If anything, Trials and Tribulations is guilty of just being the "same old thing". After all, the formula hasn't really changed whatsoever from what was present in the first two games, aside from some tweaks to the defense system.

Naruto: Path of the Ninja doesn't go out of its way to offend anybody. It's thoroughly playable from beginning to end without any major problems, but the little things along the way tend to stick in your craw.

In the end, Napoleon Dynamite: The Game does little to fight the stereotype of low quality licensed games.

Flash Focus: Vision Training In Minutes a Day is cheap, checking in at $19.99, but even that doesn't seem to justify what you are actually getting here.

Still, we can't fully recommend a basketball game if the main function of the game is this broken. If you can't shoot worth a damn or defend worth a damn, then, really, what's the point if the AI is just going to run right over you?

Really, though, it's all about getting together with a few friends and beating the living tar out of each other. Up to four players can take part in a fight, selecting from 26 characters throughout the game.

Looney Tunes: Duck Amuck isn't bad, it's just an idea that wasn't stretched out far enough to cover the space provided in the cartridge.

The point of the matter is that Sega Rally Revo brings the series back to life without dumping what made it so damn crucial in the first place.

As wary as I came in, nothing could have prepared me for just how fundamentally broken this game is. I can only imagine how frustrating this experience would have been to an infant (assumedly, the target audience). What could have been a quick-and-easy cash-in for Majesco, recommendable to the most hardcore of Holly fans, is a complete mess, a Holly Hobbie that nobody could care for and sadly, should have been aborted.

Hot Pixel does what it set out to do, clone Wario Ware without actually becoming Wario Ware, and it surprisingly succeeds, even if it's just a modest victory.

But Zelda: Phantom Hourglass goes the opposite extreme, and turns sailing into a boring and utterly joyless exercise in line drawing. Basically, instead of controlling the ship directly, you'll merely draw your route on the touchscreen and watch your ship travel to that destination.

Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol tries its hardest to find its niche, but while it has a subject appropriate to the Chibi universe and a concept fittingly original, it is held back in too many places to claim to live up to the standards set by Skip in the earlier title.

Overall, though, it's still a step in the right direction for the 'hog, especially considering where he's been lulling over the past couple of years.

Nevertheless, Nancy Drew: Deadly Secret of Olde World Park hits the spot surprisingly well, rather than dwelling in "girly content" that would've made this game just as insulting as Acclaim's Mary Kate and Ashley line-up.

Overall, though, Jam Sessions is different and enlightening enough to be worth at least a mild recommendation, especially if you're in the same boat as other aspiring guitar players around the world.

In the end this Donkey Kong probably won't strike anybody as a instant classic, but it doesn't need to be in order to be very fun to play.

Drawn to Life has a color and personality far beyond the majority of platformers, and is a perfect fit for the DS functionality to boot, already giving it a good headstart on its competitors quality.

With online options, fun gameplay, hilarious presentation and a can-of-worms full of extras, Open Warfare 2 shouldn't be missed by anyone.

If you loved the first Monster Hunter Freedom game or its PS2 counterpart, you're going to love this.

But it has to be mentioned, forever again, that what is here was a game brilliantly executed on many fronts.

Here it is, the pen and paper classic Dungeons and Dragons represented in videogame form on your PSP. The deep ruleset makes the transistion largely intact, and the campaign itself is impressive in its length. It is what it is. That might have been the best that could have been said of it. If only the results just worked with some kind of grace and style.

In all, Tomb Raider Anniversary scores points for not taking the lazy route. Sure, it seems like a straight-up conversion of the PS2 game with no bonus modes or multiplayer of any kind, but at least it wasn't a half-assed port with no brain power put behind it.

Overall, Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars has its flaws, but remains a smooth running ride, one that'll certainly satisfy fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The battles are stale, the storyline is boring, and the graphics are fairly weak; what more does I have to say to make you avoid this title?

The battles are stale, the storyline is boring, and the graphics are fairly weak; what more does I have to say to make you avoid this title?

The battles are stale, the storyline is boring, and the graphics are fairly weak; what more does I have to say to make you avoid this title?

It's a great game to be sure. Extremely playable and thankfully portable, it can have you going for hours on end. But seriously, I wouldn't mind if they tried to break out of the JRPG mold a little more.

In the end, Alien Syndrome could've turned out a lot worse than it did.

More games should take a look at Tales of the World to see how pleasant a streamlined experience can be.

If you absolutely, positively hate Breakout, make a note to skip Nervous Brickdown entirely. However, if you could tolerate a few plays of it or are just experiencing it for the first time, this is a must-buy.

In the end, Touchmaster should happily suit those who can't play the games at a tavern or seek out something a little derivative on the old attention-span.

It's hard not to be cynical about a game like Hoshigami. It tries so hard to be ignored in so many aspects of its design that it's a quest just to find the game's heart.

Transformers: the Game needed to transform into something -- ANYTHING -- better than this sub-licensed garbage.

This is a game specifically for fans, and even then I'd mention specifically fans of the new Transformers... or Peter Cullen.

The simple fact is, if the idea of building a dungeon tailor-made to lure in specific mobs, then rushing in and killing those mobs sounds appealing to you, then Dungeon Maker is most likely right up your alley.

This is a game specifically for fans, and even then I'd mention specifically fans of the new Transformers... or Peter Cullen.

Puzzle Scape is not a great game, but is a game that should be purchased by enthusiasts only.

In the end, Hot Brain doesn't do enough to change your life, but it's a quirky little addition to the brain-training scene that deserves a look out of sheer boredom.

Overall, unless you were born in a Stupid Hospital or you just don't have the brain capacity to compete, PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 shouldn't be missed.

What you are getting is a grave magnitude of repeating hallways, a dull story with often dull witted opponents, mucked up controls, and a game missing many key abilities from the 360 or PS3 editions.

Don't miss out on Planet Puzzle League for the DS. Its presentation may not suit everyone but it's really going to be hard arguing against buying a game because it's just not fashionable.

Certainly a real gem for puzzle fanatics, and anyone looking for something really new and really unique for their PSP has gotten themselves a real head turner.

It's disappointing, it really is.

Ninja Council 3 is a frustrating and bland affair that has little to recommend it besides the extensive character roster from a recognizable license. It's not technically broken in any way, but there is no reason to purchase a game like this when there are so many other options available that are more enjoyable.

You could spend $20 on worse things, though. Labyrinth doesn't quite have the legs to live up alongside other puzzle games, but it does offer a little bit of substance for those looking for an exercise in strategy and cunning.

Just make sure to keep the improper touching to a minimum -- you don't want to be completely freaky like these guys. It is still a prison, after all.

Artepiazza has developed a rather special game, and for that I wish I could reward them with a better score. But it would be a disservice to gamers if I ignore the fact that wading through the uneventful days can feel like trudging up a long hill leading nowhere.

Shrek the Third succeeds in being a compelling hand held title that will work well to satiate the kiddies who love the series.

Shrek the Third on the GBA is a seriously disappointing title.

The game can be fun and rewarding and does a pretty decent job at not massacring a movie franchise, but can grow tiresome rather fast if the fighting bores you.

Licensed games sure aren't what they used to be.

I cannot fault this collection for having some games I could find boring. But I don't mind giving an average score to a collection which aimed only for the bare-bones of success.

Forget 7 Wonders. Really, just forget it.

The fact that it's far from a perfect game and not much of a step forward doesn't make it any less of a must-buy. The core single-player adventure is guaranteed to occupy you for more than thirty hours, and the promise of extensive global trading and (surprisingly deep) Wi-Fi battling awaits those who complete the main storyline. Get this game.

The fact that it's far from a perfect game and not much of a step forward doesn't make it any less of a must-buy. The core single-player adventure is guaranteed to occupy you for more than thirty hours, and the promise of extensive global trading and (surprisingly deep) Wi-Fi battling awaits those who complete the main storyline. Get this game.

The ball physics are floaty for one, forcing the ball to roll either too much (into a pocket) or not enough (to make contact with a target ball). Worse yet, the AI-fueled opponent can be off the charts.

There's a hazy quality to Valhalla Knights that ensures nothing ever become too vibrant or exciting; I guess that's what some people call style. I tend to call it boring.

With such limited play options the enjoyment becomes dependent on depth, and this is where Honeycomb Beat's greatest shortcoming comes to light: longevity. Puzzle mode is quite extensive, but the joy wears off quickly as things get harder and you often find yourself stumped.

The shooting and sports action should be more than suitable to your needs, and with the label Konami Classics Series established before Arcade Hits, that can only mean that the company's just getting started.

Every mission just ends up being like the previous one in terms of strategy. Unless you're the type of person who likes collecting all sorts of WWII naval memorabilia, I can't see anyone enjoying this game after the first couple of battles.

One of the better PSP games to come out this year, a trailblazing flight action game that doesn't let up on the gas. It stays true to the arcade roots while also creating a little something new, and it ranks amongst Planet Moon's best works.

An addictive, entertaining affair that takes a little bit of patience and learning to get down the basics. Once learned, however, you'll be hooked in no time flat and unwilling to turn a cold shoulder to it.

There could be, in some way, a niche market that finds the grueling experience that is Lost in Blue 2 enjoyable. Diehard survivalists or the kind-of too old Boy Scouts with a seriously concerning collection of Merit Badges could be right at home with this game. Or maybe not.

While playing this game, I couldn't help but think I would have enjoyed this more had I been 10 years old.

The game lacks in genuine long-term appeal due to the repetitive settings and modes, but still has enough to make it worth a look.

Call of Duty: Roads to Victory isn't quite perfect --not even close, in fact. However, considering that the last entry of the series in a handheld form couldn't even hold someone's sweaty jockstrap in a locker room, it's progress.

Even at a $20 price, it's still not worth it.

Level design, enemy design, and damn near every other category of this game are in short, unimpressive.

It's a phenomenal value, with $1400 worth of Neo-Geo arcade bliss in a $40 package, along with a few extras and two-player compatibility.

The simple downfall of Meteos: Disney Magic is that it's no longer about puzzle solving. The action is fast-paced and entertaining, but lacks the addictive quality that makes the original something still worth owning.

While the characters are funny and there is a definite old-school/hardcore edge to the design, only those in the market for a tough-as-nails dungeon crawler are likely to find enjoyment here.

Visually, the game is excellent - and sometimes astounding. Ratchet's fluid animation must be seen to be believed, and there are moments (Clank's aerial levels come to mind) where the range of colors and particle effects will blow you away.

The gameplay offers a few tricks up its sleeve, like with the mugging system and unscrewing the car radios out of vehicles for bonus cash. The presentation appears to be top notch, without missing any steps during its translation to the PSP. And the extras come aplenty.

Gurumin serves up a bevy of mostly entertaining fare via its lighthearted romp through a whimsical land of monsters and phantoms. Just don't expect a grandiose story or sweeping genre innovation, and despite its kiddie trappings and minor flaws you may be amazed at how fun this game can be.

Capcom Puzzle World won't win any awards in the long-term, and many of you might be annoyed by the presence of Block Block. But the game still has many puzzle moments worth enduring, especially if you're a hardcore fan of Super Puzzle Fighter and the Buster Bros. games.

More Castlevania than Metal Gear, but who could fault Konami for bringing their two best franchises into a beautiful marriage?

The game itself is timeless. It's not so old that people are turned off by the primitive graphics and it has an engaging enough battle system that those new to turn based RPGs won't get bored. It still has the same fun factor as the SNES game, but now you can take it anywhere you want, so what more can I say?

They story is good enough to be in a book and if it weren't for the long-winded dialog, I would rate this game higher. I think if people treat Hotel Dusk more as an interactive novel than an actual game, they'll be less likely to be disappointed.

The cases are fun and challenging, the presentation quirky and likable, and the gameplay is as sharp as a tack. If you have any objection to buying this game, consider yourself overruled. It's just too good to pass up. [JPN Import]

I'm simply astonished at the fact that Konami has created two of my favorite DS games in only a year apart from each other.

While this game is perfect for kids who are just getting introduced to platformers, it may be a little too easy for veterans.

If you love to play hours of chess against an opponent who is often much better than you are, then this game could be for you. However, be aware you will have to stomach a terrible storyline in order to play the single player game.

Tony Hawk's Project 8 for the PSP isn't as great a game as the console versions. How can it be? It has no real way to resemble the controls without a second analog stick, and the graphics almost feel like an afterthought.

While it may lack the "zone out" factor of "Lumines," it has the amusement of "Meteos."

The gameplay is addictive and worth going through many stages with, and the presentation has some surprising depth to it. Just don't expect an Egyptian tomb filled with extras and you'll feel right at home with this budget purchase.

But it's the gameplay and extras that will keep you coming back.

The best part of the game are the job classes. Final Fantasy III was the first of the series to feature job changing, which helps the replayability aspect of the game.

A great game, a rhythm/music game that bends the genre in new directions with its creative design, heartily original soundtrack, and unique gameplay system. Not too much of it is new, but there is a little to explore here that's worth at least a few tries, even if you have to put up with some hiccups just to get past it. [JPN Import]

A piece of garbage port of a fifteen-year old Sega Genesis game with only a battery save and a new spin dash move to spruce it up. That's about it. Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis is a travesty of a game that can't even get up to running speed.

The whole game is supported wonderfully by wireless play.

A classic, lengthy, & challenging platforming experience - the type of game we don't see enough of, anymore. And make no mistake - the game gets CRAZY hard, later on. This is no pushover like "NSMB" or "Super Princess Peach." You WILL die dozens of times in the last world, and bosses WILL stump you.

It's a thinking man's game that requires a high chain count and wily thinking in order to assure survival. Some leniency for more amateur players probably should have been granted, but that's probably something that will be saved for "EEE II."

The gameplay is pure classic Bomberman in Battle Mode, and the mini-games add some variety to the single-player game to make it a more enjoyable romp this time around.

This is simply a winning formula, through and through. Buy it. Love it.

The new additions aren't anything mind-boggling, but the new jobs and the bonus dungeon certainly add some extra playtime, and the result is a lovingly ported game that can really pass the time.

A great game for someone who appreciates the Metroid atmosphere, and is dieing for that oft-rumored "Metroid Dread"

Children of Mana tops out Lunar: Dragon Song, Deep Labyrinth, and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, but it doesn't take too much effort to be the champion of "Just OK."

When you finally succeed in surmounting the insane difficulty level, the sense of accomplishment you get ultimately makes the game an enjoyable experience.