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."

Obsidian Entertainment has bolstered the series with an array of fantastic additions, including crafting and Hardcore mode, but it's hard to appreciate them in light of incessant bugs and unfulfilling quests.

Dragon Quest fans shouldn’t miss out on finally playing Dragon Quest V for the first time in America.

EA Sports knows what they are doing. They create great sports games on a yearly basis, with just enough differences between years to get fans to buy them. FIFA Soccer 09 follows this method flawlessly, and is truly worth the purchase if you’re a soccer fan.

This game is drop dead gorgeous, has a good sound track, and is an absolute blast to play.

You don't have to be a fan of the comic book to enjoy this unique and wonderfully addictive game that manages to cram in all the things you could ask for in an action RPG.

The experience of NASCAR Thunder 2003 can be summed up in four words...replayability, challenge, realism, and FUN!

Features great graphics, amusing animation, and terrific game play.

The high production values of this game, actually take a back seat to the gameplay and experience, blending in as only one facet of the whole package, as it always should. An outstanding game all the way around.

The developers seemingly reside within a bubble where no other recent simulation racing games have been released (including, apparently, Gran Turismo 4). Thanks to studios like Codemasters and Turn 10, a revolution may be occurring within the genre, but it has nothing to do with this obsolete franchise.

Easy controls, and the ability to go in and play through the light cycle circuit as a game totally separate from the story driven FPS part was great and will help to increase replay value overall for many people. The enemies, weapons, leveling up system, downloading and just overall presentation of the game were spectacular in my opinion.

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

Skate 2 is a solid, albeit incremental, improvement over the first Skate.

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.

Wildly entertaining and loaded with enough bullet-fueled action to keep action aficionados more than pleased, Borderlands for the Xbox 360 should be on the very top of your Must Have list. Filled with more than enough missions, plenty of skills and loads of guns, this is over-the-top action at its most insane.

It not only possesses all the things we love about the adventure genre but it redefines it to the point that its interactive storytelling really does gives us hope that there are gamers that appreciate substance in their games.

A remarkably innovative title in design and concept.

What self-respecting Tolkien fan can be without this title? While the game does have a few stumbling points, this is a well-done RTS that enables players to experience the turmoil of the fantasy world, or just to create their own legacy within this fantastic realm.

The expansion adds more depth to the gameplay, and should be well received by those who have played and enjoyed the original game.

All the new weapons, aircraft, and landside vehicles fit the time period and are well equipped for battle. The addition of helicopters really expands on the tactics and the way battles are fought.

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.

One of the best games to be released on the NES years ago, and even though it is over fifteen years old, it still retains the fun factor as it did back then.

The best jam wrestling/street fighting/kick boxing game on the market.

Plays like an authentic NBA game. Teams shoot around the 40% Field goal percentage range, dunks are down, and finding the open man is essential. And I for one, am quite pleased.

Comes close to outshining the main game in certain aspects and should be considered a 'Must Buy' for loyal followers of the franchise.

The game looks good, and still plays well. The game does not substantially send the franchise forward with innovations, but rather adds to what is already there.

Anyone who’s played "Fire Emblem" or the original Disgaea must know by now that this is a must-own strategy/RPG.

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.

This is a great game on its own, and if you’ve ever enjoyed a turn-based RPG or strategy game, you would be wise to play Valkyrie Profile 2.

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

MLB ‘08: The Show is catered towards the stat freaks out there (me included) and it’ll grab a hold of you and never let go.

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

A must-play fighter for any fan of the genre, UFC or both.

For what RIFT tries to do, it does very well. I rarely felt bored with all the random events and rifts constantly breaking up the monotony of questing. It's also important to give Trion a tremendous amount of credit for releasing such a "complete" MMO.

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.

This expansion is as fun as its predecessor, and that’s saying a lot. All the new stuff fits in seamlessly with the existing game, and manages to incorporate new features with the old in a way that offers a change in scenery, but doesn’t distract from the original intent of the game.

This one delivers on the most part, but I would have liked to see a little less humor and a little more in challenges to be met.

The new maps and vehicles are worth the 20 bucks.

Even if you’re not a subscriber to the Xbox Live service, this game packs quite a punch with plenty of modes and missions.

While its heavy-on-the-realism feature can be too realistically demanding the game’s racing fun does not slow down very much.

The combat is 100% original. You issue commands using an innovative cursor that makes the game feel like an RTS. It's brilliant.

The iPad and iPhone may not be quite the gaming machines Apple wants them to be, but this is one format perfectly suited for touch screens and The Smoking Mirror is a great adventure just waiting to be explored.

It's fast, furious, and most importantly, fun. So much so that immediately after I finished the game, I started over again on a harder difficulty.

Whether your interest is massive or mild, I highly recommend giving Shatter a try. It reminds us what we love most about the genre, and maintains excitement rather than prolonging itself to uncomfortable limits.

It's fast, furious, and most importantly, fun. So much so that immediately after I finished the game, I started over again on a harder difficulty.

Battlefront II is another serving of a meal we’ve already had. It tastes a little better and looks a little fresher. I have no regrets playing through it and urge every Star Wars fan to check it out. Just beware that what you’re getting is not innovation – it’s just more fun.

One of the most unique games that I have played in a while. If you are looking for a unique game that isn’t just a “cookie cutter” of the most popular game out there, then look no further than this game.

With solid controls, sharp visuals, a large number of grapplers and match types, you can’t go wrong with a game that packs quite a punch and will have you gladly begging for more.

If Codemasters can covert a hardcore arcade loyalist like myself, I can only imagine how quickly it will steal the soul of a true F1 fan.

You will not want to let this game out of your hands because it is extremely addicting for you and anyone who gets their hands up on.

The shooting levels definitely benefit from the 3rd person perspective but the targeting controls could use some more work.

Pros might be disappointed in only 14 missions to tackle. There are hidden fields and surprises to unlock though, so Midway has not forgotten the most devoted and persnickety of game fans.

One of the best games of the year. Even before finishing Onimusha 2, I looked forward to playing through it again.

This game looks absolutely gorgeous; it is one of the best looking games out for the Playstation 2. The controls are very responsive and it plays like a dream.

Somehow, Taito and Square Enix managed to take a 30-year old formula and inject new life into the classic shooter to make this one seriously addictive game for gamers both young and old school.

If you find yourself liking the game, you'll be hooked for weeks. It isn't for everyone, though, so those looking for action and excitement are better off looking elsewhere.

We're talking levitating enemies and sending them flying across the room or setting things (and people) aflame--how is that not fun?

The gameplay is visceral, fast, and fun, the graphics and sound are incredible, and the story is so well conceived and written that it'll keep you coming back for more.

There is an absolute ton of stuff to be found in the Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion including the Aht Urghan themselves. New character classes, new and frightening looking monsters and more importantly new experiences in a world that needed a shot in the arm.

Battlefield 1943 is a blast to play, and does a fine job of taking the basic mechanics of the Battlefield franchise and capitalizing on them. Sadly, the game is awfully low on content, with only one online mode, 3 maps, and 3 classes.

A wonderful romp.

Not only is Sega Sports Tennis a realistically true tennis simulation but it’s also extremely challenging and fun as well.

Marvel Pinball is simply a must-buy. Though the ball physics can be a little speedy at times and some of the bonus rounds are mildly frustrating, it's a great collection of pinball games that you shouldn't miss.

Zero's sound effects are mighty impressive.

The flawless controls (really and truly – if we rated controls separately this game would receive something rarely seen on GameZone: a perfect 10) are one integral piece to the giant puzzle the developers created. No aspect was too small, no feature was overlooked.

One of the most enthralling games released this year.

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

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

Quite simply the best handheld baseball game you’ll own on the PSP. Think of this more as a tighter, extended version of last year’s game with shaper visuals, better sound and a Career Mode anyone who calls themselves a baseball fan will simply go bonkers over.

There's nothing quite like training your crosshairs on a friend's head, squeezing the trigger, and watching all sorts of brain matter becoming wall decorations, and the multiplayer mode quenches this thirst like ice cold lemonade on a sticky summer afternoon.

The Xbox is all about high resolution graphics. The PC version outdoes the original with better graphics with hardly any loading time. The models are fairly good but the enormous amount of activity that occurs on-screen makes the graphics that much better.

The newly enhanced IsoMotion works just a tad better than last year but it still has a way to go, fortunately the rest of the game plays like a dream and the 24/7 Mode is even more awesome than before.

Even though the game has some technical issues, Point Lookout still provides some great new environments to explore. You will want to be pretty experienced before taking the plunge, however, as this journey isn’t for newcomers.

With great visuals, sound, controls and plenty of high-adventure, Dark Alliance is a very gratifying and addictive RPG experience.

It’s too bad the open-world element wasn’t fleshed out more, because this game could have been spectacular. NMH is the Wii’s first third-party classic and anyone with a Wii should seek it out.

This is a good fighter but it could have been much better. Still, the game is entertaining, challenging and looks good.

The Shadows of Luclin expansion has enhanced an already rich game experience immensely.

Everything that made the first one memorable is expanded upon ten fold! It has an engrossing storyline, breath taking graphics, and a wonderful music score. This game is not to be missed!

If you are a serious strategy nut, then try and beat this AI. It seems that they spent most of their energies on that, and it paid off.

Feels like a successor to "Aggressive Inline" in that it does many new things, but still has a classic extreme sports feel.

Finally, an expansion that is a must have for every fan of the game. Quite simply, if you don't pick this up, you are definitely missing out!

This title is well done, and though it could have been better with a few tweaks here and there, for those who want a strategic game that is mostly non-linear in terms of accomplishing goals and requires you to think through movement phases, then Silent Storm may be what you are looking for.

The color usage is really stunning, with all of the neon lighting and exotic environments.

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

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a perfect storm of clever puzzles, suspenseful storytelling, and spectacular visuals that hasn't been witnessed since the heyday of LucasArts adventures. The linear plot makes this a one-time experience, but one that is so enthralling and witty that you'll be thankful for the opportunity.

Pure fun, Pure entertainment, Pure eye candy – that’s what you get with this title. The game does have some small failings, but nothing totally worth mentioning. What is compelling about this title are the tracks, the air and the way the terrain will affect your ATV. This is great fun.

Simple, easy to use and entirely effective. The frantic pace of the game and all-out blitz to get as many gold coins as possible makes for an exciting game.

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

It’s a dazzling-looking game with plenty of challenges and a lot to love despite a few weak spots here and there.

The camera can be a little obstinate at times, but the game is very easy to pick up and learn to play. The developers made certain that the joy of this title is in playing the game, not mired in trying to learn how to play it.

Innovative role-playing on the XBox that continues forth on PC. The control system is a little difficult to handle, however, and doesn’t quiet fit the gameplay mechanics.

The fact that Resident Evil 5 was worth playing through twice in one weekend shows how compelling the gameplay is, and how it's able to rise above a number of disappointing flaws.

Each of the moves that you want to execute performs flawlessly and looks great at the same time.

The gameplay isn’t perfect, as the bits of story elements aren’t terribly well-developed and the bot AI in the single player campaign is spotty, but the game still does a fine job of being a compelling and frantic online shooter.

Now all that Midway needs to do is to improve the AI and to focus more on the unique nature of 1 on 1 basketball. If they can do that, then they’ll have no problem rising to the level of "NBA Street" and maybe even beyond.

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.

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.

The most complete rally racing game you'll find on the Xbox. This is the Colin McRae Rally game that defines the very essence of the sport and thus making this the Must Have title to own.