Rainbow Six is reinvented and reinvigorated for a new age thanks to beautiful visuals and top-notch tactical shooting action.

May very well be the best split-screen multiplayer-focused first-person shooter ever created.

The PC port may be on par with previous PC installments, adding higher resolution options while maintaining the gameplay that made the series great, but the narrow distribution and somewhat clunky external player-matching program make for a great game that's difficult to play online.

In some ways it's even superior to Baldur's Gate II. It's filled with high adventure, epic battles, and plenty of surprises, and it's got a good cast, a good story, and more of all the elements that have made the series successful.

The game's fighting and pacing are in stark contrast to those of typical action games, but with a little patience and a taste for high-concept adventure, you'll find an experience here that's unlike any other.

The game offers hard-hitting offline and online gameplay, impressive map sizes, and a pleasantly intuitive shooter interface, all while maintaining the feel and intensity of combat that is so familiar to fans of SOCOM.

Players who love strategy games will go nuts for Master of Orion II. Its detailed play options, random encounters, multiplayer options, and customizing capabilities are everything that the hard-core veteran dreams of.

A nearly flawless game of golf that somehow manages to appeal to every breed of golfer.

An ideal port--one that significantly improves upon the original game rather than adequately adapting it.

A simple but challenging rhythm game with unique gameplay and one of the best game soundtracks ever.

In some ways it's even better than the original version. In most ways, though, it's exactly the same.

No doubt, this is a more brutal, bloody, and foul-mouthed effort than last year's game, but this emphasis on mature content is backed up by great gameplay and an incredible atmosphere.

Never has there been a tycoon game this visually attractive or effectively designed to minimize micromanagement.

With the addition of enhanced graphics, as well as an all-new passing system, fans of soccer will find that this latest FIFA game is the most challenging, most realistic, and also the greatest yet.

While Warrior Within's new combat and satisfyingly long campaign improve on last year's game, the now darker tone falls somewhat flat compared to the storybook atmosphere in "The Sands of Time."

It's as deep and broad as you would expect from such a big strategy game, but Europa Universalis III's most notable achievement is how easy it is to get into--and how difficult it is to tear yourself away.

High Heat 2003 may not be the best looking or sounding baseball game, but its realistic gameplay laps the competition.

An excellent racing game overall and boasts such a sheer quantity of features and options that most other racing games simply cannot compare. On top of that, solid gameplay and a diverse, flat-out terrific selection of cars help give PGR 2 plenty of long-term appeal.

While the classic Tony Hawk gameplay is present, and still fantastic after all this time, the new story mode doesn't make as dramatic of a change as it probably could have.

By using an intuitive control scheme similar to Electronic Arts' own "Battle for Middle-earth 2," Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars proves that strategy has a big role to play on consoles. If you have an Xbox 360 and even the remotest interest in earth-shattering explosions or campy science fiction, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy.

Despite a slightly flawed interface and presentation, provides an enjoyable and deep strategy experience.

Doesn't fix what's not broken, and it delivers the same addictive gameplay the series is known for in a prettier package.

The gameplay is tight and varied, the graphics are detailed and bright, and the sound is second to none.

A near-flawless game of golf that somehow manages to appeal to every breed of golfer.

The game never skips a beat even with four players connected, which is good news considering that you'll eventually be able to tear computer opponents to ribbons.

The ability to challenge other players from across the world in the Xbox version of Capcom vs. SNK 2 EO makes it an utterly incredible experience for anyone with even the faintest appreciation for the genre.

Earned in Blood offers a rather similar experience to its excellent predecessor, with improved enemy artificial intelligence and additional multiplayer options. The novelty has worn off just a bit, though.

GRAW2 offers up a better, though shorter, single-player game than its predecessor. But the bulk of its gameplay can be found in its impressive and deep multiplayer game.

It has refreshingly little in common with other games of its kind. Besides which, its great presentation, genuinely likable units, replayable campaign, and flexible skirmish and multiplayer modes are easily enough to recommend it.

Above all, R4 is incredibly fun to play. Unlocking the cars (more than 300 in all, though most are basic variations on a few common themes) quickly becomes an obsession, and the Jogcon adds a ton of depth to the game's control.

The mechanics of Metal Gear Solid 3 can be just as confounding as the storyline--but also just as rewarding, especially once you reach some of the game's memorable, dramatic confrontations. In short, this is a great game that embodies both the impressive style and the one-of-a-kind spirit of its predecessors.

One of the great pure driving games of the new millennium.

Both exciting and entertaining, while at the same time it doesn't rob gamers of a decent simulation experience.

This is an incredibly slick package, and not just on the surface, either. On Tour tightens up a lot of the underlying course designs and gameplay mechanics, and it quickens the pace without betraying the fundamentals of SSX.

Bully's unique setting and quality gameplay make for an exciting and memorable action adventure game.

While Links 2001 isn't sufficiently superior enough to pull anyone away from "PGA Championship Golf," it'll definitely please Links fans, especially once the promised course-converter becomes available.

Offers one of the most believable and immersive virtual worlds to date. While the mechanics of combat can be a letdown at times, the feeling of being in combat grips you at nearly every turn.

Despite a few rough edges, Jet Set Radio Future manages to shine because of its addictive, original gameplay and its stunning graphics.

As great a game of football as nearly any fan of the series could hope for, and while it focuses on technical and simulation elements a bit more than the other games on the market, the game stays true to the Madden name.

It couldn't really be done on any other platform, yet it doesn't sacrifice its gameplay for the sake of short-lived gimmicks.

Chaos Theory sometimes has a designed-by-committee feel due to its many disparate parts, and despite the game's grittier new theme and its new "Mature" rating, it's going to offer a familiar experience to Splinter Cell veterans. But even if some of the changes are marginal, this is still the most entertaining, most well-rounded game in the series yet.

But the story is a bit disappointing compared with the complex plot of "Thief," and the game itself lacks the surprises of the original.

There's a lot to like about Madden 2003...the few small problems its gameplay does have really prevent from it being the top football game on the GameCube.

It doesn't really matter if you're familiar with the film it's based on; The Warriors delivers as a completely stand-alone work, and any fan of beat-'em-up games is certain to enjoy it on some level. But if you have seen the film, all the better.

A wonderfully lighthearted game that boasts an intoxicating blend of strategy and action.

Its wealth of gameplay modes dwarfs that of the competition, the gameplay can be slightly buggy at times but remains predominantly tight, and the graphics are more than adequate.

Chaos Theory sometimes has a designed-by-committee feel due to its many disparate parts, and despite the game's grittier new theme and its new "Mature" rating, it's going to offer a familiar experience to Splinter Cell veterans. But even if some of the changes are marginal, this is still the most entertaining, most well-rounded game in the series yet.

Although NHL 2004 does fall just shy of beating out the competition, any previous fan of EA's NHL series will find very little to complain about in this installment.

The few minor issues in the gameplay and the fact that it has the same general look as last year's game really prevent it from taking the crown in this year's football race.

A solid, well-rounded online role-playing experience that's at least as good as any other out there.

The extreme increase in difficulty will surely turn some people away before they've seen the 20 tracks and unlocked all the story mode chapters. But if you want a light-speed racer that looks and plays sharply while simultaneously offering some dramatic challenges, F-Zero GX is exactly what you're looking for.

Though it's based on the "Baldur's Gate" engine and is also set in the same "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" universe, Icewind Dale's originality and fast pacing make the game uniquely satisfying.

A greater variety of tracks, cars, and options makes this sequel seem fresh and new, while the addition of Internet play provides an assurance that you'll enjoy the game for many months to come.

In a few fundamental ways, the game actually does manage to beat out the opposition, though ultimately it falls a bit short of being the best overall package. It's still a really great hockey game in its own right, though.

The game just feels like a BMX video game on a handheld system ought to feel--like a miniaturized version of its console cousin without any compromises or cutbacks.

From beginning to end, Obsidian is an entertaining, surreal romp.

While Warrior Within's combat and satisfyingly long campaign improve on last year's game, the now darker tone falls somewhat flat compared to the storybook atmosphere in "The Sands of Time."

Pretty much the perfect sports management game.

No soccer fan should hesitate to buy FIFA 2003.

It can take you awhile to learn the game, and some of the elements of the combat may occasionally prove unwieldy, but most everything else about Sacrifice is so inventive that you should be able to turn a blind eye to its shortcomings and enjoy the game for its many outstanding qualities.

A very fun baseball game to play. The game's great graphics, involving gameplay, and great commentary all blend together to deliver an exciting and authentic game of baseball.

A decidedly great game, all in all. Its most interesting, riskiest features may lie at the fringes rather than at the core--but they're there.

It doesn't really matter if you're familiar with the film it's based on; The Warriors delivers as a completely stand-alone work, and any fan of beat-'em-up games is certain to enjoy it on some level. But if you have seen the film, all the better.

The crash mode alone makes this game worth seeing, and the inclusion of the well-done championship and multiplayer modes makes it the best pure arcade-style racing game available on the Xbox.

A well-designed, open-ended, lengthy role-playing game sporting impressive graphics and sound and a lot of replay value.

An excellent game that will appeal to any soccer fan who prefers realism to the fast-paced, high-scoring style of other soccer games.

A well-put-together but standard action adventure, primarily consisting of lots of basic combat and running from point to point. Mind you, this is a decidedly great game, all in all. Its most interesting, riskiest features may lie at the fringes rather than at the core--but they're there.

All-Star Baseball 2003 has High Heat 2003 licked where graphics are concerned, and the inclusion of the franchise mode makes Acclaim's hardball simulation all the more enticing--[but] you can't go wrong buying either one.

While the game is definitely a fine technical achievement and one of the best PSP games to date, the dull storyline and basic mission design do bring the whole thing down a bit.

Zeus plays like a best-of-all-worlds combination of some of the greatest strategy games ever.

Even if you don't explore all the nooks and crannies, Shadow Hearts: Covenant is a great game that any fan of the role-playing genre would likely enjoy; its style, its humor, and its well-crafted battle system set it apart in a world of "Final Fantasy" clones.

While it's not the most beautiful hockey video game, NHL 2001 comes through where it counts - the gameplay.

Easily the best Bomberman to hit these shores since Saturn Bomberman in 1997.

A smart and solid racing game that provides an amazing feeling of true speed.

A very fun baseball game to play. The game's great graphics, involving gameplay, and great commentary all blend together to deliver an exciting and authentic game of baseball.

The captivating PSP version of this classic PC strategy game captures all the charming fun of being a pirate of the Caribbean.

It may not be the best-looking PC game available, but Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 has a solid look and a level of replay value that's unmatched by any game of its type.

A throwback to "Super Metroid," offering most of that game's best qualities in an all-new adventure. It's disappointing that Fusion ends so soon, since it's such a great game while it lasts.

Forgotten Battles doesn't make the sort of huge impact that the original game did, but, despite its faults, it's generally a very worthy successor.

The political wrapper that PopTop has built around the core of the game is sophisticated enough to appeal to all types of strategy game players. The game also has enough heart, soul, humor, and humanity to make it unique.

The gameplay is excellent and probably comes closer to mimicking the actual sport than any other soccer game currently available on the Xbox.

The ghosts of those original 2D Sonic titles are exorcised in the game's amazing pace, heart-pounding platform jumping action, and in the unyielding barrage of creatively designed levels.

Korsun Pocket is an excellent game, is compelling and addictive for anyone interested in deep strategy games, and is easily the best 2D wargame for the PC to date.

The Two Thrones provides a satisfying conclusion to the Sands of Time trilogy, with a lot of the same puzzle solving and gorgeous environments you remembered from the previous two games.

Still one of the best platformers you can find, with a clever story, unique and interesting weapons, and compelling multiplayer options.

May not have the long-term challenge that Mario does, but gamers will find themselves itching to play it for some time. This is a very solid game, in many ways the best racing game ever seen on a home system.

Certain gameplay issues aside, as with its NFL counterpart, NCAA Football 2002 is oozing with a variety of features and gameplay options.

It may look a lot like its predecessors, but all of these new features give the game an unmatched feeling of authenticity.

Fixes virtually all of the problems of its predecessor and stands tall on its own merits as an outstanding action game.

While the tweaks to isomotion and shooting are the most obvious improvements made to an already solid basketball simulation, it's the leaps forward in artificial intelligence that ultimately define NBA 2K6's quality.

With its memorable cast of characters, responsive controls, and attractive, highly stylized look, Sega Soccer Slam sets the bar by which any other soccer games of this type will be judged.

Ups the ante--if only a bit--with improved online play, an interesting career mode, and the same solid driving model fans of the series have come to love.

Kohan's few shortcomings don't diminish the fact that it brings together a variety of proven concepts to offer a real-time strategy experience unlike any other.

The PS2 version is hurt by its lack of online support, but if you don't care for the online play, or you don't have an Xbox, then don't let this dissuade you from picking up this otherwise excellent game.

Robin Hood gets its subject matter right, and with plenty of playability, storytelling, and atmosphere.

Such a solid and comprehensive product that you just may want to make it your baseball video game of choice this season, particularly if you enjoy franchise-style modes.

An incredible, epic journey well worth experiencing by Fire Emblem fans or by anyone who likes role-playing games.

Whether you're a staunch pigskin purist or arcade all the way, you really owe it to yourself to give Blitz: The League a look. It's easily the best football you'll play all year.