Underneath all of the character imbalance, graphical bugs, odd level distribution, and unrealized LEGO potential is a decent, if sadly uneventful game.

There is only one game where I've ever skipped areas I wanted to explore due to not wanting to deal with the camera. This is it.

Only truly hardcore fans will need to own their own copy; as competent and polished as it is for the genre, it's also a throwback.

Arguably the best game in the Myst franchise. It takes everything that made the original game a success and brings it to a new level.

The game's surfaces all look picture perfect thanks to a new technology called GeoTexturing, and the lighting engine has improved greatly since the last time. All of the characters models and animations are fluid, especially when it comes to controlling Sam.

Mostly a joy to look at and play. It's a shame that the PC's co-op mode is so problematic, but it's a small complaint in the grand scheme of things: the solo campaign alone is worth the price of admission, and the versus mode is delicious icing on the cake.

While there's some fun to be had with Mario Party Advance, and quite a few great game-playing aspects, it's a bit tedious and tired when you look at the slew of other excellent multiplayer games have been released for the GBA.

Although everything in the game has been improved, nothing makes a bigger difference than the new co-op mode, which can be played via splitscreen, system link, and Xbox Live. That's right, you and a buddy can now join up to take down enemies and pull off a variety of acrobatic moves, and it may very well be the most satisfying experience I've ever had on Live.

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.

The execution leaves a lot to be desired, though, and all-too-often feels more like work than play.

It's a curiosity worth a rental -- before the Xbox Live population drops to zero, as it quickly does for so many second-tier games. You just might be able to overlook its flaws and find the button-mashing fun.

The first time I played the game, I thought that the speakers on my DS had blown out. Background noises that were supposed to sound like running water instead sounded like a harsh mix of radio static and feedback.

The only major problem, and I'm afraid it's a big one, is the control. The PSP D-pad is not so hot, and it's particularly poor for inputting the fast, precise commands required by a 2D fighting game.

As a whole, 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.

If they want to ensure that they'll stay on top for good, they'll need to fix the analog swing system and work hard on cutting down on the frequent load times.

While the additions might not be enough for longtime Tony Hawk fans and gamers that played the hell out of "THUG2," there's no denying that this is the best action-sports game ever seen on a handheld system.

The typical stigma of a launch game includes bugs, glitches, unpolished visuals, short and hurried gameplay, and a general lack of depth. Sadly, Spider-Man 2 fits the bill.

I feel totally comfortable saying that God of War is the best action game ever to grace the PS2. The gameplay, graphics, sound, production, presentation, and story are excellent. It all adds up to an epic Greek adventure where you can execute some of the slickest moves in gaming.

This moral ambiguity is one of NARC's biggest selling points, but it's also one of the game's biggest flaws. No matter how far you cross the line, you're never beyond redemption.

As it is now, MxO isn't too different from other MMORPGs, and in fact, it's much less immediately exciting and accessible than many of the more recent ones.

Even though I had some fun with the Shining Tears, most of it stemmed from nostalgia and imagining what this game could have been.

Subpar gameplay, graphics and presentation.

A dream come true for most racing gamers. It takes the very best elements of the home console series so far and presents an incredibly slick racing experience -- all in perfect 16:9.

Even with its various faults, the collection offers up more than enough to remind us why we started playing video games in the first place.

At best, Acid is a really fun time for a very small percentage of gamers. At worst, it's a good game that a lot of people will find boring.

The combination of catchy tunes, pretty pictures, and addicting, simple to pick-up and play mechanics, is simply perfect for passing the time.

Gets the job done in an absolutely no-frills way, with generic story, visuals, and gameplay leading to a business-as-usual experience -- but one that fits in your hands, this time.

Although it has a few noticeable flaws, there's nothing so bad that game stops being a lot of fun to play. At worst, it just gets a little frustrating at times.

This moral ambiguity is one of NARC's biggest selling points, but it's also one of the game's biggest flaws. No matter how far you cross the line, you're never beyond redemption.

A victim of its own mediocrity.

Unadulterated run-'n-gun goodness. Future Perfect is packed with so many features that even the most jaded FPS fans will find something they like on offer; decimating everything or hosting a multiplayer kill-a-thon, this game can accommodate all comers.

An admirable port -- a perfect example of how to properly transfer a game to Sony's handheld. With a few control tweaks to take advantage of the hardware, the sport will really shine.

Unadulterated run-'n-gun goodness. Future Perfect is packed with so many features that even the most jaded FPS fans will find something they like on offer; decimating everything or hosting a multiplayer kill-a-thon, this game can accommodate all comers.

Unadulterated run-'n-gun goodness. Future Perfect is packed with so many features that even the most jaded FPS fans will find something they like on offer; decimating everything or hosting a multiplayer kill-a-thon, this game can accommodate all comers.

I'm bummed that the game is much more menu-driven; I really am. However, it's still an amazing racing title.

Atari, for some reason, decided to employ the touch screen for ALL the games on its compilation. For some games, it works; for others -- it's a clunky, useless interface that will have you cursing your DS hardware in no time.

The control is somewhat unwieldy, the camera is clunky, and there's not a whole lot of skill required. It gets old rather fast.

For racing fans who want a perfect mix of compelling gameplay, unequalled excellence of presentation, and a few sore thumbs, WipEout Pure will not disappoint. Ready? Go...

As a whole, NBA is about as generic as its name. It includes the spectrum of teams, players, logos, and all that jazz, but fails to capture any of the flair or excitement of a real game.

While a fleshed out narrative for each character would be a bit far reaching, what the Adventure mode amounts to is little more than a series of mini-games that are repeated ad nauseam for under an hour per character.

Just about every aspect of the production is top-notch, from the stunning graphics to the realistic, graphic dialogue.

In many ways, it's a by-the-numbers RTS, but a solid one, with a few imaginative mechanics built into it.

May not break new ground, but it offers a superb sense of flow and pacing, exciting combat, and a treasure trove of weapons and gadgets. That's a formula for fun.

Sure, the game looks like a Dreamcast graphics demo, and its precepts haven't changed much since the arcade original based on similar hardware, but it's the gameplay that sells this title, almost as much as your love of monkeys.

The mix of sword combat and platforming is just about right, and though most of the boss battles were simple pattern-based matches, the designs were sometimes cool enough that I was thrown back to the old days of bashing away at hulking robots and monsters.

Some nifty gameplay mechanics and nasty enemies keep it from being an also-ran, while a little too much repetitive exploration and a short story keep it from being a contender.

This is a classic game that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as "F-19," "Longbow 2," and "European Air War."

Simply put, it has no hook. It offers nothing of interest to an even semi-seasoned gamer. It's as dull a foray into platforming as you'll find on your local store's shelves, and another unfortunate example of this license being diluted.

There is so much packed into this game that it's a steal at twice the price.

If you're a monkey baller with previous experience, and need those 46 extra stages, or you're looking for a unique puzzle challenge in-between bouts of Halo 2, then it's time to get down to some business: Monkey Business.

Some nifty gameplay mechanics and nasty enemies keep it from being an also-ran, while a little too much repetitive exploration and a short story keep it from being a contender.

The display method the game uses looks bad and the extras are a bit underwhelming. It's a good collection, but those shortcomings bring it down a bit.

While the multiplayer options are moderately enjoyable, only the youngest of gamers will find themselves with any longevity.

This game feels like a mini-game that was hastily turned into a full product.

It's just a shame that the multiplayer options weren't fleshed out further, as playing this with seven other guys online would have probably resulted in a much more attractive package.

Gimmicky titles like this may be cute diversions, but they're no substitute for the real deal. The kiddies may have a fun time with Dash for a while, but anyone over the age of six will tire of it after the first race.

Disappointingly, the game sorely lacks a career or league mode, but tries to make up for it with an innovative challenge mode that tests your ability to play flawless football (you know, real football) during a match.

Hockey fans want to see their favorite players gliding effortlessly across the ice, not spastically jerking from end to end. The Great One was one of the smoothest players of all time, but his game is in dire need of a few visits from the zamboni to smooth out the bumps.

Pass the bongos back and forth between stages and have a blast drumming Donkey Kong on his journey.

There are very few games, though, that manage to take great gameplay and merge it with the kind of sheer exuberant style that brings a big goofy grin to your face that never leaves you while you're playing.

The squad-based combat is handled elegantly, from the simple control scheme to the ability to switch out to a birds-eye view to strategize, and injects some life into a genre we thought had been milked for good.

MLB's fielding model exhibits smooth animations and transitions into secondary animations. Guys throw across their body, take their crow hops, and dig balls out of the dirt. It's all über-realistic looking and complements the pitcher/batter duel perfectly.

At the end of the day, rugby lovers will love how far this franchise has come since last year's version.

Rugby lovers will love how far this franchise has come since last year's version.

An excellent hex-map turn-based strategy title. The disappointment hits when you realize that a really fun strategy core is riddled with bugs and is wrapped in a simply awful presentation.

The multiplayer game is subpar and under populated, but the single-player game is slick, polished, frantic, and exciting.

A superlative action game with an absurdly high difficulty level. That's just the long and short of it, and this may be good or bad depending on your disposition. Personally, I found it equal parts satisfying and frustrating.

A very strong, engaging story set in an interesting world. It's what will keep you playing despite the problems.

Just about every aspect of the production is top-notch, from the stunning graphics to the realistic, graphic dialogue. Although there might end up being better Xbox games this year, you won't find a better WWII shooter anywhere.

All of the irreverent charm and style from before are still packed solidly into this title. The multiplayer is phenomenal, and Xbox Live is probably the best online play that the series has ever seen.

As a complete package, then, Sims 2 University delivers in a big way. There's a staggering number of new things to do and new ways to interact with your Sims. While bugs occasionally crop up, they're not quite enough to spoil to party.

The PlayStation 2 version of the game is my favorite of the three...The Dual Shock 2 has a slight edge over the Xbox Type-S controller and huge edge over the GCN pad. For most gamers, I'd suggest the PS2 version over the others.

Speaking of online, MLB 2K5 is one step closer to what we dreamed about for online sports games. You can play a full 162 game season in an online league, or stick to tournaments or single-game contests.

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.

It's like watching a great fighter that's just starting his career. He's great now, he's surprising you with his progress, and you'll know he'll end up in the hall of fame. Fight Night Round 2 is another fantastic step in this hall-of-fame series.

American McGee has always had talent for crafting some truly original stories, and thankfully, Scrapland is no exception.

The game's fighting mechanic was a little thin to begin with, and without an online version to lend it some legs, it gets old real fast. Playing with the GameCube controller isn't too hot, either.

While it's still shy of perfect, Round 2 is an outstanding title and clearly the best boxing game ever made.

It's mostly tedious, sloppy, and stale, with bugs and crashes adding insult to injury. You could find a better shooter blindfolded.

Think about building up the biggest, most elaborate base you can imagine in an Age of Empires game. Now imagine it takes four times as long as any other RTS game on the market. Then imagine that all this elaborate building leads up to a strategy portion that would have seemed primitive and simple back in 1997 when "Age of Empires" first came out.

The huge, diverse cast and excellent fighting engine guarantee lots of fun fights for a long time into the future, and its pick-up-and-playability make it the best game to pull out for more casual company.

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.

The excellent control and stage design mixed with the clever puzzles make this one of the better (and certainly one of the most thought provoking) platformers available on GBA.

Speaking of online, MLB 2K5 is one step closer to what we dreamed about for online sports games. You can play a full 162 game season in an online league, or stick to tournaments or single-game contests.

Represents the very pinnacle of PS2 racing games and lord only knows how long we'll have to wait for the next installment. Get it, race it and love it... One of the most comprehensive games of the last four years.

The game makes it feel like maybe too much time hasn't passed since the 16-bit days, while somehow still seeming to be a completely competent entry onto the latter-day PS2's stage.

A rare breed of FPS these days, as it's both high in quality and uniqueness. The mechanics of "Deus Ex" work tremendously well in a high-intensity atmosphere.

The AI is shoddy, ball physics are often laughable, and, worst of all, there's no online play for any of the systems.

In my opinion, "Major League Baseball 2K5" is the better game. It's a close one, to be sure -- as each area that one game has a weakness in is a strength for the other title -- but I enjoyed the pitching and batting in MLB more, and fielding, one of its weak points, isn't as big of a deal to me.

Only certain people will appreciate it, but they'll love the hell out of it.

A rare breed of FPS these days, as it's both high in quality and uniqueness. The mechanics of "Deus Ex" work tremendously well in a high-intensity atmosphere.

A great compilation of two fantastic games made even better with online multiplayer. Toss in a bargain price tag and fighting fans get one heck of a deal.

The AI is shoddy, ball physics are often laughable, and, worst of all, there's no online play for any of the systems.

In my opinion, "Major League Baseball 2K5" is the better game. It's a close one, to be sure -- as each area that one game has a weakness in is a strength for the other title -- but I enjoyed the pitching and batting in MLB more, and fielding, one of its weak points, isn't as big of a deal to me.

What I'm not so sure about are the mini-games. These will help you practice your stroke/throw, but they're not much fun. The pitching mini-game is especially annoying.

Second Sight isn't a perfect game, but is a solid game with an extremely strong story. If you don't mind dealing with wonky controls and not being able to save whenever you want, it's more than worth a look.

Outside of some annoying platform-jumping bits, the game's environments are mostly non-interactive and serve only as gloomy backdrops on which to thrash countless bio-mechanical baddies.

Less than half as long as the original, making it something of a disappointing RPG snack for fans hoping to sink their teeth into a hearty meal -- something one would obviously expect after the seemingly endless twists and turns of the original.