Mafia II is certainly an enigma among mob drama games, eliciting both an intense satisfaction with story and place while accruing simultaneous disappointment at the limitation of its focus.

The best Lara Croft game in years. Great local co-op action built on a tested foundation with modern gaming sensibilities layered on top was absolutely the right way to go. Proves that games needn't be huge-budget, cutting-edge releases to be fun.

A visceral, action-packed experience that makes players embody its characters and sink into its virtual reality. With mostly standard pulp-action shooting, though, the game is high on style and short on substance.

A visceral, action-packed experience that makes players embody its characters and sink into its virtual reality. With mostly standard pulp-action shooting, though, the game is high on style and short on substance.

A visceral, action-packed experience that makes players embody its characters and sink into its virtual reality. With mostly standard pulp-action shooting, though, the game is high on style and short on substance.

Doublesix's zombie shoot-em-up is a delightful mix of Geometry Wars' top-down, arcade action and a 60s monster movie. It satisfies your basic high score addiction and looks delightful doing it.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is a great homage to beat-em-ups of old that plays well, but is hurt by a few technical issues and gameplay missteps. No online co-op can also sour the experience.

EA Sports has done it again. They've found a way to improve their game in ways that you didn't think needed improving, and in the process got that $60 out of your pocket for another year.

EA Sports has done it again. They've found a way to improve their game in ways that you didn't think needed improving, and in the process got that $60 out of your pocket for another year.

The Signal features more "best" than "worst," and is absolutely a must-play for anyone who's completed the initial release, as it extends, clarifies, and complicates the game's narrative -- just what Wake fans are looking for.

An excellent fighter for both fighting amateurs and steeled veterans. The numerous tutorials, challenges, and inclusion of the Beginner's Mode will help newcomers, while the deep fighting system will keep fighting fans busy.

An excellent fighter for both fighting amateurs and steeled veterans. The numerous tutorials, challenges, and inclusion of the Beginner's Mode will help newcomers, while the deep fighting system will keep fighting fans busy.

LIMBO keeps you sucked into its bleak, grim universe with unique puzzles, simple controls, and an approach to game design Playdead calls "trial and death" gaming for long enough to be effective, but certainly leaves some length to be desired.

It won't blow you away with innovation or graphical prowess, though every aspect is enjoyable, effective, and responsive like a game should be. DeathSpank is worth it for the cheeky demeanor, simply put, but well worth it for sure.

NCAA Football 2011 is slowly creeping into elite sports game territory.

NCAA Football 2011 is slowly creeping into elite sports game territory.

It won't blow you away with innovation or graphical prowess, though every aspect is enjoyable, effective, and responsive like a game should be. DeathSpank is worth it for the cheeky demeanor, simply put, but well worth it for sure.

Crackdown 2 expands on the empowering open-world gameplay that made the first game popular. If you are looking for a brand new game, you won't find it, but a slightly darker, smoldering Pacific City is certainly worth a second spin.

Persona 3 Portable takes the already massive console version of Persona 3 and translates it successfully to the PSP platform, streamlining most of the experience to make a game that is the definitive PSP RPG.

If you like jet shooters, WWII games, or games that you can play at all, avoid 1941: Red Sun Rising.

Puzzle Quest 2 will take hours from you if you allow it to. It's an addicting game, and one that Xbox Live folk will be enjoying for a long time.

APB is a mess, plagued with broken core systems that don't work as the developer intended, leading to a game that is more of a chore you have to deal with than it is a game that is fun to play.

LEGO Harry Potter is much deeper than it seems and presents a universe that feels tailored for the LEGO treatment. A few technical issues aside, LEGO Harry Potter is a game that is truly fun for all ages and above all, a game first and a license second.

LEGO Harry Potter is much deeper than it seems and presents a universe that feels tailored for the LEGO treatment. A few technical issues aside, LEGO Harry Potter is a game that is truly fun for all ages and above all, a game first and a license second.

LEGO Harry Potter is much deeper than it seems and presents a universe that feels tailored for the LEGO treatment. A few technical issues aside, LEGO Harry Potter is a game that is truly fun for all ages and above all, a game first and a license second.

LEGO Harry Potter is much deeper than it seems and presents a universe that feels tailored for the LEGO treatment. A few technical issues aside, LEGO Harry Potter is a game that is truly fun for all ages and above all, a game first and a license second.

A shining example of what can be done on the platform. Aside from a frustratingly difficult endgame and a missed opportunity with online play, Peace Walker is an addictive and fun experience that takes portable games to new heights.

Undisputed 2010 builds on the foundation of last year's game, tweaking it where it needed to be and adding other modes and events that re-create the UFC experience to a T. EA has its work cut out for it, because right now there is no better MMA game.

Undisputed 2010 builds on the foundation of last year's game, tweaking it where it needed to be and adding other modes and events that re-create the UFC experience to a T. EA has its work cut out for it, because right now there is no better MMA game.

A standout kart racing experience that is unrivaled in breadth and depth, instantly accessible, and offering innovation in a stagnant genre. Load times are awful, but you really can't go wrong with ModNation.

Hexyz Force keeps things moving along at a brisk pace that is welcome on a portable system, but is content trotting out uninspired JRPG cliches despite being a completely serviceable game.

The play mechanics sadly hold back what would be an amazing kart racer. The level of customization is vast and addictive, and the online community ensure countless hours of playtime and new content.

There's just a ton of content that has been packed into SMG2, and almost every single minute of it feels fun, fresh, and true to its roots. Another check in the "win" column for Nintendo.

Whether it cleverly incorporates literary technique or intentionally obfuscates meaning is a mystery, but inventive and effective gameplay mechanics combine with excellent art and sound design to make what is an enjoyable game, regardless of the intellect.

RDR is a phenomenal game that stands out as one of the year's best. The utmost attention to detail is apparent in every aspect, and is something that no gamer should miss.

RDR is a phenomenal game that stands out as one of the year's best. The utmost attention to detail is apparent in every aspect, and is something that no gamer should miss.

Diagnostics and forensics may slow down the otherwise exciting pacing of the medical drama, but are not so detrimental as to keep this game from being the best entry in the series so far.

It may not represent a revolution for the franchise, but it is certainly a welcome return to form, and comes with a number of updates and improvements to create a smooth and enjoyable experience. This is not a "movie game."

It may not represent a revolution for the franchise, but it is certainly a welcome return to form, and comes with a number of updates and improvements to create a smooth and enjoyable experience. This is not a "movie game."

Bad game design, technical issues, and a botched character progression system lead to a game that feels like it's trying prevent you from having any of the fun that would be possible with four people playing together, taking out skyscraper-tall bug monsters.

A great experience for skateboarding and extreme sports fans. Not perfect, but another superb installment to the series.

A great experience for skateboarding and extreme sports fans. Not perfect, but another superb installment to the series.

At the budget price of $39.99, 3D Dot Game Heroes is cheap, nostalgic fun, and will find a very special place in old-school gamers' hearts, but it ultimately falls short of source material that is roughly two decades old.

Bad game design, technical issues, and a botched character progression system lead to a game that feels like it's trying prevent you from having any of the fun that would be possible with four people playing together, taking out skyscraper-tall bug monsters.

Combat issues can make it frustrating and repetitive, but 15 dollars is a paltry sum for experiencing the intense mind-blowing world of Zenozoik. Zeno Clash deserves to be played for its unequaled experience, but probably just not for too long.

While the game does a great job of scaring the poo out of you, control issues and blocky graphics keep Dementium 2 from being elite. Horror fans will enjoy it, and FPS fans will like what they see.

What started as fun and witty quickly turned into an over-frustrating game that will piss off anyone without patience. If you want to learn the game, then play it. Otherwise, your hair will thank you for not pulling it out.

Compared to the quality of other PSN titles, Kick-Ass does nothing to stand out. An array of unforgivable technical issues mar what is already a needlessly boring and repetitious beat'em-up.

Capcom has done much more than slap on a few new characters and push the game out the door. They've taken the original title, reconstructed it, and produced a game that surpasses the original Street Fighter IV in every way possible.

Capcom has done much more than slap on a few new characters and push the game out the door. They've taken the original title, reconstructed it, and produced a game that surpasses the original Street Fighter IV in every way possible.

Monster Hunter Tri brings a deep, complex (albeit difficult), single-player game and combines it with a full-featured online component that will keep players engaged for a long time.

Final Fight and Magic Sword were great in the early 90s, and are still great now. With the extra care Capcom has taken to make sure they can hang in the online/HD era, Double Impact has turned out to be much more than just a simple remake.

Final Fight and Magic Sword were great in the early 90s, and are still great now. With the extra care Capcom has taken to make sure they can hang in the online/HD era, Double Impact has turned out to be much more than just a simple remake.

It isn't perfect and it doesn't stand out so much as to make it the be-all, end-all of stealth games, but Conviction has definitely put the Splinter Cell series back among the genre's elite.

A disappointing and short piece of DLC that pales in comparison to the rest of Mass Effect 2. It doesn't help that it costs 560 Microsoft Points, either.

Truly a unique and enjoyable game. An interesting risk/reward system that permeates all facets of the gameplay breeds hectic, brawl-happy fun. With some polish and a better front-end experience, Plain Sight would approach must-buy status.

Fans of the TV show may get some enjoyment out of this title, but anyone else will want to steer clear of Prison Break.

Mega Man 10 is a wonderfully challenging package wrapped up in a charming, 8-bit time capsule. It has its tongue planted firmly in cheek and delivers a ridiculously fun experience for all.

Fans of the TV show may get some enjoyment out of this title, but anyone else will want to steer clear of Prison Break.

Fans of the TV show may get some enjoyment out of this title, but anyone else will want to steer clear of Prison Break.

Just Cause 2 does what so many other open-world games try to and usually end up missing the target. Its huge world, insane gameplay, and amazing visuals will keep you blowing stuff up into the wee hours of the morning and not even blinking an eye.

Just Cause 2 does what so many other open-world games try to and usually end up missing the target. Its huge world, insane gameplay, and amazing visuals will keep you blowing stuff up into the wee hours of the morning and not even blinking an eye.

Just Cause 2 does what so many other open-world games try to and usually end up missing the target. Its huge world, insane gameplay, and amazing visuals will keep you blowing stuff up into the wee hours of the morning and not even blinking an eye.

While not the pinnacle of gaming itself, Red Steel 2 proves that developers listen to their fans, restarting the Red Steel brand in a way that is both effective and fun. I always like pleasant surprises, and Red Steel 2 certainly fits that bill.

C&C4 tries to deliver on all its features, but only does the multiplayer and online functionality well. Playing the game on your own exposes an experience that isn't well put together and screams to be played in co-op or online with friends.

Metro 2033 features an intriguing and exciting journey with a few bumps along the way. Though frustrating in some areas, fans of FPS and those fascinated by a post-apocalyptic world will find Metro 2033 a rewarding experience.

It's not perfect, but it's a satisfying experience from start to finish. Amazing to look at, fun to play and a great ending.

The ability of a clearly low-commitment, fairly low-budget game made primarily for a younger audience, to keep you invested in the gameplay for so long is troubling, but also a pure expression of the original joy of gaming.

An absolute must for Pokemon fans, HeartGold and SoulSilver is also a great introduction into the series for the new crowd. The craze that is Pokemon marches on.

Mega Man 10 is a wonderfully challenging package wrapped up in a charming, 8-bit time capsule. It has its tongue planted firmly in cheek and delivers a ridiculously fun experience for all.

Stir up a fast-paced, strategic battle system, some awe-inspiring sounds and visuals, and a unique story told through a frustratingly linear adventure, and you get Final Fantasy 13.

Yakuza 3 is the best game in the series thus far. It fixes a lot of the issues present in the first two, and adds a wealth of new mini games, side missions, and a deeper and more personal story that will reel you in.

Stir up a fast-paced, strategic battle system, some awe-inspiring sounds and visuals, and a unique story told through a frustratingly linear adventure, and you get Final Fantasy 13.

While leaning heavily on traditional J-horror conventions to deliver scares and suspense, Calling creates a captivating, dark atmosphere and manages to connect with gamers' psyches in a way that makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Other grand strategy games like Napoleon: Total War or even Empire: Total War do what Rise of Prussia does, but better, so it makes you wonder why this game sticks to antiquated gameplay features and complex micromanagement that just isn't very much.

A concentrated dose of RE5's action-based gameplay, DE is quite enjoyable for the short time players will spend with it. Puzzle-seekers, walk the other way; new-era RE action gamers, you will not regret giving it a whirl.

A concentrated dose of RE5's action-based gameplay, DE is quite enjoyable for the short time players will spend with it. Puzzle-seekers, walk the other way; new-era RE action gamers, you will not regret giving it a whirl.

Bad Company 2 is a great improvement over the original, and also one of the best FPS of this console generation. The single-player campaign is quite good despite a few minor issues, and the multiplayer will keep FPS fans playing for months on end.

Bad Company 2 is a great improvement over the original, and also one of the best FPS of this console generation. The single-player campaign is quite good despite a few minor issues, and the multiplayer will keep FPS fans playing for months on end.

Bad Company 2 is a great improvement over the original, and also one of the best FPS of this console generation. The single-player campaign is quite good despite a few minor issues, and the multiplayer will keep FPS fans playing for months on end.

Makes players feel like they're playing baseball, rather than watching a telecast or playing a videogame. Falls short of competitor in visuals and overall depth, but gets the most important aspects of core gameplay and immersion just right.

Makes players feel like they're playing baseball, rather than watching a telecast or playing a videogame. Falls short of competitor in visuals and overall depth, but gets the most important aspects of core gameplay and immersion just right.

High production values, attention to detail, and an incredible number of features and options jam-packed into the shiny package. With adjustments to pitching and hitting, MLB 11 could be perfect, but for now, MLB 10 is just the best.

Supreme Commander 2 feels like Gas Powered Games was trying to make a game that appeals to all audiences, but pleases none.

Mega Man 10 is a wonderfully challenging package wrapped up in a charming, 8-bit time capsule. It has its tongue planted firmly in cheek and delivers a ridiculously fun experience for all.

Greed Corp does what's important for a small turn-based strategy game: keep it simple, allow for depth.

Greed Corp does what's important for a small turn-based strategy game: keep it simple, allow for depth.

Heavy Rain reigns supreme. PS3 owners, do yourself a favor and play this game.

The grand battles and deep strategy will keep fans busy for months and the multiplayer allows for intense combat though all of the game modes. A confusing interface and some occasional AI issues mar an otherwise enjoyable, tactical experience.

Solid controls,good track design, and a Sega history overload make this a must-have for both racing and Sega fans. Just be wary of the announcer, he's cornier than Kellogg's cereal.

Solid controls,good track design, and a Sega history overload make this a must-have for both racing and Sega fans. Just be wary of the announcer, he's cornier than Kellogg's cereal.

Regardless of shortcomings, this high-tension, semi-return to old-school survival horror is an enjoyable experience that longtime fans will adore and newer players will easily get into.

While this may be a short-lived journey with the world's most notorious pie-thief, it's impossible not to find the experience endearing, fun, challenging, and rewarding. This is an XBLA download that is well worth its weight in pie.

Regardless of shortcomings, this high-tension, semi-return to old-school survival horror is an enjoyable experience that longtime fans will adore and newer players will easily get into.

Ace Attorney is one of the best series on the DS, and this iteration is no exception. If you like the Phoenix Wright games, Miles Edgeworth will prove just as awesome.

It can't top the original, but BioShock 2 stands on its own as a great installment to a hopefully continuing series.

It can't top the original, but BioShock 2 stands on its own as a great installment to a hopefully continuing series.

It can't top the original, but BioShock 2 stands on its own as a great installment to a hopefully continuing series.