What saves this game from being just another monster collection RPG is the compelling narrative and the unique environments.

A decent next phase for Turok.

For a DS title, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time sets a high bar for handheld RPG games. Lag-less action, wireless play, and a mind-boggling amount of items and customizable ways to outfit your adventurer are how most online RPGs should be built. With the Wii version, you've got the same good gameplay, just cramped and um, ugly.

Going backwards instead of forwards in the timeline was a masterstroke - it's totally satisfying for fans and does nothing but stoke the fires for the forward-looking, new GameCube tale coming in 2005.

For now, Angry Birds Halloween is a totally justified release at a reasonable price point, so there's no reason for fans of the original to skip this version.

Though I was ultimately somewhat disappointed by the flawed and fundamentally repetitive nature of my time as a green recruit, Ghostbusters' tight online component renewed my long-term enthusiasm for slam-dunking slimers.

If the level design had focused more on open environments and giving you the freedom to run, and if the combat wasn't such a roadblock, this would have been a near-perfect game. But it's still a great first step and I can't wait to see how DICE improves upon the formula for the sequel.

Take the time to learn the nuances and you will be suitably rewarded. [Jan 2010, p.81]

While the action in the DS version of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games is far smaller in scope than the Wii version, the addition of the Adventure mode and wireless multiplayer helps to up the ante.

While Neves Plus seems like its barebones there is actually a lot going for this package. The only letdown is a lack of an online mode.

A very fun game whose premise wears thin a bit too fast. However, you’ll have a blast with it before you reach the saturation point.

An interesting attempt to expand the limits of a tried-and-true genre - just anticipate some frustration for the awkward interface and time-consuming stretches of trial-and-error. [May 2004, p.66]

Hits a nice middle ground between realism and action.

Ultimately, AOE III has clearly won the battle for graphical supremacy, but for all its improvements elsewhere, it has yet to win the war for RTS dominance.

Between the cute 2-D graphics, the comfortable, nostalgic soundtrack, and the super addictive "Just one level further!!" game flow, my wander-lust is on full blast. Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer is a great way to dip a toe in the rogue like pool.

Spore is a good game held back from greatness by a few flaws and gameplay mechanics that won't appeal to everyone. But there is plenty to like about the game and if you dig its particular style of open-ended gameplay, you'll definitely enjoy yourself.

With solid gameplay and humor to spare, Rise of the Pirate God provides a fitting ending to a fun story. That leaves newcomers the task of doing what series vets have been up for since July -- getting on board.

The ability to upgrade weapons is what hooked me in the end, so despite the fact that the game has some slight framerate issues (which I hope to see fixed in an update), I'll be revisiting this one soon.

So, is Watchmen worth your hard-earned cash? I'm going to have to give a resounding "yes" to this expertly crafted beat-em-up. Even with its' shortcomings Watchmen always feels fresh, and really stands apart as a downloadable title.

It's admittedly pretty satisfying to watch a team you've slaved over perform well, but what's even more fun is making the worst team imaginable.

If you were a casual player of the original, it's probably not worth picking this one up. However, if you are new to the series, engaging gameplay and fun multiplayer options make FF2 easily worth your hard earned 800 Microsoft Points.

If you like Transformers, buy this game. Even if you don't (or you just hate Michael Bay), you should still give Optimus Prime a try.

Complaining about the lack of a Japanese audio track might seem like nitpicking but it goes back to my main point: XIII ignored me -- me, a dedicated JRPG and Final Fantasy fan -- to try and seduce someone else with user-friendly tutorials and a Leona Lewis theme song.

At times it's frustrating and you'll die more than you'll succeed, but when you actually do accomplish a mission, it's all worth it.

A virtually arcade perfect port.

It may get overlooked with bigger Wii titles like Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M on the horizon, but for fans of the earlier titles, it's definitely worth a purchase.

The combat is especially well executed, although the amount of punishment opponents can take is a tad unrealistic.

Sure, it's violent, but the compelling play engine keeps the game exciting-even when the content frequently goes over the top.