The gameplay could have been enhanced a bit more, but the same great football game you have come to enjoy over the years is still the best any fan can hope for.

While there are quite a few parts in the game that bring down the game in value, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword should remain as the prime example of what a third party can do with the Nintendo DS.

Be that as it may, it's great to see Contra go back to its roots for this very impressive entry into long-running series. If you enjoy challenging titles that require every bit of skill you can muster, Contra 4 is just the perfect purchase.

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.

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.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance is certainly worth picking up. With an adequate campaign and more playable comic book characters than you can shake a stick at, plus bonus side missions for all of them, you're definitely getting more than what you paid for.

So the verdict is simple: If you’ve never played it, buy it; just don’t expect an engrossing experience. Simply expect to be entertained with a few genuine laughs.

When all's said and done, NCAA 09 may have some rough spots and bugs, there are ways around it that keep them from hampering the immense amount of enjoyment that the game offers.

The game feels, sounds, and largely looks like a really solid baseball game. From the wealth of deep single player modes to the enticing online package, there’s really no reason to not pick up MLB 07: The Show if you’re looking for the best baseball experience around.

Pokemon Platinum is a great experience that anybody with a remote interest in RPG’s should try out.

Odin Sphere does a lot to show you that with the proper attention to detail, 2D can still provide for great-looking games that can stand out amongst the myriad of 3D games that occupy the shelves today.

Defense Grid: The Awakening offers what is easily the best tower defense game on the Xbox 360 and is a game that anyone interested in that genre should check out.

To be blunt, Sega Genesis Collection is the definition of essential gaming, and it has a rightful place on the shelves of any PSP owner looking for an inexpensive and high-quality addition to their library.

If anything, Legend succeeds in assuaging frustration. Puzzles never encroach on the aggravation of yester incarnations due to a RAD (â??Remote Analysis Deviceâ?) that identifies objects of note. Itâ??s reminiscent of "Grim Fandango" in the sense that youâ??re not left to hunt around wildly for the key elements in a conundrum.

The game relies too heavily on the events and effects of the previous title, and although there are plenty of neat new features to whet your appetite, the game hardly feels like a sequel and more of a downloadable add-on.

If you loved the original, or require the online play, feel free to pick up X-Men legends II; just don’t expect more than a continuation of the title you finished a year ago.

Despite not much in the way of new, groundbreaking stuff in Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2, it certainly leans more towards the good side of the more of the same sequel fence.

SingStar provides a compelling window to the living rooms of people around the world with its My SingStar online mode that sets it far apart than any other music game in terms of its community aspects.

If you liked "City of Heroes" but grew bored with its lack of complexity, you might enjoy the romp, thanks to the new setting and superior story arc. Just don’t expect anything remarkably different than you’ve already experienced, nor should you expect to feel particularly evil.

The story shines as leading the way to the events of the original Dead Space and the visuals all look remarkable as you venture through the game’s ten gloomy and dark levels. But with a hideous looking shooting reticule, some hard-to-handle weapons and scary segments that are never remotely frightening, Dead Space: Extraction is a good weekend rental for fans to tie up loose ends with the story and nothing much else.

Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise doesn't change much from the first title in terms of originality, but the new additions definitely make it feel more refined.

A wondrous game. There is little to be upset about except its short length and no extra content, but the rest of the game is fantastic.

The changes Crystal Dynamics have affected means it’s easily the most polished, well-rounded package of the seven.

A wondrous game. There is little to be upset about except its short length and no extra content, but the rest of the game is fantastic.

Simply put, it's everything you expect--another year of football with another year of Madden.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance is certainly worth picking up. With an adequate campaign and more playable comic book characters than you can shake a stick at, plus bonus side missions for all of them, you’re definitely getting more than what you paid for.

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.

The Darkness isn’t all that long and clocks in at about 10 hours, but it feels fresh the entire way through and doesn’t overstay its welcome.