produced game. It's also one of the least frustrating games we've ever played.

As far as multiplayer goes, while a couple heroes dispatching entire enemy armies on their own might seem true to the spirit of the films, it hardly makes for a balanced and satisfying online encounter.

Johnny Depp adds a good deal of credibility to his role in the game (and the movies, for that matter), but as far as late-generation PS2 titles go, this one should walk the plank.

By far, the best part of Micro Machines v4 is the level design. There are oodles of levels to speed through, such as a butcher's shop, a pool table, and a hair salon.

If you're still not tired of the extreme-sports trick performing/exploration formula, Crusty Demons offers a pleasant but outdated rendition of Tony Hawk style gameplay at a bargain price.

If you're a fan of Naruto and his bizarre allies and enemies, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja will make you happy -- very happy. Besides finally making a debut on the PS2, this installment in the Naruto series offers up an enjoyable time whether you're playing by yourself or with someone else (the game supports two-players).

While Iron lore deserve kudos for the much-needed tweaks, it's a shame they didn't take more ambitious chances and really push the formula to new heights. On the plus side, if you liked "Diablo II" or "Dungeon Siege II," you're sure to love Titan Quest. It is, after all, almost precisely the same game.

In the process of being brought to the PSP, Legends changed into an occasionally enjoyable though altogether disappointing title that mimics much of Laura's older works than the material it supposedly draws from.

Overall, the unique approach of NFL Head Coach makes this game a smart pick for football freaks and sports gamers looking to add some analytical and intellectual flavor to their library.

If you enjoyed the last Legend of Heroes PSP game, the second one will be right up your alley. You get a fairly long quest, memorable characters, and the addictive Pet System to keep you busy. But, if you're new to the Legend of Heroes scene, you might want to give the game at least a three or four hour grace period.

Urban Chaos tries to be different than other FPS titles, and it manages to get a few things right. But shoddy visuals and generic action bring the game down to the depths of mediocrity. [July 2006, p.78]

Street Fighter Alpha Anthology is a canonical addition to any fighting game fan's game library. For the listed price of $29.99, Street Fighter fanatics couldn't ask for more. With the addition of Gem Fighter, friends and family members will be holding Street Fighter Alpha tournaments and trash-talking each other in no time.

Keep in mind, unless you're really a devout fan of the series, much of what's contained in MGS: Digital Graphic Novel will probably confuse the heck out of you.

Last Raven is the seventh and last Armmored Core title for the PS2, and it's definitely the best of the bunch. [July 2006, p.78]

But the real fun lies in the mini-games. It's just a tad unfortunate, though, that the game really doesn't have much depth besides that. Granted, it's fun to play with another person and it's cool to play through the unique Brain Massage mode. But, if you're looking for a DS game that's going to provide hours of entertainment, you'll have better luck elsewhere.

Urban Chaos tries to be different than other FPS titles, and it manages to get a few things right. But shoddy visuals and generic action bring the game down to the depths of mediocrity. [July 2006, p.78]

But Moto GP 2006 is still one of the better racing games for the Xbox 360, sitting right alongside Project Gotham Racing 3 as a top-notch simulator. Enthusiasts, such as myself, will be pleased, and everyone else should still get on board and see what all the two-wheeled excitement is about.

If you manage to actually stick it out through those early, mind-numbing games, you'll eventually be able to take part in some fairly enjoyable tournaments en route to making it big as an And 1 Streetball star. But really, when the game makes it so darn miserable to play in the beginning, is holding out for that content even worth it? The answer is a resounding "no."

None of the game support two-player action, which is downright unforgivable given the PSP's wireless capabilities. Also, the controls can be troublesome with neither the D-pad or analog nub offering up the really fine-tuned controls that I was hoping to have.

LCS is probably as long as most other GTA games, and even without the multiplayer mode that was present on the PSP, this one is well worth the single Andrew Jackson.

Unfortunately, the introduction of stuntmen adds even more micromanagement to the already-laborious game.

In a twisted and cruel coincidence, playing no defense is actually more effective than playing defense.

The various tests should give your brain quite a workout, while the neat visuals and multiplayer mode should keep you busy for quite some time.

Magnetica, while simple in premise, is a great puzzle game for those looking something more than a Tetris clone. The action is fast and hectic, and the touch-screen controls are responsive, giving the whole game a very polished feel.

If you were hoping that Episode One would shed more light on Half-Life 2's cryptic storyline, keep on dreaming. Taking a cue from "Lost," Episode One dances around key plot mysteries while giving very little in the way of new information.

The open, expansive world of Hitman is certainly what makes this game an enjoyable experience. There's a good mix of stealth and action, and your enemies are smart enough to give you a challenge to the very end.

The open, expansive world of Hitman is certainly what makes this game an enjoyable experience. There's a good mix of stealth and action, and your enemies are smart enough to give you a challenge to the very end.

The open, expansive world of Hitman is certainly what makes this game an enjoyable experience. There's a good mix of stealth and action, and your enemies are smart enough to give you a challenge to the very end.

Putting the entire flawed premise of Jaws aside, Jaws: Unleashed would be a decent title to play if the camera system, collision detection, and graphics were up to par. But unfortunately, Jaws garners lackluster scores in every one of those categories.

Rogue Trooper tries to be a competant third-person action game with attitude, but it ultimately fails. [June 2006, p.74]

The levels are sparse and yawn inducing, and the storyline just isn't that attention-grabbing.

Hardly a turn passes in the game where you aren't faced with a potentially crucial decision, making for addictive, "just one more turn" strategy gaming at its best. And the best Heroes game since "HOMM III."

The learning curve is steep and takes time, but the replay value in MHF is very high as there is easily 40+ hours of fun things to do.

But in the process of making Field Commander appeal to a more hardcore audience, Sony Online Entertainment also made the game far blander than it should be. Unit design is purely uninspired and the story and accompanying dialogue are as trite as the next game.

Aside from the junky control scheme and bizarre naming conventions, Steambot is a vast RPG title. [Jun 2006, p.86]

This game is just too bare. Sure, some reviewers will pick this one up, play it for an hour, and slap on a decent score, but not this reviewer.

Putting the entire flawed premise of Jaws aside, Jaws: Unleashed would be a decent title to play if the camera system, collision detection, and graphics were up to par. But unfortunately, Jaws garners lackluster scores in every one of those categories.

Rogue Trooper tries to be a competant third-person action game with attitude, but it ultimately fails. [June 2006, p.74]

The best thing about the gameplay is that it's all about reflex and intuition --accessible to all, but hard to master online competitive play.

Perhaps one of the most boring games to ever grace a home console...The horrendous combat and boring mission objectives really don't take the game in any fun directions. Apparently the code is all about putting you to sleep.

Thanks to some horribly generic gameplay and uninspired combat, it ends up continuing the disappointing trend of movie license video games.

Thanks to some horribly generic gameplay and uninspired combat, it ends up continuing the disappointing trend of movie license video games.

Thanks to some horribly generic gameplay and uninspired combat, it ends up continuing the disappointing trend of movie license video games.

Perhaps one of the most boring games to ever grace a home console...The horrendous combat and boring mission objectives really don't take the game in any fun directions. Apparently the code is all about putting you to sleep.

While I still hold "Super Mario World" as the best 2D Mario game, with "Super Mario Bros. 3" as the runner up, New Super Mario hits a close third. But it does have much more replay value than the other two, as you could easily play this one a few times though without the risk of it getting stale.

Lost Magic strives to accomplish something innovative and enjoyable, it falls short in its implementation, resulting in a game that frustrates and disappoints.

It's too bad that Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers had to sacrifice some of its progenitors strongest features to enact new and engaging gameplay changes because the new enhancements for Dust Strikers really do add something new to the franchise, however; judging the entire game as a whole leaves it wanting.

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.

The generic levels, poor audio, and sometimes downright confusing level objectives and bizarre CRT system become a little worse for wear.

The generic levels, poor audio, and sometimes downright confusing level objectives and bizarre CRT system become a little worse for wear.

Up against such performance powerhouses as "Burnout," "Gran Turismo," and "Midnight Club," it simply can't compete.

The core gameplay in all its monotonous glory is, unfortunately, entirely preserved, and while no one can deny the appeal of trashing pricey downtown real estate while noshing picture-snapping tourists and tossing trains, if you play one level you've played them all.

In all, 2006 FIFA World Cup is a no-brainer buy for soccer fans and is at least worth a rental for everyone else. [Jun 2006, p.82]

The control feels natural and responsive, but the Xbox 360 version features somewhat larger players on the feild than the PS2 - something gamers without big screens may wish to consider.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT could have been a drift racing fans godsend, but the experience is soured by balancing issues and bad AI.

A solid racer, but it is definitely not for everyone. Take it out for a spin only if you're familiar with rally racing. Otherwise, this niche sport is worth passing up.

It's obvious a game is unpolished when you have to sit through a patch download each time you want to play. Auto Assault may be fun for the hardcore Mad Max fans, but the steep learning curve and frustrating controls are red flags for the casual gamer.

A huge, huge improvement over the last few wretched Tomb Raider titles. Prince of Persia fans should definitely take note.

If you value gameplay over graphics, there's no just beating the standard Xbox version of Legend -- it's just much, much smoother than its Xbox 360 counterpart.

A good game with a few bugs. If you're a fan of the anime series then you'll probably fall instantly in love with Sidetracked.

My suggestion: skip the single-player campaign and head straight to online play.

Condemned is intense, but it's more of an elaborate tech demo or proof of concept than a truly fleshed-out game.

If you value gameplay over graphics, there's no just beating the standard Xbox version of Legend -- it's just much, much smoother than its Xbox 360 counterpart.

Deep statistics are offset by a clunky interface. A deep career mode is offset by annoying seasonal goals. Hi-res graphics are offset by frame rate issues. Great musics and stadium songs are offset by flimsy on-field sound effects.

Odama is imaginative and is proof that you don't need to be more annoying than Jessica Simpson, like Katamari, to be a successful whacky videogame.