Every bit better than the original, and in many shiny ways. The multiplayer is a blast, it looks great, the game modes are expanded exponentially over the first, and the game dances on the fine line of being fairly realistic without being too over-the-top crazy.

If you don't break into a big, dopey grin while running around shattering LEGO Battle Droids into their component parts, then you should just put videogames down for good -- you've outgrown them.

I'm a little jaded, having a serious case of déjà vu with this game, but rest assured that those of you without an Xbox 360 are in for a treat. Double Agent is pretty darn bad-ass, and has a flurry of water-cooler gaming moments that will make you smile sadistically.

The fundamentals of gameplay are strong, but when you start getting into the details the roughness becomes increasingly apparent.

While the game's single player component is fully realized (though far too short), the multiplayer side of things feels tacked-on. It's almost as if the developers, fearing that a game without Xbox Live play wouldn't sell well, added the bare bones modes as an afterthought.

As enjoyable as the game is, it's even more fun with a second player (although there's no online play, sadly).

Chibi Robo: Park Patrol retains the fun and charm of its console predecessor even if the gameplay is noticeably different.

The greatest adaptation of this battle. It offers a different style of gaming than La Grande Armee, but the bottom line is that this title probably has the broadest appeal.

Despite my aggravations and frustrations with some of the aspects of the game, there was an addictive quality to Dropship on a Rubik's-Cube level.

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

An engaging storyline, high-quality cut-scenes, a cast of unique heroes and a whole stampede of missions make Desperados a shining silver star.

An entertaining, but shallow, experience. This game has some sweet graphics and some fun combat, but not a whole lot else.

The ability to download current rosters and save games at any point more than offsets the less-than-stellar graphics and sometimes challenging hitting.

An engaging, action-packed adventure that admirably re-creates the captivating atmosphere of the films.

While it's easy to nitpick its gameplay to death, the one area where Iridion II is beyond reproach is its graphics.

The single-player game is beefed up with a tweaked pitching interface and the ability to save games at any time. Its biggest coup over its competition from EA Sports, though, is the ability to play online.

The game will take the average player only about six hours to beat, but those six hours will be spent experiencing some really great visuals, imaginative game design and some classic Nintendo magic.

All around, if there's anything to ding Ridge Racer 7 for, it's the sense that it's less a sequel and more of a decimal point. Call it Ridge Racer 6.5 or Ridge Racer 6: Director's Cut, it's pretty much the same thing, minus the achievement points (grrrr).

Things may not be perfect this time out, but I do my best, and my reign ends on my terms. I make a beeline for the New Game button, vowing to stick to my proven playbook from the get-go.

The PlayStation 2 version of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords comes highly recommended, even if it's not the most attractive version available. The Xbox Live version, and even the PSP version with its annoying bugs are better looking versions of the same game, but you can't lose with any choice you make.

It may not be the prettiest game to look at, but in its third year of being the exclusive holder of the NASCAR license, EA Sports and Tiburon refuse to rest on past successes.

It's not perfect, but if you've already got an EyeToy, there's no reason not to add Play2 to your collection.

And again, I repeat: This game is really goddamn hard.

It listened to the criticism of its 2002 release and came out with a highly polished 2003 edition. The latest game has significantly cut the distance between itself and the top soccer titles on the shelf.

The Dynasty Mode is one of the best you'll see in an EA game, mostly because of the addition of the discipline system, which forces you to walk a fine line between getting the best players and running a clean program.

The learning curve is steep, but those who enjoy a challenge might just end up embracing the greater level of realistic gameplay that only Top Spin 3 can offer.

It's for the wrestling fan who skips the ring entrances in their wrestling games and just wants a solid grappling and fighting experience. It's for the devotee of games with deep editing tools, who would love the chance to make hundreds of complex, satisfying characters. Fire Pro Wrestling Returns may not be the best-looking wrestling game available today, but it is in fact the best.

It's a bit ironic, to me, that I'm now complaining about an Ace Attorney game being too easy, but hey -- given how arcane the adventure games of old often got, I'm glad this is the worst thing I can say about AAI: ME.

Won't wow you with anything really new, but if you want a traditional platformer done right, this is definitely one to play.

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

Amped may not be exactly like snowboarding, but it's the closest you can get without equipment.

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.

The game is long, its systems are well done, and it's quite nice to look at. And most importantly, it has legs.

Although there are a few problems with the Freestyle Superstar system, it's still one of the most innovative elements we've ever seen in an NBA game.

There are much better fighters out there to spend your time with.

Every bit better than the original, and in many shiny ways. The multiplayer is a blast, it looks great, the game modes are expanded exponentially over the first, and the game dances on the fine line of being fairly realistic without being too over-the-top crazy.

Despite the audiovisual grandeur of the rest of Generations, the shortcomings make it feel like little more than a "popcorn game" -- exhilarating, not very serious, and over before you get a chance to take it all in.

Despite its technical problems, Yakuza 2's story really kept us coming back for more. It's fantastically paced, constantly dropping teasers to keep you interested in what's going to happen next.

In many ways, Brain Age has become the ideal videogame gateway drug. The games are accessible to anyone, don't require any special physical dexterity or experience, and feature a regular reward system in their daily measurement of your brain age.

It has enough to keep any committed racing fan coming back for a good couple of months.

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.

The only major complaint is that once a coaster is finished -- or even well into its construction -- it isn't very easy to make even minor adjustments.

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.

To be sure, Grand Prix 4 is a souped-up version of its predecessors with no major innovations, but this is about as close as you can get to the real thing without being scraped off the pavement.

It's definitely fun, but the only real innovations, the EyeToy games, merely provide a fleeting diversion. Unless you're hoping they'll breathe new life into this franchise, you won't be disappointed.

The new Open Ice mechanics allow for smoother, wide-open play than previous versions, and the Dynasty Mode is as deep and realistic as any I've ever seen.

The creators' scatterbrained ideas for ways to improve Rayman 3 over its direct predecessor has left the game shackled with a lot of half-baked, completely non-cohesive concepts and generally dull, repetitive, and tiresome gameplay.

While the EA game is solid, it just doesn't stack up with 2K6.

This is the first frothing video game form of Cthulhu Mythos that's been done almost completely right, and this year's most frightening first-person adventure. A true cult classic.

Sadly, even if the fans at Arco were banging authentic Sacramento cowbells like crazy, it wouldn't be quite enough to land NBA Live 09 on top of the basketball heap.

So, is THAW the best Tony Hawk ever? No, but it's definitely better than the last two. It's a throwback to the old-school Hawk series, yet it's a compromise at the same time.

This is an entertaining shooter with many good points, but nothing's particularly outstanding or original here. Members of the Old West FPS posse should snap it up faster than Doc Holliday could clear leather, but city-slicker varmints oughta just wait till it hits the bargain bin at the local general store.

The multiplayer component is particularly strong, with ad hoc games, an infrastructure network mode where players can link up for games, and a transmission mode where you can send individual turns to other players, so a game can be played over a longer period of time, much like the old play-by-email strategy gaming of yesteryear.

Perhaps if Grigsby makes a sequel, it'll be smarter and more manageable. As it is now, World at War is the work of an ambitious developer whose ideas are bigger than the capabilities of his game.

While it's about as edifying and substantial as potato chips, it's also just as engaging and tasty.

A flawed, but stunning piece of work. Etherlords is a gripping game. Yes, there are elements that need improvement, but overall this is the best game ever released in the turn-based fantasy genre.

This added depth makes Resistance the new benchmark in expansion packs.

Doesn't quite match the Xbox and GameCube titles, but still good fun.

Oh sure, Denki Blocks might look cute and innocent with its bright, colorful graphics and cast of cutesy cartoon characters, but it's a bonafide, mean-spirited jerk.

Once you get past all the rainbows and happiness, you'll find one of the best portable sports games around. And hey, those Ham-Hams ARE pretty cute.

The longevity factor makes it a rental for even vaguely experienced players. On the other hand, as a young player's introduction to gaming, I-Ninja is nearly the perfect tool.

Soldiers could have been a fantastic game, but in the end is brought down by technical issues, bugs, and a level of difficulty only a sadist would enjoy.

If you're looking for a full dose of FIFA action, replete with glorious presentation, exciting gameplay, and plenty of online challenge, 2006 FIFA World Cup should be at the top of your playlist.

And yet, despite Shadow of the Damned being a more approachable adventure than the typical Grasshopper creation, it's what you see and hear over the course of the 10-12 hour campaign that really sticks with you.

While it features an innovative, easy-to-use melee combat system and some interesting campaigns, it's ultimately hurt by boringly repetitive side missions and some underwhelming environments.

Between the Armor Chips, Cyber Elves, and EX Skills, there are tons of ways to customize Zero to best fit your fighting style and to get past the ample challenges along your adventure. This is what makes Zero 3 so great. It takes the well thought out level design and spot-on control from the old school Mega Man games and adds more dept thanks to all these new abilities.

For fans of the series, ATV Offroad Fury 4 is just about everything they could ask for in an ATV game. There are extras on top of extras, rounding out what is already a great arcade racing experience.

Kane's Wrath's worst sin is simply a failure of imagination. By playing it safe, the Kane's Wrath team has crafted a decently enjoyable but ultimately forgettable experience.

With a lengthier adventure and a deeper combat sequence, Car Battler Joe could've had a shot at the Hall o' Fame.

If you're looking for a full dose of FIFA action, replete with glorious presentation, exciting gameplay, and plenty of online challenge, 2006 FIFA World Cup should be at the top of your playlist.

Bringing a friend along is probably not such a bad idea, because Killzone: Liberation will sprain your thumbs with its difficulty level.

It might be only knee deep compared to its brethren, but Arena Wars is a rare example of genre-mixing that works: it's an RTS with an FPS soul.

It's a little thin on game modes, but the career mode is a kick, as is going head-to-head against a buddy or two. There are far worse ways to spend your summer.

An excellent surfing game that not only looks and sounds great, but also makes all three aspects of competitive surfing fun; the tube tricks, the face tricks, and the aerials.

You're better off getting some PC sound software if you'd really like it, but if you do decide to check out MG2, make sure you bring your patience. You're going to need it.

One can't help imagine what might have been if more units had been added and specialized tactics would have been allowed to take shape.

The advantage is (once again no surprise) the Dual Shock controller. Instead of having to strain for the white and black buttons, fatalities and throws reside on the shoulder buttons, where they belong.

Are you going to play multiplayer on Xbox Live? If you are, rush out and pick this game up right now. It's got just about everything you could want from a multiplayer game, including plenty of competition and a solid netcode implementation.

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

While titles like "Resident Evil" rely on shock value and cheap scares, Fatal Frame genuinely frightens in the worst possible way; slowly and subtly, ebbing away at you like a flesh-rotting disease.

What will dazzle veterans is how complete a package Loaded is.

There's something very satisfying about playing Taiko Drum Master. That something is spending the entire game hitting things. And creating sweet, sweet music, of course, but the feeling of bringing those plastic drumsticks down on the taiko controller is something that you don't normally get from a home video game.

Despite the relatively minor faults, Ape Escape 3 is a heckuva lot of fun, and continues to live up to its two predecessors.

The sheer exhilaration one gets when watching horribly damaged walkers amble into an enemy base, exploding and taking out half the opponent's infrastructure can't be underestimated. Unfortunately, a poorly designed single-player campaign can't help but limit the game's appeal and the multiplayer, while awesome to play, has that Games for Windows LIVE nonsense tied around its neck like an anchor.

Veterans of "Starfleet Command" or "Homeworld" multiplayer champs should get excited, because as tactical space combat simulators go, this is a pretty good one. The rest of us who would rather keep our micromanagement confined to the realm of Excel, on the other hand, will probably go back to our "simpler" RTS games.

SupCom 2 is a pretty darn fun time... it's probably just not what SupCom fans expected.

The good news is even those who've never seen the comic strip can enjoy the fun combat system and great artwork. And if the storyline is only moderately interesting to those not familiar with the series' in-jokes, it's serviceable enough to hold the game together for its roughly six-hour play time.

The release, which tries to port too many visual features of its more powerful cousin, is just a pixelated, sluggish mess.

It's offensive, psyche-damaging, brutal, makes no sense, and is unforgiving and violent. And damn good fun.

Nobody expects the remastering of Tomb Raider to be game of the year material, but Tomb Raider: Anniversary provides enough of the original game's thrills to be considered satisfyingly decent.

It tries really hard to please both jaded vets and exuberant fanboys, and for the most part, it succeeds, even if the story mode's a little short and on the easy side.

Hard-core economic simulation players looking for the next spreadsheet to conquer are likely to be disappointed by the game's easy style and shallow economy. Multiplayer fans or just those looking for the model train set they always dreamed of as a kid will definitely get a kick out of Sid Meier's Railroads!

The controls are an interesting hook. Actually slugging it out with your targets by swinging the Wii Remote and nunchuk is fun, and the shooting elements are handled well by making the pointer aspect of the Remote a "precision targeter," rather than your sole firearms control.

The additional game modes, upgraded customization, and most-importantly the game's open world environment make it stand a clear step above its predecessor which was already a fantastic racer to begin with.

It also helps that the game looks and sounds great, so if you can deal with the random battles and repetitive turn-based combat, you're in for a treat that should entertain for months to come.

Smuggler's Run 2 makes Smuggler's Run look like a tech demo. It's Angel Studios' best game so far.

This game definitely is ambitious. Unfortunately, I would've traded things like the track creator and rider customization for tighter gameplay. Mototrax gets an A for effort, but about a B- in execution.

Soccer sim fans are still much better off sticking with "Winning Eleven" despite its lack of license power. However, for online players, FIFA 2005 is worth taking a look at because it removes a lot of the offline AI issues.