It's not perfect though, and a myriad of small issues prevent EA Sports MMA from being the best mixed-martial arts title this year.

Scribblenauts is a masterpiece. A flawed, frustrating, brilliant, masterpiece.

If you didn’t like the previous Trauma Center games, there’s nothing that’s going to draw you in now, but for long-time fans or those who have been mildly curious about the series, Under the Knife 2 is a good choice.

Already it’s better than both the Wallace & Gromit and Strongbad series, and makes a move on some episodes of Sam & Max.

There’s a ton of challenge there if your brain is up to it.

It should provide answers about the sequel to those who with mixed feelings about the original, and provide a nice mid-meal-snack for hardcore fans that can't wait for the full sequel. For everyone else, it's a gory, thrilling zombie massacre that costs less than lunch at Wendy's, and it's well worth picking up.

While the world could’ve been bigger, the pop-ups less frequent, and the graphics just a bit sharper, Midnight Club: LA Remix does just about everything else right.

Most of the flaws are simply disappointments, and there's a good game in Deathspank, even if it isn't as good of a game as it should have been. The humor, thankfully, manages to hold strong, with non-stop jokes and constant fourth wall breaking.

Dissidia Final Fantasy offers an enormous amount of content for Final Fantasy fans, but fails to deliver an engaging or satisfying fighting experience.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2 – Raidou Kuzunoha vs King Abbadon may not bring very much new to the RPG fold, but it’s still an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding game.

Sadly, due to Sony's refusal to ship the PlayStation 3 with headsets, just about every game has problems with communication.

Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is a giant step forward for the series, and the most fun it's been in years. There are still issues that need to be worked out, and I wish Traveller's Tales had fixed more of its problems instead of dancing around them.

It’s fast, original, and beautiful – everything you should expect from a holiday blockbuster. If you’re easily frustrated by difficult games it might be wise to rent it first, but be warned; the beauty and addictive race modes might pull you in.

The puzzles are all fun and can become quite difficult as the game progresses. More th[a]n one time I found myself clueless as to how to get out of a room or to defeat an enemy, having to try every available option before finally finding a solution.

The main problems are more accurately missed opportunities, and much of the time playing the game will be spent wondering what could have been created if Monolith would have taken more creative risks instead of allowing themselves to craft a game too deeply within their comfort zone.

Ghostbusters was almost the game we’ve spent twenty years waiting for, but it isn’t. The gameplay is just about there, the presentation is spot on, and the script has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but the lack of cooperative play seems downright wrong.

There’s nothing there for people who don’t already like the game, but the transition was so seamless that it’s an absolute purchase for fans.

Already it’s better than both the Wallace & Gromit and Strongbad series, and makes a move on some episodes of Sam & Max.

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

Players that were perfectly satisfied witgh last year's Tiger Woods game will really have only one thing to sell them on this newest iteration; the Focus system.

So far, the story is great, the puzzles are wonderful, and the script represents some of the best writing in the industry.

The main problems are more accurately missed opportunities, and much of the time playing the game will be spent wondering what could have been created if Monolith would have taken more creative risks instead of allowing themselves to craft a game too deeply within their comfort zone.

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is without a doubt one of the year’s finest games, and is another example of a well made third-party game for the Wii.

It’s easy to grow frustrated with Mirror’s Edge; the game doesn’t bother being that user friendly. At times, it might feel like pixel-perfect precision needed in old platformers is needed to complete the game, but it’s usually worth the extended effort to try.

There are plenty of games on the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network that feel like quick ports. Double Impact goes far beyond that, and features an awesome amount of content for only $10.

Even more so than the other Hasbro Family Game Night titles, this is really for fans, and should please anyone who considers Yahtzee to be fun.

JRPG haters will just find more things to complain about here, but for fans of the genre, this is the 360 game you’ve been waiting for.

What was born in the arcades has moved to the home, and while the frights were replaced with winks, it still managed to retain all of the entertainment of the original. House of the Dead: Overkill is a must own for Wii owners looking to push a little more use out of their system.

Big Bang Mini is a tremendous success. It isn’t an incredibly deep game, but the mechanics work on a number of levels, and set a bar for what gamers should grow to expect from budget titles.

Easily one of the best horror games on any next-gen console thus far. Never mind the fact it’s easily one of the best downloadable games on any console period.

Prototype is the very definition of an action game. Getting through the arduous campaign requires quick reflexes, laser-like concentration, constant movement, nimble fingers, and a little memorization, but the game makes sure to make the player always feel like the baddest man on the block.

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.

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.

To put it simply, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney takes everything that works about the Phoenix Wright series and then adds more. Longtime fans of the lawyer series will not be disappointed with the newest installment, but there’s so much fresh content that newcomers can jump right in and not feel overwhelmed by the game’s history.

What was once the be-all-end-all of baseball video games on the PSP is quickly becoming a shadow of its former self. Like so many storied professionals, age is finally catching up to the series.

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.

I don't think this game is a replacement for an actual gym, or an actual trainer, but for those of you, who like me, don't have the time or inclination for that type of investment, EA Active 2 is a great substitute.

Crimson Gem Saga probably won’t win any awards for innovation, but it’s an enjoyable game from start to finish, and one I had trouble putting down.

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.

EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis is a great offering, and a fantastic first outing for the series. It isn't without fault, however, and isn't the casual experience some hoped it would be.

Sadly, after playing this year’s other solid platformers (Braid, Lost Winds, De Blob), Wario Land Shake It! just doesn’t grab me by the shirt collar and demand I play it.

This tenth entry in the core series stands toe-to-toe with its predecessors in terms of gameplay and charm, and provides more content than pretty much any of them.

Probably the most realistic tennis sim ever created. Whether or not you’ll have any fun playing it is a matter of how willing you are to dedicate some time to mastering the game’s nuances and surprising level of depth.

Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth takes an interesting step away from the courtroom, giving the prosecutor the spotlight that he so richly deserves and crafting a plot fitting for the franchise. Unfortunately, some issues hold it back from greatness, but despite the slow pacing and minor issues, fans will keep coming back until every case has been solved.

Excitebots: Trick Racing may not be the most innovative racing game ever made, but it’s zany, fun, and something I would go back to.

Even taking the shortcomings into account, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better game than Yakuza 2 on the PS2 this year. I’m impressed with Sega being able to churn out a game of this quality, and wish they would do it more often.

NBA Live 09 is a massive step forward for the franchise, and, in some ways, for sports games in general. It looks better than 2K’s excellent hoops game, and plays just as well, too. The massive gap in quality between the Live and 2K series has finally shrunken to the point where either option will give you a solid basketball experience.

While it runs into issues in areas it likely didn't realize it would, there's no denying that the sacrifices made are more than justified.

Gamers looking for a fun Western-themed shooter should look no further than Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood. There’s nothing incredible about it, but it’s a strong title with a solid enough story to keep most people interested.

Raven has, yet again, fallen just short of brilliance. The game is flawed in a number of areas, many of which detract from the overall experience and come across as sloppy or lazy.

Features an awesome amount of content for only $10.

Though I really enjoy this game, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is almost too retro for its own good. Even on the lowest difficulty setting, playing the game is at times a chore.

Just as was the case with the episode before it, Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 2: The Siege of Spinner Cay's puzzles represent excellence on Telltale's part. Not only are they consistently intuitive and well developed, but are generally accompanied with hilarious dialogue that should make any fan of Monkey Island chuckle from beginning to end.

Playing through this game reminded me how much fun the Indiana Jones character really is. If you enjoy the films at all, and enjoyed Lego Star Wars, this is right up your alley.

The vibrant graphics take full advantage of the PlayStation 3's power, and while it might not be aimed at the right demographic, there's still a good deal of fun to be had.

An incredibly charming adventure.

The finished game is both fun to play, and wonderfully representative of a time of innocence and adventure. Combined with Double Fine's development sensibilities, it's the perfect combination for success.

Even though the game has its flaws, Tom Clancy’s EndWar ends up being a fairly impressive effort.

Metro 2033 has a lot going for it. The game may not tread any new ground in its narrative, but there are a lot of interesting concepts to play around with. Unfortunately, the mechanics behind those concepts often lead to more frustration than they do elation. A strong story and world will only go so far.

It takes the basic framework and turns it upside down, ripping out the casual appeal and replacing it with fast-paced competitive gameplay. Though not for anyone who gets flustered under pressure, Uno Rush is a great addition to the Xbox Live Marketplace, and a must buy for fans of competitive action.

Sure, there are definitely hurdles to jump in order to create a cooperative game with slow motion, or to get the mechanic to work in a multiplayer sense, but that doesn’t excuse them for not trying. Then again, that's all nitpicking, and to be honest, there's really nothing "wrong" with the game at all.

It's faithful to its source material, sometimes to a fault, but it also adds enough depth and playablity to make it a worthwhile title in its own right.

Without the Transformers license, War for Cybertron would be a capable, but utterly forgettable third-person shooter with some nice graphics. Setting the game on Cybertron, however, and re-telling the origin of the most beloved toy franchise of the 1980s makes it an experience that gamers will enjoy and recall fondly, and one that fans of the Transformers absolutely shouldn't miss out on.

The gameplay is strong, though it's not enough to really lift the product above its other issues for too long.

The combat's hectic nature has a certain rhythm to it that's easy to appreciate, and the style, while simplistic, is worth commending.

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.

The story never draws you in, battles take forever, diminishing the game’s allure as a portable experience, and the fact that you play as a ball of light introduces a layer of separation from the game’s characters that ensures your disinterest in their fates.

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

The game itself might also turn people off with it’s realistic combat, so I definitely recommend everyone rent it before a purchase, but that doesn’t detract from the game’s achievements.

Completionists will love the amount of things to find and collect, and with the unlockable Free Play mode and extra characters, the game has a fairly decent replay value. This game is a lot of fun, especially if you have someone nearby to play with.

With a short campaign and a few new characters for Mercenaries mode, there's really no reason fans of RE5 should skip this over. While it might not pack much more content than Lost in Nightmares, Resident Evil 5: Desperate Escape represents some of the best action in the series, giving a good excuse to pop the disk back in for another trip to Kijuju, even if it's only for an hour or two.

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.

For fans of Darwinia, this game is an instant purchase, but I’d recommend waiting on the Arcade version for online play. For anyone on the fence, pick up the demo, and here’s hoping it gets the reaction on consoles it deserves.

Brothers in Arms continues the tradition of bringing realistic warfare combat to gaming, honoring the war without sugar coating the truth.

Despite having every opportunity in the world to triumphantly succeed, Singularity, instead, falls right in line with previous titles by the developer. Raven has, yet again, fallen just short of brilliance. The game is flawed in a number of areas, many of which detract from the overall experience and come across as sloppy or lazy.

However, it appears that they weren't able to perfectly hit their stride in terms of puzzle creation, and this episode definitely has some of the early-season jitters that the first few episodes of Sam & Max had.

A fun, if shallow and mindless shooter. For those looking for quick-hit action without worrying about things like story or a sense of purpose, it’s exactly what you’re looking for.

There's nothing remarkable about the product, and there are a number of minor issues that prove frustrating to deal with, but the game is, without a doubt, a success.

While The Pitt may be a tad on the short side, there’s certainly enough content here to warrant the price.

With four game modes and six levels to unlock, there is a good amount of things to do, but even with different environments, Burn Zombie Burn can still be more repetitive than addictive at times.

Toy Story isn't just a game for kids; fans of the trilogy should have no reservations about picking this one up.

The writing, acting, and graphics are stellar. If only the gameplay, camera, and lack of variety weren't so stifling.

Supporting up to 16 players, online versus battles tend to be extremely chaotic and fun, while still requiring a decent amount of strategy for success.

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.

It's kid friendly, but has enough witty gameplay to make any fan of the genre giddy.

Brad Wardell, CEO of the game's publisher Stardock, said it best: "Now right now, Demigod, as a game, is awesome. Demigod, as an on-line service, however, sucks ass." That couldn't be more true. With any luck these problems will be addressed quickly, because the gameplay is simply too engaging to allow a few network problems get in the way of an otherwise fantastic experience.

To make things better, the episode has what is likely the best conclusion in the history of the series.

The most upsetting thing is the fact that it feels like there really is a good game in Underworld—it’s just masked by all of the game’s technical difficulties.

It may be a bit light on the gore and ultraviolence, but from a gameplay standpoint, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is easily the best game in the series since "MK3".

I’m still willing to give the other games in the series a try, but my patience for this franchise as a whole is wearing thin.

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.

The series remains the only true blending of the two genres, and Galactrix, if nothing else, proves that the Puzzle Quest definitely has room to grow. Hopefully inevitable sequels will be able to refine the tutorials, learning from PC strategy games in easing players into mechanics, instead of piling them on from the outset.

If you’re a fan of rail shooters or of the Resident Evil franchise, Umbrella Chronicles is a solid, if not deep title that offers about 4-5 hours of mindless fun.

Weighing the minimal problems of Groovin' Blocks against the things it does right, I find that the game's benefits far outweigh its issues. Fans of not only rhythm games, but of old-school puzzlers will find plenty to fall in love with here.

It's fun to be evil in Overlord II. Collecting wenches, decorating the dark tower, buying weapons, and upgrading magics all work towards making the main character seem as powerful as possible. In the end, it's a better game than the original, but not by as much as would be hoped.

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.

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.

NBA Live 09 is a massive step forward for the franchise, and, in some ways, for sports games in general. It looks better than 2K’s excellent hoops game, and plays just as well, too.