The game really only takes a few hours to complete but its charm has the most staying power.

Definitely one of the best games on the PS2. With excellent gameplay and graphics, Capcom has greatly raised the bar in the action genre.

Even though the puzzles can be challenging, the game’s addictive nature and sense of satisfaction is rarely seen at this level on the DS.

Just Cause 2 isn’t a perfect game, many of the story missions are blah and the player isn’t really let into the joke of the game until late into it, but even with its very minor faults it still manages to be one of the best games I have played this year.

The game doesn't live up to the qualities resplendent in either the book or the movies, but it's still a technically competent game and fun to play.

Fallout New Vegas is basically everything that Fallout 3 was, just in a new environment, a new story, but with more bugs and a few new bells and whistles.

Again, true flight enthusiasts will balk at the lack of takeoff/landing phases and since there is no multiplayer, Ace Combat 5 can't be recommended for anyone but airplane lovers.

Even though the core experience is enjoyable, there are too many little annoyances and omissions that pile up together to bring it down.

With a perfect sense of humor, a new bold design, a vintage graphical style and gameplay perfectly suited for a portable system, Half Minute Hero is one game that cannot be missed by PSP owners or any fan of an RPG.

Where it falls down is in originality: for all its polish, in the end it's really just more of the same as I've played countless hours before.

The game doesn't live up to the qualities resplendent in either the book or the movies, but it's still a technically competent game and fun to play.

An outstanding game due to it's updated graphics, the widely varied choices you can make, and the wholly engrossing nature of the gameplay.

Vanquish is an adrenaline infused rocket ride of a game.

If you have enjoyed any version of Arkanoid, or Breakout, then Shatter is worth a purchase. It might even be worth it for some people that don’t even enjoy the genre that much, it is that good.

Darwinia will remind you that videogames can be an art form as well as great entertainment.

A must-have installment in the RE series - perhaps now more than ever. The game’s important story is now critical to the evolving RE plot thanks to "Resident Evil 4."

Jak 3 can be completed in a weekend, minus the egg missions.

The cartoon-like cel-shaded characters and enemies really give the game a style of its own, and the banter between characters is always light hearted.

Its excellent gameplay distant it from the other hockey games and the great level of control over the players separates it from the past years of the series, and offers an immensely improved experience.

Despite its shortcomings, THUG 2 offers no shortage of content and anyone who’s ever fallen off of a board will keep coming back for more.

The sound of a leather boot impacting a chicken, and the resulting squawks and flapping that result, must be heard first hand to be truly appreciated.

Upgrades, short cuts, environmental driving conditions, and real-life vehicles force this game above the rest.

The online aspect is extremely well done and probably makes Dead or Alive Ultimate one of the best Xbox Live games currently available. This, plus the addition of over 100 unlockable costumes, a huge gallery, and other goodies, definitely makes this the ultimate Dead or Alive game.

By far the best war-themed strategy game on the market, but it isn’t a game for those with short attention spans. If gamers can survive the learning curve, however, and show some patience, they will find one of the most fulfilling gaming experiences out there.

Future Perfect has 'it' where it counts: great characters, a funny story, and incredibly varied environments.

The game is darker, bloodier, and edgier all around. The environments all look beautiful, and the combat animation is seamless.

Challenging games are becoming an endangered species in the MMORG genre; several of the latest releases seem to cater to the lowest common denominator of the gaming community. EverQuest II reverses that trend.

It definitely seems to have been the victim of a tight development schedule, with a handful of small problems that generally hold the entire experience back. Regardless, a strong effort to include and refine basically every major aspect of the MMA sport deserves credit.

The Tomb of Sammun-Mak is simply one of the most enjoyable adventure games that has come out in recent memory, and is a very easy recommend to anyone with a computer.

This game is challenging and will last quite a while since every game is completely random and there is plenty to unlock including more music, new characters, and new character outfits. The biggest problem with this game is the fact that you need two copies of the game to play on two systems.

Treasure definitely knows action and 2D gaming. If you thought the action was intense in "Astro Boy: The Omega Factor", then you will love what they have done with Gunstar.

The only positive aspect for those that have played the game, and feel the same as I do, is that Neversoft has officially announced that their next installment will go in a new direction with hopes of revitalizing the franchise.

By itself, Lords of Shadow isn't a bad game. But as a Castlevania title, fans might be disheartened to learn that there isn't much Castlevania here. Sure, it might be the best 3D installment in the series but the 2D Castlevanias are still the highlight. There are a few rough edges in the overall game design, but there is still a fair amount of entertainment to be had with Lords of Shadow.

It proves that an engrossing storyline doesn’t have to come in a boring package, but rather one filled with emotionally engaging characters and intense action.

Everything's bigger and more complicated, but that doesn't necessarily make it better.

The game tells you HOW, but it doesn't tell you WHAT. This is not bad, except for those few games that you just can't figure out. However, it's easy enough for anyone to just pick up and play.

The game is simply worth it, and PC gamers should definitely check it out.

Improvements in the difficulty, a smart retooling of the games stages and a whole lot of extra modes and add-ons make this game the definitive version of Ninja Gaiden out on consoles, as well as one of the deepest and most satisfying action adventure games available.

If the $15 price tag makes you question such a gamble, just know that there is plenty of content to be had. While the main story quest can be completed in a few hours, each area has a multitude of secrets, from special challenges to complete and dolls to find as well as Hi-jinks that make use of the crazier abilities.

For fans of the series this is simply a continuation of form, while everyone else will easily find something to love it is hard not to be shocked at the price.

In short, Alan Wake is exactly what ii says on the box, a “Psychological Action Thriller.” You’ll be grasping at straws for most of the game, trying to figure out what exactly is happening in this quaint little town.

Though not that pretty to look at, it serves its purpose as a fast, multiplayer friendly old school beat-em up, even if its all been done before.

EA Big did more than just nip-and-tuck with the sequel, creating a deeper and more satisfying experience. The improved graphics, hefty roster of fighters and unlockables, and involving game play mask the frustrating flaws found within.

The dark environmental settings are just not catching my eye and if I wanted this type of dark depressive art I would play an Id Software title. The charm that came with the original through its use of colors and the likable prince are now gone.

Fans of the Pokemon series know what they are getting with this title - some small tweaks on an otherwise familiar game.

The analog stick is a bit confusing. During gameplay, it’s used to rotate the camera while on your board, and used to control the player when you’re off the board. During WiFi play, you can’t rotate the camera at all because it’s only used for controlling your character. This becomes quite confusing.

Fledgling developer Swingin' Ape Studios has created one of the most addictive, hilarious and challengingly deep shooters of this console generation.

If you are a tower defense fan, you need to download the full version of this game. And if you are a not a fan of the genre, Defense Grid just might have enough in its bag of tricks to convert you.

Players of all skill levels will enjoy mastering every facet of their superpowers, all while facing increasingly challenging foes and learning new more powerful abilities.

Koei's fresh burst of creativity is a relief from the other music games that just don't quite cut it.

A rare game for me, a game where I simply don’t care about originality or plot. Instead I find myself lost in an addicting trifle of sweet little monsters and cutesy dialog.

If you’re an RTS vet who’s played everything out there, you’ll enjoy what Act of War: Direct Action has to offer. It introduces the small changes it needs to make it seem fresh, and Dale Brown’s tech thriller story line keeps you entertained throughout.

Since it started, Popcap Games has been pumping out quality titles, and Bejeweled 3 is no exception.

The challenge may be extremely difficult, but players will have tons of fun in the process. Honors should be given because this is the first 3D handheld game to be ported from a 3D game on a 3D system.

Trenched is not only a great multiplayer game, it can also be a great way to introduce players to the Tower Defense game genre. And whether playing for 10 minutes or 10 hours, Trenched will keep you addicted thanks to its thoughtful and well balanced gameplay and co-op structure. It is fun, addicting, action packed but yet strategic. And yes, a game you will want on your 360's hard drive.

The production values are excellent, and the simplistic gameplay is classic and at the core of so many old games as well as those new today.

Though not that pretty to look at, it serves its purpose as a fast, multiplayer friendly old school beat-em up, even if its all been done before.

Much more than your basic first person shooter. The game of course does have its flaws, mostly with how confusing the story gets towards the end, but what really hurts the game is that it seems to always be building towards something, only to let you down. Fortunately everything the game does well makes up for it by giving you one of the best mixtures of action and plot with the end result of a truly immersive adventure that really is worth your time and effort.

Don't worry about hesitating to spend the $60, you will spend more time than you think playing this game.

The third episode in this series does an amazing job of proving that this game is a must have for anyone that can run it.

The ability to let you and three of your friends jump onto a single console and play together is great and should be applauded. This is more than most companies are willing to do in an era when online multiplayer means more copies sold and revenue through unnecessary subscriptions doesn't need justification.

Yes, it's strange to be able to damage cops but not have a scratch even when they hit harder than Ike Turner.

Being time consuming, this game may not be for the passive gamer, but for anyone who is willing to put in the energy, Ring of Red will provide a rich experience filled with both great tactics and a wonderful story.

While Capcom did come up a sliver short of a real “HD” Remix of Puzzle Fighter, this is still one of the premiere downloadable games.

It’s nice to see the addition of vehicles, though they’re not as fun as you'd expect.

For those who haven't enjoyed Hitman games in the past, this game probably won't change your mind - not much has changed. However, if you've been waiting for another chapter in the Hitman series, this is certainly the finest thus far.

This is the kind of pet project a developer gets to make only once, and if you love metal music as much as Tim Schafer, you’ll find something to love about Brütal Legend.

Overall, Castle Crashers is not only in my opinion, a game that stands up well with the classic greats it’s paying tribute to, but an excellent game that, at 15 bucks, deserves a space in every 360 gamer’s library, despite it’s (small) flaws (that will be fixed soon!).

Not even "New Super Mario Bros." has topped this game. An instant Sonic classic.

In a gaming season plagued by same-old-same-old sequels, Need for Speed Underground 2 is a rare title that changes up the formula and still manages to stay fun. When you combine its lasting pick up appeal with a surprisingly well thought out campaign mode, you have a racing game that provides depth without sacrificing the over the top action of an arcade game.

The story is the game's strongest point, though it won't be exposed here so as not to spoil anything, and it’s full of deeper meanings that one can read into if so inclined.

The shoot-'em-up action is nonstop, and the character acting is hilarious. The varied modes allow for almost infinite replay value.

Along with the recently released "Shadowhearts," Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne is a breath of fresh air. It has a unique premise, great game play, and high production values. Then there is the gripping storyline, the most important part of any RPG.

While the story is beyond confusing and gets further complicated by the cockamamie Japanese nuances and character archetypes, the game is still something that can be comfortably tackled by veteran RPG players.

If you like fast paced racers that are more on the arcadey side, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t give Midnight Club LA a try.

So while Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People may have come to an end, it is still one of the more impressive point and click adventure games that came out in 2008 and firmly deserves a look.

A thoroughly enjoyable game, but it’s not going to turn the RTS genre on its ear.

There was much about the game that was good: the lighting, the music, the character models, etc. However, there were also many things that soured the game for me, such as the game's lack of a mid-mission save system, the too-linear gameplay, the awkward controls, and the game's habit of being generally too strict.

A visually stunning game that will keep many Star Wars fans happy for many hours. My biggest complaint is that once you’re not in the various crafts the game can be a little boring and you find yourself dreaming the AT-ATS.

Divinity II is simply a great game. While there might be some odd little shortfalls that pop up that keep it from the halls of true greatness, there really is just so much going for it in the way of immersive world and enjoyable gameplay that it is worth exploring.

Seems comfortable to rest squarely in the warm embrace of the genre that id pioneered a decade ago. Certainly, that’s not a bad place to be.

Chaos Theory can be defined as mild revolution. It brings freshness to the series without alienating what made it good in the first place. Only calculated risks were taken here.

If a little more time was spent tweaking graphics, as well as fully developing the forensic elements of the game, I think Condemned could have been close to perfect.

Newbies will feel constantly overwhelmed and will dismiss this game in a heartbeat due to its high learning curve.

As much as this reviewer likes WarioWare: Touched!, it’s not worth the purchase price of a DS.

A game that will prove very difficult for the casual strategy gamer, and a real challenge to the hardcore gamer. Either playing against the CPU or a human enemy, the best battle plan will win through in the end.

The presentation is probably the weakest spot in Growlanser: Generations. The graphics consist of 2D sprites, and the characters are very pixilated. Backgrounds can be bland at times, lacking detail. Spell effects are also rather lackluster.

While I really enjoyed the look and feel of the graphics and controls, there is still a nagging feeling that the game is just too much of a clone.

If you haven’t played Lumines before, Lumines II is a great place to jump in, especially because of that extremely attractive $20 price point for a very entertaining puzzle game.

Supreme Commander manages to excel on so many fronts that other strategy games fell short of, with giant maps and a monetary system that makes sense and simplifies making an army.

If you are a fan of platformers, and want to experience it with a drilling machine, this unique game will please 2D fans. Just expect to be let down in the replay value and sound department.

Essentially, the GBA is not the place to look for if you want a quality FPS, but Duke Nukem Advance has been crafted with due care, which generates an extremely pleasurable gaming experience.

Just short of being a masterpiece. The innovative battle system and nicely implemented terrain and weather settings make it entertaining and keep the battles feeling new and worthwhile. The character and item management is ultimately its only major fault…it is just TOO elaborate!

A good example of a developer using an excellent license (in this case, two licenses) to its advantage.

This game will manage to frustrate players within a relatively short amount of time. Repetition and some really difficult operations will be more than enough to push any gamer away.

Tales of Monkey Island is probably one of the best games that came out last year, and probably one of the best adventure games that has come out in recent memory.

Strong Bad Episode 2 is actually a very good game that is overly easy and entirely too short.

I only hope that enough Americans will appreciate Mr. Wright so that we can get our hands on the other two titles in the series.