The improved controls, the overwhelmingly huge cities and the extreme (but not cheap) challenge make this a must-play game.

Exactly what extreme inline skate fans have been looking for and the game will not disappoint in any way. Terrific graphics, massive environments and an exclusive extra level make this a Must-Have.

The movement and animation are as smooth as ever with only a few hiccups on the framerate. Swimming, running, and sneaking around never felt so natural as you are going through all of the various missions. The computer AI on in this game is much sharper and makes it more challenging for all players.

If there is one Xbox game you should not miss this year it is Far Cry Instincts. It is one of those genuinely original and completely engrossing first-person shooters that joins Halo as the Xbox's finest games.

Dawn of War II is a risky RTS game, but the new RPG elements and streamlined missions are implemented in a way that is engaging for strategy fans and newcomers alike.

You will be hard pressed to find a game that controls as nicely as this one.

There are a few missteps here and there that can fluctuate the difficulty within a mission (the AI can be a bit iffy, and if you work through a building demolition fast enough, you can avoid much more trouble than if you dawdle), but overall, this is a game worth checking out.

Astounding!

The gameplay is fast and furious and even more addicting then in previous games.

While the slower pace might cause some of the more hardcore fans of the series to take issue, it allows those not completely at home with the control scheme to finally be able to pull off some technically impressive plays, making it one of the most accessible Maddens yet.

Astro Boy will surprise you with its challenge, its endurance, and its clever (and crazy) boss battles. The dash-to-survive gameplay is very unique.

Guitar Hero: World Tour is a great step for the music game genre, offering some excellent new features and tons of songs. While there are a few stumbles along the way, this is a title that fans will want to check out.

The number of things you can do with your parties and characters seem infinite, and it brings a personal feel to the experience that I haven't experienced in a long time...a dream come true for old-school RPGers.

Giants Citizen Kabuto has great central characters, choice camera angles, and a nice shooter perspective. But while the terrain elements are wonderful, the enemy (and enemy AI) is simplistic.

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.

An intense, action-packed game that captures the spirit of the first-person shooter genre in heart-pounding fashion. It is a visual delight – if the blood and gore doesn’t bother you – and a real treat for the ears.

Although World Series Baseball has all the modes baseball fans and sports gamers have been longing for, its awkward controls and mediocre graphics does not make this the ultimate baseball game to own.

Not really changed since Moto GP but refreshing with radically different courses, the game is down to earth but loads of fun to play.

With over 45 achievements to collect and never-ending fighting matches online, you will not run out of things to do in this game for a long time.

A tire-burning escape into the deep world of motor sports. They could have just given us the Nextel Series and called it a day, but reached deeper and handed out the Triple-Crown by adding Busch and Craftsman Series.

A great sequel to one of the PSP's best franchises, LocoRoco 2 is definitely a game fans of the original will want in their collection.

SoulCalibur IV doesn’t stir up the pot too much, offering mostly the same gameplay as previous entries. Fortunately, the franchise has it down to a science, and the addition of online play further sweetens the deal.

Has a few flaws, but its unique character pairings and jaw-dropping graphics make this a remarkable RPG.

Amnesia isn't always the smoothest experience, but it is never dull.

Soulcalibur IV plays a risky game by reducing the gameplay speed, rehashing characters and failing to introduce any game-changing mechanics. One-on-one multiplayer makes it entertaining, but if the fighting genre is going to survive, Soulcalibur V had better deliver a game of a much higher caliber.

The Kudos system is one of the most original features ever to grace a racing game. Project Gotham practically created a whole new genre.

While some of the mission elements are a little more straightforward than most of us were hoping, and the competitive edge of other heroes throughout the land is all but gone, the final result is still a deep and engaging action RPG.

The computer AI will always provide you with a nice challenge.

An exceedingly enjoyable RPG that’s both captivating and addictive enough to keep fans of the genre more than satisfied.

A fantastic PSP game, and one of the best action games to hit the system. Check it out if you’re a fan of last year’s Dark Mirror or if you are an fan of deep action games.

Good controls with a surprisingly fun training session help make this first person shooter one of the more enjoyably controlled games I've played all year.

I’d rather buy "NBA 2K5" twice for the $40 NBA Live costs. NBA team comparison: 2003-2004 Los Angeles Lakers – Lots of flash and attention, but in the end it falls short of the title.

More than an impressive atmospheric shooter, but any in-depth work that was done to develop a unique and captivating plot for Undying can too conveniently and too easily be ignored or disposed of.

Aside from some finicky movements, Monkey Island 2: Special Edition is another outstanding remake of a true adventure game classic.

Turn-based strategy that'll turn your life upside down.

The same great gameplay as the original... times 4!

Call of Duty: World at War is a solid entry to the franchise, offering some pretty intense gameplay and nice new online features. However, the return to WWII means that it feels like a game you’ve played before.

Despite the aging gameplay dynamics and rehashed sound-effects Hot Shots Golf 3 manages to deliver a full-on entertaining experience that is rarely found within games of the golfing simulation genre.

A well-done program, and it presents a nice twist not only on the original Monopoly title, but on the economic sim genre as well.

Bar none, the best WWE wrestling game of the series and one that will leave fans more than satisfied.

An awesome game that every player should have in their collection. It is a homage to older games that proves that 2D side-scrolling games are a blast to play.

The fact that you are no longer limited to two-minute runs coupled with the ability to land vert-tricks on flat ground make THPS4 a game that must be experienced for Hawk fans.

Tony Hawk novices will be happily overwhelmed, while Tony Hawk masters will enjoy taking the game even further.

It's not a terribly big budget epic; it's like that smaller, incredibly well-done indie movie that raises the bar with a great core concept and striking attention to detail throughout.

Even though this series has had its bumps along the way, the end product was completely worth it.

This chapter is the best so far of Episode Two. It does a great job of bridging the gap between the first several episodes, and the subsequent second half. The setup is wonderful.

While it's a few dozen DLC characters away from fulfilling its true potential, the appeal of seeing Viewtiful Joe stand side-by-side with the likes of Dante, Thor, Deadpool and Ameratsu, and the overall value due to its superb execution, make it a must for anyone who knows what a Hadouken is or has ever made "snikt" noises with their imaginary claws.

This game is for the hack and slash fan who enjoys a lot of action with their RPG titles vs. a lot of story and character stuff which is a definite 180 turn from the MMORPG style that EQ is commonly known for.

The musical score and effects are well done, but problems were encountered in clipped narrative. The options menu did not contain any way to turn on or off the effects.

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.

For $4.99, you won't find a better racer on the iPad right now.

It’s a surreal adventure you’ll get lost in – in the best way possible. The gameplay is remarkable, the innovations are superbly executed, and the graphic techniques and effects are amazing.

I loved playing this game, even when it was beating me. It is fair, challenging and addictive. The triple threat of gaming.

Could have been titled Mario 64 Plus. Plus new characters. Plus new stages. Plus new mini-games. Plus touch screen controls. Plus new music, not to mention incredible sound quality that blows Game Boy Advance out of the water.

The game has a good feel to it, and while you do use an awful lot of moves in the game (more as you advance) you will eventually find a nice groove and be able to get things done. The targeting for the guns does stink, though.

While it falters a little on the technical front in terms of graphics, KOTOR 2 is a great game that takes the classic gameplay of the original game and expands it with a brand new story and 30 to 40 more hours of gameplay.

Metroid Prime: Hunters is a phenomenal game that uses the DS to its fullest potential in terms of graphical ability and innovation.

You can learn to read pitches, fine-tune the single-player controls to give you more room for error or tighten them up to make each pitch a challenge.

NCAA Football 11 provides an outstanding dynasty mode that is as enthralling as they come.

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.

Another great "upgrade," Guitar Hero: Metallica is a must-own for fans of the band.

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.

Get very comfortable because Final Fantasy XI will have you so engrossed in its superbly massive world that you won’t want to leave your couch ever again.

It's like watching a race on TV -- the graphics, even on a standard television, are picture perfect. I don't think I've ever seen pavement in a video game that looked so real before. The color and texturing is unprecedented.

The sound is nothing short of spectacular. Every noise you'd expect to hear at a hockey game has been taken into account and put in the game.

There isn’t enough innovation or technical upgrades to make this title stand out from the previous DDR releases. But don’t let that stop you, DDRMAX offers up tons of replay value.

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.

Spielberg's inspiration for Boom Blox came from his pondering on "creation and destruction," and what came of it is one of the most engaging and visceral games on Wii to date.

It is nice to finally have nearly all of the features back and playing them on the Xbox 360. All of the new features and additions make this a game that will be played for hours on end.

Far Cry 2 is a deep and involving first-person shooter that propels the series forward to new and engaging heights. While it completely dismisses all the elements introduced in the original, this game has a lot more going for it and won’t fail to keep you hooked down to the last bullet.

Lords of Shadow is not without a handful of unfortunate imperfections, but that does not invalidate the fact that there is no more painstakingly-crafted action adventure currently available for this generation of consoles. MercurySteam has raised the bar especially in both art design and overall presentation, and should be extremely proud of their creation.

A nice step up for the series. It keeps the classic gameplay formula that the series has offered for a decade, and adds some elements that only the DS could pull off, from touch screen functionality to online play.

The closest Sega has come to creating the perfect Virtua Fighter sequel. Virtua Fighter 5’s fast-paced, in-your-face combat harkens back to the original.

Addicting, beautiful, and challenging; everything anyone could ask for in a video game.

The AI has been greatly improved from its predecessors, requiring you to use even more thought to get around guards and other characters in the game.

Hard core and casual gamers will agree this is the best soccer game to date.

There is so much to do, and players will be drawn into the game, and it won't let them go until they unlock everything. This is the best movie to game conversion that has come out in a long time.

The balance between the board game / influence style of play and using cards to turn the tables on an opponent works out extremely well, and the amount of cards that you can get and combinations to add into your decks is impressive.

The challenge is back for the upper-level players and the new class is fun to play. The game also sports some wonderful new attributes which make grouping more fun and rewarding.

Stunning to look at and a joy to play. The racing dynamics are excellent, and everything is in place for the best racing experience to date on the GameCube.

As solid as a tactical espionage action game can get. This remake belongs next to the Resident Evil remake, which to this day stands as being one of the best GameCube releases.

While the gameplay has aged, the new play modes are reason enough for Sim fans to pick this version up.

A true fighting game that is destined to become an instant classic. Much like the film it's packed with a great story, moody atmosphere and lots of action.

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

Without a doubt one of the best portable remakes of a console classic, Final Fantasy IV for the Nintendo DS is a remarkable and downright satisfying game that does justice to the original and RPGs.

A creepy and atmospheric FPS with great survival horror elements as well as all out action.

The game does have some linear aspects and is mission-based, but this is a smart game that draws players into the storyline and backs the content angle up with solid graphics, smart AI and great audio tracks.

MMORPG fans should find a deep game with a versatile job system and an detailed universe, and open-minded Final Fantasy fans should enjoy the Final Fantasy nuances and great multiplayer gameplay.

It is not as realistic as some of the new W.W.II FPS games that are coming out right now, but they don't have the shear intense fun factor that SS,TSE has. I had a blast with this game.

With the 40 plus new social interactions you have many options when it comes to making and maintaining friends both downtown and in your neighborhood.

Anyone can make a dark atmosphere and tough characters - but Alice is a wonderful and WITTY adaptation of a familiar story into an intriguing and addictive action/adventure experience.

There are just too many "other" features in this game that it made it hard for the developers to create the thing that mattered most: a truly exhilarating sense of speed. Graphically the game does that. But physically it does not.

The mystery is intriguing and the puzzles interesting to figure out. Kids will have a good time using their brains to decipher lots of clues.

A must have if you absolutely love the genre. The casual player however, may not find this to be one to add to their game library, but is definitely worth the price.

Order of Ecclesia proves that the Castlevania formula is still as fun now as it was ten years ago, and the new gameplay mechanics keep things fresh and interesting. It’s a 2D action masterpiece, and absolute required playing for any DS owner.

The easy to grasp platforming elements are smooth and comfortable and the environments are very well executed. Elika is quite possibly one of the best AI supporting characters yet implemented into a game.

It plays very well on the PS3 with intuitive controls, solid graphics, and streamlined game mechanics that ensure entertainment value.

Bionic Commando: Rearmed is the perfect remake, retaining all of the things that made the original great, but making those things fresh again. For $10, this game is an absolute steal.