2002/2003 will please the hardcore brawler in you.

The repetitiveness may get to some of you, and there are components in the graphics and audio that are annoying, but they're minor problems.

Lack of any good documentation lead us to hours of agony and frustration just to get started. It's a compelling game, and it would have been worthwhile if we knew what we were doing from the outset.

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

The hook is that the game runs in real-time. It might take your fleet several actual hours to reach the base they will be attacking, or for you to finish construction on all the ships in your queue.

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.

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.

The story is beyond uninteresting and the gameplay's extremely boring, especially compared to its competition, Sony's "God of War."

Some of the game choices clearly could've been avoided, but, otherwise, you've got coin-op gold in the palm of your hand.

Just as monotonous as the last game.

An excellent first-person shooter, using a moving storyline as a backbone for its fast-paced gameplay, awesome presentation, and packed online experience.

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.

A great piece of work, a kick-ass rush of lightning-fast swordplay garnered around the already breathtaking graphics.

Those looking for gel-dropping, combo-building good times, whether alone or against a friend, will still find a lot to like here, especially at $30.

The game looks and plays just fine, and stays true to the theme of the film, but fails to really bring anything new to the experience.

Its inventive gameplay will keep you busy with different uses of formation, and its presentation is mostly on the mark. On top of this, the boss battles are quite memorable and the extras will keep you coming back for more.

Tales of Legendia's unique battle system is extremely appealing, but as far as RPGs go, it's a bit too cliche for its own good.

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

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.

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

Instead of a deep plot with equally deep profound characters and an enjoyable, intricate battle system to boot, you get a shallow plot with boring characters and broken combat.

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.

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.

This game is about as hard as petrified wood. Capcom eased things up a bit by tossing three difficulty levels into the mix, but even the added confidence booster couldn't save me from dying hundreds of times.

If you're looking for a stripped-down, arcade-style approach to the usually arduous and otherwise inaccessible air combat genre, a "third person air shooter" if you will, then you won't want to let SWON take off without you!

While mildly entertaining, the GBA library is far too impressive for Shrek 2 to make a name for itself.

The stop and stutter gameplay makes completing Sonic Heroes and exercise in frustration, and when you couple that with some ridiculous boss battles, horrible voice acting and a nasty camera, it wouldn't surprise me if gamers snub Sega's effort and reject Sonic for the industry's better crafted platformers.

The game won't keep you in terms of any kind of longevity, but it's an engaging enough fighter to keep you busy until the next hot GameCube title comes tumbling into stores.

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 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.

Offers the player a startlingly accurate view of the blood, sweat, tears- and, most importantly, MONEY- that goes into running a successful campaign. However, don't expect much in the way of visuals: the graphics are minimal and your avatar is little more than a blob. The game can also get a bit repetitive, especially if you hit upon a winning formula.

It's a great way to work out, and it'll definitely be a hit at parties, but it's also a short-lived experience that doesn't feel like a full-fledged game.

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.

Auto Assault has undergone a massive overhaul from last year. In it's current state it looks fantastic, and plays with the kind of adrenaline-rushing glee that all games hope to aspire to.

Though not without its flaws, the stylish presentation is such a unique departure from most standard FPS games, and the storyline was so superb, that I was able to put those minor flaws aside and thoroughly enjoy the game.

One of the best portable football games because its developers elected to avoid the sport's complexities.

The game just fails to capture the energy of a true fighting game, and runs amuck of too many problems to really be considered as a purchase, unless you live DBZ and named your kid Kakarot.

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.

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.

This is a solid game with a multitude of different racing modes (online and off) that will have even the heartiest of crotch dirt-rocket lovers gleefully grabbing their gamepads for hours on end!

This is a game that's been created for the weirdos of the world interested in a game like no other.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The game has gotten a lot better since its initial release, enough to warrant that early players who left in anger should check back in to see the new game. But new players be forewarned - this game is really tough to understand if you've had little experience with real RPG's.

Sure, it's got some issues, and I don't know what's up with Stormfront Studios' inability to realize that gamers like to play together, but what we have is a solid single-player adventure that feels more like an extension from The Lord of the Rings franchise than D&D, but either way you look at it, it's a good thing.

While the gameplay is far from original, it is entertaining, especially when you're mowing down a field of gun-toting soldiers by blasting away, or launching a vehicle into a brigade like a missile. The side missions are loads of fun, too. It's just too bad the game's over too quickly, like a siesta.

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!

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

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.

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 game has its flaws, especially in the design and in some parts of the Career Mode, but it also serves up some mighty fine aspects that could serve the series better in its obviously-coming third incarnation.

There are still some nagging flaws, like questionable AI and the poor soundtrack, but you'll still get your money's worth out of this bloodsucker.

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.

It lacks the little things to push it to absolute greatness, like a depth-filled franchise mode, challenging AI, and the kind of graphics that other efforts easily outshine.

The fact that this game turned out to be as fun and engaging as it is really amazes me.

The game looks and plays just fine, and stays true to the theme of the film, but fails to really bring anything new to the experience.

While the story is entertaining, it never takes off and soars the way it could have. It's a very generic shooter with a gimmick, but that gimmick's cool enough to last you to the end.

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.

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

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.

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.

If deep, engrossing simulations are your thing, 'specifically space sims - X3: Reunion is your pot of gold at the end of the interstellar rainbow. X3 has it all - a gripping storyline (that you can ignore if you like); wide open, truly free roaming game play; jaw-dropping graphics that will make you stop you in you ion tracks; and some of the most hardcore, in-depth game mechanics we've seen in quite some time.

It doesn't do anything particularly innovative, but that shouldn't stop people from enjoying the game's vast locations, strangely funny Pupanunu people, and quirky use of animals.

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 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.

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.

The graphics are amazing and the game does an absolutely phenomenal job of simulating (and teaching) the art of sailing.

But the game certainly hasn't aged well, and what worked ten years ago (ink ribbons, that zany control scheme) isn't so attractive these days.

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.

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

The potential behind the game is unmatched, but an extremely poor online interface coupled with lackluster servers and a relatively boring single player experience makes Chromehounds a chrome donkey.

The AI presents a formidable challenge and the conflicts are both historic and monumental. However, the presentation could use a lot of work.

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.

While it's great to build your own hunter and create weapons and armor with creative aspects, and some of the monster hunting is thoroughly enjoyable, the game runs into some slight problems with gameplay and camera control that keep it from being in "freedom" of flaws.

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.

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.

If you haven't played the series before, I would recommend getting the older titles first.

The game still plays incredibly well and manages to capture the manic energy of college hoops, and the Legacy mode is recommended for dunk-alites, but the presentation is clearly in second place behind NBA 2K6, thanks to fuzzy graphics and a lame commentary duo.

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

The gameplay itself hasn't really evolved that much, and those who didn't feel the vibe from the first game will certainly not feel it here either.

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

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.

I can't help but be a bit bored by this formula as I've seen it in countless other titles.

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.

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.

This platform adventure stars the 800 pound gorilla himself and this title manages to stand on its own because of its unique design. Unfortunately, said design isn't good enough to make this game a must buy.

It has plenty of style, but the aged PS2 hardware sometimes can't keep up with the game's intensity. Online play is highly addictive, but the weapons lack proper balance to make it more competitive.

But we can't deny reality, and when clearly superior versions of the same game exist, it's hard to recommend this one.

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 bit of fun, and those who don't mind some multiplayer action will certainly find it here. It's better than most Shrek games before it, and it faithfully represents the films as it's supposed to.

Shin Budokai works itself on the road to redemption, thanks to gameplay that refuses to complicate itself and a presentation that's pure DBZ all the way.

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

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.

Both space travel and mining - two of the biggest time-consumers of play - are so boring after the first time through that they are referred to a "time to make a sandwich".

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.