The consistent mental challenge of tackling each mission is what makes it so captivating, relying on strategy over spectacle. That's not what everyone is looking for in their games, but those who are will find it in droves in Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

The consistent mental challenge of tackling each mission is what makes it so captivating, relying on strategy over spectacle. That's not what everyone is looking for in their games, but those who are will find it in droves in Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

In many ways this game is like a zombie. It's not too bright, nor does it require much effort to defeat, but it's still fun to toy with every now and then. If you're a zombie aficionado, Dead Block isn't a bad way to kill time while prepping for the next zombie gaming apocalypse. For everyone else, just hunker down and wait.

In many ways this game is like a zombie. It's not too bright, nor does it require much effort to defeat, but it's still fun to toy with every now and then. If you're a zombie aficionado, Dead Block isn't a bad way to kill time while prepping for the next zombie gaming apocalypse. For everyone else, just hunker down and wait.

Avadon: The Black Fortress is like a time capsule waiting to be unlocked. The sparse visuals, uncompromising interface, and lack of tutorials will likely prevent those who cling to polygons and sweeping orchestral themes from embarking on its adventure. But those who venture into Avadon with an open mind will be transported to one of the richest fantasy worlds to grace gaming in many years. They just don't make games like this anymore.

1-Bit Ninja's difficulty will likely cause plenty of blue streaks, but they're worth the catharsis of a job well done.

Its wanton weirdness is still as charming as it was on the Wii, and its nonsensical narrative is always enjoyable. So if you're anxious to rekindle your bloodlust in the most over-the-top manner available, Heroes' Paradise may be worth a look.

Space Pirates and Zombies still has a few minor bugs here and there, and its collection of throwback gameplay components isn't likely to appeal to everyone. For those looking to invest themselves into a fairly robust adventure on the cheap, however, SPAZ is a worthwhile investment old-school gamers may want to check out.

Still, Defy Gravity Extended's slick controls and novel gimmick provide plenty of platforming pleasure.

Returning to the horror genre's roots might be a good idea, but Trapped Dead doesn't offer convincing evidence of the idea's merits. It fumbles at every step except -- with the possible exception of mimicking comic books in its menus and cutscenes.

Though the shelf life is capped at little more than a week or two, gamers will be pleased to know that Limbic's Zombie Gunship is indeed as much fun as it sounds.

If you buy just one tower defense game this year, well, knock yourself out. But if you want a really good action game with some tower defense, some great scoring challenges, some wonderful multiplayer support, some great graphics, and a wonderful sense of humor, you can't go wrong with Toy Soldiers: Cold War.

Despite these flaws, gamers should embrace being given a WiiWare title of such substance. An enjoyable, hectic, and fast-paced title, Kyotokei should give gamers hope that Nintendo hasn't thrown in the towel on their digital download service just yet.

A game like El Shaddai is something that comes along only a few times in each console generation. The beautiful visuals, fantastic environments, solid (though slightly flawed) gameplay, and rich mythology combine to make a game quite unlike anything you've ever played.

Awkward controls may impact the fun a little, but Edge's fascinating romp through block-filled worlds is one well worth indulging in.

Groove Coaster is a textbook example of how to make an iOS game correctly. Simple one-finger controls and quick play sessions belie a game with a considerable amount of depth and replay value.

Despite at least one glaring yet superficial flaw -- some awkward Engrish that's more embarrassing than funny -- HungryMaster is an excellent blend of old and new gameplay design.

If you're looking for light-hearted racing action that's not only affordable but fun, you've come to the wrong place. A disappointing title that doesn't reach its minimal potential, Monochrome Racing is a game best avoided.

But alas... Trauma was a game I wanted to love, but found more curious than transcendent. Still, any game that requires this much psychological analysis is a welcome departure from the norm.

Similar to Peggle, what Block Breaker 3 lacks in gameplay depth it makes up for with an endorphin overdose of bright colors, dance music, and huge high scores that mean nothing but make you feel like an accomplished human being. It's pretty dumb. And awesome.

While Runespell: Overture is a solid first attempt from developer Mystic Box, it ultimately feels more like an appetizer than a main course.

Across the 2nd Dimension has a lot going for it in terms of production values, a witty script, and varied level design, but it's so fleeting and dumbed down that even children will find its power fantasies pandering.

The controls fall into the same annoying trap as other touch-control FPS games in that you're always resetting your thumb to look around.

Fruit Ninja Kinect isn't a remarkably deep or long-lasting experience, but it's a smart adaptation of the mobile hit that delivers intense, albeit short-lived bursts of enjoyment. Plus, it provided me the sorest Kinect-related limbs I've had since the launch.

Anyway, when it comes to the bottom line, Farming Simulator 2011 is really not bad at all.

Not even close. Burn the Rope is an under-produced, featureless port with uninteresting gameplay. Save your money -- there are many other titles on WiiWare more worthy of your time.

Even without the camera and control problems, Chantelise struggles to stand out amidst other similar games. It's disappointing, because you can tell there's a lot of heart and personality poured into the game, but it's just not that enjoyable to play.

Between its arbitrary puzzles and dreadful controls, Dead Cyborg often feels like a chore.