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.

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.

The enemy artificial intelligence is top-notch, so reloading a level never plays out exactly the same way twice, and the sound design is superb.

It'll tickle your brain (OK, not literally) and put a smile on your face.

It's not the most sophisticated puzzle game on the planet, but it's definitely one of the most addictive, in part because it has a solid gameplay foundation, but also because its numerous modes and extras are all worth checking out.

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

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.

A painstakingly polished product that plays magnificently and has plenty of delicious eye candy to sweeten the deal. It's a racing game that has both beauty as well as the brains to match.

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

With the new team action introduced in the game, could it have been too much to ask for a multiplayer game?

If the video game world was one big butcher's block, then Doom 3 would obviously come down to being one tough piece of prime rib. The game packs lots of hideous monsters to bring down and does so in a beautiful package, with the kind of sound and visuals that push the Xbox to its very limits.

The most comfortable fighting game for the handheld yet. Despite some slight issues with the control scheme, the game still delights with its arcade-faithful presentation and its various modes.

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 quest itself is one of the longest found on the GBA to date. Gamers will be keeping this cart in their GBAs for a long, long time.

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.

Bursting at the seams with variety.

Dark Age of Camelot can be said to be the best MMORPG to have come out since "EverQuest." It's more updated, adds more in depth with the universe your in, and for 10 dollar a month, it's a steal.

The quintessential gaming flick it is not, but Advent Children still satisfies, both to fans and casual viewers.

Great on looks, but low on gameplay. Players generally have little motivation to go through the single player campaign more than once, but the first experience is certainly a great one. However, the multiplayer is very disappointing.

To be called the "PGR 2" of rally racing is quite some praise indeed, and that's exactly what Rallisport Challenge 2 is. Highly recommended.

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

There are a few stunning moments (i.e., the whole train sequence), but in the end there simply isn't anything innovative about the single player game.

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

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.

The Special Edition probably won't be for everyone (namely those who already destroyed the game on hard), but it's still recommended for its abundance of additions, including the ability to play as Vergil and the insane Bloody Palace mode.

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.

An RPG that will make you think, and keep you busy for hours on end. Now clear your schedule for the next month, and pick up this 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.