While the fighting engine is unique, and the city large and interesting, there isn't much to keep players glued to the game.

The collection's mostly a success, although when it falls backward, it falls hard, particularly with the miserable remake of "Golden Axe."

The only major problem with Ape Escape is it doesn't really offer a thrilling gameplay experience. Much like the original, it lacks that all important "wow" factor.

It wants so badly to be liked and allows you to break the rules like a good, over-the-top game really should. But it has flaws within its presentation, and it doesn't really keep your attention for long as you bust dealer after dealer.

The game surprisingly has some value this time around, particularly with the ability to race against others online and being able to use customized soundtracks during a race.

It uses the Dragon Ball Z license to ill effect, failing to offer any kind of memorable gameplay experience.

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.

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

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

Monotony does not a good game make, in any situation. In a brawling game, it's practically a death knell, a sign of laziness in development and a lack of innovation. And it's one of the key things that kills Mutant Melee before it can even get started.

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.

Since the camera can be extremely infuriating, a low blood pressure might also be good.

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.

The game definitely oozes cool and the special effects are top notch, and although the combat does become repetitive, the enormous amount of skills you can collect, missions to embark upon, four-player deathmatch via Xbox Live, and Phantom Dust's $19.99 price tag make it a must buy for those of you looking for a different kind of experience that's normally found on the PS2.

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.

There are plenty of scares to be had, and the emphasis on shooting things in the head (and the resulting gore) makes this a fabulous guilty pleasure.

It runs into setbacks with its graphics and controls that make it a distant second-place choice behind the superior competition.

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

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.

This game is addictive, pure fun for those who find the sport to their liking, and its presentation is actually pretty sharp, a lot more focused than the somewhat flawed "Rugby 2004" over on the PS2.

The mediocre level designs, awful voice acting, spotty controls, and the boring/mindless Story Mode keep it from being as cool as its box art suggests.

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.

Everything about it, including its dazzling sound effects, gritty visuals (that feature a phenomenal "down the gun sight perspective"), chess-like gameplay, and its variety of missions really elevates it above the competition.

While it improves the overall Sims 2 game significantly, the "university" aspect is disappointing and very short-lived.

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.

Fans of the arcade version of Tekken 5 will be happy to see a near flawless port of the game, complete with all of the customization aspects of the arcade game. In addition, you'll find your standard fighting game modes of play, plus an in-depth practice mode, and all three original Tekken arcade titles. Hands down, this is one of the best fighting games available for the PS2.

It's merely a very standard game that's all about mindless blasting and consuming copious amounts of Red Bull, to which I say, rock on!

Looks and plays wonderfully in almost every area, and backs up the action with a huge Skybox to play around with, numerous modes, and Xbox Live support.

Even with its lackluster Arcade Mode, and the lack of online play, Gran Turismo still conveys what it has always been known for: The Drive of Your Life. There is no question that this is the most expansive racing title available.

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.

Being able to control both helicopters and fighter planes at least adds some variety to what is at times a fairly dry gameplay experience.

I think the package could have benefitted from the inclusion of the Street Fighter Alpha games, but that's more than made up for with the Xbox Live play and the extras.

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.

It's got a unique blend of gameplay quirks between its stealth, telekinesis, and shooting, and the presentation is well done, even by the standards of Free Radical Design. Sigh...but if only they fixed the game's general difficulty and replayability.

It just really isn't that fun to play, and the over-splatter effect makes "Mortal Kombat" look like a Pico product. Avoid it like the black plague.

The new combat system is complicated but imaginative and adds much depth to the gameplay that was already superb.

It's not that Fatal Shadows is a horrible game, it's just that we've seen it before- it fails to distinguish itself from "Wrath of Heaven" and even keeps some of its most crucial flaws.

While it's certainly fun to play and one of the few reasons (currently) to even bother with the Nintendo DS, it just doesn't feel all that special.

A disappointment. The controls are more sticky than they need to be, and the general presentation feels like a step back rather than a step forward.

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.

If the mindless action of mashing your analog stick to death won't bore you into using Death by Degrees as a coaster, the horrible soundtrack will at least guarantee you will make use of the mute feature on your TV.

2002/2003 will please the hardcore brawler in you.

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.

This is definitely a genre that needs some serious reinventing.

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.

The gameplay is fairly lackluster when compared to non-licensed games in the genre. The ability to transmute objects is a nice addition, but it simply doesn't add enough to keep non-fans interested.

Would've been a great game had it come out three years ago, but this is 2005, and its gameplay mechanics just aren't acceptable. There's just so much wasted potential it's ridiculous, and the graphics are so average that I'm very surprised at Volition.

Unfortunately, due to the difficult controls, it's not a game you can pick up and play without some level of practice.

It's like your grandmother getting some unnecessary plastic surgery- there's some value for the dollar, but underneath seems to be the same old thing. Still, it could have been worse.

While RE4 has a spectacular opening, the game's plot is at times as boring as a shambling zombie, and while the developers did a marvelous job with the game's graphics, its memorable boss battles, and some of the gameplay mechanics, the emphasis on action somewhat demeans the overall experience, leaving me to conclude that while Resident Evil 4 is one of the greatest games ever made it's by no means a perfect one.

Compared to past 2D Zelda titles, Minish Cap is bursting with personality and detail. Little touches, such as the expression on Link's face and accompanying scream as he rides a mine cart, his disheveled hair, the smart-talking Ezlo, the creative new gadgets and detailed environments help to give the game a certain charm.

It's definitely entertaining and the game carries the GTA vibe well, but with very little story, it degenerates into a mindless blast fest that, while fun for a little while, loses its mustard the longer you play.

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.

It's a fantastic two-player affair, but that's as good as it gets. The improvements and new additions can't save the gameplay, which winds up being even shallower than the first game's due to the inclusion of GameBreaker 2s.

Ubisoft's game would have gone over much better had they given us more freedom to use the team at hand for better purposes, and not stuck us with only so many puzzles to solve or obvious hints at what needs to be found where. Furthermore, the game simply isn't fun to play, using a clunky interface.

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

It's extremely frustrating because the game's unbalanced, and repeatedly having to read the same dialogue over and over puts a damper on the overall experience.

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.

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

Even though the missions may sometimes seem like an exercise in patience than of strategic might, this is still a great looking game that is a great experience to play.

The mini-games still remain a treat for four players, and the use of a microphone is a smart idea, and comes in handy at points. However, the game's single player mode remains a letdown, and the graphics and sound come across as a rerun.

While some of you may be annoyed by the title's difficulty adjustment, namely, the inclusion of a power bar and unlimited continues, you'll still be amazed by the intense action that the game offers, and its collection system is pretty sweet as well.

I just wish the stylus control had been tweaked a bit more, because while controlling characters with it is a lot of fun, when I die I know that I would've lived had I been using the d-pad.

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

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.

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.

Combines not only technical prowess and fine-tuned gameplay, but pleasure as well, making this the new standard for the competition. Word to the other companies: this is the reason your registered users are dwindling.

Bursting at the seams with variety.

A while back I played a terrible FPS for the PS2 called "Fugitive Hunter," and within 30 minutes of playing Rogue Agent I realized that Goldeneye's almost the exact same game. It's an atrocious first person shooter that reeks of lazy development, and EA should be ashamed of what it's done.

Loaded with features and pound for pound one of the best games of the year (and it's only $29.99), Alien Hominid's a treat for the senses.

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.

Boasting an impressive amount of tunes to dance to, modes to play around with, and online and offline goodies to dig into, it's clearly the choice for dancing fans this holiday season.

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.

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

The constant need to micromanage my character was a huge turn off, and EA's horrible use of the touch screen doesn't help this title achieve greatness.

The game doesn't have as many options as its console counterparts, and while it's cool that it's in 3D Madden's graphics look atrocious, but it's still an enjoyable football game.

It also reeks of sloppy development, making it a decent title for the brain dead, but an absolute bore fest for those looking for even the cheapest of thrills.

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.

There is extensive use of lighting, shadows, and sounds. There is nothing like the howl of an evolved head-crab zombie to completely freeze a player in his tracks. The giant spidery Striders never fail to be both threatening and awe-inspiring.

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

Definitely more improved than its predecessor in that there's more stuff to do and it looks nicer, but the gameplay is still a buggy mess. It's also not even in the same league as the other wrestling games on the market.

This could've been a fantastic crossover title that really highlighted some of the company's greatest games, but instead is a competent game that features solid fighting and little else.

You can only ride on the license for so long before things get stale, and that's exactly what's happened here. If you loved the first two, you'll still probably love this one, but when do fighting game fans get to have fun with a DBZ game?

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

It's hampered by some level design issues, but that shouldn't stop you from picking the game up. Gorgeous and fun to play, your spidey senses will definitely be tingling.

Call of Duty doesn't blast its way onto the Xbox but rather trips over its own feet onto a pile of live grenades. It's an enjoyable first person shooter, but its many glitches (especially those found in the online mode) are extremely annoying, and the game is just too linear for its own good.

The complete insanity that occurs and the hollowed-out wrecks that are left in its wake provide cheap thrills, and the online play extends the game's replay value just a bit. Also, while Crash 'N' Burn's music is positively awful, its graphics, special effects, and car customization options more than make up for it.

Because the fighting is slow paced and repetitive, playing the game is rather tedious, especially if you want to suffer through the single player mode to unlock playable characters.

While the game can't really hold a candle to the "Dynasty Warriors" games in terms of quality and exploration, it really isn't all that bad.

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.

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.

Its Xbox Live options are plentiful, and its presentation, while a bit basic on some ends, still manages to get the job done. It accurately portrays the sport of paintball except for the mess and pain.

Fight Club doesn't offer anything of value. Bad gameplay, bad graphics, and bad voicework make this not even worth getting for free.

If you actually manage to track down a copy of this game, know that your effort was really worth it since It's Mr. Pants is one of the best puzzle games you'll find on the GBA.

The music selection could've used more work, and some parts of the game drag when they shouldn't. Still, this is a great sequel.

The sequel features improved graphics, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, new weapons, suits, and visors for Samus to use, as well as a host of menacing creatures to blast and puzzles to solve.

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.