With all the mixed reviews with some saying "ESPN" is the best, and some saying Madden is the best, this reviewers money is on Madden this year as to me it is worth the extra 30 dollars for what you do on an off the field.

With all the mixed reviews with some saying "ESPN" is the best, and some saying Madden is the best, this reviewers money is on Madden this year as to me it is worth the extra 30 dollars for what you do on an off the field.

I can only strongly recommend this to a particular group of people. Fans of horror, fans of relentless shooters, and those who have a fantastic PC. The rest of the crowd will leave underwhelmed.

A game idea that feels half done and then released to the public. The action game has repetitive action in maze dungeons that feel more like a downloadable demo than a full game.

The story is bland, the game is short, the controls are iffy, and the camera is laughably bad.

The good parts of ESPN far outweigh the bad and combine to make one of the most satisfying and challenging sports games ever. It's such a steal you might want to wear a ski mask to the store – just in case.

Even if you give the artistic style the chance it deserves, the game play and combat system are unsatisfying at their best and annoying and tedious at their worst.

The game, while pretty to the eye, is flawed in execution in most every way, shape, and form. The story is bland, the game is short, the controls are iffy, and the camera is laughably bad.

The good parts of ESPN far outweigh the bad and combine to make one of the most satisfying and challenging sports games ever. It's such a steal you might want to wear a ski mask to the store – just in case.

The game, while pretty to the eye, is flawed in execution in most every way, shape, and form. The story is bland, the game is short, the controls are iffy, and the camera is laughably bad.

On default, I did notice that the A.I. will make some dumb mistakes on offence and defense, but with the friendly help of provided sliders, you can customize the game so it plays perfectly to your particular standards. Once you have the game set up to your liking, the game plays brilliantly.

Frame rate aside, the Xbox does look the best visually as everything is smooth and the textures are bump mapped ever so slightly.

The ball physics look strikingly accurate, whether it’s a bullet pass or lofty shot to the end zone, the ball just looks alive. EA didn’t skimp on the animations either.

It’s a great buy at 40 dollars that will leave you with blistered fingers, bruised egos, and tired muscles.

Why Konami chose against releasing expansion discs for the first game still puzzles me, as in Japan there are over 20 right now. My only fear, being a fan of the game, is that I have to wait another year for a so-called sequel, to get more songs.

A fantastic looking title with a pleasant mixture of traditional and non-traditional RPG elements to create a refreshingly new gaming experience.

The disappointing sequel keeps the open ended play of the original, but the menial chores and lacking play mechanics could make any samurai give up on their career path.

The AI is very smart. Probably too smart for newbies. Even on easy mode, soldiers will react with gang reflexes in shooting you to a pulp.

There are unique concepts in the game that hardcore gamers should enjoy tweaking. Though the routine campaign missions, lack of multiplayer audience, and un-novice friendly interface might have some players looking elsewhere.

MMBN4 has slicker interfaces and improved visuals.

MMBN4 has slicker interfaces and improved visuals.

What makes this style of Yu-Gi-Oh so compelling is the fact that you finally have some story and purpose that best follows the popular anime TV series.

The end result though is a very playable method of swinging through the city yet at the same time looking flashy and a lot like the way it was done in the movie. You can imagine the final few seconds of the first movie to get an idea of what you can expect, except you'll actually be doing it.

The end result though is a very playable method of swinging through the city yet at the same time looking flashy and a lot like the way it was done in the movie. You can imagine the final few seconds of the first movie to get an idea of what you can expect, except you'll actually be doing it.

The end result though is a very playable method of swinging through the city yet at the same time looking flashy and a lot like the way it was done in the movie. You can imagine the final few seconds of the first movie to get an idea of what you can expect, except you'll actually be doing it.

Sure I still prefer the sweat simplicity of the old school style of ball, but it’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun playing a baseball game.

Sure I still prefer the sweat simplicity of the old school style of ball, but it’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun playing a baseball game.

The poor presentation and frustrating, buggy gameplay will turn off most of us who were looking for a way to recreate the landmark moments and atmosphere from a different era of sports entertainment.

A great collection for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. None of the spin-off Mega Man X titles are included in the package, but what’s included is more than enough to keep any player blasting for more.

The tools and interface make it easy to customize tracks in a lot of different ways. The only drawback is that you’ll probably be the only one enjoying them.

No challenge and no depth does not make for a good game.

The poor presentation and frustrating, buggy gameplay will turn off most of us who were looking for a way to recreate the landmark moments and atmosphere from a different era of sports entertainment.

The tools and interface make it easy to customize tracks in a lot of different ways. The only drawback is that you’ll probably be the only one enjoying them.

For fans of this racing genre, you will kick yourself if you don’t treat yourself to the best the sport has to offer. It’s deep, it’s fast, it’s authentic, it’s online, it’s fair, and it’s fun!

A great collection for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. None of the spin-off Mega Man X titles are included in the package, but what’s included is more than enough to keep any player blasting for more.

Game play is where Driv3r really falls short. The controls are a bit fidgety and on the loose side. This is especially noticeable on foot, as it just plays so awkwardly. No matter what control scheme you choose, it just never feels comfortable.

Game play is where Driv3r really falls short. The controls are a bit fidgety and on the loose side. This is especially noticeable on foot, as it just plays so awkwardly. No matter what control scheme you choose, it just never feels comfortable.

The best way to enjoy this game online is to forgo rank matches, find a few real life friends that have the game and a few online people that share your interests and play with them.

Truly a title that has captured all the great aspects of multiple genres. Along with beautiful graphics and extremely deep gameplay mechanics, Front Mission 4 also has a very captivating storyline that keeps you fairly involved with the development of the pilots throughout the game. [JPN Import]

Game play is a repetitive, easy, and unresponsive mess. Hack, slash, and repeat, but make sure you wait for the controls to react to the analog stick before you move.

The fact of the matter is there are many other FPS on the Xbox that have a better story, better multiplayer play, and more innovation that will make you feel like you just made a smart 50 dollar purchase.

You’ll never get enough of picking up a soldier, watching him flail around, followed by throwing him into a wall. The rag doll physics help add to the diabolical pleasure as limbs fly all over the place when tossed from one part of the room to the other.

You'll never get enough of picking up a soldier, watching him flail around, followed by throwing him into a wall. The rag doll physics help add to the diabolical pleasure as limbs fly all over the place when tossed from one part of the room to the other.

The creative Pro Tour Mode, visuals, and timed button gameplay are highlights. Though you’ll probably want to fast forward past the limiting pro player controls and dull Pro Tour AI.

Little touches, like the clouds casting shadows on the ground as they float overhead, and improved lighting create a solid looking game.

The game is very linear and hopefully one day the EA team will expand this title with a bit more freedom.

The lack of power-ups and somewhat generic level design makes it pale in comparison to some other fine shooters on the NES ("Life Force" & "Guardian Legend" for example), but this was one of the first shooters on the system and it's still worth playing.

Its dated graphics and extremely simplistic gameplay will leave new players puzzled as to why so many people like the game.

It would make a great gift idea for anyone who has yet to experience this venerable classic.

The game holds its own despite dated graphics and sound.

While the game is somewhat enjoyable, it's just not worth your money to spend $20 on it. Why? Because "Pac-Man Collection" is already available on the GBA for $20 and it has 4 Pac-Man games on it, including a port of the arcade version!

The game is very linear and hopefully one day the EA team will expand this title with a bit more freedom.

The game is very linear and hopefully one day the EA team will expand this title with a bit more freedom.

It’s this lack of real replay and major feeling of linearity that I feel many will be turned off sooner than later.

The game controls are sluggish and difficult to use. Maybe this is a side effect of trying to do so many game concepts from an exclusively first person perspective or maybe its loose controller code.

Its instant pick-up-and-play nature and non-stop action make it a worthy addition to anyone's Xbox library. Just be prepared for a fight.

What really impressed me about Thief: Deadly Shadows was its exquisite attention to detail in all regards. From the graphics to the sound to the level design, every aspect of Thief: Deadly Shadows seems lovingly crafted by those who genuinely cared about what they were doing.

For folks who haven’t endured the phenomenon of HP, you’ll need to start from the beginning before picking this one up.

What really impressed me about Thief: Deadly Shadows was its exquisite attention to detail in all regards. From the graphics to the sound to the level design, every aspect of Thief: Deadly Shadows seems lovingly crafted by those who genuinely cared about what they were doing.

This is a game that is especially good for traveling since the levels are somewhat small and can be beaten in a few minutes instead of hours.

A bit of affection for the characters certainly helps, and being at least a little entertained by the idea of robots turning into cars is almost a requirement. It's too bad the option isn't there to go online and duke it out with other players and their Minibot-enhanced Autobots or Decepticons.

Gunning down wave after wave of Dwergers was oddly fulfilling, though not enough to warrant a purchase. No matter how you slice it, the game is far too short - the game clock read 2:37 when I beat it.

Gunning down wave after wave of Dwergers was oddly fulfilling, though not enough to warrant a purchase. No matter how you slice it, the game is far too short - the game clock read 2:37 when I beat it.

Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain easily ranks among the worst titles I have ever played on the PlayStation 2, an astounding feat considering that the game came from Sony themselves.

A very, very good game. The only real issue I have with the game overall is that it feels too much like last year’s title. For some that may be a good thing. I just don’t believe the term; if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

It's also fun and offers excellent competition – practice and skill pay off – making it as addicting as it is beautiful.

It's fun enough for most adults to enjoy (admittedly in limited doses) and simple enough for most kids to grasp. The opportunity for interaction among family or friends makes Shrek 2 more than the sum of its parts.

It's fun enough for most adults to enjoy (admittedly in limited doses) and simple enough for most kids to grasp. The opportunity for interaction among family or friends makes Shrek 2 more than the sum of its parts.

It's fun enough for most adults to enjoy (admittedly in limited doses) and simple enough for most kids to grasp. The opportunity for interaction among family or friends makes Shrek 2 more than the sum of its parts.

Ok, when I said solid gameplay, I meant, "Oh my god, the combat is fun!"...I don't know if I can ever go back to single pulling, auto attack type battles. You don't even have to be into MMOs to enjoy this game.

The last entry could have been a less conservative on the fighting gameplay, but it doesn’t prevent players from having a good time.

While the budget price makes UFC: Sudden Impact easier to afford, in the end, it’s still a bitter pill to swallow.

I like Siren’s creepy presentation and honorable attempts at innovation, but the gameplay just isn’t up to par. Things are far too frustrating, slow, and boring to make you even want to finish.

If soccer is your gig, if you found FIFA too light, Winning Eleven too intense, you should pick up World Tour Soccer.

The environments created, enemies that spawn, and weapon you use sets this apart from most FPS’s on the market.

ASB 2005 does do a lot, but so does the other guys and unfortunately for Acclaim, they also do it better.

A very, very good game. The only real issue I have with the game overall is that it feels too much like last year’s title. For some that may be a good thing. I just don’t believe the term; if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

It's one of those games that will get old fast when played alone, but with a bunch of friends will stand the test of time.

Without the option of full scrimmages, I wonder how long the game will stay fresh in the minds of gamers after about 30 games or so.

Offline play is extremely polished, and worth price of admission alone. I could not make that statement without Total Punch Control, as it makes the game even more challenging. Online is a great bonus, but it seemed rather rushed near the end.

Offline play is extremely polished, and worth price of admission alone. I could not make that statement without Total Punch Control, as it makes the game even more challenging. Online is a great bonus, but it seemed rather rushed near the end.

NBA Ballers may feel a slight sting when it comes to longevity. Sure, the career mode has plenty of game play involved, especially when maxing out your player and his crib. But where do you go from there?

The videogame equivalent of bubblegum; you’ll keep busy for a few hours, but after that it’s over.

The games' poor communication system and load times keep it from being a more workable online experience. But its unnerving combination of comradery and isolation is sociable, scary fun.

It's the first to actually get me hooked on an MMORPG.

There is some great action to be had, it just happens so sparingly it’s not worth the effort of fetching like my golden retriever.

The best way to enjoy this game online is to forgo rank matches, find a few real life friends that have the game and a few online people that share your interests and play with them.

ASB 2005 does do a lot, but so does the other guys and unfortunately for Acclaim, they also do it better.

The key is MLB doesn’t concentrate on doing just one thing right, it maintains doing all things very well and in the end I can’t help but give MLB 2005 my pick for best baseball game this year.

If you can play this game with your eyes closed (figuratively speaking, of course), it's not a bad game. Good timing will yield good hitting numbers and building a team can be fun.

The first-person action/adventure title does a decent job of fist fights and immersing the player in a mysterious plot. But some of the first person aspects will leave you as frustrated as the protagonist.

All the wacky weapons and wormitude are present in Worms 3D, but it offers far more frustrating moments than fun ones.

All the wacky weapons and wormitude are present in Worms 3D, but it offers far more frustrating moments than fun ones.

Though Tenchu does have its fair share of throat slitting and swords-through-the-head, the basic gameplay is more reminiscent of "Metal Gear Solid" than Gaiden's slice and dice routine. Despite the flaws, Tenchu is still a rewarding experience.

Think of this game as a survival horror game that allows you to kick ass instead of being a helpless victim who is low on ammo and courage.

A fun romp for the short time you’ll have with it. The game is quite short in length, but not short on fun and excitement.

The fielding is great in the infield and a nightmare in the outfield.

The fielding is great in the infield and a nightmare in the outfield.