Chaos Rising is a great first expansion, and while new players looking to try the single-player should start with the original game, it's an instant purchase for those of you looking for some good online RTS mayhem.

To say that this game is "fast" is an understatement - it absolutely blazes, so much so that blinking becomes a liability. [Nov 2004, p.96]

Add in the eye-catching, and retina burning graphics, the clever use of audio cues to alert you to events and problems, the elegant control and menu interface and a design philosophy that doesn't unfairly penalize you for mistakes, and you've got a recipe for fun that's simple and enchanting.

It’s a huge, sprawling, wonderfully involved game that makes you feel as though you’ve read a fantasy trilogy by game’s end.

By virtue of simple, solid gameplay, Starcraft has managed to rise above a predictable approach and been-there-done-that mechanics, and the final product (much like "Warcraft II" in 1995) seems fresh and new.

Nothing new over the PC version, but StarLancer's thrilling space combat gives Dreamcast pilots a lot to get pumped about.

If you haven't yet played a Donut Game's release, this is an excellent place to start.

While the gameplay remains the same, the new features and improvements make Cataclysm even more enjoyable the original.

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

When you buy Lilt Line you're essentially getting a full electronica album and a solid game for the price of a bottled drink and pack of candy. It's easily worth your $2.99, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, overlooked indie iPhone title.

A killer Hot Pursuit mode challenges you to evade marauding cops, and while the two-player split-screen mode suffers from a little slowdown, it's definitely playable.

Nevertheless, Sin and Punishment: Star Successor is a worthy successor to the N64 classic, and probably the best shoot 'em up on the Wii period.

An admirable success from Storm Eagle Studios. In comparison to their first game, Jutland is more appealing to its potential audience with a better setting, a more engaging campaign not to mention filled with more interesting and identifiable ships for the war gaming community. There are issues with Jutland to be sure. If she was a ship she'd be lacking a new coat of paint and some of her basic amenities might be missing, but her guns are all in place and she'd be ready for a fight -- and during war, that's the most important aspect.

The combination of "Thief"-style sneaking with smart enemy A.I. and the use of realistic weapons-piano wire, silenced pistols, sniper rifles, and even M-60s-creates an intense experience, though many gamers will be frustrated by the lack of in-game saving.

Not only is the multiplayer game addictive as always, but you also get an RPG-ish one-player adventure to boot.

The immense depth of strategic planning and historical accuracy combine for an intensely addictive experience.

The most striking change is in the innovative control scheme--where you use the right analog stick to throw jabs, hooks, and uppercuts--which has now been slightly altered to enable you to fight more like a professional pug in the ring.

The game successfuly builds on accomplishments of the series' earlier installments without becoming stale and outdated (thanks mostly to the awesome new play modes.) [Sept 2005, p.84]

If someone asks me to recommend them a good action-RPG for the iPhone, Dungeon Hunter 2 will likely be my chief suggestion. Sure, it has a few issues, but overall it boasts some major refinements over what was already a fun game.

While the game does have a few drawbacks – it’ll only take you 3-4 hours to beat and the camera is a bit inflexible – you’ll certainly have fun with this title. With adorable characters that fit perfectly into its retro style of play, The Maw offers XBLA fans something new and unique.

Beautifully drawn and animated, not to mention surprisingly involving, Revenge of the Sith should please any action gamer, Star Wars fan or not.

A magnificent example of fine-tuning, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando sculpts the successes of the first one to near-perfection...but too many similarities to the original make it all seem just a teensy bit stale.

A solid, riveting story combined with refined gameplay set this game firmly in the outstanding (or should that be "uncanny"?) category.

For the most part, though, Spyro is a graphics bonanza with blasts of color and eye-catching nuances, such as rippling water, glowing flames, and shimmering portals.

As for the overall gameplay, it’s challenging and realistic with a sim-style feel much like Gran Turismo’s.

The freewheeling surprises are where Fable really shines, but even within the surprisingly short main story there exists a diversity of challenging obstacles and enemies.

If you can get past the War Mage's obnoxious personality and the repetitive and equally obnoxious Gothic metal soundtrack, which isn't asking for much, you'll find endless hours of good times in Orcs Must Die.

Overall, this game is for you. Intimidated by a tower defense? Don't be. It requires some heavy thinking and brain power, which is good for everyone. Since no one reads books anymore, you mind as well play a game that requires you to think on your feet. Defense Grid: The Awakening will love you if you love it.