There's a lot of fun to be had; the diversity of the gameplay is a bonus, the world is nicely designed, the bounties are almost always entertaining, and the control is competent. Nothing about this game is particularly amazing but nothing is especially bad, either.

I liked the twists to battles we usually find in the Naruto games; with the items and spells and other exploration/RPG elements – not to mention the focus on character development and plot – I was able to enjoy myself for quite some time.

It’s not long and it’s not the best shooter you’ll play in 2009, but it uses several unique concepts, presents us with a very enjoyable atmosphere, and remains mostly entertaining throughout. It just needed a bit more polish and refinement with the controls for us to wholeheartedly recommend it.

The lack of any real direction, the somewhat loose control, and the hitches and glitches can damage the experience, but if you love blasting through destructible terrain, laying waste to everything in sight (including your opponents), and you can really get a hold on the driving, you're almost guaranteed to have a blast.

This compilation is even better because not only does it offer three solid fighting games, it does it at a fantastic price point of only $20.

Has a number of fantastic games on it that will have you coming back for more every so often, but these games have been released in previous collections already, and the omission of Sonic CD (considered the best Sonic to date) and Knuckles & Chaotix, while expected, is a letdown.

It’s an overall solid effort, but there are some aspects of the game that should have gotten a bit more work. Maybe next time.

There's a lot going on in DiRT Showdown and despite the small lack of satisfaction I personally noticed, and the relatively low number of environments, I had a lot of fun.

Better than the first title, but due to lackluster visuals (lights above can even leave visible bars on the screen), erratic AI, and the frustration level enhanced by foes that never miss and guns that suck, it still falls shy of the "must-try" plateau.

Battlefield: Hardline tries very hard to be something fresh in a world of familiarity. It just doesn’t quite have the chops to pull it off, at least from a campaign perspective.

Soul Sacrifice is a game that rewards the patient and those who enjoy wide open worlds with lots to do. If you don’t mind putting those stories aside for the sake of more action, and you can tolerate the tediousness of some of the optional missions, you’re good to go.

There is a ton of love put into this game, it has a solid base of gameplay behind everything that functions nicely. The overall story of a night lord that needs defeating and saints and half demon fighters on the other side may not be anything new but within that shell is a love story to behold and lastly the things that keep this game from a higher rating do not diminish the experience enough for those who have been Gust fans in the past. It may be action but it's still very, well Gust-y.

Magic Ball isn’t quite as innovative as other PSN games out there and it certainly won’t test your brain, but it’s a decent downloadable title that may deserve your attention.

For a first game, the gameplay is executed fairly well, even if it isn't the deepest or best designed game.

While it can be unclear in its presentation and provides an underwhelming mode, A Gummy’s Life is refreshingly fun, polished party mayhem. It’s a sweet treat of a cross-play party game, offering ample juicy opportunities for hilarity among friends & family.

Monolith has once again proved that they are quite capable of developing fear-based first person shooters. I found a number of problems with the game that will frustrate most FPS fans, such as the often clunky hand-combat controls.

Don’t think of it as a sequel to San Andreas; think of it as an inexpensive way to pass the time while waiting for GTA to appear on the PlayStation 3.

I'm just not a fan of the new swing mechanic or the jumping, just because it seems to put a serious damper on the pacing and flow of the gameplay.

To conclude, Wanted: Weapons of Fate is not a bad game. It's most crippling flaw is that it's too expensive for something that only lasts a few hours.

There are plenty of little flaws here and there that are quite visible, but it doesn’t completely erase the atmospheric appeal and general fun factor.

Just isn't a significant upgrade by any stretch of the imagination, despite some noted enhancements. They ignore things like crazy ball physics and collision detection problems, and opt for changes that are just plain bizarre. I liked the increased AI, the strategic demand, the cool animations and sweet visuals, and better tackling mechanics. I really liked all that. But the rest feels either dated or uninspired and in the end, I just don't have much fun with this year's entry.

I still can't decide if it suffers from a lack of identity or if it successfully blends various traits and styles. I do know the storyline and quest objectives could've been better, and I know this super fast-paced action may cause RPG purists to go, "uh…this is an RPG?" Yeah, it is. One you want to play? Well, one you want to try, at least.

A worthwhile multiplayer-oriented shooter that is diverse, intense, and offers plenty of depth…provided you can find it. The endless streams of foes, the stark presentation and lack of instruction, and the mediocre AI brings it down a notch, but the fun factor remains relatively high.

It also makes no bones about what it is: A rock-‘em, sock-‘em shoot-‘em-up that pulls no punches – or in this case, bullets – and is unabashedly stupid.

This is basically a cartoon-ier version of GTA with an emphasis on gratuitous violence and some sexual content. It’s the kind of game that will hook a certain audience but will eventually grow wearisome for another, and it really just depends on your own personal taste.

CounterSpy is a nicely designed and presented game with a lot of appeal. You’ll have a lot of fun sneaking through these challenging military installations, and you’ll appreciate the character customization and relative depth.

The AI is extremely questionable, the graphics are good but not worth writing home about, the player control – while certainly easier – seems too stripped down, and there just aren’t enough sim elements to keep the hardcore hockey fan interested. On the other hand, the sound and accessibility drags us into the experience, there are plenty of simulated aspects that override any thoughts of classifying NHL 2K9 as an arcade-style sports game.

Batman: Arkham Origins is a bit of a letdown for me. That’s mostly because the previous two titles from Rocksteady Studios weren’t merely great games, they were legitimate Game of the Year contenders. Although Origins has a lot going for it, most of that was expected and in truth, I anticipated much more. And this really feels more like a hybrid open-world/linear game, which is a little disconcerting.

They sort of cut you loose without much in the way of detailed explanations, the camera can still go screwy, and while the touchscreen feature is cool, it just doesn't mean much in the long run. Outside of that, this will absolutely deliver plenty of bang for your buck.

Despite its flaws, it has the desired impact, and that’s the best that can be said about this particular game.

They do a good job placing you in the Scarface atmosphere, and Tony Montana is as big a badass as ever. With all that music, with all that attitude, and with all that charisma and panache, it can't help but hook every avid fan of the movie.

Mayhem 3D is a fun, stable, entertaining game with more than enough content to satisfy.

Heroes Over Europe is a capable flight production that is high on fun factor but a little low on flash and lasting appeal.

All in all, Just Cause 3 is one giant bombastic set piece that manages to be immensely enjoyable and disappointing at the same time.

FEAR2 makes use of some really good gameplay mechanics, such as very satisfying shooting and terrific A.I. that help make the game fairly enjoyable. On the other hand, the deal breakers could be the excessive headbobbing, the average multiplayer experience, and dull visuals.

Rocket Arena is an admirably light-hearted shooter that soars when it comes to characters. The roster is full of versatile playstyles and memorable personalities that will draw you in, and the addicting gameplay could keep you there if you can get behind the floaty but satisfying combat. While the lack of content and underwhelming multiplayer suite doesn’t fully justify it not being free-to-play at the moment, things will only get better with time, and, fundamentally, Rocket Arena’s launch is worth the force of its trajectory.

It presents a nice visual package, but an even better adrenaline-rushing gameplay experience that really has you engrossed all throughout the game. The controls take some time to get used to, and the graphics aren't super hot, but they do the job well enough.

One massive issue Fallout: New Vegas has besides all of its technical problems is that price tag. Let's face it, this is a game built on the original where the mechanics were barely touched. It's an expansion that's being charged full price for.

The career mode while a nice idea, is boring, the physics are questionable, and while there is multi-player, the lack of online support is sorely missed. If you can pick it up for a good price, and you know what you're getting into, then it could be worth a purchase.

Coffee Talk offers a filling brew of coffee-making simulation, relatable scenarios, and welcoming atmosphere. While it lacks in interactivity, the candidly everyday stories will keep you engaged. So come on into Coffee Talk and experience a fortnight filled with warmth and solidarity.

The MVP engine truly is the best when it comes to portraying all of the subtle on-field nuances of the game and putting players in complete control over every aspect of play. The switch to college teams and players hasn't hurt the game's playability one bit.

MVP’s a solid game that does a nice impersonation of a PS2 title, but its got a number of flaws and missing features that make 989’s "MLB," not MVP, the baseball game to have for the PSP this year.

Trials Fusion can be addictive and wonderfully intoxicating at times. At other times, it will make you burn with a frustrated rage others might find frightening.

It's just above average, as its gameplay features a good dose of fun with clever platforming setups. The combat is a bit on the slow side and throws off the game's pace, but it gets better with time.

Falls a little shy of what we had expected, but it still delivers a solid tennis experience. It remains far too easy on just about every level, and that's not helped by the erratic difficulty in those silly challenges, which are over-emphasized throughout the first few hours of play.

The disc may only have six or seven legitimate classics on it, but those six games truly are milestones that stand the test of time.

An extremely challenging and exceedingly well-designed blend of clever stealth and platforming.

Teslagrad is a solid platformer with great puzzle ideas and some really cool equipment that never gets tired. The adventure feels about the right length to me, and the pacing is another highlight. As a 2D puzzle-oriented title, it gives the player a unique presentation style and a difficult yet satisfying set of challenges, which older gamers might really appreciate.

All in all, G-Force is a game that doesn’t necessarily excel in any one area, but also doesn’t fall drastically short of its goal.

I had some difficulty keeping the Move correctly calibrated and the adventure is all over in only four or five hours, but the game remains good clean entertainment...okay, not clean. But you get my point.

In the end, I suppose one could make the argument that Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West would be a great buy at $9.99 and a better-than-average buy at the current $14.99 price point.

Hidden Through Time is a pleasing game of spot-and-find that will give you hours of head-scratching entertainment. With a growing set of online creations and a neat map editor, this is also a promising catalyst for a close-knit community. Even with the slight hiccups it has, the modest price tag for the game is wholly worth it.

Last Recode has its highs and lows, but overall I think that as a bundle it has a great amount of value to it.

It’s tough and sometimes even unforgiving, and I should add that it’s not entirely stable. I came across several bugs in the game and it crashed on me twice, so that should be mentioned. However, the procedurally generated puzzles and areas really boost the replay potential, and the overall charm and originality can’t be ignored or understated.

But it's a decent game that almost feels like a throwback to a time when 3D action/adventure without much in the way of frills dominated. It's fun, engaging, and that co-op emphasis works out extremely well.

All told, WRC: World Rally Championship doesn't break any new ground, but it is, nevertheless, a solid rally racer.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is an enjoyable and intricate role-playing experience that might entice both anime and traditional RPG lovers alike.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron is indeed a blockbuster movie in the form of a video game. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed. The control won't let you down, all your favorite characters are here, there's enough variety and diversity in terms of missions and gameplay elements, and you always feel super powerful.

The AI is silly, there's little challenge – and little urgency or tension – concerning the regular competition, and the technical elements don't have that extra "oomph." But the developers worked hard on that singular environment and atmosphere, the online mode and community offer a wealth of options and freedom, building up your rank and social status can be pretty darn fulfilling, and sometimes, it's just fun to drive around in your favorite car and watch the sunset.

It can be immensely frustrating, the story is insane, and the Shift feature really does feel overused in the campaign. At the same time, the inherent diversity and versatility is excellent, the graphics are pretty and presents great detail, the soundtrack is awesome, and the control is reliable (if a little weird).

A great multiplayer game that should've shipped without a single-player option. If you want to give us a multiplayer tutorial, then just do that. The story is weak, I don't really care at all about the character, and there's very little difference between the campaign and the online action.

The interaction between yourself and EyePet is tremendously accurate and responsive, and I think that's what counts most.

Very enjoyable and easy to pick up and play. With a story that’s interesting and game play that is simple but fun, you’ll get hooked pretty quickly.

Arcana Heart is a solid 2D fighter with a unique style that sets it apart from any other fighter you may have played. The controls can be a little iffy at times, but theres a good amount of depth involved in the battles even beyond the Arcana addition.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to get into the mecha game genre. Its technical mechanics are daunting at first, and the management system can be harsh, but there is fun to be had in the destructible environments and PvE mayhem.

Driveclub isn't exactly a triumph but it's a polished, very entertaining game that delivers an adrenaline-filled good time.

The Suffering has a lot of good stuff going for it – scary creatures, fast-moving gameplay, and a good story. It also has enough flaws that anyone who’s grown tired of the genre will likely be unable to look past its faults.

The AI is rough around the edges and the animations aren’t quite right but overall, this year’s NHL offering is worth a hardcore hockey fan’s time.

Yes, it is repetitive and somewhat light on content, and it doesn't really push the PSP's capabilities, but it is also fun and extremely charming (in a dark, twisted way). Anyone that has been looking for a fast-paced, not-too-complex zombie killing game should definitely check out Infected.

The matches are cerebral and tense but the nature of the game keeps it more fun than struggle. You'll need wits, brains, and a superior strategy to overtake your enemy. Though the goal makes it sound simple you can actually wind up in some exciting spots while you struggle to defend the territories and buildings you gained that give you the extra strength needed to punch through enemy lines.

Some of the fundamentals are nailed right on the head (such as the combo system and level design), but other basic elements (physics, congruency, etc.) need to be drastically improved.

For fans of arcade-sports games, they'll likely find enjoyment out of this title. For others that are looking for a bit more out of their money, may find themselves disappointed with The Bigs 2.

StarDrone is one of those well-conceived, nicely produced downloadable games with a lot of simple flash and a ton of accessibility…at first, at least.

Totally Accurate Battle Simulator ticks a lot of positive boxes for me — it’s content-rich, it’s cheap, and it’s silly fun, but it’s weighed down by console limitations and wonky controls.

A fine game that features excellent commentators, a cleaner, slightly more detailed on-the-field presentation, and a challenging yet rewarding pitching mechanic. The hitting and fielding is good, too, but it isn't quite as robust as the pitching, and there are a few remaining production issues. Clipping is obvious, for example, and the camera isn't always your best friend (although this is usually during foul balls). It's just a little too much "been there, done that," despite the positives.

It's not a huge challenge but so what? Makes ya feel good for a while, and we all need that every now and then.

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is a compelling, bloody story against its long-awaited feudal Japan backdrop. Its later story beats have some epic set pieces and equally great performances. Despite that, though, it’s still an Ubisoft slog to get through, and ultimately, its uneven pace might make the journey to get there worth it. It struggles to justify the balance between its two heroes — and while they play differently, they still feel the same, providing enough gameplay disparity to invest in either one truly. Yaksue’s inability to stealth and parkour means that most will use Noe for exploration, which completely breaks the immersion of the experience in gameplay and story. It’s still a Japan-inspired journey worth taking — even if Ghosts of Tsushima did it better.

A mostly enjoyable experience. It lacks the refinement and cleanliness I anticipated, as some of those bugs really shouldn’t be here, and the multiplayer especially suffers. And I don’t care how nifty it is, I will always prefer buttons to touchscreen controls. Otherwise, this is Duke Nukem in all his corny, cheesy, B-movie glory.

Burnout Crash is well presented and encourages a lot of replay. It's not technically accomplished but it's visually attractive in my eyes, the combination of great sound effects and licensed music works nicely, the longevity is high, and for a fair amount of time, the game is just wildly entertaining.

An inspired and entertaining fighter with lots of appreciated imagination. The design, style and animations are its strong point, and the intricacy of the gameplay mechanic is solid without being too intimidating. There's not quite enough content in this package, it can get pretty damn frustrating, and the control isn't always perfect, but there's a lot to like.

Trailblazers definitely needs some fine tuning, and more importantly needs the ability to create and host private online matches with friends (you are currently limited to local splitscreen or single player online), but for the budget price this is mostly a winner.

But I have to say, despite a solid attempt at cooperative entertainment, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One seems to sacrifice a few too many elements for the sake of the multiplayer boom.

If you played Neon Chrome or other similar isometric twin stick shooters and enjoyed them I would recommend giving this one a go. At first glance it doesn’t seem like much but once you get into the meat of it you’ll realize that there is more then meets the eye. The game is short but has some depth.

Dustforce is highly entertaining and absolutely unique. It has a few small drawbacks common to lower-budget efforts, but these hang-ups can’t cripple a decent, well-designed game.

It may not encircle your heart like Journey but it should have an impact, and that’s what matters.

An enjoyable game. But a forgettable game.

It’s a wonderful story with unique characters and enthralling illustrations. The story would have been better as a linear plot unmarred by gimmicky decision points.

Demonschoolhas left me conflicted. I eye rolled past the story and found its characters one note. The combat is a slog to get through. It’s overly designed and under explained. I am not having a good time, but I also cannot stop playing it. Those who love puzzle strategy and a throwaway supernatural story will likely love it, but tread carefully if you are new to puzzle tactics games.

Rainbow Six Siege offers a very different FPS experience. It doesn’t rely on bombastic set pieces and ceaseless, mindless action where players respawn immediately and everyone has Wolverine-like regenerating health. Instead, this is the cerebral shooter, the one that asks you to view the map layout, determine the best plan of attack, and execute with pinpoint precision.

It’s got some rough edges, and I really wish it had a solid online multiplayer component, but ultimately I like Horizon Chase Turbo; probably more than I should.

All in all, this game is perfect for what it sets out to do – make it clear the power the PS5 has while also making the game fun and enjoyable. It falls short, though, with the difficulty spiking only at the very end, and none of the four-section paths providing much challenge. It is a must-play if you want to experience all the PS5 has to offer next-gen players though.

Close to the Sun is an experience that I enjoyed but I also found myself wanting a bit more out of. The environments look fantastic and presentation was on point. Despite a few technical glitches. And while interesting, the story did fall a bit flat at times and seemed a bit rushed at others. I did enjoy my time with it though and especially enjoyed seeing what could have been possible if history had taken a different route. If you’re into the genre, like alternate history, or appreciate a well done style and tone, then I say go for it. It was a cool trip.

Worth the small price tag.

So yeah, it can feel repetitive and a little mind-numbing at times but it might be the perfect stress-reliever. I say give it a shot.

Having the menus laid out in different rooms of the school may seem like a good idea on paper, but it’s a chore to navigate, and it’s easy to miss stuff.

A decent, entertaining Mini that is a fine way to pass the time.

It's one of those instances where if you go in with high expectations, you're bound to be left feeling a tad empty, but if you're more moderated in your anticipation, you'll be better off. The campaign is worth playing; there's no doubt about that...But there are extenuating circumstances…

While the disparate elements of 24: The Game aren't stellar, they come together like peas and carrots when combined with the solid and engaging storyline.