Tetris is Tetris, which means Splash is still supremely playable. But 800 points feels like an awfully high price. Especially when you can get a used copy of Tetris Evolution on the 360 for just a few bucks more.

If you can ignore the horrendous graphics, we defy you to overlook the technical flaws.

The grown-up Buzz! games might make you feel smart, but this makes us feel evil. And sometimes, that's way more fun.

Both shallow and a waste of a good property.

Both shallow and a waste of a good property.

A solid platformer with some nice visuals and simple but enjoyable gameplay. It doesn't have any huge, glaring deficiencies to speak of, but at the same time, it's simply not cut from the sort of stock that makes a classic.

No matter what - and as shocking as it is to say this - 2K8 is not a slam-dunk, no-brainer-this-is-your-next-gen-basketball-title this season. It's merely second best.

Another superbly entertaining basketball sim with some of the sickest visuals you've ever seen.

NBA 2K8's got the best on-court basketball experience on the PS2 this year. That's enough for us to declare it the champ.

Unfortunately, this genre requires a lot more panache and even more addictive gameplay hooks, something The Chosen fails to accomplish in its quest to push you that much closer to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. At its best, this is a pretty game that seems to understand the target it was aiming for but fails entirely to hit the mark.

While not perfect, it's immensely playable and just a bit more fun than its rival. Who woulda thunk it?

While not perfect, it's immensely playable and plenty of fun.

Hardcore hoopsters will likely scoff at the lack of full-body control that awaits, but there's no doubt that EA has done a pretty decent job making a square peg fit in a round hole; heck, getting any basketball game to work with the Wii controls is an accomplishment.

It's not even close to just being a roster update to last season's title. We love it, and who knows…maybe notching that three-NBA-title accomplishment won't be so ridiculous after all.

The game - or string of small games connected only through common characters - is only worth dabbling in for the humor and bourgeois rock and roll attitude of it all.

Hard Evidence is so fast there’s something satisfying in flying through a game in one sitting, especially considering you’ll probably unlock all 1,000 Achievement points along the way just for staying on task.

If this truly is the end for our old friend, it ain't the way we'd want to see anyone go out. We all deserve better.

The single player is bigger and brawnier than anything that's been attempted on a console before. The multiplayer, which already shadowed the competition, has improved to the point of ridiculousness. The new features - Forge, Saved Films, Coop - are frighteningly addictive. And if you don't like any of that, you're always welcome to edit it until you do.

If you’re looking for a challenging mystery adventure, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a 5-6 hour distraction, Hard Evidence is the game for you.

With its ability to attract new gamers, the Wii is a perfect home for Hottest Party, which may be the most mainstream-friendly series entry in years.

Modern action games are expected to be stylish, thrilling, customizable, and visually compelling, and Dragon Blade comes up wildly short in most regards. There's surely a market for titles that feature punishingly difficult, fast-paced battles and little else, but most gamers will likely tire of this drab experience long before the final battle.

What's here is well polished, and it works. Much like a favorite food, the DDR series has settled into a comfortable groove. Perhaps the next outing will be a bit more daring.

If you loved sinking hundred of hours into earlier NIS strategy-RPGs, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy in Soul Nomad. If, however, you’re new to the genre, we recommend picking up "Disgaea" instead. While Soul Nomad has its entertaining moments, it doesn’t quite meet the bar the previous games have set.

It retains a base level of playability that is so often lacking from similar titles, but that's only because its myriad parts range from poor to horrifying in nature. Need we really say more?

It is surprisingly fun, challenging and addictive despite its near terminally cute premise.

[An] incredibly fresh and successful take on skating controls, as well as a wide-open city with six-player online options (we liked the Deathraces and the Spot Battles). Skate is logical, authentic, and blissfully organic. Robots need not apply.

The game - or string of small games connected only through common characters - is only worth dabbling in for the humor and bourgeois rock and roll attitude of it all.

The biggest problem is that it just lacks the single-player appeal of a Pac-man, as well as the multiplayer depth and longevity of a game like Bomberman.

This is a game you should get free when you buy a bright orange hunting hat. It might offer a brief, quick killin' fix for some hunter-gamers, but won't offer much in terms of videogaming satisfaction, delicious meat or hours of fresh air.

This is a game you should get free when you buy a bright orange hunting hat. It might offer a brief, quick killin' fix for some hunter-gamers, but won't offer much in terms of videogaming satisfaction, delicious meat or hours of fresh air.

Similarly, it's cool that you can hook up an EyeToy and record yourself; if only the PS2 had a supported hard-drive and higher resolution EyeToy camera - like the PS3 will have.

Unfortunately, in a genre where players expect the newest games to completely blow them away (pun intended), Coded Arms: Contagion's run-of-the-mill FPS action just doesn't impress.

Why didn't they just reprogram the classics to fit the DS properly? Because that would have required effort. This is not about innovation; this is about porting code that's lying around and reselling it for the zillionth time.

If you can handle bad presentation and clunky gameplay at times, then the story just may be enough of a reward. Growlanser: Heritage of War is a long game in the end, and while the flaws are obvious and often irritating, it is still by no means despicable.

Fans of the series might find it entertaining to rescue kidnapped kids while battling the Seven Demon Kings, but most people will find precious little to enjoy.

Sure, the story isn't high-concept, but this gameplay is really all about fighting and collecting increasingly mean and exotic critters. And on that level, Digimon World Dusk/Dawn delivers in spades.

Sure, the story isn't high-concept, but this gameplay is really all about fighting and collecting increasingly mean and exotic critters. And on that level, Digimon World Dusk/Dawn delivers in spades.

Before this could get too gamey sitting on store shelves, the publisher wisely dropped the price to $20, which is where it should have started.

It's the same solid game you've been playing since "Dynasty Warriors 2" came out back in 2000.

It's the same solid game you've been playing since "Dynasty Warriors 2" came out back in 2000.

And wouldn't it be cool if you could edit, save and upload your videos to the internet, complete with visual effects and filters? Yeah - that's almost positively going to be in the PS3 version. Until then, this will get you by, especially if you're throwing a party.

What it may lack in length, it more than makes up for in absolutely every other aspect. The battle system is addictively fun, the multifaceted story is riveting, and the graphics are amazing... we couldn't ask for much more.

Though you'll need multiple copies of the game to share the experience with friends (definitely a bummer), this is one of the few DS games that could make that investment worthwhile.

Both the thrill of the hunt and the shock of its brutality are trivialised into non-existence by the threadbare graphics engine, anti-physics and tawdry interface.

[An] incredibly fresh and successful take on skating controls, as well as a wide-open city with six-player online options (we liked the Deathraces and the Spot Battles). Skate is logical, authentic, and blissfully organic. Robots need not apply.

Before too long though, it's a bit too easy to find yourself growing tired of the sheer volume of other cars to bash into and the constant eyeball-gymnastics required to track your lanes. There's a surprising amount of skill involved with doing well in many of these events, so the faint-hearted will grow weary too soon.

Hockey fans and casual sports gamers alike will love NHL 08, as its simple yet deep controls invite all comers to the ice.

Another must-buy game for your virtual library.

This is what happens when games go bad... then worse... then are given to another developer to do a sequel in half the time and with a fourth of the budget. This one should have committed the ol' seppuku long ago.

The only real problem with Accent Core is its lack of originality - hence the 8 instead of a 9 - but it's still a fantastic fighting game with one of the deepest fighting systems ever seen and a cast of unique-but-balanced characters that will have you playing until your thumbs bleed.

Kudos to EA for avoiding the path of least resistance and offering up perhaps one last big bang for puckheads across the landscape.

An extremely solid little sidescroller, with intricately designed levels, hidden items you'll love and originality to spare.

It may take a bit of imagination and willingness to suspend belief on your part but the premise is fresh and that's worth a lot these days.

NHL 2K8's biggest problem is that it's not "NHL 08," which has put it all together this year like few sports games we've ever seen.

It can't go without mentioning that 2K8 is available for just twenty bones - a darn good value even if it were just a glorified roster update.

The only thing a causal fan will appreciate is they toned down the excruciatingly annoying soundbites. That, we do applaud.

Awesome graphics and pretty music just aren't enough to rescue Lair from its deeply flawed design.

It’s just as much fun today as it was back then.

It was also the exception to the rule back then - rather than a quick cash-in on a franchise flying high, this game actually had a bit of originality to it. And it’s just as much fun today as it was back then.

Price concerns aside, though, Warhawk packs a lot of depth into its rapid-fire multiplayer matches, and its sheer variety, rapid pace and endless fun make it a must-play for PS3 owners.

The system of building up your shadows' powers is also irresistible. But the game does lag in pacing when it comes to exploration and battle; a touch more evolution might have launched this from extremely good to indispensable.

For true Monster Hunters, this is everything you could have hoped for in a PSP version – minus the “portable” part.

This Cowboy RPG generally doesn't mosey too far from the old dusty trail, but when it does (hex battles, spurs and... well, that's all we can think of) it's a good thing.

With its challenging dungeons and fun side-missions, Eye of the North comes just in time for those burnt out on Guild Wars' current PvP and PvE scene.

Easily one of the best fighting games on PSP, and one of this fall’s strongest portable titles.

What you're left with is a basic game that follows in the horde of footsteps of the series that has come before it: it's serviceable but uninspired, and won't do much for you unless you're a big fan of either of the source materials. Predictable, right?

What you're left with is a basic game that follows in the horde of footsteps of the series that has come before it: it's serviceable but uninspired, and won't do much for you unless you're a big fan of either of the source materials. Predictable, right?

Audio and visuals are a bit below the Wii's already unimpressive average, but judging a party game by such standards is like watching R-rated skin flicks on late-night Cinemax for the acting. If you're a fan of Nintendo's familiar mini-game fare, or just want something simple for the whole family to enjoy, Carnival Games should keep your Wii-mote moving more than an out-of-control Tilt-A-Whirl.

It’s just too basic and simplistic for big kids. There’s also no multiplayer of any kind and the five mini-games, which range from a shell game to a take on Simon Says that uses burp and fart sounds, won’t add much life.

Between the addictive character building and the online community features, there's tons of links action. All you'll need is just a little patience.

Between the addictive character building and the online community features, there's tons of links action. All you'll need is just a little patience.

While certainly no visual stunner, Tiger 08 does offer plenty of good times for virtual golfers on the Wii. Just be sure to pack some patience in that bag of yours - you'll need it.

There's no getting around the fact that Tiger 08 brings very little to the table that hasn't been done before, though, so you may want to poke around for last year's version. You'll save some dough and hardly notice the difference.

Very playable, quite robust, and if you can't find a control scheme you like, you've probably never played a golf game in your life.

Turn It Around just mixes too much frustration mixed in with the fun. Screw this. Wheel of Fortune's on.

Metroid Prime 3 falls into the same category as "Twilight Princess" - the ultimate achievement of the series, yet in desperate need of an evolution.

The PSP's limitations - controls and AI - keep this from being a true knuckle-biting tactical shooter. In tense standoffs your opponents will always make it easier for you by sticking their heads out first. Although it's lacking deep planning or strategy, the game does work for a quick, fun and portable shooter that does its best to utilize the PSP's shooter potential.

It’s a sound idea that’s torpedoed by poor design and bad play mechanics.

It’s absolutely functional and undeniably one of a kind, the product of a truly creative mind - but it’s so atypical and requires so much effort to appreciate that very few will find it truly worthwhile.

Really, though, the only glaring weakness we can find in BioShock is that it may be too unusual, too original, too artistic and too genius to be embraced by the general public. Please don't let this game become that forgotten, one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

When all these ingredients – story, gameplay, and character customization – are thrown together and stirred, the result is an irresistibly scrumptious strategy RPG that would be an absolute shame to pass up.

If you can forgive the game its worst weaknesses and have the Japanese voice track turned on, Dragoneer's Aria can be a decent way to waste a few hours at a time as you slog through the hemorrhaging plot. But don't expect it to be easy even with the bland combat.

A slightly slow, single-player only arcade shooter. It has ten levels (plus ten bonus missions), above average graphics for a DS game, and a decent auto-aim that can't quite compensate for the fact that you can't strafe, and thus spend a lot of time running directly into enemy fire.

800 feels like a lot to pay for the sequel to a game that was free with your system, but hey, you can't complain that you aren't getting a lot of content for the cost. Just as long as you already loved the original game.

This game is a lot of things: thoroughly unique, frequently challenging, and sometimes quite disturbing. But most of all, it's a fantastic experience on many levels.

With a lengthy campaign, an addictive battle system, and a cooperative multiplayer mode, Luminous Arc is the kind of title that you can lose yourself in.

Another title that's pretty much what we expect from Mana these days - an average game (irrespective of the genre change) that's nothing compared to series' heyday.

It’s a nice package overall, though we can’t help but wish there had been more: additional games, development art, pics of the arcade cabinets, movies of great players or the anime, cheesecake drawings of the bouncy Mai Shiranui – anything.

A whopper of an NFL game to play this season, with more good stuff to experience than most of us will ever get to.

Oh how we wish that the PS3 Madden were as smooth as its 360 cousin. It's not all bad, of course, and there's a bevy of stuff to do across scads of modes to take up plenty of time. Unfortunately, the distinctly inferior product for Sony's pricey console will likely serve as yet more fodder for never ending flame wars.

Traditionalists will cringe at the new controls, but we applaud EA's attempt to simplify things so more folks can get involved. It may not work perfectly, but it's the right thing to do (and the right console on which to do it).

The biggest on-field addition is the Weapons feature, a nifty little option that makes it easy to spot mismatches and exploit or avoid them.

Unless you're still knee-deep in last year's game and can't spare the forty bucks, picking it up is a no-brainer. You won't find a better portable pigskin experience anywhere else.

Handheld Madden shines brightly this season, just not on the DS. If you're ready for some portable football, the PSP version is by far the best choice.

Exploring is the best it’s ever been in the series, thanks to Lara’s slick animation. Swinging, leaping and climbing from ledge to outcrop to wherever are tense but satisfying, and the frequent checkpoints mean you’re free to try to make that lethal jump without having to do the whole section again.

Still a good time, but like all sparse arcade compilations, your mileage may vary.

As with most Wii games, it really glistens with more than one player. If you're willing to commit to Boogie, mind, body and sooooul, it's a goddamned blast, channeling the same enthusiastic participation we all had last year when firing up Wii Sports first time. But then it's all over too quickly, and too easily.

All in all, the scaled-down warfare is quick paced and fun, but it doesn't provide the level of strategy it purports to due to the convoluted nature of its layout.