The gameplay has been sharpened to create an experience that expertly balances technicality and quick, accessible fun. Add to that a first-rate presentation and some solid solo and multiplayer offerings, and you've got a package that any tennis fan would be foolish to pass up.

It's got new goalie controls and marginally improved graphics, but taken as a whole, NHL 2K6 just isn't as appealing on the 360 as it was on other platforms.

Nanostray 2 is a dyed-in-the-wool shoot-'em-up that offers great action in a shiny, proficient package.

Avadon: The Black Fortress offers up some good old-fashioned role-playing, as long as you can handle the dated production values and a few design quirks.

Even though it's repetitive and occasionally frustrating, Space Run Galaxy is a great way to, as Deep Purple puts it, “go space truckin’ round the stars.” Tactical depth, a wide range of choices when it comes to customizing your ships, and a liberal dose of frantic action during cargo runs--not to mention a good sense of humor and attractively cartoony visuals--combines to deliver an experience that isn't easy to master, but one that's worth the extra effort.

Regardless of how you classify The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit--whether it's a standalone adventure, a demo, or a prologue--it's a beautiful game, and one that leaves you all the more excited about Life is Strange 2.

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

The sleek, superficial action of After Burner Climax is thrilling in short bursts but not deep enough to last.

It's not the Panzer General that you might remember, but this card-based XBLA game is impressively deep and addictive.

An amusing adventure that makes a powerful case for more creativity with level design, setting, and pacing in co-op shooters, without thoroughly capitalizing on all of its own best ideas. Traps and their extensive use within many of the levels are a joy, and the underpinning gunplay is strong enough to warrant a sturdy recommendation, but it all comes to a head well before it should.

Hoard is a simple but addictive multiplayer strategy experience that's unfortunately singed by a few design choices.

"Surreal" is actually a perfect word to describe MultiVersus, a game that brings together iconic characters and makes them fight. These characters are as authentic as they come, feeling as if they've been ripped straight from their source material thanks to excellent voice work. The team-based mechanics are truly beyond anything else offered in a platform fighter, while the classic 1v1 format also impresses. The roster offers plenty of variety, though unlocking all of the characters without having to dip into the real-world wallet will definitely be a chore. We don't know how much of its power MultiVersus has tapped into yet--the open beta will soon give way to Season 1--but as it stands now the game has smashed any and all expectations. Even if MultiVersus doesn't unseat the king, it is more than ready to rule its own little corner of the kingdom.

The games run accurately and the package has some nice extras, but the graphics are a little on the blurry side.

While there are some rough edges, the result is mostly a nice little role-playing jaunt into the world of Tolkien.

Mega Man X Collection follows the same basic formula as Capcom's excellent first Mega Man compilation, but it just doesn't have quite as much to offer.

There's fun to be had in Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, but you have to invest in it. The more work you put into making your go-kart track craftwork unique, the more enjoyment you'll get out of racing, with or without some frustration and repetition. Mario Kart Live isn't going to have the long-term appeal of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but with some imagination and ingenuity, you can make it something special.

Despite its short length and easy puzzles, this episodic adventure still captivates with strong storytelling and compelling characters.

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.

This sequel to Nintendo's console wargame wages a much more successful campaign on free time.

This demon-controlling adventure lets you do more fun things with your evil minions, but Overlord II hasn't shaken all of the issues that held back the first game.

It does right by the classic Worms gameplay, and it's probably the best-looking Worms game ever; but a shortness of features makes it feel a little bare-bones, not to mention a little overpriced.

Though its visual style is soft and often flowery, the pace of the action is maddening and intense.

Question: What is a fun trivia game with cool controllers that's fun to play in groups? Answer: Buzz! The Mega Quiz.

Black Mirror III is sufficiently spooky but is burdened with a dreary pace and frustrating puzzles.

Sowing the seeds of a flourishing planet and a prosperous populace is a wonderfully welcome challenge in Reus.

Minecraft Story Mode's third episode is the best so far, weaving action and story in a tight, focused package.

There's still a lot to love about NHL 18, even if the core on-ice experience has only seen minor tweaks.

Sparklite's loop can be rewarding, but not when it's extended beyond its means.