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.