The controls and general feel of Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX make it a satisfying product.

Def Jam: Icon plays well enough, but it really shines thanks to its crazy story mode and healthy roster.

At its best, FFX-2 is every bit as poignant, endearing, and engrossing as its forebears, and it's this similarity to stronger games in the series that ultimately makes X-2's minor flaws forgivable.

Delivers deeper, more fluid gameplay than any mixed-martial-arts game to date, making for an especially exciting two-player game.

Despite spending years on the shelf, The Red Star ably delivers a unique and challenging blend of beat-'em-up and top-down shooter action.

In most respects, the game doesn't differ much from the first title in the series; but the novelty of teaming up the good guys and bad guys to go after the really bad guys is enough to make this game enjoyable in its own right.

Has some annoying flaws--the default passing system can be inaccurate, especially on the fast break, and there are some weird problems with shot selection--but in truth, these aren't flaws that dramatically hinder the gameplay experience.

New space combat maps and playable Jedi represent some incremental improvements, but for the most part, Battlefront II treads familiar ground, which is great for Star Wars fanatics and fans of team-based online shooters.

One of the most robust career modes of any driving game to date.

An excellent blend of the two styles of play and has enough options, on either side, to appeal to hockey fans of any sensibility. Above all else, the game is just a lot of fun.

Featuring many fun, faithfully adapted games from the '80s and '90s, the Sega Genesis Collection offers a fantastic value and a big slice of gaming history.

Its substantial single-player campaign and new multiplayer maps and modes (when you can get into a game) are definitely worth it.

It can be amazingly fun at times, and the production value, laden with WWF panache, is top-notch.

This first-person action game hits you like a sledgehammer with its astounding, stunningly creepy presentation, but it sacrifices opportunities for more shocks and surprises by settling for repetition.

But as complex and rewarding as building a railroad empire can be, it rarely feels daunting or tedious, which is perhaps the best thing that can be said for a game of this type.

Tennis fans should be in heaven after playing "Virtua Tennis."

Forces of Corruption is a great addition to the Empire at War saga thanks to an interesting new faction that offers up a different way to conquer the galaxy.

Konami's seminal football game finally makes its way to the Xbox 360, but it doesn't fulfil many next-generation ambitions.

It's the sort of game that will carve out a space on your hard drive and stay there while other, newer games come and go. X is not for everyone, but it'll almost certainly become a classic for fans of more slowly paced, economics-intensive space simulations.

You will find success early and often in Tiger 06, and though that may not sound like such a bad thing, it isn't necessarily true to the spirit of the sport, where triumphs--however minor--need to be earned, not simply offered to you for the taking.

Probably the best portable fighting game ever made.

The game duplicates many of the same features found in the console versions of SSX 3 and has a free-flowing 3D graphics engine that is pretty much unrivaled by anything else currently available for the system.

The game offers solid gameplay, and although the playbook could use a few more plays, the game has a great deal of depth that'll keep you playing for a long time to come.

Flaws aside, Vanishing Point is one of the most original and enjoyable racing games to come along in a long time.

As a historical monument of two genre landmarks, it is fantastic; as two individual RPG titles, each is a masterpiece of gameplay and storytelling; but as a modern collection of classic titles, the package falls unfortunately short.

If you've been waiting for a truly compelling reason to invest in a GameCube-to-GBA link cable, this is probably it.

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

Seems to lack flair... But the game does have numerous upgrades, superb ball physics, and deep gameplay options.

Battlefield 2142's new Titan mode is an exciting new addition to the Battlefield series, though for the most part 2142 offers up minor evolutionary improvements over its illustrious predecessor.

The elegant gameplay system makes it one of the most accessible operational-level wargames we've ever played, and it's worth your time if you're a veteran wargame fan or if you've been thinking about jumping into wargaming.

It's one of the more unusual games available to date for the PS2, and its warm, tropical environments and great cast of characters will make you feel right at home right away.

Very much a game for a family or someone looking for a change of pace, and for that audience it provides an enjoyable, relaxing experience with a long life span.

With its focus on infantry and urban combat, Special Forces delivers more of the intense and insanely fun Battlefield 2 gameplay; at least, it does if you can get it running.

It may not have all the newfangled bells and whistles that you'd want from a sequel, but if you're a fan of the series who absolutely must have new tracks as soon as possible, Dominator should satisfy you nicely.

The presentation and setting aren't always quite up to par, but that's forgivable when the game's underlying action is so solid.

Despite some real problems, Resistance offers a memorable setting and the sort of intense, intelligent challenges that can make tactical shooters so much fun.

Def Jam: Icon plays well enough, but it really shines thanks to its crazy story and healthy roster.

Despite being the first WWE game ever to offer a full roster of WWE voice talent and the first North American-released wrestling game to feature online play, neither of these features live up to their potential, and the other random gameplay upgrades just don't feel like a significant enough progression for the series.

While it doesn't possess the sheer addictiveness of, say, "NFL Blitz," it's simultaneously a breath of fresh air and a nostalgic look at the baseball game genre.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition makes shooting giant bugs every bit as fun as it should be, and even though it ends too quickly, you'll have a blast while it lasts.

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

An unusual fighting game that does a great job of balancing the classic Mortal Kombat style with enough new additions to draw in people who aren't completely familiar with the rest of the series.

This is one of those games that could literally last you a couple of hundred hours if you let it, and if that sounds exciting rather than just plain scary, then by all means give the game a shot.

In most respects, the game doesn’t differ much from the first title in the series; but the novelty of teaming up the good guys and bad guys to go after the really bad guys is enough to make this game enjoyable in its own right.

Players who're new to the Monkey Island series may get the sense while playing the game that they're watching a bunch of old friends regale each other with old in-jokes; it's easy to feel as if you're being left out of the fun if you don't catch the references.

Visually, however, this is completely new, with crisp 3D graphics to modernize the experience and some new anime vignettes to help tell the story. Toss in some cool bonus content and the same great gameplay as the original, and you've got a remake well worth playing.

The host of graphical and gameplay improvements featured in the 2002 edition make this year's Tiger Woods far superior to previous entries in the series...the best golf simulation currently on the console market.

Not only does Soaked! include all the latest updates to clean up the gameplay, but it also tosses in a ton of new content that's beautiful to behold.

2006 FIFA World Cup does a good job of re-creating the carnival atmosphere that surrounds the competition, and it plays a good, fast-paced game of soccer to boot.

Less a racing game than it is a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater with cars instead of skateboards...[It's] also notable for its generally impressive visuals, breadth of gameplay options, and sheer number of tracks and circuits.

Anyone looking for a wilder ride than the one offered by "Tekken 4"'s or "Virtua Fighter 4"'s comparatively straightforward martial arts battles should definitely check [it] out.

You'll actually feel a loss if (and when) your star monster passes on. You might start to relate better to your monster than to actual people.

Despite its annoying technical issues, Soldiers of Anarchy is a lot of fun.

Due to the presence of some stability and performance issues, as well as a few noticeably lacking features, SimCity 4 doesn't seem as polished as it could have been.

The single-player campaign is dense, exciting, and only three-and-a-half hours long.

The game offers numerous options, it has a ton of cars and all of the tracks from the rally circuit, and it looks good for a handheld game.

There's so much variety and personality, however, that the odds are good that you'll find your money's worth in some aspect or another.

An incredibly appealing sports game.

It's not wildly original or innovative, it's just fun.

In most respects, the game doesn't differ much from the first title in the series; but the novelty of teaming up the good guys and bad guys to go after the really bad guys is enough to make this game enjoyable in its own right.

The characters look just like their onscreen counterparts.

The inclusion of a battery save feature makes this game infinitely more enjoyable, however, and the twofold increase in car selection isn't too shabby either.

A nonstop action ride that starts out on a high point and manages to remain there for the entire game. Gameplay elements that can be tedious, like jumping puzzles, are limited, while the use of Force powers is accentuated.

Ultimately, Earth 2150 delivers complex and challenging gameplay - and even an absorbing story.

If you're into off-roading, you may never have to buy another video game.

Kind of like having to eat a banana split with your hands--just because it's a little sloppy doesn't mean it isn't still good...One of the deepest and most satisfying multiplayer tactical shooters currently available.

It's hard not to look at the current generation version of Madden as an aging veteran on its last legs, but that veteran still has a bit of game left in it.

Dark Cloud successfully blends adventure, RPG, simulation, and strategy elements into one incredibly addictive game.

Consistently avoids any overt lewdness you might expect and rises above it by delivering an all-around excellent game with impressive visuals and tight, intuitive gameplay.

While a lack of maps cuts into the game's value somewhat, Day of Defeat: Source still offers a satisfying and exciting experience for those who just can't get enough of World War II.

A well-made, polished, and thoroughly playable game, and stock car racing fans should be quite pleased with it.

Turok is more than just another Doom clone. Turok delivers a complete package of great graphics, outstanding sound, and a fresh premise.

In most respects, the game doesn’t differ much from the first title in the series; but the novelty of teaming up the good guys and bad guys to go after the really bad guys is enough to make this game enjoyable in its own right.

It's hard not to look at the current generation version of Madden as an aging veteran on its last legs, but that veteran still has a bit of game left in it.

A superb strategy game. It's definitely the most sophisticated space-empire game available right now. If you're serious about space strategy, you can't afford to miss it.

For big-time puzzle fans who like the idea of competitive and cooperative puzzling online, Puzzle Pirates may be just what you're looking for.

TMNT on the GBA doesn't slow the tempo with silly puzzles or frustrating platform-jumping sections. Instead, it's a pure, fast-paced brawler that lets you go wild beating on bad guys and bosses with a healthy variety of exaggerated martial arts moves. And, thanks to the eye-popping graphics and catchy audio, the game is as much fun to see and hear as it is to play.

Though the mode selection hasn't evolved much over that of Virtua Fighter 4, this fifth installment builds upon its predecessor's fighting system and is a better overall fighting game...A great fighting game that's specifically geared toward players who have experience with the series.

Makes for good, meaningless fun.

Fans of the first film will definitely want to pick this one up, but those who enjoy action games in general will also find a lot to like here, in spite of the game's short length.

Much more than just a cosmetic rehash of Madden NFL 2004. It's a complete overhaul, with better artificial intelligence, customizable skill settings, and a greater degree of control over play calling.

It does further refine the formula, is completely worthy of the Rayman name, and is easily one of the most satisfying platforming experiences to come to the PC in a good while.

You will find success early and often in Tiger 06, and though that may not sound like such a bad thing, it isn't necessarily true to the spirit of the sport, where triumphs--however minor--need to be earned, not simply offered to you for the taking.

Ultimately, Madden NFL 06 is a highly playable game of football, but in comparison with the leaps forward the franchise has made in previous years, 06 feels like a false start.

The ATV Offroad Fury series has long been known for fast, dirty thrills, and ATV4 is the best so far.

While Bustin' Out for the GBA is clearly a different game than The Sims, it certainly has enough variety to appeal to anyone who enjoys this sort of open-ended game.

Anchored by a wonderful cast of characters, the very well-crafted sci-fi story in Dreamfall will leave you anxiously wanting more.

Although the grand strategy is a bit misguided, the tactical combat is a splendid twist on the concept of collectible card games.

A great game of hockey... It may not have all the features that we would have liked, but it's certainly a lot of fun to play.

The Godfather is a satisfying, lengthy adventure, and more importantly, it remains faithful to the classic film while managing to create a compelling story of its own.

A beautiful game that manages to have the appeal of its predecessor and winds up being both frustrating and addicting at the same time.

The core gameplay remains solid and is perhaps a bit more focused.

An incredibly appealing sports game. While it doesn't possess the sheer addictiveness of, say, "NFL Blitz," it's simultaneously a breath of fresh air and a nostalgic look at the baseball game genre.

It's not hugely innovative, and it has its share of faults, but its particular blend of features nevertheless gives it a fresh, fun feel.

It isn't quite as impressive looking as its console counterparts, and it's a short ride, but there's still a great time to be had with King Kong on the PC.

Prince of Persia Classic is a fine example of how to modernize an older game while keeping its appeal intact.

Thanks to its solid gameplay and stylized look, it holds up well enough, even three years after its debut on the NeoGeo.

A sound NASCAR simulation with one of the most robust career modes of any driving game to date.