Richly designed and well-balanced gameplay, adding new squad-based and tactical interfaces to an already complex style of play, Ghost Recon is the thinking man’s shooter.

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.

It is still a conventional RTS game and has issues with longevity as it can become boring and repetitive, but with the thirty missions and with multiplayer capabilities, you should get your money's worth.

Despite the ultra clean graphics, the boredom factor lies in wait for experienced gamers. I played through most of the Comanche 4 campaign missions in a few days. But, those were a good few days.

While [it] improves upon last year's version in almost every area, most of these improvements -- other than the additional (and much needed) modes of play -- are subtle rather than drastic. Thus, as a complete package, it still seems lacking.

If you're already a bona fide Sims addict, go out and buy this pack now. It's priced as low as $17 in some places and is definitely worth the money.

Chock full of 200 units from 14 Epochs and about 60,000 years of evolution, Empire Earth can't help but quench your thirst for ultra-realistic and incredibly encompassing strategy game play.

The overall structure of the game is pretty true to the show, which should please "Survivor" fans. However, the survival portions of the game are just plain boring and some of the challenges aren't much better.

Since there's so much interesting information in the game, some drudgery and a lot of time spent reading statistically-based screens and news about what's happening in other parts of the world, your basic playability is bound to suffer.

If you’re wearing body armor just before you start a new part of the plot, you’ll see your character wearing it in the cut-scene as well. I feel that this effect really adds to the suspension of disbelief in MGS2 and helps it be that much more impressive.

The end product may not be as flashy or brilliant as other titles, but it is fun. In the end, that's what matters.

Worth mentioning is the absolute best scenario/campaign editor encountered in any software.

I can't help but feel that it's the same kind of rushed-out crap that gets tossed into the bargain bin at your favorite game store just weeks after its release.

Given the graphics power of the PS2, the thing I found myself wanting the most were high quality character animations. CvS2 often looks just like the same old sprite fighters we’ve seen over the last few years.

The controls are simple enough to master that you shouldn't have to pause the game to look at the manual just to figure out how to pull off a stunt.

While this game is enjoyable, interesting, clever and even educational, its realism may be its weak point. If I haven’t impressed upon you enough, it’s a slow evolving, deliberate game requiring patience and intelligence.

It delivers solid gameplay that outperforms its predecessor in almost every aspect.

The controls are easy to learn, races are challenging without being unbeatably difficult, and the terrain is rich and varied.

A baby-step improvement, not a must-have for owners of the first game.

There are enough fundamental overhauls, most notably the begged-for housing, that the game is certainly worth a fresh look even from my weary eyes, jaded by almost two years of playing.

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.

There’s not anything earth-shatteringly new in Burnout, but overall it’s a lot of fun to play.

The best part of the game is definitely the atmospheric elements and the "straight out of the movie/series" aspect. The gameplay itself is ok, but is not groundbreaking by any means.

The biggest flaws come in the storyline and lack of new material, this game really fails to add anything interesting to the MechWarrior universe.

A remarkable game. It features a rich background that’s used fully in the involved and intricate plot and has fantastic graphics, voice acting and music that combine to deliver Raziel's and Kain's story to the player.

Poorly designed and terribly executed.

There are far better motocross games out there...it isn’t worthy of gracing the PlayStation 2.

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.

Isn’t as well implemented as I’d have liked. Enjoyable, for certain, but lacking that unidentifiable combination of speed and ease of movement that makes games like this great, I can’t say that Tony Hawk was a truly excellent title.

Older kids and most adults will tire of the gameplay, but young children will think the game is cool with its movie cutscenes and easy controls.

With few improvements over the last version, NBA Live 2002 is taking a risk by opening the door to its competitors.

The racing, judged alone, can be quite fun, but overall most gamers can't help but be disappointed in the games lack of a true multiplayer feel.

No heartfelt sense of victory remained after the beauty pageant had ended. A more comprehensive motocross biking game might have included racing, not just freestyle.

Nothing chaps my hide more than a really good idea for a video game absolutely destroyed by poor controls and subpar cause and effect.

Sunny Garcia Surfing’s lack of gameplay and graphics make it a weak contender at best.

I didn’t like that the bike could detach. It’s supposed to be used to help you but it always caused me more trouble than it was worth.

Definitely falls flat on its face with simplistic, arcade style gameplay and a lack of decent execution. Most certainly a bargain bin title, I wouldn’t even rent this one if I had the chance.

A disappointment...A neat idea having a city where the socio-economics are broken down so structurally. With nasty goings on occurring in the recesses of the city, I honestly wanted to love this game.

While the game certainly has a flair for the illegal, the graphics are just average. Characters all look underworldly, but they also look to remedial and blocky.

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.

Once they fix the problems, and I’m sure they will, the game will be a great diversion for kids and adults alike looking for a good, educational and more-or-less non-violent game.

If a 10-inch thick blade rammed through his heart has no effect on him, why should Sin Scissors' demon weapons affect him?

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.

It is challenging and it can take some time to get comfortable with the controls, but it’s also refreshing to see a simulator that doesn’t throw away the first missions by giving simple goals or weak enemies.

The unique racing experience offered here stands out from the pack of futuristic titles with high-speed action and gorgeous graphics.

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.

Relatively unique in the fact that it makes clear use of the Hanseatic League and has many references to the history of that large organization, this title still fails to present worthwhile gameplay, leaving the character to shuttle supplies from town to town, without much reward or entertainment value.

Castlevania Chronicles will probably only appeal to fans of the series who can’t ever get enough.

While answering questions is fun, it gets boring watching the computer try to act like it's thinking about the answers and then waiting for a response.

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.

With stunning graphics and solid gameplay, you’ll be hard pressed to find flaws that take anything away from this game.

Save tilting and smashing the glass with my fist, I experienced many of the same challenges, frustrations, and triumphs as with my family’s old Williams Pinball machine.

The only thing preventing me from scoring this graphics masterpiece in the 90’s was the somewhat weak storyline and the tedium that got me down on more then one occasion.

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.

Not only will you get your money's worth, but you’ll probably still be playing it when "NHL 2003" is released.

With a combination of stunning graphics, high-octane action and sweet multiplayer gameplay, NHL Hitz 20-02 comes off as one of those rare titles most PS2 owners will not want to miss.

With the exception of "Ico," this is the most fun I’ve had playing a PS2 game ever.

Aside from not producing the kinds of graphics that you’d normally see out of a PS2, Formula One 2001 also has a lackluster interface, unconvincing physics and damage engine, and a shortage of good audio effects.

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.

I swear your will I.Q. increase the longer you play it, as you are forced to really experiment and think things through just to get to the next stage. An awesome game with an awesome plot.

It has an interesting plot with lots of wandering around shooting off the limbs of the walking dead. However, you shouldn’t expect too much out of the dialogue or the background music.

Feed the dog, kiss the wife goodbye, and tell work that you’re very ,very sick then start playing Commandos 2, and don’t blame me when you’re staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night thinking about how you could have completed the mission a better way.

An extremely enjoyable time.

If you absolutely loved the arcade version, don’t buy this game. You will be so disappointed that you will want to skeet shoot the disc itself.

With excellent graphics, strong gameplay, and top-notch design, this is definitely one of my favorites of 2001.

Disappointing. With poor gameplay and embarrassing graphics, Spider-Man definitely looks better on the shelf than on your computer.

The storyline itself isn’t the greatest, but it is very well done compared to what this genre of game usually sees and the high quality graphics back that story up very well.

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.

Although the plot keeps it afloat, the lack of any variety will quickly wear on most gamers.

Regardless of whether you’re an aspiring Gen. Douglas McArthur, you are going to love this game.

Bizarre, energetic, and vibrant.

It offers nothing new and improved. If you’re a fan of the series and absolutely must have the updated rosters, then you may want to... uh, forget it, don’t buy it anyway!

Provides hours and hours of fun gameplay that will have you staying up way too late and ignoring your spouse. This is one of the most enjoyable first/third person shooters to come along in a long time.

Yeah, the game is easy to pick up and generally fun to play, but it’s missing that special something that elevates games to greatness.

A breath of fresh air in the RPG genre, with highly rendered graphics, huge playing fields, and an excellent experience system allowing unprecedented freedom of development, not to mention the interesting storyline.

A wonderfully addictive game, as well as a challenging new way to play strategy. Best yet, you can kick ALL of your friends' collective butts at the same time.

Let me tell ya something -- XGIII is a flat-out, go-for-gonzo experience, the coolest racing game I've played in years.

I don’t know about you, but I’m sold!

A total blast to play online.

Only slightly different, Another Age fails in the fact that it is nearly a cookie-cutter copy of the original game. If the original was excellent to begin with, why not play it again?

With the lone exception of the commentary, Madden 2002 represents a substantial upgrade from last year’s version and a worthy purchase for football fanatics everywhere, with beefed-up graphics and improved gameplay in several key areas.

Simply put, this has been one of the harder reviews I’ve had to put together merely because it means I’ll have to stop playing to write it!...Truly, if you only buy one RTS this year, be sure to make it Conquest!

Graphics don't make a game, but when they are outdated enough to cause a distraction, you know it is a time for an upgrade.

This one just flat out stinks.

If, however, this is your first introduction to the Gundam series and a solid game is more your goal, you’ll find the gameplay frustrating and the average graphics and sound disappointing.

With obvious devotion to its tried-and-true arcade game play, one thing is for sure -- it's still a lot of fun to play. If you're a fan of the series, you'll find a lot to like about this year's game.

Majestic draws you in and doesn’t let go. Captivating, compelling, and even thrilling at times, it draws you into a strange and mysterious world where your individual actions have a definite impact.

The rare quality of drawing the player into the campaign and making him want to keep fighting for turf (even if it's the cold snow of Iceland) is Eurofighter Typhoon's most outstanding quality.

A game that looks like it could have been put out on the PlayStation, with poor controls, zero character development and below par graphics.

This stable game gets it right but provides conventional gameplay, unimaginative graphics and a noticeable lack of depth.

Offering a compelling mix of solid graphics and college-specific gameplay, along with the best dynasty mode to date -- NCAA Football 2002 is without competition.

Although it isn’t the best game in the world, Extermination really strikes a chord in me for being such a good evolution of the horror adventure genre.

The reason the score isn’t higher is because in the second mission of the game I found the subject matter of race not too politically correct for the times we live in. Other than that, this game is as pretty and fun as those vivacious saloon gals that I love so much.

At times MP is more movie than game, with stunning camera angles, jarring replays and an involved plot that not only moves the storyline along, it sets the tone for a hardcore action experience.

Anyone who has an interest in Military strategy with a whole lot of sci-fi thrown in should definitely go buy a copy of MechCommander 2, you’ll get your money's worth from the amount of playing time you’ll invest.

I found myself wishing for the gameplay of Maxis’ "Sim Ant" using the graphics of Empire instead of the lackluster strategy found here.

A respectable action-packed arcade game that will provide hours of entertainment. It’s certainly not the answer that hardcore flight-sim fans might have been hoping for, but then again, it doesn’t pretend to be.

I had a fair amount of fun with it and I certainly learned a lot about the game itself. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to everyone, those of you who have even a passing interest, owe it to yourself to give it a play.