Could possibly be the best game ever.

You won't touch your PlayStation or N64 again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

This game is excellent, although its predictable and simple story combined with average character designs and dialogue prevent if from becoming an instant classic.

A spectacular arcade-style racing game with pretensions to realism that fall far short of other driving sims on the market. The unrealistic aspects of the game, however, are far overshadowed by an incredible presentation and visual touches galore.

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.

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.

An incredibly deep simulation of human behavior.

The game has an ironic weakness, however. It is too much like Mario in some respects and not enough in others. The premise and underlying tasks are just too familiar to allow Banjo-Kazooie its own identity.

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

There is only one major criterion System Shock 2 fails to hit. Graphically, it isn't so special.

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

You’ll find the gameplay tight, intense, suspenseful, and unique. It has already stolen my heart, take a risk and don’t overlook it, it may steal yours as well.

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

If you play only one FPS this year, it will probably be "Quake 3," but if you play two FPS games this year, give Unreal Tournament a try.

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.

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.

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

The only drawback to the graphics would be the lack of a rotatable battlefield, as it is sometimes hard to figure out where you can and cannot go in cramped quarters, canyons and towns.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

If you don't dig a traditional RPG structure, this is going to bore you to tears. But for a strong storyline in a non-traditional setting, Planescape is well worth the money.

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.

Thankfully, Capcom, the king of coin-op fighters, seems to have few reservations about taking what are essentially change magnets and bringing them home intact for the low, low price of $49.99 (or roughly 100 plays).

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

The series gets better every year, and now it seems to be just a few minor tweaks away from perfection.

The storyline is immediately absorbing, and is a nice break from the typical run 'n' gun first-person shooter.

Solid, solid, and more solid. It's intensely fun, well balanced, and it safely brings out the violent side in you.

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

It's the second-best RPG on the Dreamcast, and is surely a fantastic second helping that satisfies that next-generation RPG hunger that's only just been alleviated by "Skies of Arcadia."

The biggest and most refined platform game ever.

Rayman is more like "MYST" -- a beautiful journey where nothing much is required of you, and nothing much really happens. And with the sun shining, the waterfalls sparkling, the magic mushrooms making pyramids, and a tummy full of Lums, that's just a pretty peachy place to be.

Final Fantasy VIII has been called an epic game. And it is, if epic means "boring."

When a football game's biggest problem involves the kicking game, you know you have a winner on your hands.

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.

Going about 600 scale miles per hour it is nearly impossible to discern what's going on with your gauges, not to mention the fact that it's really tough to know when you're about to destroy yourself...Only the most jaded of Wipeout players will feel cheated by purchasing this game and even they'll secretly have fun.

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

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.

Tremendously fun gameplay with an addictive online component.

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

It's simple, robust gaming at its best.

More an interactive movie than a game, RE2 looks pretty but lacks challenge.

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.

The control's not user-friendly from the get-go; you'll need time and patience to hang with the big boys.

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

The most realistic fighting game ever. Period.

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

If you're looking for something new, if you're looking for groundbreaking gameplay, you won't find it here. What you will find is a very solid game engine, with fantastic multiplayer support, and nice units and technologies to choose from.

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.

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

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.

Everything you could possibly want from a driving game.

Unless gamers are intimidated by the sheer chaos of Power Stone 2, this is likely to become one of the premiere party games for the Dreamcast.

Complex and simple at the same time, MechWarrior 4 reaches a Zen-like balance between simulation and pure fun.

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

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

(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.

Though city-building strategy is a niche genre that has never been my favorite, it's fair to say that ZMO is the most fun I've had in quite a while.

The actual driving controls and physics in the game are great except for one thing. The analog steering controls are very jerky.

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.

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

Infinitely replayable, as random encounters are a part of the game, and no one will find all the secrets the first time through.

The game delivers all the options and play modes you could possibly ask for, a rock-solid control scheme, and of course, EA Sports' unmatched presentation value and signature high-flying action.

Well equipped to attract a large following among network players with its elegant controls and dazzling graphics.

The fact that you get sent back to the original load screen every time our friend Samanoske meets his untimely death is unforgivable, but it's not something that should keep you away from an otherwise first-class game.

Guess what. It's a damn fine game.

The main reason Elite Force works so well is that it combines not simply the Voyager license with the "Quake III" engine, but merges a well-written story with an incredibly solid first-person shooter.

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.

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

Next time, the developers should do something about the voice acting and maybe add a more intuitive real-time mouse-swing system, and then we'd have an undisputed champion.

Solid graphics, fast and furious gameplay, and awesome online multiplayer battles make this an arcade racing title that should not be overlooked.

The lack of mouse support is both shocking and somewhat unforgivable... (yet) EMI will provide hours of intelligent and silly gameplay.

Perhaps the biggest complaint about EQ over UO is the utter lack of an interesting dynamic economy and the structures UO allowed you to build before they ran out of room.

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

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.

Fantastic and beautiful third-person action among three races, with a wonderful sense of humor.

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.