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.