Obviously old school fans of these kinds of games will be impressed by the graphics and fast paced gameplay, but as I mentioned, if this isn't your thing there isn't much else in the way of gameplay.

Oddly, I suspect that those less-versed in the Metroid games will get more enjoyment out of it, as it will seem more original and less stale.

Delivers a much more authentic representation of the fastest game on ice and this is reflected in its tight checking action (low-scoring games are now the norm) and truer-to-life gameplay mechanics.

The latest -- and probably last -- expansion pack for The Sims, Makin' Magic, is easily the most fun of the seven.

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.

It's remarkable that EA has managed to catch up to the incredible effort from Sega in a single generation, and if it weren't for an overly trying physics engine on the ice, the two would be in a dead heat.

NFL Street can't be beat for multiplayer fun on any console, and tweaking rosters will keep fantasy fans up late at night for weeks.

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.

"Rallisport Challenge" is much more specialized, and, arguably, better executed, but Sega GT 2002's experience is much more comprehensive.

If there is one area where World Series Baseball 2K3 excels, it is in the franchise mode. Loaded with options, franchise mode is a micro-manager's dream.

Max Payne definitely deserves its M rating. Its story, tone, and language are miles beyond what most folks are used to from a GBA title. Happily, so is the look and sound of the game.

This expansion is everything "Play The World" should've been and will breathe a whole new life into your Civ experience.

It is in many ways the best of the bunch, but somewhere along the line it has lost that cool edge that made the series so legendary.

Quake 3: Team Arena, in a word, rocks. The quality associated with id Software shines through in this mission pack. It is definitely worth your money -- go and buy it. I'd write more here, but I need to go play more Team Arena. I wish I were joking.

It's remarkable that EA has managed to catch up to the incredible effort from Sega in a single generation, and if it weren't for an overly trying physics engine on the ice, the two would be in a dead heat.

While this undoubtedly sounds familiar to RPG veterans, Symphonia manages to distinguish itself through solid and enjoyable gameplay.

The plotline is simple, the characters are instantly likeable, but more importantly, from start to finish, the action never lets up.

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

The biggest change in 2003 is how the ball handles... The ball feels much more separated from the players now, and the control even reflects this.

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.

Despite a few minor issues, Morrowind manages to shine on the Xbox. It is the first game to truly bring a wide-open role-playing experience to the console.

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.

While Psi-Ops doesn't break a lot of new ground in the action or stealth fronts, the addition of psychic powers adds a boatload of entertainment value. Thanks to some of the best ragdoll physics ever seen on the PS2, you'll be happily tossing burning enemies into walls or off bridges for hours.

A terrific game. All of the stealth gameplay, intricate level design, Byzantine story branches, and delightfully larcenous action makes a welcome return in this edition. The godfather of stealth-action games is back. Unfortunately, while Thief: Deadly Shadows stands as an equal to any of the previous games in the series, it doesn't exceed them - nor does it move the franchise forward as much as it was obviously designed to do.

Too bad it's so short, but there's plenty to do in the city of L.A. once the story is over. This is the first game that treats the "GTA" model as inspiration rather than a quick ticket to the bank.

Even if you know nothing about Buffy, the TV series, know this about Buffy, the Xbox video game: it's unquestionably the best beat'em-up for the system.

It's part turn-based strategy, part role-playing, and part action-oriented real-time strategy wrapped up inside a highly playable design. And best of all -- it's a lot of fun to play.

It's a triumph for THQ and vindication for Yukes. This is best of the series, and one of the best wrestling games to hit a console.