Hardcore fans of the original's online modes might find enough to justify a purchase, but the monotonous campaign and overall lackluster design makes it hard to recommend to anyone else. And if you didn't care for the original, don't expect anything in Lost Planet 2 to drastically sway your opinion.

Skate 3 doesn't go as far as I would have liked, but it's still a great addition to the franchise. [July 2010, p.90]

It may not be the breath of fresh air that the original Skate was, but Skate 3 still offers up plenty of innovation in its robust skate park creation mechanic, engaging multiplayer feature, and expanded move list.

There's much to like about 3D Dot Game Heroes, and though it may seem cheap to appreciate a game where so much has been borrowed from games of the past, it's hard to deny that Heroes executes on these stolen ideas commendably.

Sadly, when considering this game's origins, Trials and Tribulations on WiiWare looks and sounds like nothing more than -- yet another -- lazy port to the console.

Zeno Clash features a world with exponential promise, great melee combat, and a completely unique setting; for players unfamiliar with Zenozoik's outlandish scenery, it's an easy recommendation.

It's creepy, mysterious, and spooky, and while it isn't perfect by any means, it's a horror experience well worth your time.

It won't replace scheduled sessions with Team Fortess 2 -- nor is it as good -- but Lead and Gold is extremely fun and has an exceptional amount of potential if Fatshark is willing to fix some of its more glaring issues.

Picross 3D won't exactly set the world on fire with its explosive graphics or its thrilling action but it's a competent and fun puzzle game.

Best administered in small doses, don't expect to spend a lot of quality time with Zombie Panic in one sitting.

Kung Fu Funk has a fantastic style, pulling from the craziness found in '70s era kung-fu action movies; however, none of the fun found in its art has translated into its gameplay.

For its $20 PSN price tag, I'd definitely recommend My Lord 2 to hardcore SRPG fanatics in search of a good (yet brutal) challenge.

Why Sam has stepped out of the shadows and is on full out attack makes complete sense in context with the story, so if you can accept it for what it is and not dwell on the fact that it isn't what you've come to expect in a Splinter Cell title, you'll no doubt agree that Conviction rivals Chaos Theory as the best title in the franchise's history. [Jun 2010, p.78]

It may not be the deepest or most original action experience out there, but it's hard to deny the cheap thrills, over-the-top attitude, and mind-numbingly brutal mayhem present in Volatile's latest.

It's like an ugly puppy: it's not appealing to look at and it sometimes makes a mess, but it's got a special quality that makes you love it regardless.

Super Street Fighter IV is just more of a good thing and fans of the original have plenty of reasons to invest in it. But seasoned players who didn't care for the original SFIV won't have any reason to like the update because, despite the improvements and additions, the fundamental gameplay hasn't changed. [Jun 2010, p.88]

Super Street Fighter IV is just more of a good thing and fans of the original have plenty of reasons to invest in it. But seasoned players who didn't care for the original SFIV won't have any reason to like the update because, despite the improvements and additions, the fundamental gameplay hasn't changed.

I got tired of the one-button combat almost immediately, but I could appreciate the 8-bit versions of the Linkin Park "classics.

My experience with Monster Hunter Tri was fantastic. Despite its numerous flaws, it was fun, fascinating, complex, and undeniably alluring. I intend to keep on playing it, not on a daily basis, but whenever I feel the desire to experience the thrill of the hunt.

Why Sam has stepped out of the shadows and is on full out attack makes complete sense in context with the story, so if you can accept it for what it is and not dwell on the fact that it isn't what you've come to expect in a Splinter Cell title, you'll no doubt agree that Conviction rivals Chaos Theory as the best title in the franchise's history.

The ideas behind Fishie Fishie have a lot of potential, but the "single-button to do everything" concept makes the entire thing a frustrating battle of man versus machine.

Learning with The PooYoos: Episode Two isn't perfect, and it will by no means replace other teaching tools, but it is a simple diversion that could translate into a lot of joy for the children in your household.

Mega Man 10 is an extremely fun and worthwhile purchase, and a much better overall value.

Despite the improved character roster and so-bad-it's-funny decapitations, Samurai Showdown Sen has very little to offer you except easy Achievement Points.

Most should pass on this one, but if your swimsuit area is specifically turned on by the scantily-clad ladies of DoA, then Paradise's brand of portable soft-porn may just do it for you.

While Showcase doesn't include as much variety as past WarioWare titles, it continues the franchise's longstanding tradition of being completely maniacal, frantic and fun.

Diner Dash has always been a fun and frantic game, but the rough graphics, lack of online players and steep price tag makes this port hard to recommend.

Art students, old-school gamers, and people with wild imaginations (and lots of free time) are going to love making their own masterpieces in WarioWare D.I.Y.., but if you have trouble drawing stick figures, you'll at least be able to enjoy a sizable new crop of fun, quick mini-games with tons of personality.