Raising your own Nintendog takes a lot of hard work and patience, but the dogs are so adorable that the payoff is definitely worth it. In a very short amount of time, you will have a new best friend that barks, wags, and poops just like real dog!

This is the game we've been waiting for since the day we learned we could pull on tights, don a mask and fight crime with powers we could only dream of! Now, we get to finally let our dark side run rampant through the streets!

Raising your own Nintendog takes a lot of hard work and patience, but the dogs are so adorable that the payoff is definitely worth it. In a very short amount of time, you will have a new best friend that barks, wags, and poops just like real dog!

A gritty, top-notch, five-star effort that redefines stealth action gaming- again. If the single player missions don't keep your questionable video game skills in check, then the online multiplayer most definitely will.

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.

The best game made this year. It combines every necessary element to achieve one of the most innovative and entertaining games ever created.

Living up to its unbelievable hype, Bungie's masterpiece features an engaging story, a satisfying single-player campaign, some of the most impressive graphics ever seen in a console title, and new gameplay features like dual-wielding, vehicle boarding, new weapons, and advanced AI.

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.

Offers the complete racing experience, with phenomenal graphics, the world's finest cars, exciting gameplay, and the best Live implementation on Xbox. This is without a doubt my favorite racing game ever.

Raising your own Nintendog takes a lot of hard work and patience, but the dogs are so adorable that the payoff is definitely worth it. In a very short amount of time, you will have a new best friend that barks, wags, and poops just like real dog!

The greatest game ever made. And remember, this confession comes from people who have railed against the very creature that is MMOs. Furthermore, this is the most addicting game we've ever played. Period.

Once again, Rockstar Games and Rockstar North have changed gaming as we know it...The variety of missions in San Andreas is staggering, as there's literally hundreds of varied tasks that will help you gain respect.

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.

It looks fantastic, it plays fantastic (the best usage of the GameCube controller to date), it sounds fantastic, and darn it, it is just fun to play.

Fight Night Round 3 is an amazing leaps-and-bounds production that puts the excellent Round 2 to shame, if that's even possible.

ESPN NHL 2K5 isn't the perfect hockey experience but it's damn close, especially with the gameplay touch-ups that make it a much better game and the visuals to make you long for hitting the arena and feeling the cooling power of the ice.

The kind of game that makes hardcore Nintendo fans get on their knees and weep in sheer joy over the eighty new levels of new 2D Mario action...The visuals come in scorching hot, with gorgeous 3D bringing the old school into a new school setting. Sprinkle in some minigames and multiplayer modes, and you have a system seller.

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.

Another strong offering in an already thriving series. It is strongly recommended for gamers looking for a challenging and exciting experience with a strong lead character.

One of the most entertaining value packs in videogame history.

Daxter is a superb platform adventure that I highly recommend, and Ready at Dawn is to be commended for coming to bat for the PSP and filling the void that's plagued the system for almost a year. Purchase it immediately.

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.

Burnout 3: Takedown's drivers are vicious and just as eager to snatch victory from you as you are from them, and it takes a matter of skill to really survive, not to mention keep in the race. Some rookie drivers may be frustrated by this, but I for one appreciate the challenge.

There's certainly a lot to dig into if the game sucks you in, be it the attitude presented by the story and characters or the sheer craziness of the microgames. There's also some underlying statements being made about the business of games, and they are presented in a light and comical manner but seem to hold weight.

Besides the online problems, that are getting better, the game is one of the best football games ever made.

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.

If only the game had downloadable tunes, it'd be perfect. As is, it's still a must-have, whether you sing like Frank Sinatra or Frank the Garbageman.

Simply put, it's the most gorgeous Xbox game ever released. In fact, it's damn near photo realistic.

Absolutely staggering. Its gameplay is precise and wide-spread, its presentation is truthful to the film, and its extras are plentiful. Indeed, I can dig it!

The game is about as deep as they come, boasting advanced unit AI, a multitude of options, all the unit details anyone could possibly want, an astounding ballistics physics engine and literally hundreds of hours of play time.

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.

Episode 1 puts together a fantastic game not by necessarily introducing anything new, but by forcing players to focus more on using their wits than their firepower. Although, firepower helps a lot too.

Empire at War has everything. The graphics, sound, and overall presentation are each near perfect. Gameplay is fast-paced and fun, with very little repetition, and fans of the setting will be amazed with the attention to details.

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

The satisfaction of using one team to distract an enemy while the other team sneaks to take them out is unmatched, and truly makes Full Spectrum Warrior one of the best games of 2004.

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.

Hands down the most features-packed golf game ever, as well as the best golf game of the year.

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

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.

Plot holes aside, the gameplay in Prey is nothing short of amazing. Whether you're wandering up walls, shifting gravity, shrunk down to the size of a mouse, going into spirit form, fighting in the afterlife, or floating around in a service vehicle... Prey has got everything anyone could want from a sci-fi shooter and more.

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.

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.

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

No GameCube owner should miss this game. If you don't own a GameCube, rent one with this game. There are no excuses for not playing it. A new level in 3D adventure games has been set.

Gamers looking for a title with incredible gameplay, an engrossing story, cinematic goodness and a rough and tough commando should look no further.

With a boisterous song selection that's truly worthwhile, a two-player mode with limitless appeal to jam out, and addictive gameplay, it's quite simply the best rhythm/music game since the original "Dance Dance Revolution."

This empire-building strategy encompasses everything that makes the genre great.

Not only does the game look as incredible as ever, it also feels like a pure natural ride, and comes loaded with a slew of options both for the multiplayer and single player modes. Climax does with two wheels what most companies can't even do with four.

Viewtiful Joe has the kind of gameplay, graphic presentation, and overall appeal that you seldom see in games anymore, and it deservedly belongs in your library.

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.

While the game may be brimming with the kind of content and challenge that may make younger and weaker gamers cringe, those hungry for something with meat on its bones will feast on the fantastic gameplay, breathtaking presentation, and impressive extras.

One of the best arcade compilation titles you will ever see. Not only does the game reintroduce some favorites and long-lost classics, but also some interviews and pieces of fascination for historians.

It hits on almost every front. Present are the adventure elements of high fantasy, the mysterious magical elements of the war-torn world of Eberron, and the deep-rooted numerical elements.

As definitive as the street racing brand gets...at least, for this generation.

To put it simply: if you are a fan of the MMO genre, you absolutely must try this game. It sucks you in from the first click and doesn't let go. Graphics, sound, and gameplay are all here and representing the best there is to offer in the MMO pride.

The amazing graphics, phenomenal special effects, voice acting, and of course, the soundtracks from the movies steal the show. Beautiful, rewarding, and brimming with personality.

The PC version, long in waiting, takes advantage of system abilities to give you an immersive game that will leave you friendless, jobless and girlfriendless from the first time you play until you finish the game.

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.

This game is not only visually overwhelming, but intellectually, too. This is not for the casual gamer, or for people who only have a few hours a day to play. Instead, it is for those armchair generals who enjoy both the slower turn-based elements of games like Civilization and faster paced real-time strategy games.

The graphics look surprisingly crisp, and the music helps to perfectly set the mysterious tone of the game. If you are a fan of Kim Possible, or are just looking for a really cool video game, definitely check out Kim Possible 3: Team Possible!

It even goes so far as to improve on the Advance Wars formula, the ability to layer troops adding another strategic twist and the online features adding a significant amount of replay value.

The animation is superb, showing detail in the smallest of characters, and the environmental damage modeling is superb! The level design is outstanding.

Another musical gem from Konami, the type of game that transcends videogames. Its pick up and play nature ensures that anyone can get into it and it's a great party game.

In the year that has passed since Criterion redefined destructive racing with the insanely addictive Burnout 3: Takedown, they've hunkered down and done their homework, and the result is the even better Burnout Revenge, a game that doesn't just kick your ass, it hands it to you on a fine silver platter.

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.

What we have here is elementary yet cutting-edge game design, coupled with some of the cutest visuals and music you will ever experience. The game has longevity to spare as well, with numerous secrets, mini-games, and hidden paths to seek out.

A must-own for the Castlevania elite.

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.

The incredible graphics and storyline combined with destructible objects create a powerful cinematic feel that completely draws the player in.

There isn't a better racing game to be had on the PC. If you're the fast and furious type, then curb your need for speed with Midnight Club II!

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.

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.

Nothing has changed too much from the first title, but I spent over 100 hours with it, and thanks to the new editions that Intelligent Systems did include, I'm likely to do the same again.

The difficulty level has arguably been cranked up a notch, but with a little patience and perseverance, the game is a joy to play. Add to this a new graphics engine and an even more engrossing Master League, and winning becomes the operative word in the game's title.

It's also a lot more difficult than its predecessor, so if you didn't feel challenged enough by the prequel, this version promises to bludgeon the hell out of you.

It reminds us of what hardcore gaming is really all about, and digs deep into our senses as we rip from room to room, collecting items and slashing the living hell out of whatever moves in an attempt to prove your ninjahood and uphold the honor of your fallen clan. It isn't perfect, but what it has to offer shouldn't be ignored.

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 welcome comeback for the series, packing tons of superb gameplay quirks amidst a gorgeous presentation and multiplayer options that, while slightly limited, still offers hours of brutal, fun play.

The multiplayer aspect is staggering.

This is, by far, an incredible improvement from the original game and offers hours of great gameplay.

One of those rare, fabled games that appeal far beyond the fanbase of its license. The controls are easy to learn, but thanks to the fast-paced action, the gameplay is difficult to master.

This is the best basketball game in the history of basketball games and you absolutely need to play it.

The presentation itself is stunning, but it's the battles with the colossi themselves, in which no two are the same, that will make your journey that much more breathtaking.

The online component's enjoyable, King of the Diamond is fantastic, and the game's various bells and whistles, including the commentary which I absolutely love, are superb.

This is a gorgeously drawn game, with extremely fluid animation and crisp, high-res artwork that looks even better on a high definition TV. Special moves have awesome, flashy effects and all the fighting arenas are nicely animated. It's so spectacular, it looks like a high production anime!

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.

It has stylish gameplay that never really gets old (LATERAL CITY!), graphics that are stunning, sound that fits the mood, and extras aplenty.

DOA4 is so close to being flawless it's unbelievable.

One of the greatest ever made. From the non-stop action, enormous sprites, dazzling visuals, and colorful characters, Sega and Treasure really hit this one out of the stratosphere.

Probably as comprehensive as a chess game can possibly get. The only downside is that even though the menu system is much easier than some of the previous Chessmaster games, it still requires some getting used to.

The ability to control bosses later on is a bit floundering, but, otherwise, what we have here is a kick-ass ride that delivers on presentation, gameplay, and challenge.

Even after several years, this exquisite Xbox entry is still a pulse-pounding and amazing experience that begs to be replayed multiple times.

The environments are fantastic and smooth, the gameplay is refined, and the aggressive AI could very well have you for lunch.

From the innovative highlight stick to the "run-to-daylight" feature, the PSP version of Madden has it all. Add in the ability to take your PS2 franchise on the go and you have the best handheld football game not only in years, but perhaps of all-time.

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.

Pushes the brand further with exciting, realistic combat action, either solo or with a squad; outstanding graphics that put the 360 to good use; and multiplayer options for both the co-op crowd and those who just want to shoot everything.

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

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.