Nevertheless, the sequel is a superior experience to its predecessor and the amount of content that can be found in-game across the decently-sized single player campaign is impressive-- hours upon hours can be poured into just excavating or just battling.

Crash: Mind Over Mutant isn’t the most original platformer we’ve played -- it’s not even the most original Crash title we’ve played -- but it does work much better than some previous titles in the series.

If players are looking for a few fun Crash-based mini-games and a standard platformer with everything one would expect from a platformer, then the title may be something worth picking up. However, if players are looking for an epic platformer with a plethora of surprises and story twists, players may want to keep looking.

Line Rider 2: Unbound is a fairly decent port of an interesting Flash game, but there are some problems keeping the Wii experience from fully living up to its potential.

We Cheer is an excellent and novel take on creating a game that utilizes Wii's motion controls for something intuitive and unexpected.

Fans of forensic analysis and a decent mystery yarn presented in starker, more realistic tones than other DS games will enjoy this title, and we hope it becomes a franchise like Phoenix Wright, hopefully returning with more grisly crimes and more interaction with suspects and witnesses.

Talk about a lot of bang for your buck: ten dollars for a fully functional online Bomberman.

Who knew orbiting planets could be so fun? Or difficult for that matter? Art Style: ORBIENT successfully finds the balance of being accessible initially, yet more challenging as you drift further into space.

Pipe Mania is a decent reinterpretation of a classic game, and as a puzzler, ranks pretty high on the historical hierarchy.

Regardless of Disgaea DS’s unbridled insanity, Nippon Ichi deserves a lot of credit for squeezing such a sizeable game into such a small package.

Anyone searching for the ultimate co-op experience on the Wii should look no further than LEGO Batman.

All in all, the game handles pretty well. There are a few bumps in the road as combat is shallow, the challenge level is low, and the amusing cut scenes fail to make the DS version.

While Time Hollow doesn't necessarily bring a ton of new ideas to the adventure genre, it does provide a satisfying, if somewhat short, experience for fans of investigative gameplay and time travel story lines.

The series is one of the more original console offerings out there and worth the time for any gamer looking for something a little more real.

The problem lies in the simple fact that it simply doesn’t stack up that well next to the superior body of PC iterations.

It displays the efforts, but the game only passes by as average.

For one, the title sports a tough challenge for any astute gamer. Not only that, but the variety of problems keeps players on their toes and alert to upcoming problems with fluid pacing.

Nintendo puts a lot of care and attention into its handheld ports and remakes, and Kirby Superstar has aged very well over the years.

Using the pixels of the past, Inti Creates has made Mega Man 9 a title that easily stacks up with the franchise’s greats, such as Mega Man 2 or Mega Man 3.

Thus, like the game’s story, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed falls into a nice medium between both trilogies critically. It delivers a solid, but not spectacular, experience.

You're better off playing the online Line Rider, which gives you the same experience at no cost whatsoever.

Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise packs everything from the console original into a DS game.

New abilities or turrets help mix up the gameplay and provide gamers with refreshing approaches to each invasion. The visuals feel alive, with great animation and style.

In the end, Garfield's Funfest is appealing to the same demographic as the direct-to-DVD movie itself: youngsters.

Escape 2 Africa was a delightful surprise.

The improvements are welcome, however, as the 5 vs. 5 mode is great for playing with friends locally, and the online interface is another step in the right direction for Wii.

Nevertheless, Wordmaster is what it is and does not try to be anything more. Like its included instruction manual, it is a no-frills take on familiar concept.

Possessing one of the lowest bargain prices available for DS software, Puzzler Collection may be just the ticket for those looking for a puzzle fix or for some software to interest the more casual gamer in the family.

The MLB Mode, however, is everything a baseball fanatical could dream of, transforming you into living the life of a major leaguer (or minor leaguer). As such, MLB Power Pros 2008 knocks another one out of the park.

FFIV has always been a solid game and will always remain that way, but some games don’t hold up as well as others over the years and, for most of us, nostalgia can only take you so far.

For what it’s worth, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon is the best Square-Enix game for a Nintendo home console since Final Fantasy VI (called Final Fantasy III at the time) hit SNES in the mid-90s.

Even at $20, you would be better served browsing Amazon for any of a thousand better trivia books.

Despite being a sequel, Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 is a unique concept that uses DS to its full potential.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith borders on the brink of being an unnecessary edition to the franchise. Yes, there are enhancements that move the series forward, especially in regards to difficulty balance, but the smaller track list, repetitive song styles and resemblance to Legends of Rock leave something to be desired.

Anyone who loves it will continue to love it, and for anyone who's sick of the formula, this isn't the game to change your mind.

Gyrostarr is a good deal for 700 Wii Points on WiiWare. The graphics and multiplayer aspects really shine and the new twist of collecting energy is fun.

So, On Tour is not the best game and the series and does little to progress the franchise, but Guitar Hero fans now have a decent distraction while away from home.

If Wii is you're only system and you have the cash, it's probably worth it. On its own, it's a solid entry, although there are also a lot of other competing music games out there.

While a few faults hurt the game -- like the difficulty and meager amount of levels -- the main foundation of this title is fabulous.

Blast Works, is, on many levels, quite an achievement. The game is one part shooter, one part game creator and one part trading station; and all three of these components function well.

There are a variety of technical problems with Kung Fu Panda: the camera is wonky, Wii remote motions imprecise, a little buggy and a lazy PS2 port.

The pinpoint controls and well-integrated HUD allow for a great action-RPG experience, with excellent pacing on leveling up your character.

It may have slipped under the radar before, but now is the perfect time to give this unique game the second chance it deserves. Don’t miss out.

UFO should be applauded for offering a full retail release of The Monkey King, but we can’t recommend a purchase in good conscience, even if it were a five dollar download. The Monkey King is monkey crap.

There are plenty of reasons to hit the Wii Shop channel and plunk down the 1,000 points for Dr. Mario Online Rx. Virus Buster is an adequate addition to what is a classic Nintendo puzzler, and the overall presentation would be considered rock solid even if it came in a plastic case and required a gas-guzzling trip to GameStop

Casual gamer, hardcore gamer, it doesn't matter. Wii Fit is an excellent way to introduce a little physical activity into your daily routine -- if you can manage to find a copy.

My Life as a King is not for everybody. The sluggish beginning will detract many gamers, especially those unfamiliar to the simulation and management genres.

While a few faults may hold back the score from being perfect, LostWinds is a refreshing and almost nostalgic experience that will leave a player excited, but still asking for more.

For 700 Wii Points, Pop is overpriced.

Speed Racer is definitely a rental unless you're a fan of the television series or the newly released movie.

The high-speed racing, combined with a dedicated combat interface, makes for a exciting mix without placing too much emphasis on the vehicle-versus-vehicle matches.

It's definitely worth playing. It's a gem in the Wii library.

Here's the bottom line: Toy Shop is an atrocious game well beyond any hope of redemption.

Mario Kart Wii has many faults. But when it’s good, it’s very, very good, and as long as you have Wi-Fi, it will keep you occupied for many months to come.

For its discount price point, pinball enthusiasts will be entertained.

The World Ends With You stands tall as both a compelling piece of interactive art and a brilliantly designed and executed game.

Wild Earth: African Safari feels like a game on the fence. It doesn't know whether it wants to be a serious, realistic photo safari sim or a lighthearted romp for younger players.

With the movement-based attacks and extensive roster of characters, there's no doubt that strategy fans will find a lot to like here.

While it isn't necessary a quantum leap over the PS2 version -- and while the game has its faults -- this is still a solid title that hardcore Wii owners will want to consider adding to their library.

It is nice to see that Vicarious Visions decided to take this project seriously and put together a competent platformer with enjoyable combat and outstanding production values.

Casual RPGers may or may not latch onto this one, but longtime fans of the genre will should pick up Opoona without hesitation.

If you can get past the first five hours of mindless fun, Dragon Sword is an unparalleled experience on DS.

There are a thousand better ways for gamers to use their money instead of buying M&M's Kart Racing.

If you have any DS-playing daughters, do them a favor and don’t buy this game, even if they beg for it.

The vibe on the PC version seems good, but this DS port proves mediocre. Many had great expectations, but this is not our vision of fury.

This one's for shmup fans only. With no competition on DS, N2 scratches the itch for portable shooting.

Overall, the whole package will provide hours of entertainment to gamers who know what they are getting.

But at the end of the day, no other game offers the wealth of content for a mere $50; and if early indications live up to their potential, we'll all be playing Brawl for another six-and-a-half years.

Bully: Scholarship Edition is the best sandbox title available on Wii.

A 3D fighter on DS is long overdue, and D3 deserves kudos for being the first to publish such a title. Unfortunately, there are too many pieces of frosting missing to make this either a good introduction to the world of Naruto or a solid execution of a fighter on the handheld.

If you're looking for an on-rails slasher that is good for 7-10 hours, you will probably enjoy this title. If you’re looking for a full-fledged RPG experience, however, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

Despite fears that a new stable of characters would prove less interesting than the established cast, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney manages to hold up to its predecessors in nearly every way.

However, the title comes up short in every department or ignores them completely.

There’s just not enough redeeming qualities in horse-riding to keep me interested in it long enough.

The action is solid, and there are plenty of maps and options (including Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection play), but there's little that series fans haven't seen before. [Feb 2008, p.88]

As for now, Mario & Sonic showcases an assortment of good and mediocre mini-games and winds up with a silver medal.

Many games become constrained and overridden by technical flaws and design problems, but No More Heroes breaks through with a cast of characters and story that exudes style and imagination.

If you’re into adrenaline-pumping thrills and any game slower than F-Zero,, don’t expect to get much, if anything, out of this game. If, however, you enjoy paced simulations and the thought of collecting stuff, you may want to put Endless Ocean on your sonar, at least for a rental.

Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law is an incredibly enjoyable experience, but paying full price for only a few hours of laughter should only be reserved for hardcore fans of the show.

Gamers clamored for a sequel for years, but the follow-through may not be exactly what they hoped for.

Given that Wii Sports boxing (or Punch-Out!!, for that matter) is better in almost every conceivable way, Showtime Championship Boxing has absolutely no business in your gaming library, not even for $20. Stay far away.

Godzilla Unleashed does too many things poorly to be recommended to anyone but the most diehard of Godzilla fans, who will be attracted to some of the game's attempted fan service, like the impressive roster of monsters.

Despite a couple of problems, Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is definitely a must for Dragon Ball fans and 3D fighting enthusiasts.

New Blood represents third-party innovation at its finest and is a solid buy or, for the more cash-strapped, an absolute must-rent.

It’s good to see a Star Trek game on Wii; it’s just too bad it’s such a short and shallow affair.

Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity is, at best, a rental for the true Lyoko devotee -- the game can easily be beaten in a short span -- and a polite pass for everyone else.

It may be a strange thing to concede, but the Gamecube port of RE4, with tacked on Wii remote functionality, trumps this Wii-developed title in almost every department.

Contra 4 will deliver everything veterans of the series could ever want, from the classic spread gun to music that brings orgasmic delight to the ears.

For a new intellectual property, it surprisingly falls back on the basics and brings nothing new to the table.

Despite its origins as a PSP port, Medal of Honor Heroes 2 really feels like a ground-up offering.

Super Mario Galaxy is arguably the best game on Wii to date and is a must-have for almost everyone.

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga is a solid compilation that is superior to the two games that preceded it.

Despite Ontamarama's relatively short story mode, options to increase difficulty, the pursuit of high scores and the Shop will keep players coming back for more. Ontamarama is perfect for younger players as a friendly, approachable gateway into the music/rhythm genre.

Neves is an approachable puzzle game that deserves induction into the Touch Generations series for its right-brain challenge and touch controls. The sheer number of puzzles combined with the increasing difficulty levels of different modes will keep players coming back time and again.

The simulation and action components of in Horse Life work surprisingly well together, striking a perfect balance.

Enchanted the movie did a respectable job appealing to more than its target demographic. Altron made a worthwhile effort to repeat the spirit of this endeavor with the video game adaptation but unfortunately fell short.

Games of this nature need to decide, up front, who their intended audience is. Otherwise, you end up with a game that tries to be accessible to children, yet provide enough depth to please older gamers.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare really is a difficult title to attach a number to; some parts will blow you away, but you will always have a sinking feeling that something is off.