Don't get me wrong. Starcraft II is a fine game. It's just not great.

In the end, the biggest strike against Continuum Shift is that it remains in the shadow of Super Street Fighter IV, much as its predecessor did last year in relation to that game's initial release.

Arc Rise Fantasia isn't a bad game, but it's an unfortunate victim of the "two steps forward, one step back" rule. As a result, the good moments do manage to outweigh the not so good, which is a lot more than can be said for many games that hit the market at this time of the year.

Regardless of its brevity, price, or minor frustrations, this is one of the best games currently available on Xbox Live Arcade. It's also one of the most essential must-play experiences this generation.

It's a straightforward, classic sidescroller that anyone can pick up and start playing immediately.

The bottom line is that Tidalis is a flexible, smart, refreshingly unique puzzle design, and it's situated neatly into a large generous package. It's far better than any mere puzzle game should be.

It's an ace introduction to a genre that isn't well-represented on consoles, and it's funny and engaging enough to capture you for hours at a time… even if you're all by your lonesome.

Truth is, everything that is novel about Disciples III was already in Disciples II, and the new stuff is basically a retread of features from other games.

So the first thing Darkstar One: Broken Alliance has going for it is that it doesn't have a lot of competition. The second thing it has going for it is that it was already a good game on the PC, and it was simple enough that it didn't have to be compromised on the way to the Xbox 360. So right away, that's a heap of good news for anyone who fondly recalls the thrill of flying a load of medical supplies past pirates to sell it for a modest profit that will go towards a bigger laser.

It's an ace introduction to a genre that isn't well-represented on consoles, and it's funny and engaging enough to capture you for hours at a time… even if you're all by your lonesome.

There are so many things to love about this game. The unpredictable yet vastly improved gameplay, the slider adjustments that actually work (set the quarterback accuracy to zero in practice mode to see what I mean), the AI playcalling, the new recruiting model, the online dynasty tools, and so on; if all you want to do is play the occasional game with a buddy or play one season with your favorite team, or just relax against the AI and play exhibition games after work then NCAA 11 is an absolute must buy. However, if Dynasty Mode is your thing you are better off either waiting and hoping EA Sports patches the game or simply saving your money for next year.

There are so many things to love about this game. The unpredictable yet vastly improved gameplay, the slider adjustments that actually work (set the quarterback accuracy to zero in practice mode to see what I mean), the AI playcalling, the new recruiting model, the online dynasty tools, and so on; if all you want to do is play the occasional game with a buddy or play one season with your favorite team, or just relax against the AI and play exhibition games after work then NCAA 11 is an absolute must buy. However, if Dynasty Mode is your thing you are better off either waiting and hoping EA Sports patches the game or simply saving your money for next year.

Whatever you decide to do, and however deep you decide to make your journey into Dragon Quest IX you'll be treated to one of the most accessibly complicated and cheerily good hearted role playing experiences to come along in some time and one of the absolute best role playing games of the year.

That all being said though, Blacklight: Tango Down is a quite solid shooter that combines entertaining gameplay with some unique features and throws it all together into a commendable multiplayer package.

It's admirable that the guys who made Crackdown 2 have created a sequel every bit as good as the original. It's just a shame they don't have that insight into the genre at large. Because there's almost nothing in Crackdown 2 to recommend it over the competition. On the whole, I'd rather be in Panau.

The bargain price may tempt you to give the game a try but trust me, it's no different than the shuckster me-too fighting games of 15 years ago only this time you'll be losing a lot more than just a quarter.

As a clever puzzler, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem succeeds, but when it comes to serving its intended audience, (which is presumably, young kids) it misses the mark.

Persona 3 is everything you want a PSP port to be: just as good as the original and customized to make PSP owners feel like thy need the new game even if they played the original for weeks on end.

If you're a puzzle fan, then the game does have some thought-provoking puzzles; however, it moves so slowly, you might not be able to stay awake long enough to get to them.

In the end Singularity is a decidedly average shooter with a pretty novel storyline.

In the end Singularity is a decidedly average shooter with a pretty novel storyline.

In the end Singularity is a decidedly average shooter with a pretty novel storyline.

Traveller's Tales have sure struck a gold mine with the LEGO series. Their earlier block-themed games have been charmingly cute and amusing, and Harry Potter is no exception. You can't blame them for sticking to a winning formula, as Potter and LEGO fans will likely flock to play this game.

As bare-boned as Deathsmiles is, playing through the game a couple times is entertaining.

Yes, the game is fan service, and plays to an audience that can't get enough of Etna, Flonne and Prinny, but it's also a decent game that succeeds in offering something new.

Sadly the result is a forgettable game that might be worth a weekend rental, but nothing more.

Add in the frustration-free design (dying brings about a tiny penalty in studs and sets you back exactly where you were) and the full-on charm of exploring a super cute, living version of the Harry Potter universe and you have an experience that even muggles will enjoy.

As in their previous games, specifically Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun, S&P:SS relies on a couple of evasion gimmicks and limited but flexible weapons that give the skilled player a slight edge over the thousands of bullets headed their way.