Puzzle gaming at its best. [GameDaily Kids]

Civilzation delivers all the gameplay that fans expect from the series, although some of the more subtle details from previous games have been scaled down.

An RPG that will make you think, and keep you busy for hours on end. Now clear your schedule for the next month, and pick up this game.

There are points that the game could've looked a little smoother. But it's still a remarkable experience, and the bonus goodies (namely "Separate Ways") make this a must-own. Evil has never been this good.

Double Dash!!'s multiplayer craziness is unrivaled and one of the most fun games on the GameCube.

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.

One of the best GCN titles released to date.

The Trick Stick by itself enhances the gameplay to a higher level, and the bulking-up of the Street Challenge mode is certainly going to keep solo players busy, along with messing around with extra characters.

The story, filled to the brim with elegantly executed wit, is engrossing to the point where it seems industrial strength adhesive is connecting you to it.

If the video game world was one big butcher's block, then Doom 3 would obviously come down to being one tough piece of prime rib. The game packs lots of hideous monsters to bring down and does so in a beautiful package, with the kind of sound and visuals that push the Xbox to its very limits.

A game that takes first-person shooting action, third-person platforming adventure, and a little bit of tactics, throws it into a digital blender along with a fluid storyline and undoubtedly good presentation, and comes up a bona fide winner in the hunt for Game of the Year for 2005.

To be called the "PGR 2" of rally racing is quite some praise indeed, and that's exactly what Rallisport Challenge 2 is. Highly recommended.

This incredible title has everything a great real-time strategy game should have. The four factions are very distinct in look and play, the game is challenging, and the graphics and the storyline are fantastic.

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.

Madden NFL 2005 is my favorite NFL football game of the year and it sacks "ESPN NFL 2K5" in the backfield for a loss. Not a huge loss though.

Ultramix seems to be the finest home edition yet. Packing new multiplayer features, a dance editor, downloadable goodies from Xbox Live, and the typical great DDR presentation, it simply can not be beat.

Something you look back on and think to yourself "I was lucky to be a part of that experience."

Simply put, ESPN NBA 2K5 can't be beat when it comes to value and offers quite possibly the best virtual game of basketball on the market today.

As teeth-gnashingly tough as they get, but those who stick through its paces will be well rewarded with the kind of action and beautiful looks that the first game was known for, along with a much better storyline that lines up the series.

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.

The enemy artificial intelligence is top-notch, so reloading a level never plays out exactly the same way twice, and the sound design is superb.

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.

Fast-paced action, excellently integrated stealth, and even some well-tuned platforming blend to make a cocktail that suits many tastes.

Simply put, is a great expansion to an already great game. You'll have all the elements of stressful fun: Running through explosions, shooting tons of enemies, and experiencing a variety of World War II situations right at the front lines.

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.

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

It's safe to say that Sly 3 doesn't expand on the series like Sly 2 did, as it feels more like an add-on adventure than a completely whole game in itself.

It's got an addictive control system that works pretty well, along with plenty of modes to dig into and a superb visual experience that emulates WWE telecasts nicely.

Opting to play Gretzky NHL '06 instead of "NHL 06" and "NHL 2K6" is sort of like going around hungry for a steak dinner and settling for McDonald's.

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.

Nagging complaints aside, this is clearly the best WWE GameCube game that Yukes has ever developed, and to say that I was shocked when I first saw it would be quite an understatement. The entrances, the music, the finishing maneuvers, and the gameplay are just really tight.

The best game you've never heard of. It's also the first game I've been officially addicted to in over a year, and I play a lot of games, so that should tell you something.

Anyone with either an interest in a refreshing take on the classic platform genre or simply looking for something different will definitely find complete satisfaction in this one. Truly a must-play.

An absolute must buy, and I hope that the company releases another volume in the future.

The gameplay remains top notch, and the graphics and sound are vintage Street Fighter. Dig in and get your Shoryuken on.

Gun is a blazingly original game that's made with guts and pride, booming with an intense storyline and booming with all sorts of amazing content.

Shaolin Monks redeems itself by not only keeping the tone of the series perfectly intact, but crafting around it a solid beat-em-up engine with moves aplenty, outstanding two player support, and cool little touches here and there for the avid MK fan. TOASTY!

It brings the sport of soccer to life in vibrant detail and fairly solid controls, even though the lack of modes is a bit off-putting.

A quality RTS because it combines modern-day combat with a cool story and top notch graphics. It provides a pretty decent challenge for veterans, but since it's very easy to play even novices will be able to hop in and achieve instant success.

What it offers is a turn-based RPG with a relatively unique setting, entertaining party customization system, and lots of gameplay hours. What if doesn't offer is anything revolutionary.

Packing a new online community, new courses to take on, slight gameplay tweaks, and some surprise faces in the cast, Hot Shots Golf Fore! is definitely worth a go-around.

In the end, game progression is gratifying, and it looks and sounds great enough along the way to make the entire experience an amazingly enjoyable one.

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.

It efficiently captures the mood and spirit of ancient Rome through bloody battles, exhilarating chariot races, and a few minor stealth sequences, all intertwined with a good moving story and impressive (for the most part) gameplay.

A marvelous package, and if you're an old school gaming fan, it's a must buy.

Basically, if you like Scrabble, this is a great version to have. The options are endless and it's possible that, while having fun, you might actually learn something.

The humor may not be for everyone, and the game fares a little better on Xbox in terms of performance, but otherwise, Psychonauts is definitely insane on your brain.

A great look, a compelling historical storyline and an emphasis on in-depth strategy and tactics contribute to a fun gaming experience.

The joy that comes from dual wielding two shotguns cannot be easily replaced.

A real crowd-pleaser of a game, offering tons of uncontrollable chaos and nifty, evolving gameplay to keep comic book fans and action gamers thoroughly involved. It's not a perfect superhero opus, but Ultimate Destruction is still ultimately fun.

I didn't have any desire to replay it again, but in this case, your first time will indeed be the best.

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.

Packing some great environment design, gameplay that manages to pick up to a rather addictive level, and boisterous online features that will leave the nagging frag genes within you itching for more.

But for a golf game that clearly doesn't take itself seriously, it has solid gameplay elements and a ton of modes to keep you busy, plus great Xbox Live support.

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.

The fact that you can fight for belts in Exhibition alone makes it a must buy, but the wrestlers staying in the ring while their opponents come down the aisle tickles my funny bone and I love being tickled.

It's so cool to rip things apart with Magneto and Juggernaut. It's beyond resistance.

Vietnam has all the great play elements 1942 had, and the addition of more varied aircraft such as attack choppers coupled with more technologically advanced weapons provide enough spice to make the games distinct.

The phenomenal use of sound and the "snuff" executions are exceptional, and the attention to detail in both the environments, the gangs, hell, even the instruction booklet is top notch.

I cannot understand why the open-ended exploration of the game had to take a powder. Almost everything is chosen from a menu system now, instead of you being able to ride across a wide terrain to your next challenges.

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

A great pinball game doesn't need 25 different tables and a plethora of unlockable crap. All it needs to do is play well, and no argument can be made that Metroid Prime Pinball's gameplay is lacking.

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.

A fantastic game not only because it makes excellent use of the DS's special features, but also because of its unique visual style.

Though not without its flaws, the stylish presentation is such a unique departure from most standard FPS games, and the storyline was so superb, that I was able to put those minor flaws aside and thoroughly enjoy the game.

Prince of Persia includes innovative new gameplay features, jaw-dropping graphics and camera work, and a 'boomin' soundtrack, which all combine to give players of all levels and tastes hours and hours of fun.

The game's interface is wonderfully designed and really lets you lead your own destiny, and the activities and mini-games draw you in to a pirate's life.

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.

Mario Power Tennis is all about a great game of tennis, with responsive controls, colorful graphics, and a nice, lighthearted style. Fans of the sport shouldn't be surprised if they find one of the best tennis games out there.

Some of the missions can get repetitive and a few minor problems rear their heads, but you'll have too much fun to really notice!

The game's vast city landscape will take hours to submerge through, and the various modes will keep you busy. It's not blazingly new, but it still feels just right.

The graphics are amazing and the game does an absolutely phenomenal job of simulating (and teaching) the art of sailing.

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

The game may play exactly like its predecessor, but as the saying goes: If it isn't broken, don't fix it!

While the gameplay is far from original, it is entertaining, especially when you're mowing down a field of gun-toting soldiers by blasting away, or launching a vehicle into a brigade like a missile. The side missions are loads of fun, too. It's just too bad the game's over too quickly, like a siesta.

At a scant four hours for this gamer, the great experience of the game is extremely short-lived. After the straight ports we're used to from Nintendo and their GBA development, Metroid: Zero Mission is a breath of fresh air (even for a "remake"), but it shows there's still a way to go.

The one-player game does its best to keep you enthralled, but the multiplayer game is truly where it's classic.

Perfect for kids, which accomplishes the goal of Extreme Skate Adventure.

This isn't the defining baseball experience, mind you, just another fun game with Mario and company. Nothing wrong with that.

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.

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.

Some of the AI responses seem pretty stupid. Enemies don't appear to be very good at fighting, and will generally stand in place to shoot you. They won't duck behind cover or retreat.

Not every game is a winner, as some selection and control issues get in the way. Still, this is a tremendous value with hours upon hours of replay, and it's a great history lesson for those who think everything began with Nintendo.

It's a novel idea that almost works to perfection, and it's bolstered by a whacky Japanese design that'll please gamers looking for title with an Eastern flavor.

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.

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.

It wasn't designed with perfect care, but just enough for comic book fans and newcomers to swing around in sheer joy.

The controls have been well adapted to the PC and the graphics have been upgraded, so it doesn't even feel like a port.

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.

It doesn't all quite come up roses (QB Vision isn't all it's cracked up to be), but Madden, EA, and Tiburon still know how to produce a marvelous game of football.

The difficulties and player skill involved vary the time greatly, but don't expect to finish it in less than 30 hours. For stealth junkies, Thief: Deadly Shadows is a pure, powdered-to-perfection, Grade-A addiction.

The use of jetpacks in combination with "skiing" creates a different dynamic that you won't find in other shooting games. The weapons are well balanced, and the multiplayer is easy to get into.

The action is fast paced, with great weaponry and enemies that will surprise the hell out of you. Multiplayer is even faster than the single-player game, and is amazingly reminiscent of "Quake."

The game has some of the best design and feel in the business, and has the kind of balanced AI that will keep you challenged.

Shining Force is a game that's as easy to slip into as those pants one size too large you bought on accident that make you feel thin.

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 world is absolutely beautiful and you'll find yourself mesmerized at some of the scenery. Battling is a joy and really puts you in the driver's seat, so to speak, instead of just forcing you to be an observer of the action taking place on the screen.