A compelling collections of tracks from the titular band and others, Guitar Hero: Metallica is not only a fine retrospective of the band’s storied career, but also the most fun Guitar Hero game in years.

It’s so polished and refined. For the first time ever the series incorporates some of my favorite features from "NFL Street" (such as tapping the X button to escape a tackle). That function goes way back to the days of arcade sports titles like "NFL Blitz."

This is the best PlayStation soccer game currently on the market. The gameplay, graphics and audio tracks are all superb.

Be warned … this game is EXTREMELY fun, but EXTREMELY challenging at the same time, so be prepared for lots of do overs while playing.

Even though Myst IV doesn’t break any new ground for the series, it still remains an extremely compelling adventure game with a fantastic presentation and ranks as the best of the series and one of the best of the genre.

A great game that would excel even if it didn’t make excellent use of it’s license, which it most certainly does.

The best part of Angry Birds, however, isn't just that it's inexpensive and offers hours upon hours of fun and puzzle-solving - it's that the game is still being built, and that your $1 investment will continue to pay off as more and more levels become available.

This batch of games will test your hand-eye coordination better than most games today.

Without really breaking new ground in tactical gameplay, the game is still able to give you plenty to think about during the excessively long battles. Character and job classes offer something different on the battlefield and this is good news seeing as there are hundreds of quests to take on aside from the main quest.

A very, very good motocross/freestyle program, featuring excellent graphical elements and sound. If this is the type of game you enjoy, you won’t find many better (at the moment) in the world of either console or PC games.

Lord of Destruction’s improvements make replaying Diablo II seem like playing a new game...This program is a blast.

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.

There is a nice mix of action and intense moments that will leave you grabbing the controller so hard you will think it will break. Even using the various vehicles in multiplayer is a breeze.

While this forth chapter takes the spotlight away from Dante, Nero is a worthy hero to follow and thus making this an interesting sequel with a lot to offer.

The old-school feel of Super Quickhook is undeniable. It takes the best aspects of games we loved in the 80's and early 90's in a simple, 8-bit format, and puts it on a new device like the iPhone expertly.

Simply put, Warhawk is what gaming dreams are made of and the reason you will want a PlayStation 3.

A charming and very entertaining game that translates perfectly on the PSP. It’s easy to get lost in this game’s open environment and since there’s a lot to do in this game the replay value is extremely high.

Soccer fans will appreciate the added realism, but casual fans will probably see more of the same game as last year’s version.

Rising above its flaws, Saint’s Row 2 is an addictively over-the-top sequel that proves that bigger is definitely better. With more side missions, deeper customization features, more vehicles and bigger environments, its easy to overlook the glaring flaws that do pop up on the PS3 version. In other words, a bus ride to Stillwater is definitely in order.

The sense of speed delivered is phenomenal, from the sounds of your bike revving at the beginning of the race (kind of like a jet engine...), to the smooth frame rate, you will certainly feel like you're shooting along at hundreds of miles per hour.

The addictive gameplay is still here as well, even if it is the same levels and stages over and over again at times, and new areas just means more hours sunk into sitting in front of the console.

In-game cinematics, challenging puzzles, plenty of weapons, hordes of bad guys, sprawling landscapes, and beautiful women, what more could you want?

A great edition of a wonderful series, it's definitely worth getting, even if players already have the 2004 edition, just for the Game Face II's added features and the new course editor.

Clearly the top of its class, World Series Baseball 2K3 manages to take everything we love about the sport as well as the fun of physically <I>playing</I> the game itself and compressed it all into a PS2 disc.

Whether you have the PSone original or have just begun to appreciate the value of a great strategy/RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is not a must-play release – it is a must-own.

The interface needs to be reworked from the version received, but when it comes to the gameplay, this is a stand-out title.

Three unique perspectives and a host of missions make this a program that can be played over and over again.

It is incredibly well rendered, with an amazing soundtrack and it sports many of the elements of the higher-end civ games, without the baser responses, such as warfare.

I am happy to report that after many hours of lost sleep, hearing things that weren’t really there, and near fatal heart attacks it definitely is not only the most terrifying game experience I have ever had, but one of the more solid ones I have had as well.

Not only a gorgeous-looking game but also one of the sweetest college hoops game to come along this year.

DJ Hero is a great game that will challenge you and give you countless hours of entertainment. If you’re at all a fan of DJ culture, then this game is definitely for you.

Shadow Complex offers a retail-quality experience for 1/4th of the price. Fans of any type of action-adventure gaming would be crazy to miss out on this refreshing shooter. Now bring on Shadow Complex 2!

I spent a LOT of time just listening to Barney on the sidewalk! I still can't believe he gave up drinking! If you need a fun escape from shooters and uniformed sports action, give this a try.

Offers some truly fantastic battlefield moments, balanced classes, and great missions. The one element that gives the game a great sense of longevity is the XP system, that will give you experience points for performing well on the battlefield adding to your weapon and class skills, and a nifty achievement system and persistent rankings that track your progress.

There is not a doubt in my mind: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are the pinnacle of the entire series. If you are no longer interested in Pokemon, you should still give it a shot for nostalgic purposes. If you enjoy Pokemon, the $40 price tag is chump change.

If you are looking for a game that has infinite replay value then look no further than this game!

Captures the intensity of boxing and the enjoyment of the movies in a remarkable manner.

The weapons are balanced and the action is intense.

Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 doesn’t strive to reinvent the franchise, and works mostly as a means of finishing off the story that began in the first game.

Probably the most visually stunning golf title of the year.

This is Picross at its finest. If you are looking for something to keep you busy for those long bus rides or even while relaxing at home, Picross DS offers nearly endless, addictive gameplay, and with a $20 price tag you can’t go wrong.

Outrageous, stellar, “sick as hell,” “balls to the walls”.

This is one of the best games I have ever played on a computer. I find myself "missing it" when I am not able to play it.

Forza Motorsport 2 is easily the best racer you can find on the Xbox 360. The driving physics are deep and accurate, and the online features are a blast. While the game has its foibles, it’s still a highly recommended racer for any driving fan.

With a great story, likeable characters, plenty of options and plenty of bloody action, this is yet another role-playing game that is Required Playing for anyone who enjoys the genre.

The most complete NASCAR racing game ever created and with a new graphics engine pushing it along, it is also the most realistic!

A football purist&#146;s nightmare, and a football fan&#146;s delight. It is fast paced and pure entertainment.

Dark Hero Days is not only one of the most enjoyable sequels with a lot to offer SRPG fans but it’s also one of the more surprisingly fun Disgaea games to come along on the PSP.

One of the best video games ever made.

With a solid new counter system, a great Legacy mode, and incredible graphics, Fight Night Round 4 is one game that no boxing fan will want to miss out on.

The number of options available in the game is incredible. The gameplay just works and will keep you going for hours upon hours.

So simple and challenging at the same time that it just keeps players coming back for more.

With two games worth of content, exclusive bonus levels, almost one hundred challenge missions, and the infinite replayability afforded by the gameplay, Peggle Dual Shot is an absolute steal at $20 and is well worth picking up if you are looking for the perfect on-the-go puzzle experience.

The new Imperial Guard faction adds a great new element to the game, focusing on building technology and research above rushing out to fight.

NHL 08’s control scheme gives you more control over the puck than any prior entry to the series, as well as completely analog skating with reactive physics. The AI is also extremely realistic and will adapt and strategically defend against your offensive choices, and vice versa.

Getting to attack from land, air, and sea is great and the biggest thing about getting to zoom in and out the battlefield in a blink of an eye to adjust your strategies is the best thing of all.

Bioshock 2 is an atmospheric, immersive game that does more than just hold a candle to its beloved predecessor. The campaign is engaging, the multiplayer is great, and the new gameplay elements are excellent.

Owners of the Wii that have never played RE4 before should make this game an instant purchase.

The controls are very well done. The combat system takes a little getting used to, but the movement and interaction controls are easy to use.

An incredible game that features great AI, music, graphics and story.

Street Fighter IV was a marvelous fighter and Super Street Fighter IV only furthers that notion with excellent additions that provide a whole new life to the series that has come full circle with Capcom’s brilliant revival.

Not only a major improvement over the first portable SOCOM game but it is also the best game the series has produced thus far. With a wealth of juicy multiplayer options, a solid single-player mode and some surprising extras, this is a PSP game you will not want to miss if you love military action games or your PSP.

This is the best party game I've ever played. It's accessible to everyone. You don't even have to pick up a controller.

The gameplay is great! Few controls to memorize and the game flows nicely while you are playing. The only down side is the load time between sequences and battles. [Director's Edition]

The new teams are the big draw here. The game has been tweaked and seems to be a fuller experience.

One of the most difficult games that I have ever played. I honestly hadn't screamed a game so much since "Donkey Kong Country." And I loved every minute of it.

All new pitching and hitting interface make the game approachable for beginners but with nice subtleties to keep even great players still working to fine tune their game.

An innovative mixture of Internet research, email and mini arcade type games that blend the line between realism and escapism. Having said that, there are a few mini-games that can only be beaten by repetition and practice.

This game just rocks!

This is a game that could easily have stood on its own with a little rounding out, but as it is, it is a remarkable addition to the original story.

While it doesn't have many fireworks or action sequences is does have a unique story that will delight those of you who are hungry for something different than your average adventure title or just tired of shooters.

Empire: Total War isn’t perfect, and it can be tedious at times. On the whole, it manages to pull off everything you’ve ever wanted in an RTS, and delivers even more. Top honors.

Not only does it look amazing but it plays just as fluidly and as gorgeously as the big boys do so do yourself a favor and pick this one up right away.

Quite simply, Gitaroo-Man lays the funk down on all competing musical games currently on the market with enough left over style to put a particular K9 back in the doghouse.

The environments, aside from being really large, are also very richly detailed and impressed the heck out of me.

The gameplay is great, and feels right at home on the PSP. The controls are quite comfortable, and (expect for the lack of camera control on a second analog stick) work just as well as the console iterations.

The best in children's games always tries to meld education with fun, and this game does that superbly, with a smooth integration of factoids about various things coupled with critical thinking activities and a fun adventure.

Infiltrator manages to do what "Rising Sun" couldn&#146;t: it innovates the series and moves it along in a new gameplay direction while maintaining the sense of atmosphere that made the Medal of Honor series so fun to play.

The incredible story had me guessing until the end, and once it was finished, I immediately began my quest for the different endings.

Path of Radiance radiates with the same wonderful, addictive qualities as the GBA originals. The massive, lengthy battles of the past have been greatly expanded, increasing the length and difficulty that you'll have to endure.

This game is F-U-N, and with the right, high-quality dance pad (like Red Octane's pad), you will spend countless hours mastering your moves and then adding your own style to it.

With its gorgeous visuals and amazing sound, the game brilliantly brings the film and Tolkien's vision to life.

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.

THIS GAME ROCKS! What I am most pleased with is the support that the web site offers.

Clever enough to feel special, yet familiar enough to get the player involved without much of a learning curve. Whether using the ice-pick to HACK a system, or reeling from the effects of a "Snowblind" disorientation, you feel involved in this game 100%.

One of the best jet Sims of the year, if not of all time.

There are some flaws, but taken as a package Heavy Rain is a remarkable achievement in gaming that creates an interactive experience that goes beyond the pages of a good novel or film noir. This is a game that needs to be experienced.

A gem in the galaxy of MMORPGs. It has a way to go to work out the kinks, but this is a game with depth of play and will likely have staying power.

It’s a beautiful, deep, fun role-playing adventure, and certainly one of the best RPGs available for Wii.

Addictive, entertaining and just plain fun, The Movies gives players creative freedom no other sim has offered.

The sounds and graphics are as good as allowed on the PSX platform.

The most fun I have had playing an RPG in a long time! This game just spews forth with innovation.

Desperate Struggle is so unpredictable it's like the punch line to a parody of Japanese pop culture. Frantic and all over the map, it somehow makes it all work and gives Wii owners an amazing game for an older audience – a rare treat to find on Nintendo's console.

In a day and age where storyline is always key, Runaway: A Road Adventure delivers a golden gameplay experience.

I can not stress how much you need to stop reading this and go pick up this game now! There have been only a few good RPG&#146;s released since GBA launch, this game makes it one more.

This is the most addictive and realistic hockey game this year. Sorry EA, but this one is clearly the winner this year.

Fans of "The Godfather" or the more recent "Road to Perdition" will no doubt be thrilled by everything they experience while playing this game.

The real 'Must-Have' game of the year for anyone who owns a PSP. It’s single-player game will steal your heart but it’s the perfect multiplayer mode that will steal your soul.