As a standalone game at full price, we would rake Wii Play over the coals. But as a pack-in with the Wii Remote that basically costs $10, it’s a winner.

With innovative, fun controls, above average presentation, and more options, modes, and features than you can shake an aluminum bat at, MVP 07 NCAA Baseball on the PlayStation 2 is recommended for any baseball fan.

Diddy Kong Racing was great back in 1997, and it’s managed to hold up almost a decade later. The added content is nice for those who completely destroyed the original game, and those who’ve never played it will be surprised at its quality, depth, and longevity.

With its refined mastering of the English language, VI Advance is an even better example of how a brilliant story can immerse you in any game, no matter how small in stature the characters are.

Grinding out levels and looking for items is rarely this rewarding, and it’s obvious that Level 5 knows the depths of the role-player's mind all too well. Now if they could just hire a good writer.

Fuzion Frenzy 2 is like a decent-tasting smoothie of low-calorie gaming activities with a disgusting cherry on top. The game improves a lot if you’re playing at home with friends or smack-talking strangers online, but like any party, it isn’t meant to be a solo affair.

Its design and gameplay are from the stone age, yet the story, writing, and characters are so interesting that it beckons you to keep playing, hoping to see what's around the next corner.

Easily the best NCAA basketball option out there. It does so much right that even the frustrating scoring issues can’t really kill the experience.

Along with the new races and their respective areas, flying mounts, jewel crafting, and persistent player versus player maps, the Burning Crusade ends up being more than a mega-patch, and justifies the cost well beyond the hope of a glacial grind to the next level cap.

Without a doubt, Wario Ware: Smooth Moves tops any current Wii minigame collection on the market.

Lost Planet is a nice evolution of an older genre, but in some ways, it’s also stalled by its legacy. It’s definitely not the next breakthrough, but it will please anyone looking for a straightforward experience with stunning visuals.

It could use a lot more integration of the television show, but at the same time, the show assets aren’t overly invasive as to turn off fans of the Karaoke Revolution games.

It’s not a particularly attractive game and there are some gameplay quirks to work around, but it’s easy to forget the issues when you’re making a total mess of things, tossing objects from one side of the room to the other and letting gravity take its course.

The implementation of the Wii controls is solid, but there’s no getting around the fact that this is an old game that’s been repurposed for Nintendo’s new controller to make a quick buck.

Just like the real thing, it takes a strong constitution to keep from wrapping the seven iron around a tree in Super Swing Golf, but when you do make that one perfect shot it makes it all worth it.

This is 100 percent rental material, which considering the poor quality of a lot of the PS3-exclusives so far, is saying something. Just don’t expect a completely new game, or to play it online.

It’s a grind that’s just not much fun to play, no matter how much ghost riding the whip takes place. Pimp My Ride falls a few rims shorts of a set.

The game keeps up a great pace and maintains a steady stream of new enemies and new swords, maces, whips, and magic spells to kill them with.

With so much going for it, having to wrestle with the controls in Portable Ops is a real shame. It simply tries to do too much with too little, and while not a deal-breaker, it definitely makes the experience a lot less fun than it could be.

Virtually every Kirby game since the original has had some kind of feature to add some depth, but there’s nothing like that here. Without that hook, Squeak Squad is a gussied-up throwback to the original NES game, that just doesn’t hold up today, but should be a hit with the little ones.

For what you’re paying, you’d expect this expansion to have one-sixth the content of the original game, but it strays far from delivering on this assumption. Still, if you’re desperate for more to do, letting the Knights of the Nine rest in peace has its short-lived rewards.

It’s a grind that’s just not much fun to play, no matter how much ghost riding the whip takes place. Pimp My Ride falls a few rims shorts of a set.

Superman Returns looks like a passable game, and it definitely feels like one when you first start playing it. Six or seven hours later, when you’ve done absolutely everything Metropolis has to offer, you’ll be shocked how little they’ve sprinkled over the obscenely huge environment.

With its increased emphasis on the single-player campaign, and a phenomenal multiplayer pedigree, this is one of those games that has the potential to give you your money’s worth and then some.

College Hoops 2K7 is easily the best NCAA basketball option out there.

It’s a game like no other, but it takes a great deal of patience before you’re able to truly enjoy it.

Twilight Princess gives you just about everything you were hoping for in a new Zelda game while supplying things you didn't even know you wanted in the first place. The tone is decidedly darker, the overly melodramatic moments are subdued, and it deliverers that razor-sharp Zelda gameplay...It's easily one of the greatest games ever created.

Excite Truck has about as much in common with Excite Bike as Mario Kart does. Looking at the game on its own merits, it’s a shallow experience with a simple, yet finicky control scheme.

A couple of the games are rewarding for the long term, but most can be easily whipped into submission in a matter of hours. The visuals are also severely lacking.

A lot of the fluff that has plagued the series for the last couple years has been stripped away, revealing a game that fast, furious, and focused almost 100 percent on the play experience.

Sonic Rivals runs a fairly solid race, but it’s running in circles around a limited amount of content.

The fleshed-out story is a nice touch, and the head-to-head canyon races are a hoot, but with so little content it’s hard to recommend as a purchase unless you’re spending your nights on deserted pieces of road looking for some action.

This isn’t the greatest fighter you’re ever going to play, but you don’t need to be a hardcore Dragon Ball nerd to enjoy what’s on offer thanks to the active Wii controls. Plus there’s something almost cathartic about sending your buddy flying through a mountain using nothing but a well-placed combo.

Bionicle Heroes looks good, and has a decent license backing it, but completely fails to capture the magic that made the LEGO Star Wars games a hit. What you get instead is an average, boring shooter that’s only worth playing if you have a deep love for the source material.

The infrastructure stands and the game is fun, which is most important. But the additions can grate, and most of the minigames strike out, though multiplayer anything that requires people to make foolish gestures has some merit.

Final Fantasy III is a solid product. The shortcomings with the saves and lack of DS tech infusion are unfortunate, but as an RPG it’s the real deal, and shows why the franchise is so revered.

The low-rent visuals are a disappointment, even for the Wii, but it’s a clear demonstration of how well the Wii controls can work in the right hands. Best of all, it comes from a place that no one ever expected.

The Wii version of Call of Duty 3 probably isn’t the best choice for die-hard shooter fans, yet it’s still a solid game. Realistically, you’re trading online multiplayer and cutting edge visuals for a fun, hands-on method of picking off enemies with the Wii controller.

The attempt to simplify the controls for just a few buttons has resulted in a game that’s far too easy, yet doesn’t have the moxie to hold up when it’s prodded for depth.

The multiplayer is the real deal, and is destined to sit on the throne of data packets for the PS3 for the foreseeable future.

The lack of camera control is a travesty, especially since the right analog stick’s defensive dodges are redundant with the Sixaxis controller’s tilting functions.

The games repeat core mechanics too often, many solo games go on too long for good alternating multiplayer, and while it’s safe to say the Wii version is going to be the superior one, it doesn’t lend itself to extended play due to the repetition and possible physical strain.

Bionicle Heroes looks good, and has a decent license backing it, but completely fails to capture the magic that made the LEGO Star Wars games a hit. What you get instead is an average, boring shooter that’s only worth playing if you have a deep love for the source material.

Bionicle Heroes looks good, and has a decent license backing it, but completely fails to capture the magic that made the LEGO Star Wars games a hit. What you get instead is an average, boring shooter that’s only worth playing if you have a deep love for the source material.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 definitely hits the mat with some great improvements, but it’s still predominantly the same game you’ve been playing for the last few years.

The Wii controls are integrated almost seamlessly into the gameplay, making for a port that’s actually better than the original and worth at least renting for vets of the series. There’s no second opinion needed on this one.

While the jump to a more unique style of game is a nice step forward for the Naruto license, bad design choices and by-the-numbers action keep the game from being that much better than previous titles in the franchise. It’s still fan service, if above average fan service, and doesn’t offer anything that will bring new players into the fold.

The battle system is fairly shallow; the dragon riding is plagued by bad collision and controls; the presentation isn’t up to Xbox 360 standards; and the story is merely decent.

NBA 07 does nothing to buck the disturbing trend of feature-light, bug-ridden next-gen sports games. If you need an NBA fix, try 2K’s games instead.

Bionicle Heroes looks good, and has a decent license backing it, but completely fails to capture the magic that made the LEGO Star Wars games a hit. What you get instead is an average, boring shooter that's only worth playing if you have a deep love for the source material.

The flaws are numerous, even in comparison to other launch games, but if you want to spend a mindless weekend full of fantastical hacking-and-slashing it’s not a terrible choice.

It’s challenging and polished, but it can also take a bit of getting used to.

The most well-rounded, entertaining, and error-free hoops offering this season. Plenty of modes and gameplay depth combine with stunning visuals and presentation to make NBA 2K7 this year’s king of the court and a must own for PS3-owning hoops fans.

Think of it as a way to spend some personal time with the girls from the fighting game. If that doesn’t interest you, and you don’t have a thing for well-endowed video game chicks, you’re probably out of luck.

If you can get into the bizarre and colorful candy-filled vibe, and you enjoy games that give you the freedom to play as you like, you’ll definitely be able to party with Viva Pinata.

For lack of a better phrase, the gameplay in Gears of War will keep you on the edge of your seat--primarily because the enemy AI is so impressive. Just like the Halo series, you’ll see the same four or five enemy types over and over, but their intelligence and ability to navigate the environment makes each battle feel completely fresh.

It has its moments, but overall, it’s a disappointing step sideways for one of the more revered franchises in the industry. The good news is that it’s the most in-depth multiplayer shooting experience on the consoles, making it a game still worth picking up.

A lot of the fluff that has plagued the series for the last couple years has been stripped away, revealing a game that fast, furious, and focused almost 100 percent on the play experience.

SOCOM vets might have trouble justifying another purchase when Combined Assault is so similar to the previous game, but this is still a solid shooter as long as you’re content to play almost exclusively online.

One of the shortest, sloppiest games of the year. With such amazing source material, it’s really disappointing that all we got after such a long wait was a half-baked beat-‘em-up with broken controls and sub-par presentation.

The sheer volume of what’s on offer here, combined with the true classics that are included on the disc, make the collection a must-buy for any retro fans or just those who can never get enough of one of the industry’s oldest companies.

The developers clearly worked hard to tweak what was already great, and made it superb. With more songs, more features, and more pure rock, Guitar Hero 2 is a must own for anyone with a PS2.

Lumines II improves on its predecessor by offering up the same great core gameplay and a ton of new modes and features that are sure to keep you busy.

It can be digested in small chunks making it perfect gaming for the on-the-go types, and there’s honestly no other handheld game like it.

Despite the massive size of its world and seemingly endless optional content, Final Fantasy XII feels like an unfinished, conflicted game. In the end, Square Enix’s developers seem to have fallen into the same trap the game’s waiting fans did - while the overall scope and ambition has gotten plenty of attention, the minute-to-minute play experience has been all but ignored.

Killzone: Liberation isn’t the greatest action title on the PSP, but it fills a huge void in the handheld’s library: a solid shooter. More importantly, it’s not just another direct port from the PS2.

Spend an hour or two with Power Stone Collection and you’ll wonder what the big deal is.

The addition of the extra vehicles and racing styles takes what was already a solid premise and brings it to the next level. It’s a definite must-play for racing fans who enjoy getting a little dirty.

Almost all of the major control issues have been fixed, the graphics are much cleaner, and the wireless co-op feature is fantastic. But all of the good still doesn’t outweigh the bad--the horribly generic gameplay just doesn’t cut it.

The only real shortcoming of F.E.A.R. is how repetitive it eventually becomes.

The fleshed-out story is a nice touch, and the head-to-head canyon races are a hoot, but with so little content it’s hard to recommend as a purchase unless you’re spending your nights on deserted pieces of road looking for some action.

The mediocre plot, and control limitations keep it from being the groundbreaking experience it always is on the bigger systems.

Toss in a multiplayer mode that’s basically "Unreal Tournament" for fantasy fans.

Fans of the movie are going to be put off by an extended story and characters that don’t live up to the original.

Fans of the movie are going to be put off by an extended story and characters that don’t live up to the original.

Undeniably fun, AND has the ability to humble even the biggest self-proclaimed geek, with its staggering amount of characters and references. Its flaws aren't impossible to look past, and with a solid story and improved combat, it's definitely evolved the genre for the better.

Fans of the movie are going to be put off by an extended story and characters that don't live up to the original.

The only catch is the camera. It’s very tricky to make your character go one way, and your perspective another.

If the trial-and-error aesthetic turned you off in the past, not a whole lot has changed in that regard, and the series becomes increasingly less accessible for new players with each entry. But Double Agent is an unforgettably tense experience no stealth fan can afford to miss.

While still not meeting the revolution that 1942 was, the addition of Titan mode makes it feel more than “another year, another title” but it’s cutting it close.

A ridiculous rampage through the sexual revolution and beyond that will make you turn on, tune in, and eventually, drop out. There’s lots of fun to be had with the cutting-edge, human-hampering technology, but the rest of the design is so twentieth century.

A ridiculous rampage through the sexual revolution and beyond that will make you turn on, tune in, and eventually, drop out. There's lots of fun to be had with the cutting-edge, human-hampering technology, but the rest of the design is so twentieth century.

Armageddon delivers the culmination of all things MK. The roster is huge, the modes are many, the fighting has been nicely tweaked, and overall, it's a fitting way to turn the page on another generation of this classic franchise.

It’s so frustrating that we’re this far into the PSP’s life cycle and still we get watered down ports of good console games that are all but unplayable. Gun has a lot going for it, but when the interface is broken, the game is broken.

Like a well tempered sentence, Abyss is a complete thought. It’s solid on all angles but lacking any real sharp celerity, except in a plot seemingly based off a lost Einstein journal. It’s as good a Tales game as any, but it doesn’t raise any bars.

If you’re a masochist with a sick sense of humor, give God Hand a try, otherwise just watch the bizarre videos.

Armageddon delivers the culmination of all things MK. The roster is huge, the modes are many, the fighting has been nicely tweaked, and overall, it’s a fitting way to turn the page on another generation of this classic franchise.

There are some questionable gameplay choices and it can be confusing at times, but the sharp script, solid voice acting, and uncanny atmosphere show an appreciation for the source material like few movie games do.

There are some questionable gameplay choices and it can be confusing at times, but the sharp script, solid voice acting, and uncanny atmosphere show an appreciation for the source material like few movie games do.

There are some questionable gameplay choices and it can be confusing at times, but the sharp script, solid voice acting, and uncanny atmosphere show an appreciation for the source material like few movie games do.

Gangs of London gets the portable game design thing absolutely right, with lots of choices and play sessions that are over relatively quickly. But the decent collection of distractions doesn’t make up for the awful controls.

It’s often a glitchy and shallow experience, yet you’ll have an absolute blast playing it.

A difficult and lengthy game built for loyal and determined role-playing adventurers. However it’s weak character development and persistent leveling demands may tire out even the most hardcore experience collectors.

While the various play options and ESPN integration makes for a great front end, the slo-mo gameplay, horrid animation, and awful online execution means that the competition--"NBA 2K7"--is the only game in town for virtual ballers this season.

Cribbing the best of Zelda and mashing it with a killer aesthetic that’s both justified and gorgeous, yields a lengthy, legendary quest.

Fluffy, entertaining, and conceptually novel from start to finish, Rocket Slime is one of the best games on the Nintendo DS, and fills an action-adventure void on the system.

The sound design is spectacular and really pulls you into the battle, from the first gunshot being fired in the distance to the barrage of armored forces rolling over a war torn city.

It’s a sequel to one of the most entertaining Star Wars games ever made, and it honors one of the best sci-fi trilogies of all time. Unfortunately, some of the design limitations might keep you from playing each level multiple times to find all the goodies and online achievements.