Online play is a very enticing part of what Madden brings to the table this year.

What it boils down to is that if your TV has 1080p support and you don't mind the absence of online support, the PlayStation 3 version is the way to go. However, if you tend to run things in 720p, and you want to check out some decent online play, the Xbox 360 version wins out.

It took me just under 8 hours to complete 90% of the game, and it's not a terrible stretch to imagine someone rushing through it in 5 or 6. It's a good sign for a game when players want more, and it's further proof that the Tomb Raider series is back in a big way.

Despite noticeably upping the action level, bolting on co-op, and even charging us extra to cheat, this space-zombie shooter trilogy brings it home nicely with a lengthy, atmospheric, and suitably gory climax for our long-tortured hero, Isaac Clarke.

Dragon Quest IV offers a classic RPG experience that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

When "Gran Turismo" is too much, and "Mario Kart" just ain't enough, Smash Cars could be just the ticket.

An excellent expansion that does exactly what an expansion pack should do -- add in new stuff while improving the core gameplay. The game remains a bit over- reliant on micromanaging special powers and hero units, but for fans of The Battle for Middle-earth II's gameplay style, the expansion pack is a must buy.

The challenges, environments, and cast of baddies are varied enough to prevent this game from ever seeming tedious. And, when you reach the final destination on a level, the amusing victory dance makes it all seem worthwhile.

Its solid gameplay mechanics, tight controls, and impressive presentation come together to give gamers a thoroughly satisfying experience.

A beautiful example of how Maxis' long-running series can renew itself and even become appealing to console owners. There's plenty to do, a lot to discover and even when everything is done players can decide to stick around the islands and keep tinkering.

If you're looking for a full dose of FIFA action, replete with glorious presentation, exciting gameplay, and plenty of online challenge, 2006 FIFA World Cup should be at the top of your playlist.

As a relative rookie, I had the most fun playing online against others within my skill level, as Tiger 10's main drawback is that it's too damned hard for series non-veterans.

While BioShock 2 largely addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor, it also bears the curse of familiarity. Traipsing around Rapture is certainly still enjoyable, but it's kind of like a magic trick you've already seen -- not quite as impressive as it was the first time around.

Fans of Eiichiro Oda's comical pirate epic will certainly get the most out of the game, but if you like chaotic action and bizarre characters, just about anyone can enjoy it.

The frantic pacing and tremendous atmosphere result in adrenaline rushes that'll give the most hardened shoot-'em-up veteran the shakes.

It does a decent job of holding its own against other Bond games from the past.

For anyone who appreciates bizarre characters and storylines, the game is especially appealing. The graphics are fantastic, although the gameplay itself is standard overall.

An excellent virtual-T&A delivery system, the best simulation of v-ball on the Xbox, and a guilty pleasure that kept me playing for much longer than it should.

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.

An interesting, enjoyable game. Missing third race and lack of game options hurt score.

If you are not a fan of "Myst," Myst III offers you an empty plate. For fans of the series it is an entire smorgasbord.

Isn't quite up to the spectacular standards of LucasArts' "Rogue Leader" and "Starfighter" shoot-'em-up franchises, but it supplies plenty of Star Wars-themed shooting action, and the Live support considerably boosts the replay value, more than making up for the brevity of the one-player campaign.

An inventive and intense war game that offers unique aesthetics and compelling gameplay.

It won't win any awards, but if you are looking for an excellent quality strategy game with some new dimensions, Warlords 3: Battlecry is your game.

While the gameplay is based on the same principles, The Sims is much more accessible as an overall product than Nintendo's pastel-hued "Animal Crossing."

Throw in some amazing graphics and entertaining mission design and you have a fun, action-packed title that should appeal to trigger-happy pilots everywhere.

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

Playing the game is a blast and it sure looks great... On a deeper level, where most strategy gamers like to think they exist, the game suffers from oversimplification of both command and control features.