The game sports large creative levels, a unique trick upgrading system, and a killer sound, but whatever innovations the game makes are easily overshadowed by the frustrating controls and the return of the timed run.

The kind of game that truly rewards skillful play, and like "SSX" before it, is a true joy to play once you've attained full mastery of the intricate controls.

A schizophrenic but enjoyable combination of gameplay styles, and it's worth slogging through the solid Sphinx segments to savor the Mummy magic.

We have immense respect for what Lost Odyssey tries to do: be a back-to-basics JRPG with modern technological trimmings on the 360. Unfortunately, it's less a celebration of what made older RPGs great and more a crude relic of their past.

A little more actual gameplay would have driven the score up, but the unique combination of music and visuals make it a must play for those who seek something different.

The excellent control and stage design mixed with the clever puzzles make this one of the better (and certainly one of the most thought provoking) platformers available on GBA.

Suffice it to say that I was completely captivated by this game from start to finish. Of course, it helps that I'm a fan of the JRPG genre.

The thing that really annoys me about this port is the controls. It's absolutely ridiculous that we can't customize the keys at all beyond cycling through the preset options and inverting the mouse. Other than that, Activision has done a respectable, though not exceptional job here.

You're getting just about what you'd expect from this purchase: a fun, generally working version of Madden for your handheld, impressive graphics and some nifty bonus features to boot.

It's got some wonky controls that make fairly routine gameplay tasks unnecessarily laborious, especially the annoying checkpoint system and map checking that removes you from the terror quite often.

Though it is slow and subtle, it works out in the end, providing a great story that holds its own against the vast majority of current games. Now all you have to do is manage to find a copy.

I just can't get over how cheap a lot of the game feels. Whether it's the dated looks, its frustratingly difficult latter portion, or its awkward storytelling, Prototype often feels like a budget title that unfortunately doesn't have a budget price.

A rare breed of FPS these days, as it's both high in quality and uniqueness. The mechanics of "Deus Ex" work tremendously well in a high-intensity atmosphere.

Rife with thrills and chills, The Thing delivers on all levels. Leave the light on for this one.

There's infinite replay value with Live & Reloaded's online game, but the none-friendly newbie aspect is sure to frustrate and annoy some gamers.

A great single-player adventure that also offers new tools for mod makers. Gamers that prefer non-melee classes better be up for a challenge though.

A staple of Duke 3D was the game's humor, and it often made references to other games or movies. Manhattan Project does well continuing this tradition.

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.

I personally am totally in love with the game, but then I have a strong Robotech/Battletech/Anime upbringing. It is certainly not for the squeamish.

Though not spectacular in any category Galaxies proves you can make a decent shooter on the GBA while retaining much of a games arcade roots. Once you finally finish this tough, deep, space-blaster, you'll probably not bother with it again.

A battery save would have been the icing on this otherwise delicious six-layer cake. However, even without it, Arcade Advanced is an excellent example of how a retro compilation should be done.

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

If you dig either dungeon crawlers or Marvel comic icons, you'll probably enjoy what Ultimate Alliance has to offer.

The concept behind Closure is superb though, and well served by the wrapping. Everything is tightly bound, from the look to the music to the puzzles. With plenty of levels and some fiendishly hidden bonuses, it'll also last you a decent amount of time.

On GBA, the second verse is the same as the first -- just a little bit smaller and it seems a bit worse.

The best game of its kind I've played. If nothing else, it definitely takes careful measures to ease in new players (meaning the non-Defense of the Ancients elite).

If you're into The Movies for the strategy sim, there's nothing noteworthy added in Stunts & Effects. But if you enjoyed building your own films, the freecam and the improved prop placement options alone are worth the price, while the props, sets, costumes, and effects merely add to the moviemaking experience.

The most troubling thing about Mechwarrior 4: Black Knight is that it's priced like a full game rather than the "add-more" expansion pack it really is.