After gaining psychic powers, the game becomes amazingly easy. Additionally, the storytelling isn't very good and the game is riddled with bugs and design flaws.

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.

While Terminal Reality attempts to break up the monotony of this fighting game by including some jumping and leaping "puzzles," turning Rayne into a wannabe Olympic gymnast, it's simply not enough to give this any real depth. It's a good game... for what it is.

This is pretty much as straightforward as shooters get. You play destroy everything that moves, upgrade your equipment, then do it all again. However, the gameplay is so fast that it's easy to forget the easy designs.

Graffiti Kingdom is definitely worth buying if you love art or just building things, but if you're just looking for a solid action adventure title you should spend your money elsewhere.

The gameplay picks up right where "Phantom Brave" left off with a few new additions that change the gameplay from leveling up to strategy.

A pretty tough game, but mystery buffs and Nancy Drew fans will have a blast playing as the famous sleuth.

You can't help but feel that the whole Outlaw theme has run its course, like the old, fat biker who insists he can't be beat at shot drinking and then collapses after two drinks.

Takes you deep into farming activities and offers a compelling game experience as a result. The number of choices you can make and activities you can take part in are nearly endless, despite the game's basic presentation.

Loaded with lots of detail, requiring specific tactics in order to train veterans and survive. Phase II mixes things up with three very distinct single player campaigns and the inclusion of day and night missions.

Road to Freedom isn't terrible, but it's exactly like a boring significant other. The fire burns out way to quickly, and what you'll be left with is an empty shell of a game that you'll dread coming home to night after night.

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.

Even with the upgrade, the graphics and style of play are only appealing to the old school gamers who grew up on the original EverQuest and Ultima Online.

You can get stuck in a particular section for quite some time, or unfairly snatched up mid--play. The design of the tables make up for this somewhat, and the price is nice at $20. Go and flip out for a bit.

I couldn't help but notice it struggled in parts, namely with the game's basic nature or its lackluster sound features.

The graphics in Herbie Fully Loaded aren't the best, and only allow you to view Herbie from the back. Lindsay Lohan only appears in what look like still photographs before each race.

Mini-games aside, however, the game seems to be lacking due to slipshod controls that can't really piece together when needed, and questionable physics that will put your driver and your windshield into a long-term relationship.

The presentation is wonderful, with revamped graphics that look better than they've ever been thanks to a wider view of the field.

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 quality of this year's edition is unparalleled, especially when it comes to the heaping amount of modes included (Race For the Heisman in itself is stellar) and the gameplay that EA Tiburon has been working on for years to perfect.

The game is beaten rather quickly, and somehow lacks the inventive touches that the film itself possesses. Still, it could've been worse. "Oompa Loompa DDR," anyone?

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.

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 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.

The online play extends its life ever so slightly, but after dealing with the nails-on-a chalkboard voices, the cheap AI, and stiff as a board character animations, I had no choice but to eject this drivel from my Xbox and apologize to "Dead or Alive Ultimate" for neglecting it.

Manages to stick to its roots and, as a result, wins the day with good ol' fashioned action and non-stop comic book action, like the film itself.

Comic book fans will appreciate the inclusion of additional enemies and the ability to fight alongside a friend in co-op mode, but the game still comes up short.

The biggest part about Fantastic Four that makes it enjoyable is the multiplayer collaboration. Two players can work together side-by-side in the game's story mode, or can simply go at it in an Arena Battle against endless minions. It may be just the ticket for those eager to team up for clobberin' time.

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

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.

The available maps are enormous, and the player is overwhelmed by the feel of modern warfare as jets race across the sky, choppers hover overhead, and tanks roll across the roads.

Some slow down, a questionable camera, a nasty control glitch, and the excessive back tracking seriously hampers the overall gameplay experience.

The game's got a solid story, pretty visuals, and good controls, and it's for the most part a very fun experience, but some targeting issues, unimpressive mini games, and maddeningly frustrating stealth elements keep Destroy All Humans from being a killer app.

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.

I'm not much of a cook, but I do know how to make a mediocre game. You toss in some bland graphics, ridiculously boring combat, and then top that off with an atrocious story.

It's not really much of an Evolution, suffice to say. Capcom Fighting Evolution seems more like a potpourri of Capcom's fighting brands, mixing together different fighters with interesting results.

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.

Sadly, EA's worst Bond game is just as bad on the DS as it is on the Xbox.

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.

It feels incredibly hard to master, and at times the levels just come across as a little bit too overwhelming.

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.

The game does have some excellent variety, and it's got a wealthy amount of modes to keep you busy. Still, the product feels like a second-rate DDR wannabe instead of clearly marking out its own territory. At least it's still fun.

The customization options are cool, but more often than not the game's repetitiveness and low development values drag it through the mud.

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.

Although the modifications are great, the game just seems to have some signs of wear and tear with its shift to Xbox. But don't let the minor downgrade fool you. This is still a gangster's paradise.

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?

Digimon World 4 isn't necessarily a must-have, but, with four players along for the ride, it does provide some decent Digi-thrills.

Repetitious gameplay isn't always a bad thing if the game is properly designed around it. Unfortunately, Digimon World 4 doesn't fall into that category.

If you don't appreciate games with only so much to do and only so much to explore than ER probably isn't for you.

It's got plenty of big ideas and executes most of them brilliantly, but the game's shortcomings - namely the frame rate and questionable dialogue - leave us wondering what really could have been with another year of development time.

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

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.

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.

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

The idea may be twisted, but the execution is purely logical fun.

If EA Sports had worked harder to include most of the stuff from the console game, they could've had a winner with MVP Baseball. But it's not to be.

While it attempts to be a strong contender against the Total War series, it doesn't make it, even with the unique addition of naval combat.

It's an inventive process, really taking steps where a game development hasn't before as you control a fish making his way through the Seven Waters.

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.

It annoys me that Nintendo didn't really do anything catchy to appeal to non believers. Because of this, the game feels very sub-standard, and the song list is atrocious. For hardcore fans only, I'm afraid.

If you enjoy zipping Hot Wheels through loops and off your front porch, TrackMania is an essential selection as it's one of the best PC games of 2005.

A game that could have been an amazing return of the CRPG, due to a severe lack of polish and some big issues with bugs and failed ventures, becomes premature bargain bin stuffing.

The new races are cool, but it seems strange that one of them is only available to those who pre-order or complete a very high-level quest. While it includes a great amount of content, Legions lacks a bit of polish and lot of shine.

The lack of diversity in stages (no real space combat?!) hurts, and there's only so much to come back to. Not a total loser of a game, but the Force is not strong with this one.

A must have for the PSP, simply for its gameplay and number of items that you can get as you make your way to Golfing God or Goddess.

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, Pariah isn't fun. Its gameplay is seriously flawed and its story doesn't get off the ground, which is a damn shame.

While more than a couple aspects of this game turn out on the bland side, and the single player campaign is much more difficult than it should be, the game is fun to behold.

Fans of the series won't be disappointed, and those seeking something fast and fun will be happy they picked it up.

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

One of the strongest advancements in real-time strategy games to come along in a long time.

It has its moments of well-timed chaos scattered across a tale of monotony and deja vu, and that does not a classic make.

The game really doesn't have that much to offer, but it does have twelve different levels in which you draw out your own conclusions, and they get more fun with each level.

It's fun using all of the Predator's gadgets and he's quite nimble, but the atrocious level design, horrible character models (save the Predator), the wacky camera, and the pathetic gore level keeps this game from being the classic that it could've been.

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.

The game suffers from too little variety, and freezing monsters over and over again can get tiring.

The game's shortcomings seal its fate and leave it miles behind the likes of Sam Fisher and Solid Snake, whose latest endeavors are far more worth your investment.

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.

It'll tickle your brain (OK, not literally) and put a smile on your face.

Atrocious collision detection, clipping, stupid AI, horrible end of match transitioning, and an annoying Career Mode are just a few of this game's numerous flaws.

A breath of fresh air that has restored faith in platforming adventure titles. Within the first three minutes of gameplay, one realizes just how funnily bizarre this title is.

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.

If you thought "Fable" and "Knights of the Old Republic" were the best RPGs the Xbox had to offer, you need to think again. Jade Empire is the new king of Xbox RPGs, and it doesn't look like anything will be releasing this year to top it.

Reminded me of any given recent Steven Seagal film. Yeah, you'll have your guilty pleasure with it and like some moments of its over-the-top violence, but it really feels like the same old thing, like the after-effects of a good idea gone rather sour in production.

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

The graphics aren't exactly awe-inspiring and neither is the gameplay. Hardcore RTS fans might want to consider this one, but if you don't qualify as hardcore then don't bother.

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.

Its story isn't as cool as it could've been and the lackluster monster design keeps it from matching "Resident Evil" and "Silent Hill's" intensity, but Obscure is a fairly enjoyable game that's worth picking up, especially for the price.

There's no denying that First to Fight is a competent shooter, though some moronic AI decisions, clipping, and the simple fact that games such as this have been done to death make it less than impressive.

Releasing the likes of The Rise of Kasai after the testosterone-pumping brilliance that was "God of War" is like trying to reintroduce yourself to a McDonald's burger after you've tasted the glory of In n' Out Burger...why bother?

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.

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

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

It has some good ideas but they're overthrown by a particular lack of anything that stands out, aside from the herky-jerky camera and the occasional booty shots.

The gameplay remains somewhat fun as you mix up combos and techniques, alone or with a friend, but the difficulty level is questionable and some parts of the game came up lacking.

I wanted to give Chaos Theory a five-star rating like its brother before it, I really did. But something held me back, probably the lack of so many co-op maps or something about the way the gameplay didn't jar me like it used to, as excellent as it remains.

The combat options are refreshing, and the ability to pummel up to 15 other people in a deathmatch is awesome, but the graphics aren't as smooth as they could be, and there's not that much more to do, due to the lack of a comprehensive story mode.

It's fast, it's fun, and full of quirky dark humor, over-the-top violence, and honest-to-goodness car-rending amusement.