Very fun and very funny; it deftly satirizes "Grand Theft Auto" while being almost as entertaining, and even improves on several gameplay aspects of GTA (instant mission restarts, a superior guidance system, and an easily accessible collection of vehicles).

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.

Ultimately, the clever level design and variety of traversal techniques (burrowing, web-grappling and wall-crawling) present both a great challenge and a nice diversity in activities that held my interest and kept me playing much longer than I probably expected to. Despite its frightening, creepy-crawly protagonists, I found Deadly Creatures to be both charming and endearing.

The best skating game ever made, and while it isn't nearly as groundbreaking as the previous game, it takes everything that made it great and adds some new tricks and a dash of juvenile potty humor, leaving you with the best time you'll have at a skate park this year.

By the time I reached the end, Mass Effect 3 had secured the trilogy's spot amongst my favorite science-fiction stories in any medium.

All in all, the game features enough choices and entertaining kills to have you playing some missions more than once, striving for that elusive Silent Assassin rating.

After four iterations, FIFA Soccer 08 feels like the first title to live up to the "next-gen" name.

We're far from disappointed. It's difficult to say whether or not Skate 2 is better than the original -- it lacks that game's moxie and swagger. It's no longer that up and coming superstar that demands your attention. This time out, it's more comfortable with what it's doing, and it achieves its goal of reproducing the feel and culture of skateboarding exceptionally well.

Leaves its predecessor looking rather simple and boring in comparison. And the online opportunities offered in the new package are some of the most compelling available on any console - at the moment.

FIFA 09 is jam-packed with new content, from clan-based player support to real-world stat updates. Although it feels more like an incremental update than a revolutionary overhaul, EA doesn't need to reinvent the wheel so much as smooth out its edges.

This is exceptional fun, tests the mettle of even the most hardened platform junkie, remains completely true to its roots, and delivers spectacularly in the graphics, combat, design, music, and most importantly, gameplay departments.

Fable II presents you with difficult, meaningful decisions that shape the development of the world around you. You'll experience life from a young age and see your character grow up to become a powerful force in Albion. Whether or not you become a force for good or for evil is completely up to you.

SSX is special. And the reason for that is the incredible replayability and the pure game design it offers.

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.

As shocking as it may sound, the combat in the GBA version of TMNT is even deeper than it is in any of the other versions. On the surface, it's a mash-the-attack-button affair, but after a few minutes of play I began to see little contextual nuances that provided a wealth of variety.

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

A wonderful rebirth of a classic franchise.

Spirit Tracks features some of the best labyrinths and inventive bosses in Zelda history.

This DLC doesn't bring the much-anticipated level cap increase (Gearbox says that's on the way soon), but otherwise, this is the adventure that Borderlands 2 veterans have been waiting for. Go on the Big Game Hunt for the continued story, but stay in Aegrus for the challenge.

Playing through the songs you've likely heard for your entire life gives you a new appreciation for the level of musicianship and songwriting on display. Somehow, Harmonix found a way to make the greatest band of all time even better.

It's one of the best and most enjoyable rhythm / music games ever made.

Despite the poor online modes, the rest of the game is nothing short of stellar. With all of the new tweaks and gameplay options, NHL 08 is worth the time of any hockey fan. Not only has EA managed to prove that this is indeed the coolest game on Earth, it's also one of the best sports titles of the year.

It's definitely not a serious look in to the franchise, but this game has been marinating in fun for months, and the goodness has soaked all the way in.

The multiplayer additions elevate the expansion to a must-own. Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs has managed to re-invent and reinvigorate the game. I'm sorry guys. I'll never doubt you again.

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.

Though some may be disappointed by the linear gameplay, most will take comfort in the fact that the scripting is well done and helps make for a well-crafted experience.

The game looks gorgeous (come on, what did you expect?), runs very smoothly, and features some cool new additions to the series. Sure, the single-player mode is hackneyed and contrived, but the multiplayer action is as good as ever. This is the best console Unreal game to date.

While it's not without its flaws, Fight Night Round 4 is still one of the most entertaining games of the year, no matter what gaming category you think it belongs in.