The game just doesn't capture the magic of the "Resident Evil" series.

It's one of the best PlayStation games of all time, so if you're not familiar with the original, or even if you're a fan who wants to play the complete Metal Gear Solid in higher resolution, then you should definitely try Metal Gear Solid for the PC.

It's a definitive role-playing experience, and the only reason it can't be called the best game in its class is because in a sense there's nothing available that compares to it.

It combines both simulation and wargaming elements to produce a superb gaming experience.

While Breakout is a fine starter game for young kids attempting to get a handle on their hand-eye coordination, all others might want to pass on this one.

The best driving game currently available on any console, let alone the Dreamcast, and once you crest the game's steep learning curve, the addictive need to constantly best other players' lap times will provide weeks of replayability.

It doesn't matter whether you're a hard-core simulation fan or you simply crave speed, destruction, and mayhem in your games -- if you want to play a very fun racing game, then Midtown Madness 2 is for you.

It's undoubtedly one of the best Star Trek games to date, and its only rival in its genre so far this year is, unsurprisingly, Raven's own shooter, "Soldier of Fortune."

The levels are bigger, the trick catalog is more plentiful, the number of goals per level has been doubled, and the already stunning gameplay has been honed even further.

It's just too bad the game's abhorrent visuals, combined with a few lingering gameplay quirks, relegate it to the unenviable position of being the best of 1996. Unfortunately, if you've checked the calendar lately, it's the year 2000.

Fans of the genre can consider Land of the Babes a light snack between hearty meals.

What good is a set of tools that frustrates more than it aids creation?

Although the graphical experience emphasizes clarity over extravagance, even the game's graphical palette exudes quality.

If you're frustrated by simulations, ESPN MLS GameNight is the game for you.

Despite its unusually deficient single-player mode, Bomberman Party Edition still manages to succeed where many previous attempts have failed, delivering an uproariously enjoyable multiplayer experience.

A fresh, original concept that has plenty of style.

While it's a simple game targeted toward a younger audience, the solid gameplay should suffice for the people who are old enough to remember the Duck Dodgers character from the old Merrie Melodies, if only for a weekend rental.

The only major flaw in Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX is that the game is a touch on the easy side.

The two things that "NFL Blitz 2000" had going for it - approachability and freshness - are diminished in this year's version by the fact that the CPU AI is tougher and the fact that the game evokes a distinct feeling of déjà vu.

Truthfully, there isn't much in the way of competition for Sega's "NFL 2K1" when it comes to Dreamcast football titles. However, NFL Blitz 2001's quirky gameplay, rich features, and drool-inducing visuals make it an excellent alternative.

In practice, however, the game's ugly textures, poor frame rate, and clunky gameplay combine to make MTV Skateboarding one of the worst PlayStation games released this year.

The game may not break much new ground, but with near-perfect visuals and addictive gameplay, NFL Blitz 2001 is major football fun.

The main asset to the license -- a degree of smart sexiness akin to old '70s James Bond movie posters -- has become crass and obvious in its translation to 3D.

The great graphics, incredible sound and music, and true-3D gameplay made it a favorite among strategy fans and critics.

The only connections this boring real-time strategy game has with "Star Trek" are the logo on the box, the names of the races, and the types of weapons that your units use.

With a multitude of elements that let it transcend that narrow and often underrated genre, racing fans and those simply seeking a wild, entertaining experience would do well to check it out.

The vastly improved running game makes all the difference in the world, since now you can truly mount an offensive attack that consists of a true-to-life air-and-ground assault.

The gameplay interface can prove to be very cumbersome, but if you can learn to tolerate how it plays, Maximum Pool is a great deal.