Part of the fun in playing Madden NFL 06 on Xbox 360 is trying to figure out where it fits in the lineage of Madden NFL football games. What's clear is that for all its glitz and glamour it doesn't earn a spot at the front of the line.

This platformer packs undeniable retro charm and some clever gameplay to back it up.

Perhaps the best feature, though, is online multiplayer--at least for PlayStation and Xbox owners. The game's intensity is upped by the human competition, and the standard selection of gameplay modes.

The whole experience feels more like a dedicated group of fans got hold of a level editor rather than a fully equipped second effort.

The visuals and sounds keep up with the pace, although you may be too busy with the controller to notice.

Brings the super stylish world of Marvel comics to life with beautiful and enjoyable results, but ultimately spins a regrettably short Spidey story-mode experience.

A nice middle ground between realism and action.

If you’re pining for the glory days of the NHL series for the Genesis, NHL 2002 does a great job of resurrecting that old charm.

Freekstyle is kept from achieving the classic status of Tricky, however, by some heinous rubber-band A.I.

The sharp graphics and cool sounds add to the entire Bond theme.

A very brief but worthwhile addition to any Castlevania fan’s collection, but the uninitiated may find that the game’s platform-hopping techniques are behind the times.

While having its quirks and love-it-or-hate-it cliched nihilism, it's a game well worth checking out, especially for anyone who sucks up Vampire action movie flicks.

It does misfire in several key areas, but it's still a worthwhile addition to the Metroid canon. Even more interestingly, it showcases the human side of the previously silent bounty hunter, and although her backstory is full of holes and incongruities, it's still an interesting glimpse at the woman who lays hidden beneath the armor.

Not all of the games have aged particularly well. Pit Fighter, Kozmik Kroozr', and Primal Rage are almost unplayable, and the obnoxious taunts of Wizard of Wor will send you scrambling for the mute button. [Dec 2004, p.116]

Fortunately, checkpoints are doled out steadily -- which is good, since missions can last over an hour. Along the same lines, you have to reconcile your play style with what the mission calls for in your loadout: In an escort mission, say, would you rather stay close to the front lines, or provide more backup? You can only carry two guns, and the default pair never felt ideal for me. Here's where you're encouraged to truly experiment, because your performance affects how much you can upgrade stats like combat-readiness or how long you can run without getting winded. It's just too bad that your performance will suffer because you had to babysit your wingmen.

Sim fans will be disappointed with the under-powered defense, but for twitch players, NBA Live 2003 is a dream come true.

Even with its A.I. problems, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance will restore gamers' faith in the pioneering fight series with its amped-up gameplay and delicious visuals.

As difficult as it all sounds, You, Me, and the Cubes is actually one of the few games I can play that actually relaxes me.

While the game has some flaws, the annoying issues with Kinect Sports: Season Two didn't adversely affect my enjoyment of the game. As a Kinect Sports vet, I expected more of the same -- heck, I even wanted it.

The amount of onscreen action and opponents can be daunting yet exhilarating at the same time.

Even if Freaking Inkies only included the default "shoot monsters" mode it'd be pretty fun, but the game's developers have decided to take things a step further and completely stuff the game with enough challenges and game types to keep players busy for much, much longer.

MVP retains the Gold Glove for controls, but the competition has made up ground. [Apr 2005, p.97]

As a conversion, Villains doesn't feel finished. As a sequel, it's simply not enough. But judged alone on its gameplay and design merits, it's a rip-roaring blast.

An interesting “abridged retelling” of Lunar: The Silver Star that’s missing a couple of the original’s most charming aspects...but it’s still a darn good RPG.

MVP executes one element of its game far better than any other title this year: It’s just stone-cold beautiful.

How about a Bra & Panties mode where WWE Divas rip off each other’s clothes? It’s the raunchiest Teen-rated action you’ll find anywhere.

Bumpy Road is a little light on content even for a $3 game, but what's there is finely crafted. Whimsical, melancholy, nostalgic, and beautiful, Bumpy Road represents a thoughtful approach to a well-worn genre.

While it's not for casual folk, the battles are so addictive that hardcore gamers may never need another strategy RPG ever.