Go into this game with the right expectations--knowing, for instance, that this is a time-consuming game that takes a while to get into and isn't dramatically different, at its core, from other online RPGs--and you'll find in Final Fantasy XI a different-enough take on the online role-playing genre that the experience can end up being both rewarding and refreshing.

Crytek almost delivers a knockout blow. Far Cry isn't just a stunning technical accomplishment. It's quite possibly the best single-player first-person shooter experience for the PC since "Half-Life."

But then there's the fascinatingly complex multiplayer mode, which truly is one of a kind and potentially gives Pandora Tomorrow much more lasting value than its predecessor.

Whatever minimal amount of sleekness the game has to offer is completely overshadowed by unimpressive graphics and sound, sloppy combat mechanics, and an almost nonstop assailment of long, boring, and mind-numbingly frustrating puzzles.

This is a game designed specifically for a general audience, and thus, the bulk of what would normally make an adventure game challenging or unique has been stripped away in favor of the most user-friendly interface and game design possible.

But then there's the fascinatingly complex multiplayer mode, which truly is one of a kind and potentially gives Pandora Tomorrow much more lasting value than its predecessor.

A few adjustments have been made here and there--particularly to the game's online features--but overall, this is still the same batter-friendly baseball game that Acclaim has put out for the last three years.

Aside from being the first version to hit the Xbox, there isn't a whole lot to differentiate The Dawn of Destiny from its predecessors. It's really just a mediocre card battling game.

While Crystal Key 2 sure isn't a stunner, it's still a fairly solid adventure game that has its charms.

Dead Man's Hand isn't a bad use of your $20, and for what it's worth, this PC version of the game is substantially better than the previously released Xbox version.

It remains more of an uncannily accurate baseball-stat calculator than a game, with virtually no amenities and a punishing interface.

One of the freshest, most satisfying games produced by Impressions in years, and it's a great real-time strategy game in its own right.

Rang[es] from boring to silly to confusing, with only the odd moment of interest to keep you trudging along.

While the game is marred by some graphical and gameplay issues, it still crafts an intriguing and engaging set of "episodes" that will please fans--as well as survival horror aficionados--with the taste of some good, old-fashioned alien conspiracy.

This is the multiplayer action game that offers something for everyone--even those who prefer playing offline, since the UT bots are better than ever and are still the best in the business...No other multiplayer-focused action game has this much to offer.

The lack of originality and one particularly glaring multiplayer flaw make Jungle Storm less than exciting overall.

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.

The GBA version of R-Type III is a pathetic, wretched imitation of that great game.

Ideas aside, however, Breakdown's underlying game design is unable to bear the weight of its own innovation, so it's really just a pretty good action game that you can't help but feel could have been so much more.

Doesn't fix what's not broken, and it delivers the same addictive gameplay the series is known for in a prettier package.

The game's incredible visuals and sound, its offbeat sense of humor, and, most importantly, its legitimate affection toward one of the greatest boxing franchises ever made truly make it a game worth playing for anyone who has loved and appreciated the Punch-Out!! series.

Packs more dramatic moments in its gameplay than most any multiplayer-focused action game in the past few years.

If you're looking for a frenetic beat-'em-up, à la "Dynasty Warriors," 20XX may scratch your itch, though it's still marred by stilted pacing and a wildly inconsistent frame rate.

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.

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.

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.

Between the different level variations and the multiplayer features, Tenchu: Return From Darkness has good lasting value.

The few ways in which Jetters differs from its predecessor don't improve upon the formula in any way; instead, there is a heavier focus on an insipidly lame storyline and an almost completely unnecessary second playable character.