Arcana Heart won’t do anything for players that have never enjoyed a fighting game. But if you’re a fan of the genre and crave originality, this game deserves a spot on your shelf.

A must-play for anyone who loves the movie. The Resident Evil-style gameplay – where everything is slower and stiffer – is likely to feel weird and clunky at first. But give it time and you'll see that this control style only adds to what is already a creepy experience.

Space Invaders Extreme 2 is a fun and solid shooter that exudes tons of old-school charm and addictive gameplay. Unfortunately, it doesn't add much new for fans of the first game, and feels pretty stagnant as a result.

This is a great game, but more so if you don't have Fritz 8. I do not think there is enough variance in the upgrade to warrant running off and getting it.

It’s not a new concept, but the execution is tight. Torchlight is a nice ride that echoes with memories of grand gaming times of the past, while using an updated style and graphic charm to keep it fresh and fun.

I’m a fan of the cartoon series, and this program gives a quick, "don’t take me serious" wink at those who grew up with those great cartoons.

I was surprised to find a decent 4 player brawler in the same vein as "Power Stone." While this game is not perfect, it is a decent game that you will gain several hours of enjoyment out of, especially playing against your friends.

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.

Even with the lower sound rating, Capitalism II commands a very high overall rating.

It is, at heart, one of the best unconventional brawling titles out there. UFC fans, though, will be disappointed by the fact that the game hardly ever “beefs” up the televised-style presentation to make the fights seem as memorable as they are in real life.

An entertaining and addictive first-person shooter sans the blood and violence seen in most FPS games. This is a highly competitive sport and the game does a brilliant job of representing it throughout the single and multiplayer matches.

With fresh new cases to tackle this is another fun chapter fans will enjoy.

Thanks to its tranquil setting and realism, this is a game that requires some patience... but when the fish start biting, its arcade-styled action cannot be beat.

If you’re not a fan of side-scrolling brawlers you may not find this collection quite as entertaining. There are other genres within the collection, but the beat ‘em ups are definitely what shine the brightest.

Clive Barker’s Jericho doesn’t provide the same degree of deep and engaging gameplay as Undying, opting instead for a more accessible, mainstream adventure that can be frightening at best, and repetitive at worst. Still, the game has no shortage of action and intensity.

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.

I can't think of any other series which so successfully takes satire and political commentary in such a delightfully twisted and fun way. Oddworld is to bizarre as the Monkey Island series is to humor.

World of Zoo is unquestionably a family-friendly title, but leans strongly toward child audiences. A bit more depth or realism might have thrown the balance off, but could spice up the game considerably for more mature players.

Taking place in a barren desert is a nice twist and makes the player go for some other strategy that he may not be used to while playing similar games where resources are plentiful.

A relatively short but enjoyable game that has its share of rough areas here and there, but do not let that keep you away from a game that is a ghastly good time.

The action moves quickly and the presentation outdoes everything Extreme accomplished last year. Even if you've never heard of the Space Invaders, you owe it to yourself to splice in this Gene.

It gets its praise being the most addictive arcade-style sports game on the planet.

The new approach to the stale genre ensures a fun single-player experience, even if it is a bit short-lived.

There is a huge learning curve and some frustration when you, as the gamer, react but the controls are sluggish in responding. However, once you find that flow in the controls, and once you start to work up your player to the point where you can compete well, start getting a feel for the court, serving up aces or returning that power stroke inside the line, the game rewards will a real sense of achievement.

A solid, option-ripe game that translates well to this format. Perhaps the control elements are a little tough, but that is part of the joy and challenge.

There is plenty to enjoy in this game, especially if multi-tasking on a visual level doesn't intimidate. A nice strategic offering.

The only negative you'll run into with Episode 1 is how quickly it's over. You'll finish up with the four worlds and the bonus stages in about 2-3 hours time, if that. However, there's replay value galore.

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.

While there are some control issues that feel a bit under whelming at times, the scenarios, battles and war machines to command make this a fun Xbox 360 game.

Hands down, FIFA 07 is one of the best PSP sports titles of the year. Its content can’t be beat. The controls are top-notch, bridging the gap between console and handheld gameplay.

With all the different combinations to choose from it is almost certain that no two games would be alike. Some missions are also replayable to let you gain XP quicker to level up your character that much quicker for those harder tasks.

For those who prefer strategy and planning over the random elements of a game like Puzzle Quest, Clash of Heroes may be the deviously clever, deliberately paced game you've been looking for. It can be a bit rough around the edges, but it's also the smartest and most rewarding puzzle-RPG you're likely to play.

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

Red Faction Guerilla has some missteps, including the AI and cover system, but the game is definitely on point when it comes to destruction.

A solid blend of RPG and tactics combined with the series’ trademark atmosphere and bizarre story elements, Devil Survivor should not disappoint hardcore fans of the franchise.

Issues aside, Snoopy: Flying Ace is a triumph for one reason above all else – feel. Once you get the hang of it, there's a connection with the controls and a sense of mastery that few games pull off successfully.

Aside from the inability to save the level play, the game is a lot of fun.

The game’s setup and interface are excellent, but the game falls down in some areas, notably the AI.

The decision is a no-brainer for people who don’t already own it on the Xbox or PS2, but for those who have played it before, the slick presentation just might not be enough to warrant an upgrade.

Operation Arrowhead does a fine job of giving the hardcore fans of the series exactly what they want, no more and no less. You'll get a lengthy new campaign, a brand new environment, and the same accurate and realistic combat that you've come to know and love.

A strong and compelling entry in the Brothers in Arms series but it’s also a slightly flawed sequel that could have been so much better on the PS3. Still, even with its glitches, inconsistent visuals and so-so online multiplayer, this game has enough standout moments to be an enjoyable ride down a bumpy highway.

The interactive elements don't exactly move mountains, but the rest of the content and overall experience is a trip every Metal Gear Solid fan should take.

Lunar: Silver Star Harmony’s engrossing story, lovable characters, and newly redrawn visuals make it a great on-the-go RPG for fans and newcomers alike, but the long load times and grind-heavy combat system keep it from being unbeatable.

Red Alert 3 is one of those wildly enjoyable and outrageously campy games that make this a good time for anyone looking for a real-time strategy game for their PS3. A few annoying issues aside, the fun campaigns, video sequences and numerous options does make this an impressive console version.

It's the perfect car trip game. I haven't been on a car trip in years, and I haven't been on a plane since I was 12, but I have been in plenty of boring situations. Desert Strike would have been the perfect solution to all of them.

That sort of overwhelming depth -- the urgency that comes along with rushing to appease every customer's whim, and ensuring that the place is safe and continues to make money -- is the reason why Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis is such a good game.

The Firewalker is like the hotheaded younger brother of the Mako. It will likely get more nods than jeers from the fans, but the fun is over in less than an hour. Maybe we’ll see a healthy amalgam of the two vehicles faithfully integrated in the third game.

The only problems are the longer-than-generally-accepted load times, and the long cutscenes.

The slowdowns in the game are semi-frustrating, while the 'adult' nature of the program is overstated. The program is a terrific combination of gaming elements.

The Bourne Conspiracy does a marvelous job of giving us a taste of what it’s like being Jason Bourne and it captures the essence of the movie and Robert Ludlum’s books just right.

The graphics are outta this world and with the different driving views, you can get a really good perspective of what it's like to be in the driver's seat of a real race car. The instruction booklet is concise and to the point.

The game’s stages range from downright clever to downright simplistic but, overall, Voodoo Vince is a highly original and involving platformer.

Had the controls been a bit more responsive for the ship-flying portions and the robot smashing just a tad more smoother, we would have had the perfect robot action game this side of "Metal Arms: Glitch in the System."

An excellent example of a fun kids' game, that won't frustrate. Plenty of challenge without being too difficult to finish.

I think this is a very solid game that offers a long life of gameplay. It is not limited in making you play one certain way.

It's more about gameplay and less about the story, which means a win-win for everyone. There's sneaking, explosive action and even a little cinema thrown in for good effect. It's frustration and glee all rolled up in one excellent multiplayer title for the PSP.

While this initial impression may cause some to write it off as “just for kids,” LEGO Star Wars II is as exciting an experience as any “adult” game out there and whole-heartedly recommended for fans of the film series.

If you love FPS you should definitely give this one a try!

Addictive and graphically pleasing.

With a decent multiplayer mode, great gameplay mechanics and a solid campaign mode, it’s almost easy to look past the lengthy load times and the poor graphics.

Its gameplay flaws make sure Knockout Kings will never take the title.

Chu Chu Rocket looks and sounds as charming as the Dreamcast original. The graphics are simple, consisting of playfields with running mice and cats, but they're designed with the same Sonic Team charm.

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.

While the Xbox version of Onimusha does deliver the promised double-length gameplay, it's still easily a game that can be won during a typical rental period.

Varied and interesting gameplay forms give players a chance to really get into the role. Less than tight controls mar an otherwise excellent game experience.

A solid adventure game... Just spare yourself and turn the volume off when you're playing Faust.

Fast and furious. Once you have the commands down this is a blast to play.

With an emphasis on feel-good playability, it’s hard to go wrong with Rage of the Gladiator. Any old school boxing gamer will feel right at home.

ach game has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and both are fundamentally different, meaning that 2D-fighting fans should find something they love in either title.

Not a must-buy for everyone, but a must-play for every Twisted Metal fan. You’ll love the bonus stages, the chat with David Jaffe, and the series facts held within Sweet Tour.

It doesn't have all the mini-games of Virtua Tennis, the lovable characters of Mario Tennis, or contain any groundbreaking content that takes it above and beyond the tennis games you've played before. But its gameplay is simple and addictive, and when it comes to this genre, that is really all you need.

While the two-dimensional nature hampers the overall game experience, this is a challenging game that will test game players.

The game is relatively short, but still is a delight for the eyes. The story is familiar but presented very well, and has broad appeal – just like the characters.

A strong basketball title with few thrills.

This Nancy Drew game ranks among the better games in the series. An engrossing story, mixed with a good variety of puzzles and mini-games, makes for a good game.

A solid, well-played, highly original adventure.

This is the first time that a survival/horror game has made me laugh out loud, and still manages to retain all of the scariness that was present in the shooting version of the game. In some cases it's scarier because you're typing for your life, which is hardly an easy thing to do.

Hardcore strategy fans will surely love this new title. Map creating abilities will add shelf life.

DIRT 2 is a fun and gripping, highly worthwhile racing game.

A must play for anyone who likes tennis games. Hot Shots Tennis has done for this sport the same things it did for golf – bring out the essence of the sport and leave everything else behind.

Sonic Colors is a blast from start to finish. It's a shame that the game doesn't last much longer, but it does more things right than it does wrong.

The amount of customization is unbelievable.

Like an overblown Hollywood action flick, Army of Two is an explosive good time that has its weaknesses here and there but it won’t stop you from enjoying the bullet-fueled action.

The mission settings are remarkable though, as are the overall graphics and sound in the game, which almost make up for the somewhat cheesy objectives.

Star Wars Battlefront fans will certainly find a lot to like about Renegade Squadron and, even though the controls can be a bit frustrating at times, all the changes and fun game modes make this one worth a look.

The controls couldn't be any easier to learn, making this one of the few pick-up-and-instantly-enjoy basketball games available.

DoDonpachi looks and sounds great.

A great game for kids, and a definite good choice for Christmas for families, especially if they're fans of the Lemony Snicket books.

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.

There are some suspect AI moves but this game perseveres and should hand PC gridiron gamers challenge and entertainment.

What it lacks in graphics and sound it more than makes up for in concept, difficulty, and yes, nostalgia factor.

The gameplay is well-designed and it features some truly beautiful visuals.

The control interface is overly complicated. When you look at the manual you might feel like ripping your arms off and beating yourself silly, but there is no need. After thirty minutes of running around the station you'll feel more familiar. However during an intense battle looking down to press the I button is like trying to read Latin in the dark.

About the only thing that marks this as a Star Wars adventure is the style of the ships. But for that, this is a vehicular combat addition set in space. Yes, it is fun, and it is challenging, and there is always that bigger, better ship awaiting you.

By combining addictive gameplay with simple controls and throwing in two fun multiplayer modes for good measure, Shin’en aims to please.

Guitar Hero 5 isn't the evolution that Guitar Hero World Tour was, and instead offers subtle changes and modest additions to the game. While the core mechanics are still fun, it seems possible that the series' creative well has been tapped dry.

Persona 3: FES will increase your appreciation of its storyline. The characters are great, the dialogue is believable (how’s THAT for an RPG!?), and if you enjoyed the gameplay last year, there are several new reasons to play through the original quest all over again.

I liked that there were many destructible objects that you could shoot just for grins plus I liked the auto save feature. The game’s storyline was intriguing and the cutscenes were done well.