Revenant Wings remains a fun, simple, moderately challenging RTS for the DS. It doesn’t add anything vital to the original game’s storyline, nor is it of the same caliber of storytelling, though for how lighthearted it may feel, its simplicity will welcome newcomers to RTS games with open arms.

More often than not, Bloodshot is one step forward and one step back. For every progression, there is a setback that shines some light on the dark atmosphere and spoils the unique sense of dread that permeated its predecessor.

ZX Advent packs an ample challenge that will chase away many of those groomed on easier 2D action games like the recent Castlevanias.

As long as developers continue to chase after "jaw dropping" graphics we'll have to continue to be content with ho-hum AI players.

Eventually, though, the feeling of “screw this!” will win out, as the annoying levels slowly outnumber the fun ones.

Though the pacing is quite nice for a 40 hour quest, you spend way too much time gallivanting about the land to just level up. The scenery may be pretty, but it's a chore to go through.

With both local and full wireless support, you can't go wrong having a portable version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.

If you own a Wii, I recommend you hold out and wait for that version, which features an interesting alternate control scheme and full online play.

It's too hard at the beginning for newcomers and young ones, too simple in its stage and artistic direction, and overall, it plays like a prototype to the previous and superior Katamari titles.

The story and setting are cute and fun and the drawing aspect is nicely integrated into the whole package, but this is supposed to be a game, not an interactive story and art experience.

If you're tempted to rip through Twisted Metal: Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition's multiple courses, tantalizing bonus content, or both, keep in mind that it's not for everyone.

It's not impossible to learn the button layout, and the camera gets a little less broken with practice. Exploring the vast world of Monster Hunter is a lot of fun, and there are so many well thought-out systems that it seems like there's always something new to discover or create.

Fun, but short, pretty, yet too easy to crack open and finish within hours, shooter fans might want to try the trial version before giving it the full noteworthy decision of point shelling.

Gripshift tries to do a lot of thing, and while it doesn't succeed at everything there's a huge amount of content available for what it does best.

What it lacks is the spark that elevates a merely decent game to greatness, but it's still a fun time for people who dig the duck and shoot style gameplay.

It's best to get Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends for a younger relative, and then borrow it when they aren't looking.

I haven’t made it to the Lair of the Golden Condor yet, but I'll give it a go every once in a while. It's a great way to kill some time and enjoy a style of gameplay we don’t often see anymore.

The final level, which should have been the deciding factor in a game constantly wobbling between pretty fun and mildly aggravating, became tarnished by the drudgework of forced repetition. NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams still ends up being a decent game, but it should have been so much better.

The action is solid and fun, but ultimately lacks anything truly exceptional to stand out from the pack.

If you can round up at least three friends online, the game's problems and shortcomings tend to fade into the background.

A brilliant idea on paper.

If you're not into the challenge of doing something over and over trying to get your name higher on a leaderboard there won't be much here for you.

Capcom of Japan is learning from the West in their game design, and learning how to do a PC port the right way. It's clear that this is alien territory for them, and they have missed some opportunities along the way. Still, they have created an enjoyable game and a port that satisfies, even if it isn't as grand as it could have been.

The amazing thing is that, despite these issues, Commando 3 still manages to be a lot of fun.

It isn’t the prettiest title for the Wii, but if RPGs tickle your fancy, it’s still worth a try.

Still, the nostalgia factor wears thin pretty quickly, and the tennis isn't deep enough to keep you playing this title longer than a couple of hours.

Though some games are more fun than others, they're all classics, and always worth revisiting.

While it doesn't embarrass itself or insult gamers, it's not going to be near the top of the list of must-have titles for youngsters this holiday season.