The controls are well done; it’s just this novelty can’t keep an otherwise horrible game afloat.

While the controls take some getting used to (especially if you’re a southpaw), there is plenty of fun to be had in Revenant Wings.

Anyone looking for immediate entertainment and lengthy gameplay sessions should consider Galaxies as a must have game for the Wii.

Better than last year’s counterpart, Trauma Center: New Blood is all-around improved. If you’re looking for a quirky game this holiday, I suggest picking up New Blood for the co-op multiplayer component alone.

Swashbucklers: Blue vs. Grey is a strange little game that isn’t terrible by any means, but it’s not really very good, either. While I could definitely see the game developing a (tiny) cult following, every interesting element in the game is balanced out by something bad.

Nearly identical to a game that was released 3 years ago, with almost minimal upgrades. Some aspects have even been taken out or downgraded.

Slow and monotonous.

Only a select few will be hooked for more than a few seasons. John Deere Harvest in the Heartland is extremely addictive but also extremely frustrating – not because the game is challenging or cheap, but because of the inexcusable issues that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

For such a simple puzzle game, Luxor: Pharaoh’s Challenge is surprisingly addictive.

The gameplay isn’t perfect, as the bits of story elements aren’t terribly well-developed and the bot AI in the single player campaign is spotty, but the game still does a fine job of being a compelling and frantic online shooter.

In spite of the glitches, annoyances, and graphics that are nowhere near PS3’s expectations, Airborne is a tremendously thrilling game.

SEGA Rally Revo is a fun arcade racer, but those expecting something with the depth of DiRT will be disappointed.

While not as brilliant or as stunningly beautiful as other first-person shooters already available, TimeShift is still a fun shooter that plays up the action rather well. Despite a disorienting story that will leave gamers confused by the plot, it’s the action and time-manipulating gimmick that will hook gamers in long enough to see it through to the end.

The 2K team has upped the ante when it comes to game mechanics and that makes College Hoops 2K8 an enjoyable and challenging experience.

An engrossing college hoops experience. If you’ve already purchased NBA 2K8 and are apprehensive about getting another baller, give this one a rental.

Button-mashing is strictly generic and offers nothing new for next-gen gamers. The attempts at quick-time events fall flat.

Too flawed and riddled with every first-person shooter cliché out there, Soldier of Fortune: Payback might look good but this is a crude and uninventive shooter hardly worth playing.

The Wii Zapper is a decent peripheral, but it feels cheap. While I question some of the design choices, however, they're easy to get over. Link's Crossbow training is a great introduction into shooting games for those just now getting over Wii Sports.

Thanks to its charming cast of characters and great production values, Uncharted plays like a really good Hollywood blockbuster that’s never short on memorable moments and action-packed scenes.

There are no cheesy touch-screen mini-games here either; just solid gameplay. It is the perfect pick-up-and-play title for any book worms this Holiday.

This is a game that will probably appeal just to the core Code Lyoko fan-base. From a gaming standpoint, however, this game is near the bottom.

Need for Speed: ProStreet is a great breath of fresh air for the series, and is a very complex and deep racer with some sleek customization options.

Next to the Orange Box, this is actually a sweet value title. You must like killing aliens, lots of action and the kind of game where it pays to go looking down deserted dark corridors.

Crysis is a fantastic game that offers amazing graphics that immerse you into the game in a way that no other visual presentation can. The cinematic elements and superb art direction keep the gameplay’s intensity level at a constant high, making Crysis a game that no PC gamer should miss, as long as their computer is up to snuff.

While it’s not as brilliant as it could have been considering the game’s timeline and setting, Assassin’s Creed is an astonishing gaming experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

While the fast-paced and action-packed chapters have their share of spectacular moments, the game is held back by characters we do not really care about and dated gameplay that just doesn’t feel like a next-generation game.

Confusing plotline and ending aside, Assassin’s Creed is still an original and profound experience that shouldn’t be missed by any gamer looking for something different. It might not be an achievement in game design either but there is way too much to love about this stealth game.

While the original formula remains the same year after year, WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2008 is still a fun game that does manage to pull off some new moves on the PS3.

A good rental for most and a decent buy for the super-hardcore wrestling fanatic, WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 doesn’t push the series forward. But with the next-gen consoles in full swing, it doesn’t seem like there is much room for the game to grow without jumping ship.

Even with the few good changes and the inclusion of the ECW stable, the awful controls, murky graphics and a rushed 24/7 Mode just hold this game back from being a franchise favorite among fans.

WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 does a few things right, but doesn’t really bring the game to a whole new level like it should.

Fans will certainly love the slams and finishing moves using the Nunchuk and Wiimote, but the lack of match types will disappoint the more hardcore fans. Still, those looking for a different and more interactive version of the game should definitely pick this one up.

With inventive use of the touch screen, the action is hard-hitting but the moves are not as diverse as other versions of this game. It’s still a game well worth playing if you own a Nintendo DS or love WWE wrestling.

Exciting and unrelenting, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a grand reworking of the series’ most prominent worlds.

Uninspired shooting elements, horrible AI, poor controls and a host of bugs basically line this one out.

The Wii version of Tomb Raider Anniversary won’t pull in those who have already played the game on PS2 or Xbox 360. Everyone else, however, will be pleasantly surprised by the Wii remote implementation. This is one tomb that should be explored thoroughly.

Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a “more of the same” sequel, but its still-addictive gameplay presents a problem: if you buy it, you’re out $40. But if you choose to rent it, you’ll likely spend more in the long run since the game is hard to give up.

This is a top-notch racer that is both challenging and a lot of fun. Hats off to EA and Black Box for re-energizing the franchise with a solid next-gen outing.

Need for Speed ProStreet is a decent racing game that got sidetracked along the way. It appears EA was more concerned with in-game advertising than ensuring the game got the proper attention it needed.

ProStreet has a tiring, monotonous start that could turn off even the most loyal Need for Speed fanatic. But if have the need to stick around, the race events do speed up to a better, more enjoyable pace. Eventually.

Outside of Mario Kart DS, this has been the most enjoyable racer on the Nintendo DS.

Need For Speed ProStreet is barely a worthy sequel to the last 3 strong releases from EA. Mediocrity bleeds through the edges in almost every aspect of this release.

A fun game that is accessible and seemingly geared for all members of the family. The game has a really gentle and relaxed feel to it, even when your city starts to hustle and bustle with businesses going up right and left, and the city coffers are working hard to keep up with the growth.

Sonic Rivals 2 isn’t the super-speedy racing game you’d expect from the world’s fastest blue hedgehog. Jerky levels and unwarranted slowdowns prevent the game from moving at Sonic’s true speed.

This game is absolutely not for everybody. Most gamers brought up on the cushy, forgiving action games of the last decade will probably feel like somebody slapped them in the face the first time they play it. But for the right sort of person, that slap in the face is exactly what they’ve been craving. Contra 4 presents some of the best, most hardcore run-and-gun shooting action on the DS, and is a breath of fresh, alien-blood-scented air for the system, and gaming in general.

Sure, the game’s far from perfect. Still, it’s one of best fighting games ever to grace the PS2, and for only 20 bucks, it’s about the best deal in gaming today.

An interesting novelty, Jenga World Tour isn’t the casual market-appeasing game it needs to be to succeed. While oddball gamers like myself may find temporary amusement, the rest of the world will likely stick to the real Jenga game.

The game is a real doozy when you have friends over who are willing to play, otherwise the single player is a real letdown.

Orcs & Elves is a well-balanced RPG that plays well on the DS but doesn’t offer anything new or exciting we haven’t already played.

A great first-person shooter game for the Nintendo Wii. The aiming is very precise, which makes this game even more fun to play. If you have a craving for this type of game, then this should be a no-brainer.

Short but satisfying, Medal of Honor Heroes 2 is an action-packed first-person shooter that handles it’s well enough on the PSP. Its few shortcomings are very noticeable but easily forgivable thanks to the solid controls, good campaign and excellent online multiplayer.

A rehash of other games that did the job of melding great storytelling with original combat elements much better. This was a game which was greeted with high expectations, only to have those dashed.

While there may be superior versions of this game available on other systems, that fact in no way diminishes how great Puzzle Quest on PS2 is. If you haven’t tried it yet, you owe it to yourself to pick the game up — at a budget price, there’s really no reason not to.

A repetitive action game with very little substance and absolutely no style despite the fact that the Predator warrior is represented well in the game.

This is a cute game with a certain odd charm and players will have fun. However, there’s not a whole lot of meat to the game, and is really only good for short gaming periods.

The PC version is a nice attempt that finally gives PC gamers the chance to experience one of the best game franchises to start up in the past few years. However, the laggy performance and slowdown makes the PC version pale in comparison to its console brethren.

Even with the reasonable price tag, you won’t help but feel that there could have been more to this title or at least it could have ironed out all the problems found in the original.

While some of the changes will filter into the game anyway, what RoK does is revamp many areas as well as provide a solid race with a good storyline. The new lands are also worth exploring, with some nice surprises and rewards available to players.

Clear your schedules gamers, this is it – the kind of masterpiece, showpiece, and trophy game that we wait years to obtain.

The shooting mechanic is passable, but aiming is excruciatingly slow. The morale mechanic is pretty forgettable.

A must-own for every fan of Ultimate Mortal Kombat. The arcade-perfect gameplay and the addition of online multiplayer make this port an irresistible package.

There’s a reason why we have the PlayStation Store. It’s for games like this that might contain some value but aren’t appropriate for a full $40 - $60 disc or bundle.

The fantastic writing in this game really makes it a worthwhile purchase for Pixar fans, but overall the driving aspect of it is only average.

Great on the DS, fun on mobile phones, Atlantis Squarepantis is not a series to ignore entirely. The Wii version, however, is not the one that deserves your attention.

The game has a gentle learning curve that is inviting to most players. Increasing the difficulty will provide a challenge suitable to players of varying levels.

Swashbucklers is a derivative game that borrows heavily from other pirate-based games, but fails to capture their sense of fun and exploration.

This is a single-player title that would do well to introduce newer players to the genre, but will give veterans a nice old-school experience.

This game is a hoot! However, it seemed shorter than previous episodes from Season One and was not overly challenging. I didn’t like the profanity, either. But I did enjoy playing the game, and the whole Santa theme was highly amusing.

The quest is very, very short, but high replay value and a well-utilized license make it the perfect stocking stuffer for any Grinch fan.

Following the path of Marble Blast Ultra, Switchball delivers a well-chiseled puzzle experience to Xbox 360 owners everywhere. And for only 800 MS points, the experience is completely worth it.

The game as a whole is entertaining and executed nicely, but nothing involved within the game is really eye catching. Minor details are frustrating, but only the multiplayer aspects could ruin the overall experience for you.

Silent Hill 0rigins impressively brings all the elements we love about the Silent Hill franchise to a portable format that works wonderfully.

At one time, I was overly excited for Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War due to the strategy elements, but in the end it’s the strategy portions that bothered me most.

This game succeeds at blending both action and strategy to create a title that is enjoyable. However, the AI is predictable and players will be able to exploit its weaknesses easily.

The game features some interesting additions to the monster-collector format, but isn’t as deep or compelling as other Dragon Quest games.

I am really disappointed with the final product as it is really buggy.

Some of the motions are brilliant, like Archery, but most are mediocre at best, like Skeet Shooting.

While the missions are fun and the online multiplayer more than adequate, the game can be completed with very little trouble. If you enjoyed the first game you will certainly like this one even more.

Lifesigns for the Nintendo DS is a deep and involving virtual medical drama that might not be as endearing as Trauma Center but it is still a DS game well worth playing.

Faster gameplay, bigger maps, more units, and a new race? Did I miss anything?

Planet Puzzle League set the bar extremely high for puzzle games, especially with the use of Wi-Fi; and while NEVES doesn’t come close to the slick presentation of PPL, it has a very solid gameplay mechanic that will be attractive to fans of the game.

A good game for horse lovers of any age.

The game has some issues, namely from an awkward camera and some irksome AI. However, there is still an impressive level of polish for such a departure, considering the impressive control elements.

Gears of War on the PC is still the same ground breaking game it was a year ago just now on the PC. The same innovative gameplay and breathtaking events are included along with five new campaign levels exclusive to the PC.

The game is a great edition of the popular board game, while the lack of online play and gameplay features don’t quite let it shine among other Xbox 360 games.

Sure, both expansions don’t really do anything uniquely different but they are still fun campaigns chock full of bullets and frights.

F.E.A.R. doesn't deliver this time around, the looks are fading and the sounds aren't at all new and fresh.

Viva Pinata is not perfect, as there are some control problems that get annoying and stability problems, but worth a look from PC gamers looking to get a hold of something a little different.

An average title with a purposeful concept and not-so-stellar performance. Children will enjoy the game, but only for a short time, and adults who know how to speak English already need not apply.

The Office is a casual game that borrows heavily from "Diner Dash" and will appeal to fans of the show who have a passing interest in video games, and not really much else.

The game moves at a methodical pace, which will drive some players mad.

Fans might be able to eke some pleasure from this game despite the overwhelming flaws. Anyone else likely won’t be able to see past the repetitive, irritating gameplay, frustrating camera, and broken controls.

Those who have stuck with the franchise for a long time will likely consider this score to be too low; and more power to you. But my judgment is coming from someone fresh to the series, and I found only little enjoyment out of playing it.

A completely intense thrill-ride from start to finish, Call of Duty 4 grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.

CoD4 is the best in a long and storied franchise. This is next-gen gaming in every sense of the phrase. This is an excellent game.

A completely intense thrill-ride from start to finish, Call of Duty 4 grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.

There are just so many things to do! While not all of them are fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Once all the items are round, there isn’t any point to replay the levels. Parents may want to pass on this one.