Despite its considerable depth, Shadow Hearts is easy to get into and yet maintains a satisfying level of challenge.

We experimented with a full six-player field, and we found the frame rate smooth and the fender-to-fender action and wide-open spaces both thrilling and intriguing.

"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.

The game seems to lack an overall level of polish, as you'll see some questionable AI and some occasional bouts of slowdown in the PS2 version of the game. Still, the gameplay itself is rock-solid.

Despite some flaws with its strategic game, Shattered Union is a fun, turn-based wargame that anyone can pick up and enjoy.

There's no denying that when you find a good group and you're fighting, chatting, and gaining levels, Shadowbane is at least as good as "EverQuest" and Dark Age of Camelot.

It's a great game to own, especially given its low retail price, but this version is not an essential purchase.

Compares favorably to the other baseball games that are currently on the market, especially if online play or a franchise mode are the features that matter most to you.

Actually playing a game that has a mix of simulation physics and overriding arcade control is really anticlimactic since it doesn't do quite as good of a job at either style of play. Be that as it may, NFL Fever 2002 is still a very solid game.

Very good. With just a bit more variety to its tracks and a slightly better career mode, it definitely could have been much better, but it has great graphics, solid sound, and the sort of easy learning curve that makes it a driving game that anyone can excel at.

Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, The Sims is otherwise extremely faithful to the gameplay of the original game, shortcomings and all, and it's more or less identical to the PS2 game.

Another very good entry in a solid series of motocross games. It plays well, and it has great control and a lot of tracks and objectives.

Battlestations: Midway strikes just the right balance between action and strategy to create a game that's as unique as it is enjoyable.

It has a lot of flash, but it backs it up with a good amount of substance.

Goes beyond the standard update and delivers some new styles of gameplay that freshen up the experience without sacrificing the things that made the games popular in the first place.

A thick, unsettling atmosphere fills this ambitious first-person action adventure, which makes up for some frustrating moments and dated graphics with plenty of chills, variety, and originality.

While this hybrid concept mostly works well, the game suffers from a lack of polish and from stripped-down combat balance.

While this sequel doesn't quite capture the ineffable magic of the original game, it's still a strong follow-up that easily surpasses many recent adventures.

A solid puzzler with an almost impeccable presentation.

Ultimately, the gameplay has a few minor flaws, and the available modes aren't quite as deep as those found in other college football games that are available on the market.

Eating the brains of the living to form a massive army of the undead is extremely satisfying, often hilarious, and, unfortunately, almost painfully brief.

It goes into slightly more realistic territory without sacrificing the fun, easy-to-learn gameplay that most of Midway's sports games possess.

NHL 2K7 for the PlayStation 2 lacks much of the forward progress of its Xbox 360 counterpart and instead provides an enjoyable hockey game that you've pretty much played before.

Donkey Kong Country 3 isn't a huge leap over "DKC2," but it's still a first-rate platformer with plenty to see and do.

A cute, quirky little strategy game that has some excellent multiplayer capacity. However, the old-timers out there may find that though the transition to 3D is novel, it doesn't really have much impact on the overall experience.

If you are interested in an Eye Toy but don't yet have one, you should skip buying Play and proceed directly to Play 2, as it's almost universally better than the first game. The mini-games are longer and more detailed, and the multiplayer is smoother and generally more fun.

The game does have some noticeable problems, though C&C fans may find themselves having too much fun to care.

Between the game sound and the game's eclectic soundtrack, Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX is totally amazing...The soundtrack rivals "Wipeout XL" for the title of best licensed soundtrack ever.