An excellent shooter that, like so many, fails to deliver a flawless experience, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is a game that most everyone should play.

Worth a purchase by anyone who loves mini-games, and certainly worth buying as a Balance Board bundle if you don't own the original, Wii Fit Plus is an upgrade that'll satisfy one audience but could disappoint another.

Hardcore survival-horror fans will get a kick (and a few good scares) out of Obscure: The Aftermath for the PSP despite the few hardware evils that hold it back. That said there are a number of good things about the game but only for those loyal survival-horror game fans that don’t mind the flaws.

While it might have called the PS3 its home first, PixelJunk Monsters is a perfect fit on the PSP. With more features, levels, and some of the most fun and addictive strategy gameplay ever, you're doing yourself a real disservice if you miss out on this one.

If you're a fan of hip-hop or electronic music and interested in creating your own tracks, then Beaterator is definitely worth a look.

Dead Space: Extraction is simply a must-play for any Wii owner over the age of 18 as you won’t find a more immersive, blood-chilling action adventure title anywhere else this fall.

The MySims series has definitely released a good game in MySims Agents, and it will be well received by the Wii's younger audience.

This is a thoroughly entertaining game that is a delightful bit of eye candy rolled into an adrenaline-charged action-adventure game.

Uh, there really isn't anything like this on the PSP, and there is some fun to be had, but only a select few will embrace the gore and clumsy, over-the-top action; of course, they'll have to forgive the game's lack of flair.

Quite an impressive package that delivers a wonderfully deep and involving portable RPG.

One of the most impressive first-person shooters you will play on your Nintendo DS this year. Very few shooters on the DS will cheerfully have you enjoying every second of this game and with enough reasons to keep on playing you should definitely consider buying this one.

Flying around the environs is exhilarating, and is a lot more fun than flying a certain other famous dragon on the Wii. However, fighting is all there is, and there isn't anything else. A good choice for those looking for an accessible, pick-up-and-play fighting game and who don't require anything else.

The Wii version is a faithful port of the original PC game. The graphics are not as good, but everything else works pretty much the same. The only real difference is the price, which is around $10 more for the Wii version than the PC version.

Its repetitive nature might outweigh its accessibility, but the basic mechanics work pretty well. Without any excessive violence or questionable content throughout, this is probably one of the better ways to keep relatives occupied during the holiday season.

It's an add-on that is longer than most full games, well produced, with lots to do and see, new enemies and weapons, and it really sets the bar for any future downloadable content in this universe.

Aion offers some new ideas and the whole wing dynamic is wonderful.

Great mechanics and a beautiful presentation make Order of War shine brightly among some incredible WWII strategy games. Anyone who enjoys the genre should give this one a shot.

There are a few new features but it doesn’t make for a new experience for returning fans.

Still controls like a dream, I credit the franchise for bringing decent controls for a FPS to the consoles.

Whether you've played Persona before or are playing it for the first time on PSP, it's hard to deny that this is one of the best RPGs of the year, and is a must-own for any RPG fan whose collection is without a version.

The combat of Spyborgs is fun enough to fuel an arcade-brawler revival, but a complete lack of variety, length, and design ingenuity derails its potential like a steel-tipped boot to the jaw.

The Williams Collection works as a digital museum to preserve these games for future generations, but also reminds today’s gamers of just how much fun it can be to bounce a metal ball around inside a flashing, chiming cabinet. It’s an excellent collection of some amazing games from an era of electronic entertainment long since past.

Last year's iteration was great, but the three new tables give the PS3 and Xbox 360 version the edge. If you don't already own Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection for another console, don't hesitate to buy it now.

Those who approach Smash-Up hoping for a solid, enjoyable alternative to Smash Bros. will be pleased, but Turtles fans hoping for a celebration of the franchise will probably be disappointed by the game’s shameful “scratch the surface” approach to Eastman and Laird’s storied 25-year-old franchise.

Our House Party is yet another Wii title comprised of mini-games that just doesn't stack up to the other quality titles the platform has to offer.

Our House isn’t meant to attract a hardcore following, so it’s best enjoyed for what it is: a pleasant diversion that works especially well for children on road trips. It doesn’t have any of the guilty gore of other popular titles, it provides genuine entertainment, and you may even learn a thing or two.

Games like these are more fun when actual prizes are involved. Still, there’s a decent variety of activities for the game show enthusiast.

DFO's gameplay will eat away at your hours and keep you coming back for more.

This is an unusually accessible strategy game in that even novice players can sit down and begin the game easily.

Like the grindhouse action flicks of the ’70s, Wet is a wild ride packed with enough blood, bullets, and ridiculous over-the-top action to make it worth your while.

Like the films from which it draws inspiration, WET is an unapologetically sordid exercise in blood, sex, and rock ‘n roll, a made-for-popcorn slab of flawed-but-fun action gaming. And that’s more than enough for me.

This is the first game that truly grants players an opportunity to be Batman, whether he’s using his intellect or his fists. Anyone with even a modicum of interest in playing an awesome Batman game should pick up Arkham Asylum, without any hesitation.

Rather, they have chosen to approach the series with minor tweaks and upgrades, which will be hugely appreciated by those who missed the original, but might seem irrelevant to those who already shelled out $35 to acquire the first Ninja Destiny.

Dedicated Bleach fans will find a lot to love about The 3rd Phantom but, as far as true RPG and strategy fans are concerned, its few flaws are just too noticeable to ignore. That said, however, the game manages to squeeze in plenty of Bleach lore and the battles can be loads of fun thanks to the great number of characters available so you may want to check this one out either way.

Once the initial gloss wears off Shift is still a solid and enjoyable racing game. There should be plenty of parts of the game for racing fans to enjoy. However the controls and lack of identity might keep you from delving as deep into Shift as would with other racing games.

Resident Evil 5 isn't exactly perfect, but it's so close, none of its flaws upset the experience as a whole. Buy it for yourself, but bring a friend for maximum enjoyment.

A game that builds on its critically-lauded predecessor with fine new features, NHL 10 is a great follow-up sports title that other franchises should take a hint from.

Visually enticing and richly entertaining, this may be one of the best sports games of the year.

Nothing more than a weekend rental, Heroes Over Europe is a disappointing title when gamers look back and take notice at how well Transmission Games handled their first flight game, Heroes of the Pacific.

While it’s not a horrible hockey game, it just doesn’t come close to being as good as past entries.

While the combat is a bit too much on the button mashing side, the RPG elements are solidly implemented and the different stories make for a branching experience that hardcore Marvel fans should check out.

A solid follow-up to the 2006 release, with great new characters and fusion powers. The game looks very nice and plays well.

While adding more than enough super powered friends and foes to keep Marvel fans happy, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 for the DS is a surprisingly entertaining handheld action game.

The game might not be for everyone but the unique puzzle-solving uses of the gadgets and one of kind setting (I don’t see many flying spaghetti tornadoes in other games) will keep fans of the movie entertained.

Scribblenauts is a charming game to be sure, and the sheer level of work that went into the game is indeed impressive. Unfortunately, there are some gameplay quirks and frustrating issues that prevent it from being the classic that it should have been.

This October, the world will indeed experience a case of Toy Story mania when the first two films are re-released in theaters in 3D. But unless you're a collector of all things Pixar, Toy Story Mania! is not a game you'll want to own.

NHL2K11 gets props for taking advantage of the Wii's bigger bullet points, like Wii Speak and MotionPlus, and for giving the series some focus by being exclusive to one console. However, there are some control issues and laggy online play that truly prevent the game from achieving hockey greatness.

Bowser's Inside Story has everything you could want from a Mario game: creative levels, likable characters, and most importantly, gameplay that makes it impossible to put down.

The game has flaws, but still can be fun in areas. It is colorful, follows its concept, and has well-done graphics, though the sound effects are not great. This game is for younger gamers.

On top of the flawed shooting mechanics there are glitches aplenty that keep this from being an inventive and fun shooter. Sorry, but this is one action game best left forgotten by time.

An excellent tribute to The Beatles, The Beatles Rock Band sets the standard for music games based on a single band.

The price tag for everything is steep, and there are not enough songs for my liking, but this is a true representation of a legendary band. Great songs and great fun make for a great game.

The best hack-n-slash side-scroller of the generation. Muramasa is a masterpiece from beginning to end.

While the vibrant visuals, easily manageable combat and light-hearted mood might enamor some, Mini Ninjas is just too repetitive, short and bereft of features to make it stand out.

Mini Ninjas is about having fun. It might not be the best game on the market but it should provide plenty of fun and enjoyment for almost any gamer.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey is the flight/combat game no one should be without.

The control scheme is simple to understand and getting into the racing is easy.

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

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.

Another idea gone horribly awry, there is far better out there.

Reborn is a solid experience that offers up some genuinely fun FEAR moments, but paying 800 MS Points for a two hour gaming experience is definitely only for the most hardcore FEAR fans.

Section 8 is a remarkable shooter that goes above and beyond its expectations.

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny for the PSP is an impressive portable fighting game that is just as amazing and just as addictive as the console games. On the single-player front, we wish there was more but there’s enough here to keep fans more than happy.

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.

The setlist simply did not pull me into this game. There were some good tunes (Frampton rocks!), a couple of nice discoveries, but Guitar Hero is about the songs and while the gameplay, mechanics, and options are nicely handled, the track list failed to impress.

A strong title that pushes the genre forward while retaining much of its original appeal.

The Hardy Boys are having a good time on the Royal Express, and so will any player who picks up this game. History buffs will especially appreciate all the little details on the train and the surrounding locations of Europe. A nice portable experience with two well-known young sleuths, Joe and Frank Hardy.

It's a solid MMO that will serve as a good diversion from WoW, but only time will tell if it has the depth of content necessary to keep people around.

This fishing title lacks a lot that fishing gamers would like in a perfect game. However, if you haven't tried fishing on the Wii yet and you are looking to do it cheap, this may be the cheapest way to find out what it is like.

While Warriors Orochi 2 faithfully captures the feel of the console version, the new additions make this a far more refreshing version fit for the PSP.

There is not a single-element of the Batman that this game doesn't nail, from the gadgets to the atmosphere and the combat. The action is thrilling and varied, and even the fetch quests are compelling.

Even though the combat has some minor issues, there is still a lot of depth and engaging gameplay to be experienced in DISSIDIA.

It is good game, not a great game; fortunately the sum of its parts don't equal the end product. If you can get by the remedial graphics and sound, you could have some hardcore gaming in store.

You'll need a stylus instead of a shovel in Frantic Farming, an outright, full-blown, pull-your-hair-out puzzler that offers a fresh perspective on the genre and an addictive gameplay hook. It's not perfect, but it's one hell of a crop.

Mana Khemia 2 is a step up from its predecessor, but it still doesn't live up to the series it spawned from (Atelier Iris).

It does not fail and has several bright spots, there is some issues with how it looks and the gameplay can become monotonous, not a bad attempt though.

Any fan of casual games is sure to enjoy playing, and the price is exactly right for this type of game.

With a fantastic story and numerous puzzles to keep you thinking, this DS game will keep you and your Stylus very busy and you will love it for that reason. Even if you missed the first game, picking this one up is a no-brainer.

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.

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!

A riveting and thoroughly action-packed shooter that takes the series in a different and better direction.

While some missions are by the number, you will find yourself enjoying the action and supernatural twist that will keep you playing to the very end and well into the night thanks to the online multiplayer. This is definitely a Must Have for any FPS fan.

I am back and forth on this one; while it is an entertaining and good-looking game, there isn't anything new or ground breaking, and the multiplayer stinks.

A surprisingly delightful action-RPG. It is, by no means, the most original or most exotic game on the Nintendo Wii, but for a console that is looking for its next big title to lure its gamers back, Spectrobes: Origins is a great pick-up for any gamer.

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.

There are a few moments where you might be left scratching your head about AI decisions, and the audio can be off target, on occasion, but this is the best looking Madden game to date and the new elements really give players the opportunity to learn and grow in the game.

Madden NFL 10 for me is exactly the type of football game I want to play for the Wii. Nothing too heavy or serious in the controls or gameplay modes that could turn away non-gamers and some hardcore gamers.

Phantom Brave: We Meet Again is a very interesting game that players will love to get their hands on. This game offers numerous hours of playtime and is one of the most "hardcore" games on the Nintendo Wii. Even though this game has a few pitfalls, overall players will enjoy the experience it offers.

Trials HD is the most addicting game I’ve played in quite some time, and you get a whole lot of game for a relatively small download fee. While there were plenty of great XBLA games released this summer, Trials is one that definitely shouldn’t get overlooked.

C.O.R.E. is a bumpy trip down memory lane, an unrefined copy of seminal shooters from decades passed. It’s nostalgic, but it also feels anachronistic, a decent-but-outdated FPS that feels too old-fashioned for its own good.

The under-responsive game mat and uninteresting mini-games really took away anything that was remotely good about the game. It is essentially an average game that some kids might have fun with, but that is all it is.

Turtles in Time definitely provides the primitively satisfying, thumb-numbing enjoyment of the original. However, its adherence to the original game doesn’t help with replayability, and newcomers may find its “hardcore” appeal somewhat befuddling.

Brave is obviously designed with children new to gaming in mind, but even they shouldn’t tolerate this glitchy mess. There’s a pretty good game here, hiding amongst the bugs, graphical issues, and poorly designed platforming sequences. It’s called Brave: Search for Spirit Dancer, and you can find it for a very reasonable price for the PS2.

Props for the implementation of the voice command controls.

The campaign mode is really short, the graphics are ugly, and the sound is passable. The only reason to play this game is to pad your gamer scores or if you are an extremely die-hard G.I. Joe fan.

G.I. Joe is very iffy at times, but it is a decent game that will grow on you.

It’s a surprisingly immersive and competently controlling first-person soaker from a completely unexpected source — a budget title with a generic name.

Considerably short and lacking in all the things that made Point Lookout and The Pitt worthwhile downloads, Mothership Zeta is not a bad add-on but it’s not the best one either.