Visually, Crimson Skies is a great looking game, and definitely a step up from the PC original. Absolutely huge environments, with impressive undulating environments, deep canyons, congested cities full of skyscrapers, and those amazing trademark Xbox water effects in the ocean, ponds and rivers.

The levels and design, while brilliant, are hampered by repeating the same tasks over and over and over again. It’s a beat’em up through and through, but with more flavor and creativity than most.

From the huge open mountain to the convincing radio station to the numerous events, this is one cool experience.

From the huge open mountain to the convincing radio station to the numerous events, this is one cool experience.

From the huge open mountain to the convincing radio station to the numerous events, this is one cool experience.

Play this one alone and in the dark. The Boogeyman gives this title major props for the sheer terror it brings.

The visuals in Bustin’ Out are surprisingly detailed and fluid. The characters animation with clay-mation smoothness and have the traditional fun animations that Sim fans are used to.

There are too many little things wrong with the strongest part of the game, the flight combat, to completely excuse the weakest parts, the third person missions on foot.

Now where NBA Live 2004 excels is in the gameplay department. NBA Live successfully gives you almost total control of the game of basketball, crossovers, pivot moves, shot adjustments, and fade-aways, are all aspects of the game that EA has given you control of.

The 2D gameplay hits some bright spots but is hampered by the new, boring 3D sections. There isn't much to keep you playing other than to relive a shred of Mega Man gameplay in 3D.

I personally could have done without the majority of the hovercar and weapon-based missions, but overall the game works well, looks and sounds fantastic, and provides many hours of mostly enjoyable gaming.

By fixing the elements of the original that needed it, providing a richer backdrop for the gunplay, and tweaking the dialogue to better fit the film noir atmosphere, Remedy and Rockstar should be commended.

Now where NBA Live 2004 excels is in the gameplay department. NBA Live successfully gives you almost total control of the game of basketball, crossovers, pivot moves, shot adjustments, and fade-aways, are all aspects of the game that EA has given you control of.

A platformer that delivers the goods.

Now where NBA Live 2004 excels is in the gameplay department. NBA Live successfully gives you almost total control of the game of basketball, crossovers, pivot moves, shot adjustments, and fade-aways, are all aspects of the game that EA has given you control of.

It's not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but for good old fashioned blasting fun with some friends or on your own, it's hard to beat. I'm lovin' it.

Don't pick this one up unless you're really hard up for a multiplayer game or until it drops to $19.99.

A stunning example of how creativity can blend seamlessly with gameplay without sacrificing one or the other. The top-notch gameplay coupled with out of this world superhero stunts is the freshest take on a classic side-scrolling action seen in years.

An average strategy title. The simple action and battle elements will turn off hardcore strategists. But the strong story and entertaining characters will keep you from popping the disc out.

The control with mouse and keyboard is far superior to the clunky Xbox controller, and Gearbox is already rolling out patches to deal with the framerate issues. As an experience, Halo is something to behold - on the right system, you can pull this game out and slap around your Xbox-owning friends with higher resolutions and better controls. As a game, however, it starts strong and fizzles like a wet firework towards the end.

An average strategy title. The simple action and battle elements will turn off hardcore strategists. But the strong story and entertaining characters will keep you from popping the disc out.

The "crash and bang" gameplay translates well to 5-on-5 gameplay, and with the rules turned off and the addition of online play, provides a great arcade-style alternative to the ESPN and EA series.

It's easy to pick up and play, but there's enough depth and customization here to make this the only alternative to the more simulation-based hockey games available.

More tiresome than it is challenging and fun.

Online play might have taken NBA Jam off the "rent for nostalgia" list and put it on the "must-have" list. As is, there are better basketball alternatives - several of them.

Playing double is almost like learning DDR again from the beginning. That means that you get to have all that thrill of progression one more time! Seriously, it’s worth the price of an extra pad.

Online play might have taken NBA Jam off the "rent for nostalgia" list and put it on the "must-have" list. As is, there are better basketball alternatives - several of them.

It plays well, is not overly difficult for younger gamers, and looks and sounds nice enough. Its real drawback is it ends up being pretty standard platforming fare with not much in the way of unique or different features.