Complementing the on-field awesomeness is Year Two of online franchise mode. It’s better than before — you can even manage it from EA’s website or from your iPhone — and we encountered no issues during our testing.

In addition to a series of unlockable tournaments, Trials packs a bike and avatar editor, a compelling compilation of minigames (see sidebar), and that track editor. It’s an incredibly robust feature — perhaps even similar to the actual development tools — but it’s also highly intimidating.

The lack of jump-in play — particularly on the couch — is very disappointing considering the game’s coin-op origins. Bummer, dude.

It looks like a last-gen Disney reject, but Brave does a great job of showing children the basics of different genres. [Oct 2009, p.74]

Definitely inspired by old co-op coin-ups like Ikari Warriors, minus any ambition. [Oct 2009, p.75]

MvC2 rewards hardcore fighters; we just wish Capcom had better rewarded hardcore fans. [Sept 2009, p.84]

Problem is, the aesthetics are disconcerting. [Aug 2009, p.76]

There's a vast supply of goodies for determined 'sploders, making this a sparkling, silly treat. [Oct 2009, p.80]

The game is abnormally long for a kids’ game, and the enemies are a varied bunch, so be prepared to have the young’uns glued to it for a while.

Secret is the foremost example of the genre on Xbox — and arguably anywhere else.

It basically boils down to Marble Madness with guns. [Oct 2009, p.80]

As a gigantic fan of cycling, I'm absolutely crushed to report that this game is atrocious. [Oct 2009, p.80]

Between some innovative new online features and a mess of shrewd tuning, it’s the kind of compulsively playable game that sports fans will have a hard time tearing themselves away from.

What you get, really, is Battlefield at its most pure. [Aug 2009, p.71]

Doesn't make any earth-shattering changes to its predecessor, but it also doesn't break anything, either. [Aug 2009, p.76]

$10 of joy. [Oct 2009, p.82]

Remarkably solid. [Oct 2009, p.80]

It slowly dawned on us that that's all there is to the game. [Oct 2009, p.82]

But none of those gripes can compare to the biggest crime committed here: no co-op! In a game that focuses more than a little on the exploits of two seemingly inseparable brothers, why would we not be able to bring a friend down the dusty trail? That absence is completely inexcusable, and the addition of pointless, paint-by-numbers competitive multiplayer only adds insult to injury.

Most adults will want to look for more sophisticated fare. [Oct 2009, p.82]

Every anime-riffic charcter - from Ragna, the slightly effeminate swordsman, to Taokaka, the obligatory catgirl - is beautifully drawn and totally bizarre. [Aug 2009, p.71]

Overly linear levels, repetitive fights, and a distinct lack of polish. [Oct 2009, p.75]

If only the title had been given a full HD makeover instead of sticking with its decade-old graphics, more players would've been turned on to this lost gem. [Oct 2009, p.82]

Droplitz put us to sleep. We mean that in the best way possible. [Sept 2009, p.87]

Despite the uphill difficulty curve, repetitive commentary, and long loading times, Round 4 is a force that topples its mind-blowing predecessor in every category. You will get punched in the face, and you will love it. [Aug 2009, p.64]

Six original Transformers episodes and other unlockables are a sweet treat; if only the rest of the game felt like such treasure. [Oct 2009, p.75]

Overlord II preserves what worked last time, improves what didn't, and tries several new ideas on for size. [Aug 2009, p.62]

This time around, Dynasty Warriors’ horde-slaughtering action is complemented by a greater emphasis on strategy as you attempt to conquer China in Empire mode, the game’s meatiest offering.