There simply hasn't been a Game Boy Advance game with this much gameplay to date.

Precise controls and a worthwhile multiplayer mode are the highlights of Hunters, a Metroid Prime game that feels more like a first-person shooter than the GameCube games.

Before you can enter a given circuit, you must obtain certification in the form of a license. If you don't pass, you can't race. This is certainly the most controversial aspect of the game and the reason that Gran Turismo scores only an 8 in gameplay.

It enhances a number of the original game's features, adds a handful of new ones, and, ultimately, it will undoubtedly please racing enthusiasts and interested beginners alike.

Resistance doesn't attempt anything wildly different than other first-person shooters out there, but by offering a strong selection of interesting weapons, plenty of ruthless foes to shoot them at, good level design, and an excellent presentation, it accomplishes what most such games fail to do. A fully featured multiplayer mode for up to 40 players rounds out an exciting campaign.

Shivering Isles adds more than enough new and interesting content to give you a great reason to dive back into the world of Oblivion.

A model example of what sequels should be. By taking an already great game mechanic and changing it ever so slightly, this sequel truly adds to the fishing experience--instead of just treading water.

Exceptionally well done in most every way and represents a major improvement over the original.

This is Blitz at its best, adding an even meaner, uglier spirit to the game that will have anyone with a strong stomach and a thirst for brutality jumping out of his or her seat in elation with every murderous tackle landed. Ladies and gentlemen, Blitz is back.

There's no doubt that this is EA Sports' best soccer game to date on the pitch, but it's really unfortunate that the career mode isn't more user-friendly.

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."

This game simply builds on Jak II's winning formula by adding more weapons and abilities, varied kinds of action, and an interesting and well-told story; in short, all the stuff that made its predecessor a great game.

Doom 3's old-fashioned gameplay mechanics and level design are very much at odds with its cutting-edge, ultrarealistic looks. Yet the quality of the presentation truly is remarkable--enough so that it overwhelms Doom 3's occasional problems.

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.

The intense difficulty may turn some people off, but, otherwise, Mega Man Zero 2 is the kind of game that belongs in the collection of anyone who considers themselves an aficionado of action games.

Warlords adds six new civilizations and other enhancements to Civilization IV, but the cool new scenarios are the real treat in this expansion.

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.

Despite not having a few of the features that its PS2 counterpart has, MLB '06: The Show for the PSP is a rock-solid baseball sim and a delight to the senses.

A great expansion that's a must for anyone who enjoyed Generals. It fundamentally improves the core game, it and should ensure that C&C Generals continues to be popular well into the next year.

The GameCube version of NHL 2K3 is hurt somewhat by its lack of online support, but if you don't have an Xbox, then don't let that dissuade you from picking up this otherwise excellent game.

Shivering Isles adds more than enough new and interesting content to give you a great reason to dive back into the world of Oblivion.

Just as much fun as the first game. While it would have been nice to see some slightly more drastic changes to the Crazy Taxi formula, fans of the original will immediately feel right at home with Crazy Taxi 2.

Neverwinter Nights 2 isn't without some technical issues, but the engaging, dynamic story and proven Dungeons & Dragons framework make it a role-playing game that shouldn't be missed.

Featuring some of the best graphics seen on the system, a rich quest, and classic RPG gameplay, Golden Sun is a throwback to some of the SNES' best.

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.

Overcoming DMC 3's near-vertical learning curve could prove extremely frustrating, to the point where some players will justifiably give up after repeatedly failing the first few missions. That's really too bad, because anyone who perseveres long enough to learn the ropes will probably agree that Devil May Cry 3 is one of the best PS2 action adventure games since the original.

Makes some solid refinements to the series' gameplay, features a longer quest, and makes some nice tweaks to the series' presentation.

Those who waited for the GameCube version of Extreme-G 3 have been rewarded with a superior version of the game....A smart and solid racing game that provides an amazing feeling of true speed.

It successfully incorporates the trading elements of "Elite" and "Privateer," the combat elements of "Freespace" and "Wing Commander," a lighter version of "Independence War"'s realistic physics, and all the level-gaining and experience bonuses that make online role-playing games so addictive.

Slightly better-looking than its PS2 and GameCube counterparts, but that's it. Aside from a few graphical enhancements, the game is a virtual carbon copy of the PS2 and GameCube versions.

A few additions to an already proven formula make Viewtiful Joe 2 another great and quirky action game.

An excellent, original fighting game that's especially fun for two players.

Delivers more, more, more of what made the first game superb--but it's so similar to its predecessor, it's inherently less inventive.

Offers some of the most enjoyable and realistic rally racing on any platform to date--it's just a shame that the game's options are so limiting.

Just a really great action game in the same vein as classics like "Symphony of the Night" and "Super Metroid" before it, and it stands tall among the GBA's best action games, including "Circle of the Moon" and last year's "Metroid Fusion."

A great game on its own merits, and it offers a slick and rewardingly suspenseful gameplay experience that's sometimes reduced to frustrating bouts of trial and error.

Due to its attention to detail and wide range of features, Combat Flight Simulator 2 has something to offer almost every simulation enthusiast.

The ability to play as Chain, Buchu, Star, Blues, and the rest of the Yie Ar Kung-Fu gang is enough on its own to make this cart a must-have.

Fantastic missions, outrageous weapons, and awesome vehicles make the open-world mayhem of Saints Row: The Third an absolute blast.

A gripping narrative and an irresistible atmosphere of spine-tingling dread make Lone Survivor a compelling horror experience.

The core one-on-one fighting action--whether you play it offline or online--is easily the best part of the game. Like its predecessor, the fighting in Mortal Kombat: Deception is gory, intense, and quite complex, meaning it captures much of what's made MK an institution among fighting games.

Rapture may not be as mysterious and intriguing this second time around, but it is nonetheless host to a powerful and moving tale that allows you to better realize--or pervert--Ryan's principles at your own discretion. Regardless of whether or not this is a return visit to paradise lost, there is plenty to be found here to make it a worthwhile, meaningful, and compelling one.

Offers no dramatic graphics overhaul or drastic redesign - just a new setting, new subject matter, and more of the same great Civil War strategy, which is nicely refined through a series of subtle enhancements.

Overhauled visuals and overloaded features makes this redux a top-tier Street Fighter game.

A great deal of fun. It's an excellent game, whatever genre or sub-genre you try to classify it in, and its flaws don't drag it down nearly as much as they might sound. This game is not to be missed, highly recommended, and so on.

This is an exciting and rewarding game, but the series' signature thrills have lost some of their luster. Modern Warfare 3 iterates rather than innovates, so the fun you have is familiar. Fortunately, it's also utterly engrossing and immensely satisfying, giving fans another reason to rejoice in this busy shooter season.

Although you can't say the same for the plot, Far Cry 2's first-person action squeezes every last drop of potential out of the unique African setting.

Project Zero 2: Wii Edition is a bleak, nasty horror game that scares every step of the way.

This enhanced version of Ninja Gaiden II is bigger, better, and more exhilarating.

A refreshing, challenging change of pace in a genre that all too often treads the same well-worn, well-loved territory.

All told, Call of Duty: World at War is a great first-person shooter and undoubtedly among the best that the Wii has to offer.

If what you want most from a fighting game is a deep, technical, and incredibly rewarding competitive experience, you can't go wrong with Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown.

Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown offers some of the best versus fighting on the market.

Mafia II's exciting action and uncompromising mob story make for an impressive and violent adventure.

Fun action, great audio, and multiple memorable moments make Mass Effect 2's latest add-on a winner.

Like a new car, Forza Motorsport 4 doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does refine and improve upon what came before it. Tat's no small achievement given how truly special Forza 3 was.

Madden NFL 08 is a significant step forward for the series, bringing to the table features that are legitimately game-changing.

Mafia II's exciting action and uncompromising mob story make for an impressive and violent adventure.

Although you can't say the same for the plot, Far Cry 2's first-person action squeezes every last drop of potential out of the unique African setting.

With its beefy cast, impressive Scenario Campaign mode, and expansive customisation options, Tekken 6 is the new heavyweight in the fighting game arena.

Mafia II's exciting action and uncompromising mob story make for an impressive and violent adventure.

More than just a classic action game, Sonic CD is an exemplary port of a retro game to a modern platform.

While the game remains challenging, the frustration factor of hitting has been dialed way back, which will draw in new players who want to get good wood on the ball like a real big leaguer.

It's a good single-player shooter with a terrific multiplayer component.

Minecraft has been a work in progress throughout its lengthy public beta, and the "official release" still has an unfinished feel to it in spots that won't sit well with everyone. Visual glitches pop in at regular intervals, and some game elements seem incomplete or thrown together in haste. What's amazing is that the core game is so ridiculously absorbing that these flaws matter little in the grand scheme of things.

Here's a real-time strategy game with the soul of a sleek techno-thriller, stitched together with live action footage that, despite the acting and budgetary limitations, will remind you of the riveting television drama 24 at times.

The fun, tactical combat, the character-driven relationships, and the greater feeling of freedom combine to make Awakening the best installment of this beloved series in a long time. Anyone looking for a fantastic strategy game or a long, engaging adventure perfect for on-the-go sessions should absolutely not overlook this gaming gem.

In an age of thick productions and thin gameplay, Bangai-O really has it where it counts: in truly compelling and addictive gameplay.

Blood Dragon isn't just an homage to great memories, however, but a terrific game in its own right.

Bleach: The Blade of Fate is a great fighting game that will appeal to fans of the show and general fans of the fighting genre.

Although the new game doesn't represent the jump in production values that some might have hoped for, the gameplay changes should give fans of the first game plenty to work with.

Resistance: Retribution successfully migrates the series' exciting action to the portable platform, with only a few bumps along the way.

Welcome tweaks and new story aspects enhance this already great role-playing classic.

Wide-ranging improvements and an excellent new Party Play mode make Guitar Hero 5 a great way to bring some rock into your living room.

In spite of its premise -- a world war -- Red Alert 2 is lighthearted. From the humorous full-motion video sequences to the heavy-metal music to the toylike unit designs, the game has much more in common with G.I. Joe than with "Saving Private Ryan."

By sticking to the series' strengths, Modern Warfare 3 delivers some of the best competitive, cooperate, and single-player shooting in the business.

The parts may seem commonplace, but Puzzle Quest's blend of RPG and puzzle-game convention makes for something refreshingly unique and dangerously addictive.

Although it feels a bit like God of War: Lite, Chains of Olympus delivers a great, combat-heavy adventure with excellent production values.

Even though Rock Band 2 plays it safe with only minor improvements and additions, it still rocks.

Rebellion is the best way yet to experience the strategic joys of the Sins of a Solar Empire franchise.

In Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, thoughtful puzzle design shows that the series is still at the top of its game.

New motion controls make the Wii version of NHL 2K10 an impressive and unique arcade hockey game.

The question, then, isn't whether or not you should play Soulcalibur IV, it's which version you should play.

Fun action, great audio, and multiple memorable moments make Mass Effect 2's latest add-on a winner.

The puzzles aren't perfect, but Clash of Heroes offers intriguing hybrid gameplay, engaging role-playing elements, and a great presentation.

Though the slow, deliberate movement and shooting may not appeal to everyone, this new sequel’s frequent large-scale battles and co-op play still offer a fun and exciting adventure.

Reduced micromanagement and streamlined automation make Hearts of Iron III an absorbing game of grand strategy.

Under the Knife 2 is a fast-paced medical puzzler that's as infectious as its predecessor.

This is the ideal expansion pack for an already outstanding strategy epic.

This odd combination of platforming and block busting makes for one awesome experience.

Hell's Highway proves to be an exciting, engaging ride despite a few bumps along the way.

A rousing tennis game for the Game Boy Advance that's thick with bells and whistles in every regard.

Get ready for one of the most absorbing puzzle games on the DS.

Has something to offer fans of almost any genre--it's the sort of creative hybrid that computer gaming sorely needs.

Civilization Revolution for the DS is a distilled, streamlined version of the popular PC strategy series that succeeds despite its limitations.

Mario Kart Wii offers varied multiplayer and thoroughly integrated online modes that will keep you coming back for more.

There's a good chance you've played games a lot like Diablo III before, and at no point does it dare to surprise you by tinkering with its tried-and-true formula. But it creates such an enticing world and offers up such enjoyable abilities that it makes that formula feel fresh again.

Thanks to its excellent controls and sheer depth, the combat system will ultimately be one of the reasons this game will keep drawing you back in even after you complete the single-player campaign.