Most MMOGs take over a person's life, but with Time of Defiance, you can only play for an hour a day and still have as much fun as someone playing for 8+ hours.

Provides some of the best action oriented combat sequences we have seen in a while on the Xbox with a touch of RPG elements thrown in for game depth. Vast and varied environments, unique special attacks and lively characters bring Sudeki to life but several small oversights become apparent as your progress.

Takes a great concept and executes it cleanly. Building your own track is amusing and then subsequently racing on it with online opponents is even more enjoyable.

While the graphics may not be ground breaking for either the PS2 or the Xbox game system they do provide players with a well represented city that is both visually stimulating and just plain fun to play in.

May not be perfect, as it does have some flaws in the graphics department and enemy A.I. causing the game to seem unbalanced at times, but with the new features and enhanced gameplay of this title easily makes it a Must Have game.

A giant leap ahead in the series offering players realistic terrain and well balanced units without the need to micromanage every aspect of the game system.

There’s just something about running and jumping that never gets old, and it’s precisely this indescribable “something” that, despite the outdated play mechanics and antiquated visuals, allows me to bestow a wholehearted recommendation upon Anniversary Collection.

If you are a racing fan of simulation style real world physics car races, IndyCar Series 2005 is a must have - as no other title in the genre is as indepth.

While not ground breaking in the graphics department the addition of psychic powers to your arsenal not only provides for some excellent new forms of combat it also provides for a great source of replay value.

The game brings nothing new to the table, but what does these days? If you’re looking for a new exciting game, this isn’t for you.

A superb entry that offers seemingly limitless gameplay (to the tune of 120 hours). In terms of bang for your buck, value does not get much better than this.

The graphics are superb and the sound is awesome. The game play is very deep and the types of races are an excellent assortment of race types.

Ridiculously fun and engaging.

An optimized visual performance clearly makes the PC version the preferred edition of the game; however, the game attempts to combine excessive violence with stealth-action gameplay, but fails to invoke a sense of value and worth in play.

Manhunt attempts to combine excessive violence with stealth-action gameplay, but fails to invoke a sense of value and worth in play.

Playing against real, live people is very challenging and it could take months to master even a single map in the game. The game can also become very addictive, enough that you might start thinking about it while doing completely unrelated tasks like walking, eating or even sleeping.

Focusing solely on strategic play and ditching resource management and unit construction, the game does a fine effort at emphasizing strategy.

Deep character customization and development systems utilizing the series’ unique job system makes the game highly enjoyable and rewarding.

This is by far the must have shooter title of the spring and summer months for anyone who has a drive for fast paced gameplay set in well designed and beautiful to view landscape.

A remarkable turn-around, MLB 2005 manages to combine depth of play with ease of control for a solid baseball title that stands out against the competition.

It has the longest lasting appeal of perhaps any sports title available, thanks to the outstanding dynasty mode and the great multiplayer modes.

As complex as the game might seem, its success is contingent on one main feature-fun. It's rare that after 20 hours of solving this puzzle and slashing that boss you'd want to try it again. Expect to do that with Ninja Gaiden.

With as much punch as kung pao chicken, Rise to Honor fights its way to the top of cinematic gaming. Outstanding direction brings the underground world of Hong Kong to live in beautifully animated action sequences.

Intense, energetic, and simply fun, you’re sure to need a shaken martini after experiencing the action-packed gameplay of James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing.

A title that deserves credit for breaking the cookie-cutter mold that RTS games have fallen into. Even maps with simple goals can turn into endeavors that last for hours, if you take time to smell the roses and just enjoy playing with powerful, fully customizable avatar with the ability to raise a monstrous force.

Although it borrows heavily from "Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II," Champions of Norrath: Realms of Everquest is an improved experience full of visual and audio beauty, and outstanding gameplay.

With an improved control scheme and fluid action, the game fixes the problems plaguing the first title. Unfortunately, the action is broken up by unnecessary and frustrating platform challenges forced upon by linear level design.

Its aspects of action, while moderately engaging, are wholly unbalanced; in addition, the elements of strategy are watered-down for ease of play. Nevertheless, Wrath Unleashed plays much better as a multiplayer game.

A large and varied weapons arsenal, as well as vehicular-based play, makes XMP fun to play; however, its apparent influence from other games limits its originality and future playability.

The lack of an epic, driving story prevents the game from achieving the greatness of other Final Fantasy games.

Best suited for experienced players searching for a serious challenge, R-Type Final is a beautiful game meant only for the hardcore.

Even though it doesn’t offer much improvement over the original in terms of gameplay and presentation, Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II stands as a solid role-playing game both sides of the gate can appreciate.

A new combination counter and streamlined abilities system make playing the game easier and more rewarding. Dramatically reducing the penalties for death, as well as the roots causes behind it, make playing Maximo vs. Army of Zin a less frustrating and more pleasant experience.

Even though it doesn't offer much improvement over the original in terms of gameplay and presentation, Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II stands as a solid role-playing game both sides of the gate can appreciate.

While hip-hop doesn’t necessarily speak for the entire sport of casual football players, the tough, offbeat style of football played in NFL Street does.

The new team system hastens gameplay a little more than past installments and offers a blend of elements from action to platform at the press of a button.

The perfect balance of non-linear gameplay and plot development, the game offers a unique experience that successfully evolves the gameplay of the original.

Intelligent design makes playing each game a breeze, while the inclusion of a records list and patches makes conquering each game a challenge.

I am convinced that fans of the racing genre will enjoy this game due to its solid setup and intuitive controls.

Engaging gameplay full of intriguing gadgets and weaponry, a tightly-wound story, and intricate stealth-action. Unfortunately, there are a few problems with the game, mostly graphically, as the framerate varies, unlike the detail, which is consistently mediocre.

A triumph of gameplay over technology, Culdcept offers highly rewarding and deep gameplay emphasizing the formulation of individual strategies to overcome challenging opponents.

Tremendously realistic graphics and audio bring the world of space travel to brilliant life. While the story serves as a driving force for the single player campaign, it never fully develops into anything worthwhile.

More so than any other game, it allows complete player-driven gameplay in the progression of the story and character development.

The perfect balance of non-linear gameplay and plot development, the game offers a unique experience that successfully evolves the gameplay of the original. More so than any other game, it allows complete player-driven gameplay in the progression of the story and character development.

The ability to develop individual units, in addition to a central lord, makes the game an attractive offering for those seeking compensation for their gameplay efforts.

A fast-paced snowboarding game with good looking graphics and outstanding course design. The time trial and gate challenge are both highly addicted modes, but the trick attack I found to be rather useless.

The new Interceptor transformations and customizable weapons system makes playing Spy Hunter 2 varied and entertaining; even more, the challenge offered by the game’s enemies and bosses ensures proper use of these new toys.

Its linear gameplay offers ample opportunity to relay a smashing style that resoundingly beats out other recent competitors in the genre. Unfortunately, a clumsy interface jars an otherwise stylish, story-driven experience.

Attempts to combine excessive violence with stealth-action gameplay, but fails to invoke a sense of value and worth in play.

Give this improbable but welcome follow-up the benefit of the doubt and chances are you’ll find it offers some of the most action, humor, and--dare I say it--fun you’ve had with a console RPG in a long time.

Despite a general lack of interactivity in the game’s central areas and levels, the game contains plenty of gameplay across its five stylized locations.

A must-have for Xbox Live subscribers, Counter Strike for Xbox far exceeds expectations with outstanding online multiplayer matches exuding intensity, competition, and pure fun.

Perhaps the most intricate simulation out there, Project Gotham Racing 2 offers nearly unlimited gameplay with a wealth of licensed automobiles and gorgeous courses.

Features slick controls, an outstanding presentation, and challenging play. Unfortunately, the game’s AI is a little too challenging to the point of being too difficult.

A remarkable game blending the groundbreaking adventure elements the series is known for, with intense action, enthralling storytelling, and beautiful visuals and audio.

George’s finely crafted witticisms and Nico’s finely crafted, er, investigative skills make the game a pleasure to play; moreover, the plot is engrossing and really pushes you to keep gaming in an effort to uncover more of the nefarious scheme being perpetrated.

While some may find it extremely difficult due to the emphasis on realism, Korea provides a healthy challenge best conquered by learning the game’s well-designed controls and interface.

It's a fresh take on the old turn-based RPG formula and the hilarious, but sometimes slightly plodding story will keep you glued to your Game Boy Advance for hours and hours.

The multiplayer is outstanding and there are tons of unlockables.

Blending elements of both action and adventure, Legacy of Kain: Defiance offers plenty of fast-paced combat between solving puzzles.

Between its fluid gameplay that balances elements of action, stealth, puzzle solving, and adventure, and its beautiful visual and audio presentation, Beyond Good and Evil is a good game; however, it’s the examination of pertinent moral questions that raises Beyond Good and Evil to the level of a great game.

Surpasses the original game on nearly all levels.

Excellent controls and a streamlined interface make playing a breeze on the smaller system. Unfortunately, the game lacks the variety and length of gameplay that its big brother has.

A remarkable peripheral.

It’s not as vast as or as free, but it is a nice fresh coat of graphics and slightly different concept to an otherwise tired genre make it worth a shot. While it doesn’t overcome Grand Theft Auto, it easily makes an appropriate rival.

It’s unfortunate that the game is bogged down by a lot of glitches and flaws, but it is still an extremely entertaining title that is deep in every aspect.

I was absolutely blown away by Call of Duty. It’s a rare occasion when a game can make you feel as tense as this one manages to do; it’s also pretty rare to find an FPS that just feels so much different from all the rest.

Anyone who appreciates action-oriented RPGs in which the focus is on creating your own story rather than following one that has been predetermined, this game is required playing. Not only is it open-ended, but also it is massive.

Although limited in its length, kill.switch manages to fit in innovative gameplay backed by intuitive, streamlined controls that are some of the best on the Playstation 2.

Despite issues regarding balance and difficulty in gameplay, Massive Assault does offer an entertaining turn-based game that novice strategist can easily get into.

It adds a lot of fun and magic, as well as some interesting new items and jobs to partake in.

Though few tennis titles have garnered high praise, Top Spin is hands down the best to date. It’s easy to learn and fun to play.

Bright, colorful visuals relay a fast-paced shootout across several stages of intense first-person gameplay.

Overall, it’s just "Super Mario 3," but that’s like saying it’s just a Lamborghini Diablo. This is the cream of the crop of almost all games, and to have your own copy to go with you wherever you go is worth the money for the game.

Aside from minor issues related to multiplayer gameplay, Crimson Skies claims to be nearly flawless with intense airborne action and beautiful interactive visuals.

A great game. Pretty graphics. Sweet tunes. Killer gameplay. Exclusive online competition. So damn good.

A great game if all you're looking for is some TIE-blasting and AT-tripping fun. Having said that, innovation is not this game's strong suit. The new content, mainly the on-foot missions, only serve to detract from the rest.

The addition of weapons and dark powers to Jak’s arsenal of attacks make combat more intriguing; however, the grandiose Haven City is quite the opposite, serving only as a presentation piece and an inhibitor to tackling the superb gameplay found in the missions.

The gritty, film noir storytelling, intense bullet time action sequences and painstaking attention to detail in every area make Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne a must-have for every action fan.

Roadkill is the s---. Its combination of vehicular-action and mission-based gameplay make it one of the most well designed cross-genre titles of the year.

Brings back the old-school 2D brawler style with plenty of innovation and plenty of depth to keep the most hardcore gamers jaws dropped for hours on end.

An outstanding achievement in tactical action, Freedom Fighters soars to the top of the genre with spot-on gameplay and solid visuals. Streamlined tactical controls and solid AI make playing the game easy and fun.

With an incredible, engrossing campaign, Halo could stand on its own; fortunately, the addition of Internet multiplayer sweetened with two new vehicles, two new weapons, and six new maps makes the PC version even more worthwhile. Unfortunately, performance issues plague the game, preventing easy play through the game’s campaign due to poor framerates.

Improving an already outstanding game is a Herculean feat and Age of Mythology: The Titans has certainly succeeded.

The controls are tight and deep, the Dynasty Mode is great, and the gameplay is realistic and fun.

A true delight, offering fast-paced hack and slash action gaming in the comfort of my living room. With a in-depth storyline, multiple quests, a hefty assortment of weapons and awesome graphics, Heroes is a solid title for those gamers who just love a good adventure.

Despite its incredible presentation, the game suffers from intense button mashing and the lack of an announcer. The season mode has been implemented better than any wrestling game I have played making WWE Raw 2 one of the best wresting games to date.

The combination of FPS and RTS works so well together in this title that you may wonder why no one has tried it before.

A triumph. The application of the job system in conjunction with equipment abilities makes developing characters more exciting and quicker than the original.

Brings the adventure much needed color and style; but in the end it succumbs to the same faults as other games before it.

With such a diverse assortment of characters in the game, its shocking that 99% of the gameplay is ridden of cheap moves and attacks, graphical flaws, poor sound quality, etc; perfect as you would call it.

One of the most interactive football titles to date with some of the best game play I have ever seen in a football game.

Its intelligent combination of action and RPG elements offer a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. It also features visuals that amaze and a story that intrigues, TRON 2.0 is the definition of a great game.

A fantastic game, but it's not for the weak of heart, or for racing newbies. If you don't fit into either of these categories, you'll have an absolute blast with F-Zero GX.

With the depth of its franchise mode and the abundance of game modes, Madden 2004 has loads of replay value that you will treasure.

While the improvements made to driving are welcome, as are the new courses and characters, the gameplay ultimately suffers due to poorly designed putting.

Despite the recycled graphics engine and undulating difficulty, Shadow Magic offers outstanding gameplay with unlimited playability in a variety of gameplay modes.

Aside from slight issues with the physics and camera, Downhill Domination does more things right than wrong with its wealth of gameplay modes and bike customization.