While it's no masterpiece, Omega Strain is worth playing for online junkies who've grown tired of the endless hours of "SOCOM II." Those that lack a network adaptor should probably rent first.

Another innovation with questionable value is the onscreen confidence meter. A cool idea to make the game seem more realistic, it just doesn't seem to work all that well.

Quirky, innovative and charming, La Pucelle: Tactics is at once one of the best tactics games out there, as well as one of the best RPGs.

Overall, the controls prove powerful and intuitive, granting this game its ultimate top-notch status.

Amazingly, this rally racer also happens to be the best-looking game on the Xbox. The car models are bleeding-edge realistic, with licensed decals and aftermarket streamlining. The collection of tracks is wildly diverse, with feet in nearly every continent.

So much of Red Dead feels like it's caught between two camps -- arcade and more modern third-person action -- that it all feels compromised.

So much of Red Dead feels like it's caught between two camps -- arcade and more modern third-person action -- that it all feels compromised.

It's very derivative, and beyond a few puzzles requiring you to use all four characters in tandem, there's not a lot that's new here. At the same time, it's mostly enjoyable while it lasts.

If you're looking for a lengthy (as in 100+ hours) RPG that blends quick and dirty gameplay with heaping plates of detail and sophisticated character development, no one else comes close to this series.

It's very derivative, and beyond a few puzzles requiring you to use all four characters in tandem, there's not a lot that's new here. At the same time, it's mostly enjoyable while it lasts.

It's very derivative, and beyond a few puzzles requiring you to use all four characters in tandem, there's not a lot that's new here. At the same time, it's mostly enjoyable while it lasts.

It's easy to get into, the combat rocks, and it's a blast to play with friends.

The beauty of all these additions is how utterly natural they feel in the context of the game.

There have been a few MMOs that have tried to build stable gameplay structures based on universal PvP/guild play system -- "Shadowbane" being the most high-profile example. Almost none, however, have done it as well as Lineage 2.

While the game isn't a construction of godly perfection, it is pure, raw fun that may eclipse the first two, depending on whether you'll miss the adventure elements or the less ostentatious presentation of the first game. I, for one, did not.

A step -- albeit a small one -- in the right direction for the series. The gameplay has been deepened, as has the career mode. Where it still needs work is in the presentation.

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.

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

Typical sneak/shoot-'em-up action that relies too heavily on remade content and brittle gameplay. Although it was novel four years ago, games have come much farther than this.

A lone EyeToy-keteer is going to get bored rather quickly with Groove. It's like playing Scrabble by yourself -- it can be done, but it's just not the same without encouragement or competition.

Look past the gratuitous, fleshy outer casing and delve deep into the tight stealth/action gameplay provided. Manhunt delivers.

With the variety of unique character choices, the interesting level-up method, and rocking multiplayer, Shining Soul II has its charm. Still, I can't help feeling it's still missing something to give it more oomph, at least in single-player mode.

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

Once the initial shock value wears off, you're left with a very challenging and rewarding video game. You might, however, want to keep a barf-bag handy just in case.

Even though it's a text simulation without flashy graphics, realistic ball physics, or signature batting stances, it's approachable, accessible, and downright fun. If you have never tried a text sim, OOTP6 is an ideal starting point.

With a strong showing, 989 Sports' World Tour Soccer 2005 shows that the developer may have the makings of a dynasty on its hands.

It strikes a near-perfect balance between painstaking realism and flat-out fun.

Perhaps what's most amazing is that it plays like the work of a seasoned developer with a rare grasp on atmosphere and tone, a rock-solid set of technologies, and sophisticated ideas about game design.

Unless you're predisposed to buying anything that is related to the show, just ogle a few gameplay videos, fancy a screenshot or two, and call it a day without wasting fifty bucks.

Unless you're predisposed to buying anything that is related to the show, just ogle a few gameplay videos, fancy a screenshot or two, and call it a day without wasting fifty bucks.

Scary fun, but some control issues and uneven puzzles make it less fun than its predecessors.

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.

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.

Original concepts don't happen often in video games -- especially sports titles, and Ballers delivers. The more hardcore a basketball gamer you are, however, the more you may be brought down by the gameplay snafus. This is style over substance personified, baby.

Its incredibly diverse control system is implemented into a truly enjoyable game that has enough simulation elements to please boxing fans and strong gameplay that can be appreciated by a diverse crowd.

Its incredibly diverse control system is implemented into a truly enjoyable game that has enough simulation elements to please boxing fans and strong gameplay that can be appreciated by a diverse crowd.

Original concepts don't happen often in video games -- especially sports titles, and Ballers delivers. The more hardcore a basketball gamer you are, however, the more you may be brought down by the gameplay snafus. This is style over substance personified, baby.

But Breed is worse than awful; it's absolutely unremarkable and utterly forgettable, the epitome of the generic computer game, lacking a shred of anything clever or offensive or ambitious.

Compared to Commandos and even knockoffs like Desperados and Prisoners, it's primitive and feeble, like an old Mafia boss that's out of touch and can't see the G-men bearing in on him.

Diehard RTS gamers, however, will find War Times doesn't keep pace with the depth and appeal of stalwarts like "Age of Mythology" or "Rise of Nations."

Outbreak would have been a much, much better game had it had online voice communication. There's simply no excuse for omitting this feature in a game hinges on being able to communicate rapidly between party members.

One of those frustrating titles that showed promise, but is brought down with a few nags that could have been prevented. But even with its gaffs, it's still mildly addictive.

The combat system is one of the best you're likely to see in an action game of this sort. It's so solid that Crimson Sea 2's "kill everything that moves" formula doesn't become stale or tedious until quite late in the game, which is a huge accomplishment for a game based on such a simple concept.

An overpriced PC conversion of a gimmicky console game. The gimmick is its offensive fire system, which allows the heavily armed protagonist in this third-person shooter to fire around corners and use cover as a tactical asset.

Fails to live up to the standards set by the first game. It's not that it's more-of-the-same, which would have been OK, but Syberia II takes characters and a storyline that were deep and compelling the first time around and turns them into cardboard caricatures of their former selves.

Midnight Nowhere has a very creepy atmosphere, excellent puzzles, and great voice acting. If it weren't for the terrible translations, it might be one of the best adventure games of the year.

What makes Nemesis of the Roman Empire truly stand out, however, is the artificial intelligence. On the easy mode, it's a breeze and presents very little challenge. On the tougher levels, it's a real bear that is sure to give veteran real-time strategy gamers a tough test.

In the end the bugs and problems simply aren't worth the tradeoff for the few interesting ideas the game does employ.

No matter how badly Capcom wants it to be true, the cast of Onimusha just doesn't cut it when it comes to this kind of game. This is primarily why Onimusha Blade Warriors feels so half-assed and contrived.

I enjoyed the experience of both single- and multiplayer. From a feature standpoint, this version is missing a lot of the selling points of the Xbox and PC versions (smaller levels, less players available online, etc.), but if you haven't gotten immersed in those versions, ignorance is bliss.

Won't hold up to extended play anyway because of the too-small question set. It's a shame; it's a well put-together game otherwise.

The game's lack of personality is underscored by its lack of difficulty. Playing through Samurai Jack is about as challenging as watching an episode of Samurai Jack.

At first, the billion movements Sam can do and the stealth action will make you and your thumbs very happy, but you'll soon grow tired of the game's intentionally slowed pace.

Won't hold up to extended play anyway because of the too-small question set. It's a shame; it's a well put-together game otherwise.

The game's lack of personality is underscored by its lack of difficulty. Playing through Samurai Jack is about as challenging as watching an episode of Samurai Jack.

Another great feature is the skill chain system -- like in Square's "Chrono Trigger," weapon skills can be combined for extra damage, and then followed up with compatible spells for even more damage.

Far Cry doesn't just boast cutting-edge technology and a surplus of breathtaking visuals, but also pulls off the amazing triple play of open-ended gameplay far beyond the standard A-to-B-to-C of most shooters.

The new multiplayer, when it works properly, makes a very cool addition to the Splinter Cell franchise. Pandora Tomorrow's single-player campaign plays it too safely, though, mostly offering more of the same.

For fans of the series who want to test their sleuthing, Dark Motives is a no-brainer. On the flip side, anyone not connected to the idiosyncrasies of the series should look for crime elsewhere.

The A.I. is stellar, being random and properly intuitive; the level design is impeccable; the HUD display is laid out with precision, optimizing gameplay to the max. On and on, I could go. To think, Ubisoft Shanghai finished the game in little over a year's development time. A miracle, by modern gameplay standards. [*5stars=95 on GameSpy's scale]

Acclaim's long-running series continues to get on base with its fundamentals, yet strike out when it comes to flash.

A visually clumsy representation of the card game with an even clumsier and clunkier way to play against another duelist.

Despite a few bugs, Crystal Key 2 is a fabulous adventure game, with an interesting story, challenging puzzles, and beautiful graphics.

Lords of the Realm III doesn't look like a budget game -- its production values are high, as the 3D graphics are serviceable and the sound very well-done -- but at times it certainly plays like one.

Those expecting action as intense or as challenging as that of "Resident Evil" or "Silent Hill," though, may be disappointed. But if you're looking for a good introduction to the genre and don't mind some control and graphics issues, the FBI is waiting.

It's a stunning comeback for the franchise, a fantastic mix of the fresh and the familiar, and enough content to make this the only game you need for the next few months. [**Reminder: GameSpy's "How Our Ratings Work" equates a 5-Star review with 95.]

You'll have to look to multiplayer to get the greatest enjoyment from Jungle Storm.

It's still not quite on the same level as the highly polished "MVP Baseball" from EA Sports, but it's nowhere near the cellar dweller it was last season.

Weird, sometimes wonderful, and certainly unique.

When it's all said and done Vietnam doesn't wow us the way that "1942" did in its day, but it's a step forward graphically, a leap ahead in the sound department, and just as much fun as the original.

When you're not being blazingly bored by the fighting, you'll be frustrated by the linearity of the thing.

Though the appeal wears thin a lot more quickly, it still has some thanks to the large amount of content and just the overall polish and humor of the game.

Multiplayer mode is a good addition, but doesn't make up for the fact that the single-player mode has been made worse. This isn't Tenchu's shining moment, which is what it should be. Instead, it's a quirky step into multiplayer.

Bomberman fans aren't in for anything really new with Bomberman Jetters, but it's hard to knock yet another faithful adaptation of one of gaming's most successful gameplay formulas.

It's arguable that Capture the Enemy is worth the price of admission, being one of the brightest additions to the series in a long time. But considering the ratio of great to mediocre content, you should think twice before parting with the $30.

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

While you can drive almost every Corvette made, the game doesn't feel realistic enough to give the impression that you're behind the wheel of one.

With improved and deeper gameplay, this sophomore baseball effort ranks along with the best the company has released.

If you can live without walks and the lack of steals and you don't care about Dynasty mode then MVP 2004 is a surefire winner.

A deeper, better game than "Naval Ops: Warship Gunner," an RTS-lite with gobs of replay value...I just hope the next entry in the series addresses its weak graphics and lack of multiplayer.

The control scheme and bugs are by far the worst parts of the port, though they're not the only rough spot. Graphically, the game holds ground better.

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

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.

This is the game that so many have deemed the best game ever released on the PlayStation. Now it's been given a new coat of paint. Sure, it has a few blemishes ... but overall, it's the same experience you loved before, only now it looks better.

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

I find it both unforgivable and amazing that any game would be released without the ability to save during the game. That's right - you can't save during each of the Conquests.

With high frame rates that won't quit, 52 stages set across eight different countries, an impressive array of environmental effects, multiplayer options in every mode, and all of the strengths of past installments of this series, Colin McRae Rally 04 is a worthwhile pick for any avid Xbox racing enthusiast.

As ridiculous as it sounds, with a little more money and thought put into how the player might react to not actually playing the game, this could've been something worthwhile.

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.

Sadly, this control system is less than ideal for directing a character who is both hard of hearing and retarded, two traits which I suspect a simple battery of standardized tests would reveal in our heroine.

Got a spare 20 to 30 hours, and a hankering for mindless medieval bloodshed? Not been pressing the Square button enough? Go on -- give this an intense weekend rental.

Simply the most polished and responsive action game we have seen so far this generation, and it's my belief it will likely remain so till the end. It fulfills the half-forgotten promise of the Xbox: to provide a gaming experience you can't get anywhere else. [*Note: GameSpy equates 5-stars/Ed Choice with a score of 95.]

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.

Every element of it is solid but unexceptional. Card battling is done far better by PS2's "Culdcept"; story is done better by a host of other RPGs. In fact, the only area where I think it'd be truly difficult to compete with PSO III is music -- this soundtrack is almost too good for the game.

If you're blessed with a rip-roaring connection, Steel Battalion: Line of Contact is the most engaging experience you can have with Xbox Live.

If you're a series veteran, or found yourself wishing the previous PS2 entries had less number-crunching and more action, you'll probably love RTK9. I'm squarely in [this] category, but not because I disliked 7 and 8's RPG elements; I just appreciate KOEI's willingness to keep tinkering with a 15-year-old franchise.

Doesn't come close to surpassing the bar that Splashdown has set.

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.