The graphics are dated, and the game could've easily been done on the original PlayStation. Still, graphics don't make a game, and Phantom Brave more than makes up for it in gameplay.

SRS may be as shallow as some twenty-twos, but you may be having too much fun to care.

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.

Thankfully, The Guy Game offers a good deal of entertainment for the audience it's shooting for, mainly the drinking crowd that's into checking out topless hotties and is up for a little trivia to earn their way.

One of the best GCN titles released to date.

It's got an addictive control system that works pretty well, along with plenty of modes to dig into and a superb visual experience that emulates WWE telecasts nicely.

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.

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.

All of this is overshadowed by awkward controls, yucky graphics, slow down, and too much loading. It's a mess that's beyond repair.

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.

Packing a new online community, new courses to take on, slight gameplay tweaks, and some surprise faces in the cast, Hot Shots Golf Fore! is definitely worth a go-around.

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.

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.

Madden NFL 2005 is my favorite NFL football game of the year and it sacks "ESPN NFL 2K5" in the backfield for a loss. Not a huge loss though.

Cartoon Network Block Party sadly joins that group of misfit games due to its lack of multiplayer interaction and any sort of gameplay quirks to make it stick out from the bunch.

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.

Galleon may not have the sharpest visuals around (it harkens back to a first generation visual fest), but the rest of the production values appear on par and the gameplay is excellent, especially as your quest gets deeper in scope and adventure.

Older gamers may want to give this a spin for kicks, but younger gamers will appreciate the challenges and fun that Hamtaro: Ham Ham Games brings to the table.

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

While the cel-shaded graphics are pretty slick, the drab environments, insignificant story, lame voice acting, and cheap gameplay keep it from being much fun at all.

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.

This game certainly has some really great graphics and animations but it comes up short on being able to keep things moving at an enjoyable pace, not to mention that it's very difficult to control.

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

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 upside of paying is that new missions appear every month, which offers you a variety of experiences. The downside of the game is that the graphics won't overwhelm you and the missions get very repetitive once you finish them.

With a focus on realism, it's very difficult to have fun with Athens unless you have a group of people and a dance pad. Even with some friends and the right accessories, unless you're really into the athletics scene, your overall enjoyment of the title will be hampered.

The world is absolutely beautiful and you'll find yourself mesmerized at some of the scenery. Battling is a joy and really puts you in the driver's seat, so to speak, instead of just forcing you to be an observer of the action taking place on the screen.

This game is so awful that I can't even recommend it as a weekend rental. Between the load times, boring plot, stiff combat, and lame voice acting, Capcom should've never put its name on the package, and quite frankly, I'm rather shocked that they did.