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

With four-players in tow, it's a total blast, but for those that are looking for some solid, non-anger-inducing solo play, you'd do well to swerve away from this one for sure.

In still frames this game looks good, really good. In motion it has the grace of a beached humpback whale, and even then the whale might have the advantage.

I loved Wild ARMs 3. It's a wonderful example of a great sequel and a great game, and I would recommend it to any fan of console RPGs. Since Squaresoft did the translation, even the purists should have few gripes.

Fans of the series will love Silent Scope 3, though the game may be too difficult for everyone else.

Despite some nice features, the overly repetitive gameplay will probably wear thin after a bit.

We're still reduced to a four-player split-screen mode for multiplayer, but the gaming is solid and fast-paced.

Couple the control and camera issues with the bland and slapped-together feel of the graphics, the glitchy control scheme, and a protagonist who does nothing for long stretches of time and then runs from danger, and it's hard to come up with a single reason (other than the big Lord of the Rings logo on the box) why anyone would want to purchase this game.

Despite some nice features, the overly repetitive gameplay will probably wear thin after a bit.

If I didn't know any better I would say the developer purposely sabotaged this one in order to make the Xbox look bad.

Provides some great online action but lacks in the longevity department.

Wakka-wakka-walk-away from this subpar platformer.

Despite some nice features, the overly repetitive gameplay will probably wear thin after a bit.

Of the three versions, the GameCube release of X-Men: Next Dimension is the best -- strictly in a relative sense, of course.

So many play styles can only translate into one thing -- boundless replay value.

Fun, but it lacks the depth and originality of "Virtua Tennis" and "Mario Tennis."

This brilliant re-creation of the Robotech universe is a dream come true for fans of the animated series -- but it won't appeal to many others.

More aggravating than fun, a hassle really is the best way to describe this middling platformer.

A gathering of half-baked ideas that amount to a clumsy, dated experience.

It's a fun romp that often lacks originality.

A decent (yet sadly derivative) game lying underneath the mess.

Artificial intelligence could be improved, with obvious gaffes affected by opposing boxers in the heat of battle, but overall, it's no slouch.

The inability to play adequate defense makes Live 2003 a shallow affair.

Basically a step down from the original console games ... which weren't all that great to start with.

Easily the system's best multiplayer FPS, with a surprising amount of single-player action.

Though hardware limitations prevent the game from packing quite the same punch as its console brethren, Colin McRae Rally 2.0 is still a perfect fit for those with a vested interest in having a little rally action on the go.

While Virtua Tennis for the GBA dominates with addictive gameplay, it fails to impress with its rough-shod graphics.

It might not be the next "Halo," but with scads of unlockable content, a solid multiplayer mode, and a decent single-player storyline, TimeSplitters 2 has enough appeal to be a worthy addition to your Xbox collection.

A variety of gameplay issues end up overshadowing the majority of improvements.

The limited longevity and lack of subtlety tends to wear down an otherwise entertaining scrap-fest.

It's a huge step forward for the franchise and other developers will likely copy the freestyle dribbling system for years to come, but until the defensive and offensive play is better balanced, it's hard to recommend.

The game feels more "Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX v1.5" than anything else, giving you more of what you loved in the original and tacking on some minor, unnecessary extras.

With its easily whipped arcade sequences, utter lack of strategic depth, and painfully unrewarding still-screen ending sequence, DotC provides an experience about as vacuous as the cheesy flicks that inspired Cinemaware's birth.

Looks and plays like it's ten years old.

All video games should be like this [La-Z-Boy]: built so well that you never want to stop playing them. Unfortunately for Turbo Turtle Adventure, I just don't feel that way.

Even by GBA standards, leaves its players sorely wanting.

One of the most tedious, poorly-conceived 3D platform games that I've had the displeasure of slogging through. That said, it doesn't screw up the technical stuff.

The best arcade racing game available for the PlayStation 2.

Pales in comparison to the PlayStation 2 version.

A disappointment when held up against its nearly peerless PlayStation 2 counterpart.

All about an engaging single-player experience, one that's far better than that of the original game. It's a game where colorful locales, tense situations, stealthy infiltrations, and bloody battles all smoothly go hand in hand.

While the subject matter is no doubt controversial and far from being politically correct, it does make for an excellent game.

An improvement over "Real War," but only in parts. It's still a clumsy game to play with a major frustration factor.

It may not be politically correct, it may even be offensive to some, but when you come right down to it, Hitman 2 is an excellent game.

Control of the camera can be problematic at times, ranging from a minor distraction in some situations to a major problem in others.

A few AI problems keep it from reaching expectations.

A solid game that improves only marginally -- if at all -- over last year's game.

The combat system is definitely one of the best I've played with, but that's all there is. If you want character development, or even characters who aren't one-dimensional, go elsewhere.

Masterfully blending some spectacular action sequences and a unique sense of humor with elements of stealth games, first-person shooters, graphic adventures and even RPGs, the end result is a title that tops the original in every way, and stands out even among 2002's amazing crop of PC action games.

Underneath all of that polish, at its heart this is the same basic game we've been playing for years -- you'll either love it or hate it for that very reason.

It isn't "Counter-Strike," but it is a good way to waste an evening or two.

If "Gran Turismo 3" is Dom Perignon, Burnout 2 is Jack Daniels. While Dom may be a great guy, personally I'd rather hang out with Jack.

Impressive for a handheld title. It just happens to lack the same joyful rush granted by superior titles such as "Mario Kart Super Circuit," "F-Zero," or even Konami's underrated "Krazy Racers."

A no-brainer for hockey fans. The gameplay is completely customizable, the controls are tight, and the franchise mode is fairly deep.

The balance between pleasing hardcore gamers while pleasing Joe Gamer is astounding.

Classic monsters and load of pumpkins can't make up for repetitive gaming action.

A potentially rewarding but decidedly punishing experience.

A disappointing expansion for Heroes IV. The few new items available could've easily been available for free, while the biggest change to the game - multiplayer -- is already free.

A decent real-time tactical simulation, but a fairly unpolished one that doesn't address many shortcomings of the original.

While the price is right, there's arguably not much else to get excited about.

With its serviceable single-player game and a gem like the new Defend mode, Island Thunder is a tidy little bonus juuuust worth the price.

The series is making progress, but it's still a cut below what Sega and EA are offering.

The major problem with Shadow of Apokolips is its lackluster level design.

A much better game than the original.

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

Not a perfect game, but it does a decent job at what it sets out to do.

A decent, but unremarkable game. The story, graphics, music, and voice acting will greatly appeal to fans of the show, but I don't see these aspects bringing new fans into the fold.

Most of the racing is exciting and a treat for the eyes, but there should have been more in the way of multiplay.

As polished a platformer as you'll find this year...Its sterling production values accentuate its smooth, sublime gameplay. Heck, even the mini-games are polished.

Remarkably enough, the controls are worse than the graphics...If you're looking for a great Tolkien experience, go to your local library and read the books.

A fantastic piece of video gaming entertainment.

Colorful graphics combined with challenging gameplay.

Let's not kid ourselves here, UC has little to offer a player without a broadband connection to the Internet.

An interesting twist on the empire-building genre, but a lack of polish keeps it from being truly great.

The only groundbreaking things within this title are the mission-based challenges and the multiplayer games. Other than that, there's just not much new here.

A refreshing, decidedly western RPG that could have been incredible with just a few minor changes. Nonetheless, Summoner 2 is lots of fun.

Adds a great deal to play with, despite occasional frustrations.

It takes a special breed of player to appreciate the team-based aesthetics of the series, but for those who do it can be a wicked addiction to shake.

It looks a little better, but underneath the new trappings lies the same old game.

Good fun in a nostalgic way, but younger gamers might not get what all the fuss is about.

Whether you're a fan of wacky 2D side-scrolling adventure games or a long-time Super G'n G fan, this well-made port is definitely worth picking up.

The combat system isn't very engaging or deep. Tap the A-button -- repeatedly. That's about the extent of it.

An excellent 2D fighting game...The game does not work for one simple reason -- the GameCube controller.

It will captivate you temporarily with its novel look and gameplay, but when the story starts to get interesting, the clunky controls and molasses-like pace of the thing will leave you frustrated. The game runs far too slow to be enjoyable.

Such a terrific experience, reminiscent of the roleplaying games of old, that hours upon hours would pass with no knowledge of the passage of time.

Boring.

Gives gamers more tracks, more stuff to do, and better graphics.

Getting 43 cars running on-screen at once is no easy task, but the graphics engine used for the GameCube version of NASCAR Thunder 2003 pulls it off without breaking a sweat.

The non-linear mission design and freeform gameplay mechanics allow for some truly imaginative play.

I think if they had a little more time to work on the camera and control issues (and improve the graphics), Dawn of Fate could've been a great game. Instead it's just a game that the publisher rushed out the door, and it's mediocre (at best) because of it.

Provides a number of strong enhancements to a game that already offers immeasurably high replay value.

Chinese chess on steroids.

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'd have more fun watching both movies than playing this game.

In a league by itself.

Brilliant looks and attitude (each new level starts with the message "Kick Their Ass!") only get you so far.

While I would have liked more cohesion in the plot and more depth in the combat, the overall package is filled with enough fun and surprises to keep you playing through the end.

Its simple, yet challenging gameplay will last a long time.