The title's greatest strength is the way it completely wraps you in the main protagonist's skin, which is something more RPG games should strive to do. The game's staggering depth and complexity is also impressive, as is its accessibility.

All in all, Phantom Hourglass is a successful sequel that improves on everything that its predecessor did right. [Nov 2007, p.92]

But, the added level of depth and infinite replay value through Xbox 360 Achievements and loads of downloadable content make GHII Xbox 360 the ultimate version to own. [Apr 2007, p.80]

The bottom line is that Worms has always been a fantastic game so it all comes down to how complete a given installment is, and Worms Open Warfare 2 is easily the defining title in the series. [Oct 2007, p.87]

The game glows in a revelatory way we haven't seen since "God of War" and "Resident Evil 4." If nothing else, it's infinitely more engaging and suspenseful than this year's crop of by-the-books FPS games.

Even without the picture-perfect graphics and spectacular technological prowess, Crysis is a great action game that can stand up against any great FPS. The acting and story aren't spectacular, but using the Nanosuit makes this open-ended adventure one that is fun from start to finish.

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.

Assuredly, a great majority of RPGers have already beaten Final Fantasy VI multiple times, and while this game is pretty much a direct port, I still recommend it highly just for sweet nostalgia's sake.

Put simply, Company of Heroes is a masterpiece. Its dedication to realistic battle concepts and tactical warfare is enough to make it a high watermark for the RTS genre but its excellent graphics and physics, along with an intensely enjoyable single-player campaign and multiplayer options, help make this an instant classic.

The transition from the politics in episode 2 to the completely different slant of rock and roll in episode 3 never feels forced, out of place, or nonsensical. It just works because the writing is so damn good, and leads me to believe the creators of this series could cover any topic and still make a funny game.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the best version released so far and that's saying a lot considering how awesome the other versions were.

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.

The transition from the politics in episode 2 to the completely different slant of rock and roll in episode 3 never feels forced, out of place, or nonsensical. It just works because the writing is so damn good, and leads me to believe the creators of this series could cover any topic and still make a funny game.

Marrying an innovative control scheme to the best survival action game ever and presenting at a bargain price is something even the most brain-dead zombie can get behind.

Most importantly and most powerfully, however: The completely open-ended nature of this experience creates a very real sense of infinite possibilities.

Blue Dragon might not be sheer perfection, but it still delivers a truly exemplary console RPG experience by thoughtfully executing and expanding on longtime genre traditions.

At the end of the day, Persona 3 is an engaging title that truly pushes genre conventions in an exciting way. [Sep 2007, p.82]

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.

Rainbow Six: Vegas's gorgeous graphics, professional presentation, well-executed cover mechanic, and highly customizable multiplayer make it one the best first-person shooters on the Xbox 360. Heck, why beat around the bush: it's got my vote for Game of the Year.

Long time Homestar Runner fans will be pleased to see that all the major characters they've come to know (Marzipan, The Cheat, Coach Z, Pom Pom, etc.) are included along with many inside jokes.

Anyone with even a passing interest in puzzle or role-playing games should take a long hard look at this endlessly addictive gem. Chances are that within an hour of downloading the trial version you'll be looking to purchase it.

If you own a PSP, there is no excuse for you to not own this title. [Nov 2007, p.95]

Long time Homestar Runner fans will be pleased to see that all the major characters they've come to know (Marzipan, The Cheat, Coach Z, Pom Pom, etc.) are included along with many inside jokes.

As Obi-Wan Kenobi once told me, "Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view." Good advice when thinking your way through Echochrome's frequently mind stumping, addictive I-think-my-IQ-just-went-up-10-points, levels.

It's so hard not to like Crisis Core because it does so many things right. [Apr 2008, p.76]

Combining the old-school feel with new-gen intensity, Pac-Man World Championship is the best Xbox Live Arcade game since Geometry Wars.

It's not often that you run across a good XBLA with flair all its own, but Undertow has it in spades.

One of the better games to come out on XBLA in the last few months.