This will definitely fit the bill when you need your free-roaming Guilt trip, but there are better GBA fighting games on the market.

At the least, it'll keep you entertained while you wait for Smash Bros. Brawl to hit the Wii. And you never know: you might just find yourself tuning in to see what the television show is all about as well.

Silent Line’s claim to fame is the new first-person view, which looks very cool but ups the practice requirements, too.

Anyone who is at least remotely interested in the Dragon Ball Z craze should check out Budokai. For the rest of the bruiser club, however, you'll be sorely disappointed with this average brawler.

Ultimate Band DS won't suit anyone looking for a hardcore music experience, even on the DS.

Despite its faults, for old school gamers this trip down memory lane is worth the low price of admission, but for others it'll get tiresome quick.

While it may be too unfocused and complex for some there's no doubt intrigued 4x fans will feel the pull of Elemental's premise, and those of you who do can likely find something here to love, faults and all.

One major problem to be aware of is that the game crashes occasionally.

The repetition of everything from the enemies to the wintry city streets sets in after only a few missions, but as constricted as the gameplay is, it can be exciting and fun in small doses.

Warlords useless original version and some odd Achievement quirks (I met the goal for 3 Achievements but never received points for them) take some shine off this updated classic, but for $5 this title is a bargain.

The PSP version is as good as its console counterparts except for the criminal lack of multiplayer options. If you can stomach the thought of taking on the forces of evil without a human sidekick, then this is definitely a game you should buy.

Limited button-customization, poor object detection, and sloppy beam-saber execution add to the frustrations. Still, Journey to Jaburo is an enjoyable alternative for fans of giant-robot games.

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

Sonic Rush certainly isn't revolutionary, and it only barely makes use of the touchscreen, but it is a decent distillation of what's kept a sprite-based Sonic alive in the age of textured polygons, as long as you're fine with more of the same.

Still, aficionados of the Megami Tensei universe will undoubtedly get a kick out of the game's intriguing story and colorful cast while fans of turn-based combat might just find an addicting and innovative adventure - just don't expect an RPG that'll re-invent the wheel.

You can't help but wonder if the game could have been even better if they had decided to slightly re-design the gameplay for 2D.

Its sizzling-paced pugilism still favors button-mashing to true skill and finesse, which may or may not frost your Mini-Wheats depending on your taste.

Comfortable, basic controls make the game widely accessible.

Any game that kicks off each stage with the phrase “Kick Their Ass!” can’t be all bad, and Gungrave is far from a dog.

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]

Battleheart is beautiful, well-designed, and does a great job of scratching my RPG itch. The repetitive grind offered by the battles is unfortunate, but even with a lack of variety it's a great, fairly-priced game.

The main game alone will keep you busy for several hours. Constantly grinding your ants and hoarding food will give you plenty of time to become familiar with Ant Nation, but will also become tedious.

As a whole, Karaoke Revolution Country is another solid Konami karaoke package - one morechance to make an absolute fool out of yourself in your own home, especially if you're a country music fan.

There’s often little tension, making the game feel less like flying in combat and more like running errands.

While not without value, instead of wrapping up my time in the Capital Wastelands in a nice big irradiated bow, Mothership Zeta just left me wondering how much fun being in space could’ve been.

What really counts here is the gameplay, and in that sense, Regeneration is a fitting tribute to the films. It's great, gory fun to hack limbs off your Deadite foes, and the targeting and combo system are up to the challenge...even if the camera angles suffer from time to time.

Tron newcomers probably needn't apply, but those who count the original film among their favorites may want to enter Evolution's grid.

If you can get your mind past the whole "egg" thing, you'll find this is one of the most structurally sound puzzle games on the GBA so far.

Even with these minor additions, Modern Hits never really justifies itself as an upgrade from the stellar Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades. Still, any on-the-go rock star is bound to have a blast with the ageless GH gameplay, not to mention the return of plenty of classic characters and brand new venues.

Gravity Runner has its merits, but its overly-simplified control scheme does it an injustice.

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

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.

Too routine to stand out from the crowd--especially for Capcom fighting vets. After a few rounds, you should be more than satisfied.

The gothic-anime art direction and voice acting are impressively well-done, and although the painfully long load times hinder the general flow of the game-play, the overall game-play, soundtrack, voice acting, and art direction makes up for the technical deficiencies.

There's enough variation on the genre to keep things interesting, and the execution in terms of graphics and level design is top-notch. The simplified aiming system could be helpful for younger gamers or those looking for less of a challenge.

Even if the missions are lousy and the combat sucks, there's undeniable appeal in bumping into a real-world actor playing Morpheus or the Architect.

The PlayStation 2 certainly isn't left wanting for quality role-playing games, so though Tales of Legendia is competent and enjoyable, in the end it simply isn't memorable enough to carve more than a niche.

The game sadly plays as a barely mediocre firefight.

If you're looking for a thoughtful, challenging RPG experience, this is a Strange Journey worth taking; those who take issue with the thematic elements, however, might want to go adventuring elsewhere. [March 2010, p.91]

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

If Tindalos Interactive can attract more players and implement a more stringent matchmaking system, Stellar Impact may follow in the footsteps of Frozen Synapse and become an indie strategy star.

The only things holding this game back from true greatness are the jumpy camera and choppy controls.

Simply put, it’s ok, but it’s not great.

The core game is a classic, time-tested RPG, and the visual overhaul is excellent, but technical caveats and arguable matters of personal preference prevent me from saying that Silver Star Harmony is now the definitive edition of Lunar to play.

Nexus is a welcome addition to the Armored Core franchise, but for all the upgrades and tweaks that From Software has instituted for this latest version, it seems too little, too late, and too bad. [Nov 2004, p.106]

Overall, Underworld is a decent enough effort. It has slick controls, interesting puzzles and a story that's actually pretty interesting. However, it never fully compensates for a lack of compelling action and overall polish.

For all its frustrations and shortcomings, GR2003 does pay off with the thrill of long-sought victory and a sense of accomplishment for having figured out the bizarre subtleties of this stat-heavy simulation.

If you like to think just a bit more and still have a good time, then dig yourself a hole with Mr. Driller.

The shallow fighting system, the teenage snark and animation won't impress older fans of the series, but it's good fun for younger Jedis in training.

The gameplay sometimes feels like it’s in low gear. The tracks are short and predictable, and although stunts are encouraged, the repertoire and controls are limited.

While a fairly competent game, it just doesn't manage to add enough new content to make it worth a serious look.

The Baconing is a good game, but a lack of innovation or worthwhile improvements stop it from being a much better one.

If you can get past its price and lack of online multiplayer, though, Rotastic should at least keep you happily swinging-and-flinging until the holiday release schedule heats up.

It comes down to whether you prefer the presentation and atmosphere of "Triple Play" to the interface and shine of MLB. Surprisingly, 989 has strengthened MLB’s baseball simulation.

Essentially, it’s the original Smuggler’s Run, but with video clips included.

The Baconing is a good game, but a lack of innovation or worthwhile improvements stop it from being a much better one.

Despite the signature twitch controls, fans of previous Rush racers will be disappointed if they expect more of the same, so it's hard to understand why the name is used at all beyond mercenary marketing.

It will be remembered for being REALLY FREAKING HARD.

Disappointing gameplay will plague anyone who has ever experienced previous Rainbow Six games. On the other hand, if you’re new to first-person tactical shooting, this game is a perfect starter.

It's worthwhile to trudge through the occasional dull punch-fight and inane spat of dialogue to get to the next wicked little gunfight.

Summon Night Twin Age is suitably cute and colorful, more or less what you'd expect from a Japanese RPG. The character sprites and magic spells are shiny and well-animated.

Racer Revenge looks more like a first-generation PS2 game, complete with draw-in and bland environments. The sounds can be just as dull.

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.

Defense is all about bone-jarring tackles, and after every one there's a mass shoving match (called "the ruck") for possession of the ball.

Though the shelf life is capped at little more than a week or two, gamers will be pleased to know that Limbic's Zombie Gunship is indeed as much fun as it sounds.

The Fun Factor suffers because of repetitive gameplay and unbalanced weapons and power-ups.

There’s nothing really new here, save for some neat time-based puzzles, [but] the game is far more engaging than you’d figure from first glance.

While ATV and offroad junkies will delight in Fury's deep, challenging action, its appeal isn't mainstream enough to reel in the average racing fan.

Still, it's an enjoyable way to waste away the weekend, especially for casual Wii owners who are looking for a challenge; hardcore gamers, on the other hand, will scoff at the games' puzzles' but as long as you don't go in expecting the second coming of The Last Crusade, you'll be fine. [July 2009, p.80]

Easily forgotten, Project: Snowblind delivers on the promise of an FPS game and nothing more. Were it the only option, it would be instantly snatched up; however in a crowded market, there's no reason to settle for "average" when you could be playing "great."

Brink is about two or three updates from being one of my favorite shooters of all time, but I'm not reviewing the game I want it to be. I'm reviewing the game that it is, and what it is is something just short of being the awesome experience that I want.

Overall, "ConQuest Online" is a satisfying online CCG that is likely to improve over time as future expansion packs introduce awesome new pieces.

Most gamers may not want to pay full retail price for only a handful of light features, despite how pretty the game is, but if you love your fighters old-school and 2D, The King of Fighters XII is probably worth checking out.

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

If you can get past the quirks of the AI, Hidden and Dangerous 2 still is a fun game to play. Sure, stealth doesn't really work out well, but the action is rewarding when enemies don't space out.

This top-down arcade game based on Burnout's Crash mode is addictive, but it could've used a little more focus on mindless carnage and less on planning and repetition.

A decent basketball game with an excellent online tie-in. Still, this series needs a serious wake-up call if it hopes to compete with the likes of EA and ESPN next year.

This top-down arcade game based on Burnout's Crash mode is addictive, but it could've used a little more focus on mindless carnage and less on planning and repetition.

Overly realistic controls are unforgiving, turning tiny slip-ups into disasters.

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 gorgeous GameCube version delivers the best graphical pop in the slew of Chamber of Secrets games.

It does offer some interesting variations on a tried and true shooter formula, but I can't recommend this to anyone looking for a deep and compelling experience. If all you want is an adrenaline rush or to feel like a total badass for short, explosive bursts, however, then it's something worth considering.

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.

While it doesn't do anything new for the genre and pales in comparison to some of the more substantial XBLA racing games that are currently available, there is fun to be had with Sega Rally Online Arcade if you know what you're getting yourself into. It's a family friendly title, and a good starter game if you're looking to indoctrinate one of your kids (or wife). And if you're a racing aficionado with a nostalgic bent, it's not a bad way to spend some time.

This charming destruction-based puzzler is a literal blast, but it suffers from a short shelf-life and a meager selection of levels.

Gardening Mama doesn't do anything that we haven't seen already in the Cooking Mama games. [Apr 2009, p.79]

In many ways this game is like a zombie. It's not too bright, nor does it require much effort to defeat, but it's still fun to toy with every now and then. If you're a zombie aficionado, Dead Block isn't a bad way to kill time while prepping for the next zombie gaming apocalypse. For everyone else, just hunker down and wait.

Far from perfect but still an incredibly entertaining play, Afro Samurai captures all of the style and substance from the hit TV show with amazingly innovative combat and absolutely stunning visuals.

By the last level of the first world the game had become absolutely brutal. Don't get me wrong -- I think it's an excellent game that's perfect for the platform, but I wound up more stressed than anything else while playing those more difficult levels.

In many ways this game is like a zombie. It's not too bright, nor does it require much effort to defeat, but it's still fun to toy with every now and then. If you're a zombie aficionado, Dead Block isn't a bad way to kill time while prepping for the next zombie gaming apocalypse. For everyone else, just hunker down and wait.

You can cut corners and do the developer a solid by paying for experience points, but you won't feel like you're getting a lesser experience if you don't.

If you're looking for something with a light sense of humor that's kid and family friendly and inexpensive, this might be the title for you. But for those searching for a deeper experience in their downloadable games or a nostalgic trip to the past, BurgerTime World Tour might not cut the mustard.

The action does deliver its fair share of thrills, but its repetitive and simple nature quickly wears thin.

This frantic fighter/shoot-'em-up hybrid is chock full of explosive content, but its distinctly Japanese tone and uneven production values may put off some gamers.

EXA doesn't do much to further the legacy of the series but at least it doesn't critically damage it either.

Sticking to a basic and virtually flawless RPG format isn't necessarily a bad way to introduce X and his frieinds to a turn-based style of gameplay. [Nov 2004, p.156]

I didn't expect Guitar Hero Smash Hits to dramatically change what has become a tried-and-true formula, but I definitely anticipated a better value proposition than this.

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.