For most of the game I felt like I was too powerful and things never really felt challenging. Again, I'm thinking that this is partly by design since the game has a mainstream license and will attract many casual gamers.

A very decent race game. It's just one that happens to fall into a crowded category, and the car that's late out of the gate is rarely the winner.

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.

A surprisingly fun first effort that is well worth looking into if you're a fan of collectible card games.

While the game should have included at least a little bit of museum-quality extras, at $20 it's still a hard deal to pass up.

Once you get a few levels into the game, you start to see the purpose and role of each weapon, and Constantine encourages you to think strategically about how to take down enemies.

One thing I will say is that Acclaim has the beginnings of a game engine and gameplay model that could really kick some serious butt if they just take the time to implement more modes and tweak what's already there.

A capable homage to Robotech, but doesn't impress on its own merits as a shooter.

It does a good job of emulating 29 games, but a lot of these games are less than exciting inclusions. Meanwhile, some genuinely classic Taito games are left out.

The constant action means the Harry Potter series has always lent itself well to the video-game format, and thankfully (albeit surprisingly) EA has mostly improved upon their winning formula, while upping the ante visually and adding welcome multiplayer features, easily making the Goblet of Fire their best adaptation yet.

Modern Times' strengths really shine in sandbox mode -- an area Tropico 4 shied away from -- which will provide more than enough hours for $20 of game for those who left Tropico 4 wanting more.

Endless Space easily earns a strong recommendation to fans of this genre. But I also can't quite call it a great game, because it lacks the flavor that makes games like Alpha Centauri, Sins of a Solar Empire, or Civilization so great.

Once you get over the initially steep learning curve in handling the cars, you'll find yourself left with a surprisingly deep and entertaining racing experience.

Mushroom Men has a few flaws, but it's still an enjoyable game. The platforming is solid, the premise if fun, and it has fantastic art direction. Hopefully we'll see an improved sequel in the future.

In the end, Crash Mode really saves the game. The problems with translating the fast nature of racing to a small screen are nullified by the high fun factor involved with Crash Mode.

The game has what it takes to satiate the average RPG fan with an engaging (if not by the numbers) story, fast-paced battles, and entertaining gameplay devices that provide enough to appeal to a broad audience. If nothing else, it's like a vanilla shake: nothing new, but still satisfying.

Sure, it's a bit simplistic, but the gameplay is solid and the odd online mode is strangely addicting.

It's far from revolutionary, but as a mélange of elements that have proven successful in other action/adventure games, it's certainly entertaining and gratifying on many levels.

Wii Music is an odd duck. It is far from a traditional videogame, and more akin to a tech demo or social audio experiment. The fact that it is so very basic means it's completely accessible to anyone, but at the same time there's not much here to interest regular and core gamers.

The revamped GUI leads you brilliantly and "ergonomically" to the build chains you want to produce the goods you desire, without needing to constantly recourse to rollover tips or a game encyclopedia (although both are also available), and this just makes the whole experience pleasant and logical.

Despite all that's good with the game, NHL 2K8's innovations are a few years behind the times, making it feel like a cheap rehash of what's already available.

It rarely does anything wrong, but at the same time doesn't earn high marks in too many categories. PoPoLoCrois is just an average role-playing game, made better by the lack of competition and the fact that you can take it with you.

FlatOut 2 drives a fine line, but manages to come out on the good side more often than not. It might be a good idea to tether that controller to your wrist, though, because it's possible you'll send it flying just as much as your driver.

It's not that the game has the wrong songs, but that it has so few of them. For $50, you can't help but feel a little cheated when all you get is Guitar Hero III with a light coat of paint and barely half the songs.

The game is probably the most faithful interpretation of the series for current consoles. And while the lack of online play is glaring in its absence, the addition of game sharing should help ease the fans' pain.

A giant leap ahead of "Most Wanted" and probably nudges "Underground 2" as the franchise's top title for the DS.

There's little that takes away from the game, but also little that makes it stand out.

Silent Hill: Homecoming is a very strange game, as its dual nature and oddly unsatisfying gameplay could likely turn both fans and newcomers away.

The game shipped with passable production values, dated graphics, and a minimal number of play modes, so it's hard to consider this a good value at the $59.99 price point. On the other hand, if you're a die-hard football fan and want to once again experience 2K's style of play, then this is your only option.

It's a shame, then, that vehicle handling feels so clunky and awkward, since it's such an integral part of the experience. It's also quite possible that the tutorial and construction will be too complicated and frustrating for younger gamers. Those are two major issues, but if you can look beyond them, there's fun to be found in Nuts & Bolts.

Visually, it's probably the nicest-looking of the three NBA games. The created player progression concept works, as does the Games of the Week challenge mode. Where you may be disappointed is in the unresponsiveness of some of the controls and the lack of depth of gameplay modes -- especially the lack of a franchise mode.

The best thing that can be said about Cars is that it lays down solid racing gameplay without feeling generic.

Regardless of whether it's been done before and arguably done better, the game is reliable and solid fun.

There might not be any innovation here, but there's still some fun to be had. Just don't expect much more than what you're used to getting.

It does, however, provide a completely unique mix of strategic planning, design optimization, and cathartic release, held together by an enjoyably loony mix of World War II aesthetics and high-tech, sci-fi tomfoolery.

There were many times when I wanted to just quit and never play it again. Don't get me wrong, it's not a horrible game; it's just nowhere near as polished as [both "Medal of Honor: Allied Assault" and "Call of Duty"].

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.

Mirror's Edge isn't a terrible PC port by any means, but has some unique technical issues that put it a step below the console versions.

If you own a PS3 and an Xbox 360, then go ahead and opt for the 360 version. It has better online support, sharper visuals and richer colors. But if you only own a PlayStation 3, rest assured that you'll enjoy this version anyways.

The new modding tools are an excellent addition to any homebrew RPG designer's bag of tricks and the single-player campaign is worth playing simply for the terrific story.

SingStar Vol. 2 is a tough sell. Although it has a wide berth of exclusive (and fun to sing) tracks, it offers little in improvements over Sony's six month-old release.

It's the weak multiplayer that keeps us from recommending The Club with full enthusiasm.

Strong in concept and weak in execution. It's a trip to be able to work your way up the ranks, but it's far too repetitious and difficult and it could have been a lot more enjoyable.

One of the best things about the earlier games in the franchise was the feeling that you could be taken out at any time by a hidden terrorist, which made player approach each situation much more carefully. With the addition of the heartbeat sensor, you can simply scout out every room before you enter, allowing you to easily pinpoint enemy locations.

If you're in the mood for a more simplistic romp through the world of Pokemon, you'll likely enjoy Shadows of Almia. Those looking for a more traditional Pokemon experience, though, might feel a bit let down.

A standard racer... None of the gimmicks it tries really work. You never get a sense of a dramatic underlying storyline.

It's by no means a terrible game, but it simply isn't any better than its older brethren.

I realized Project 8 was playing like an updated version of the original Pro Skater series. Hardcore fans will likely bemoan the simplicity of the game, but it does allow amateurs to enjoy the experience more.

And for those of us who've had our fill of the Barneys and Elmos and other sickeningly sweet creatures forced onto children today … it's finally payback time!

A gameplay experience more fans will enjoy, but an out of the box experience that might not be challenging enough for hardcore seamheads who spent countless hours mastering how to throw the perfect curve in MLB 2K8. Still, this game is by all means a successful update.

Top Spin 3 for the Wii is a great departure from what 2K brought to the high-definition systems. It's accessible and presents just enough of an increase in complexity over Wii Sports Tennis to appeal to those who want just a bit more control.

If everything is so average, then why did I give Blood Will Tell the extra half-star? Well, it's got a damn fine story.

While the singleplayer campaign doesn't give gamers many reasons to stay engaged, we can envision a large online community racing, tricking and wagering while snowballs fly through the air. Because really, isn't that what snowboarding is all about?

A truly mediocre strategy game with a lackluster campaign.

In terms of platforming gameplay, what's on offer here is pretty basic and simple, and certainly not anywhere near as deep or rewarding as "Super Mario Bros. 3" or "Super Mario World."

And while the occasional AI problem keeps the game from reaching its full potential, Worms: Open Warfare still manages to never stop entertaining.

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

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.

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.

For all that, though, The Secret World succeeds as a thinking man's MMORPG. Many of its features demand intellectual prowess as well as the usual dose of combat mastery, and none of its competitors come close to matching its affection for the esoteric. It has its issues, to be sure, and all of the investigations and sabotage missions available won't stop a good amount of players from spending 20 minutes with its combat and dismissing it as a substandard World of Warcraft clone.

Dark Sector is a good game that has some great hooks, such as the wonderful glaive and a powerful shotgun. It's unfortunate that other elements, such as unpolished combat and some very generic NPCs, undermine its ambition (though they don't render the game unplayable).

And while the game never quite reaches "Incredible" levels, it's still a good enough game to warrant checking out if you enjoyed the movie. Just don't expect to have to spend much time with it.

Anniversary is a great way to relive the original feel of Tomb Raider; just don't expect anything more.

The brisk card battles provide a frantic element few RPGs can claim, and the visuals hold up their end of the bargain. But a huge reliance on luck, some quirky gameplay issues, and a ho-hum plot saddled with atrocious voice acting holds this one down like a pair of concrete shoes.

An ambitious, overly flawed attempt to revitalize a true gaming milestone.

Something completely new in The Sims series and on the Wii. This is not a game for players looking for complex social interactions; it seems more of a tribute to Lego fans who want to exercise their creativity.

Expectations. Every game has them coming out of the gate, but remakes and reboots have it even worse. In the case of Painkiller: Hell & Damnation, a reboot of the original Painkiller and its expansion Battle out of Hell, it's less about these small details and more about the substance. Is the action still fast? Are the enemies stupid and plentiful? Are the weapons still ridiculously awesome? Yep, you bet, and... well, mostly.

A good game. Vicarious Visions does some great work on the DS, so I suppose that I shouldn't have been too worried. Sure, it's a bit simplistic, but the gameplay is solid and the odd online mode is strangely addicting.

If you can put up with some repetition and the simplicity of the management system, you'll enjoy yourself. Most of the mini-games are quite a bit of fun, too, and they make for some good multiplayer sessions.

If you're wondering if it's worth picking up, consider yourself warned if you're a newcomer -- it's a tough nut to crack. If you've been a long-time fan, close this browser window and head to the store.

It's a great-looking HD debut for the series, and although the Story mode is cheesy, it's a good vehicle for players to test out their favorite combatants.

If you want excellent action then you should skip this one and go buy "God of War" or "Devil May Cry 3." If you're willing to forgive gameplay flaws for a really unique interactive story then you'll be happy with this game.

It's simple to get into, so the kids can get in on the action, but even skilled players will find something to sink their teeth into here. While some will be drawn to the voice acting and the nods to the series, the fighting is fun enough to keep everyone happy.

Comes off as an uneven experience, but one with plenty of invigorating moments that make the whole thing feel worth it.

At around 30 bucks, Ghost Squad is a great addition to your library if, and only if, you are into light-gun games that aren't heavy on the realism (ie, most of them). It's absurd and comical, and those aren't necessarily bad things. In our case, we certainly had no trouble laughing our way through some surprisingly entertaining light-gun action.

TDU is a game for driving enthusiasts, tailor-made for those who take long drives through the countryside for leisure, and maybe even subscribe to Road & Track magazine...If driving is your passion, this is the game for you.

You'll need to know what you're doing before you'll have any hope of enjoying it, but once you've made it, the effort will pay off.

Too little, too late.

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.

The action get repetitive very quickly. The game really doesn't introduce any new gamplay mechanics once you learn how to roll and jump, and the levels are far from challenging. It's a solid game, but it feels like one that could have used a bit more attention paid to the gameplay.

You'll likely have fun with Justice League Heroes if you enjoy the classic dungeon crawl games that Snowblind has previously developed, and even moreso if you're a fan of comic books and the Justice League of America in particular.

Glitches and control scheme issues aside, I had a tremendous amount of fun playing through Renegade Ops. Variety of vehicles and playstyles, tons of cool powers to upgrade, and the online features make it a solid offering for PC gamers who are fans of twin-stick arcade shooters -- especially if you like some '80s action-flick machismo thrown in for good measure.

It's the best-looking entry in the series by far, and the gameplay is finally coming close to what gamers are looking for from their at-home NBA experience. But as good as NBA Live is this year, it's still not taking home the championship.

Comes off as an uneven experience, but one with plenty of invigorating moments that make the whole thing feel worth it.

The game is serviceable enough for even old-school types looking to take a break from the more methodical titles on the market. While it won't replace my love for "Street Fighter," at least there's something else I can play to get my brawl on.

The team clearly hasn't kept up with the competition in terms of graphics and presentation, as this year's game doesn't look that much better than the last outing.

If you don't mind the half-baked jumping puzzles and tired character development, you'll find plenty to sink your teeth into.

Although the single-player game is lacking, the same thankfully can't be said about the multiplayer, which is just as strong as ever.

A (mostly) pleasant surprise and a return to form. Considering how poorly the original trilogy aged (if you ask me), that's pretty... well, bananas.

Though Disgaea 3 comes with a steep learning curve, there's so much depth to the game, both apparent and hidden, that you could literally spend thousands of hours with it. It's a niche experience, but one that's exactly what its target audience is looking for.

FlatOut 2 drives a fine line, but manages to come out on the good side more often than not. It might be a good idea to tether that controller to your wrist, though, because it's possible you'll send it flying just as much as your driver.

The cars are simplistic, out-detailed even by their real life plastic counterparts. The tracks are colorful and filled with interactive objects, but this won't be mistaken for next-generation gaming.

The biggest problem is that it isn't quite there yet in terms of expansiveness. If you're mainly interested in the single-player campaign, then you may be a little disappointed.

The best surfing game on the market.

This is a fun, visually unique title that shouldn't be overlooked. Pity that the multiplayer doesn't truly shine.

Curse of Darkness is often a lot of fun in its own right, but if you're not the kind of player that can tolerate "grind"-style gameplay -- and indeed, often thrive on this -- then you might get bored here.

Realistic dance sequences, solid graphics, and a soundtrack from Spears makes Britney's Dance Beat a surprisingly entertaining game.

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.