Keeping pace with the infectious, obstacle-based hook that made the original a hit while boldly charting new ground with tuned up features and an ambitious outdoor angle, Trials Evolution brings the breadth of its namesake to bear in a well-equipped and enthusiastically realized sequel that fans of the original shouldn't pass up. When it comes to providing an endless loop of frustration, fun, and harebrained antics on wheels, you'll find few other stunt racers quite as hopelessly addicting as this.

One of the most robust pieces of downloadable content we’ve ever seen. We’re used to getting a handful of hours, but we were surprised again and again that the missions just kept on coming. There’s a certain level of déjà vu involved and more mission variety would be appreciated, but the new multiplayer options are practically worth the price of admission alone.

The team at EA has taken a chance on new features and a rather risky adjustment to the core gameplay that has paid off in nearly every regard. More realistic pacing, in-depth controls both on and off the ball, enhanced online and offline experiences, and the ability to constantly share your passion for all things soccer combine to make FIFA 12 the complete package.

Deep, challenging, rewarding, and yet somehow approachable and fun, FIFA 10 truly shines as an example of how to please fans of a particular sport.

While the ideas for those dungeons eventually made their way into other games, it’s disappointing Nintendo didn’t re-work the Triforce quest into a new dungeon or two to greatly improve the experience. Or why they still left three charts in the game rather than making all of the items immediately obtainable once you reached the quest. As it stands, even with the refinements, this segment breaks the otherwise great pacing of the game and feels out of place.

The quickie dungeons and throttled exploration are outright disappointing, but when held up against the rest of the DS library, it’s an impressive game. But it’s just a good Zelda.

MLB 11 finally moves the series forward with enough meaningful change to make the game feel like a fresh start.

Persona 4 is a well-crafted game dense with content that achieves a compelling balance between traditional RPG dungeon crawling and, shockingly, what can actually be considered role-playing. In its 60-plus hours you’ll experience a tight, well-structured story, and the liberty to freely develop characters and progress at your own discretion.

MLB 09's choppy online play is an unfortunate blemish on an otherwise stellar game. For those hoping to enjoy the multiplayer leagues, chat system, and live drafts, this is a big problem. Of course, you can always brush up on your skills offline while the development team gets to work on improving the net code. In terms of realism, challenge, and sheer enjoyment, MLB 09's brand of single-player virtual hardball easily takes home the pennant this season.

This is an inverted Faustian bargain--will you pay the high price to play the small slice of heaven that lingers in Limbo?

Just like those that inspired it, this slick, demanding game inspires you to revel in the grim possibilities it offers. And when it comes to the precision of its execution, it might just have something to teach the big dogs.

The multiplayer component definitely has its moments, but serious players will be turned off by how random it can be. For the series to remain elite it will need to evolve, but for now, its unique premise and core gameplay are more than enough to make this brotherhood one worth joining.

The Wii controls aren’t perfect for celestial paintbrush techniques, but they certainly don’t detract from the overall experience. With widescreen support, and improved visual fidelity, you’ll find very little to complain about.

We'll make no bones about it: Super Meat Boy is a masterful platformer packed with multitudes of cool stuff, and it will keep you playing well longer than its bargain price tag would suggest.

The first couple hours with Dead Space 2 are very familiar, but it's one of those rare games that just keeps getting better. It's still a very dreary game that can make long play sessions a challenge, yet there are scores of moments that stick with you for quite some time. The multiplayer is a disappointment, but it's a much more accessible game that won't leave fans in a lurch.

Civilization V is a brilliant expression of the turn-based strategy game by the undisputed masters of the form. It's a great entry point for newcomers, and veterans will delight in all the wrinkles and refinements.

Super Mario 3D Land proves that gaming's most enduring mascot is also its most adaptable.

The original "Metroid Prime" is one of the highest-rated games in existence, but Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is easily superior. It’s far less frustrating, and more action packed, while managing to redefine console shooting controls in the process.

Dota 2 is so carefully constructed and improving at such a rapid rate that it won’t only be played for years, but possibly decades. Though it may take dozens of hours to learn, players that grasp Dota 2’s ideas will find a game that’s almost endlessly enjoyable.

The level of imagination, inspiration, and variety on display sets a high standard for other games to come. And with a payment model a good deal more generous than the majority of its competition, it puts to question just what other developers can get away with.

Many driving games have tried to straddle this line between accessibility and reality, with varying success. Forza Motorsport 2 is one of the first driving games to really nail it.

Last year's game featured major enhancements, and FIFA 13 is a disappointment in comparison. However, refined offensive controls, a brisker pace, and a focus on thoughtful, skillful play ultimately help this year's installment achieve an identity.

There may not be any truly revolutionary additions here, but the tightly-focused map, extensive streamlining, and rich opportunities for strategic gameplay inject a welcome freshness into the series.

The new features and time period are definitely welcome, but it's disappointing that Empire: Total War has so many minor glitches and oversights that mar an otherwise excellent experience.

The additions to the my player mode alone are worth the price of admission, and those who grew up playing Lakers vs. Celtics and other classic 16-bit basketball games will love being able to play as their favorite athletes with a modern-day presentation. While the NBA's greatest mode could have benefitted from more depth, the improved gameplay means that NBA 2K12 has once again earned a spot in the starting lineup.

Lasting ten to twelve hours with complex characters, diverse scenarios, stunning new locations, and memorable bosses, this ten dollar expansion stands out in a period when many DLC offerings feel like lackluster afterthoughts.

The story in Borderlands 2 is by far the biggest improvement. The humor and over-the-top style that was merely glimpsed in the first game are ever-present here. Strong personalities drive the experience from beginning to end, whether it's Claptrap's sense of self-importance, Tiny Tina's hyperactivity, or Handsome Jack's spiteful annoyance.

When compared to the typical Japanese RPG, Persona 3 feels like a breath of fresh air.