While I'm as old school as anyone else, in the day of "Viewtiful Joe" and "Prince of Persia," monotonous one-after-another gameplay just doesn’t hold the same appeal as it once was.

While not the most polished title on the market, there’s plenty between the voice-recognition and the various tactics available to make SWAT: Global Strike Team a worthwhile endeavor.

And while Rogue Ops is still often a blast to play, the game’s lack of polish and numerous minor frustrations noticeably hamper the solid, if somewhat derivative, gaming experience that lies underneath.

Unless you’re someone looking for a great online infrastructure, there isn’t anything that allows me to say you have to play this game. People like to build a team and watch them flourish, but with Shootout 2004, you can’t do that.

There isn’t anything found in this edition of Frogger that would justify a purchase.

While not the most polished title on the market, there’s plenty between the voice-recognition and the various tactics available to make SWAT: Global Strike Team a worthwhile endeavor.

And while Rogue Ops is still often a blast to play, the game’s lack of polish and numerous minor frustrations noticeably hamper the solid, if somewhat derivative, gaming experience that lies underneath.

Fusing a lightning-quick, over the top football engine with a realistic foundation in professional rules simply doesn’t work. It’s like putting Wayne Chrebet in a West Coast offense – both are great in and of themselves, but adding the two together leads to mediocrity.

Offers very little to recommend to any racing gamer, and with so many other great racing games to choose from, there’s no reason in trying to justify a purchase out of a game that is clearly lacking in depth or originality.

It’s not nearly as inspired, polished, or compelling as the home versions.

Despite a solid structure, the key appeal (and focus) of the game's presentation is to the gamer looking to re-immerse themselves again in the mythos surrounding Battlestar Galactica, and without that sense of nostalgia, it becomes a lot harder to forgive some of the game's more glaring flaws.

And while Rogue Ops is still often a blast to play, the game’s lack of polish and numerous minor frustrations noticeably hamper the solid, if somewhat derivative, gaming experience that lies underneath.

Takes a step back from the pleasantly surprisingly quality of Spyro’s initial GBA outings in its attempts to make the game more of an “adventure” than a platformer. Unfortunately, the design changes backfire.

The game is repetitive, uninspired, and does nothing to compliment the Batman legacy.

The ability to roam the level on foot or in a vehicle were great ideas for moving the series forward, but shoddy animations and lousy collision detection make it not worth the effort and wind up dragging down the otherwise stellar gameplay and controls.

Anyone from ages four to ten will no doubt love Super Duper Sumos, but for the majority of the gaming mass, it’s just another cartoon series title on the GBA.

It’s fun for awhile and if you can stand the never ending loading screen sequence, you should have a good time.

Indisputably Castlevania, and nothing else. The action is frenzied and fluid as always. The entrancing musical score is as haunting as we could’ve ever hoped for, and the controls are virtually flawless.

Drop-dead gorgeous and the gameplay is as smooth and realistic as ever. ESPN looks, plays and sounds as close to the real NBA game as you can possibly get on a console right now.

A worthy sequel that takes the series in a new direction of an open-ended structure while improving upon the sheer fun of the over-the-top trick-heavy gameplay.

A worthy sequel that takes the series in a new direction of an open-ended structure while improving upon the sheer fun of the over-the-top trick-heavy gameplay.

A worthy sequel that takes the series in a new direction of an open-ended structure while improving upon the sheer fun of the over-the-top trick-heavy gameplay.

While the audio and visual departments have been done in exemplary fashion, I just can’t let the game off the hook for its gameplay. No, it’s not nearly as bad as Kemco’s travesty, but there’s nothing compelling about it.

The nuisance of the overworld and the poorly controlled vehicles are the biggest drawbacks, causing a good deal of headache. And yes, the game is much more difficult than the original.

The game is insultingly easy, offers little play value (forget about replay), and ultimately is simply not entertaining. If you are really that curious, or highly intoxicated, do not do anything else but rent it.

The blue language may be a bit sophmoric and the gameplay a little repetitive, but the game features high production values: a solid vehicular combat engine, well produced cutscenes and excellent music.

A decent if unspectacular sequel. Technically, it is an upgrade and slightly improved.

A rare gem. It somehow manages to capture the essence of what made classic beat ‘em ups like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage so enjoyable, while still delivering a lengthy and varied enough experience for today’s gamer. [Import]

Nothing in the world of electronic entertainment involves the mind and body quite like this game does.

The play mechanic of rolling an egg around, which is quite similar to that of Hasbro Interactive’s "Glover" for the N64, is neither kooky nor original enough to warrant such an amazing lack of depth and variety.

The game is put together well, and despite some sore spots, it’s still the best Simpsons game on the market.

Thoroughly enjoyable on its own, but there is something very satisfying about finding a warm spot outdoors and annihilating vampires with the power of the sun.

Equal parts hilarity and biting social commentary, the game grafts "Grand Theft Auto" gameplay onto the material from the TV show and does it extremely well.

The GameCube version of Hit and Run loads a bit faster and runs smoother overall than the PS2 version of the game, and it’s the closest thing that the GameCube has to "Grand Theft Auto" at this point, so why not give it a go?

The frustrating combat system needs an overhaul, and players need to be rewarded more for their combat efforts.

The loose analog control allows for some pretty crazy, law of physics-defying maneuvers in the open sky. But once you approach the ground, it simply isn't responsive enough.

It’s not a "Grand Theft Auto" or "Driver" killer, with very little depth outside of some unlockables, but the two player cooperative mode is an entertaining way to kill an afternoon or three.

The superb integration of a heartfelt storyline, impeccable art design, and addictive tactical gameplay makes Final Fantasy Tactics Advance a reassuring reminder of the past while setting the foundation for an exceptional future.

Isn’t anything revolutionary, rather it’s a simple evolution of the series. The game fixes a number of flaws from its predecessor, and tweaks a few things that didn’t need major adjustments. It’s more of the same, but bigger and better.

The translation is natural (hats off to Atlus on that point), and the sense of humor that Disgaea carries is unrelentingly brilliant in both languages... A fantastic game that's worth every penny.

It really doesn't matter how much NFL GameDay 2004 does well, because the running game is just so bad that it practically ruins any type of game you play - online, offline, multiplayer, against the CPU, against a skilled player, or against a novice.

Sure, Soul Calibur II is the single greatest weapons-based fighter out there. But is it a significant leap forward from the original? Not really.

The major downfall of the gameplay is the unbalance between running and passing, which really hurts the game’s overall score. The less than ambitious play calling menus aren’t helping their cause, either.

One of the best third-person action games released in recent memory. The unprecedented ability to destroy nearly every onscreen object, including the ability to pound craters into the ground with devastating attacks, will keep gamers looking for action more than satisfied.

It is hard to find fault with a game that improves upon its groundbreaking predecessor in every category.

One of the best 3D fighters out there. Weapon Master mode creates a worthwhile single player experience, and the numerous other modes will keep players busy for months. [Import]

Despite the solid length and some decent gameplay ideas, the game never reaches it's full potential - whether it be in terms of the lackluster multiplayer, the cheap A.I. or the less-then-brilliant fighting system.

That what it offers more of was incredible to begin with, and that it offers it in a much, much prettier package, with more gameplay modes and options, makes F-Zero GX the kind of "rehash" that you want to savor every bit of.

The series is definitely in peak form here, with near endless amounts of options and gameplay tweaks that add to an already addictive and playable formula.

Simply THE pro-football title to buy this year, no matter what system you own. If you happen to have a choice, go with the PS2 version. It’s the only one with the awesome online play, and it controls like a dream with the Dual Shock controller configuration.

While it is a technically well-made game, it’s just not as exciting when you’re playing on your own.

A definite improvement over Silent Hill 2 in almost every way (except length), SH3 is probably one of the best survival horror games available right now. While the length affects things other than the replay value, the unlockable extras do their part to extend the game’s longevity.

If you plan on unlocking 100% of the game (and it does keep track of the percentage), then Rides Gone Wild will certainly keep you busy. And since Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild controls splendidly, has immensely creative tracks and looks real purdy, there's no reason why you wouldn't want to keep playing.

An equally wide variety of poor decisions leave Freaky Flyers as "average", "uninspired", "frustrating", and "not worth the trouble".

You can play with one controller and pass it around, but it's worth getting four controllers together so everyone can make use of the taunts-sinking a birdie putt with three other people mashing the taunt commands is not an easy feat, but it is a lot of fun.

This game isn't just a racing game, it isn't just a trick-based game, and it isn't just both, but it's an entirely new and interesting experience.

It’s fun for awhile and if you can stand the never ending loading screen sequence, you should have a good time.

It is, thanks to the incredible job on the vocal work and the environments, easily the most involving RPG I've ever played on a console or PC.

The game loses its appeal quickly, as there is only so many times you can knock out a member of the same small roster before it gets old.

A fun and addictive game.

It contains one of the most impressive and gripping storylines in recent memory, which can be easily related to today’s headlines without beating you over the head with its metaphor.

It lacks the polish and quality necessary to make it a memorable experience, and despite the developers sincerest efforts to shake the series’ stigma as cash-in games, this title is an unrewarding experience.

While the game isn't nearly long enough to be considered a true Resident Evil title, it's still up to five times longer than other light gun shooters, is more immersive, looks better, and gives more incentive for replay than other light gun games on the market.

The poor graphics and ho-hum gameplay really killed any chance this game had to compete with the fantastic games arriving this summer. Even Xbox Live compatibility couldn't rescue it from the realm of inadequacy.

For 50 bucks, you could either buy Mace Griffin: Bounty Hunter, or spend some time in the used games bin and track down a more entertaining FPS and a more entertaining space flight sim (and probably have 10 bucks to spare.)

Judging this game on it's own merits proves to still be a fun, exciting shooter. We decided to score this game on what it offers instead of what it doesn't, and that is the score you see.

Once you figure out the intricacies of how to properly drive your horse, when to release the bit, when to pull out the whip, etc., you'll be smitten. And while your friends may not understand your attraction to a "horse racing game", you'll be the wiser.

It's just too little, too late. The formula in Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick remains virtually unchanged from "State of Emergency," and the new weapons and spells and license do little to disguise that the game is just a slightly improved version of its predecessor.

If anything is to be learned here, it's that the Wachowski Brothers are not gamers -- this title is proof of it. If they really were, they would never have allowed this mediocre title to have been released. The game is buggy, has bad graphics, and terrible controls.

Despite the additions like the Lamda server, new items and equipment, quests, and party members, MUTATION remains plagued by the unfortunate aspects that ruined the first game: monotonous dungeon designs and an equally terrible (but at least more tolerable) camera system.

A damn fine sequel that will have many gamers coming back for more. The only negative I can think of about this game is that once you unlock everything, you will find that you will play the game more for multiplayer fun rather than single player excitement.

A damn fine sequel that will have many gamers coming back for more. The only negative I can think of about this game is that once you unlock everything, you will find that you will play the game more for multiplayer fun rather than single player excitement.

A damn fine sequel that will have many gamers coming back for more. The only negative I can think of about this game is that once you unlock everything, you will find that you will play the game more for multiplayer fun rather than single player excitement.

Has a lot going for it. But it goes wrong in one key area: The Championship mode. It’s much too limited. We get to drive one car throughout our career, and we don’t get to make our own repairs when we damage it; the computer does it for us.

Games like this simply aren't made very often, especially not of this caliber. It has incredible depth for a shooter, replay value through the roof, and most importantly, it's fun to play. [JPN Import]

There's plenty of fun to be had with the online mode, and it’s often fun just cruising around the cities looking for every shortcut and also trying to find the locked cars the game has to offer, making it well worth a purchase.

This is one of those games you’ll sit down to play for 45 minutes and then realise you’re 2 hours from the end without even an inkling of the time spent on the game.

While the lack of gameplay variety may not be enough to budge the giant that is the current crop of WWE wrestling games, Def Jam Vendetta certainly manages to hold its own.

It starts off a bit slow, but the more you play, the more engrossed you'll become. That's where Sony Cambridge's true talents shine through. The story, the music, and that imagination factor always seem to steal the show in one of their titles.

With the exception of a few minor complaints, Dynasty Warriors 4 is as close to action-gaming Nirvana as you're going to get for quite a while.

The graphics will grab you and not let go. And the solid gameplay of polygonal Zelda installments still lies here...at lower difficulty, but its here nonetheless. The plot is quite and interesting one, as well.

The Capcom/Resident Evil influences are obvious (right down to the "woman fetching water" statue found in the Art Gallery of the original RE), and it may sound like it's shallow, but Clock Tower 3 is yet original enough to hold it's own against the competition, thanks to the original set of play mechanics and a vibe all it's own.

The gameplay is unmatched.

It does do a great job at what it offers. Nearly all of the games are charming and fun – even if they’re not all that original, and the added appeal of online gaming solves the problem of having a party game but no friends to party with.

Substitute the words Mildly Frustrating and Ninja into the title of the old Geto Boyz song "Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangsta" and you’ve roughly got a statement of Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven.

Takahashi has created something vastly more deep and complex than just "watered-down Nietzsche." Indeed, if you wanted to put a misplaced literary reference on this game, something closer to James Joyce's Ulysses would better represent the fantastic and masterful sci-fi pastiche that XS offers.

You will be busy for months fooling with the invention system, building newfound lands with the Georama system, arming your characters to the teeth, with the best upgrades and equipment money can buy.

One of the best adventure games I have ever played on the PS2.

There is no doubt that Bandai has a really, really interesting concept here, but it’s just so unfortunate that things like the camera system and inexcusably repetitive dungeons lower the game’s status to just another mediocre RPG with tons of potential just waiting to be noticed and explored.

"FIFA 2003" is fully licensed and pretty to look at, but WTS has it beat in every other category.

Finding friends is painless, and making them on EQOA is half the fun. It's the community aspect of EQOA that sets it apart from other games of the genre, and other online titles as well.

Many of the changes to the gameplay are marginal at best, and many of them can be completely ignored for more conventional methods of slashing and shooting, and while it is fun to try to pull off ultimate action-movie sequences, this thrill only lasts so long.

To be honest, you’ll probably be disappointed with The Getaway once you reach the end for the first time, as it takes a feeble four hours to finish, having played through with both characters to get the whole story.

Definitely a gem that will suck away hours upon hours of gaming time, but that is also The Sims' Achilles Heel; in order to successfully have fun with The Sims, you have to invest lots of time into the game, and playing takes a lot out of you.

The controls can get addictive as you want to try to keep unlocking more courses and ATV’s to use in future races.

The controls are amazingly easy to navigate (though a bit slippy), and though the enemy A.I. is out for your blood (wow, just like TM:B), War is much more forgiving.

This is a great opportunity for old schoolers to enjoy some excellent nostalgia (while kicking friends around in Four Swords) and new schoolers to partake in one of the greatest adventures of all time (er, while kicking friends around in Four Swords).

No console hoop game to this date has fully realized the smoothness of real life basketball, but 2K3 is awfully close. Less cinematic and slower than March Madness, it captures the look, sound, and most importantly, the feel of the college game.