No console shooter has ever been so flat-out incredible at promoting suspension of disbelief before.

One of those exhilarating and challenging games that'll likely be the disc that stays in your beloved console for months to come.

The game's too footloose for FIFA fans, not outrageous enough for Blitz devotees.

It may not have the depth many had hoped for, but it proves to be an extremely fun game that's insanely difficult to put down.

While this PS2 game may not be as pretty as Tecmo's hot Xbox seller, Virtua Fighter 4 rivals the competition where it counts the most -- in gameplay.

The game is undeniably unique and entertaining, not to mention deeply in need of polish.

A perfect virtual getaway -- without the pretension.

Scores points for an original theme coupled with fresh play mechanics. It then promptly loses them to poor execution.

A refreshing 30-hour interactive fantasy novel that, thankfully, offers much more than just virtual cleavage.

Seemingly hand-drawn backgrounds and marvelously manipulated characters leave surroundings oozing atmosphere from every pore...Macabre, yes, but magnificent as well.

The animation is incredibly fluid, achieved by motion-capturing human movement, then importing and manipulating the data into the game.

Unless you're desperate to see Captain Lou Albano in action again (and who isn't?), scant reason for a purchase presents itself. Casual wrestling fans can pass.

The combined package of beautiful graphics, intense action (including force-feedback rumble support in the controller!) and familiar Star Wars ditties all work together to create an immersive, outstanding experience from beginning to end.

You don't know the meaning of the word surreal until you've stood in the rain, beating a pimp to death while opera music provides an eerie chorus.

The greatest thing about Bass Strike is the Sony PS2 game controller. Yes, it's the same as it ever was, but -- finally -- the right analog stick serves as a near perfect dupe for a fishing rod's reel.

Quite simply, mature PS2 owners craving a creepy game that's perfect for playing with the lights out and speakers cranked, pick up a copy of Silent Hill 2 and you will not be disappointed. Clean underwear not included.

Unfortunately, repetitious sound bytes and uninspired terrain hamper a decent presentation.

That's basically the game's strongest point -- the ability to make you feel as if you actually are involved in a real war. Any gamer looking for that degree of realism in a first-person action game cannot go wrong with Operation Flashpoint.

Galactic groupies will eat it up. Battles are engaging, possibilities for advancement near limitless and the fun factor way above standard ranges.

Also, while the depth of the game means a richer experience, it can be quite intimidating and overwhelming at first, even for the experienced player. Thankfully, there's a 189-page manual and handy Hot Key menu card and map to keep beside the PC while playing.

It's the most realistic football game on a console, guaranteed to make you sweat puddles at its highest difficulty setting.

NCAA Football doesn’t just look good, it looks as comfortable on your television screen as an ESPN broadcast on a Saturday afternoon.

Even the death sequences are pretty cool, as the game slows down, zooms in on the hero and shows him getting gunned down by a hail of lead.

One part racing, one part freestyle and all parts addictive.

Frame rates are so horrendously slow in the game's crowded areas -- such as the cities -- that it becomes almost painful to even move your character, let alone interact with others.

Plus, there are many combo moves, hidden areas and countless destructive items to find, including the ability to shoot down a 747, blow up a gas station, drive over pedestrians or electrocute prison inmates strapped into the chair. Fun for the whole family!

Virtually every element of Red Faction is nicely polished -- even the controls are intuitive, unlike most console shooters, which make PC gaming vets long for a keyboard and mouse.

Despite interesting missions like Midway and Guadalcanal, experienced gamers can blow through Zero Hour in a day. Ambitious flyboys will gladly return to it as coffee break filler, but long-term companionship is doubtful.