Not that the other games in the series were slouches when it came to their style, but the new season blows them all out of the water, with enhanced graphics and gameplay improvements that move the series in a wonderful direction.

All in all, it feels like the beginning of what might be a fantastic 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. 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.

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

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.

Though the game plays much better without motion controls, Goldeneye is a solid shooter in which Wii owners should find plenty to like.

Its solid controls and wonderful presentation make this game an incredibly tough act to follow. MadWorld is easily a must own for anybody who has the system. If you don’t have a Wii… well… it sucks to be you because you’re really missing out.

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.

EA Sports Active has not jumped on any bandwagons; instead, it has set a new bar for what exercise games should be. After one week, I can already see and feel results, and I have every intention of finishing out my 30-day challenge, as well as sticking with it beyond the initial 30-day period.

It may seem like an example of how a game can stand out by being the biggest fish in a small pond, but even when compared to similar titles on other consoles, LostWinds holds up.

I generally like games to focus as much on story as they do on the fighting, but the fact that this is so mission-heavy is one of the things that distinguishes it from its predecessor.

There’s no two ways about it, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is the most rewarding game to hit the Wii this year.

Midnight Club: Los Angeles just might be the best racing game to come out this year.

Considering that Tiger Woods ’09 is being hailed as the greatest golf game ever released for the 360 and PS3, it is truly depressing that the Wii port is such a mess.

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 for a purchase.

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.

Ninja Gaiden II is essentially a much prettier version of Ninja Gaiden with a few tweaks and a slightly less punishing challenge level (at least on the normal difficulty levels – there are two unlockable difficulties that give me nightmares). For fans of the original, there’s nothing here to prevent you from loving this one as well.

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.

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.

Not that the other games in the series were slouches when it came to their style, but the new season blows them all out of the water, with enhanced graphics and gameplay improvements that move the series in a wonderful direction.

The later of the 20 unique levels can grow frustratingly difficult, but the amount of replayability due to different challenges and scoreboards are more than enough to justify picking it up, or at least buying it when it eventually makes its way to Xbox Live.

While it may not be the game of the year, it arrives just in time to at least contend for it. Who would’ve thought a fresh start on a new console was what this series needed?

While Dragon Quest IV doesn’t offer anything overwhelmingly new or unique, it’s a solid RPG experience that any fan of the genre will have fun playing.

There’s so much to do that it feels overwhelming at first, with so many missions, classes, students begging you for favors, and ladies looking for romance. Once you’ve spent a little time at Bullworth, though, you’ll learn how to manage your time wisely and get things done the way you want to.

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.

I was very surprised by how much fun I had with Rocket Riot. I generally don’t love two-stick shooters, but I was quickly won over by the art style, destructible environments, and humorous gameplay.

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

Some of the dialogue had me laughing hysterically and some of the puzzles had great payoffs. I may sound negative, but it is just because of my expectations.