Graphics, gameplay, sound, story, and characters are all outstanding.

The comparison between THPS2 for the Dreamcast and PlayStation can be directly correlated to a comparison of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.... Because Spears (like the Dreamcast version) is four times as enhanced as Aguilera, she is recognized as a better product.

The courses themselves are also graphical masterpieces. The size of the skating environments in THPS3 dwarfs the levels that were found in THPS2 and each level comes to life with rich detail.

It's everything you loved about the original (1998's RPG of the year), yet infinitely more refined.

But for the feel of nostalgia bolstered by the still-capable technology of the PlayStation, this game can make you feel actual delight--something that's tough to do in these cynical times.

Fans of mission-based first-person shooters like "GoldenEye" will be dancing in the streets and signing Greek folk tunes. Yes, Zorba, this game is that good.

Destined for greatness. With its unmatched multiplayer gameplay, incredible depth, and huge online community, everyone should experience Tribes 2 for themselves.

The overwhelming production of this game immersed me in the story. So, when I finally tore myself away from the one-player game to give the online multiplayer a try, I quickly realized that Starlancer had silently blown a huge hole in the side of my head.

While THPS is one of the finest games ever made, THPS2 is so much better that it makes the first seem almost unplayable.

If you liked "Diablo II" and you are aching to get back in and play some more, there is no better reason than LoD.

SSX is so good, you'd better strap yourself into your favorite gaming chair, and have plenty of Kleenex and wet-naps on hand.

Quite simply the most ingenious, addictive and meticulously-crafted and executed computer game of the year thus far.

There are as many different reasons for the gamer to go to bed thinking of simulants, or any of the friends that have been hiding behind walls and popping a cap in your ass with the farsight, as there are peanuts in the box.

Almost instantly did I realize that this wasn't a computer I was toying with, but a real live person! A person who goes for it on fourth down, when the computer would unflinchingly punt it.

Having to get excited about what GT3 can do for the PlayStation2 gamer is like having to get excited for Christmas--it's a done deal. What's even better is that GT3 is best played with a cold beer open and sitting on the table next to you.

From the jaw-dropping opening sequence--really, my jaw did drop--to the production extras rewarding you for your efforts, TLJ will likely impress any adventure gamer and even some who'd shun the label.

It is with out a doubt the best real-time strategy game on the market today. The multifaceted game play and shear volume of missions should keep you battling for spice until your eyes turn blue.

From the music on the radio to the individual sub-missions that make up a large part of the game, GTA3 pulls it off with amazing ease.

The graphics are more stylistically consistent and detailed than those in Ocarina, the geography is more enormous and fluidly connected, the challenges are considerably more diverse, and the control interface is vastly improved.

Tricky has everything that SSX has and, along with tons of DVD extras, gives us all another reason to crash those slopes again this year.

If you enjoyed either "Delta Force I" or "II," you'll like this game as well. It is more of the same, with some gameplay, graphic, and multiplayer improvements.

The true star of the game is its speed. Never before in a racing game has the feeling of cruising at over 100 MPH been so perfectly conveyed.

A gorgeous experience -- as close to donning the full leathers as most of us are willing to come.

NBA 2K1 is hype, dope, flash, stylin', radical to the max, groovy, and it's cool, daddio--real cool.

Much like Journey's Greatest Hits CD, it takes the best of the '80s and serves up a timeless experience. It's a classic in the best sense of the word.

There has never been a game of this complexity (save "Battlezone" perhaps) which has been presented with such perfect and stunning clarity. I was initially daunted by the incredible depth of choice the game affords, and then my anxiety turned to awe. The interface is clean and simple without being simplistic. It is truly a miracle of design with its sharp AI and thoughtful little touches.

A wonderful espionage sim with rich graphics and great playability. The attention to detail is uncanny and the story is engaging and fun.

If you own an N64 and are of legal age, pick this game up immediately. It is the most fun I've ever had with a platform game, and it's also one of the most challenging.

Bullfrog took on the near-impossible task of transforming a dedicated online game into a satisfying experience for the not-yet-online Playstation2, and completed it brilliantly.

The AI is sharp, and even if it wasn't, you'd have to admire the tight multiplayer coding and thrilling multiplayer games offered on Sacrifice's free server.

Realism is one of the major reasons this title is so amazing. After playing for a while it feels as though you have actually been to Hyrule.

This isn't necessarily the Battle of Britain, it's YOUR Battle of Britain, and that makes it a game that anyone interested in that great battle, and flight in general, must have in their collection.

Make sure your affairs are settled before you start playing this game, and pray that your relationship is strong enough to make it through the addiction.

So far above and beyond the majority of real-time strategy games out there, it's tough to find any shortcomings at all.

Realism aside, Half-Life provides some of the best unrealistic opponents seen to date as well. The creature design here is outstanding.

Having never played either of these back in the day, I can assure you that both of these games rank among the best RPGs ever made.

The faces are the truest recreation of NBA stars I've seen, though the big heads do look a little out of place on the equally outlandish bods.

You won't touch your PlayStation or N64 again.

(The engine) not only renders huge environments and complex architectures with nary a hiccup, but can also handle massive amounts of enemies and, in general, kick your ass without a second thought.

Looks so good that it took me a minute to figure out that the opening computer-generated cut scene was over and the gameplay had begun. The transition between cut scenes and gameplay is swift and seamless.

It combines several of my interests: kooky Victoriana, bloody fairytales, lush writing, bratty girls with knives, and talking cats.

At three in the morning, I realized that having me write about GT2 is pretty much like giving Stone Temple Pilots' frontman, Scott Weiland, a gig as a heroin reviewer.

Quite basically, this game rocks... Plus it lives up to the peak level of story, animation, and performance that is expected from an adventure game these days, so it isn't just sitting back on its new control's gimmick value.

A tense, violent, hyper-realistic, team-oriented online gaming experience like no other. Viva la Half-Life!

An incredibly deep simulation of human behavior.

Dazzling graphics couple with intense and addictive play.

The most visually innovative and stunning game to hit any console. Oh yeah, it's a lot of fun too.

More a series of interlinked tale-telling vignettes than a proper blast-'em-up, the small-screen heir to Austin Powers' legacy is nonetheless one of the finest offerings in years.

Realistic season mode, improved graphics, and all of the WWF drama that you could wish for in a console game.

The most realistic fighting game ever. Period.

Everything you could possibly want from a driving game.

The graphical update this gives the game is mighty impressive, even if it takes away a little bit of GT2's character.

The biggest and most refined platform game ever.

This game is simply phenomenal, from its representation of the sport, to its incredible gameplay, all the way down to the brilliant sound effects.

Combines land- and water-based vehicles in a racing simulation that's nothing short of amazing.

A unique, humorous, inventive, challenging, and highly addictive action-puzzle game. High replay value, terrific multiplay.

Whether it's eluding the NYPD's helicopter force's raining of missiles down at you or evading the powerful grasp of Venom, the action is relentless.

The DC controller's scheme is only adequate, and the number of pauses that occur during online play is too many.

A beautiful meld of both action and strategy that seems to hold a little something for everyone.

Short and to the point, Zone of the Enders is a beautifully presented and entertaining, if shallow, action game.

Excellent outlet for novice users and musical geniuses alike.

The architecture is incredibly designed, ranging from vast, open structures to dark, claustrophobic corridors. The story is intriguing. Its deep, unexpected twists and turns will draw players deep into the game, delivering a rich experience.

The best new feature is the school... There's no more need for those huge strategy books--this mode covers everything and reinforces it in a way no book could.

All aboard! This game will appeal to sim fans and model-train collectors alike.

Vagrant Story is, quite simply, a shard of excellence in terms of gameplay, emotion, storytelling, and cinematography.

The finest NASCAR racer to hit any console--setting a new standard that EA will have to follow.

Without a doubt, the Madden cards are the niftiest new things about this year's game.

With gameplay that's addictive and rewarding, you'll find yourself playing it into the wee hours of the night.

A first-person shooter that has you shooting Nazis in the head for a better score.

And if you're too cool for this stuff, hey, grow up and get over it, because you're missing out on a terrific game.

A shining example of excellent game design...Plus, it sets new standards for blood spilling in a single sitting.

It's different, distinctive, looks great, and has an infectious soundtrack to match the addictive gameplay.

While there's still plenty of room for improvement (the inexcusable lack of a four-player mode), this game does so much innovative stuff, and does it right, that it's hard not to classify it as a must-have title.

Although incredibly entertaining, unique, surprising, and well designed in nearly every respect, "Seaman" is not perfect, revealing many of the current limitations of voice-recognition software.

It's simple, robust gaming at its best.

If you're looking for something unique, look no further than that series known for its bouncy girls. Now its got even more depth to go along with its more obvious features.

A guaranteed sleeper hit. While its edutainment background seems at odds with the subject material, these two worlds collide rather splendidly.

Although the fundamental Tekken formula has changed a little, the mind-blowing graphics will draw in even the most casual gamers.

There are wonderful individual combos and terrific moves that link each of your three selected characters together in order to defeat the common foe.

If you like to play in a digital sandbox and have an affinity for humor-leaning sci-fi, Startopia is not to be missed.

The combat aspect could stand another tweak or two, but the intriguing story -- a blend of creepiness and conspiracy--keeps these discs in the console until the final credits run.

The first game on the PS2 that has made me look forward to owning one of my own.

The eye-catching graphics, tight control, and enjoyable gameplay of this fine game really caught me by surprise. To all the PS2 users disappointed with the system's lackluster games, I highly suggest picking this title up.

This game is what the movie should have been.

This one takes full advantage of the PS2's graphic capabilities, giving a digital beatdown to all comers in the genre.

Call me evil, but there is nothing more satisfying then overhead-smashing a ball right into the cute noggin of either Baby Mario or Toad.

Dino Crisis 2 serves up plenty of heart-thumping mayhem, awesome graphics and sound, and enough dinosaur bloodlust to keep even the most experienced dino hunters on their toes.

The best classic compilation yet.

Fresh graphics, tight controls, and completely addictive gameplay make this a definite must-have title. To sum it up in one word, it's smugglelicious!

A no-nonsense boxing sim, which means that if you're dog-tired, you may have to go an entire round without throwing a punch just to get your wind back. This may seem ho-hum to "Street Fighter EX 3" fans, but for the hardcore boxing crowd, this degree of realism is the next best thing to a title unification bout.

Its true 3D exploratory gameplay, its vast and varied level designs, its colorful cast of characters, and its picture-perfect control create a fantastic atmosphere.

Let's cut to the chase -- this game sucks. Or rather, its chief antagonist does, since that vampiric schmuck Dracula just won't stay dead...bloody good fun.

Featuring powerful graphics and intense gameplay, CFS2 makes up for all the mistakes of its predecessor, and then some.

Just know that you're in for a short ride that will leave you yearning for a full-fledged sequel.

The control in Jedi Power Battles is fantastic.

Gorgeous graphics, simple gameplay, and tons of multiplayer fun give this title legs like Steffi Graf's.

Tremendously fun gameplay with an addictive online component.

Meshes tight control, serviceable graphics, and EA's trademark extras to set the standard by which future motocross games will be judged.