This may not be Mario’s first appearance on the Wii, but it is definitely his best so far. Super Mario Galaxy may be Mario’s best adventure since he was last jumping on the Super Nintendo over a decade ago.

While the game was well paced, there wasn’t much depth to the individual gameplay facets used to break up regular running and gunning, and the lack of variety in weapons was disturbing for a shooter.

While the game was well paced, there wasn’t much depth to the individual gameplay facets used to break up regular running and gunning, and the lack of variety in weapons was disturbing for a shooter.

Mortal Kombat is an acquired taste and is looked down upon by most coin-op fighter enthusiasts because of its lack of strategy and its stiffness of control. UMK3 got rid of the stiffness, and the game truly is playable on the DS if you can get by the fact that the D-Pad is so small.

If you don’t plan to be playing too much multiplayer, then it’s a great game to pick up, even if you’re relatively new to strategy games. But if you’re looking for at least semi-decent multiplayer to go along with good single player, this isn’t quite the game for you.

Empire Earth III isn’t an abomination to RTS gaming, but it certainly doesn’t begin to approach recommendable.

While the game is incredibly tiring to play, it's a whole lot of fun when you're playing with other people. Other than that, it's just another game based on the Olympic Games... or it's just another Mario sports game.

Forged Alliance does a good job at being exactly what it is – a stand-alone expansion delivering an entirely new faction to the world of Supreme Commander, a decent single-player campaign playable from any of three human perspectives, and new experimental units for each faction, including four brand-new experimentals for the new faction.

So if you’re looking for a great party game this holiday season, and you happen to like movies, there isn’t anything better than Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action. Even by yourself, the game provides a lot of fun, but it gets even better when you play with others.

Overall, F.E.A.R. might start to be a little dated without an engine overhaul. Additionally, Perseus Mandate doesn't introduce anything very new to the series.

It’s the best Call of Duty game so far and hopefully will spark other developers to follow suit by breaking out of the redundant World War II genre. It doesn’t matter what platform you get Call of Duty 4, all that matters is it deserves a spot in any action fan’s collection.

It’s the best Call of Duty game so far and hopefully will spark other developers to follow suit by breaking out of the redundant World War II genre. It doesn’t matter what platform you get Call of Duty 4, all that matters is it deserves a spot in any action fan’s collection.

It’s the best Call of Duty game so far and hopefully will spark other developers to follow suit by breaking out of the redundant World War II genre. It doesn’t matter what platform you get Call of Duty 4, all that matters is it deserves a spot in any action fan’s collection.

In the end, what you are presented with is a very solid Simpsons title. Its humor, as stated, goes beyond just pleasing regular and hardcore Simpsons fans. So aside from the camera, the game is just find-diddly-ine to go on out and pick up.

TimeShift's appeal and lasting value are directly proportional to what you're in it for and what you're willing to put up with. The single-player campaign is justifiably criticized with being overtly derivative, but the time shifting component makes it just fresh enough to be worth a look.

With all that being said Virtua Fighter 5 Online for the Xbox 360 is most definitely a buy. That is of course, if you didn’t buy it for the PS3 already. It’s arguable though. The added content and online functionality may be the push you need to make up your mind.

In the end, what you are presented with is a very solid Simpsons title. Its humor, as stated, goes beyond just pleasing regular and hardcore Simpsons fans. So aside from the camera, the game is just find-diddly-ine to go on out and pick up.

In the end, what you are presented with is a very solid Simpsons title. Its humor, as stated, goes beyond just pleasing regular and hardcore Simpsons fans. So aside from the camera, the game is just find-diddly-ine to go on out and pick up.

In the end, what you are presented with is a very solid Simpsons title. Its humor, as stated, goes beyond just pleasing regular and hardcore Simpsons fans. So aside from the camera, the game is just find-diddly-ine to go on out and pick up.

In the end, what you are presented with is a very solid Simpsons title. Its humor, as stated, goes beyond just pleasing regular and hardcore Simpsons fans. So aside from the camera, the game is just find-diddly-ine to go on out and pick up.

In the end, what you are presented with is a very solid Simpsons title. Its humor, as stated, goes beyond just pleasing regular and hardcore Simpsons fans. So aside from the camera, the game is just find-diddly-ine to go on out and pick up.

Manhunt 2, though not as original and challenging as its predecessor, is a worthy sequel but not necessarily a must-buy. It’s certainly worth renting, and rental period is sufficient enough to beat the game’s 8 to 9 hour campaign.

Manhunt 2, though not as original and challenging as its predecessor, is a worthy sequel but not necessarily a must-buy. It’s certainly worth renting, and rental period is sufficient enough to beat the game’s 8 to 9 hour campaign.

The stupidity of the enemies and the inability to see what exactly you are doing when the time for an execution commences takes all the fun out of fighting. The game gives off a chilling vibe, but it’s for all the wrong reasons.

There are two good reasons why you might need to ignore our “rent it” recommendation and go buy Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock right now. One, you’re absolutely sure you’ll have a blast playing with and against people online and moving up the leaderboards for a very, very long time to come (again, this isn’t an option on the PS2 version). Two, you can’t wait another minute to have your fingers tied in knots by the three-note chord and wiggly solo onslaughts this maniacally challenging game throws your way.

There are two good reasons why you might need to ignore our “rent it” recommendation and go buy Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock right now. One, you’re absolutely sure you’ll have a blast playing with and against people online and moving up the leaderboards for a very, very long time to come (again, this isn’t an option on the PS2 version). Two, you can’t wait another minute to have your fingers tied in knots by the three-note chord and wiggly solo onslaughts this maniacally challenging game throws your way.

There are two good reasons why you might need to ignore our “rent it” recommendation and go buy Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock right now. One, you’re absolutely sure you’ll have a blast playing with and against people online and moving up the leaderboards for a very, very long time to come (again, this isn’t an option on the PS2 version). Two, you can’t wait another minute to have your fingers tied in knots by the three-note chord and wiggly solo onslaughts this maniacally challenging game throws your way.

There are two good reasons why you might need to ignore our “rent it” recommendation and go buy Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock right now. One, you’re absolutely sure you’ll have a blast playing with and against people online and moving up the leaderboards for a very, very long time to come (again, this isn’t an option on the PS2 version). Two, you can’t wait another minute to have your fingers tied in knots by the three-note chord and wiggly solo onslaughts this maniacally challenging game throws your way.

Escape from Paradise City is an enjoyable title that gets the player's hopes up that it may be something fresh and amusing, if campy. Sadly, it falls short with repetitive and sometimes unimaginative level design and a storytelling motif taken too far.

Dementium: The Ward is a terrific experience. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

In the end, while the packaging blurb does boast six new weapons, forty new monsters, and sixteen new levels, Overdose doesn’t quite sustain the level of excellence that made Painkiller so popular.

The sheer number of things that had to go wrong to keep Clive Barker’s Jericho from being a raging success is almost unbelievable, because when it comes right down to it, this game had the makings of a real hit. The fact that the credits roll at the exact same moment you finally find yourself on the edge of your seat cements the overall feeling of incompleteness the game gives off from the beginning.

The sheer number of things that had to go wrong to keep Clive Barker’s Jericho from being a raging success is almost unbelievable, because when it comes right down to it, this game had the makings of a real hit. The fact that the credits roll at the exact same moment you finally find yourself on the edge of your seat cements the overall feeling of incompleteness the game gives off from the beginning.

The sheer number of things that had to go wrong to keep Clive Barker’s Jericho from being a raging success is almost unbelievable, because when it comes right down to it, this game had the makings of a real hit. The fact that the credits roll at the exact same moment you finally find yourself on the edge of your seat cements the overall feeling of incompleteness the game gives off from the beginning.

For what its worth, Conan is a rather intense and short game. Fighting through all the hordes and spending time backtracking only amounted to about seven hours of gameplay, and with no multiplayer or secrets to unlock, that’s quite a disappointment in terms of replay.

For what its worth, Conan is a rather intense and short game. Fighting through all the hordes and spending time backtracking only amounted to about seven hours of gameplay, and with no multiplayer or secrets to unlock, that’s quite a disappointment in terms of replay.

Castlevania has never had more content packed in than it does right here, taking what many consider the two greatest games in the series and including more dialogue, more playable characters, and other nice little extras, and throwing them into a nice, convenient, must-own $30 package.

Overall, Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution is a great fighter for the Wii that isn’t as full-featured as it could be, but it’s probably good enough to take the crown of the best fighter on the Wii this year.

Zack & Wiki is easily the best original Wii game on the system right now, though whether it strikes a chord with the Wii's audience is another discussion all together.

Though it's probably not the best game in the series, Trials and Tribulations could not have ended up any better than it is and it's a fantastic final hurrah for everybody's favorite defense attorney.

All in all, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction is a return to form for the Ratchet & Clank series and it shows that not every graphical showcase has to feature stunning realism.

To be quite frank, on the DS, Path of the Ninja isn't that great of a game.

Sure, the game is long, and there's a lot to do, but that doesn't mean it's actually an experience everybody can enjoy.

Again, this remake of the original is based on the engine found in Legend, but really could have used more from it. It’s absolutely worth playing because it’s fun and actually better than the original Tomb Raider.

On average, the thirty five new singleplayer missions have a play time of thirty minutes apiece, which when combined with the multiplayer missions, and the free flight mode, makes for an expansion pack of tremendous value.

Seriously, if you made it this far and are still interested in getting the game, don't. Dancing with the Stars is an potentially interesting idea wrapped up in a fraudulent game that's really just a mini-game in Rayman Raving Rabbids.

Rhythm 'n Notes, as a whole, really doesn't have all that much to offer. It's all flash and no substance.

Despite the admittedly addicting gameplay, Beautiful Katamari falls short on every other front. From sub-par graphics, mediocre sound, lack of story, and few stages supported by a lack of fresh new gameplay mechanics, the title fails to justify its $60 price tag.

If not for the tragically lackluster presentation, the limited replay incentives, and the fact that it costs more than twenty dollars, it could have been a must-own. It’s an entertaining distraction, but unless you’re a fanatical collector, this one’s strictly a rental.

Ports may be a mess in general on the Wii, but Mercury Meltdown Revolution does it right by not screwing you over on the "Wii tax" most ports include in their prices. With a lot of content, a good challenge, and all at an affordable price, there's little reason that Wii owners who enjoy puzzle games shouldn't pick up Revolution as soon as possible.

Overall, Proving Ground is a disappointment.

With the plethora of options waiting to be uncovered after every passing day, it's hard to not enjoy playing Flash Focus. The game offers the player a lot, and at the same time, limits what can be done day by day.

Everyday Shooter is certainly no Geometry Wars or Super Stardust HD, but that’s the beauty of the game. If you want a new take on the twin-stick shooter genre, Everyday Shooter will certainly give you what you want and maybe even a little bit more.

Really, The Orange Box is a must-have game. There are few games that even begin to approach the value and quality that can be found here.

Really, The Orange Box is a must-have game. There are few games that even begin to approach the value and quality that can be found here.

Sega Rally Revo has its market and it knows it. You probably won't change your mind about arcade or rally racing games because of this game, but if this is your genre already, or you've just liked the past Sega Rally titles, feel free to jump straight in behind the wheel.

Sega Rally Revo has its market and it knows it. You probably won't change your mind about arcade or rally racing games because of this game, but if this is your genre already, or you've just liked the past Sega Rally titles, feel free to jump straight in behind the wheel.

Once again, the developers at Treasure have done a hell of a job on nearly every aspect with this title. It's safe to say Bleach is the best fighting game on the DS but nothing like a console game.

What you’re getting with Folklore is a solid game that takes a few chances to differentiate itself from the norm and gets most of it right.

For what its worth, Thrillville does a fine job of offering more amusement park managing fun while also adhering to the kid in everyone. It’s still a little too kiddy for its own good, but if you are a fan of the series you will no doubt have a great time.

For what its worth, Thrillville does a fine job of offering more amusement park managing fun while also adhering to the kid in everyone. It’s still a little too kiddy for its own good, but if you are a fan of the series you will no doubt have a great time.

Regardless of its few faults, Quake Wars is fun, fast paced, and will offer a decent amount of variety to people who are in to this type of game. It probably won’t sway the minds of people who prefer Deathmatch style shooters over mission based team games, but does its job well by providing one of the best experiences of its kind.

Project Gotham Racing 4 is truly a great racer. With solid gameplay both online and offline, PGR4 is sure to keep fans of racing games busy for months.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass pushes the envelope when it comes to taking advantage of every feature on the DS, and while many thought it would just turn out to be just another gimmick, Nintendo has once again proved them wrong and at the same time seems to have expanded the audience.

So go out and give The Chosen a try – if you can wipe the grime away, getting beyond the terrible voice acting and mediocre story, you'll find an extremely affordable, enjoyable, and worthy addition to the annals of action role play gaming.

This shot definitely goes in, but not before taking a few lucky bounces on the rim.

This shot definitely goes in, but not before taking a few lucky bounces on the rim.

The story just isn't put-together well enough, the graphics are disappointing, and the levels have you constantly running back and forth. Yes, if all of these things were rectified, the game would be spectacular. But they're not.

In the end, SuperNova 2 really doesn't do a whole lot to add anything new or fresh to the dance game scene, and is thus “just another sequel.” Fans of DDR will have fun with this one, but may feel that the price tag might be a bit much for what comes down to a glorified song expansion off of SuperNova original.

In the end, Opposing Fronts is an easy recommendation to any fan of RTS games.

While Sonic Rush Adventure has some tedious rough edges to it, it's definitely a true blue Sonic experience to be had on the Nintendo DS.

It’s a fun, addictive, fast paced, and fresh take on a very stale genre. This is not only one of the PC’s best this year, it’s one of the best games in the genre, period; and we’re talking in the infinite sense.

Eternal Sonata is a wonderful ensemble of fascinating characters and a remarkable story about the life (and death) of Frederic Chopin.

Skate shows that there can be two skateboarding games can co-exist. It offers more realistic gameplay that will appeal to those who have wanted a more down to earth style of skateboarding game.

With charming characters, great acting, beautiful cutscenes, and an overall great, immersive experience, Heavenly Sword has raised the bar for the presentation of next-generation games. It’s just a shame that the experience ends so soon, but there are always sequels to take care of those problems.

Overall, Stranglehold offers bang for your buck akin to purchasing one large firework instead of a handful of smaller ones. Except that the large firework turns out to be only slightly larger than a mediocre one.

So although it may not be worth a purchase, it’s worth playing around with, if only for a while.

So although it may not be worth a purchase, it’s worth playing around with, if only for a while.

Aesthetic complaints aside, Puzzle Fighter is still one of the greatest puzzle games ever developed, and the addition of X` mode and online play makes this the definitive version of Capcom's cult classic.

The game looks great, can be really addictive, and offers a variety of ways to enjoy the experience that Warhawk offers.

Blue Dragon is more of a rental than it is an immediate purchase, or wait until it hits the bargain bins. But either way, if this is your type of game you should at least give it a shot.

Overall there’s a whole lot to this game. Although, it might take some getting used to or a forgivable attitude towards the game because of the game’s lack of a lock-on feature, funky yet workable camera and frequent load times.

In the end, this is the same kind of game as the original. It's much more polished and rewarding to play, but it still requires a lot of trial-and-error and quick reflexes.

For now, if you want great golf gameplay for your Wii, you should already have it for free in the form of Wii Sports.

Proof that not all sequels are quick attempts to cash in; Corruption takes the already outstanding formula of the previous games and retools it into one of the most solid and rewarding experiences in years.

Two Worlds fails to live up to any of its so-called promises and feels nothing more but a broken and blatant rip-off of Oblivion.

Two Worlds fails to live up to any of its so-called promises and feels nothing more but a broken and blatant rip-off of Oblivion.

It will challenge you, it will move you, and it will force you to make hard decisions. It is unbelievably immersive and tenaciously inventive. It is a game that sets the bar high for others to follow—for its art direction, narrative, and gameplay.

It will challenge you, it will move you, and it will force you to make hard decisions. It is unbelievably immersive and tenaciously inventive. It is a game that sets the bar high for others to follow—for its art direction, narrative, and gameplay.

Right now, it’s the best strategy RPG on the system, though Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions rears its head in October to challenge for that crown.

Either way, Brain Age 2 is a great way to continue your quest of making your brain work, and it's the only way to truly have two brain checks a day--that is, if you own the first one.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is one of those rare games where every single element comes together to deliver something truly special.

Luminous Arc is a good game by all accounts, but quite frankly, this isn't the big DS RPG gamers have been waiting for.

Now that the next-gen is officially something in the present, it’s safe to say that Madden NFL 08 is the first great Madden game to come out since Madden NFL 2005.

Now that the next-gen is officially something in the present, it’s safe to say that Madden NFL 08 is the first great Madden game to come out since Madden NFL 2005.

While Madden NFL 08 is definitely a good game, it's pretty much the Wii's version of what Madden NFL 07 was to Madden NFL 06 on the Xbox 360. It's just the same game with a few updates here and there with nothing else really added.

Madden NFL 08 was made with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in mind, so it's no surprise if you end up finding these versions of Madden to be lackluster.

EA Sports did what they could, but it's all about the future now. Rest assured, Madden is probably a good way to finally retire your GameCube and Xbox.