If Slant Six is able to further solidify the game, and even expand on it with additional maps and content, it’s possible the score would be jump up a tick.

It doesn't have the polish that GTA IV has, but at the same time I just felt like I was having more fun here than I ever did in Liberty City. The sheer amount of freedom in how you do your missions (and the lack of scripted set-ups) is one of my favorite aspects in a sandbox environment, and right now, Saints Row 2 honestly serves up the best experience when it comes to just having some fun in a big city with no rules for a few hours.

It doesn't have the polish that GTA IV has, but at the same time I just felt like I was having more fun here than I ever did in Liberty City. The sheer amount of freedom in how you do your missions (and the lack of scripted set-ups) is one of my favorite aspects in a sandbox environment, and right now, Saints Row 2 honestly serves up the best experience when it comes to just having some fun in a big city with no rules for a few hours.

This is the most fun I've had being scared in a video game since I first encountered the 'dog scene' in Resident Evil. The game is very pretty, draws you in with it's sound, atmosphere, and story, plays wonderfully, and is diverse enough from chapter to chapter where you feel like you are not playing similar missions (like Assassin's Creed). I can't recommend Dead Space enough; it is already up for my GOTY vote, and with a crowded line up of games coming soon, that is a bold statement.

This is the most fun I've had being scared in a video game since I first encountered the 'dog scene' in Resident Evil. The game is very pretty, draws you in with it's sound, atmosphere, and story, plays wonderfully, and is diverse enough from chapter to chapter where you feel like you are not playing similar missions (like Assassin's Creed). I can't recommend Dead Space enough; it is already up for my GOTY vote, and with a crowded line up of games coming soon, that is a bold statement.

If you want a game that is fast, gritty, and fun as hell to play with commentary by Madden himself (actually it's the hilarious Frank Caliendo doing his Madden impersonation) then Blitz may be that "shot in the arm" you are looking for.

If you want a game that is fast, gritty, and fun as hell to play with commentary by Madden himself (actually it's the hilarious Frank Caliendo doing his Madden impersonation) then Blitz may be that "shot in the arm" you are looking for.

Basically, the newest Tak entry is a substandard platforming/brawler hybrid that just doesn't manage to do anything for me.

Basically, the newest Tak entry is a substandard platforming/brawler hybrid that just doesn't manage to do anything for me.

The challenge isn't too taxing, with a few frustrating areas due to bad level design more than anything, and while the combo system is out from previous games, you can still string together hits using the basic attacks and the different elements if you want, but it's hardly needed for most cases.

The concept is fun, there are some nice features and touches included in the game, and the online play is actually very enjoyable. It's worth checking out the demo at least to see if the game clicks.

If you're absolutely, positively dying to play some type of action oriented title, and you're not feeling particularly picky about the story aspect or how engaged you'll get with the characters used, then Fracture will probably satisfy that itch for a short while.

If you're absolutely, positively dying to play some type of action oriented title, and you're not feeling particularly picky about the story aspect or how engaged you'll get with the characters used, then Fracture will probably satisfy that itch for a short while.

All together, I can't really suggest picking up the newest Crash title, unless the idea of backtracking really doesn't bother you in the slightest. There's a decent game here, but it's far too annoying to play thru and see everything it has to offer.

2K seems very comfortable with their winning formula - they've got a game that plays and looks great that improves a little each year. They've succeeded in adding wrinkles that do what should be the #1 goal of anyone who makes sports games: They stay out of the way.

2K seems very comfortable with their winning formula - they've got a game that plays and looks great that improves a little each year. They've succeeded in adding wrinkles that do what should be the #1 goal of anyone who makes sports games: They stay out of the way.

For me, I chose NBA Live 09. Not only has EA brought legs back to this franchise since struggling its first two years out on next generation platforms, but they have delivered a very strong outing last year and now this year as well.

For me, I chose NBA Live 09. Not only has EA brought legs back to this franchise since struggling its first two years out on next generation platforms, but they have delivered a very strong outing last year and now this year as well.

Overall War World is a reasonably fun, good looking XBLA title. The biggest problem is mech balance, which hopefully can be fixed in a later patch.

So once again, this fledgling series fails to impress, and while I get the idea behind the game and the mechanics that it's going for, it just feels like a lot of the elements are unnecessary and a bit too archaic for my tastes.

It is as true as possible to the franchise's humble beginnings, which is a good and bad thing. In my opinion, it's a good thing because I love a game that can put me through the wringer and back-but still be fair about it.

It was the game's storyline and characters that captured me versus the suspense this time around, but that didn't make the game any less enjoyable for me.

It was the game's storyline and characters that captured me versus the suspense this time around, but that didn't make the game any less enjoyable for me.

You'll have a hard time finding an arcade or combat racer that is anywhere close to being able to catch up to WipEout HD and when you factor in the price WipEout HD is in a league of its own.

It is as true as possible to the franchise's humble beginnings, which is a good and bad thing. In my opinion, it's a good thing because I love a game that can put me through the wringer and back-but still be fair about it.

It's definitely worth picking up for not only shooter fans, but those that enjoy a little bit of strategy with their action. You won't get away with run and gun tactics on this title, and it's easily one of the better representations of squad based combat I've seen in a game since the original Brothers In Arms.

It's definitely worth picking up for not only shooter fans, but those that enjoy a little bit of strategy with their action. You won't get away with run and gun tactics on this title, and it's easily one of the better representations of squad based combat I've seen in a game since the original Brothers In Arms.

I absolutely loved Pure, and while I've played a fair share of decent off road racers in the past couple years, nothing compares to Pure in my opinion.

I absolutely loved Pure, and while I've played a fair share of decent off road racers in the past couple years, nothing compares to Pure in my opinion.

It's definitely not the best platformer from last-gen, but it was a decent enough title that was probably overlooked by quite a few.

It could have used a little more variety out of the box, in terms of gameplay types and topics, but what is included will undoubtedly last until the next full-featured installment.

Being a fan of Batman, and the Animated Series especially, there's a lot to love with what Traveller’s Tales has done with the license.

So while Buzz! Master Quiz isn't quite my preferred version of the series; it's still a really decent outing, and first attempt, on the PSP. There are a decent variety of quiz types available, along with a great selection of actual questions, and a solid amount of content to keep a player busy for a while.

So get your group of friends together, throw a party, or just get wasted as singing is something everyone loves to do, it just takes a little motivation to get some of your friends to sing along, but you'll get them there one way or another.

The mission selection is definitely a bit different from previous games, and having the various encounters with potentially dangerous prey is a great idea, but the actual execution feels pretty lackluster here.

The mission selection is definitely a bit different from previous games, and having the various encounters with potentially dangerous prey is a great idea, but the actual execution feels pretty lackluster here.

So while Baja is technically impressive, it's also maddeningly difficult, and easily one of the more frustrating racers I've played recently. The controls are unforgiving, and the vehicle damage is definitely realistic but also provides a huge hurdle for actually enjoying the game.

So while Baja is technically impressive, it's also maddeningly difficult, and easily one of the more frustrating racers I've played recently. The controls are unforgiving, and the vehicle damage is definitely realistic but also provides a huge hurdle for actually enjoying the game.

Along with the bright and colorful visuals, the music really plays a big part in de Blob as well.

It is as true as possible to the franchise's humble beginnings, which is a good and bad thing. In my opinion, it's a good thing because I love a game that can put me through the wringer and back-but still be fair about it.

I just can't see myself inviting friends over to have an all-night Feeding Frenzy 2 session.

Basically, if you want to play a game of online domino's, just like what you'd be able to play at home, then Domino Master delivers. However, it'd be nice if there was something about the game to really made it stand out, some type of new mode or something introduced strictly for the video game version, to keep it from feeling like a simple board game cash in.

All together though, this is a fantastic port, but it doesn't change or enhance the original in any meaningful way.

Highly recommended, and something that every RPG enthusiast should definitely check out.

I appreciate the realization of scale in the game, and the overall fun you get out of just blowing things away with the different weapons you can toy around with. I'm not sure if there's been enough improvements here to appease fans, but as a player that hasn't been immersed in the Armored Core universe for a bit, I had a pretty good time.

I appreciate the realization of scale in the game, and the overall fun you get out of just blowing things away with the different weapons you can toy around with. I'm not sure if there's been enough improvements here to appease fans, but as a player that hasn't been immersed in the Armored Core universe for a bit, I had a pretty good time.

Still, while Battle Fantasia's mechanics seem to work well enough, it's also a little barebones for today's fighting market.

Rock Band 2 may not be a full fledged sequel in the mind of some critics, but what the team at Harmonix has done is beef up an already established franchise and listened to what their fans wanted.

The presentation is certainly nice, the games are well paced, the multiplayer is fun and there is an adequate variety of topics/answers/questions. Unless you have a household of JEOPARDY! fans, the whole package is still just a little light for the price point.

Amusement Park is a great addition to the game, it's priced fairly, and fans will no doubt get a kick out of the new and chaotic environment

Admittedly it's not inherently bad or broken, but your mileage will depend almost entirely on how much you like bowling, mini-golf and/or if you have either of the other two systems' bowling games.

So if you're looking for something new, TNA Impact might be able to fulfill that need, but don't expect it to reinvent the wheel in it's current state.

So if you're looking for something new, TNA Impact might be able to fulfill that need, but don't expect it to reinvent the wheel in it's current state.

EA didn't just make their game look, sound, and play superbly, but they even brought their "A" game when it comes to features as well.

EA didn't just make their game look, sound, and play superbly, but they even brought their "A" game when it comes to features as well.

If you're a fan of the original title, than I can definitely suggest picking this one up, but even if you missed out on the Viva Pinata hype for the original release, this version is easy to pick up and learn, and should appeal to just about everyone.

Without the franchise problem, NHL 2k9 would be recommendation with no qualifications.

Without the franchise problem, NHL 2k9 would be recommendation with no qualifications.

It's a fun little title, and while it might not hold your attention thru the entire main story, it's definitely worth checking out regardless.

Easily not enough fun and gameplay potential to suffice for a 50-60 dollar purchase, that's for sure.

Easily not enough fun and gameplay potential to suffice for a 50-60 dollar purchase, that's for sure.

But the bottom line is that playing Gin online is now possible for about $5.,It works, and is just as addictive as the real thing.

I ended up enjoying Infinite Undiscovery quite a bit. It's not the best that Tri-Ace has created, but it's a pretty solid outing for these guys.

It might not have as many improvements as other sequels can boast, but it's still a solid game that I think everyone can enjoy.

Once you get the hang of Fishing Frenzy's controls, it's actually enjoyable to play, but the initial learning curve feels like a bit of a challenge. I applaud the new dev team for cutting out some of the excess of the previous title, but it'd be nice to feel like things were getting another coat of polish, or something to spruce up the over all visual and audio appeal.

Mercenaries 2, much like their in-game avatars, succeeds by getting the job done with no frills and nothing more. To many gamers that just may be enough.

Mercenaries 2, much like their in-game avatars, succeeds by getting the job done with no frills and nothing more. To many gamers that just may be enough.

The addicting, classic arcade gameplay and pseudo-retro stylings make it different enough than nearly anything else out there.

It truly feels like a throwback to classic arcade brawlers in both play and design, and Castle Crashers is a fantastic inclusion for anyone's XBLA library.

If it weren't for the commentary crew messing things up so badly, Tiger would have scored in the A range, but alas, there comes another sand trap EA really needs to fix before next year. Otherwise, if you can ignore the commentary crew, you will find a very deep and very fulfilling game of golf that newbies and veterans can enjoy equally.

If it weren't for the commentary crew messing things up so badly, Tiger would have scored in the A range, but alas, there comes another sand trap EA really needs to fix before next year. Otherwise, if you can ignore the commentary crew, you will find a very deep and very fulfilling game of golf that newbies and veterans can enjoy equally.

Overall Disgaea 3 is a good solid SRPG, and just like the other Disgaea titles, the fun really comes from playing the game itself. Players will find themselves wanting to play just to level up characters.

The controls are challenging when using the motion set up, and while the analog control is better, it's still not on par with a standard game pad set-up.

Mario Super Sluggers really doesn't innovate the baseball experience. It's more of an extension of the GameCube version, with slightly improved visuals (16x9 support) and decent audio.

Even without the extras we are accustomed to seeing in the series, the updated visuals, new mechanics and enjoyable adventure are worth the price of admission.

Fun, but it's far from great.

While Too Human doesn't really seem to excel at any of the things it attempts to do, it still ends up being fun to play despite the flaws. Sure, it's annoying to see that damn Valkyrie death animation every time you die, and I'd love to be able to pick out my long range targets, but I still find myself coming back to play for an hour or two every night, at least until I hit 50 with my Defender.

They even managed to spice things up by re-tooling boss fights, puzzles, and later sections in the game to sit more comfortably with the way gaming has evolved.

They even managed to spice things up by re-tooling boss fights, puzzles, and later sections in the game to sit more comfortably with the way gaming has evolved.

Everything from the visuals, audio, and presentation have been bumped up a notch to a level that would make any fan who has turned their heads for the last 3 years take notice.

Everything from the visuals, audio, and presentation have been bumped up a notch to a level that would make any fan who has turned their heads for the last 3 years take notice.

The story of Braid is definitely open for interpretation, and there's subtext aplenty for players who want to debate what the story could possibly mean. It's definitely ahead of the curve for most videogame plots, but it's not integral to actually enjoying the game either.

The few detriments Eden has are hidden well and can be argued as an attempt to challenge the player, or simply as poor design choices. That doesn't change the fact that as a whole, it's a game that makes you feel thankful for playing.

The addition of the 5 new modes adds a whole lot of life to the game than just Evolved, creating separate leaderboards for each mode. Also, the achievement system in Evolved 2 is pretty great, offering a solid variety of challenges for players that enjoying going for a full set.

I can't gush enough about how excited I am that the Soulcalibur name has reclaimed its greatness in the annals of fighting titles.

Well Soulcalibur IV has done both, it has wowed me and evolved all in one fell swoop. In four words…Buy Soulcalibur IV today!

Siren: Blood Curse is one of the first great survival horror games to come out of this new generation. Even those gamers who don't care for the genre may actually get drawn in thanks to the serialized, episodic pacing and well-presented mystery waiting to be solved.

As a title that doesn't stand out in any particular category other than nostalgia, 1942 still holds up well as the shooter it is.

As a title that doesn't stand out in any particular category other than nostalgia, 1942 still holds up well as the shooter it is.

The lack of actual innovation is what keeps it from being a stellar title, but it's a game that most RPG's enthusiasts will want to add to their DS library.

A challenging change of pace from the usual twin stick shooters that seem to populate the PlayStation Store lately.

In the end you can't go wrong if you are a fan of the game. Just don't expect to be wowed by any aspect except the online and offline dynasty modes as they have shown the most attention to features in the game. The rest is just window dressing.

In the end you can't go wrong if you are a fan of the game. Just don't expect to be wowed by any aspect except the online and offline dynasty modes as they have shown the most attention to features in the game. The rest is just window dressing.

Most importantly, we're happy to report that the ebb and flow of the game, the technology race, the expansionistic urges, the cycle from martyrdom to world conqueror and back, have been expertly captured in Civilization Revolution.

Most importantly, we're happy to report that the ebb and flow of the game, the technology race, the expansionistic urges, the cycle from martyrdom to world conqueror and back, have been expertly captured in Civilization Revolution.

There are far better mini-game compilations on the DS at the moment, with a lot more substance, style, and fun than this simple cash in on a successful party game.

While UT3 isn't going to reinvent the FPS wheel, it does supply what has been greatly missing in FPS as of late, which is just a straight forward, fun as hell, experience that is endless as long as you have friends to play with.

Even if you're a big Aerosmith fan I could suggest skipping this over, unless you're really itching to play some new Guitar Hero tracks.