Just as you can't fully appreciate heavy metal without experiencing Black Sabbath, any gamer with any interest in truly understanding the video-game medium's roots should at least rent this compilation of classic arcade games.

Although Armageddon’s selection of slick, diabolical hardware is great, using it turns into a fumbling experience. Between multiple foes attacking in every direction and the unintuitive button setup, switching between your weapons is a chore.

Although Armageddon’s selection of slick, diabolical hardware is great, using it turns into a fumbling experience. Between multiple foes attacking in every direction and the unintuitive button setup, switching between your weapons is a chore.

Lowrider is sure to hook fans of such games as "PaRappa the Rapper" and k"Um Jammer Lammy" (or anyone with a cursory interest in lowriding for that matter) but—again—this is not a racing game.

A great version of DDR, but in the end it is DDR - love it or hate it.

Academy focuses on the best elements of Jedi Outcast (fast-paced lightsaber combat and wicked Force abilities), discards the worst (jump puzzles, confusing levels, and long durations armed only with blasters), and lets you choose missions, Force powers, and whether or not you'll become an agent for good or for evil.

Unfortunately, Kya is a very difficult game to play as the controls are not particularly intuitive and the camera seems to delight in going haywire during delicate jumping situations.

Filled with enough chaos and wicked humor to forgive the slight reliance on platform clichés, Whiplash really is a hell of a game. With a little more polish before release, this game could have been a true masterpiece.

A truly dazzling, inspired game that mixes a riveting story with a stylish look and absorbing gameplay.

Yes, this is all very gory, grisly, and absolutely not for kids or anyone with a weak stomach as people are decapitated, disemboweled, perforated, shot, and chainsawed—all to the cackling delight of your offscreen savior (brilliantly voiced by Brian Cox) who relishes each kill.

Regardless of its shortcomings, FFX-2 is an engrossing RPG that’s worth the extensive time investment, although it may be a bit too awkward and saccharine for hardened FF vets.

It’s a testament to the strength of Knights’ original design that it manages to be gripping and engaging while in the midst of distracting technical problems.

There’s nothing particularly special here for classic TV fans, but classic shooter fans will find a battle worth fighting.

A lackluster, by-the-numbers platformer.

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

Takes off in a fresh new direction with riveting air combat that mixes thrilling missions with simple controls, solid multiplayer support, and an intriguing story line.

A neck-stabbingly frustrating bore. [Apr 2004, p.86]

The epitome of an addictive multiplayer game that has just the right amount of action and team strategy to make it worth every cent to play online.

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.

The control mechanics are intricate, though quick tic-tac-toe passes with the right stick, more in-depth faceoffs, and speedy line changes using the directional pad are nice features.

This massive third-person shooter from newcomer Swingin' Ape Studios features an epic scope, boffo production, great controls, and thoroughly enjoyable gameplay propelled by a somewhat cliché-ridden yet ingratiatingly humorous story.

Filled with enough chaos and wicked humor to forgive the slight reliance on platform clichés, Whiplash really is a hell of a game. With a little more polish before release, this game could have been a true masterpiece.

There is likely no other game with this combination of strategy, competition, planning, and fast-paced action out there.

A decent basketball game with an excellent online tie-in. Still, this series needs a serious wake-up call if it hopes to compete with the likes of EA and ESPN next year.

A truly dazzling, inspired game that mixes a riveting story with a stylish look and absorbing gameplay.

Efforts made to envelop you in Warhammer’s medieval yet technological world are undone by sending you hunting for the blue door’s blue key - only to reveal a red door with a similar keyless predicament.

It’s a fun game that slowly grows on you, but like all MMO games, it takes a special kind of gamer to enjoy.

One main feature that clearly separates Underground from other street racers is its visual presentation. The nighttime glow in the metropolis does take some time to get used to, but the evening air quickly adds to the stunning scenery and detailed avenues as you travel at high RPMs.