Removing the backstage areas seriously lessons the game's fun factor, and whoever selected the legends needs to be demoted. Still, the game's a blast to play.

Taking place in two entirely different eras, the 1970s and 2006, Parallel Lines bleeds style, but the most important aspect, the gameplay, is actually fun.

It's got the kind of gameplay to get you going in a hurry, and its challenge lasts quite a while. It wouldn't hurt to get Serious.

The game's presentation seems just slightly above average at best, and the game lacks the kind of killer multiplayer where you can deem yourself ruler of the mountain.

The combat system is card based, but just pressing the A button enough will most likely guarantee you victory regardless of the situation.

While this spirited update to the 1996 light gun classic isn't nearly as polished or intelligent as some of the other games in its genre, it still provides tons of hardcore alien blasting and some slick special effects. The controls are spot on.

Dark Age of Camelot can be said to be the best MMORPG to have come out since "EverQuest." It's more updated, adds more in depth with the universe your in, and for 10 dollar a month, it's a steal.

All in all, this game is a lot of fun, and young and old gamers alike will have a blast playing as their favorite characters from the movie.

Things can get a bit tedious, but the game picks up in its multiplayer co-op and Xbox Live options.

The constant shift between action and stealth gameplay keeps things fresh and exciting, and the constant chatter between your character and the operator means that you'll rarely get lost.

A solid pick up for Pokemon fans, but I strongly suggest that you check out "Zoo Keeper," "Polarium," and "Meteos" before purchasing Trozei.

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.

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.

Missions are short, but the trial-and-error of finding out how to accomplish each one compensates for it.

The challenge is there, the rules have been correctly implemented, and things play rather well. However, part of the thrill in playing a board game that strongly involves negotiating with other players loses something when it is put into text format.

Sure, it's a little itchy at times in terms of its single-player redundancy, the graphics could've been a little bit more detailed, and there's something to be said about actually struggling to control a tank, but it still delivers some satisfying team-based action, with different soldiers at your command and the ability to really blow anything up.

The camera becomes a problematic issue, the voice work is about as desirable as using a cheese grater to get rid of itchy skin, and there's not much to delve back into once it's beaten.

Not only is it an excellent 2D side-scroller with a lot of content, but the best part of all is the number of fun weapons and vehicles you have in your arsenal.

A fine FPS for the Xbox, giving you lots of opportunity to unearth the trials of war through a number of intriguing campaigns.

The game is way too easy to blow through, and some additions come at a cost of some of the more crucial elements in the film.

While the gameplay isn't really anything new, it's all backed by a terrific story, a mounting challenge, and some impressive graphics.

The levels are all extremely repetitive, and the graphics are sub par. But if you love Simpson's trivia, this is definitely chalk full of it.

The biggest drawback to this title is the small playlist of songs that play like a soundtrack for Summer 2003. However, it's worth a look when you couple the lower price with an unbelievably complete set of features.

While AoE III fails to bring a great deal of new content, it does a great job of summing up the last couple years of strategy and combining it with the look and feel of the RTS titles of yesteryear.

The use of alchemy and the ability to turn almost anything in the environment into base ingredients for your magic is a fun and unique take on the RPG genre.

It's easily the best looking football game to date and it plays good enough to warrant a purchase, but EA nixed the ability to challenge plays, so each time there's a bad call the ruling on the field stands. That definitely sucks.

You know, there's a crowd out there that Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII was built for, and it's spelled out in clear letters- ARCADE.

And aside from wanting to achieve better scores, there's little reason to return to Point Blank DS, though to be fair, it's best experienced in short, controlled bursts.

Full Auto can easily be recommended to those who don't mind a heavy amount of vehicular carnage in a racing game, along with the high speed thrills that come with it.

Hardcore Castlevania fans may be disappointed with Lament because of its emphasis on action and Konami's decision to break up the castle into levels instead of keeping it whole.

If you're tired of Sonic's antics and you've been yearning for some innovation, you won't find it with this title. The multiplayer does its best to keep things interesting, but it's not enough to make Sonic's latest outing a must have.

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.

A charming little adventure that deserves to find an audience for its creativity and its endless list of adventures to complete.

Modern Combat isn't the epitome of brilliant game design. It's too easy to lose focus, and the arcade like gameplay trivializes death. It's worth playing, but not for too long.

It's a bit tedious at times, and single player isn't really that exciting, but it's still a fun poker game.

Jak X: Combat Racing isn't really going to change your driving nature, as it lacks some of the zest of the more concentrated racing games out there. But it still delivers a mostly good time.

The definitive motorcycle racing game, this is not. The problem with MotoGP 4 is that it does little to signify itself from previous MotoGP releases by the Namco team, nor does it have the extra oomph to really push it beyond what Sony did with their own Tourist Trophy project.

When Mercury is at its best, it's an elegantly simple and addictive action-puzzler. When it's at its worst, it's like a tedious pop quiz from an unpredictable, bad-tempered teacher.

An insanely deep RTS game that requires a little more brain power to complete than some of its competitors. With that being said, prepare to be yanked in a billion different ways as there are all sorts of problems that need attending to, but then again, who said that ruling all of Europe would be easy?

The graphics are outstanding, the teamwork aspects are unique and enjoyable, and even in single player there's fun to be had. On the other hand, using the Game Boy Advance can be a hassle from time to time.

Larian has escaped formulaic RPGs and brought us a game truly worth the 80+ hours it takes to discover everything within. Fans of the "Baldur's Gate" and "Icewind Dale" series will find something familiar here and experience a strange form of nostalgia.

Legacy Interactive has done a marvelous job of not only immersing the player into the mythos of the show, but also allows them to see if they have what it takes to be a real-life crime fighter.

The best part is, unlike PC users, you don't need save data from Doom 3 in order to enjoy it, and enjoy it you probably will. I just wish there was a little more to it, especially since the last quarter of game is quite rushed.

Its horrible touch screen controls notwithstanding, Ridge Racer DS is a fast-paced thrill ride that's without a doubt the best racing game for the Nintendo DS.

Liberty City Stories is by no means a terrible game, as it still manages to deliver most of the goods we remember from the PSP effort we went through last year in console form. But it could've used a little bit of touching-up to go along with its terrific price, so that the game could've gotten the same kind of respect and recognition that its previous chapters received.

Falls too often into the trap where it just feels like an add-on to the series, instead of a brave new sequel.

The gameplay's solid, but the story's disposable, the music's forgettable, and everything is just a bit too easy.

Cold Winter's visuals aren't all that great and a marker always tells you where to go, but running around dismembering people is the primary focus and it's incredibly satisfying.

The bad news is that long way it took to get here may have been too long for its own good, as it's easily overshadowed by the competition from Rockstar and EA.

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.

If you're looking for some quick and easy fun, it's here. However, if you're looking for some depth in the wrestling engine, you'll need to wait for a next generation "Smackdown."

The primary appeal of this booster come from the maps, which provide a nice variety of gameplay and justify the download even though they don't support 64 players.

Unlike any other puzzle game on the market, and it's that level of ingenuity and creativity that makes it a must-own, even though its longevity leaves something to be desired.

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.

The controls become significantly easier when there is a gamepad installed, as opposed to strictly using the keyboard and mouse. The camera issues can be frustrating at times, but do not ruin the game.

Through the variety of single player challenges, multiplayer action, and sheer number of Micro Machines to unlock, there's a lot to do here, but the game may frustrate many with its slightly unhelpful camera and constant need to get the handling nailed down in several areas.

Incredibly fun to play, even though its trick system is somewhat shallow.

I wish there were more items to unlock, but as is, it's still worth a play through.

The nonlinear gameplay, extreme environment interaction and first person perspective create a world different from the standard role-playing game, and that's like a breath of fresh air for those tired of straightforward and clichéd titles.

Playing the Xbox version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is kinda like playing against a hot blonde who has the best golf advice in the world. Playing the Xbox 360 version is like playing the same blonde who'll give you advice on where to get your car washed.

It's flawed, but Men of Valor is a quality first person shooter that features intense combat situations and superb visuals that shine through the game's linearity.

Providing enough levels to grind through and enemies to blast, along with a good challenge level and the kind of presentation that does James Cameron's franchise proud.

It shows in the incredibly intriguing and well-executed storyline. However, as shiny as the story may be, it can't hide the unpolished feel of other aspects.

The death matching is fantastic, but that aside Darkwatch is like a quality restaurant appetizer, tasty as all hell but not enough to sustain my burning hunger.

The custom card building and use of the Dragon Balls are excellent additions, making up for the lack of modes in the game.

The four player is enjoyable, but the experience fizzled out the longer we toyed with it, as the concept isn't very original. Also, if you're not into Shrek, this definitely isn't for you.

The game features a number of scenarios and a gripping storyline that will suit fans of the series rather nicely. It still comes to an end way too soon, follows a bit of the basics at times, and doesn't really offer anything for the casual fans in terms of innovation, but it could've been a lot worse.

The graphics are quite the mixed bag, very pretty during most levels but yucky on others, something Factor 5 didn't fix because Rogue Leader suffered from this as well.

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.

Basically, this is a solid casino game that is great for older kids (teens and up) and parents looking for a gaming fix or to enhance their skills before they hit the Vegas strip.

Not the best looking, and certainly not for the impatient, Glory of the Roman Empire gets the job done in a unique and enjoyable way.

It's not exactly a memorable quest, but Madagascar is still a good time, especially to fans of the movie who can't get enough of its main characters.

Older gamers may want to give this a spin for kicks, but younger gamers will appreciate the challenges and fun that Hamtaro: Ham Ham Games brings to the table.

Not a masterpiece by any means, but good ninja fun.

It may be a little too chaotic for its own good. The difficulty is all over the road, and the car handling leaves much to be desired. The lack of a custom soundtrack feature hurts as well, leaving you with the option to listen to the game's repetitive rock selections.

It would've been nice to see more mutliplayer options and maybe a camera that works like it's supposed to, but it's a quality adventure that should keep you hooked for hours. It's not a major comeback, but it's a step up from the monotony the series has fallen into.

Sure, it doesn't have the dramatic punch of the Double Dragon series, but it more than makes up for its lack of flair with amazing depth, making it my portable fighting game of choice for Nintendo's handheld.

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.

Having grown tired of boring crime simulators, I find playing as a killer shark to be a refreshing change of pace, and the game's various bells and whistles, such as the JAWS theme and the sound of hapless divers screaming underwater are joys to listen to.

Star Fox Command could have benefited from a few difficulty levels, but it's still a cool shooter that shouldn't be missed.

It's worth purchasing for the World Cup and Free-4-All modes alone, but be aware that this isn't the defining hockey experience it could have been.

Another great entry in the critically-acclaimed series, but Rainbow Six enthusiasts may be turned off by its quicker pace.

The new paths you can take, as well as the free wireless adapters that open the door for new ways to communicate and play with others, really make these solid additions, especially for those who missed the Pokemon craze several years ago.

The game's large assortment of weapons, online and co-op play, and handful of fiendishly addictive mini games far outweigh the first generation graphics and frame rate issues.

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.

It's an old game, but it's still fun, and as long as you're not a tournament level player, you'll enjoy the game despite the slight hiccups during online play.

It's certainly a quality product, but the stiff controls, the back tracking, and the predictability is soooo 2004.

The whole thing, however, ends up pretty much over within a matter of hours. And then will The Matrix have you? Probably not.

At first I thought it was going to put me to sleep because I had played games like it before, but its nuances, however subtle, make it a slick budget title.

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.

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.

The gameplay holds together fine, the graphics look great enough to keep the game moving, and you got to love being able to go online and rub a wheelie in an opponent's face.

Overall, Lizzie McGuire 3: Homecoming Havoc is a great choice for Lizzie fans, young girls in particular. However, those looking for a more rugged, action-packed, or sophisticated game should look for something else.

A cool game that looks and sounds great, but it's best experienced in very small doses. The low level of interactivity with your virtual pet combined with the very limited gameplay options means Connection Corner Shop gets old quick, but considering the old Tamagotchi products, this one's definitely an evolution of the brand.

Anyone looking for something a little different from the average MMO, and most especially anyone holding onto that last thread before reinstalling "Diablo II" should do themselves the favor of checking out RYL. It has its share of graphical and server issues, but it includes the most important element of the game formula: fun.

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.

A highly enjoyable thriller that has a nice mix of stealth and action. The game's story will make you want to beat it quickly (it'll take between 10 and 20 hours), but you'll have a lot of fun doing so.

The game features a sweet new battle system that has great potential for future installments, as well as platforming sequences that break up the monotony and some unconventional design and story ideas.