If you stick with it you'll be generously rewarded with a twisted tale that'll leave you guessing until the very end. It also doesn't hurt that the game is quite easy on the eyes, featuring slick cel shading that is liquid cool.

Despite their age, these two classics are still quite playable thanks to various tweaks, which include the ability to save anywhere, additional dungeons, and new storylines.

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.

The new enemies, areas, quests and story elements make this a must-buy for anyone who plays Final Fantasy XI, as well as those that have yet to go hunting in Square Enix's MMORPG masterpiece.

The interactivity is a joy, and the amount of content included in this expansion is amazing.

It's far from perfection, but if classic gaming is in your blood or piquing your curiosity, this Anthology is for you.

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

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.

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.

The RPG for those of us that dislike RPGs. It's easy to play, funny, absolutely gorgeous, and filled with plenty of good old fashioned Nintendo fun. Also, the soundtrack is amazing.

Presents a strong sense of immersiveness, using Source - the same graphics engine that powers "Half-Life 2" - and an incredible dynamic conversation engine.

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.

It would have been nice to have some remixed tunes in-game, as well as the Mega Man X games, but, regardless, you can't go wrong with this Collection.

With the new team action introduced in the game, could it have been too much to ask for a multiplayer game?

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 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.

Forget about the delayed FPS juggernauts of "Half-Life 2" and "Doom3," and spend your hard earned dinero on a game that is as spectacularly beautiful and brilliantly executed as any FPS ever.

The crashes look as great as they always have, even with a little lack in detail here and there. The sound is plagued by some bad EA Trax picks, and, unfortunately, you're not able to play your own songs from the PSP.

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.

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.

There really isn't much to ponder over if you're a fan of IndyCar racing. This is the best IndyCar title to date, period. If you like Indy, you will like this game. However, if you don't like Indy, then stay as far away from this game as possible.

A much improved follow-up, with an appreciative career mode, thunderous and inventive gameplay, and the kind of presentation that will knock you on your ass.

Skill-based character development is easy to grasp despite being amazingly complex in combination.

While it conceptually doesn't offer anything new (because it is at heart just another Donkey Kong Country title), it's the innovative controls that set it apart from the me-too titles that clog its respective genre, and although it's a little on the easy side, the game has plenty of replay value.

The best portable version of Mortal Kombat to date.

This game is so good that I consider it one of 2005's sleeper hits. It doesn't present much of a challenge for adults, but when it comes to entertaining children Stuart Little 3 is golden.

If you're the type of cerebral gamer who relishes in attacking enemies from behind to do extra damage, or perhaps placing everyone perfectly for a combo attack, then La Pucelle is just as good as the best entries in the genre.

While nowhere near as pretty and interactive, Blood Will Tell is the closest PS2 owners will get to having "Otogi" on their machines. It's a slick hack-and-slash adventure with a great story, beautiful art work, and intense combat.

Best of all, however, the loading time is significantly improved, almost to the point that there really isn't any.

Don't expect a "StarCraft"-style fragfest either because this is more of a thinking man's RTS, where reconnaissance and artillery placement is key.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

While the end-game phase can sometimes feel like it's lasting forever, and some of the more difficult missions may turn away most casual players, this is a very strong game.

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.

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 multiplayer offerings are still on a level beyond belief, and the ability to use fellow bots to lend a hand and upgrade your weapons to nuclear capability is a nice touch. This game is seriously Deadlocked for glory.

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!

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

AI flaws and a couple of other things here and there keep it from being a must-have campaign. Still, fans will definitely want to invest.

Although this game is skewed to a young audience, I had a lot of fun playing through the tasks and making as much money as I could. Waiting tables was particularly fun, and kept me on my toes.

The 300+ stages guarantee that you'll be playing for some time, even if some are more taxing than others, and the inclusion of several mini-games in Party Mode guarantees you can get friends in on it.

Perhaps the biggest draw to the new Sims is the fact that your Sims can now grow old and die. This transforms some of the open-endedness found in the original game to one that is significantly more goal oriented.

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.

The game feels pretty good, the presentation is killer, and the abundant extras will probably keep you busy until the next World Cup tournament unfolds.

Like all Backyard sports games, Backyard Skateboarding is made expressly for kids, and it therefore has adorable animation and easy controls.

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.

The game is not too hard, and when Raven encounters obstacles that would be otherwise hard to get through, there is usually a moment when "ghost Raven" demonstrates how to get through it.

The lack of online play knocks this down the list of racing games coming out this year, but if you find yourself playing a ton of split-screen, this game is right for you.

Whatever you do, don't let its cute appearance fool you. The force is strong with this one!

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.

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

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.

A really cute, fun game that kids of all ages will enjoy.

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

Unless you've harbored a fantasy all your life to be a Captain of your very own submarine, you probably won't derive too much enjoyment from this exceptionally hardcore simulation.

Featuring a twisted storyline, a new karma ring system, pretty imagery, and tons of demons to consume, Digital Devil Saga 2 provides a somewhat different experience than the normal RPG fare, even though at its core there's nothing special about the battle system and the way you'll go about things.

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.

While it may not be that fully complete in terms of history chronicling and emulating, it does manage to provide hours of fun on end- and at a $20 bargain price, no less.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

I love Nanostray. It's got gameplay that holds up well despite the lack of additional stages, and you can link up against a friend for two-player damage. Furthermore, it looks spectacular, better than most DS games before it.

A masterpiece that will tickle the spines of even the most courageous survival horror fan.

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.

Those thirsty for a deep simulation game with lots of sweet gameplay and modes that fans will appreciate will want to make it this year's contender.

The presentation isn't perfect, but it fits the bill, and the fighting system has more longevity than I expected. Anime fans shouldn't hesitate getting into this Grand Battle.

It's got everything a good adventure game should have in all the right places: great graphics, a compelling storyline, and interesting characters.

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 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.

It's not the most sophisticated puzzle game on the planet, but it's definitely one of the most addictive, in part because it has a solid gameplay foundation, but also because its numerous modes and extras are all worth checking out.

The graphics are superb, and the game plays much better than the first Black & White. Just about every aspect has been improved, from creature training to tending to the needs of your followers.

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 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.

The gameplay is stimulating, with all sorts of firepower at your disposal, and the online components will keep you busy for lengthy periods of time. This Lone Wolf has got some fangs.

The game is fast-paced, but still not incredibly hard, so it is perfectly suited for kids.

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 game supports full online support through Nintendo's WiFi service, although hooking up with friends and staying close to servers can prove a bit hasslesome at times.

Even though it's a bit on the short side, Sword of Mana offers above average gameplay with nary a string attached.

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 classes are well balanced, and there is an impressive list of spells and skills available to players to pick and choose from.

The only complaint I have is that the additions that were added here fail to really add anything to the game, just feeling like they're tacked on rather than fully thought-out. Regardless, if you love to sing, RSVP yourself to this Party.

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.

Yes, it's a little on the easy side, but it's the perfect game for those of us who need a break from incredibly hard games that make us sweat. If you couldn't get enough of the film, Shark Tale for the Gamecube is a necessary purchase.

Lego Star Wars graphics, sound, and gameplay all bring a classic trilogy to life with utter detail, and the added sense of humor and countless list of secrets and Achievements will keep you playing, even after the Empire's fallen at your feet.

An impressive game that will teach as well as entertain. Microsoft does a wonderful job in accurately and beautifully portraying both the sights and sounds of zoo life.

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.

Serious fighting game fans will be hooked after they see how deep the gameplay is, while casual gamers will enjoy the fast-paced action and extra modes of play.

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.

The addition of online play and team customization will definitely keep hardcore football fans glued to their sets. This one doesn't just have meat on its bones, but big, pulverizing limbs. Prepare to get pounded.

The gameplay goes deeper than expected with stealth elements and the ability to build a fearful reputation and then kicks it into high gear with some thrilling racing sequences.

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