The Sims 2: Pets adds some moderately interesting animal companions, but offers a surprisingly strong Sims 2 experience.

If you can look past some of the game's mechanical shortcomings and the PC version's annoying compatibility issues, you'll likely be pleased with what Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance has to offer.

A one-of-a-kind title, partially because of its art direction, and partially because of its incredibly unique character-creation system.

The combination of the irritatingly tough mission structuring along with the relative simplicity of the combat ultimately makes Battlestar Galactica a bit too basic of an experience for any seasoned space combat fan, and it's too difficult of an experience for casual fans that are just looking for a simple trip down memory lane.

The game is wildly unorthodox in almost every conceivable respect, though its aesthetics and mechanics are awesomely polished and inventive.

A better game than Treyarch's previous efforts, but it still relies too heavily on the novelty of swinging around the city and beating up the same bad guys over and over again--a novelty made less so by the simplification of both mechanics.

A better game than Treyarch's previous efforts, but it still relies too heavily on the novelty of swinging around the city and beating up the same bad guys over and over again--a novelty made less so by the simplification of both mechanics.

Decent 3D graphics and a breezy soundtrack accentuate the game's tone, and there are plenty of different scenarios to keep you coming back, though the underlying gameplay gets to be pretty predictable after a while.

The gameplay concepts tie into the film nicely, too, so hardcore fans of the movie should enjoy it as a nostalgic trip. On the other hand, Tron 2.0 suffers from too many generic and uninspired sections and dull combat.

A pretender. While it borrows some new features from "NCAA Football 2005" and includes a revamped play-calling system that is actually fun to use, a broken dynasty mode and choppy online play mar an otherwise good basketball game.

Short and doesn't look like much, but it's an unusual game that can be a lot of fun.

The game is good. Whether you've seen the movie or not, Toy Story 2, as a game, stands on its own. It's not complicated or sexy; it's just a fun, straightforward, nonlinear adventure game with puzzle and platform elements.

With simple level design and enemy AI that is so dumbed down that it is virtually nonexistent, Ecks vs. Sever doesn't pose much of a threat in the difficulty department.

World Poker Tour is the best of the console poker bunch--though that isn't necessarily saying an awful lot.

Captures the zippy arcade spirit of the console versions, but doesn't always hit the mark.

A good enough game, though barely anything has changed. It doesn't feel like it has been rushed, since it isn't buggy or broken in any way, but there's definitely a lack of proper maturation here that hinders the overall product.

The tactical battles definitely capture the spirit of X-COM, but the whole package doesn't come together in quite the same way.

A racing game that puts drivers in the spotlight without sacrificing exciting ontrack action.

A meager selection of gameplay modes keeps Trozei from being essential, but the core gameplay remains engaging, regardless.

The direct single-ship controls feel much more like "Pirates!," and the new mechanics create some engaging battles. However, the new linear goal structure limits and oversimplifies Pirate Hunter's gameplay in a way that removes the free-ranging charm.

For the most part, Spartan: Total Warrior is a pretty good action effort. Unfortunately, the high production values and engaging gameplay of the Total War games are nowhere to be found here.

Improves on the features that were introduced in the previous game and implements some new features that longtime fans should appreciate. On the other hand, it also retains the same graphics, audio, and basic game design that have been with the series since its inception roughly four years ago.

It doesn't break any manner of new ground. However, this is not to say the game isn't fun on its own merits, and all told, The Lost Expedition still makes for a pretty enjoyable platforming experience all around.

A fun and accessible tennis game with some playful gameplay touches, but it's hampered by a dully sophomoric sense of humor.

Steambot Chronicles comes with a few blemishes, but it offers a variety of minigames and a malleable story wrapped in a charming little world.

The lack of any sort of time trial, multiplayer, or randomized mode is disappointing, however, especially if you're one of the many who played this game to death nearly a decade ago.

As an RPG, Lost Kingdoms lacks a lot of the depth, scope, and production values that makes the genre so compelling.

While the game serves as only an adequate primer to this tough-guy sport, it's a fairly approachable and fun game, and it's one that does a decent job of conveying the finer aspects of the sport it portrays.