Sports Interactive's best game to date combines stability and variety in a truly immersive football experience.

Much of the game is truly a wonder to behold, and while unraveling the story will probably be an interesting incentive for longtime fans of Myst, it's the thrill of being able to fully and freely explore the game's imaginative and remarkably lifelike worlds that often proves to be the biggest incentive for pushing past Myst IV's near-impenetrable puzzle barriers.

Unfortunately, though the two games were visually stupendous in their respective times, they look quite dated by today's standards, and this will probably turn off those looking for a bigger thrill for their gaming dollar.

If you've got the patience to learn as you play, then Planetside 2 will reward you with the tools of destruction required to bring its unique brand of chaos under control.

Enticing visuals and varied gameplay make Kirby's latest adventure an absolute joy.

An excellent vehicle creator and a variety of fun missions make Banjo's return to gaming a blast.

Not only one of the best games in this long-running series, but also one of the fastest, most visceral, and most polished racing games currently available for Sony's console.

Killzone 3 isn't the game it could have been, but when it comes to capturing the madness of larger-than-life planetside battles, few games do it better.

Sure, it's not a budget game like its predecessors, but Serious Sam for the Xbox is easily worth its full retail price and will last you longer than most other action games.

Never have levels been this short, nor the emphasis on perfection so explicit, and these elements work in New Super Luigi U's favor.

Agent Sam Fisher's latest assignment turns out to be a fairly routine stealth action operation, but improvements to Splinter Cell's innovative multiplayer mode more than make up for this.

Hotline Miami is a discotheque of death that's very hard to walk away from, and a fantastic twitch shooter with a confident sense of style.

The main storyline is involving, and the arctic setting provides a fresh addition to the lore of the series.

Alien Hominid HD is a charming and challenging arcade-style shooter that everyone should check out.

EA Sports' latest golf sim is a significant improvement over its predecessor in almost every way.

The unique tower defense hybrid Anomaly: Warzone Earth makes a smooth transition to the Xbox 360.

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.

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.

This amazing tribute to metal delivers a hugely entertaining gaming experience despite missing a few chords.

The thrilling rides and engrossing competitions return along with robust improvements in Trials Evolution.

Excellent music and new creative opportunities make DJ Hero 2 one of the hottest rhythm games on the scene.

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

GoldenEye 007 is an entirely new and incredibly fun shooter that doesn't rely on its prestigious pedigree to provide thrills.

A striking action-packed shoot-'em-up that's up there with the best in the genre.

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 game's excellent story, action elements, de-emphasis on repetitive base building, and largely automated resource collection ensure that even the most jaded real-time strategy player will find something fresh and exciting in Hostile Waters.

For the record, chicks dig PaRappa too, so if having a cute game means you can convince your otherwise game-loathing girlfriend to pick up a controller, "it's all good."

Alexander brings a lot to the table for its $14.95 price tag. Although the battlefield focus makes it a little too fast and furious for methodical conquerors who want their virtual empires to stand the test of time, this isn't what Alexander the Great was all about. So the expansion based on his exploits isn't about building something that lasts, either. Still, this is a must-play addition to the Rome: Total War family, especially if you're looking for a challenge.

Outrageously irreverent, eccentric, and self-aware, No More Heroes 2 is a giant robot full of fun.

At times shocking and always intense, Persona 3 is not a game you are likely to forget.

On its own terms, Meteos offers up a great, original experience that's plenty of fun whether you play it against the computer or against some friends.

Battlefield Bad Company is the most fun, addictive shooter released so far this year.

A profoundly personal experience that should not be missed.

The first FIFA for the PS3 is an impressive debut, and while it can be difficult at times, it's a polished and highly playable game.

The game requires quite some effort to learn, but once competition picks up against the aggressive AI, Capitalism II shows its colors as a great strategy game. Also, as if to help your own bottom line, the game's a real bargain at $20.

A boldly refreshing strategy RPG that is both beautiful to look at and fun to play.

Zack & Wiki is a delightful blend of the Wii's motion-sensing technology and challenging yet approachable puzzle design.

The fun and funny Fallout: New Vegas - Old World Blues gushes personality and is the game's best add-on yet.

A remarkable amount of replay value for a licensed racing game, and it boasts what's arguably the most precise control of any console driving game to date.

It's a wonderfully crafted adventure that presents a fun and focused challenge you can customize in all sorts of ways.

Between the various multiplayer options and the great single-player mode, Forsaken 64 comes out a real winner. Save for Rare's Goldeneye 007, it easily defeats the other first-person shooters currently available for the N64.

EA Sports' latest golf sim is a significant improvement over its predecessor in almost every way.

Astonishing atmosphere and great action make this add-on a no-brainer for role players across the galaxy.

Astonishing atmosphere and great action make this add-on a no-brainer for role players across the galaxy.

Incoboto's unique puzzles and charming visuals mesh beautifully with the lonely tale to ensure you fall hopelessly in love with a boy and his sun.

Out of the Park Baseball 9 doesn't add a lot to an already fantastic formula, but a host of small refinements make it the best game in the history of the franchise.

This set of sophisticated maps is a must-have for Splinter Cell: Conviction fans.

As you might expect, the PC version of Battlefield 3 still boasts better visuals and larger matches than its console counterparts, but competitive multiplayer on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is incredibly addictive, immersive, and exciting.

The beautiful landscapes complement the gritty combat, and thoughtful cinematic techniques breathe life into the engaging characters. Despite the somewhat spotty story and sundry oddities, Hell's Highway is a game you should consider playing twice.

Soul Calibur II won't impress you as much as its predecessor, since you've seen most of these characters, their weapons, and their moves before, and the available gameplay modes are nothing out of the ordinary. Nevertheless, on its own terms, Soul Calibur II is by all means a great fighting game.

As you might expect, the PC version of Battlefield 3 still boasts better visuals and larger matches than its console counterparts, but competitive multiplayer on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is incredibly addictive, immersive, and exciting.

Child of Eden may be over quickly, but it offers emotional highs you'll want to experience again and again.

With strong multiplayer, new modes, and lots of destruction, this block-bashing sequel is ready for its spotlight.

Expands on nearly every aspect of the series. The new game provides much more information than previous versions, so you feel more in control of your club.

It's got some quirks, but S.T.A.L.K.E.R. delivers a dynamic and impressive first-person gameplay experience you won't soon forget.

This franchise lives and dies by its gameplay, and on that front, it does not disappoint.

A few technical problems aren't enough to sully this enjoyable and sophisticated adventure through the western wastes.

If you can work your way around these shortcomings, you'll find that Colin McRae Rally 2.0 is one of the most engrossing racing sims available.

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.

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

With terrific handling, gorgeous environments, and a broad selection of event types, Grid 2 slams on the gas and rarely slows down.

Still, Rogue Legacy's few blemishes are easy to overlook when the game is so good at rewarding persistence. Rogue Legacy is simple yet deep, easy to pick up yet hard to master.

A great game that is filled with action-packed, bloody shootouts that are especially fun online, but it lacks polish in a few spots.

Engaging player-versus-player combat makes this an online role-playing game to reckon with.

Shadows of the Damned balances strong gameplay with artistic delights to create a mesmerizing experience.

Shadows of the Damned balances strong gameplay with artistic delights to create a mesmerizing experience.

Despite a few nagging issues, NBA 2K8 is a fantastic basketball game packed to the brim with features and game modes.

The Knife of Dunwall changes protagonists with panache, delivering a compelling new chapter in the Dishonored saga.

This stand-alone expansion improves upon the original in almost every way.

A joy to play and a real showpiece for the vintage cars it replicates, GT Legends is a great achievement and a must-have for simulation addicts.

The Knife of Dunwall ends with an interesting choice (and foreshadows the next planned downloadable chapter in Daud's story), but the real payoff of this DLC is how it takes the cocktail of discovery, exploration, and combat that made Dishonored so delicious, and adds an engaging twist.

Tiger Woods' latest Wii outing is another great golf sim that adds a number of subtle refinements to its already fantastic swing mechanics.

It plays similarly to the original yet has so much more to it that makes it unquestionably different. The resulting game has a great design, and it offers plenty of depth and complexity.

All of these features, combined with the tightly balanced fighting mechanics, make The King of Fighters XIII a fantastic game that can easily go toe-to-toe with the heavy hitters in the fighting game genre.

This fast-paced racer keeps you glued to the TV and on the edge of your seat regardless of which side of the law you're playing on.

The Knife of Dunwall is clever and exciting, an enticing invitation to dive back into the engrossing world of Dishonored.

If you can get past the sluggish pacing and incessant overcomplication, MLB 2002 is a wonderful game.

All of these features, combined with the tightly balanced fighting mechanics, make The King of Fighters XIII a fantastic game that can easily go toe-to-toe with the heavy hitters in the fighting game genre.

Though repetitive, this third-person action game is a great open-world adventure for anyone with an appetite for destruction.

Exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving come together beautifully in this rewarding, replayable arcade adventure.

A colorful cast of characters, a great presentation, exciting shooting action, and support for wireless multiplayer competition over the Internet combine to make this game one of the safest bets you can place when choosing your first PSP games.

A hybrid game that effectively blends elements from a variety of genres into a thoroughly enjoyable and accessible package.

Exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving come together beautifully in this rewarding, replayable arcade adventure.

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

The original blue bomber returns in an all new adventure that will bring you back to the good old days of incredibly hard but simple games.

Aside from some online hiccups, it is fast, furious, and fun to play, and never fails to impress from a visual perspective. As a result, it stands up favorably against the other strong multiplayer shooters available on the platform.

Not a lot has changed since last year, but the new road-to-the-show mode is a fantastic addition and MLB 07: The Show is a great game.

Thrilling racing and a friendlier approach to newcomers make F1 2012 the best entry in the series yet.

Dance Central welcomes wallflowers and hot steppers out on the dance floor with great routines and engaging visuals.

There's no question this is the series' most realistic representation of the sport yet, one that will please fans and newcomers alike.

Flight Control HD is a fun take on the world of air traffic control with simple, addictive gameplay and a sunny disposition.

This excellent wargame/real-time strategy hybrid embodies the best of both worlds while destroying ours in a hypothetical Cold War-goes-hot setting.

This is a game that will take most gamers months to complete 100 percent.

It's complex and daunting, but this rich game of exploring, city building, and trading is also tremendously captivating.

Great theme tables and fast-paced action make Zen Pinball a winner.

Tightly balanced action and a superb array of guns make Resistance 3 a blast.

Unreal Tournament 3 doesn't make huge changes to the formula, but still ends up feeling fresh, fast, and very fun.

Regardless of what you might think of Powered Up's ubercute presentation, there's no denying the addictive challenge the game provides.