It's very demanding and frequently frustrating, but it's a lot of fun (more fun than the original, for sure) for those who have what it takes. The game also rewards the elite more than any other game of its type.

If the offensive and defensive balance were just a bit more fine-tuned, and the Xbox and GameCube versions had online support, NBA Live 2004 would have the legs for multiple plays through the Dynasty mode and a clear shot as the top hoops game.

Sadly, the game falters during certain combat segments. While the control mechanics enable locking in on an attacker, at times, there are so many charging that it’s difficult to target a particular one.

Detailed textures and a fast frame rate let you savor the disturbing damage, and the precise controls never fail.

It's more different than fun, but once you get the hang of it, Air Ride's quirks become strengths.

You’ll often spot limbs and objects poking through solid surfaces, but you’ll almost never see your opponent properly framed—the camera angles are simply dreadful and rarely offer a decent view of the combat (or even the immediate surroundings).

It feels sloppy and looks simple, but from time to time the brilliance of the game design shines through.

The control setup just doesn’t work - especially when you’re trading bullets in real time with a bunch of Republican Guards. Directing your entire four-man squad to move, shoot, give cover fire, swap items, heal, and everything else that comes with a Special Forces group constantly on the move is tiring to the fingers.

Viewtiful Joe is immediate, extremely challenging, and grows progressively deeper as you advance. It is frantic, exhilarating, and addictive. In short, it is a classic and everything a game should be.

Strong voice acting and sound effects (listen for the subtle heavy breathing when running), and a patriotic score set a believable mood, while the dark, detailed, war-torn streets of New York City are almost too tangible.

It’s a fairly mindless shooter with some cool strategy elements, and aside from some optional tactical coolness, it’s pretty straightforward. It’s a fun and violent game with a really great reward structure.

Crippling frame rate problems tarnish an otherwise engaging single-player experience. Ultimately, the addictive online multiplayer is the main attraction; without it, there’s not much to see here.

The feel of parody is gone; rather than being a wild action game based on hockey, this year’s edition is a hockey game with some wild action.

If "serious" is the last thing you associate with hockey games, you'll have a blast hammering out checks on Hitz’ rink - especially since Midway’s rolled back the price a notch.

If "serious" is the last thing you associate with hockey games, you’ll have a blast hammering out checks on Hitz' rink - especially since Midway’s rolled back the price a notch.

The resulting relaunched game is worthy of its weighty legacy. "NBA Street" has a better all-around arcade-style game, but if all you care about are big dunks and big points, NBA Jam will deliver you to highlight heaven.

A first-rate challenge for anyone with a mind for military strategy.

Simply put, DDRMAX2 is the DDR that players know and love, but slightly flashier. Fans won’t be disappointed.

"NBA Street" has a better all-around arcade-style game, but if all you care about are big dunks and big points, NBA Jam will deliver you to highlight heaven.

So much of it is familiar that it walks a tightrope between being fresh and being too derivative.

Despite the novel ideas, Billy is, at its heart, a fairly normal platformer...but with Sonic Team at the helm, you really can't go wrong.

Some of its ideas are brilliant innovations, some are wisely appropriated standards, and some just flop - but the overall result is fun, action-oriented, authentic hockey with a few troubling flaws.

The mix of true physics, newbie approachability, gameplay depth, and even a sly sense of humor makes Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 thoroughly enjoyable.

The mix of true physics, newbie approachability, gameplay depth, and even a sly sense of humor makes Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 thoroughly enjoyable.

Hits a nice middle ground between realism and action.

The mix of true physics, newbie approachability, gameplay depth, and even a sly sense of humor makes Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 thoroughly enjoyable.

A nice middle ground between realism and action.

A "Jedi Outcast" follow-up that feels more like an expansion pack than a whole new game... [It] won't bake your noodle or drop your jaw, but it's certainly a fine answer for those of you looking for more Jedi Knight.