Even with its shallow storyline and camera issues, Phantasy Star Online simply manages to be a whole lot of fun.

A fairly plain third-person action game that contains a more robust combat system than those found in most similar games. Its graphics, particularly the environments' graphics, aren't noteworthy, and its story isn't fully developed.

The dated graphics and the lack of any kind of two-player mode also detract from the otherwise attractive package. However, with all the character options and its nearly infinite replayability, Darkstone makes an excellent case for making a modest $10 investment.

All the clever animations, amusing sounds, and pretty battle graphics in the world can't replace an interesting combat system.

Extremely fun. And like Bill Cosby used to say, "You just might learn something by the time we're done."

NBA Live 2001 is beautiful, and it is still a lot of fun to play. By far, it's the best basketball game -- pros or otherwise -- on the PlayStation 2.

The Ward is like sitting at a boring party, listening to charmless people drone on and on about fantastic, faraway places.

The only difference between Carnivores: Ice Age and the previous games is that there aren't any dinosaurs to shoot this time.

Die-hard real-time strategy fans may find something to like in Kingdom Under Fire, but everyone else might as well keep waiting for Blizzard's next big hit.

Metropolis Street Racer is a beautiful racer with accurate physics and tight control, but the kudos system makes it far more challenging than it needs to be.

The game's graphics are uninspired and the sound is awful, and those elements in the gameplay that are subtly different from those in other real-time strategy games won't be noticeable to any but the most experienced real-time strategy players.

Unfortunately, neither experienced gamers nor fans of the film will find much in the game beyond a quick, light diversion.

Other than a few additional cars and tracks, the PS2 update is barely an improvement. In fact, thanks to a plethora of graphical problems, the flaws inherent to the game's overall presentation are much more apparent now.

Those who missed out on the PlayStation version could still find a good bit of entertainment value here, but this dated title simply can't compete on the same level as current software.

The game has a weak fighting system, and the lack of a compelling storyline makes Kengo just a series of boring, repetitive battles. The game abandons both the characters and the gameplay formula of the "Bushido Blade" series and ends up being a disappointment on all fronts.

Flaws aside, Vanishing Point is one of the most original and enjoyable racing games to come along in a long time.

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

The physics are sometimes unwieldy and CPU AI unpredictable, but there's a lot of fun to be had earning licenses, winning races, purchasing new bikes, and kitting out your garage.

Because of its confusing story, unappealing visuals, and counterintuitive controls, Konung ends up looking like a Diablo clone that hit the shelves four years too late. Even at the bargain-bin price of $20, it's not worth recommending Konung, because it simply isn't fun.

A totally uninspired presentation.

Fairly well done but generally unspectacular--while it has its good points, its overall lack of original features or design elements is unlikely to leave a lasting impression on real-time strategy players.

Aqua Aqua for the PlayStation 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed "Wetrix" for the Nintendo 64, is basically the same game released three years later, but it still represents a refreshing change for the puzzle genre.

In a genre that has withstood its share of inferior games over the years, it's true that Mayday probably isn't the worst real-time strategy game to date. But that's the best thing to be said for it.

Polaris SnoCross totally bites. Unless you're desperate for anything snowmobile-ish, keep a safe distance away from this dud.

While in many ways the same game as Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment retains the same excellent gameplay and offers expert storytelling, which make it worth playing despite its similarities to the first chapter.

Those who want a deeper, more satisfying platform adventure should probably save this for a weekend rental.

It's hard to believe that the survival-horror genre can only be done right by Capcom (and perhaps Konami), but Hail to the King will do little to convince you otherwise.

The game itself isn't terrible, but unless you are absolutely aching to exercise the online capabilities of your Dreamcast, there is really no reason to pick up this game.