But with its excellent controls, engaging heroine, thrilling combat, and fascinating setting, it doesn't need to. Lara may be covering some previously charted territory here, but Tomb Raider is so well-crafted, you won't mind at all.

The single-player campaign here is the main attraction, and it is excellent. It doesn't try to rewrite the book on third-person action adventure games. But with its excellent controls, engaging heroine, thrilling combat, and fascinating setting, it doesn't need to.

In fact, Fallout 3 is leaner and meaner than Bethesda's previous efforts, less expansive but more intense, while still offering immense replay value and quite a few thrills along the way.

In exchange for the additional complexity and size, you'll have to tolerate low-resolution graphics and a few more gameplay problems than you might have come to expect from Blizzard games.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a blast to play, despite losing some of the high-level intricacies found in its predecessor. It's an exceptional synthesis of cohesion and chaos, and shows real improvement over its predecessor.

The Witcher: Enhanced Edition is what this role-playing game should have been when it made its debut a year ago.

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.

While not perfect, Wave Race: Blue Storm is the most accurate video game representation of water-based racing ever to be released.

Destructive environments and excellent track design make MotorStorm: Apocalypse one of the most exciting racing experiences on the PlayStation 3.

The bottom line with NHL 10 is that if you have NHL 09, you don't absolutely, positively need it. But there are enough new features and little adjustments and fixes both online and off that any self-respecting hockey fan should probably still go for it. EA Sports has once again done an absolutely tremendous job of simulating shinny.

The most fun, addictive shooter released so far this year. While far from perfect, the intense sandbox warfare is something that you have to experience. Dice calls it tactical destruction. We call it explosive fun.

It's remarkable that the game's quest is every bit as big and complex as the original's. On the other hand, some unsightly technical issues and a general feeling of déjà vu will probably prevent you from feeling as strongly about The Sith Lords as you did or still do about the first game.

Though its roots show through from time to time, the improved visuals remove any barrier of entry that age may have posed. The new elements enhance the core adventure to create the definitive version of this classic game, making Ocarina of Time 3D the best way to embark on (or relive) this landmark adventure.

No one has ever really captured the feel of this sweet science as precisely as Victorious Boxers has.

As enjoyable as Zeus and suggests that Impressions' city-building series will just keep getting better.

This "remixed" version of the original delivers almost everything that was great about the console versions, and with the inclusion of four new levels, the single-player experience has gotten even better.

The earthquake weapon is unspeakably awesome... The weapons are visually spectacular, and seeing the light trails behind the hovercars is just plain cool.

With all that content, an in-depth Story mode, and a wide range of modes to play through, Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition is one of the most complete fighting games around.

The newest iteration of the series is the best one yet, offering an intelligent and flexible interface, a varied and highly replayable campaign, as well as multiplayer modes that include cooperative play.

Project Gotham Racing 4 continues the series' tradition of brilliant visuals and fun gameplay, and adds to the list with new rides and weather effects that must be driven to be believed.

Fun combat and a steady flow of rewards make this journey a massively enjoyable one, especially with some fellow mercenaries along for the ride.

This game has a stripped-down feel, but the exciting gameplay certainly makes up for those feelings. This is blue versus red across multiple modes and maps, in the land or in the air. And it's excellent fun.

This satisfying and energetic on-rails shooter impresses with its relentless variety.

This add-on's great pacing and memorable story are excellent reasons to return to Rapture.

It's remarkable that the game's quest is every bit as big and complex as the original's. On the other hand, some unsightly technical issues and a general feeling of déjà vu will probably prevent you from feeling as strongly about The Sith Lords as you did or still do about the first game.

This add-on's great pacing and memorable story are excellent reasons to return to Rapture.

Chaos Rising is just about everything you'd expect from a Dawn of War expansion, boasting terrific gameplay, visuals, and effects, and adding a great new campaign, a well-developed new faction, and new war gear, heroes, and multiplayer options.

Simple gameplay and a great level creator help make Pushmo a stellar puzzle game for your pocket.

Left 4 Dead makes both sides of the zombie apocalypse a thrill to experience, as long as you're not alone.

Among the many games released each year, there aren't many that leave you contemplating and debating their story and worldviews long after the final set of credits has rolled. Virtue's Last Reward takes its place proudly among this crop of games. As fun and challenging as the brainteasers in the room escapes are, they're merely dressing for the fantastic writing, memorable characters, and stunning plot twists that could only be presented successfully in a game format.

The game's graphics, audio, and overall presentation are almost flawless in every aspect.

This Napoleonic strategy game isn't as revolutionary as its namesake, but it still improves upon previous Total War offerings.

Sine Mora infuses classic shoot 'em up gameplay with time manipulation and a grim narrative that sets it apart from its peers in all the right ways.

Incredible storytelling, great characters, and exciting battles are just a few of the things that make this fantasy role-playing game so great.

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.

TOCA 3 boasts an awesome variety of racing disciplines, and it backs that boast up with some really excellent driving mechanics.

Don't let the obscure character list turn you off: this deep yet accessible fighter is a welcome addition to the Wii's meagre fighting game stocks.

The additions and alterations aren't game changing, and Diamond and Pearl do what the Pokémon franchise has always done best--deliver an accessible and highly addictive role-playing game experience.

if you either don't have a PS2 or overlooked Dark Alliance amid the holiday rush last year, then you shouldn't miss this opportunity to get what's easily one of the finest action RPGs ever made.

FirePower is what Combat Flight Simulator 3 should have been in the first place, and it is a must-have expansion for current or potential owners of that sim.

Despite its few shortcomings and frustrating design issues, you'll find that "Ground Control" is not only one of the best-looking games to date but also one that's suitably challenging and rewarding.

It's with the large team games that Tribes 2 is really impressive. The scale of these games is unmatched; there will often be 40 to 60 (or even more) players on a single server.

The most beautiful Final Fantasy game yet is an imperfect but still impressive saga that will touch your heart.

The battle system has a flaw or two, but the lavishly detailed world of Baten Kaitos is a great place to go for a nice fairy tale.

Resident Evil 5 is a fun and frantic evolution of RE4's breakthrough gameplay and the series' horror themes.

Trine 2 is a charming fantasy platformer with dazzling good looks and fun physics puzzles.

World at War brings proven Call of Duty mechanics back to WWII with great success.

This list of minor flaws could go on and on, but its total length is minuscule compared to the massive number of excellent additions this expansion serves up.

There is no other contemporary jet sim as complete, polished, and faithful to its subject matter as Flanker 2.5, which is arguably the best contemporary jet sim.

Trine 2 is a charming fantasy platformer with dazzling good looks and fun physics puzzles.

It's consistently charming, often challenging, and an excellent illustration of that which makes Mario games so special. Nintendo seemingly recaptured traditional, distilled platforming, but also incorporated a newfound attention to modern gaming trends and expectations.

Revengeance is ultimately a departure from the old way of doing things. Almost every scenario demands conflict rather than silent infiltration, and instead of conforming to his environment, Raiden can transform it in a matter of seconds.

Football Manager 2008 moves the series on for old and new players alike.

This tournament-specific soccer game doesn't offer as much content as FIFA 10, but it does improve upon that game in a number of areas.

The bowels of Middle-earth have no right to be this interesting to investigate, yet Moria's dim passages are a dungeon crawler's delight, surpassing even Shadows of Angmar's charming landscapes for sheer exploratory value.

A revised training system and new features such as the set-piece creation suite make this the most well-rounded and complete version of Football Manager to date.

A wonderfully challenging platformer with exciting level design and great game-changing power-ups.

Stylish combat that is as challenging as it is exciting provides the backbone for this great role-playing game.

Borderlands 2 doesn't reach far beyond its predecessor's scope, but it does do almost everything better. Additions, refinements, and fixes all combine to create an appreciably improved experience, one that fully delivers on the promise of the first game.

EA Sports continues to experiment with its FIFA football series, creating a more challenging and slower-paced game for the 2008 outing.

Sonic's new racing adventure speeds past its predecessor and delivers a kart racer that can keep up with the best in the genre.

UEFA Euro 2004 might have only a fraction of the teams and features found in this year's FIFA offering, but the gameplay and options it offers are actually sufficiently different from those found in FIFA 2004 to make it a worthwhile purchase.

SSX is a terrific evolution of the series that delivers extreme snowboarding thrills like no game before it.

SSX is a terrific evolution of the series that delivers extreme snowboarding thrills like no game before it.

Street Fighter X Tekken is fun for a wide range of players while still offering the complexity serious fighting fans have come to expect.

One of the most terrifying games in recent memory.

Street Fighter X Tekken is fun for a wide range of players while still offering the complexity serious fighting fans have come to expect.

In a sea of me-too shooters, it feels unique and offers an exciting journey that's as much your own making as that of the developer. The wow factor is undercut by a few issues--the bargain-bin AI and some unfortunate bugs among them. But while the lows are inescapable, the highs are intense, and the more you play, the more extraordinary they become.

FIFA 09 plays better than ever before, and a wealth of new modes and features add plenty of longevity.

By focusing almost exclusively on extremely intense one-on-one competitions, Table Tennis more than compensates for its lean set of options.

Featuring tight racing controls, 12 wacky drivers encapsulated in 12 real-life vehicles, and fast-paced, addictive, and challenging racing, Racing Gears Advance is simply a great game in every respect.

A dark, disturbing game. And while it may not bring anything new to the genre, it can create obsession-level loyalty if you tend not to look beyond the barrel of a gun.

This open-world action game set in Manhattan is proof that even viral outbreaks can be incredibly fun if they're done right.

TOCA 3 boasts an awesome variety of racing disciplines, and it backs that boast up with some really excellent driving mechanics.

Quake Wars' strong shooting model and focused objectives make it a lot of fun to play.

Once clear of its port of origin, this clever, humorous tale unfurls its sails and becomes a thoroughly entertaining swashbuckling adventure.

There's so much packed into this game that it's almost too complicated for its own good--almost. But once you climb The Crusaders' steep learning curve and experience the wild frenzy of its massive battles, you'll find all that complexity pays off in spades.

Over-the-top, bloody, and bursting with content, Mortal Kombat is a return to form for the franchise.

A college football fan's dream. There are so many different features in the game, and the dynasty mode is so deep, that it's almost overwhelming.

Slick gameplay and gorgeous visuals are among Ace Combat 6's many strengths.

Over-the-top, bloody, and bursting with content, Mortal Kombat is a return to form for the franchise.

The world is so charming and your choices so profound, that it's easy to look past the game's shortcomings. The punishment for death is pointless and the story carries little weight, but the experience is still immensely rewarding.

As a refinement of the "Age of Empires" legacy, Empires offers enough that's new to even appeal to those who aren't card-carrying RTS fans.

Rez HD is the most aesthetically pleasing and pocket-book-friendly version of this cult classic.

The wow factor is undercut by some AI and multiplayer oddities. But while the lows are inescapable, the highs are intense, and the more you play, the more extraordinary they become.

A well-paced RPG that offers unique and challenging battles and a lighthearted story, Battle Network 2 also hosts a wealth of secrets and extras available both during the initial play-through and after the game has been completed.

Thanks to expertly implemented controls and tons of goofy situations, The Gunstringer is a rollicking adventure in the Old West.

Rayman Origins is a wonderful 2D platformer whose goofy charm will have you smiling all the way through.

EA's latest NHL title creates one of the most legitimately exciting interpretations of the sport you've ever played.

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 isn’t the best sequel ever made, but it’s still a great tactical shooter in its own right.

The best arcade-style football game on the home market.

Rayman Origins is a wonderful 2D platformer whose goofy charm will have you smiling all the way through.

Spirit Tracks' exciting new mechanics and classic gameplay make it one Zelda adventure that has got a full head of steam.

Rayman Origins is a wonderful 2D platformer whose goofy charm will have you smiling all the way through.

Donkey Kong's newest adventure makes traditional platforming feel fresh again, thanks to clever level design and great artistic touches.

The game capably competes against any other college football product on the market.

Its beautiful vision of 15th-century Rome is just one of many reasons to get lost in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.

Hatty Hattington and his friends may be living through an absolute nightmare, but you're bound to be so thoroughly entertained that you won't have time to empathize.