A very fast-paced game that will test an action gamer's reflexes to the limit, especially on the harder difficulty levels.

A perfect sitting around the living room, talking smack with your buddies, everyone's involved party game.

It was hard enough to put the game down long enough to write this review, if that tells you anything. Pirates might lack graphical “oomph,” but it’s fun.

A deep and time-consuming game. It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s fun in a unique sort of way.

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.

A creative stab at reclaiming the essence of hog; if it only had a little more faith in its own clever idea, it probably would have broken the sound barrier.

The real meat of the game is the incredibly satisfying tactical combat.

Even though some things need to be tightened up, WWE '12 shows that the video game side of the franchise is still improving.

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.

If you're an action-shooter fan, looking for a pleasant distraction, the game delivers a quality experience, considering the $20 price tag. However, if you're a fan of the comics and were hoping for some of the glorious art style and heavy plot twists, you might just wish that XS Games had left The Red Star on the shelves to rot.

Sounds disastrous, right? Well, it mostly is—except for multiplayer, The Clone Wars' only saving grace.

If you’re new to the game, go out and get the original instead as it has a fun campaign to follow. For those who just can’t get enough Dynasty Warriors, you’ll probably have a blast from the mix of modes this expansion has to offer.

Where Stoked was an impressive if flawed debut, Big Air Edition is a superior semi-sequel that should cement the series as a successful snowboarding franchise. If you missed it the first time around, be sure to grab a lift ticket for Stoked's second run.

This game dances down the sideline between football sim and football arcade game, and it scores.

If you’ve already built up a garage full of cars in Sega GT 2002, you can import your saved game and be online instantly.

It requires a lot more skill and concentration than "Hot Shots"’ gameplay, but it features a lot more risk and reward, too.

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

Naruto: Clash of Ninja is an engaging, energetic, button-smacking workout--whether you're a Naruto fan or not. [Apr 2006, p.31]

While those curious about the unsolved mysteries from the first game get some much-needed answers, the puzzles used to forward the story are rehashed and noticeably easier.

et’s Go Tower Defense Play! is a big upgrade from previous South Park titles. Fans of the show will certainly get a kick out of it, as there is plenty to see for longtime viewers. Eventually however, the game’s flaws come to the forefront, causing the fun to end way too soon.

A broken game - which is a shame, because with a bit more effort it could have been something rather intriguing. It takes some significant gameplay risks and attempts innovation in both its single player and multiplayer modes.

Daunting price point aside, Rocket Knight is a fun, albeit short, adventure with a variety of gameplay that doesn't reinvent what was great about the 16-bit era, but instead serves to remind us how much fun it was.

It's repetitive and (to be honest) gets dull after a while, but the sheer scope of Xtreme Legends keeps it engaging for a reasonably long time.

Even if you strip away the Robotech coolness, you still have a decent action game that entertains but doesn’t surprise.

All of its many options are hampered by muddy graphics that are hindered even more by the GBA’s low contrast LCD screen.

It's a decent follow-up to the original and the variety of events will make for some good times, especially in a party setting. But the lack of improvement or innovation since the first game means that it will never be anything more than a simple title that's more a marketing tool than anything else.

Packed full of great content (more than 250 missions, unlockable illustrations, movies, and character models) and supporting local wireless play, this is a game that belongs on your PSP. [Oct 2009, p.83]

DS3 is an ambitious game, to be sure, and it brings a lot of nifty innovations to the action-RPG genre. In fact, it brings too darn many -- that is, it bites off more than its control system, or the average player, can chew.

The biggest frustration with Halo 2 lies in Microsoft's decision to make it a Windows Vista exclusive. The game plays well, and its multiplayer component still rings true; so why are hundreds of millions of avid Windows XP gamers left out in the cold?

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.

There's no denying it: Blood on the Sand is completely senseless, wholly obnoxious, incredibly thoughtless, and insanely fun. Hampered by a sore lack of multiplayer, Fiddy's second console excursion still remains an entertaining, if completely mindless experience.

The scroll-fighting action is pretty solid, the redone graphics and music are excellent, and the numerous unlockables and modes will keep you coming back -- but it all involves getting past that initial control barrier first.

More variety in the levels and mini-games would have made it an absolute must-have.

Lost Kingdoms may not have much of a plot, but the battle system makes it a fine game worth the attention of all action/RPG fans.

Even with it's impressive handheld graphics, assortment of interesting characters and intriguing steampunk setting, Will couldn't help but feel that he'd played this JRPG somewhere before.

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

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.

Overall, I was actually pleasantly surprised by GoldenEye: Reloaded. There are enough nods to the source material to keep the game from being a complete derailment of the franchise, and while the multiplayer will never measure up to the original, it still has its English charms.

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]

Mevo & The Grooveriders offers incredibly addictive achievements, enough to keep your appetite full with a never-ending plate.

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.

Of course, "Hot Shots Golf 3" is still the definitive “everyone’s game” that appeals to all skill levels, but parents looking for something to play with young kids can’t go wrong with Disney Golf.

Though flawed and not very much like previous Arc titles (Random battles! In an Arc game!), Twilight's fast-paced fighting and decent story save it from RPG oblivion. Don't worry—it does pick up after the beginning.

The controls are still the most frustrating part of the game: They’re sloppy, inexact, and derivative of Street Fighter's with a dash of Tekken's thrown in.

The impressively goofy/cool audio effects and tunes ring amazingly true to the original’s.

Battleship is actually more enjoyable as a downloadable game than as a board game. Fun sound effects, an attractive board with ships that sink, and even gently rolling water make this a sweet looking game.

Overall, I was actually pleasantly surprised by GoldenEye: Reloaded. There are enough nods to the source material to keep the game from being a complete derailment of the franchise, and while the multiplayer will never measure up to the original, it still has its English charms.

With vector graphics and line-drawing mechanics, A.I.R Defense has just enough to distinguish itself from other tower defense games. But its brutal difficulty and limited depth may turn some players away.

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.

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.

Offers a smooth ramp of power, fast-but-strategic combat, and a real variety of gameplay. Alone, it's cool. With friends, it's a blast.

Tenkaichi succeeds in all the areas that DBZ fans love: brilliant, innovative graphics, a gajillion (more than 60, actually) playable characters from the beloved anime series, and (everyone together) Saiyans!

The action has a "vanilla" feel. Although the missions are engaging and fairly exciting, you've played ones just like them dozens of times before, and the hefty helping of silly, ornate gadgets and Bond-girl quips is cumbersome.

Could be worse, but it could also be a lot better.

With a GBA link cable, the head-to-head Byrd Rescue mode is a blast. Tight, responsive controls seal the deal, making Attack of the Rhynocs the most enjoyable GBA Spyro title to date.

Slick, detailed visuals are marred by inane camera work, and while the creature, explosion, and limb-whacking sound effects are all boffo, developer High Voltage should have jettisoned the dance beats and synthetic guitar strains for something more along the lines of Slayer.

Some frustrating A.I., however, causes Shrek 2 to suffer badly as a single-player game (or any time the computer controls a party member), and switching between the characters to overcome the menial obstacles feels like a chore when playing solo. [Aug 2004, p.68]

It doesn't measure up to "Rainbow Six" for gameplay, and the controls are complex, but Hidden and Dangerous can give you a fun run for the money.

While Decades isn't revolutionary by any means, it's still an absolute blast to play.

This baddie-slapping App Store entry packs a fun concept and a charming visual style, but its oversimple execution leaves much to be desired.

Do you love Rock Band enough to play a mobile version with streamlined, touch-based controls and downgraded graphics? If so, then Rock Band Reloaded has all the features you could possibly ask for, and it really is the best that it could be on a mobile platform.

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

The multiplayer modes are certainly good for a competition amongst friends, but the time consuming campaign and lackluster graphics will wear pretty thin for the serious gamer.

Hamlet isn't my favorite point-and-click adventure ever, but it's quirky and certainly worth a look.

Overlord II is a decent game that maintains its predecessor's greatness, but it doesn't show enough progression or improvement. The unforgiving checkpoints and host of other problems make it a frustrating experience, making for a sinfully fun title that forces you to a steep penance for your enjoyment.

While it shows significant improvement over its previous release, Divinity II's visuals and gameplay still lack the level of polish we've come to expect from this generation's entries.

Those who are fans of Command & Conquer might even be left still hungry for more while newbies will be confused all together.

Tiger for the Wii is a lot like the real sport of golf: wonderfully fun and tremendously frustrating. But unlike the real deal, it just isn't always worth the aggravation.

The bottom line is, if you enjoyed Nintendogs on your DS, there's still plenty to love about its 3D debut. And even if you're new to Nintendo's pet sim series, you could do much worse for a 3DS launch title. There isn't an awful lot of new content, but what's here works as well as it ever has. And if you're like me, you'll have a much better shot at getting your apartment's deposit back if you opt for one of these polygonal pups.

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.

I totally suck at bowling in real life, so I knew that this game had a pretty realistic physics engine when I sucked at it as well.

Vampire Rush doesn't overhaul the tower defense genre, but it's worth a purchase if you're still not bored with tower defense or digital analog stick controls.

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.

It comes as a nice surprise to encounter a DS game brimming with originality and imagination.

Moon is a decent time killer and is great for anyone looking for an interesting sci-fi adventure for their DS handheld.

The result of a single botched command or accidental mismanagement can mean death for you and your troops, making Earned in Blood a frustrating (but not unrewarding) experience.

The Wii-specific controls are fun for while, but quickly degenerate from thrilling to gimmicky.

By today’s standards, these games probably won’t mean much to gamers who grew up on the combo flow-charts of Tekken and Soul Calibur, but these King games are nevertheless very playable thanks to responsive controls and intuitive easy-to-execute moves.

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.

Aero does provide a fun ride, albeit one you’ve taken many times before.

No, there ain’t much of a story...and, a’ight, there ain’t a whole lotta depth...but if variety, challenge, off-color humor, and plain stupid fun is what your soul craves, then your soul craves the flava of ToeJam & Earl.

Some may be put off by the somewhat sluggish controls, which make you feel as if you’re actually manipulating a towering behemoth, but the rumble adds a nice effect whenever you’re struck or take a nasty spill.

If you have no online hookup, though, don't bother.

Dead Island probably won't redefine the survival-horror genre, but it's putting a fresh spin on things by demonstrating how online multiplayer can be used to make a fantasy world really feel inhabited by those with a common goal: survival. And the freedom to explore, exist, and eviscerate the undead the way you want is what makes Dead Island worthwhile.

The bottom line is, if you enjoyed Nintendogs on your DS, there's still plenty to love about its 3D debut. And even if you're new to Nintendo's pet sim series, you could do much worse for a 3DS launch title. There isn't an awful lot of new content, but what's here works as well as it ever has. And if you're like me, you'll have a much better shot at getting your apartment's deposit back if you opt for one of these polygonal pups.

The only thing we didn't like about Squeak Squad is that it's a tad on the easy side...But there is no denying the ineffable charm of this title.

Young Thor may be decidedly average, but considering the likely target audience, it should be money well spent if you need a cheap game to satisfy a young gamer for a day or two.

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.

Unfortunately, the focus on strategy has placed the RPG elements firmly in the back seat, and the story feels out of place and intrudes rudely on the pleasure of card battling. PSOEIII's attempt to infuse a decent card game with a rich plot only confuses matters.

Heroes is easily the worst MOH game yet, and yes that includes the PlayStation versions that came out over half a decade ago.

Despite my gripes, Shank is a badass game. It could've done with a little more content (maybe a boss rush mode?), but it's a hack-and-slash murderfest that can easily stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Castle Crashers and Scott Pilgrim.

Fans of the animated series will definitely be delighted to experience the One Year War from the side of the Principality of Zeon.

Looks like a shooter, but at its heart it’s a mind-busting puzzle game that transcends its own graphical limitations and delivers an intelligent gamer’s paradise.

While you’ve gotta love Stuntman’s originality and electrifying stunts, its high level of frustration and repetition will drive many gamers away. Far, far away.

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.

Features large, crisp player models with smooth animations. For once, the crowd in a basketball game looks halfway decent, and the bench players are full polygonal models.

While it's controls and visuals are definite scene-stealers, Trophylite is kept from greatness by an assortment of niggling flaws.

On their own they pose no real threat to players of average skill, but pit four such players against one another and watch the tension grow.