This is a game that will probably appeal just to the core Code Lyoko fan-base. From a gaming standpoint, however, this game is near the bottom.

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.

Next to the Orange Box, this is actually a sweet value title. You must like killing aliens, lots of action and the kind of game where it pays to go looking down deserted dark corridors.

Crysis is a fantastic game that offers amazing graphics that immerse you into the game in a way that no other visual presentation can. The cinematic elements and superb art direction keep the gameplay’s intensity level at a constant high, making Crysis a game that no PC gamer should miss, as long as their computer is up to snuff.

While it’s not as brilliant as it could have been considering the game’s timeline and setting, Assassin’s Creed is an astonishing gaming experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

While the fast-paced and action-packed chapters have their share of spectacular moments, the game is held back by characters we do not really care about and dated gameplay that just doesn’t feel like a next-generation game.

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.

While the original formula remains the same year after year, WWE SmackDown Vs. Raw 2008 is still a fun game that does manage to pull off some new moves on the PS3.

A good rental for most and a decent buy for the super-hardcore wrestling fanatic, WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 doesn’t push the series forward. But with the next-gen consoles in full swing, it doesn’t seem like there is much room for the game to grow without jumping ship.

Even with the few good changes and the inclusion of the ECW stable, the awful controls, murky graphics and a rushed 24/7 Mode just hold this game back from being a franchise favorite among fans.

WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008 does a few things right, but doesn’t really bring the game to a whole new level like it should.

Fans will certainly love the slams and finishing moves using the Nunchuk and Wiimote, but the lack of match types will disappoint the more hardcore fans. Still, those looking for a different and more interactive version of the game should definitely pick this one up.

With inventive use of the touch screen, the action is hard-hitting but the moves are not as diverse as other versions of this game. It’s still a game well worth playing if you own a Nintendo DS or love WWE wrestling.

Exciting and unrelenting, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a grand reworking of the series’ most prominent worlds.

Uninspired shooting elements, horrible AI, poor controls and a host of bugs basically line this one out.

The Wii version of Tomb Raider Anniversary won’t pull in those who have already played the game on PS2 or Xbox 360. Everyone else, however, will be pleasantly surprised by the Wii remote implementation. This is one tomb that should be explored thoroughly.

Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a “more of the same” sequel, but its still-addictive gameplay presents a problem: if you buy it, you’re out $40. But if you choose to rent it, you’ll likely spend more in the long run since the game is hard to give up.

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.

Need for Speed ProStreet is a decent racing game that got sidetracked along the way. It appears EA was more concerned with in-game advertising than ensuring the game got the proper attention it needed.

ProStreet has a tiring, monotonous start that could turn off even the most loyal Need for Speed fanatic. But if have the need to stick around, the race events do speed up to a better, more enjoyable pace. Eventually.

Outside of Mario Kart DS, this has been the most enjoyable racer on the Nintendo DS.

Need For Speed ProStreet is barely a worthy sequel to the last 3 strong releases from EA. Mediocrity bleeds through the edges in almost every aspect of this release.

A fun game that is accessible and seemingly geared for all members of the family. The game has a really gentle and relaxed feel to it, even when your city starts to hustle and bustle with businesses going up right and left, and the city coffers are working hard to keep up with the growth.

Sonic Rivals 2 isn’t the super-speedy racing game you’d expect from the world’s fastest blue hedgehog. Jerky levels and unwarranted slowdowns prevent the game from moving at Sonic’s true speed.

This game is absolutely not for everybody. Most gamers brought up on the cushy, forgiving action games of the last decade will probably feel like somebody slapped them in the face the first time they play it. But for the right sort of person, that slap in the face is exactly what they’ve been craving. Contra 4 presents some of the best, most hardcore run-and-gun shooting action on the DS, and is a breath of fresh, alien-blood-scented air for the system, and gaming in general.

Sure, the game’s far from perfect. Still, it’s one of best fighting games ever to grace the PS2, and for only 20 bucks, it’s about the best deal in gaming today.

An interesting novelty, Jenga World Tour isn’t the casual market-appeasing game it needs to be to succeed. While oddball gamers like myself may find temporary amusement, the rest of the world will likely stick to the real Jenga game.

The game is a real doozy when you have friends over who are willing to play, otherwise the single player is a real letdown.