Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords was one of the most addictive games of all time. Its blend of genres and stunning gameplay left lines scored in touch screens and tiles burnt into televisions. Now, the sequel has managed to improve upon the original in every way.

Nothing is strikingly different, and nothing is really any better. It's just more, and for some, that's more than enough. It's an expansion in the truest sense of the word, literally expanding on the experience of the first game without stepping on any toes and cheapening what the first accomplished.

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.

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.

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.

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords was one of the most addictive games of all time. Its blend of genres and stunning gameplay left lines scored in touch screens and tiles burnt into televisions. Now, the sequel has managed to improve upon the original in every way, even fixing the AI, which many believed "cheated" before.

It's not a drastic improvement over the last game, but considering how high-quality the season has been so far, I doubt anyone is going to complain.

Though it’s not without its issues, and the elements inspired by classic adventure titles don’t always hit their mark, there’s actually quite a bit to like about the game. From the solid story and non-stop action, to the impressive character and level design, the combined aspects present an impressive package.

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box is certainly more of the same, but I don't think anyone is going to complain.

The racing is simple, yet intense.

It's not a drastic improvement over the last game, but considering how high-quality the season has been so far, I doubt anyone is going to complain.

Nearly everything about this game has been improved over its predecessors, and though the campaign won't take you too long to complete, the hours you'll spend with the multiplayer more than make up for it.

Red Steel 2 isn't just the game everyone wished Red Steel was, it's better than that. It single handedly proves the Wii MotionPlus's value for adventure games, while providing one of the best action experiences on the system. That said, it's almost a tech demo for the hardware, lacking in terms of story and gameplay variety.

Although on the surface H.A.W.X. seems like an Ace Combat 6 clone, a deeper examination reveals that it has taken the Ace formula, and improved upon it. The incorporation of satellite imagery, a leveling system, and new control mechanics are enough to make this most recent Tom Clancy title soar over the competition. As a huge fan of the flight action genre, I can say that H.A.W.X. is this generation’s true ace.

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.

Sam & Max Save the World will give you about 10-12 hours of enjoyment the first time through, and the addition of achievements is good motivation to hunt for some extra tidbits you may not have known were in the game otherwise.

Many will enjoy it for what it is, and others will hate what Ubisoft did to their stealth series. There's no doubt about it: Conviction is a massive divergence from the normal formula. Stealth takes a back seat, and the trial-and-error gameplay has been replaced with something much more akin to the recent Batman: Arkham Asylum.

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.

For fans of the original game, this is easily the best version of Marvel vs. Capcom 2. The improved visuals help make it feel like a 2-year-old game instead of a 9-year-old game, the online play is phenomenal, and the price ($15) an excellent value for a game that costs at least $90 for a used Dreamcast copy.

Despite the technical problems, though, I found myself enjoying The Tomb of Sammun-Mak from start to finish.

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.

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 half the price of the PC version and comes with a few extra maps after the original campaign is over, adding even more value where, in all honesty, none was needed.

It’s a miniature version, a smaller, quicker Battlefield, and one that is better suited for a downloadable title. Even with its faults, 1943 is absolutely worthy of a purchase. You’d be hard pressed to find a better downloadable game thus far in 2009.

It's a sandbox, filled with exciting possibilities, and might feel more "next-gen" than anything else out there.

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.

While it lacks the strong story of “Point Lookout” and “Broken Steel,” it’s much more enjoyable than “Operation: Anchorage” or “The Pitt.

Features an awesome amount of content for only $10.