You want Bikes, ATVs, Muscle Cars, SUVs, Buggies, Trucks…they’re all in here, along with every conceivable type of race set across thousands of miles of populated ultra-realistic topography, complete with dynamic weather. And it all looks and plays spectacularly. Unless you’re looking for an authentic hard core sim, there’s no reason you shouldn’t leave right now, and even if you are, a little FUEL might just change your mind.

Ground-breaking visuals (for real) and tons of new gameplay; bigger worlds, more characters, more management, more tactics and more mistresses! Plus a truly inspired original score and no crap online modes!

Ground-breaking visuals (for real) and tons of new gameplay; bigger worlds, more characters, more management, more tactics and more mistresses! Plus a truly inspired original score and no crap online modes!

Ground-breaking visuals (for real) and tons of new gameplay; bigger worlds, more characters, more management, more tactics and more mistresses! Plus a truly inspired original score and no crap online modes!

Freedom Unite is like the cube from Hellraiser that takes you to a world of ultimate pain and pleasure. The only major flaw: Capcom gives us ad hoc gameplay with local friends, but no real online multiplayer support. How many units does a franchise have to sell before you throw us a bone?

The gang’s all here—well, except for Louis. Terminal Reality might have created the only true Ghostbusters game, ever, but it’s about as good as we could have asked for (could have used more Murray, though). Who you gonna call? Atari for some DLC.

The controls also lend themselves nicely to Nintendo's quirky hardware; honestly, it's like the Wiimote was made for stunning, wrangling and trapping paranormal menaces.

The gang’s all here—well, except for Louis. Terminal Reality might have created the only true Ghostbusters game, ever, but it’s about as good as we could have asked for (could have used more Murray, though). Who you gonna call? Atari for some DLC.

Flower, Sun and Rain is a great remedy for those pesky times that you start to actually feel sane and rational.

Although it lacks much of the polish we've come to expect from sandbox style titles such as GTA IV and inFAMOUS, navigating Prototype's world—while leaving a chunky bloodbath in your wake—as the remorseless Mercer packs more than its fair share of guilty-pleasure thrills.

Although it lacks much of the polish we've come to expect from sandbox style titles such as GTA IV and inFAMOUS, navigating Prototype's world—while leaving a chunky bloodbath in your wake—as the remorseless Mercer packs more than its fair share of guilty-pleasure thrills.

Although it lacks much of the polish we've come to expect from sandbox style titles such as GTA IV and inFAMOUS, navigating Prototype's world—while leaving a chunky bloodbath in your wake—as the remorseless Mercer packs more than its fair share of guilty-pleasure thrills.

Playing an old-school RPG is great with dual screens and Archcraft have seen to every last detail. The dialogue is first rate (talk to everybody; the maids, farmers…), the systems easy to assimilate, and the visuals are vibrant and painstakingly detailed. Great BGM too.

As digital comics go, I had a lot of fun with Miami Law. Though it's a little rough around the edges at times and could have been longer, it has a lot going for it and doesn't let up once the story kicks into gear.

It’s hard to go wrong with a formula that was already well built to start with. Mario VS. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! is a welcome addition to the DSiWare store with a nearly endless supply of puzzles.

Get it. It’s fun, it’s cheap, and it’s delightful.

Red Faction’s destruction tech is leaps and bounds beyond anything you’ve ever seen or played. But the fact this aspect encompasses nearly the entirety of the gameplay is really what makes it stand out; destroying stuff isn’t just a means of extracting some cool eye and ear candy within the game - it is the game.

Red Faction’s destruction tech is leaps and bounds beyond anything you’ve ever seen or played. But the fact this aspect encompasses nearly the entirety of the gameplay is really what makes it stand out; destroying stuff isn’t just a means of extracting some cool eye and ear candy within the game—it is the game.

You want Bikes, ATVs, Muscle Cars, SUVs, Buggies, Trucks…they’re all in here, along with every conceivable type of race set across thousands of miles of populated ultra-realistic topography, complete with dynamic weather. And it all looks and plays spectacularly. Unless you’re looking for an authentic hard core sim, there’s no reason you shouldn’t leave right now, and even if you are, a little FUEL might just change your mind.

You want Bikes, ATVs, Muscle Cars, SUVs, Buggies, Trucks…they’re all in here, along with every conceivable type of race set across thousands of miles of populated ultra-realistic topography, complete with dynamic weather. And it all looks and plays spectacularly. Unless you’re looking for an authentic hard core sim, there’s no reason you shouldn’t leave right now, and even if you are, a little FUEL might just change your mind.

Blue Omega’s vision is buried under so many layers of clumsy gameplay and painful cinematics that the glimmers of the game that could have been just can’t stem the tide.

Blue Omega’s vision is buried under so many layers of clumsy gameplay and painful cinematics that the glimmers of the game that could have been just can’t stem the tide.

This is simply a superb genre defining experience with two unforgettable endings.

Once again, Idea Factory, Compile Heart, and NIS America get it done through quality localization, a finely tuned array of systems, endearing characters, a wicked cool OST, and the seemingly unending power of the 2D spriteling.

Blue Omega’s vision is buried under so many layers of clumsy gameplay and painful cinematics that the glimmers of the game that could have been just can’t stem the tide.

Jagged Alliance marks the beginning of a new renaissance of turn-based modern warfare, then I will be the happiest gamer in the world. Militaires Sans Frontieres!

The gameplay is sheer perfection, the score is superb and the detail for a game this size is plain crazy.

The gameplay is sheer perfection, the score is superb and the detail for a game this size is plain crazy.

Complaints are already being waged that the game is too similar too the old series. This game wasn’t meant for you. For the rest of us who desire an experience that isn’t trying to be anything more than high-level throwback, Punch-Out!! is fantastic fun.

A great mix of action, adventure, and RPG, all set in the weird and wonderful Megami Tensei world.

Fun combat, crazy depth, and varied character classes outshine clunky menus and complex interface issues.

Fun combat, crazy depth, and varied character classes outshine clunky menus and complex interface issues.

It’s basically old school Donkey Kong. What more do you want?

Velvet Assassin’s strengths are in its quiet, richly framed version of a World War II inside the head. The stealth mechanic is very specific and rigidly pattern based, but it presents its scenarios incredibly well.

Velvet Assassin’s strengths are in its quiet, richly framed version of a World War II inside the head. The stealth mechanic is very specific and rigidly pattern based, but it presents its scenarios incredibly well.

Fun and unique, but don’t get your hopes up. Don’t try to rush through, or else recurring enemy patterns will drain your patience. Let’s see if Abylight couples this fun engine with some interesting character and story ideas in the future.

The bizarre and unique world of Zenozoik separates Zeno Clash from so many other games that some minor faults still make it worth checking out. It doesn’t hurt that the mechanics of combat are excellent and stand out on their own.

Spire is simply too niche for most. But if you can squeeze yourself into that niche, prepare for addiction to take root.

Never mind that Dark Athena doesn’t quite stand up to Butcher Bay. Why should it? As a package, this is an easy sell for someone looking for a moody experience of stealth, action and adventure. Nice to see a game that understands dialogue too.

Never mind that Dark Athena doesn’t quite stand up to Butcher Bay. Why should it? As a package, this is an easy sell for someone looking for a moody experience of stealth, action and adventure. Nice to see a game that understands dialogue too.

It may not keep you busy for long, but Ninja Blade is a goofy, thrilling roller-coaster ride of a game that’s hard not to enjoy.

A ridiculous amount of fun packed into a tiny DS cartridge, Rhythm Heaven's only real flaw is a bit of jet lag from its trip across the ocean.

Character interaction is the great highlight, weak and wandering pace is the low point.

Briefly interesting, until repetitive, unimaginative mechanics make the experience more closely resemble prostitution than actual gameplay. Ok if you’re looking for a cheap thrill (or a rental)...for everyone else, you’re advised to look elsewhere.

Briefly interesting, until repetitive, unimaginative mechanics make the experience more closely resemble prostitution than actual gameplay. Ok if you’re looking for a cheap thrill (or a rental)...for everyone else, you’re advised to look elsewhere.

If drinking out of a giant-size Taco Bell cup that displays The Missing Link and his big sweet smile doesn’t sound like a completely humiliating experience to you, then MvA might make a decent addition to your game collection. But for the hardcore gamer - pass.

If drinking out of a giant-size Taco Bell cup that displays The Missing Link and his big sweet smile doesn’t sound like a completely humiliating experience to you, then MvA might make a decent addition to your game collection. But for the hardcore gamer - pass.

Samurai Shodown Anthology is a technically sound collection of the best, and worst, moments of the main Samurai Shodown franchise titles. At less than $20, even if it all of its included titles don't excite you, you should find more than enough here to make the purchase worthwhile.

Trackmania DS ends up not only a technologically-impressive game, but more importantly, a fun one. There are things it could have done better, but they don't deter from everything that the game got right.

Now you can take your Chimera-slaughtering anywhere you go. Sounds swell.

A fantastic re-introduction to the charms of Suikoden, marred by crap voice acting. Thankfully, all the dialogue is skippable. Gorgeous, high-skied adventures await!

Rockstar Leeds has made what I believe to be the very best GTA the DS can muster complete with razors edge technology, a pair of worthy gameplay additions, a bevy of Local Wi-Fi multiplayer games, an 8 scenario co-op mode, and live in-game chat …all on the world’s number one all-time bestselling video game machine, that happens to fit in your pocket.

An amazing game. A perversion of the JRPG formula that is a must for fans of dark themes and morally complicated subject matter.

The aesthetic pulled me in and the addicting game play kept me going until my arms could take no more. Bit.Trip Beat is one of the better retro games released this year.

Japanese quirk plus puzzle-centric platforming plus affordability plus ridiculously cute mushrooms make for a tasty, if brief, treat. Soup’s on.

Smart, unothordox, creepy as hell. I can’t recommend Deadly Creatures enough. One of the rare few third-party Wii games you should be proud to add to your collection.

Every single genre of games could learn a thing or two from Braid’s design, and I can’t think of any type of gamer who would scoff at the title. Braid is my ruler for measuring quality in other games. Nothing anyone could say would change my mind: all the pieces fit.

Wicked cool character design, cutting edge Wii visuals, great level design, a double-shot of great gameplay, massive bosses and a quirky score that ties it all together...what more could you ask for? [May 2008, p.56]

This is damn near as good a version of Dodgeball as I could ask for...if only overall character speed could be tweaked. [May 2008, p.66]

If you like it old school, only updated--the game controls nicely holding the Wiimote sideways--do not hesitate to lock and load. [Apr 2008, p.60]

What potential it still may hold is then nearly erased by a slipshod port to the DS and the realization that, on a screen this physically small, solving puzzles that rely so heavily on visual clues is an exercise in frustration. [May 2008, p.65]

The R-Type shooters have always been tough-as-nails, and as it turns out, the strategy game is no different - a rarity and a blessing in Japanese games of late. [Jan 2008, p.69]

We would have paid in excess of $6400 for this collection, which you can now buy for less than the sales tax. [Apr 2008, p.57]

I celebrate this game, and congratulate Square for having the courage to localize a piece that is so thoroughly Japanese. [May 2008, p.64]

For the rest of you, Persona 3 FES is one of the best RPGs the PS2 has ever received, and one of the console's proudest moments period. [May 2008, p.58]

Ah, battle...for it is here that the true potential of this title shines brightest. [Apr 2008, p.69]

Overall though, the game's awesome. [May 2008, p.60]

What makes Okami so timeless is an art style that trancends technology. It looks as new today as it did in 2006. [Apr 2008, p.40]

Unfortunately, Arcana Heart then falls short in its attempt to become a major player in the fighting game scene. [May 2008, p.59]

Flatout: Head On may not contain guns, but who needs guns when you get plenty of explosive destruction by simply crashing your ride into oblivion. [May 2008, p.65]

As much as I enjoyed most of what Mana Khemia had to offer, actively disliking three of the game's main characters(Vayne, Jess and Flay)made it easy to be apathetic every time a storyline cutscene kicked in. [Apr 2008, p.61]

Shooter fans may not respect it, but they will enjoy it. [May 2008, p.54]

Shooter fans may not respect it, but they will enjoy it. [May 2008, p.54]

Earth Assault does a fairly good job of translating a PC real-time strategy's mouse-and-keyboard controls to the Xbox 360 controller, but players should be aware there's a lengthy tutorial required to get them up to speed. [Apr 2008, p.48]

So if you're looking for some bone-chilling survival horror that's a horse of a different color, tuition is only $29.99. [Apr 2008, p.63]

Easy to manage hot keys, intuitive controls, a great map that doubles as an objective outline...everything here is spot on. [Apr 2008, p.55]

Easy to manage hot keys, intuitive controls, a great map that doubles as an objective outline...everything here is spot on. [Apr 2008, p.55]

It's so beautiful--so far superior visually to anything on the DS--that it's the kind of game that makes it worth buying the system for. [Apr 2008, p.68]

Crisis Core is a full, complete, dignified game. [Apr 2008, p.65]

The levels are unorganized, ugly, and totally unsatisfying. [Apr 2008, p.60]

Not only is this the best first-person adventure I've played but it's the most brutal, skillfully detailed and paced as well. [Apr 2008, p.50]

There's more than enough here to luv for Sega fans big and small. [Apr 2008, p.64]

There's more than enough here to luv for Sega fans big and small. [Apr 2008, p.64]

There's more than enough here to luv for Sega fans big and small. [Apr 2008, p.64]

Vegas 2 is more of the same, to be sure, complete with many of the same knocks on its predecessor. [May 2008, p.60]

Not only is this the best first-person adventure I've played but it's the most brutal, skillfully detailed and paced as well. [Apr 2008, p.50]

If you're a J-RPG/action RPG fan, you can't really go wrong with $39 spent on Ring of Fates. [Apr 2008, p.69]

This is a game crafted and polished to a surprising degree, from the beautiful graphics and music to the distinct selection of character classes available to you. [May 2008, p.65]

If you'd have told me back then that in 2008 (nine years later) I'd be able to buy both, arcade perfect, on a Nintendo console with a two-handed controller for under $30, I'd have figured you for a loon. [Apr 2008, p.62]

The character models and animation are absolutely superb, the backgrounds seamless works of art and the gameplay easily the most diverse and enduring of any “fighting” game to date. I wouldn’t even classify it as a fighter. This is an action masterpiece.

More importantly, it's necessary to use a teammate strategically, moving him around the battlefield like a chess piece. This war, you see, requires a brain. [Apr 2008, p.53]

More importantly, it's necessary to use a teammate strategically, moving him around the battlefield like a chess piece. This war, you see, requires a brain. [Apr 2008, p.53]

There is not a moment in the presentation of Chains of Olympus that disappoints, there is maybe no better tech on the PSP. [Apr 2008, p.67]

For 30 bucks, the capable haunts here are worth this house of horrors. [May 2008, p.60]

Turning Point's theme of an alternate reality had some possibilities, but even within this fiction you just end up doing uninspired and overworked shootouts. [Apr 2008, p.63]

Turning Point's theme of an alternate reality had some possibilities, but even within this fiction you just end up doing uninspired and overworked shootouts. [Apr 2008, p.63]

There are some great scenes staged in Lost Planet: Extreme Conditions, and if you haven't been introduced to this well-crafted world on Xbox 360, the 40 dollar price point this time out is worth the cash for gamers who especially appreciate the Japanese aesthetic. [Mar 2008, p.60]

This is one club people might not want to join. [Mar 2008, p.58]