The franchise and online modes have been touched up, remaining the best in the business; the new Cinemotion gives a major boost to the above average presentation; and while the gameplay isn't significantly new, it still works like a charm, both for arcade players and hockey nuts.

It gives you an opportunity to Fight To the Top of the NASCAR tier, but focuses more on driving mechanics, real-time damage and wear, handling, and momentum than ever before, all of which work in its favor.

What we have here is elementary yet cutting-edge game design, coupled with some of the cutest visuals and music you will ever experience. The game has longevity to spare as well, with numerous secrets, mini-games, and hidden paths to seek out.

While I would've liked to have seen a better realized multiplayer mode and more difficult achievements to unlock, the game remains a joy to play. The graphic and sound touch-ups are welcome as well, instead of just bothersome cosmetic additions.

A viciously intense and wickedly gruesome gang simulator that offers up plenty of thrills.

While I would've liked to have gotten more emotional commentary from Madden and Michaels and less graphic freezes, it's still nice to have the highlight stick and lead blocking features give the running game just as much emphasis as passing has gotten. Madden once again scores a touchdown.

It's vicious, nutritious, and undeniably delicious, and you absolutely have to buy it immediately. Not only does it look gorgeous splayed across an HDTV, but it plays better than its predecessors.

From the innovative highlight stick to the "run-to-daylight" feature, the PSP version of Madden has it all. Add in the ability to take your PS2 franchise on the go and you have the best handheld football game not only in years, but perhaps of all-time.

Its revamped Superstar: Hall of Fame mode is phenomenal and the enhancements to the running game make busting through holes in the defensive line simply a joy. But unlike last year's fiasco with next-gen Madden on the Xbox 360, this year Madden 07 on 360 is clearly the superior version to own.

The most comfortable fighting game for the handheld yet. Despite some slight issues with the control scheme, the game still delights with its arcade-faithful presentation and its various modes.

It's the equivalent of gaming junk food, a fast-moving blast-a-thon that doesn't let up throughout its 20-plus levels. While the frame rate stutters from time to time and some levels appear to be missing, what remains is still quite the ride.

Plot holes aside, the gameplay in Prey is nothing short of amazing. Whether you're wandering up walls, shifting gravity, shrunk down to the size of a mouse, going into spirit form, fighting in the afterlife, or floating around in a service vehicle... Prey has got everything anyone could want from a sci-fi shooter and more.

Prey has been a long time coming, and if the game just had a bit more to offer in terms of challenge and a more calculated death/revival system, it could've been a classic to unseat Halo 2. On its own, however, it was definitely worth the wait, with marvelous design ideas, fun gameplay twists, and a presentation that shows some effort.

With the new control system there is a bit of a learning curve, especially if you're not familiar with other RTS titles. However, if you give the game a few missions and a chance to learn the controls properly, BFME2 should appeal to most RPG and Strategy fans out there, and even a few of the action-oriented gamers.

One of those rare, fabled games that appeal far beyond the fanbase of its license. The controls are easy to learn, but thanks to the fast-paced action, the gameplay is difficult to master.

An amazing game. It has an extremely fun adventure, filled with insane beasts and exciting battles. The gear, the classes, and the many combinations of each bring hours of joy.

Despite little quirks here and there, it's still one of the definitive fighting collections out there, and the inclusion of the insane Super Gem Fighter MiniMix alone should warrant a purchase, just to see fighters do some wild stuff to get the victory.

An excellent first-person shooter, using a moving storyline as a backbone for its fast-paced gameplay, awesome presentation, and packed online experience.

Despite the fact some entries are missing, the collection here is still varied and show how much the series has evolved over the years. The number of options and bonus goodies that are available are nice, and the jam-packed action of the games themselves should enthrall fans of the series and gather up a flock of new ones along the way. This is simply a must-have retro collection that should keep you plenty busy until the PS3 Gradius that's been hinted at arrives.

The games are very entertaining and the wireless multiplayer has provided hours of enjoyment, especially since up to eight people can play using a single copy.

Magnetica isn't the best puzzle game on the DS ("Tetris"...FTW), but it's still pretty damn sweet. I went into it not expecting anything special and was pleasantly surprised.

Episode 1 puts together a fantastic game not by necessarily introducing anything new, but by forcing players to focus more on using their wits than their firepower. Although, firepower helps a lot too.

It's the bracelet-wearing champ of the current crop, at least as over the counter titles are concerned.

The impatient probably won't like it, and the game has very little improvements on Xbox aside from a graphical sheen and some achievements, but if killing is your business, then business is back to being good.

Harvest Time: Hop and Fly is extremely cute and colorful. The characters are adorable, particularly when they beat a level and celebrate by dancing. Harvest Time: Hop and Fly is an adorable game, and one that younger kids will have a great time playing.

Still, regardless of what might be missing, or the overall lack of anything incredibly new and unexpected, Heroes of Might and Magic V is still a very addictive game that easily sucks players in with its strategic gameplay. When you get right down to it, this is still HOMM, and it's still great.

It even goes so far as to improve on the Advance Wars formula, the ability to layer troops adding another strategic twist and the online features adding a significant amount of replay value.

With the intuitive controls, the high number of levels, the level editor, and the ability to download even more levels, it's easily the best portable Lemmings thus far.

The presentation is uncanny and takes advantage of the Xbox 360, and the gameplay, complete with spins and smashes galore, captures the nature of ping pong and keeps it simple and fun.

The kind of game that makes hardcore Nintendo fans get on their knees and weep in sheer joy over the eighty new levels of new 2D Mario action...The visuals come in scorching hot, with gorgeous 3D bringing the old school into a new school setting. Sprinkle in some minigames and multiplayer modes, and you have a system seller.

There's not much in the way of weapon or enemy variety, and the game is pretty short, but just about every minute of it is action packed. The dynamic difficulty system works very well.

It offers multiplayer that's quite addictive, as well as a single player experience that really helps you get better at the game.

The lure of playing Cantha and experiencing this world, plus the challenge of playing as either the Assassin or Ritualist are plenty of incentive by themselves to enter the world of Factions.

Sure, it's a developer's cut, in a way, but that's like an extra scoop of ice cream on an already-great banana split. Gorge yourself in the glory of Outrun.

Those expecting a representation of complication might be disappointed, and cruise to another game, but everyone else will want to sit back and enjoy the ride.

The varied missions, near photo realistic visuals, real world planes, and live action cut scenes have been mixed to produce a thoroughly enjoyable combat game, and the addition of aces, these skilled NPCs that can take forever to destroy, and a two player mode, only add to the product's rain slick sheen.

The quintessential gaming flick it is not, but Advent Children still satisfies, both to fans and casual viewers.

I'm not sure whether my brain's actually benefiting from this special treatment, but I do know that Brain Age is fun to mess around with for several minutes a day.

Auto Assault has undergone a massive overhaul from last year. In it's current state it looks fantastic, and plays with the kind of adrenaline-rushing glee that all games hope to aspire to.

So if controlling virtually every aspect of a baseball team, not to mention the entire history of baseball - even down to the concessions at a ballpark, is your thing, then this game will be right up your gap to left field.

My main problem with Tomb Raider: Legend is that Crystal Dynamics made it a wee bit too accessible for the public. The game, while a lot of fun and adjustable for difficulty purposes, is still pretty easy to beat.

This frantic and wildly intense FPS is clearly the superior version because of its slight graphical enhancements and its improved online component, but these changes are too cosmetic to influence me to purchase it.

The handling is downright beautiful and innovated over a series of bikes, and the presentation rocks. However, the game's incredible difficulty curve, somewhat average career mode, and complete lack of online play may leave some less than satisfied with the ride.

The presentation is solid but lacks the zing of the ESPN license, the commentary gets a little bland, and the presentation skips a bit online.

The presentation is solid but lacks the zing of the ESPN license, the commentary gets a little bland, and the presentation skips a bit online.

The career mode is loaded with challenges, the online play is suitable (if a bit average), and the create-a-player mode is off the charts in design features.

A meaty first-person shooter with lots of action and some great features, especially with its multiplayer components.

The adventure that the programmers originally had in mind is finally at hand, complete with multiplayer options galore, a lengthy adventure, and a presentation that's stellar.

A real sequel would have been spectacular, but, for $30, this isn't too shabby.

The game takes a little while to get going, and the AI is practically non existent in the RTS sequences, but Space Rangers 2 is a game that I highly recommend if you're willing to invest the time.

Some of the game choices clearly could've been avoided, but, otherwise, you've got coin-op gold in the palm of your hand.

The battle system has some merit to it, as does the story, which has sagged a bit in the last couple of chapters.

Despite the fact that this latest edition of Revolution really doesn't stray from the formula the games are known for, it's more fun than it lets on, thanks to a bit of customization, some fun mini-games and the Duet Mode, and a song selection that's stronger than a bull chasing a rodeo clown.

The new graphics and 3-D gimmick with the Solid Eye peripheral are nice as well. Metal Gear fans should definitely deal into these cards.

Bethesda's "Morrowind" is a great videogame, but its successor, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, does exactly what every sequel should do, which is taking its predecessor, beat the hell out of it, and leave it for dead.

Bethesda's "Morrowind" is a great videogame, but its successor, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, does exactly what every sequel should do, which is taking its predecessor, beat the hell out of it, and leave it for dead. This absolutely marvelous videogame is not only the premier visual show piece for the Xbox 360 hardware, but it's also tremendously enjoyable to play.

Tetris DS is a monster of a game, filled with more features and modes and options than any previous Tetris iteration.

The game's controls take a bit of time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, you'll realize NST has done an extraordinary job in bringing Samus to the Nintendo DS...You'd be hard-pressed to find a better online title for the Nintendo DS.

A welcome comeback for the series, packing tons of superb gameplay quirks amidst a gorgeous presentation and multiplayer options that, while slightly limited, still offers hours of brutal, fun play.

Daxter is a superb platform adventure that I highly recommend, and Ready at Dawn is to be commended for coming to bat for the PSP and filling the void that's plagued the system for almost a year. Purchase it immediately.

One of the most entertaining value packs in videogame history.

The ability to control bosses later on is a bit floundering, but, otherwise, what we have here is a kick-ass ride that delivers on presentation, gameplay, and challenge.

As definitive as the street racing brand gets...at least, for this generation.

Pushes the brand further with exciting, realistic combat action, either solo or with a squad; outstanding graphics that put the 360 to good use; and multiplayer options for both the co-op crowd and those who just want to shoot everything.

It could've used some touching up with the AI and a couple of tedious puzzles, but no matter. These samurai are back on track to deliver a thrill ride.

The 360 version does have a couple of new goodies going for it, including a nice twist in the online play, a few new crash scenarios, and a high-resolution gloss that brings out the best in the 360.

Some of the new features, like The War of the Ring mode don't play out as nicely as they should, and the single player campaigns are a bit generic, but overall this is a great, fast-paced game.

It hits on almost every front. Present are the adventure elements of high fantasy, the mysterious magical elements of the war-torn world of Eberron, and the deep-rooted numerical elements.

The online component's enjoyable, King of the Diamond is fantastic, and the game's various bells and whistles, including the commentary which I absolutely love, are superb.

MLB 06's addictive gameplay, phenomenal commentary, and sharp graphics make it the best baseball game on the PSP and a front runner for sports game of the year.

TOCA Race Driver 3 continues to set a trend all its own, literally opening up a driving universe that's just primed for exploration.

This empire-building strategy encompasses everything that makes the genre great.

Fight Night Round 3 is an amazing leaps-and-bounds production that puts the excellent Round 2 to shame, if that's even possible.

Empire at War has everything. The graphics, sound, and overall presentation are each near perfect. Gameplay is fast-paced and fun, with very little repetition, and fans of the setting will be amazed with the attention to details.

It could've used more in the two-player mode, as well as a customization feature, but it's still a game that clearly gets its message across, and doesn't hide behind an artistic license. Respect!

Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max kind of reminds me of a Ferrari Testarossa with a somewhat sluggish steering wheel. It's jam-packed with features and a damn fine product to look at, but its handling takes a little bit of getting used to.

Curious George is just challenging enough to be a lot of fun for young gamers, and the game is so good they'll play to the end.

A reminder of everything that was great about the series, including the superb control and beaming visuals and sound presentation, and it throws in some new goodies to keep fans shooting well into the future.

The Special Edition probably won't be for everyone (namely those who already destroyed the game on hard), but it's still recommended for its abundance of additions, including the ability to play as Vergil and the insane Bloody Palace mode.

GT Legends has the power and style of the best cars from the 60's and 70's.

A must-own for the Castlevania elite.

This is a fine gathering of the better X games, although X5 and X6 do tend to drag a little. Furthermore, the package isn't as loaded as "Mega Man Anniversary Collection" was.

DOA4 is so close to being flawless it's unbelievable.

A must-have for shooter enthusiasts, as its presentation is killer and its challenge heavy enough to drop you to your knees.

Its inventive gameplay will keep you busy with different uses of formation, and its presentation is mostly on the mark. On top of this, the boss battles are quite memorable and the extras will keep you coming back for more.

What Animal Crossing: Wild World does is an amazing job of pulling you into the experience. A majority of the game is crafted with so much authentic human precision, detail and personality that the end result is something that makes you feel inadequate if you don't return the same effort when actually playing.

Two Thrones is a heaping adventure that will keep you stirred throughout, even during the rougher Dark Prince segments. My problem is, it just ends a bit too quickly. What a finish, though.

The only real problem with Bankshot Billiards 2 is its requirement for multiple players to each have their own controller. With a turn-based game like billiards, I was hoping I'd be able to play with two of my friends by just passing the controller back and forth. Instead, I'm forced to wait for those three player sessions until I can afford another controller.

With both simple controls and simple gameplay, Geometry Wars is unsurprisingly easy to pick up and play. Because of this, it's also incredibly addictive, the simplicity of the whole ordeal fueling a mindset of "just one more game, I can do better this time."

A thunderous b-ball effort that's almost every bit as good as its NBA brethren. The modes will have you tunneling for hours of enjoyment, and the gameplay is smooth like butta.

A very solid racing game for the Xbox 360 launch. However, long load times and visuals that could have been better (although not too bad) do detract a bit from the title.

For as solid as Perfect Dark Zero is, it's not going to wow you with anything innovative. But hey, when you're fragging away at fellow gamers from all around the world, you're not going to care.

The environments are fantastic and smooth, the gameplay is refined, and the aggressive AI could very well have you for lunch.

There's not much to do after the single player adventure's been completed, but rest assured that this is easily one of the console's better games and a landmark achievement in game design.

Those expecting next-gen brilliance will only find a modified port. At least it's a good one.

A painstakingly polished product that plays magnificently and has plenty of delicious eye candy to sweeten the deal. It's a racing game that has both beauty as well as the brains to match.

The Xbox 360 version does benefit from being graphically better than its previous cousins, and, as a result, it's the best version out there, providing an experience that absolutely, positively nails the Wild West as it's supposed to be.