March Madness 08 tries to woo new players with new low-post play and classic rosters, but it doesn't quite work. Maybe next year we'll see a real revamp?

The unique gameplay is appealing, but the lack of depth and variety is disappointing.

Despite The Godfather: Mob Wars' impressive visuals, voice acting and decent attempt to offer a dynamically different experience from other console versions, awkwardly mapped controls, an uninspired mini-game, recurring bugs and an overall lack of depth keep it from being a truly unique handheld experience.

If it weren't for the humor in the game, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Thanks to the clever writing, there are some who will appreciate the game enough to forgive the limited gameplay mechanics.

The title says it all. If you like Guitar Hero and Aerosmith, pick it up. If you only like Guitar Hero, wait for the next real GH game like the rest of us.

If Frontlines came out a year earlier, it would have easily been one of the more recommendable FPS titles on the 360. As it is, the flurry of awesome FPS offerings in the latter half of 2007 completely overshadow anything it has going for it.

Despite its attractive veneer, SH:O is short, cumbersome, and fails to strongly engage the player. Dated, but not bad, "blah" describes it well.

If you’re a hardcore Mana fan, desperate for an SRPG on the DS, or want to try something new, Heroes of Mana is a fun game. If you aren’t one of those, you won’t like this.

It brings nothing new and seems like an after thought to cash in on the F.E.A.R. name before Project Origin.

A passable RTS, but one can tell that there is something better hidden beneath the unintuitive gameplay that unfortunately mars the experience and detracts from the fun that players could have potentially had with the game.

If you absolutely must get everything related to Naruto, pick it up. Otherwise, you're better off waiting for the inevitable sequel where they'll (hopefully) tighten the game up a little.

Endless Frontier works well for the most part. The problem is that despite its attempt to be clever or controversial, it fails to be very engaging.

A shoddy port job and shallow gameplay makes The Club a mediocre experience on PC, so my best advice is to get this game for consoles. While enjoyable, the gameplay gets repetitive; don't take it too seriously.

With Star Force, Capcom had a great chance to really reimagine the Battle Network series and take it to new heights. Instead, they only added a few minor tweaks.

A basically fun racing game when taken in small doses. Good for a typical handheld gaming schedule.

If you don't mind spending full price on a game you'll have to subscribe to Xbox Live to get full enjoyment from, and if you don't mind a game with repetitive and limited gameplay modes and weapons, then there's nothing stopping you from getting Shadowrun, as the game is fantastic.

By attempting to innovate the way the game is controlled, the overall quality of the title is far removed from what would be expected from an SSX diehard. EA really needs to hit the drawing board much harder for any future SSX Wii releases.

It's unfortunate that Gothic 3 was basically released in an unfinished state. As the game is now, though, nobody should be forced to go through the hell I went through to get to the enjoyable parts.

A solid shooter marred by poor design. Good visuals and some fine FPS gameplay are to be had in Jericho, but I wouldn't pay full price for it,. If you can, get the 360 or PC version.

A good game, but far from great. A lot of shortcomings and irritations keep Risen from being a recommended, must-own game.

While it is a respectable game, BUZZ! Quiz World suffers from a bad case of Little Sibling Syndrome, as the PS3 offers a much better BUZZ experience.

The action is fast paced, and the level of complexity it will take to become one of the best is astounding. If you're like me, however, you just can't justify a game costing that much money and offering so little in return.

Different and fun for gamers who seek an alternative to the typical football videogame experience. When that novelty wears away, however, what gamers are left with is a relatively shallow experience waiting to be replaced by the next new thing.

Just Dance can be a whole lot of fun for the right audience, and that audience is sure to love it despite its very basic nature. In any event, it's at least worth renting to laugh with (at) your friends.

The thing Spider-Man 3 does right is exploring the city and web-swinging. It captures the feel perfectly, and really is a blast to swing around Manhattan as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Unfortunately, everything else is a mixed bag, and often the worst parts rise to the surface of the game.

Fantasy Wars is as cliche as the title suggests. It does nothing new, but it also does nothing wrong. It's a good, solid game for newcomers to the genre, but it won't please too many hardcore gamers.

Just what it aims to be. It is chess at the individual, social, and competitive level.

The characters and scenery look absolutely gorgeous, and the speaking is surprisingly good. Sadly, the developers seem to have aimed at the younger crowd and the non-gaming crowd, as there's really no challenge other than overcompensating for the occasionally stupid AI.

Order of the Phoenix is the first movie game of the year that would be considered solid for a game, period. For a movie tie-in, it's spectacular.

The characters and scenery look absolutely gorgeous, and the speaking is surprisingly good. Sadly, the developers seem to have aimed at the younger crowd and the non-gaming crowd, as there's really no challenge other than overcompensating for the occasionally stupid AI.

Tenchu Z is a fun game for Tenchu fans, and for fans of similar stealth-action titles. A few flaws and poor visuals detract from what otherwise would have been a resurrection for the Tenchu series.

Another sub-par Warriors release, adding only one new mode but demanding 40 dollars. If you're a fan of the series, it may be worth it. Otherwise, pick up one of the older titles cheaper.

There are some nice innovations, but it ultimately falls short due to poor gameplay mechanics.

But the blatant flaws like inconsistent difficulty spotted with flat unfunny humor attempts, as well as huge gaps between storyline progression seem hell-bent on making you not really care as much as you should.

In the end, NBA Live 07 falls far short of expectations. It will take a lot for NBA Live to right itself and be a quality title again next year.

Definitely a good buy for fans of the show and a worthwhile look for anyone else.

Child of Eden is a complicated, narcissistic, firecracker techno concerto. It's short and its simplicity packs a punch.

Definitely a good buy for fans of the show and a worthwhile look for anyone else.

Would you spend 60 on something lacking features and longevity? I wouldn’t.

The cooperative multiplayer provides some fun moments, but it's obvious that All 4 One represents a step back for the Ratchet & Clank franchise.

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.

Games can often sell on concepts. Dungeon Defenders is no different. But its classical style and easy to learn gameplay give it a solid edge.

The knuckle-whitening, often horror-infused experiences inside of RAGE are essential to the vernacular of modern shooters. The pretty case they come in is not.

Games can often sell on concepts. Dungeon Defenders is no different. But its classical style and easy to learn gameplay give it a solid edge.

The knuckle-whitening, often horror-infused experiences inside of RAGE are essential to the vernacular of modern shooters. The pretty case they come in is not.

A fun -- if short -- little indie with some interesting ideas behind it falls flat on its face on technical execution and pricing issues.

The levels are a spectacle, and give Apocalypse the adrenaline shot it needs to stay afloat, but it fails to rise above other, more innovative titles by relying too heavily on its boost mechanic and doing little else.

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.

Rock of Ages, while simple in design, is still an enjoyable experience that you'll have to see to believe it. The game has multiplayer modes to keep you coming back for more despite some of its shortcomings.

Politics and mythical creatures are unorthodox ingredients that make an old formula taste brand new.

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.

Madden NFL 12 is not the greatest football game ever made, but it's definitely not the worst. Fans of the Madden series are sure to enjoy themselves, but others should approach with caution.

Madden NFL 12 is not the greatest football game ever made, but it's definitely not the worst. Fans of the Madden series are sure to enjoy themselves, but others should approach with caution.

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.

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam is just the same old game with new faces and new places. It's repetitive and unimpressive throughout, yet it's oddly addicting.

The polished survivor A.I., pacing, and super fun combo weapons make for an addicting zombie killing game. It just has lost some of the charm of the original game while also retaining some of its most frustrating aspects.

Unfortunately the game doesn't offer that big of a difference from other R&C games and its flaws outweigh its pluses. I recommend the PSP version over this PS2 port for fun, short bursts of on-the-go R&C style fun.

Red Faction: Armageddon Halfway House - too many boarders with a bit of heart.

Red Faction: Armageddon Halfway House - too many boarders with a bit of heart.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean can be fun, so long as you don't get bored of doing the same things over and over again. The humor of the LEGO series remains, however, so there will be laughs along the way.

Comic Jumper is an idea that, when executed, becomes something far less great than its conception. It's a game that had to have sounded amazing in the planning room, but the finished product is just a disappointment that becomes a tedious experience.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean can be fun, so long as you don't get bored of doing the same things over and over again. The humor of the LEGO series remains, however, so there will be laughs along the way.

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean can be fun, so long as you don't get bored of doing the same things over and over again. The humor of the LEGO series remains, however, so there will be laughs along the way.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, while not especially unique, provides a lot of fun especially during the DFM moments both on and offline. However, most of the game is taken straight from Modern Warfare and its simple controls risks alienating hardcore fans.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, while not especially unique, provides a lot of fun especially during the DFM moments both on and offline. However, most of the game is taken straight from Modern Warfare and its simple controls risks alienating hardcore fans.

MLB 11: The Show does a solid job of delivering a satisfying portable experience for baseball fans. Unfortunately, the decision to omit online multiplayer, and a lack of progress from last year's entry hold it back from being an easy recommendation.

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 interesting, Crimson Alliance fails to deliver an engaging and replayable experience. Coupled with the cost, this game doesn't seem to stack up, but future DLC may bring it back from the brink.

I have a feeling that I would love Shift 2 as I loved Gran Turismo 5 if it was a little more welcoming to series newbies. The high learning curve and stiff controls, however, are anything but welcoming, and it hurts the overall experience.

I have a feeling that I would love Shift 2 as I loved Gran Turismo 5 if it was a little more welcoming to series newbies. The high learning curve and stiff controls, however, are anything but welcoming, and it hurts the overall experience.

WarPath tries so hard to be other games that there's no room left for innovation or more than five hours worth of enjoyment.

It's repetitive and unimpressive throughout, yet it's oddly addicting.

It isn't the best of games, but it does manage to put a handful of good ideas in one package -- even if it wasn't done as well as it could've been.

If for no other reason, Steal Princess is appealing to puzzle/platformer fans who want to see a daring approach to genre blending. The platforming elements just stop the game from living up to its potential.

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.

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.

Fist of the North Star is a fun game if you're a fan of the anime series. If not, there isn't a whole lot here for you unless you like Dynasty Warriors. The dependence on the anime really hurts it.

Ignoring the distraction of sophomoric dialogue and the game's less-than-enjoyable combat, there is value in this journey for the right sort of player, thanks to an interesting, well-paced plot and strong character development.

Prinny 2 is a solid 2D side-scroller that provides a good challenge with plenty of charm. Unfortunately, control problems and a lack of new content prevent it from being a truly great sequel.

This niche title does little to captivate its audience and its main gameplay mechanics will act as deterrents to the average gamer.

What could have been a radical new step in the genre is nothing but the same old thing with a new, awkward coat of paint. The gameplay is still good, but it's the same damn thing over and over again. It's disappointing.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a great amalgamation of the genres and games it combines. It makes sure they all come together effortlessly, but it never really owns the gameplay it borrows. It's a fun game, but not a revolution.

It's quick, painless and will leaving you wanting more. Perhaps it doesn't bear the weight other RPGs do, but it carries its own and smoothly enters players into its world. Overall, it may not challenge, but it does please.

Off the Record isn't a terrible game. It's still has the same gameplay systems and wacky combo weapons as the original DR2, flaws and all. It just doesn't need to exist and I struggle to find any reason to recommend it.

What could have been a radical new step in the genre is nothing but the same old thing with a new, awkward coat of paint. The gameplay is still good, but it's the same damn thing over and over again. It's disappointing.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a great amalgamation of the genres and games it combines. It makes sure they all come together effortlessly, but it never really owns the gameplay it borrows. It's a fun game, but not a revolution.

It's quick, painless and will leaving you wanting more. Perhaps it doesn't bear the weight other RPGs do, but it carries its own and smoothly enters players into its world. Overall, it may not challenge, but it does please.

Off the Record isn't a terrible game. It's still has the same gameplay systems and wacky combo weapons as the original DR2, flaws and all. It just doesn't need to exist and I struggle to find any reason to recommend it.

If you're looking for a quick, pick-up-and-play racing game, this is not for you. This game takes patience and attention to detail to play.

Fist of the North Star is a fun game if you're a fan of the anime series. If not, there isn't a whole lot here for you unless you like Dynasty Warriors. The dependence on the anime really hurts it.

If you're looking for a quick, pick-up-and-play racing game, this is not for you. This game takes patience and attention to detail to play.

It may not bring anything new or exciting to the table, but the game packs a solid amount of content in a competent package. At the end of the day, though, Dead Nation is not quite a must-play experience, just a satisfying and enjoyable one.

Crysis 2 does little to create new material in the genre, though it cobbles together disparate gameplay elements that do create a level of interest that another modern Middle East liberation sim can't.

Crysis 2 does little to create new material in the genre, though it cobbles together disparate gameplay elements that do create a level of interest that another modern Middle East liberation sim can't.

The Baconing, while funny and entertaining, is not the strongest game of the trilogy. However the loot and combat combined with the price can make this a worthy purchase for many action-RPG fans.

The Baconing, while funny and entertaining, is not the strongest game of the trilogy. However the loot and combat combined with the price can make this a worthy purchase for many action-RPG fans.