Code Name S.T.E.A.M. represents an exciting new direction for Intelligent Systems. More than once, we found ourselves intending to complete just a mission or two, and wound up playing for five or six hours straight. It may not have the long legacy of other strategy titles, but the game proves that in many ways it’s just as capable.

FlatOut 2 is one of the most chaotic racing games ever made. Whether you’re playing on or offline, you’ll be lucky if you can last two minutes on the track without eating twisted metal.

The ability to skip challenges after failing multiple times and an inconsistent driver assist option does nothing to make the game accessible to anyone that lacks serious dedication.

The game offers dozens of moments that you just can't get anywhere else, and there's simply nothing like shooting a bug out of the sky with a giant laser. It's pretty great that in 2014 you can drop $40 and waste an entire weekend killing things straight out of a low-budget sci-fi movie.

The ultimate resolution doesn't wow us, but the windy road getting there is fully of secrets to scan for and voices to talk to, living or otherwise.

Despite these moments of frustration, Fluidity surges past the usual fare of stagnant WiiWare games, sparkling with a steady stream of fresh gameplay mechanics.

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.

A big step up from the previous title. It delivers on the classic Western setting, provides lots of gameplay options, and even lets you pull off bank heists with friends online. And without a single assault rifle to be found, it's a welcome change of pace from the standard shooter fare.

It's difficult avoid feeling nostalgia after playing Ico and Shadow of the Colossus again after all these years, and while the core of each experience withstands the test of time, the control issues that were easy to overlook the first time around simply can't be ignored today.

It's clear more time was spent fixing the things that needed fixing rather than building new additions on a shaky foundation. The physics, animations, and AI are among the best this series has seen since its inception. The level of customization and flexibility offered to players is another bright spot, with users able to freely share rosters, sliders, and playbooks with the community.

A successful reboot that captures the spirit of street soccer with realistic tricks requiring some skill and strategy to pull off. While it comes up a bit short in breadth when compared to other sports franchises, and the gameplay could use some fine tuning, the World Tour mode and addicting fundamentals make this Street a welcome detour from more stodgy sports games.

Whether you're a Layton and Phoenix expert or a newcomer, the game does an admirable job of demonstrating why each series is so beloved in the first place. The few rough edges do little to dull the wonder of Labrythina, making us hope that these erudite heroes will someday reunite.

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.

FlatOut 2 is one of the most chaotic racing games ever made. Whether you’re playing on or offline, you’ll be lucky if you can last two minutes on the track without eating twisted metal.

It’s rare that a series takes as serious a step backwards as NBA 2K8 has this season. It’s missing modes and gameplay features from last year’s game, while adding subtle changes that few players will notice or make use of.

Even with numerous technical problems, Cart Life offers more than simple entertainment. You’ll cringe when Andrus’ rent is due and despite your best efforts, you’ve come up short. Dealing with the landlord is more frightening than most survival horror games and it has a lot to do with the fact that you aren’t shooting zombies. This isn’t escapism at all; Cart Life puts the trials of life front and center. For once, the player has to think about issues rather than blasting them with a shotgun.

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.

Though it expertly renovates one of the defining campaigns of the console FPS, Halo: Anniversary is perhaps less successful at being a tribute, woefully omitting a large part of what made the series a success on top of somehow forgetting about party favors along the way. In the end, Anniversary comes a bit underdressed to its own celebration, but if you've got a soft spot for the Chief or have yet to experience Halo in its original form, now would be a great time to start the fight.

The gameplay is simple enough for anyone to pick up--making it a great title to play with friends or family—but those who go beyond casual will find it a little too simple. It’s another coat of paint slathered on the LEGO Star Wars template, but at least it’s a pretty color.

The Wii remake of Klonoa smartly left the original's essentials alone, expanding the formula with a vibrant, refreshed look, and a world that not only looks a lot better, but moves more fluidly. With plenty of variety, memorable boss battles, and a charming story, this is one ride you can't afford to miss...even if it is a rather short one.

Just like the first game, Skate 2 is a lot more enjoyable if you just look for spots to work from every conceivable angle and go to town. It’s when you attempt to actually complete the game’s career mode that things start to bog down as you’re forced to endure the finicky, imprecise trick controls, awkward on-foot movement, repetitive mission objectives, and god awful racing. But when you’re on-board, cruising down the sidewalk looking for an edge to grind or slide it really comes into its own.

There’s always something to do and it’s always going to yield action, reward or at least someone with a bad case of Tourettes.

As a first episode, The Wolf Among Us successfully introduces a world we want to know more of. Tidbits of information about places and characters are enough to satisfy while also creating sufficient mystery that your mind will stretch into all sorts of possibilities. The way you play The Wolf Among Us doesn’t earn as much enthusiasm, but that perhaps proves games can enthrall even if what your hands are doing isn’t that interesting.

A condensed but fun experience in the role of pretend-doctor and the medical disasters you can impose on your pretend patients. It’s a dark, gruesome, and hilarious take on this life-saving vocation…though you’ll probably end up ruining more lives than you save.

For a series that frequently touches on such dark themes, Harry Potter is surprisingly amenable to the Lego treatment, even at its grimmest moments.

It’s rare that a series takes as serious a step backwards as NBA 2K8 has this season. It’s missing modes and gameplay features from last year’s game, while adding subtle changes that few players will notice or make use of.

More than enough material to keep the shadows running long into the future.

The best yet in the series, but with a modest play time and simple gameplay it's hard to recommend as a purchase for adults. The formula is simply starting to wear a bit thin. For fans of the films, it's a quality product that does the license justice and likely represents one of the final pop culture spin-offs before the trilogy is finally laid to rest.

The addition of coin rush and StreetPass functionality extend the shelf life of what would otherwise be a rather limited experience, but while there's still reasonable value here, the new Super Mario Bros. formula is losing just a little bit of its luster. Innovation and creativity don't shine as brightly as they should, but the glitter of great control and tight level design still make New Super Mario Bros. 2 tempting to pick up.

For the time being we’re prepared to brave the beautiful wastelands of our solar system over and over because the freestyle combat across huge maps can have surprising variations between different play sessions. We’ve had enough wow moments to justify the time and effort to unlock them, and the possibilities of what Bungie could do next in this newly minted galaxy is intriguing based on what we’ve played so far. Destiny has not achieved greatness, yet. It is however, extremely fun to play.

The first game to copy "Grand Theft Auto" directly. It gets away with it for three reasons: one, it looks better than GTA ever did, two, it has insane online multiplayer that GTA4 will hopefully copy, and three, GTA was a gratuitously rewarding experience to begin with.

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.

The right combination of gameplay elements and design decisions make Kane and Lynch easy to recommend to crime junkies and anyone who enjoys a little therapeutic videogame violence. A well-executed plot really makes the game, while the multiplayer additions add replay value and variety.

Ducktales Remastered is clearly made with care and considerable skill, but it might actually have a little too much in love for its source material. It looks and sounds great, but the huge effort spent to tell a story in the same voice as the TV show gives it the unbalanced feel of a fan project.

Its clever writing, nuanced characters, and well-developed system of virtual hijinks and interaction have really stood the test of time.

The end result delivers a heart-warming and worthwhile experience that's unique, fast-paced, and provides endless laughs.

The PSP has definitely turned a corner in the past few months, and this latest Pursuit Force really illustrates what the system is capable of when developers really care about making a quality game with an original property.

Uncharted 2's Siege Expansion DLC perhaps isn't essential for fans content with what they already have, but given its price and breadth, it's no half-tucked effort either. If team play is your bag, this is definitely one to consider.

The anything-is-a-weapon aesthetic is still ace, but the combat system is too unwieldy when tackling multiple foes. It’s a game of ups and downs, but horror fans will be more than satisfied with its bleak and gloomy disposition.

Rather than aim toward a mass-market audience with an arcade approach, the developers have slowed the game down and required more finesse and skill out of players. Though still lacking in some areas, it is nonetheless an improved version of its predecessor with all of its strengths and fewer of its weaknesses.

Sure, the game has some limitations when compared to the real-life hobby, particularly as played by those who've been collecting cards for years, but Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is a full-featured package that successfully communicates the spirit of this timeless game.

Tembo: The Badass Elephant may be a bit short and straightforward, but the gameplay is solid and the destruction is satisfying.

It won't exhilarate you in ways that games typically do, nor does it offer much in the way of replayability. But its existence proves that neither are specifically required for a worthwhile experience.

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.

DeathSpank maintains a tongue-in-cheek quality throughout that mocks hackneyed game conventions even as it celebrates them. If you've played several RPGs before, you'll definitely be in on the jokes, but the never-ending fetch-quest gag isn't quite as funny when you actually have to do the legwork.

None of Dead Rising 3’s issues will stop you from enjoying the ludicrous ways you can kill zombies. While it may initially appear to be a more somber game than before, after spending a few hours with Dead Rising 3 you’ll realize the spirit of the series is well intact.

Uprising's hand-drawn sprites are stunning, and they blend with the 3D environments to good effect. The same can't be said of the audio, with effects that feel dull and flat only barely redeemed by a genre-appropriate metal soundtrack.

Ubisoft Romania has done a great job in making a sequel that one-ups its predecessor in every way, from innovative gameplay in a by-the-books-genre, to a full-bodied multiplayer experience.

If anything, Orcs and Elves will remind you of the old school classic PC RPGs like Lands of Lore and Eye of the Beholder--which is to say that there’s not a lot of originality here. But given the restrictions, id’s first DS game is a success.

If nothing else, this playful romp packs enough in-jokes for both Simpsons fans and gamers in general that it’s definitely worth playing through at least once.

The Lego appeal is ultimately superficial, so you'll only really buy this if you like the music. If the 40-odd songs seems like a good deal for 50 bucks, than pawn the Fender Stratocaster and start rocking.

An accessible co-op dungeon crawler that's at its best with a group of friends. It may be on the shorter side, but while it lasts it's an unpredictable and memorable experience.

With several dozen scenarios on offer, it'll certainly keep you busy if you've got a hankering for transdimensional brain-teasers. It's just too bad that so few of the puzzles end up feeling memorable.

There’s enough new in here to warrant a look at the game even if you played the last one to death. It won’t blow your socks off, but it will any aspiring collegiate hours upon hours of enjoyment.

If nothing else, this playful romp packs enough in-jokes for both Simpsons fans and gamers in general that it’s definitely worth playing through at least once.

Though Kingdom Hearts fans might be put off by some of the ways that 358/2 Days alters the structure, the underlying game is faithful to its legacy and jam-packed with content. Once the experience moves past its plodding early paces, it's great fun.

Zeno Clash gives off an aura of being bigger than it actually is, and its less-refined spots really stick out. Constantly bizarre, if you can overlook its blemishes, you'll find an experience like nothing else out there.

An example of misappropriated resources. The things that weren't broken have been changed, and lingering issues have gone untouched. With that said, there's plenty of game here.

Yes, there are still some big licensing issues, and the AI still makes the same odd, boneheaded moves, but overall, NASCAR 09 is extremely playable, and should satisfy console gear heads looking to climb the ranks and make the chase.

The gameplay is addictive and the self-referential material is charming. It also manages to hit the sweet spot between accessibility and depth that we expect from top shelf downloadable games.

It's hard to argue with Crackdown 2's draw. After a multi-hour session consisting of little more than hunting down agility orbs and engaging in unstructured havoc, you'll still find it hard to peel yourself away.

With just seven hours of play and little replay value it’s the ultimate rental. While it includes a few new ideas, it isn’t a revelation that will rock the world, but it’s still one of the better action games available for the PlayStation 3.

There’s enough new in here to warrant a look at the game even if you played the last one to death. It won’t blow your socks off, but it will any aspiring collegiate hours upon hours of enjoyment.

At its matinee price of $40, Tekken Hybrid definitely isn't a shabby deal in the end.

What saves the game from eventual tedium is the absurd action spectacle you can create at a moment's notice.

The appeal of creatively eradicating the undead remains undeniable. Drab environment and co-op hiccups aside, there's plenty to enjoy in the three-hour campaign to make it worth the $10 asking price.

An example of misappropriated resources. The things that weren't broken have been changed, and lingering issues have gone untouched. With that said, there's plenty of game here.

This Gunslinger isn't fancy or high tech. It excels where it matters most, with satisfying gunplay in a colorful old west setting that’s satisfying enough to have you forget or overlook the game's faults. If you're looking for a shooter that lets you spit fire into the hearts of your enemies, strap on the spurs and become a Gunslinger yourself.

Yes, there are still some big licensing issues, and the AI still makes the same odd, boneheaded moves, but overall, NASCAR 09 is extremely playable, and should satisfy console gear heads looking to climb the ranks and make the chase.

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.

This is a sequel that’s more about refinement than innovation, and elements such as the weather effects and the robust Theater of War serve to make an already great franchise just a tad greater. A heavy reliance on the past keeps it from earning the legendary status of its predecessor, but appropriately, Company of Heroes 2 marks a dogged victory for Relic -- these guys have clearly been fighting the good fight.

One of the coolest things about flow is its simplicity. You never feel harried or rushed. Even when you pause the game, it doesn’t actually stop, it just raises your creature to a level where nothing can attack it, waiting for you to pick the controller back up and continue on.

The latest Resident Evil spinoff is full of nostalgia and insight for dedicated fans, and it will provide anyone who isn't a zombie sympathizer plenty of 10 to 20 minute chunks of simple-but-satisfying light gun shooting.

Magic 2014 is still well worth its modest ten dollar price tag, but players looking to jump into a duel for the first time would be better served by the better-rounded 2012 and 2013 versions of the series, even if their art doesn’t move.

World in Flames delivers on what it tries to be--a high octane playground of destruction.

Shaun White Snowboarding could definitely benefit from some more polish and it's fairly derivative, but its open-ended design and subdued trick system capture the feel of the real sport. Snowboarders will appreciate the ability to play the game how they want, but it's low on flash, so weekend warriors should buy a three-day lift pass for a test run.

Though the battle system is improved, an erratic difficulty, budget production values, and a poorly-paced story keep Dawn of the New World from royalty status. In some ways, it’s a worthy successor to the original, but it’s ultimately just another passable action RPG.

With NFL Blitz 2012 you're going to get almost exactly what you expect…minus the price tag. There are more modes than anticipated, but the gameplay never strays from the formula. Save for updated rosters and teams, there's not much point in replacing your legacy copy of the game, but for newcomers it's an impressively fun package for a small price.

The new additions have helped streamline the experience, and the "Stubs" system has directly addressed fan criticism of micro-transactions. However it's unfortunate that its ambitious element, Online Franchise, is severely marred by technical difficulties. Hopefully the situation can be remedied in a future patch, and if not, well at least we have the PlayStation 4 version to hope for.

Does what it intends to do quite well. This is a game that begs you to replay those four hours. Take it for a spin with a harder difficulty setting or focus on a different set of weapons, and you'll feel like you're playing a different game.

Conduit 2's cheeky dialogue and creative weapons are amusing, and there are enough multiplayer options to keep you busy, although not likely for the whole of spring. Conduit 2 isn't top of its class, but it's a fun B-movie experience nonetheless.

Though the game is lacking from a strictly consumer perspective, there's lots of value is in the fighting itself.

While we might sound a bit harsh on GRID Autosport, it really is a solid racer with tight controls and competitive opponents. It is an improvement over over GRID 2 in some ways, but with so much repurposed content, it's more like a best-of collection than a completely new game.

Star Fox Command is the odd game that finds itself being better in practice than theory. The distilled elements are fantastic but the inter-complexities don’t gel completely.

Scrambling for some mysterious, hilarious weapon harbored in a crate, landing an impossible shot, or carving out the land for an assault continues to be what makes Worms' game of destructible chess worthwhile. It's easy to write off the single-player campaign, but the heart and soul of the multiplayer stays the sure and steady path. It may not be advertised revolution, but this long going war is one worthy of enlisting in.

Its cute characters, uplifting songs, and undeniable charm have all remained intact, providing an enjoyable portable experience that should be taken in small doses.

Shaun White Snowboarding could definitely benefit from some more polish and it's fairly derivative, but its open-ended design and subdued trick system capture the feel of the real sport. Snowboarders will appreciate the ability to play the game how they want, but it's low on flash, so weekend warriors should buy a three-day lift pass for a test run.

The game makes several middling attempts to align itself more closely with other successful designs while keeping its identity mostly intact. Despite a few stumbles in engineering its single-player experience and some irregularities with its controls, this is still a unique and solid experience provided you plan to enlist in online multiplayer.

Despite failing to live up to some of its bold promises, Brink lands on its feet with an enjoyable class-based shooter that most anyone with a true taste for teamwork will take to. You may find a few hurdles to jump over, but if you're looking for a solid and fun team experience that isn't Team Fortress 2 on the consoles, you could do worse than Brink.

Were it not for the questionable pacing, this initial outing would have been a brilliant debut, as the fundamentals are certainly there. If you're determined to experience it for yourself, rest assured that there are some great moments in this new Castlevania--just be prepared to endure some tedium in getting to them.

Though Red Faction: Guerrilla delivers on this concept admirably, it wasn't without a cost: namely, the detail and character that makes the best open-world games memorable to begin with. Be that as it may, there's still plenty here to enjoy. Just be prepared to endure some slow spells, and power through some truly unforgiving moments.

Garden Warfare was a surprise when it was announced, and you’ll be surprised when you play it what PopCap managed to accomplish. But it can get repetitive when the jokes run dry, and the system designed to combat this is locked behind piles of crumpled tinfoil and stacks of unwanted stickers.

It's best to look at Tropico 4 as port of entry for new players. If you've never set sail for the island paradise's sunny climes, you'll be happy to know that the improvements allow you to enjoy a more accessible version of Tropico 3 without feeling like they've dumbed-down the content.

If you've always been curious about what it'd be like to play a Jensen that's tricked out in a completely different way, The Missing Link offers a blank slate with which to do so. Diehard transhumans will want to unravel The Missing Link without hesitation in any event, but at $15, those less committed to Jensen's cause could stand to wait until the price of the upgrade isn't so steep.

The PlayStation 3 version is a downgrade in many respects.

World in Flames delivers on what it tries to be--a high octane playground of destruction.

One of those games that hardcore shooting fans will eat up, but the rest will be left wondering what the fuss is all about. It has some unique ideas with its open-ended world and myriad of mission objectives, but it’s all dampened by its questionable gunplay.

Apart from MotionPlus support, there isn't a whole lot new in World Stage. Ubisoft has certainly played it safe with a short and unimaginative campaign. But it's hard to knock the Balance Board controls-they totally make the Shaun White experience, and make it a pleasure to revisit the virtual slopes, sameness and all.