When you first get on the track, chances are you'll be so impressed with the stunning graphics that you'll probably forget to accelerate when the lights go green.

Ogre Battle 64 offers a detailed branching story and great depth of customization, both executed brilliantly within the limitations of a 35-meg cartridge.

Rustin Parr won't take you very long to finish, but it will give you a few good scares along the way.

Those looking for more complexity in their action games, though, will definitely want to look elsewhere.

3rd Strike delivers new characters and enough new options to make it a worthwhile product, even if you already own "Double Impact."

The gameplay has an ultrarealistic feel to it, thanks to an accurate physics model that not only shows the car lean from the stress of a turn, but also totally lets you stay in control with tight responsive controls.

Its basic premise is its greatest weakness, for by re-creating the classic arcade game it has limited itself to a few basic controls and tile-based movement.

The game isn't all bad, but its easy campaigns and straightforward, simplistic gameplay mean that it won't last you for very long.

The core game is still virtually identical to the original.

The only real problem with Loopy Landscapes is that it doesn't add two much-needed elements to RollerCoaster Tycoon: a free-for-all mode in which you're not constrained by scenario objectives, and a means of controlling the game speed.

The gameplay is fast and intuitive, and while the graphics aren't eye-popping, Radical has managed to capture what is most important in snowboarding games: the spirit of freedom.

The best-looking and best-sounding PlayStation Formula One title to date, and it has excellent gameplay and features to boot.

Puzzle gamers looking for a quality weekend rental need look no further than Frogger 2.

With four people joining in, the number of onscreen explosions, pig-speech comments, and all-around nuttiness nearly lifts the game into the same sphere of quality as "Worms" or "Bomberman."

One of the most refreshing takes on the third-person action shooter to date.

It has a few problems that keep it from being the perfect hockey game, but they're easily overlooked in light of the game's many impressive qualities.

Essentials is anything but.

PG3SE will offer absolutely no surprises to those who have played previous games in the series.

Does not suffice in any facet of its execution and should be avoided by even the most fervent vehicular combat fans.

The missions themselves are fairly long, and you might grow weary of having to use the same set of units toward the end of the game.

The gameplay in Conquest of the Underworld is very formulaic, despite the generally high quality of the map designs.

It looks and sounds unimpressive, and at first, its poorly designed interface may seem like more trouble than it's worth to master and will likely continue to seem cumbersome even after you've gotten used to it.

Heat offers a brutally honest driving experience, but with simplistic damage modeling.

Doesn't, in any remote way, come close to redeeming its prequel, much less the majority of the series.

Even though Sanity's multiplayer game is forgettable, the single-player experience is polished and contains enough unique ideas, surprises, and solid gameplay to warrant a recommendation - assuming you can stand dealing with long loading times.

Better control over collisions would have been nice, but the greater track selection and sheer number of additional multiplayer options more than makes up for such an omission.

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

Boasting nothing resembling extraordinary gameplay, it serves, rather, as a vehicle for the license.

If you've got tons of free time to devote to racing, purchasing, and modifying scores of cars, this might be what you're looking for.

It's not the ultimate track and field game by any means, but if you read on, you'll find out just how close Konami's latest effort comes.

Experienced and discerning gamers, however, would do well to steer clear of BLSC, as the game is simplistic and light.

The game just doesn't capture the magic of the "Resident Evil" series.

It's one of the best PlayStation games of all time, so if you're not familiar with the original, or even if you're a fan who wants to play the complete Metal Gear Solid in higher resolution, then you should definitely try Metal Gear Solid for the PC.

It's a definitive role-playing experience, and the only reason it can't be called the best game in its class is because in a sense there's nothing available that compares to it.

It combines both simulation and wargaming elements to produce a superb gaming experience.

While Breakout is a fine starter game for young kids attempting to get a handle on their hand-eye coordination, all others might want to pass on this one.

The best driving game currently available on any console, let alone the Dreamcast, and once you crest the game's steep learning curve, the addictive need to constantly best other players' lap times will provide weeks of replayability.

It doesn't matter whether you're a hard-core simulation fan or you simply crave speed, destruction, and mayhem in your games -- if you want to play a very fun racing game, then Midtown Madness 2 is for you.

It's undoubtedly one of the best Star Trek games to date, and its only rival in its genre so far this year is, unsurprisingly, Raven's own shooter, "Soldier of Fortune."

The levels are bigger, the trick catalog is more plentiful, the number of goals per level has been doubled, and the already stunning gameplay has been honed even further.

It's just too bad the game's abhorrent visuals, combined with a few lingering gameplay quirks, relegate it to the unenviable position of being the best of 1996. Unfortunately, if you've checked the calendar lately, it's the year 2000.

Fans of the genre can consider Land of the Babes a light snack between hearty meals.

What good is a set of tools that frustrates more than it aids creation?

Although the graphical experience emphasizes clarity over extravagance, even the game's graphical palette exudes quality.

If you're frustrated by simulations, ESPN MLS GameNight is the game for you.

Despite its unusually deficient single-player mode, Bomberman Party Edition still manages to succeed where many previous attempts have failed, delivering an uproariously enjoyable multiplayer experience.

A fresh, original concept that has plenty of style.

While it's a simple game targeted toward a younger audience, the solid gameplay should suffice for the people who are old enough to remember the Duck Dodgers character from the old Merrie Melodies, if only for a weekend rental.

The only major flaw in Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX is that the game is a touch on the easy side.

The two things that "NFL Blitz 2000" had going for it - approachability and freshness - are diminished in this year's version by the fact that the CPU AI is tougher and the fact that the game evokes a distinct feeling of déjà vu.

Truthfully, there isn't much in the way of competition for Sega's "NFL 2K1" when it comes to Dreamcast football titles. However, NFL Blitz 2001's quirky gameplay, rich features, and drool-inducing visuals make it an excellent alternative.

In practice, however, the game's ugly textures, poor frame rate, and clunky gameplay combine to make MTV Skateboarding one of the worst PlayStation games released this year.

The game may not break much new ground, but with near-perfect visuals and addictive gameplay, NFL Blitz 2001 is major football fun.

The main asset to the license -- a degree of smart sexiness akin to old '70s James Bond movie posters -- has become crass and obvious in its translation to 3D.

The great graphics, incredible sound and music, and true-3D gameplay made it a favorite among strategy fans and critics.

The only connections this boring real-time strategy game has with "Star Trek" are the logo on the box, the names of the races, and the types of weapons that your units use.

With a multitude of elements that let it transcend that narrow and often underrated genre, racing fans and those simply seeking a wild, entertaining experience would do well to check it out.

The vastly improved running game makes all the difference in the world, since now you can truly mount an offensive attack that consists of a true-to-life air-and-ground assault.

The gameplay interface can prove to be very cumbersome, but if you can learn to tolerate how it plays, Maximum Pool is a great deal.

It would make an excellent game for children who aren't yet old enough to tackle the meatier fare of "real" video games.

"Turok 3" isn't the most beautiful or detailed addition to the series, but it plays the smoothest.

With a multitude of elements that let it transcend that narrow and often underrated genre, racing fans and those simply seeking a wild, entertaining experience would do well to check it out.

You'd be better off with Electronic Arts' "NHL 2001."

Those who've already played "Tetris Attack" may want to take a pass on this as well, as the addition of the 3D mode and the Pokémon license aren't enough to justify this purchase.

It remains a decent enough game for button-jamming fanatics despite its flaws.

Most frustrating, though, is when the camera inverts your perspective after the execution of a zip line -- while it may seem as if nothing's amiss (as the subtle change in perspective will surely evade your notice), the controls will indeed be reversed, causing "up" to mean "down," and vice versa.

RES tries its best to be a fusion of two drastically different genres, and it unfortunately limits itself with difficult control and tedious gameplay.

If you're able to accept the awkward dungeon layouts and Draconian pacing, you'll be richly rewarded, but if you're unable to accept these quirks, you should approach with caution.

Those who are only mildly into the sport will be disappointed by the game's repetitive graphics, steep learning curve, and overall lack of variety or fun.

It requires you to work too much to accomplish the objectives, and for too little reward.

With this game, you get what you pay for: passable gameplay and graphics but far too little bang for the buck.

Aside from playing as the actual UFC fighters, there is also a career mode, where you can create and name a fighter, then take him through several levels of sparring.

Attempts to capture some of "Gran Turismo's" formula for the Dreamcast, but it ultimately falls short due to poor control and an unintuitive interface.

Despite the game's fluid control system and innovative lock-on features, its pacing and repetition simply mar the gameplay experience.

(The designers have) managed to balance strict tennis rules with forgiving arcade-style gameplay and have created a wonderfully solid release.

The tweaks to the AI and the small additions like the two-minute drill and coach-specific playbooks are more than enough reason for fans of the series to pick this year's iteration up.

It was intended to be a bundle of new content, new furnishings, and a few new options that would make your sims' lives even more exciting, and in that regard, it succeeds.

Excellent gameplay, copious replay, and creamy visuals, marred ever so slightly by chintzy music.

Sydney 2000 can't even compete against the equivalent Commodore 64 game that's well over a decade old.

The multiple additions in "The Conquerors" add up to be more than enough to entice "Age of Kings" players to focus their attention on this ambitious, deeply strategic game once again - and for a long time.

For novice or intermediate golfers who don't mind giving up a few of the features found in previous Links or Microsoft Golf games, it's actually quite a good choice for just $19.95.

The huge number of options creates great diversity and replay value, although the options can be a bit difficult to deal with for the novice.

The flaws in the passing and running game prevent "Madden 2001" from being completely enjoyable or realistic, which will disappoint fans of the series as well as those who are experiencing Madden football for the first time.

Playing NFL QB Club for the Nintendo 64 is much like watching a preseason football game; the choppy, sloppy gameplay soon grates on your patience.

Only die-hard fans of Acclaim's long-running series should bother with this title.

As a four-player game, it's definitely one of the wildest fighters to come to the Dreamcast.

It's arguably the most entertaining two-player sports game ever made.

It's got a lot more depth and replay value than it might seem to have at first, and it's definitely worth taking a look at.

Kenji Eno has created one of the most engaging stories of all time and given it support in every way possible, except the one that matters most: gameplay.

Deep Fighter's mysterious story, level bosses, and diverse missions make it a game all its own.

The game is flawed on so many levels that only the most dedicated survival-horror fan might get some enjoyment out of it.

Basically the same as last year's model.

Acclaim Studios Cheltenham has produced a polished, high-quality racer that makes impressive use of the PS's aging hardware set.

Graphically, "Chrono Cross" is nothing short of stunning.

"GameDay 2001," aside from its obvious roster updates and a few minor additions, is totally identical to last year's title, which was a really good game.

Things just don't feel quite right, and, even if you like the controls, the AI still cheats too much, the same boring combinations still lead to wins, and crowd involvement still takes precedence over inherent skill.

If you like to boot up a game for an action-packed twenty minutes at a time, look elsewhere.

The game needs more activities and less preaching before it's truly ready for prime time.