There are a few stunning moments (i.e., the whole train sequence), but in the end there simply isn't anything innovative about the single player game.

As an Action-RPG the storyline is outstanding, but the gameplay falls a bit short. This is primarily due to how overly easy the game is. You can run through the entire game using nothing more than the basic attack button, and your assistant characters suffer from poor AI.

Most of it feels brought over from last year's model, and not touched up enough to really appeal like it should. It feels more like a ground-rule double than a line drive.

It's definitely entertaining and the game carries the GTA vibe well, but with very little story, it degenerates into a mindless blast fest that, while fun for a little while, loses its mustard the longer you play.

The combat is just as good, if not better, and the graphics are beautiful given the platform and its limitations, but some of these extra modes, such as Tales of Souls and Chronicles of the Sword aren't so hot, and the AI is at times cheaper than my grandma.

Sly Cooper's first adventure may be years old, but it still deserves to steal attention from you.

There's not much to differentiate Viewtiful Joe 2 from the first, as new VFX power and the ability to switch characters mid-level are the only major gameplay changes. That's why it is so disappointing that the new powers are so limited and under-utilized.

The game suffers from things like a simplified feeling in terms of the ability to develop the characters, poor music choice, and lack of updated graphics.

The interesting aspects such as buying houses, marriage, and trading with merchants will keep you entertained. However, with four years of development, it boggles the mind to think that the developers couldn't come up with a more involving story, better character development and length.

Be warned: Even with an easy arcade mode, dedicated to casual or beginner drivers, the large bulk of this title is dedicated to hardcore perfectionists who really want a realistic feel for driving high-performance cars at top speeds.

Unfortunately, if you've never played it before, it really is a chore to get into because the training can be extremely boring and the setup convoluted. However, as the old saying goes, you can't complain too much about something that's free!

Mowing over bodies with a lawnmower, decapitating them with hedge clippers, and knocking them over with bowling balls is immensely entertaining and worth the price of admission...But be warned! While Dead Rising isn't a difficult game to complete, its boring escort missions/fetch quests (as well as the single player game's strict adherence to the schedule) make it less than stellar.

While Path of Radiance is a top notch RPG, it hardly takes advantage of the GameCube at all. The gameplay is identical to the GBA games in the series, the improvement in visuals isn't very impressive, and there's little to no voice work.

The game's fun for the most part, especially when it comes to unlocking and customizing characters from the epic trilogy, but I'm really turned off by some of the confusing puzzles as well as the cheap AI.

What it lacks is something truly different to make it a worthwhile sequel to own. Perhaps Gearbox will take their time with their next chapter for the 360 and give us something truly spectacular.

This is one of the few science fiction themed games on the MMORPG genre and worth playing for experienced gamers who are looking for a break from fantasy games. Casual gamers should consider their options carefully.

While the gameplay is solid, the Total Punch Control is still no match for the reliability of the digital pad, and the game lacks the "Just one more match" appeal that makes other sports games shine.

Did you get a chance to play "Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour" on the GameCube? If you liked that game, prepare to fall in love with this one.

Although the game has some very nice quirks and touches, it fails to provide a strong, engaging experience. The rewards of running a successful studio aren't worth the patience and frustrations involved.

I didn't find it nearly as engaging as Insomniac's latest "Ratchet and Clank," as it came up a bit short in the fun department.

Let's note one real missing item from this year's product- the ESPN license. This was a crucial addition to the 2K Sports title last year, as it allowed for an exquisite TV-like presentation and some of the best announcing in the business.

The gameplay is marred by the unforgiving AI that brutally destroys you whenever you gain just the slightest advantage. With that being said, Def Jam is at times more stressful than fun to play.

This may be the weakest console edition of the game on the market, but it's still recommended for those who still have it hooked up and ready to go.

New school gamers may be turned off by the simple play mechanics, 2D graphics, and intense challenge, but old school fans know this is THE holiday title to buy.

If Test Drive Unlimited were a car, it would probably be a nice, leisurely ride without too many fancy gimmicks- maybe a Scion without the oddly-shaped frame.

It's also cool that Legends' features over 20 hours of gameplay, but its length is also one of its weaknesses, because over time it just gets boring beating up enemies.

Although the graphics could have been smoothed out a little bit, and the game could've used some sort of extra goodies like multiplayer or more playable characters, Thief: Deadly Shadows remains a remarkably deep game, thanks to an excellent story, some great presentation quirks, and quite simply some of the most challenging stealth aspects around.

Even though, at its core, Metal Arms isn't too different from most other run 'n gun games, the variety of mission types keeps this title from getting old.