The game's Achilles' heel is its lack of any online play. But if you're more about the single-player game than about smacking some faraway Kansas or Duke fan, it's hard to find much not to like.

It's got a nice open-ended style, a character that fits the gimmick, and plenty of violence.

The two-player mode doesn't deliver the goods. At times, the competition feels more like a festival of yawns than edge-of-your-seat action.

Too bad it's so short, but there's plenty to do in the city of L.A. once the story is over.

Don't expect to find radical gameplay changes or innovative open-ended mechanics here. Instead, come armed with a belly full of courage and a clean change of underwear, because I can't even remember when a video game has shoved this much grotesque evil down my throat in one serving.

Despite its daunting start, in the single-player mode, MMZ2 plays very much like an enhanced version of its predecessor, which is a good thing.

Think of Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship Tournament 2004 as being like the latest version of "Madden."

With no multiplayer modes at all, there's little reason to play after completing Max's rampage the first time. If this particular flaw doesn't bother you, however, Max Payne manages to deliver some of the best gunplay around, and is an involving and intense festival of urban decay, ultra-violence, and slow motion cinematic blood shed.

Immersive elements are everywhere: You don't just press a button to activate a lever that opens a gate -- you use the analog stick to shift Harry in the direction you want to tug that lever.

I rarely start off a review talking about how a game looks or sounds, but the presentation of this game can't be understated. It looks and sounds spectacular.

There's been more than enough time for Harmonix to tweak the game's Vocal Analyzer to help avoid cheap tactics for getting high scores. Having said that, the game is still highly entertaining and quite enjoyable.

But if you're one of those RPG players who detests games that require you to do anything more than navigate menus, or if you were hoping for some genuine innovation from Nintendo, Superstar Saga will have you barking up the wrong mushroom.

Overall, the single-player mode is a blast to play. The controls are fluid, the animations are entertaining, and the taunts are still over the top, as in the victorious declaration: "Invincibility! I am too uncanny!"

A masterpiece in almost every aspect, even if it is a conversion of a game from an increasingly long-in-the-tooth fighting series.

It’s a fast-paced, adrenaline rush kind of game, and it’s really quite difficult, but that should just mean it’ll keep you busy for a while.

While NCAA Football 2005 could still use a bit of a graphical overhaul, and the running game still needs some help, the additions of Homefield Advantage and the Matchup Stick really add a lot to the game.

Too bad it's so short, but there's plenty to do in the city of L.A. once the story is over. This is the first game that treats the "GTA" model as inspiration rather than a quick ticket to the bank.

It's got the core gameplay to be one of the best strategy titles ever made, but failures in execution means that Silent Storm ends up being nothing more than a good game.

Like the best of Japanese-developed games, the artistry is spot on. It's artful and visually varied, and the soundtrack is appealing if slightly bombastic. Although the online options lag behind the quality of the rest of the game, this is a four-star title through and through.

It's really only its brevity and restrictive save game system that keeps this game from fighting its way to the top of the genre.

While it would have been nice to have a better way to organize workers' shift schedules, customizable characters, a richer combat system, and a multiplayer module, there's more than enough interesting things to do to keep you busy.

While Virtua Tennis for the GBA dominates with addictive gameplay, it fails to impress with its rough-shod graphics.

While releases from Acclaim, 3DO, Sega, and EA have done reasonable jobs in the past, MVP Baseball 2004 may come the closest yet to replicating the action on the field. It looks spectacular and I could easily use the same adjective to describe the gameplay.

It's not all that new and not all that different from the other games in Sierra's classic "City Building" franchise -- but it's loads of fun all the same.

A great-looking PS2 game, with good character models and beautiful environments. However, the one flaw in this gem is its framerate, which can bog down in moderately busy melees.

The only area that the Xbox version of this game really pales in comparison to its PS2 brother is in the lack of an online mode -- a pity when the system has the necessary hardware built right in!

Gamers looking for a more traditional arcade racer might need to approach NFSU with the following in mind -- it's tons of fun, it looks amazing, and it's best on PS2 due to the online portions, but be prepared to witness a perceptive lack of variety, and one huge-ass single-player challenge in order to get the most out of the game.

About as challenging, fun, and multi-dimensional as an overhead aerial combat game can get on a handheld system.

It may not unseat "NASCAR Racing 2003 Season" as this year's premier PC NASCAR sim, but the NASCAR Thunder series is now right on the leader's tail.

The best Battle Network yet.

Does the formula of giant robots and three-tiered combat succeed? Definitely. But there are a few quirks along the way to deal with, most notably the anemic unit pathfinding AI.

I couldn't ask for much more with MX Unleashed. A few more challenges in freestyle would be nice, but this really is the total package for race games -- which is no surprise, coming from Rainbow.

A great strategy game. If you liked the original, there's more than enough here to justify the upgrade.

The game's shot variety, graphics, and online capabilities truly take tennis games to a new level. The things that prevent the game from being as perfect as Kournikova's... legs... are the load times and poor implementation of risk and drop shots.

Players who are willing to stick it out will find an RPG of unrivaled depth, innovation, and replayability.

While it shares many common flaws found in the genre, Siren is the most innovative (and scary) survival-horror title we've seen in a while.

The game has some button scheme issues, but still comes across as a super sim that'll let you control your man like no game before.

Battle Realms screams quality. However, at its core it's still just basic real-time strategy, and if you aren't into click-happy real-time games then it's best to steer clear.

Features terrific graphics, sound, and a presentation that does what WWF fans really want a game to do -- recreate the whole experience in their living room!

While Psi-Ops doesn't break a lot of new ground in the action or stealth fronts, the addition of psychic powers adds a boatload of entertainment value. Thanks to some of the best ragdoll physics ever seen on a console, you'll be happily tossing burning enemies into walls or off bridges for hours.

If you own a previous version of Knockout Kings, there isn't a whole lot new going on other than the graphics. It is very rough in places and misses a lot of the intricacies sport of boxing, but it is one of those games that keeps you coming back for more.

To be honest, CMR3 can't hold a candle to "Rallisport Challenge" graphically, but betters it with phenomenal collision detection and handling.

The best PS2 golf game out there.

Easily the best motocross game I've ever played, and it's the first one I'd recommend to people who aren't the least bit fans of the sport.

Offers super graphics, intuitive and deep gameplay, and one heck of a Dynasty mode.

Both a souped-up "Gauntlet" and a stripped-down "Dark Alliance"; it's not as pretty as it should be, but the gameplay is rock-solid, and the multiplayer mode is can't-miss entertainment.

It's one of the those games that's perfect for game parties or killing spare time with friends, but as a single-player game, I'd recommend you stick to the original handheld version instead.

The real key to MotoGP2 enjoyment comes from the bike physics.

The best of the college hoops crowd... The attention to detail in some of the arenas borders on the obsessive.

It plays almost like a new game, but with soothing familiarity that fans of the series will no doubt appreciate.

Anyone who is into racing or tuning will think that they have stumbled upon the proverbial pot of gold with TXRZ. While the somewhat repetitive style of competition in the game will turn off some, the game is simply too exciting and fun to even notice.

[Microsoft] has blithely improved an already great sim by giving it a new angle, bringing in some really sweet technological improvements, and making it even more accessible.

Believable physics is where it all starts for a racing title, and Sprint Cars has this area locked in.

A great single-player adventure that also offers new tools for mod makers. Gamers that prefer non-melee classes better be up for a challenge though.

Although the game is technically lacking and isn't for everyone, it's one of the most original and engaging titles on the market.

It's a tad easy, but it's also so fun and addictive that any platform game fan will enjoy it.

Has everything an arcade football nut would want. The gameplay is great, the graphics are incredible, the cheerleaders are cute, and it's an all around blast.

All in all, combat is very easy to learn, but difficult to master -- and yet very satisfying.

If the difficulty level of the latter stages was kinder and the environmental detail greater, it would have been a near-perfect racing game. As it is, it's still a very good one.

It never gets quite as fun or inventive as any of the Mario or Rayman platform games, but Tarzan: Return to the Jungle holds its own surprisingly well, and is a must-have for fans of its GBC predecessor.

Such a terrific experience, reminiscent of the roleplaying games of old, that hours upon hours would pass with no knowledge of the passage of time.

What it lacks in general innovation is quickly outshines by familiar, addictive, and constantly fun gameplay.

Red Faction delivers a satisfying, if slightly flawed single player experience and a distracting, but ultimately shallow multiplayer mode. The graphics are impressive, and the technology introduced in this game is amazing, it's just unfortunate that it hasn't been used to its fullest potential.

The ability to quickly save your progress and not have to deal with lengthy and cryptic passwords, though, is an immeasurable improvement over the first game.

Utterly clever, entertaining, and action-packed, Giants is an absorbing romp through the lives of well-rounded comedic entities on a weird alien land.

A faithful re-creation of a stellar PS2 game, but considering the beefier hardware and a year of development time, it should have been more.

Minor quirks and the length keep it out of the 90s, but FAKK2 is definitely an entertaining single player experience.

Whether you're a fan of wacky 2D side-scrolling adventure games or a long-time Super G'n G fan, this well-made port is definitely worth picking up.

There's something undeniably cool about having DOOM in your pocket.

Has the edge on the management and simulation side of the game. Its franchise mode is excellent and makes "MVP Baseball 2003"'s look like a Johnny-come-lately. On the flip side, "MVP Baseball 2003" has a slight edge in gameplay.

Provides a great, online fantasy-gaming experience, albeit one that's not quite as grueling, unforgiving, or complex over the long haul.

Blazes across your screen with incredible graphics, addictive gameplay, and deep play options. Sure, it's not flawless, but it's definitely worth playing.

A huge improvement over its predecessor. Being surrounded by a pack of creatures that want to tear the flesh from your bones doesn't get much better than this.

An excellent macro-insight into running a railroad empire. Simple to learn, completely absorbing, ultimately challenging.

The production values for Frontline are way up there, and with great voice acting, cool FMV cutscenes, and more atmosphere than most other FPS titles, the game is a winner for WWII action fans and newbies alike.

A fun platformer with a good mix of nostalgia and modern technology.

It's engaging, challenging, and loads of fun. 'Nuff said.

This is by far the most creative Xbox launch game, but it suffers from repetitiveness and unresponsive controls. Still, it will clearly appeal to platform-game aficionados.

The game may not have the flashy graphics of the other hardball titles, but the ability to download current rosters and to save games in mid-progress are both wonderful additions to the series and will have you overlooking any minor cosmetic glitches.

Suikoden fans will immediately "hate" the new battle system, while they will probably just "dislike" the world map and the move to 3D graphics with no camera control.

It's not the most prolific game released recently, and with some real zeal you can probably thrust through it in a matter of hours, not days. But for the price…

Fun, engaging, and very entertaining. Some will be drawn in by the story, some by the humor, and some by the sheer originality of the world that has been created.

For console owners, it's simply not worth the bucks to upgrade your PC to play this game -- Enjoy it on your console. On the other hand, if you've got the hardware for it (including a gamepad) and don't own a console, I'd recommend getting your hands on this game in an instant.

Its depth is certainly daunting... it's only appealing in the long term for those who are willing to devote some time to learning its intricacies.

A top-notch effort, Airborne Assault is not only detailed, realistic, challenging, and fun, but innovative to boot.

Universally better than the original game while adding enough stuff to keep it from being just an interface upgrade.

A solid game that improves only marginally -- if at all -- over last year's game.

Definitely the best hockey game on any console.

Power through some early dullness and potential confusion, and you'll find a grand adventure in a rich and colorful game world.

Huge parks to crash through, a wide array of famous riders and tricks, and familiar Tony Hawk-style gameplay all add up to a solid offering from Acclaim.

With a great balance of realism and playability, NCAA Basketball 2K3 shines as a beacon for collegiate hoops fans.

The best surfing game to date, with energetic play, a strong audio-visual presentation, and design mechanics.

It starts off slow, but No One Lives Forever is a unique and stylish experience well worth the cost of admission.

Far superior to the PS2 version, Thunder on the Xbox is definitely one of the coolest racing titles on the system. Though the gameplay is shallow, it's playable, fast, and has a ton of things to unlock.

For the added levels and pumped-up graphics alone, this is worth having.

Stylish and sophisticated.

I have major complaints regarding the game’s interface. Although it might be made with simplicity in mind, it lacks the functionality required for guys that spend a lot of time in the roster screens and stat screens...[yet] a refreshing, but incredibly fun and exciting football game.

Easy to learn and a challenge to play, Enigma: Rising Tide is one game naval enthusiasts and non-simulation fans won't want to miss.