A defensive feast for the gamer who loves hacking and whacking over dishing and swishing. Its high level of strategy awards the player who makes the key steal over the one who soars to make the emphatic dunk, and the college "rah-rah-rah" atmosphere enhances the solid gameplay experience.

A must-own for the Castlevania elite.

This is a gorgeously drawn game, with extremely fluid animation and crisp, high-res artwork that looks even better on a high definition TV. Special moves have awesome, flashy effects and all the fighting arenas are nicely animated. It's so spectacular, it looks like a high production anime!

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.

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

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.

I still like the original slightly better, but I'll gladly take a second helping.

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

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."

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The atmospheric design is as good as it gets, the multiplayer options are aplenty, and no matter which perspective you choose, first or third, you'll still find some of the best combat you can dish out on a console.

The greatest game ever made. And remember, this confession comes from people who have railed against the very creature that is MMOs. Furthermore, this is the most addicting game we've ever played. Period.

The multiplayer aspect is staggering.

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.

One of the greatest ever made. From the non-stop action, enormous sprites, dazzling visuals, and colorful characters, Sega and Treasure really hit this one out of the stratosphere.

Not only does the game look as incredible as ever, it also feels like a pure natural ride, and comes loaded with a slew of options both for the multiplayer and single player modes. Climax does with two wheels what most companies can't even do with four.

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

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!

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

Now THIS is how all adventure games should be made! Quantic Dream has developed an absolutely brilliant game for a genre that was on its deathbed. This sucker gave us goose bumps, sweaty palms... the works!

Unfortunately, this game still isn't as good as Super Mario 64 due to the fact that there is no substitute for the controller built around that classic. It is the best game Nintendo DS has to offer, though, and hints at the possibilities for the future of the system.

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.

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.

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.

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 amount of time required before discovering the nuances that make Final Fantasy XI such an intriguing world for fans of the massive multiplayer online role playing game genre is gargantuan. As such, this isn't a game for the masses, but for the diehards.

An excellent mind numbing shooter that'll send a splitting headache crashing through your forehead like Astaroth's giant axe in "Soul Calibur" There's no doubt in my mind that like me you'll be begging for mercy, but that won't mean you'll be able to put down the controller.

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.

Gamers looking for a title with incredible gameplay, an engrossing story, cinematic goodness and a rough and tough commando should look no further.

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.

Absolutely staggering. Its gameplay is precise and wide-spread, its presentation is truthful to the film, and its extras are plentiful. Indeed, I can dig it!

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.

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.

It has everything you cold possibly want in expansion, including a great storyline.

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.

An intense cinematic masterpiece that's good to the last bullet.

It suffers from the single player experience coming up so short and the lack of really stepping forward in the series, but I won't complain because it's still nothing but a good time for FPS fans, complete with a heavy load of arsenal and just enough butt to kick.

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

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.

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

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

I seriously dig this game's up tempo style, and this is still the only basketball series that makes playing defense fun.

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.

The fact that the game looks as glorious as it does and plays wonderfully makes Colin McRae Rally 04 a must-have. The fact that it's available for a small $20 price tag would pretty much say it's a crime not to own it.

It has deep gameplay that makes "Need For Speed Underground" look like a Lego car.

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.

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.

The lack of multiplayer or online play does hurt the title a bit, especially when multiplayer has been included in previous Ace Combat titles.

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

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.

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.

Newcomers may find themselves a bit overwhelmed by the story, and fans may hate the spoilers, but otherwise, you'll find this game's as deep as, well, Helm's Deep. Even deeper than that.

The satisfaction of using one team to distract an enemy while the other team sneaks to take them out is unmatched, and truly makes Full Spectrum Warrior one of the best games of 2004.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A blast! The online virtual arcade is the best possible setup for an online fighting game to date. In addition, the sheer number of gameplay modes and unlockable content is outstanding.

The game's technical aspects and challenge may turn off those eager to just kick up some mud and have a good time. But those in search of a game that offers a realistic rally experience will find themselves hard-pressed to pass up this awesome piece of work.

The gameplay feels fine, the numerous modes are a blast, the graphics are mostly smoothed over, and pursuit is as good as it gets.

If only it had done something to keep the story mode a little longer, then it would truly be perfect.

Packed with customization options from heaven and an incredibly well handling ride to boot, the game is a must for those looking for big time thrills and the ability of creating their dream machines.

Bigger and definitely badder, with a more enhanced combat set-up, deeper levels and puzzles, a neat time travel gimmick, and a darker tone that works wonderfully.

To put it simply: if you are a fan of the MMO genre, you absolutely must try this game. It sucks you in from the first click and doesn't let go. Graphics, sound, and gameplay are all here and representing the best there is to offer in the MMO pride.

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.

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.

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.

Has some great humorous moments. Still, it borders a bit on overkill, so if you're tired of the series, this isn't going to sway you differently. Otherwise, feel free to skate on.

Another musical gem from Konami, the type of game that transcends videogames. Its pick up and play nature ensures that anyone can get into it and it's a great party game.

Raising your own Nintendog takes a lot of hard work and patience, but the dogs are so adorable that the payoff is definitely worth it. In a very short amount of time, you will have a new best friend that barks, wags, and poops just like real dog!

Raising your own Nintendog takes a lot of hard work and patience, but the dogs are so adorable that the payoff is definitely worth it. In a very short amount of time, you will have a new best friend that barks, wags, and poops just like real dog!

Presentation and action mesh together for a great time, and even though the multiplayer lacks, it still puts your license to kill to good use.

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 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.

Battlefront II easily conquers the first game with wise detailing on the levels, as well as fun modes with Conquer the Galaxy and lots of multiplayer options.

Raising your own Nintendog takes a lot of hard work and patience, but the dogs are so adorable that the payoff is definitely worth it. In a very short amount of time, you will have a new best friend that barks, wags, and poops just like real dog!

Loaded with new little gameplay quirks that enhance the formula and a great new array of neat level designs and enemies to beat, it's a sequel that's to be appreciated.

This is the game we've been waiting for since the day we learned we could pull on tights, don a mask and fight crime with powers we could only dream of! Now, we get to finally let our dark side run rampant through the streets!

The game could've benefited from online play and maybe just a little more touching up on some problems with the moves, but overall it's definitely got the thing for bling-bling.

If only the game had downloadable tunes, it'd be perfect. As is, it's still a must-have, whether you sing like Frank Sinatra or Frank the Garbageman.

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.

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.