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.