The very fact that there's an attempt to charge $60 is insulting. Save your money, spend it on anything else, and forget Rogue Warrior ever existed.

With lackluster multiplayer offerings and one of the shortest singleplayer campaigns in recent memory, Rogue Warrior is a smudge on Bethesda’s otherwise stellar record.

It’s a fairly run of the mill third-person shooter, with some less than enthralling multiplayer, and an impressive visual package.

If you’re looking for a game to curb that racing fix you so desperately crave, or just looking for something new to give you a break from the endless array of shooters on shelves, MX vs. ATV Reflex will more than answer the call.

If you’re looking for a game to curb that racing fix you so desperately crave, or just looking for something new to give you a break from the endless array of shooters on shelves, MX vs. ATV Reflex will more than answer the call.

It might not be the biggest MMORPG launch of the year, what with no new races or classes, but there's no denying the quality in The Siege of Mirkwood. It's a great addition to an already solid online experience, delivering more content for the loyal fan base and giving prospective players a great excuse to jump into Middle Earth for the first time.

It's a great game, toppling Puzzle Quest and Gyromancer for king of the genre.

It's oddly addictive, which feels like it should clash with the repetitive nature, but never does.

The entire package presents some of the best Borderlands' gameplay to date, and this first batch of downloadable content is more entertaining than any plot-arc on the disk.

I’d rather be playing this than sitting through another boring half-time show on a Sunday, or while waiting for a few friends to come online to play Left 4 Dead 2, and I’m looking forward to hitting the gridiron again.

Madden NFL Arcade provides a nice break from the more serious Madden NFL 10, and even though it’s not without its share of minor issues, none of them are detrimental to the overall experience.

Popcap and Square-Enix's first joint effort isn't perfect, but damn if it isn't enjoyable.

Assassin’s Creed II isn’t just a step forward for the series, it’s a leap. The improvements are immediately obvious, and it isn’t a stretch to say that Assassin’s Creed II feels like a game two or three sequels away instead of one that was just two years from the original.

Just about every issue from the first game has not only been addressed, but almost entirely eliminated.

Even though there’s no online play, only leaderboards, this game is a great way to spend a night or weekend with a friend.

Tony Hawk: Ride was a knee-jerk reaction by a publisher who pushed gimmick over gameplay, and the result feels like the most manufactured, soulless gaming experience to ever be released.

Activision panicked, all right, and they fired on all cylinders back at Skate, ready to prove that their series had what it takes to get back on top. Sadly, for fans of Tony Hawk, every shot missed its target. Tony Hawk: Ride was a knee-jerk reaction by a publisher who pushed gimmick over gameplay, and the result feels like the most manufactured, soulless gaming experience to ever be released.

With five campaigns, more enemies, better weapons, and plenty of challenges, you will probably still be playing this game well into 2010. There are a few issues, but these are easy to overlook when the gameplay is so fun and satisfying. Once again, Valve has made the zombie apocalypse one of the best experiences of the year.

What once was an incredibly fun set of games has become a monotonous experience that’s more about going through the motions than it is about having a good time.

LittleBigPlanet PSP may have taken the ambitious title and scaled it down, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have just as much fun playing it. It may not look as gorgeous as the PS3 version, and you might miss playing with your friends, but before long you will find yourself replaying level after level, trying to collect every last item.

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines isn’t a great game. There are better platformers on the handheld, like Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters, and there are better action games to choose from, like God of War: Chains of Olympus. Bloodlines combines aspects of both of those games into something a little less impressive and coherent, but somehow still entertaining.

It will absolutely help you become a healthier person, but you need to put in the work. There is no easy way out, and you're not going to lose weight or burn calories if you don't make the effort to actually exercise.

With five campaigns, more enemies, better weapons, and plenty of challenges, you will probably still be playing this game well into 2010. There are a few issues, but these are easy to overlook when the gameplay is so fun and satisfying. Once again, Valve has made the zombie apocalypse one of the best experiences of the year.

NCAA Basketball 10 is a satisfactory college basketball game, but its AI and gameplay issues keep it from being a standout, the lack of game modes keep it from being a great value for the money, and the absence of any “hook” to catch fans’ attention may make it a financial failure.

NCAA Basketball 10 is a satisfactory college basketball game, but its AI and gameplay issues keep it from being a standout, the lack of game modes keep it from being a great value for the money, and the absence of any “hook” to catch fans’ attention may make it a financial failure.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, World Adventures adds an almost overwhelming amount of new content, which justifies the $40 price tag, though that still seems a tad high for an expansion pack.

Other than the lack of online multiplayer, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is exactly what you want it to be. It’s a great mix of new and old, and though it’s not exactly innovative, playing though the game is just sheer fun.

It's an experience every gamer should enjoy, and is a game cut from the same cloth as BioShock and Portal, erasing videogame norms and reimagining the way we look at the medium. It does things with gaming that are usually reserved for novels and films, while also adding elements that would be impossible in any other form. It’s is a game that makes you think about your own life as much as it does about gaming.

The story is compelling, the multiplayer is addictive, and Special Ops mode comes out of the gate swinging, prepared to shock gamers with a feature most likely didn’t know existed. The package, on the whole, is spectacular, there’s no two ways about it.

Infinity Ward has managed to outdo themselves with this sequel, a tremendous feat in its own right. If the games of 2009 were stacked up against each other, there’s no question that Modern Warfare 2 would be incredibly close to the apex, fighting viciously for the top spot and, for many people, getting there and continuing upward. This is what gaming is supposed to feel like.

Infinity Ward has managed to outdo themselves with this sequel, a tremendous feat in its own right. If the games of 2009 were stacked up against each other, there’s no question that Modern Warfare 2 would be incredibly close to the apex, fighting viciously for the top spot and, for many people, getting there and continuing upward. This is what gaming is supposed to feel like.

When compared to the Xbox and PS3 version it feels incredibly gimped, but when put up against other Wii shooters, Modern Warfare: Reflex stands out, and proves that the Wii can, indeed, keep up with the high-def generation. It just can't look as good while it does it.

If nothing else, Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble is a quirky, unique experience that is certainly entertaining in small doses. I wish there had been more direction, and despite the new game plus, I’m not sure if a second playthrough is a compelling enough reason to buy it.

Absolute bliss for fans of the genre.

Sadly, due to the lack of a compelling narrative, the frustratingly boring gameplay, and the poor camera, Lost Frontier becomes a forgettable experience almost immediately after playing it.

It’s a fun game, and a good option if you’re in dire need of an all-ages music title, but longtime fans of the series probably won’t find this as satisfying as any of the other Rock Band games.

Lego Rock Band, while not a bad game, is easily the weakest in the series.

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron is certainly a victim of its platform’s shortcomings, but it’s also not a very good game to begin with.

While not for everyone, Dragon Age: Origins is absolute bliss for fans of the genre.

Neversoft did a good job of not dumbing the game down while trying to appeal to a younger audience, and as a result both new gamers and longtime fans will be able to enjoy Band Hero.

Still clearly a Guitar Hero game, and it’s a little frustrating to see the second full-priced game in the series on store shelves within two months.

Need for Speed: Nitro does a good job of washing the taste of the last few entries of the franchise out of your mouth, but it doesn’t really do anything to establish a new status quo. The racing is fun, and the customization is cool, but outside of that, there’s not a whole lot going on here.

For the first time since the original, Ubisoft has been able to recapture what made this new, strange series so popular: inanity, and boatloads of it. The newest title is undoubtedly the best, and despite some faults, Rabbids Go Home is a success, and easily one of the best 3D platformer to hit the Wii since de Blob.

While not the best of the chapters, The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood's story progression and cliffhanger ending have me more excited for the next episode than I have been for any of the previous ones.

It’s a glamorous, larger-than life finale to a wonderful trilogy, taking the lessons Rockstar learned with the previous two games and expanding upon them to create something fabulous.

Tekken 6 doesn’t try to reinvent the fighting game, or even change the Tekken formula too much. It does, however, deliver a gorgeous, extremely solid 3D fighting experience with plenty of customization options.

One of the more exciting things to happen to the genre. DJ Hero explores the one avenue left vacant since Beatmania, and not only provides a game that breathes a bit of life into a genre that had started growing stale, but one that’s also a hell of a lot of fun to play, in spite of the steep price tag.

While I won’t go so far as to call DJ Hero the greatest thing to happen to music games since the first Guitar Hero, it certainly is one of the more exciting things to happen to the genre.

Forza 3 may split its focus between simulation, accessibility, customization, visual splendor, and commercialism, but none of those aspects suffers or feels underserved. It’s an incredibly realistic racer with options that make the game fun for just about anyone, sublime pacing, a massively deep customization suite, spectacular visual presentation, and a groundbreaking online storefront that makes the game almost infinitely replayable.

Even though there’s not much different or new about this sequel when compared to the last game, Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time manages to be one of the most enjoyable titles released this year.

When it comes to actually playing the game, something that's obviously very important, LoL provides an addictive experience that should feel reminiscent of any other game in the genre.

This decent idea got buried under glitches, a bad camera, and frustrating gameplay, and there seems to be no reason for that to have happened.

No matter what people call it, the game is a simple, masterfully crafted title that shouldn’t be ignored, and with the incredibly well optimized system specifications, a $20 price tag, and an imminent OSX port, it’s a game that should be purchased by anyone with a working mouse. God knows you’ll need it.

While it lacks certain elements that would have made it more memorable, the sleek gameplay and beautiful graphics represent a stellar example of genres melting together, something which too often fails in execution. After completing the game, a second play though is opened, turning up the difficulty and starting the story anew, something that many gamers will likely end up taking advantage of.

There is enough content in Nostalgia to keep you occupied for a long time; the question is simply whether or not you will remain interested long enough to get there.

Borderlands is a fantastic beginning to what will hopefully become a great franchise. While it lacks certain elements that would have made it more memorable, the sleek gameplay and beautiful graphics represent a stellar example of genres melting together, something which too often fails in execution.

Borderlands is a fantastic beginning to what will hopefully become a great franchise. While it lacks certain elements that would have made it more memorable, the sleek gameplay and beautiful graphics represent a stellar example of genres melting together, something which too often fails in execution.

Marvel Super Hero Squad’s popular source material, cute story, charming cut scenes, and fun personality will likely put the game into the hands of many young gamers and super hero fans. Most of those kids, however, will quickly tire of the game’s dreary gameplay, shoddy camera, unreliable controls and overall lack of depth and polish.

Wrestling games haven’t changed much since the Smackdown series started, but this year’s offering is easily the most robust and well-produced.

It’s easily the best game in the series, and well worth playing, but one has to wonder how many more times THQ can get away with ever-so-slightly improving what is, essentially, the same game.

As long as EA Canada remains in charge of this title, I don’t think there’s a chance any other game can knock FIFA from the top spot.

FIFA 10 also comes complete with an overhauled AI for the rest of the computer players, making them more reflexive and aggressive.

Once again, EA finds some solid footing to build another strong sports franchise on, and even though FIFA Soccer 10 is geared towards a more casual audience, more serious fans looking for a change of pace will have just as much fun. Though there’s a lack of depth in the game’s modes, FIFA 10 does just enough right to keep you coming back for more.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is essentially an improved version of the DS release with a few new side missions, a couple of new characters, and a completely overhauled graphics engine. Despite the fact that the game was built specifically for the DS, porting it to Sony’s less popular, but more powerful handheld has actually improved its playability.

The Recording Studio is a terrific time waster, but doesn’t offer anything remarkably different from the first that would warrant an upgrade. Songbook is an aggravating mess that would have been made more tolerable if there were actual recordings instead of covers, but I’m not sure even that would have made that mode worth completing.

The allure of the online experience over Xbox Live should be tempting to fans of the game, especially with hopes that some of the issues might be fixed with future downloadable content to add further customization.

The few complaints I had were pretty nitpicky, and the issues are outweighed by the number of good qualities. Obviously, fans of point-and-click games check this out, but even if you weren't a fan of the genre in the past, this might help to change your mind. Machinarium may not have gotten the attention it deserved earlier in the year, but it's never too late to play a fantastic game.

Despite having one less episode than the previous season, Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space seemed to improve upon Save the World in almost every aspect. The storytelling in the game is top notch, and Telltale has really delivered a unique gaming experience with their episodic model.

The potential is there, and it would be a shame if this is the last time Axel & Pixel take the stage.

It’s hard not to become engrossed by the characters and their story, but that’s not the only reason you’ll keep on playing. The combined gameplay styles work well together to provide players with enough variation that the game doesn’t become too repetitive, save for the times you’ll die and have to replay lengthier portions of the game.

The combined gameplay styles work well together to provide players with enough variation that the game doesn’t become too repetitive, save for the times you’ll die and have to replay lengthier portions of the game.

The words “cinematic experience” have been used to describe the game so often that they are probably cliché by now, but it’s something that simply must be said. I found myself saying “just one more chapter” for hours; I never wanted to stop playing, and I never wanted the game to end.

It may be a little too simple for most gamers, especially those old enough to remember the original, but it never stops being fun.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games isn’t going to surprise anyone with its gameplay, graphics, controls, or concept, but it’s a perfectly serviceable party game for the Wii.

Ju-On: The Grudge is the kind of game that should only be purchased as punishment – a modern day equivalent of putting coal in a child's stocking for Christmas.

Half-Minute Hero is, simply put, brilliant.

The enemy design is, simply put, wonderful, and so many different elements of Demon's Souls call out to me, demanding love and affection. Sadly, I cannot return its calls. It just goes so far out of its way to be difficult that it misses some key, important elements that would have made it a vastly better game.

Zombie Studios has done a fine job with the property, and has succeeded more than most thought possible with the series. Saw, as a tie-in to the series, is wonderful. As a survival horror game, however, it's a much smaller success. A success, mind you, but a small success, and one that doesn't rely on any knowledge of the Saw series to enjoy.

Saw, as a tie-in to the series, is wonderful. As a survival horror game, however, it's a much smaller success. A success, mind you, but a small success, and one that doesn't rely on any knowledge of the Saw series to enjoy.

EA Canada has taken huge steps to create one of the most impressive and enjoyable basketball titles in recent years, and if they’re able to continue and improve upon the core mechanics they’ve instituted this year, Live just might usurp NBA 2K’s throne in another year or two. It’s not quite there yet, though. Despite the vast improvements, it’s a bit rough around the edges.

It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed playing an NBA Live title as much as this one. EA Canada has taken huge steps to create one of the most impressive and enjoyable basketball titles in recent years, and if they’re able to continue and improve upon the core mechanics they’ve instituted this year, Live just might usurp NBA 2K’s throne in another year or two.

NBA 2K10 maintains its dominance of basketball video games once again, and the developers are clearly not resting on their laurels.

Another year, another solid effort from 2K Sports. NBA 2K10 maintains its dominance of basketball video games once again, and the developers are clearly not resting on their laurels.

It’s strange to think that a game with lackluster core game mechanics can make up for it with its variety of gameplay modes, most of which rely on those same core mechanics, but that’s exactly the case here.

Gran Turismo was most definitely not worth the wait. It’s a good looking game that plays well, but the lack of game modes, the poor car acquisition system, and the absence of more online features completely deflate the experience.

The developers took a huge chance by placing their game in a genre rife with games that did nothing but wash, rinse, repeat for years, but by creating an incredibly compelling narrative, coupled with some new strides in gameplay, Visceral Games set a new bar for the rail shooter. Not only did they prove that rail shooters could be more than generic shoot ‘em ups, they also showed that they were a developer to be reckoned with.

At times, it feels as though MySims Agents is like a film made for children that's filled with nods at parents to keep them awake for the entirety of the movie. It's also likely the best title in the series.

Despite its faults, Motorstorm: Arctic Edge might be the best iteration of the Motorstorm franchise, or at least the most fun.

Don't be turned away by the strange name, the platform, or the focus on Roxas: Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days is the real deal, and one of the best action RPGs on the Nintendo DS.

It's a step in the right direction for the series and the point-and-click adventure, and a method of development that I'd like to see Telltale continue with the two remaining episodes. Best episode yet? I'm not too sure about that, but there's no doubt that each new story is more polished than the last, something that will hopefully continue throughout the year.

Whether you’ve played through the other two downloadable packs, or you’ve been waiting them out in favor of “Broken Steel,” this new addition is well worth the time and money. Hopefully there’s more to come, but even if there isn’t, at least Bethesda gave gamers a much more satisfying conclusion for their character.

Aion is a wonderful foundation to what can absolutely, positively become one of the best MMORPGs on the market.

Firefight mode, in particular, more than justifies the $60 price point, providing some of the best multi-player thrills of the generation. It might not win any Game of the Year awards, but Halo 3: ODST is a fine game in its own right, and the single-player campaign should hold over fans for Halo Reach releases at some point next year.

It may be unfair to compare the first game in a series to titles that came much later, but in a post-Persona 4 world such comparisons are inevitable. That being said, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona is a great game in its own right, and worthy of being in the collection of any RPG fan.

It simply isn't as fun as Super Smash Bros., and it's too similar to pull in anyone who isn't already a fan of Nintendo's fighting game. All in all, it should be reserved for only those who still sleep in Michelangelo pajamas and play with their the Ninja Turtle Pizza Shooter.

Experienced gamers will have no problem playing through the game without even the fear of death, but kids will have fun playing alone or with a family member, and parents or older siblings can jump in without being bored to tears. Upping the challenge factor and fixing some of the technical issues would have expanded the audience for this game even further, but it’s a nice step taken as far as video game tie-ins go.

There’s quite a bit to enjoy with WET if you’re able to look past the flaws in the gameplay. WET had a chance to set a new bar for third-person action games, but it never has all its components working together at once to make a perfect package.

WET had a chance to set a new bar for third-person action games, but it never has all its components working together at once to make a perfect package. Perhaps the best thing I can say about this game, other than the fact that I enjoyed it in spite of its shortcomings, is that I’m really looking forward to a sequel.