Those who are into strategy/RPGs will find this to be one of the finest, forged in the genre's most perfect (i.e. portable) form. The pacing's right, the world is full of opportunity, and - surprise - the story is actually pretty remarkable!

The Xbox version offers the superior visual experience. Its advanced lighting system casts advanced real-time shadows (much like "Doom 3"), a high-tech feature the PS2 hardware simply can't match.

Despite the shortcomings, ESPN NHL 2K4 is the Cup champ because it really plays and, aside from the rather sluggish-moving players, feels like a hockey simulation should. [Dec 2004, p.144]

The game is just a straight arcade experience, but it also has enough depth to warrant returning to numerous times.

No matter what your age, LEGO Star Wars II will keep your inner child happy. [Oct. 2006, p.84]

If you enjoy the idea of engaging covert-ops missions that require stealth and smarts more than sheer brawn, you'll love IGI.

Quotation forthcoming. [Dec 2005]

Vanguard Games is off to an impressive start. Their debut title is a blast to play, shows a keen attention to detail lacking in many downloadable games, and takes place in a fascinating world. I'm not exactly sure where Vanguard is taking us with its Mistbound universe, but if Gatling Gears is any indication, I'm looking forward to the journey.

This charming physics-based puzzler boasts a delightful style and sense of humor, and is a must-download for iDevice owners looking for an addictive alternative to the Angry Birds craze.

This year's version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour is as sweet as a 350 yard tee shot down the middle of the fairway. It will challenge experienced players while still providing enough teaching and lessons to acclimate even the newest of players.

Easily the best bargain for the PS2 this side of "VF4 Evo."

The Forgotten Sands is more than just a return to form for a long-running franchise: it's also one of the most gratifying platforming epics to come along in ages.

A fun game with tons of character. The difficulty and control tweaks mean that all that good stuff won't be lost in a flurry of frustration.

The action is fast and furious, packed with epic amounts of dog?ghting and brief story interludes that are not exactly the greatest Star Wars story ever told, but get the job done. All in all it's a good time.

At once the best wrestling game in years, an awesome showcase for some damn good hip-hop, and an example of what can happen when a game company takes a chance.

All things considered, though, Yakuza 4 is an excellent title that proves why this series, underappreciated as it is, is one of the crown jewels in Sega's current game lineup.

Classic arcade racing successfully ported to the Xbox 360, reasonably priced, smooth running online multiplayer, high replay value.

Dirt 3 doesn't disappoint anywhere else, and it's easily one of the most interesting "simulation" racing games to come out in the last couple of years. Play this game if you're a racing fan, or just play it if you want a change of pace -- the bumps in the road are worth it.

Although the PS2 game comes some three months after the Xbox release, this version is the better of the two—mostly because of its superior controls.

Even punters of the GameCube version will find a host of new options in this Xbox incarnation—most notably extra players and multiplayer games.

Dead Rising 2 is filled with quirks and lingering flaws, but they're easily shrugged off when delivering the business end of an Electric Rake -- that'd be a car battery and rake joined with duct tape -- to an unsuspecting zombie, as the pure joy of creation and destruction alike come together to create an enthralling action experience that's still unlike anything else out there.

And for some bizarre reason, scoring a "critical hit" on enemies instantly increases your capacity to take damage. Dramatic as hell, but ludicrous. Shogo should bring a smile to any anime fan's face, but even the Japanimationally challenged will find a solid, slick shooter with tons of replayability.

An intriguing blend of real time strategy, life development and role playing action, Little King's Story proves itself as a fun-filled and wholly engaging experience for even the most jaded gamer, all wrapped up in a deceptively cute package.

Combining the addictive life-simulation aspects of The Sims with real-time strategy elements, Firefly Studios has produced Space Colony, a tough, funny, and very charismatic hybrid.

Uncomplicated, nimble, and feature-rich. Xbox Live even enables you to challenge other Gotham racers and promises to deliver tracks and cars for future downloads.

Though Doom 3 is lacking in innovative gameplay, it more than makes up for it with amazing graphics, flawless sound design, and excellent storytelling. [Apr 2005, p.72]

It delivers more of what made Oblivion great: creative quests, a huge land to explore, and tons of things to do there, making this expansion is a solid purchase for anyone who was a fan of the core game.

Simplicity works both and for against BFME: on one hand it's appealing to the less hardcore, on the other it may leave those who enjoyed more complex games like "Kohan II" yearning for a bit more.