Even better than I expected, and I expected an addicting multiplayer game that everyone I introduced it to would enjoy. The controls and idea of the game are so simple that anyone can hop in and get into the groove within a couple rounds.

The game is addicting to me personally, and the hack-and-slash style is something I’ve always enjoyed going back to Diablo days. If that type of style appeals to you, then get this game.

Big Red One isn’t quite “the one” we’ve been waiting for, but it’s a polished and extremely exciting shooter that won’t have anyone reaching for a pillow.

Excitebots will make you glad you bought that circular piece of plastic known as the Wii Wheel.

More of the same conceptually, but the highly polished gameplay makes it a joyous, must-play Spider-Man sequel.

The story of this expansion may, at first glance, appear to be relatively brief, but what this expansion brings to the series on a whole is a solid online resource, and editors that will give players tremendous freedom in creating their own scenarios and campaigns.

Year after year, players hope UEFA will be an expansion of or alternative to FIFA. But the Euro 2008 edition is what players of the last game might have expected: a slight variation, not an alternative or expansion.

The game modes are a real treat, particularly NBA All-Star Weekend and the wonderfully addictive Dynasty Mode.

I wanted an NFL Street sequel that forced me to think and strategize in new ways. EA listened.

Not only is this a brilliant sequel to an excellent crime drama but it’s simply a bigger and better action game with a lot to offer. If you liked the first game you will love this sequel.

The Sudoku mini-game is worth the entire game itself and will provide many hours of fun.

A very good game overall. It could have used more interesting mini-games for replayability, and also more educational trivia, but the game itself is a hoot to play and will involve the whole family in the mystery. Much better than the last game, "The Secret of the Old Clock."

Mafia II hits a few snags, be it due to an overly linear campaign, a seemingly empty world, or a handful of technical issues. However, what it lacks in those areas, it almost makes up for in character and a great story that you'll want to see through to the end.

EA Sports MMA isn't as intricate as the sport it represents; it never presents itself as an arcade-like representation, so it's hard to not notice that it is a lackluster effort within the simulation genre.

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

Value-wise, you can’t beat an expansion pack like this. It updates the graphics and furthers the story while giving players a solid strategic experience. That Sierra is basically giving it away free is a big plus.

A gorgeous, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable civilization game.

The interface is wonderful, with all the controls and functions needed to build exciting rides.

Not only is it superior to the competition in every graphical aspect, it's superior in every gameplay aspect, too. Heck, it practically annihilates "Extreme G3" and the last two "F-Zero" games released.

This game is so rich with eye candy, you’ll be running to your optometrist complaining of a cavity.

DDR Extreme not only gives DDR fanatics what they need with new songs, but it also adds cool new EyeToy features to the mix. Fans of the series and people with EyeToys should give it a look.

Better than last year’s 2004 and the inclusion of Xbox Live support will be important to fans of the series, but there isn’t anything remarkably better that warrants an immediate purchase.

I don't care what the competition has in store for us this August because Blitz 20-02 is the only one I need... I love everything about this game, but the thing that really stood out to me was how much faster, smoother and more refined the game played.

If you are looking for a graphical prowess to be found in your college hoops game, look elsewhere.

A unique and scary experience, Call of Cthulhu for the Xbox is a frightening and most engaging experience that will not fail to hook you from the very start.

A solid step up for the franchise, adding a cool new online community element and the great NBA Live 365 element is a pretty revolutionary element not just for the franchise, but for the sports genre as a whole. Unfortunately, there are some shortcomings that hurt the overall experience, like a barebones Be A Pro mode and a few on-court technical issues.

As much as there is to do in Rune Factory 3, none of it ever gets too complex or stressful.

RISK: Factions is a Xbox Live Arcade board game worthy of any strategy fan's attention. It doesn't break the standard formula nor does it take any risks to become anything more than an adaptation.

Far too complicated for the casual player and not meaty enough for the military nut.

If you like to solve interactive puzzles and can appreciate depth over flashy cosmetics, then you will get a lot out of this game. It's an adventure ... with a more human character than .... well, Lara Croft. Al is just ... Al. Balding, nerdy and all.

DeathSpank is a true love-it-or-hate-it game through and through. If you appreciated the jokes in Ron Gilbert's earlier games (such as Monkey Island), and share an equal appreciation for Diablo-style games, it is worth a look.

The controls take a bit of getting used to – if you are a first-time player – but are generally well designed and you should be able to understand them quickly – using them practically to score big points is another matter.

Bound in Blood is not only an improvement but also a fun shooter with a lot to offer. Although the game does suffer from a few problems, what really stand out are the great story, bullet-fueled action and excellent multiplayer mode.

Field Commander has great elements (the online multiplayer) and normal features (the lacking AI) that is best to be described as a game of taste.

This is a wonderfully challenging PC title which should sate the appetites of a niche long neglected - and it even gives you more than you would want by giving it a aesthetically pleasing presentation!

This game transcends previous incarnations of the sport, enlivening the screen with realistic game play, and lively graphical elements.

By far, the most intense soccer title the PS2 has produced so far.

While never reaching the first-person shooter standards of games like "Time Splitters 2" or "Red Faction 2," this is still one enjoyable game.

It's more complicated than it needs to be with the lock-on function of fighting enemies. It is an adventure, it is a fighter, it's a FPS - it is the Shamwow!

This game is tough – but from my general experience, this is what survival horror games are all about.

A fun and addictive puzzle game, but one that definitely stands out on it’s own and can say that you’re getting something different.

The majority of the games are fun and well-designed. However, having a multi-player option is needed for even more fun and replayability.

With a great story and plenty to do, the replay value makes this a game worthy of a purchase.

A solid RTS game, one that fans of the genre will probably enjoy. However, anyone who’s growing bored of playing the same WWII sim game in different forms wouldn’t find too much to write home about.

This is a good game with a lot of challenges and more of FIFA’s acclaimed gameplay. However, innovation and graphical achievements were not included in this "upgrade."

Not only will you feel like you're running with the Corleone family but as far as the mobster genre is concerned, it will not fail to reveal a true peek into what it really means to be a gangster.

The problem with games like Mr. Bill is that it's not necessarily a bad title, it's just that there are so many better ways iPhone users could be spending their time.

The short levels, enormously goofy bosses, and the typical scenarios are just what the Mega Man fan ordered. The game is super-sized with new weapons and character actions.

It’s exciting, has a wonderful trick system, excellent courses, and all the addictive content the series is known for. It’s more of the same, and for the third time running. But unlike other series that just love to repeat themselves, this one is still really good.

If you are a fan of the original game then this purchase is a no brainer, but many players will be disappointed with the lack of innovation.

More development time ultimately might have done wonderful things for this game, but Singularity is nonetheless fascinating if you actually take advantage of your full arsenal.

The controls are more responsive than the 360 platform, and there is the create-a-player option to put you squarely into the heat of the battle.

The single-player missions are rather linear but the gameplay mechanics create an environment where players won’t be fumbling with controls, but will be able to experience the game for what it presents.

The good graphics, easy to use control and excellent concept will give players much to enjoy.

Boasting two faithfully reproduced arcade classics, Final Fight: Double Impact is a fantastic value and a must-buy for fans of old-school arcade fans.

The intense home runs, stadium interactivity, slow motion passes and hard-hitting slides – that literally thrust one player into another – are a must-see and a must-play.

It's a fun game that takes what you know about zombie games, bends it on its ear, kicks it in the shin and then pours malt-o-meal on its head as it laying there on the ground, good times.

Impressive gameplay and stunning visuals make this one a must have for surfers and wannabes alike.

If you are a big music fan, and are willing to spend countless hours customizing your music, you should definitely check this game out. Otherwise, a rental will probably do.

Massive Assault’s gameplay is simple to understand, difficult to conquer, and most importantly, very addictive. The action is fast and intense, which makes the game feel like an RTS at certain times.

A little bit of "Final Fight" and "Devil May Cry," and an even littler bit of "Prince of Persia," Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is a must-have for MK fans. It's repetitive – what did you expect? You fight the same enemies repeatedly.

If you’re expecting a whole new game built from the ground up you will be in for a disappointment but if you’re looking for a fun game with an addictive online multiplayer mode then you will definitely want to buy this game.

Delivers its own brand of addictive free-roaming fun that’s just too clever and entertaining to put down. You’ll spend hours just going through the massive environments looking for crimes to solve and mayhem to cause yourself.

One of the strangest, most well-executed concepts in the history of the survival/horror genre.

The game is quite entertaining and the commentary is gut-busting, but once that initial value wears off, there’s little really left to hold on to making Loaded a quintessential rental.

While the game could have used a bigger selection of pop songs (even those that are modified) in the unlockable areas, there is little doubt that the songs offered here are very cool, and a lot of fun to drum along to. This can be an intense workout, but the game is very enjoyable, and it's a certified winner.

A solid, well-played, highly original adventure.

The distinct factions make for some interesting encounters and require noticeably different strategies on the battlefield. This makes for increased replayability and definitely ups the fun factor. At the same time, it is marred by some longtime issues inherent in the genre.

A very satisfying and incredibly funny romp through Threepwood's twisted world of pirating, this chapter definitely outshines its predecessor. Adventure lovers will be pleased.

The version to pass on.

The rough learning curve makes Nexus a game I don’t recommend to anyone new to the real-time space-strategy genre. If you’re a fan, though, Nexus will be right up your alley.

There’s fun to be had here, but nothing that is substantially unique from similar servings already in the genre.

While the light RPG elements aren't suited for more hardcore RPG fans, the game's humor and wit make it worth a look for fans of the web comic.

A football purist’s nightmare, and a football fan’s delight. It is fast paced and pure entertainment.

To top things off, you can switch from third-person to first-person view whenever you want. You'll swear you're playing two different games depending on the view.

Shattered Memories was an attempt at doing something different with the Silent Hill series. Unfortunately, just because something is different doesn't mean it's better.

Everything is good about this game except the graphics; the developers really didn’t put any effort into making this game look good at all. It looks like a straight port from the PS2 version.

I’m not blown away, I’m merely shackled to my PS2 with unheard-of addictiveness.

There just isn’t enough challenge to make this the type of game that invites obsession.

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.

Suspect AI decisions can make for a frustrating experience, though. The controls are fine, but the SIXAXIS is not well used.

Although there is little difference in the storyline compared to the early versions of the game, the Wii delivers dynamic controllability and good gameplay (neglecting the problematic artificial intelligence) that organized crime enthusiasts will enjoy.

Illegal street racing has never looked and felt so right and with Need for Speed Underground 2 you'll find it hard not to fall in love with this fun racing game.

While it is a brutally challenging game that might turn off the more casual gamer, it stands as one of the best portable RPGs available for the DS this year.

Gather the friends and pop in this program for a ride that will have you snickering, sneering, confused, feeling inept and laughing. YDKJ 5th Dementia is adult humor at its irreverent best.

Graphically stunning and a whole lot of fun.

The 2005 edition provides very smooth controls and some nice gameplay modes, making it stand as the best game in the long-running FIFA Soccer series.

Heroes of Might and Magic has always been about strategy in a board-game setting, where players take their time making decisions on each turn. Building up a huge army, amassing tons of money and resources and beating those pesky enemy heroes is what it’s all about. People new to the Heroes’ universe who enjoy a good strategy game should definitely give this one a try, as well.

Yes, this game is very linear, but it is entertaining and easy to get to hop into the mix and play.

One of the best things about Chamber of Secrets is how close the developers stayed to the story purported in the book and movie without resorting to simple fetch quests and lame puzzles in order to integrate all the popular elements from the original plot.

Offers a little something for everyone, from sweet gun fights to insane driving to killer fist fights. If you grow tired of missions, you won’t get bored by just driving around looking for crimes to solve.

An entirely original wrestling experience and does a great job of recreating the frenetic action of the cartoon, though it must be said that it is an acquired taste.

If you remember the joy of 8-bit gaming, Retro Game Challenge is the must-own nostalgic gaming experience you'll ever have.

One of the year’s best.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising’s unique spin on tactical warfare might be dug by the truly hardcore, but some frustrating design decisions will keep this one from rising as high as it should.

The action is exciting, the presentation is a sheer knockout, and the replay value is through the roof, especially with the "Nation" factor and the looming Platinum trophy. It's definitely worth wiping out the undead for.

Bringing Peter Parker back to his roots was appealing to me at first, but the so-so gameplay and the undeservingly high price of purchase makes Ultimate Spider-Man for Xbox more of a rental.

A great game, an accessible shooter with mainstream appeal, just what the Xbox needs in its twilight hour.