Arcade mavens, it’s a no-brainer, buy it now. However, I can’t help but think that for hardcore sim fans the over-the-top antics may be just a bit too much.

This game takes the purity and excitement of America's favorite pastime and brings it to the Xbox flawlessly.

Call me a glutton for punishment, but I've never been so addicted to a shooter. Maybe it's the fact the game keeps hammering me, but I can't get enough. I can't tell you how many times I muttered "this is ridiculous" or "you've got to be kidding" while playing the game, but I still love it.

There is, however, a very high learning curve to the game, which I guess isn’t surprising considering how complex it is. The tutorial gives you only the minimum of basics and there are very few in-the-game resources for learning.

I can’t remember the last time I spent so much time playing just a single game... Just ask my wife. We would be sitting at the dinner table and she would look over at me with that evil eye and say “You’re thinking of that @#!$% game again aren’t you?”

The number of tracks mixed in with the brilliance in design should keep you playing for quite awhile. You may not have the patience to try and unlock all 300 cars, you should find more than enough replay value just trying to learn the different driving techniques for the different cars.

I literally got the bejeebers scared out of me when I played it during the midnight hour. Any game that gets under my skin like this one gets my seal of approval.

If you’re looking for a damn good skateboarding game, on any platform, start here.

One of those exceptional games where the great gameplay makes up for mediocre graphics and sound.

Whether you are looking at it for the challenging single-player mode, the innovative cooperative two-player mode, or the "get to know your guests" party game mode, C&C succeeds.

Not only gives you a realistic fighting challenge, but also manages to make it look really good while doing so. However, it does suffer from some setbacks, like a poor selection of moves, and a very steep learning curve.

It's exactly what I find fun in games and the fact it's a Fallout title automatically makes it a winner in my book. But to the rest of the world, load times, freeze up, tough viewable angle and way mature themes might make you want to rent this one before buying.

Total Annihilation lacks one critical element that would have put it on my all-time list, and that involves immersion. In other words, the storyline and between-mission cinematics (which were somewhat lacking) did not suck me in as C&C did.

With a slick combination of pleasing graphics, awesome music, huge environments to explore, and a killer combo control system, the game's replay value flies over the ramp and off the charts.

Make no mistake about it, this is the game most Civilization lovers have been longing for.

Although the controls can still be difficult to manage at first, Starfleet Command III is worth the effort.

A patch away from gaming excellence. Recommended for "Baldur’s Gate" and "Neverwinter Nights" fans, after a good patch, this title will have all the goods.

What will keep you going through much of this game is the original story with well written and even better voiced characters and graphics that push the envelope of the PS2.

This game is geared (ha ha) more for the RPG player, and I can say that it could have possibly converted me into one with a little more action.

My only real beef about this and every Tom Clancy game, PC or otherwise, is the inability to step over small rocks or other obstacles coupled with no jump function. I know for a fact that Green Berets can either climb or jump over objects over 11 inches high.

Aspects such as the control of the different cars which are rewarding to drive, the different cars handling noticeably, well different, and the AI reacting to your movements all gives the races some flare.

Come prepared for a rousing adventure, as Bloodmoon has reinvigorated the adventures of the Elder Scrolls universe.

Spy Hunter isn't a game to pass up.

The only thing I can say in particular is that I love the addition of Gem Fighter.

As a MMORPG, Final Fantasy XI is definitely one of the best around and for those who enjoy them prepare for hours upon hours of fun.

They did a great job of setting the timer on some missions to the point where you will either succeed by a few seconds or lose by a few seconds.

An excellent game with plenty of character and story development, engaging plot and rich graphics. This game will undoubtedly appeal to the gamer of a more disturbed taste. I liked it.

The best motorcycle racing game on the system. I am very impressed with just about every aspect of the game. It is tough but not insanely tough.

Boy, did System Shock 2 suck me in and not let me go. It’s been two weeks since I got this game and I look forward to playing it every day.

I wish its storylines were more compelling, but since it has beautiful graphics, easy controls and decent sound, I guess three out of four isn't bad.

Frequency friggin' rocks! As one of my friends put it, it's like an addiction that you just can't get enough of, even if you've played the game a gazillion times.

Yakuza isn’t the cleanest title I’ve ever seen, but it is well executed and fun. I’d call this game an unqualified success.

Monster Rancher 3 rocks. That’s all that needs to be said. However, just to clarify, this game has really satisfying gameplay that should please even the most jaded gamer.

While I wouldn’t call this title really high quality, it rests on the strength of good gameplay and a proven console game style.

Definitely a great game, but it was just so tough in spots. I fear that many gamers will tire of getting stuck all the time and not want to continue.

Bizarre, energetic, and vibrant.

This action adventure RPG is packed with side-scrolling style action, three-dimensional action, lots of challenging puzzles, tons of characters, and scads of enemies' abilities that you can acquire and use yourself.

At $19.99 and even $9.99 at some places you actually cannot afford to NOT buy this game. It is so impressive graphically and it's such a straight-up fun game.

A welcome extension of Rise of Nations, a near-perfect mesh of the familiar oblique-overhead map "real time" tactics and turn-based strategy.

Truly a work of art. It attains the virtual railroad experience with excellence. There are absolutely no negative surprises.

A visceral, intense shooter with well designed and realized levels, and certainly a “must have” title for FPS aficionados.

With graphics and frame rate no longer an issue, this time around, gamers will no doubt appreciate the depth of gameplay that the game has to offer.

The combination of magic and weapons is unique and, meshed with excellent graphics and sound, makes this a game a winner.

The addition of several features and planes, such as Multiplayer, ATC, Auto Generated Scenery, and the Cessna Caravan Amphibian certainly make the game much more interesting than previous versions.

With the stunning graphics, super-fun co-op mode, and intelligent and seamless interface, you won’t be worrying about the storyline until well after you’ve finished shooting fireballs at the last of the frost giants.

With easy-to-learn gameplay and a learning curve that lets you build up your skills as you progress without overwhelming you, Gotham is an incredibly fun title.

This title is a truly epic quest with excellent replayability. This game got under my skin so bad that I remember getting out of bed at 2:00am and going downstairs to play it.

Perhaps the closest I’ve ever seen to a western film brought to the Xbox screen, and at the same time, could’ve been so much more.

The game engine has been redone and handles like a dream. It actually reminded me of "Moto Racer" except in cars instead of on motor bikes.

With outstanding graphics and well executed audio features helping to increase the game’s appeal, those who enjoy "Halo’s" style of action wouldn’t want to pass up Brute Force.

The original storyline combined with innovative new ideas for RTS games will even keep the interest of players not historically attracted to this genre.

It’s evident plenty of time was spent recreating these historic battles and aircraft. The immense amount of detail associated with the control system and interface is evidence of this.

This is a must have for any Star Wars fan and those who enjoy space simulators.

Although some graphical elements are not what they should be, others look amazing. In addition, there are eighteen different jets with assorted armaments available, and they all handle well.

With an engaging story, action packed pace, superb graphics and a surprise ending, Genma Onimusha is one of the finest games in the survival/horror genre.

Those who have enjoyed other Sim-style games will enjoy The Sims, but for others, the game may not differ enough from real life to seem interesting.

If you're anything like this reviewer, and your lookin' to have a good time (no, make that great time!) with a baseball game that emphasizes accurate game play with believable results…once again, this year's version is the game to beat.

If you’re a turn-based or real-time RPG or action-adventure fan and don’t mind dark themes, or if you’re looking for an RPG with a twist to the average gameplay mechanics, I’d highly recommend this game.

Currently my favorite pick for RPG games -- it’s one of the very few worthy titles in the genre this year. Its simpler interface doesn’t offer the detailed character development options of some titles, but I like getting into the game quickly without getting bogged down in the details of character stats.

The computer opponents offer a decent level of challenge. Sure, they'll miss an easy putt every now and then, but they'll never play the same way twice -- and for those of us looking for a reason to go back again and again, this is a very good thing.

I felt that if it weren’t for the fact that collecting all twelve of the gold medals gave you that maxed-out character, I'm not sure I would have ever played the game in racing mode.

Get ready, and I mean it, for the coolest, sleekest, meanest, most addictive snowboarding game out there...Sorry "SSX," I believe you have been dethroned.

The PS2 version of UT is like caffeine-free diet Mountain Dew -- the taste is there, but what’s the point? The game AI provides a solid single player experience, but without acceptable multiplayer the game is lacking what really made it great on the PC.

Other issues like dynamic commentary and improved graphics also help put the series back on track with the only serious issue being the requirement of the larger memory card when using the franchise mode.

The in game fighting in Soul Blade is where the game really shines. There is little lag time between button selections and the execution of the desired move. The characters move very fluidly and quite fast.

What you'll get with EFMI is a rich adventure game that entertains with its quick wit and colorful characters.

As far as the controls go though... oh, boy. Let me say that the control configuration is incredibly difficult as every button is used frequently including the never used L3 and R3 buttons.

Able to capture the style of gameplay that has achieved past glory for the series, graphics respectable for next generation consoles have been included taking the experience to the next level.

Although Legacy Online does adequately create an experience that can survive offline while being challenging and rewarding when online, the basis for the game isn’t going to appeal to a broad audience.

Driving these cars is both a challenge and a joy. The physics handle realistically enough that you won’t be cursing every time you spin out.

After playing Crazy Taxi I had so much fun listening to the music that I felt I should’ve gone out and bought the soundtrack.

I just can't say enough about the graphics in this game either. After you play all the way throuugh this game, you will not be able to say that you did not get your money's worth.

An exceptional golf game.

A great mix of cutting audio/visual splendor with tried and true platforming game play.

An extremely enjoyable time.

Unbelievably detailed graphics that capture the entire NASCAR experience and earth shaking sound effects that still capture the guttural growls of high-performance engines.

Getting used to the controls can be a bit challenging at first, but you will soon be rowing the raft and netting monkeys with ease.

A solid turn based strategy game that is surprisingly well designed.

While the game looks great, from the meticulous gothic locations to the finely detailed demons you encounter, the game play itself was only mediocre.

Although not one the best games of the year, it still has a number of redeeming qualities and if you’re a fan of either Star Wars or third person shooters, you won’t be disappointed.

A solid game that will have lasting appeal.

It was a little slow at times and the control issues were frustrating, but the great story, incredible atmosphere and just plain creepiness made it all worthwhile.

A must for any fan of Tim Burton's style of movies or those of us who like our games to sometimes be a little left of center.

Aside from the grainy graphics, imprecise controls and somewhat strange puzzles, this game is pure horror fun.

Visually and aurally stunning, and has somewhat interesting if uninspired gameplay, but doesn’t have enough interest to hold die hard niche fans.

The missions are well designed with sub goals available and there is plenty of area to explore.

The Gamecube controller is not well suited for a game like Soul Calibur 2. While it has the four buttons necessary to play the game, the sliding grip on the shoulder buttons makes for poor controls of a special attack bound to one of those controls.

Gives you enough to be entertained but doesn't leave you thinking you just wasted a bit of cash on features that should've been included in the first game.

As an add-on pack, Team Arena rocks. It adds everything I wanted to see in "Quake III Arena," but wasn't actually there.

SimGolf was surprisingly good, however, and before I knew it, hours had passed and I was sitting on top of a small 9-hole course, screaming at my pro to sink a 5-foot putt.

This latest Tenchu is worth the money, but probably won’t hang around long in your collection after you beat it. The graphics and sound are slick and the fluid gameplay and intense kill scenes are very rewarding – just don’t expect a lot from multiplayer features.

Its fairly simplistic controls and great artwork, sounds, comments, taunts, and varied attacks between characters contributed a lot to my desire to go back for more and made the game accessible to a wide variety of skill levels.

If you’re a fan of the genre than this is a definite keeper.

Just about every gamer I know could benefit from a bit more physical activity and this is a fun way to do it.

Although it's far from cutting edge graphically, it puts together a balanced gameplay that fans of the card game should enjoy.

It is fun to blow stuff up for a while, but with a bit longer, this game could’ve been much much better.

The PC version of Enclave has a much tighter control scheme then compared to the Xbox version.

ASB 2003, which features some of the best baseball graphics the console world has ever seen, offers decent game play, reasonable AI, and a robust Franchise Mode.