Once mastered, the inventive gameplay mechanics have a way of becoming addictive, and the no-frills graphics get the job done.

There are a total of 22 missions, each with multiple goals, but most can be easily bested in one or two tries, save for the final mission.

While Smash Court isn't quite as polished or deep as "Virtua Tennis," there's still plenty of fun to be had with this game.

Mercury Meltdown Remix is a handheld puzzler that feels ill suited for the PS2, but because the underlying puzzle designs are so good, the game still mostly works.

In the end, Resident Evil is a rare gem that has not only been able to make the jump from a video game to a computer game nearly flawlessly but has done so almost two years after it was originally released. Console gamers may want to check out Resident Evil on the PC - it is the only true uncut version of the game, featuring scenes not even in the recently released Resident Evil Directors Cut. If you aren't too squeamish, you should definitely give Resident Evil on the PC a look.

Teamwork and puzzles distinguish this side-scroller from other movie-based games.

Ties That Bind makes few changes to the formula, stretches a thin story to somewhere near the breaking point, and delivers a bloody, curse-filled action game that might still please fans of the first game, though it's more likely that you'll feel like you played the same game last year.

Lacks polish and, in some cases, feels unfinished. It makes decent attempts with its different styles of gameplay, but none of them are particularly well done, and the game's storyline doesn't tie them together in a satisfying way.

Just Cause is able to justify its relative brevity and disrespect for physical law with some extremely visceral and often satisfying action.

Though its problems might be frustrating at first, once you settle into the game, you'll be in for a suitably rewarding adventure.

For those who haven't yet played a Close Combat game, or for veterans looking for new maps and scenarios for this outstanding series, then Close Combat: Invasion Normandy provides plenty of new challenges.

All the games play incredibly well, though "Pole Position" suffers a bit without its original analog steering wheel. The games also sound just like their arcade counterparts.

This is a game that was clearly inspired by any number of 16-bit classics, but Sigma Star Saga doesn't quite measure up to them. But for what it's worth, for a while it sure comes close.

It looks and sounds unimpressive, and at first, its poorly designed interface may seem like more trouble than it's worth to master and will likely continue to seem cumbersome even after you've gotten used to it.

Ties That Bind makes few changes to the formula, stretches a thin story to somewhere near the breaking point, and delivers a bloody, curse-filled action game that might still please fans of the first game, though it's more likely that you'll feel like you played the same game last year.

So if you're a shooter fan on a budget, Delta Force Xtreme isn't a bad way to go.

A worthy enough "sequel" to the original and can deliver an adequate number of thrills, though nothing unique or surprising.

The graphical tweaks are nothing to completely disregard, but on the other hand, they're nothing for Xbox owners to brag about either.

Some flight-combat buffs will probably dislike the game's loose style, but people who aren't necessarily looking for a pitch-perfect simulation of the conflict will enjoy Heroes of the Pacific.

The game may not have the lasting appeal of Psygnosis' "Wipeout" or Namco's "Ridge Racer," but it has enough gameplay, eye candy, and bonus secrets to put it near the top of what the PlayStation has to offer.

Smash Cars isn't going to appeal to everyone, but its easy-to-pick-up style of play, often absurdly amusing level design, and budget price tag make it a worthwhile purchase or rental for any RC or kart racing fan.

Those looking for an FMV extravaganza need not apply, but if you value the gameplay that really makes an RPG what it is, you'll find a lot to like in Tales of Destiny II.

If you're the sort of person who tends to dive right into economy-based sims, there's a good deal to like about Jaleco's Sea Trader.

If you're a fan of flashy cut-'em-up action and Japanese mythology, you'll be glad to know that Genji doesn't stray from that path. Unfortunately, that path is a short one, and it ends just as soon as things really start to get interesting.

The four-player co-op is pretty much what makes this update of the classic arcade Turtles beat-'em-up worth downloading, though the $5 price doesn't hurt either.

As archaic and clumsy as it can be, Earth Defense Force 2017 succeeds because of what a ridiculous bit of dumb fun it is.

While we still admire the unique gameplay mechanics of Squad Assault, it certainly feels as though the series, as well as the technology, is being pushed a game too far with Second Wave.

Gladiator does have some shortcomings, as its simplistic and frequently flawed gameplay can prove to be problematic. However, some excellent production values and an intriguing plot ultimately make the game most certainly worth checking out.