Is it daring, deep, or dramatic? Not even close. Does it have some straightforward fun at a reasonable price? You bet.

You couldn't ask for a more unapologetically insane FPS. Turn off your brain, turn on auto-fire, and get serious.

It's the lack of spectacular leaps, jumps, and tomfoolery made famous by the series that makes this knock-off all the more embarrassing, sure to sicken fans of the original game.

Since just about every trail is unlocked from the beginning, you won't get to feel the satisfaction of making your way to a new mountain (one of the best parts of "SSX 3") and exploring it for the first time. Still, there's no denying that this is yet another stellar entry one of the most consistently excellent series around today.

The game's minor tweaks here and there do a lot to smooth out some of the weakness from before, and the new gameplay features add just enough to the game's familiar formula to make things interesting.

Anyone looking for a lengthy, varied platformer with hidden secrets up the wazoo and tongue-in-cheek humor should find themselves enjoying Night of the Quinkan more than they would have expected.

Due to the game's poorly crafted A.I., this isn't really a game to play alone. Much like actual paintball, Splat Magazine Renegade Paintball just isn't any fun without some friends.

Since just about every trail is unlocked from the beginning, you won't get to feel the satisfaction of making your way to a new mountain (one of the best parts of "SSX 3") and exploring it for the first time. Still, there's no denying that this is yet another stellar entry one of the most consistently excellent series around today.

The only problem is, it doesn't take long for combat to feel repetitive, because all non-boss enemies are dealt with in the same way -- whip, whip, whip, grab, swing, toss, repeat.

It needs more games, more multiplayer games, and a single-system multiplayer mode to make it truly worthwhile. Otherwise, as mentioned before, simply buying a deck of cards and finding a few friends is a much more entertaining experience.

TOSE has done a topnotch job of proving it's possible to create a licensed game perfectly playable by children and adults alike without insulting the intelligence of either, one of the highest compliments that can be laid on games with such a shameful expectation attached.

This flawed action-adventure title kicks the long, spindly legs right out from under the Nightmare franchise and threatens to disappoint young and old gamers alike.

Speaking of graphics, Virtua Tennis: World Tour looks almost identical to "Sega Sports Tennis" on PS2 -- which is a compliment.

From the great use of sound, the sharp graphics, and the innovative use of combat tactics, it's sure to please fans of Road to Hill 30 who want more of that same kind of gameplay.

While Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood feels a bit too much like its predecessor in many ways, that's like saying "The Godather 2" was a bit too similar to "The Godfather."

Hopefully, some day in the future, id will see fit to give gamers a more robust multiplayer experience worthy of the DOOM name. Until then, the single-player campaign is still strong enough to carry the title and provide action junkies more than enough to satisfy their itchy trigger fingers.

Unfortunately, in the process of fixing the game, they ended up stripping much of what made the first game so endearing by allowing the numbers to take precedence over the personality. What Black & White 2 gained in competence; it seems to have lost in soul.

I like the lay of Dawn of Sorrow's land, and the soul mechanic is great; however, with the inferior character design and ho-hum touch-screen features, this isn't the be-all end-all of portable Castlevania. Regardless, it is a must-have for all action fans, and kicks the ever-loving crap out of any other action/platformer on the DS.

Even with its shortcomings, this version is still the best. If EA decides to continue moving forward with the franchise, it should definitely incorporate some of the features from the portable version into future console releases.

The game's abysmal controls and moronic A.I. fail to deliver.

Gretzky '06 piles up some new features, does a better job of tracking franchise info, and has the AHL license for minor-league teams. It does not, however, come close to equaling the on-ice fun of "NHL 2k6" or "NHL '06."

You'll likely never see a better utilization of the DS' touch-screen, nor will you play a pseudo-sim this engaging.

It'll be a buzzer-beater between this and "NBA Live '06" to determine PSP hoop honors. NBA '06 does a lot right, and offers a slew of options. There are minor glitches to be found, but nothing we'd term a game killer.

By moving the game to the PSP, EA managed to keep most of the console experience intact and give gamers a robust basketball experience that fits nicely in the palm of their hands. If you're a fan of the game, this is by far the best portable experience you'll find to date.

The PS2 version isn't as pretty, but it controls better, while the Xbox version is substantially more beautiful to look at. Either way, though, it's a solid game.

How a respected strategy developer like Paradox could've produced a game so broken, cryptic, and unfaithful to the franchise is a mystery. And why Hasbro, who owns the Avalon Hill properties, approved it is beyond explanation.

A refined version of an outstanding platformer series, and with games in this genre becoming more and more rare these days (especially good ones), it's hard to not recommend this title.

The game's abysmal controls and moronic A.I. fail to deliver.

Few things in this world will compare to the sort of manic glee that arises from sighting an enemy worm, targeting it through a gun's scope, and then pausing to watch the intended victim cower in abject terror.

The PS2 version isn't as pretty, but it controls better, while the Xbox version is substantially more beautiful to look at. Either way, though, it's a solid game.

The game is moving the Conflict series in the right direction with better level design and graphics. But at the same time, some of those levels can be a nightmare of retries and micromanagement because of the outrageous odds, limited saves, and weak teammate A.I.

XD is a decent enough effort, and it's certainly not a bad game, but considering how well crafted the handheld RPGs are, the unrealized potential and missed opportunities of XD become all the more apparent.

Maybe not all of the ideas came together properly, but at the end of the day it's a fresh and interesting game. Hopefully, Liquid will get a chance to perfect the formula in a sequel.

The gameplay and locales aren't particularly exciting, yet the pacing is taut, and the story and acting are above par for a game.

Unfortunately, while the "big-picture" ideas manage to work, the game ends up being brought down by a number of annoying little details that make individual battles less fun than they might otherwise be.

Compared to the barebones, disappointing release that is "Death Jr.," Konami comes back with the rebound, offering players a solid title that's simple to play and enjoyable for gamers of all ages.

Heroes complements its solid controls, mission structure, and presentation with slightly above average graphics and some killer sound effects.

It has a few shortcomings, but the gameplay is smart and challenging. Down in Flames is also conveniently easy to jump into and out of when you want a quick bit of fun. Then again, it's so addictive that you'll probably be playing for a good, long time.

Every now and then, amidst the explosions, enemy fighters, and wispy clouds rolling by, you'd swear you were watching some CG re-creation on the History Channel. It's all pretty cool.

Maybe one day Frogger will get his chance to recapture his '80s video-game glory, but if Ancient Shadow is any indication, you can probably expect a new hit single from the Bee Gees first.

It's such a shame that Cold War is subject to crashes and often won't even load; otherwise, it would be worth a much stronger recommendation.

I usually give bonus points for original concepts, but Lost in Blue is just too flawed for that type of consideration, and doesn't come close to achieving its goal.

As a "my first graphic adventure," it works pretty well, with some unique puzzles and some interesting characters to get involved with. Veterans of the genre, however, will come away wanting more.

"GTA: Mexico" with B-level developer talent: The game Robert Rodriguez would have designed if his brain had been replaced by a satsuma: This is Smash TV in sombreros.

The backgrounds are bright, but often make it tough to see the arrows. I prefer the music video levels, where some decent-quality FMV accompanies the song. There aren't enough of them, though.

Aside from these minor quibbles and instances of tedium, the story progresses at a respectable clip, with plenty of twists and surprises to keep things interesting.

Barbarian Invasion isn't a must-have, but it definitely doesn't disappoint. It may not reinvent the original game, but it's certainly worth picking up for any Rome: Total War fan looking for some satisfying new challenges.

One of the best compilation discs on the store shelves.

As is usually the case with Ubisoft's games on Xbox Live, the netcode is solid, so you shouldn't see much lag.

Sure, some fans will question the exclusion of some of Capcom's other hit games (where's "Strider?"), but this is still a great place to start. For old-school gaming fans that spent all their free time and money at the arcades, this is an experience not to be missed.

Maybe one day Frogger will get his chance to recapture his '80s video-game glory, but if Ancient Shadow is any indication, you can probably expect a new hit single from the Bee Gees first.

Although the game doesn't bring a lot of new experiences to the table, it does do a great job of adding to the experience gamers enjoyed the first time around.

A very consistent, if occasionally flawed title. Fans of the Sly Cooper series are going to absolutely love this game.

Top Spin plays well, has some good online, and basically chokes in every other category.

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.

Hardcore simulation fans really need not apply due to the broken rebounding model. But if you want a lot of high-flying sizzle in your hoops game and you don't care about the other minutiae, then by all means pick it up.

This year's game clears up almost any blemishes that may have carried over through the years, and perfects the package in a way that blew my socks off.

At $20 a la carte or bundled for cheap with other Valve products, anyone who enjoys this kind of game should easily get his money's worth.

Although the game doesn't bring a lot of new experiences to the table, it does do a great job of adding to the experience gamers enjoyed the first time around.

Being able to dominate players with Shaq or throw cross-court, no-look passes with Tony Parker is a wonderful addition, and it actually makes you feel like you're playing the game with real NBA players, not just a bunch of identical players.

This year's game clears up almost any blemishes that may have carried over through the years, and perfects the package in a way that blew my socks off.

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.

The biggest drawback of this game is the inclusion of Venom as a playable character. He draaaags. He can't web swing (but he can cover vast distances with his leaps), he relies on brute strength rather than finesse, and you must also devour people in order to keep the suit from killing the man inside.

Fans of the comic-book series certainly won't want to miss it as the game's brilliant art design and voiceover work come as close as any game ever has to putting the player inside a comic-book world.

The biggest drawback of this game is the inclusion of Venom as a playable character. He draaaags. He can't web swing (but he can cover vast distances with his leaps), he relies on brute strength rather than finesse, and you must also devour people in order to keep the suit from killing the man inside.

The biggest drawback of this game is the inclusion of Venom as a playable character. He draaaags. He can't web swing (but he can cover vast distances with his leaps), he relies on brute strength rather than finesse, and you must also devour people in order to keep the suit from killing the man inside.

The game gives players a fast-paced, fully customizable experience. And, thanks to its fun online capabilities, the action can be shared around the world.

The new race and the gameplay changes have evened out the playfield for a while, offering a chance for new players to get into the game if they missed it the first time around.

Ugly graphics aside, this is one of the most unique games I've played all year. The controls are different and the story is fantastic.

Once you get past its unsightly graphics and need for a gamepad, you'll find that Indigo Prophecy is one of the more refreshing and unique titles released in years.

If you already played the original version on Xbox, it's tough to recommend padding Microsoft's pockets again, but noobs will probably get their dollar's worth.

Although Marvel Nemesis is far from being a perfect game, it's still an exceptionally strong outing for EA. Comic fans should be suitably impressed with EA's use of the Marvel license, and fighting fans will likely find more than enough substance to keep themselves entertained.

Combining a sequel with a backstory fill-in, it's still as weird as ever, but it's just what fans of this cult classic will be looking for.

It's pretty much the perfect rental. Genji: Dawn of the Samurai is fun, action filled, and magnificently produced ride that's definitely worth experiencing once (just not for $40!).

It should be noted that the team got a lot of things right, particularly in the graphics and gameplay departments. While the first PSP game in the series has a few issues, it's still the only game in town.

Gretzky '06 piles up some new features, does a better job of tracking franchise info, and has the AHL license for minor-league teams. It does not, however, come close to equaling the on-ice fun of "NHL 2k6" or "NHL '06."

If you're a fan on the comics -- or the movies -- you'll be sucked in from the first frame of the visually stunning opening clip.

There's tons of content in the form of characters, powers, stats, and unlockable treats, and the action -- especially during the boss fights -- is usually satisfying. It can be a bit too linear and the clumsy keyboard/mouse setup detracts from the PC version a bit, but otherwise, it's uncannily good.

The first game in the series that doesn't fully deliver the goods. One can't help but feel like the series needs a shot in the arm to get players excited again.

Although Marvel Nemesis is far from being a perfect game, it's still an exceptionally strong outing for EA. Comic fans should be suitably impressed with EA's use of the Marvel license, and fighting fans will likely find more than enough substance to keep themselves entertained.

Ugly graphics aside, this is one of the most unique games I've played all year. The controls are different and the story is fantastic. I highly recommend this game if you're look for a new experience.

This time around, Raven Software beefed up things in just about every department and the result is a game that will wow fans of the first game and probably earn some converts to the series.

It's amazing that Team Ninja was actually able to take one of the best games ever to hit the Xbox (or any console) and make it better in nearly every way.

While it offers some nice additions to an already winning franchise, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is the first game in the series that doesn't fully deliver the goods. One can't help but feel like the series needs a shot in the arm to get players excited again.

While both the PS2 and Xbox versions do let you hook up with faraway X-Fans, the portability of the Cube console (compared to Microsoft's gargantuan console) and the ease of connecting up to four controllers (no need for a Multi-Tap) makes this the choice for the moveable co-op bash.

The game just falls short in too many ways. There are no mini-games to play when maze-running gets old, and there's no multiplayer.

Nicely presented, features a variety of tasks and puzzles, and brings enough unique flair to keep you interested beyond the first switch/tile/door thingamabob. Its multiplayer co-op hook is also a nice hook for getting brothers and sisters or moms and dads involved as a sidekick for a little family game action.

It's a fantastic game that's unlike anything you've played before (except maybe Clu Clu Land on NES). Pick it up and give those shoulder buttons a workout!

A somewhat benign, scaled-down version of the console version that might catch some parents' eye on the shelf come holiday shopping time.

Its multiplayer co-op hook is also a nice hook for getting brothers and sisters or moms and dads involved as a sidekick for a little family game action. That's never a bad thing.

Layered with outstanding gameplay, cutesy visuals, and spot-on sound effects. It's one title no self-respecting strategy fan should be without.

Its multiplayer co-op hook is also a nice hook for getting brothers and sisters or moms and dads involved as a sidekick for a little family game action. That's never a bad thing.

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.

The Xbox's advantage is, of course, graphics. Here the character models don't look as flat and the textures feature slightly more intricate detail. The world is still pretty blocky, but with a decent framerate and solid effects, we can accept that.

Overall, it's just a confusing, poorly conceived product that should set off a consumer's "money grab" senses.

While fairly on the generic side, Resurrection does manage to offer a decent platforming experience for gamers searching for something new.

Unlike Sims 2 "University," which added a whole new age, new careers, and new ways to radically change your Sims, Nightlife doesn't change Sims 2 with any bold strokes. Still, just about every feature added in the expansion works and works well, enhancing if not revolutionizing the game.

It manages to exhaustively deliver everything that made "Burnout 3" so fantastic while adding small tweaks that make its predecessor an immediate item for trade-in at your local game store.