he game on average can take between twenty to forty hours to complete, but as with many other NIS titles, you can easily sink hundreds of hours into this,trying to see what all you can find in the random dungeons. It's fun, and at only $20, it's well worth the price.

Overall, Bioshock 2 is a good game. Not stupendous like the first one, but then again, it doesn't have a lackluster ending like the first one did.

The minigames in this feel somewhat wasted and limited, but the party modes themselves can be a lot of fun, adding some definite multiplayer mayhem to the title.

Ys: The Oath in Felghana is a fun action RPG.

If you've never played Resident Evil 4, then the $20 price of entry is worth it and I highly recommend you experience the survival-horror genre at its finest. Especially considering that the genre has become something of an extinct race, particularly on consoles. If you're already familiar with the game it really comes down to how fond you were of that first experience.

A solid, if flawed game. That, combined with the prohibitive price (in comparison to its competitors) makes it a somewhat poor choice for this year.

While far from perfect, it's basically a $50 expansion-pack for the original title with slight but tangible improvements. If you didn't like the first, this sequel won't change your mind at all.

Skate 2's more realistic feel will probably appeal more to actual skaters, and while some of the big tricks might be a bit harder to pull off, it's more satisfying when you get that trick pulled off.

With excellent writing and clever puzzles, this quirky little story adventure alternates between logical deduction and unexpected discoveries.

The setting is nailed down perfectly, and EA has taken care to get great voice acting and music.

The game isn’t perfect but if you want to buy your son or daughter a game based on one of their favorite movies you can’t go wrong with Kung Fu Panda Legendary Warriors.

Veterans to the series who want their NHL game to be as realistic as possible will still want to go with the PS3 or 360 versions. But gamers who want a fun, faster paced version of the NHL, coupled with good use of motion controls, will definitely want to check out NHL Slapshot.

If you are willing to stick with it, and accept that they may use terms that won't even get completely explained in this chapter, it is a decent science fiction story. It's just not simple to follow, and translation from Japanese to English probably did not help make things any easier to understand.

Cladun may not be the deepest RPG in the world, but it has a ton of playtime, and with short levels you can easily pick it up at any point and jump right in.

This is one of those pleasant surprises that sneaks up and grabs ahold of all your gaming time when you least expect it.

Overall Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is a significant upgrade over it’s predecessor.

WTS has the chance to appeal to everyone and, for a handheld like the PSP, we could use more games like it.

I walked into Out of the Park X as a complete neophyte and came out rather impressed. Everything was easy to understand, if a little daunting at first. It's not the kind of game you can really get a handle on after dabbling in it.

If you want something portable, then take L.A. Remix for a spin.

The action sequences combined with the platforming elements really create a unique experience, especially with the different Morph modes and Gotcha Gadgets.

With very little in terms of side missions, this game is strictly a linear game. The sight gags, new story and new voice samples will make any Simpsons fan smile.

Be prepared to come with a strong stomach, as this game earns its "M" rating in spades.

Will Madden NFL 10 change your mind about the franchise as a whole, and get you to buy it if you don't normally do so? Probably not. Like most NFL teams, this game is not quite ready for the Super Bowl.

If you have a PSP and want some Sudoku on the go, this is a great way to get your fix.

While the core gameplay is unchanged, Ultramix feels like a less complete package than other DDR games in the series. Instead of trying to attract a new generation of gamers, Ultramix feels like a game dedicated to the hardcore DDR player.

Duels of the Planeswalkers isn’t a perfect interpretation of sitting down and playing a few rounds with friends at the kitchen table, but it’s remarkably good all the same.

The bottom line, as you might expect, is that this is a visually rich combat simulator that brings a lot of arcade-style pleasure to the table, and it succeeds in strolling a fine line between repetitive and addictive – something that many similar titles aim for and miss.

The minigames in this feel somewhat wasted and limited, but the party modes themselves can be a lot of fun, adding some definite multiplayer mayhem to the title.

Fans of this style of gameplay will be happy for weeks on end, and the wide dispersement of save spots make this game an easy pick up for 15 minutes and play game.

It was interesting seeing more from a company that I thought handled primarily fighting games, and I also got to see the history of a company that is beloved by millions of gamers.

At Forty dollars this compilation is worth every penny for seven arcade perfect translations.

If you are looking for a solid third person shooter on the PSP then you will find it here. But, if you only intend to play the single player campaign you really shouldn’t buy this one, maybe rent it instead. The real meat of the game comes from multiplayer co-op.

Mirror's Edge is fairly unique, and I have to applaud DICE for trying something completely new. The fact that they managed to achieve the level of success presented here is amazing.

EyeToy Play 2 plays a lot like a flash game as it is fast and furious but ultimately not built to last. To combat that, Sony has provided us with an incredible catalog of unique minigames packed on this one DVD.

If you are looking for a standard fighter for your Gamecube, then this is your only option. Keep in mind though that there are far better fighters for other systems.

A great translation with some nice bells and whistles, but the inconsistent AI and lack of Xbox Live really hamper this title.

A bit of a paradox. While the graphics are poor, the sound is much more developed. The controls are great for while on foot, but vehicles take some adjustment.

Figuring out the pattern and applying a solution is an awesome feeling if everything is done correctly.

The puzzles aren’t particularly difficult and there are no bosses to speak of, but Dokomodake has a certain charm and is so enjoyable that gamers will get their money and entertainment out of it.

Project: Snowblind starts off with huge potential. The graphics, sounds, and controls are well done, even with the minor complaints.

If you already have Madden NFL 06 for the Xbox, PS2, or Gamecube, you are best off waiting for next year's version of Madden for the Xbox 360. If you have the Xbox 360 and want to show off the graphics capabilities of the Xbox 360, then Madden is a fine choice to use.

This is the kind of game that you can play with your kids and not be bored to death. It is light co-op arcade fun that delivers on its promise.

A little more polish and gameplay balance could have made Second Sight a classic gaming experience. This really is too bad since it contains a story that puts Psi-Ops to shame.

This version has taken some strides ahead of '07, and it makes sense to have it.

If you are a fan of the previous titles you will also like SingStar Volume 2.

Overall, The Bridge manages to avoid crossing that fine line between challenging and frustrating, making you work to solve each puzzle without wanting to break your keyboard in the process. It’s an enjoyable experience that encourages you to think differently, and then rewards you for doing so.

Tekken 6 isn't a bad game, but it doesn't feel like it does anything new with the genre.

The multiplayer experience isn't so killer, however, and it's a shame because it's just brimming with potential.

All in all, Haunted Houdini is a great entrant into this particular style of game. If you enjoy visual puzzles and an adventure based around occult mystery, then really, head on over to the Steam marketplace and give it a look.

In short, this is a much better multiplayer game than a single player one.

Played with one’s thinking cap on, A Machine for Pigs is sure to horrify even when it doesn’t frighten.

So does Grand Slam Tennis 2 give you a reason to dust off your Move controller and give your right arm a workout? The answer is yes. I didn't have high hopes for Grand Slam Tennis 2's move implementation, mostly because I haven't been impressed by the Move at all prior to this game. But I can honestly say that this game is way more fun with the Move controller than with the regular analog stick controls.

Shrek the Third does a great job at capturing the feel of the Dreamworks picture by the same name. Whimsical music and sharp-witted writing are the highlights of the title, with the puzzle-centric action keeping adults entertained as well.

It may not be the most epic shooter experience out there, but F.E.A.R. 3 eloquently satisfies its niche by giving us a refreshing alternative to the played out machismo theme in most of the shooters out there.

While the spells themselves are of limited value with the PS2 controller, the game is really quite good.

The intuitive map editor can add a lot of life to the game.

Play the original NFL Street, you won't notice that much of a difference.

If you like hiking through the mountains for hours, a high-powered rifle cradled in your arms, then watching your screen go crimson as a sniper arcs three rounds into your head from like four klicks away, then this is truly the ideal game for you.

While it is a fine experience, by making the combat system a little less complex Magna Carta could have soared above the other RPG’s being released at around the same time. As it stands now, it mostly likely will get lost in the shuffle.

Even if you haven't played the original, this title is worth a look unless you are completely adverse to minigames and/or bright colors and cute graphics.

A solid game, but the sluggish gameplay holds it back considerably.

While the previous Ride reviews might have scared you away from getting Shred, it's worth trying out if you get a chance. You might be surprised how much fun you are having with the game.

If you're a fan of fantasy novels, RPGs, Choose Your Own Adventure, Harry Potter, life simulators or all of the above, Academagia will probably feed your need while not draining your bank account (at least, not until you're hooked and the next four games come out).

Shadowrun adds a third dimension to the Counterstrike dominated genre and is very enjoyable due to the variety of builds open to the player.

The kids will giggle a lot, and you will find yourself smiling at the humor. The game has plenty to do so that is a nice increase of its value.

If you enjoy either RPGs or table top games then you should definitely check out Crimson Shroud on the 3DS.

This is the first time I've played a Dynasty Warriors game and it felt fresh in a long, long time.

I was taken aback by the difficulty of the intro. The tutorial word in the fill-in-the-blank game is Villain. That was something a little over the top for my 7 year old.

Visually spectacular and open on the Xbox and PC, but very dark and claustrophobic on the PS2.

Madden '07 does make an effort at improvements at the running game but everything else seems to be a bit stale. From the graphics to the defense to the lack of Madden himself, it seems like EA is almost playing out the string.

The funny thing is that Midway probably could have combined the best games in both complications and released just one version of the Arcade Treasures.

Each mode outside of online brings less to the table than "Madden 2004" and the fact that this game doesn't run as fast just hurts it in my mind.

Yes, it's campy and silly in parts, and yes, it's not something many western audiences are going to be used to. However, I feel that Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love is definitely worth the look.

The parts of the game we fell in love with feel like they’ve gotten a fresh coat of paint, but the feature set, and currently incomplete pieces, feels like a Kickstarter title that didn’t quite hit all of its funding goals. The parts that matter, however, are rock solid, and the new solo improvements are a hit.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s first DLC pack, while not essential, tremendously capitalizes on the game’s fantastic mechanics.

A game with a boat load of Nostalgia and good bones. A fighter that’s fun with friends, challenging with AI, and competitive online. With time and love, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl could be a top tier fighter in the near future.

NHL 20 is a nice addition to the NHL franchise, with engaging gameplay and great visuals. The multitude of game modes will keep you occupied, even if several are very similar to one another. It gets as repetitive as the typical sports game, but that can be good or bad depending on your interests.

The noir atmosphere is top notch, making it one of my favorite things about this game. The environment is more detailed than you might expect, and the mystery plot is fun to experience. Though some aspects of Calvino Noir can be frustrating or not as polished, overall it is worth the journey.

It’s easy to have mixed thoughts about The Beginner’s Guide, but as a game that aims to make you think, it does accomplish this goal.

Lemnis Gate gets a lot right when all the stars align and you're able to get into the game without a hitch. However, at least on PS5, the game has quite a few hiccups that prevent the player from ever reaching the fun twist on your run of the mill shooter.

Wrath of the Righteous is a deep, engaging, faithful recreation of the tabletop campaign with only minor flaws. Its Crusade system is imperfect and the learning curve is more of a mountain, but the reward for getting through both is a long experience with incredible replay value. I know I will be replaying a few times soon, and I invite you to do the same.

Risk of Rain Returns shines thanks to a fantastic roster of classes, sublimely chaotic gameplay, and fever-dream like presentation. When firing on all cylinders, it's rare for a game to make the player feel as powerful as this one does, even if some runs take a little too long to get going.

Definitely a step up from the original iteration. It has more of its own style, and the gameplay mechanics rarely feel clunky. Though it hints at a meaningful narrative, ultimately it isn’t very substantial.

Stella Glow has a talent for keeping you engaged all the way through, which is a rare trait for the increasingly niche world of Japanese Role Playing games.

Gas Station Simulator feels like a weird game to want to play, but you want to play it. Like most simulators, the tasks at hand are menial and repetitive, but it’s generally a fun game to keep progressing through. The upgrades and tools are well placed to keep you from feeling like you’re dealing with too much busy work, and the humor the game injects keeps things lighthearted. Although, if we could just get rid of Dennis, I wouldn’t complain.

Nioh 2 does a lot right and fixes many of my issues with the first one. Much like the first one, however, it is a flawed experience. It’s still incredibly enjoyable and certainly worth a playthrough, I just wish it was a little less tedious in areas.

Maneater is a fun aquatic adventure with more to keep players engaged than it initially seems, it kept me hooked throughout and has enough daft character to bait me back in for a future play-through. Beautiful to look at, well-paced but chaotic when it needs to be and I had a whale of a time.

There have been a lot of games throughout the last two decades that have pulled off great run-and-gun gameplay. The old school title Alien Syndrome comes to mind, as does Crusader: No Remorse. If you are looking for an updated version of either of those two titles, you can’t go wrong with Shadowgrounds.

A decently done hack-and-slash, harkening back to the days of "Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance" on the consoles. This Xbox exclusive title doesn't hold up very well against its two-year-old cousin however, sporting spotty graphics and an inconstant frame rate.

While Impulsion doesn’t reach the same heights as Portal, it is an enjoyable, fast-paced platformer in it’s own rights. I was always eager for the next challenge and never afraid to fail and learn. While it may not be a long experience, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Bloodless approaches the idea of a brawler with a unique spin featuring its non-lethal combat, but feels like it can be pulling its punches in some areas. Parrying your way through waves of enemies is novel, yet the implementation can lead to some overwhelming moments in an otherwise engaging experience. The path of mercy was never going to be easy though, and Bloodless still manages to be an overall fun journey of finding an end to violence.

Part homage, part sequel/reboot, Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission is a return to what we loved about the arcade games, but now in VR for a new layer of immersion. While it’s relatively short, it’s a lot of fun and serves perfectly to introduce new players to the medium.

Madden 18 is a very solid product, featuring the best passing mechanics I’ve ever seen in a football game. The game has come a long way improving the physics and collisions, and overall presents a great product on the field, despite a few glitches. Some of those glitches can cause fatal errors, and there is no more hilarious fatal error than the hacky Longshot interactive movie/football experience that I can imagine ever being in a football game. Overall, this is a really great Madden release with a few errors that need fixing.

While the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters aren’t perfect, they’re certainly the best and most convenient ways to play these classic games. The soundtracks are lovingly orchestrated and the pixel art is gorgeous, though the latter does lose some detail in the translation. Each game feels great to play, but I do wish extra content from previous releases or remakes had been included.

Rack N Ruin redeems itself with a second showing on PC, but only if you abandon your controller for the ol’ fashioned keyboard and mouse.

BOXBOXBOY! ultimately feels like more of the same, but when a game is as charming and approachable as this is, that’s perfectly fine. Having a second set of boxes shakes up the formula just enough to squeeze even more life out of this simple and excellent concept.

While the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters aren’t perfect, they’re certainly the best and most convenient ways to play these classic games. The soundtracks are lovingly orchestrated and the pixel art is gorgeous, though the latter does lose some detail in the translation. Each game feels great to play, but I do wish extra content from previous releases or remakes had been included.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is a blast to play. Fans of the show will find that there is no end to the references packed within this entry. The combat feels fantastic, especially when controlling Patrick, and the platforming elements feel smoother than they have ever been. Sadly, the story pacing and cutscenes make the game drag.