The trademark 360-degree combat system still has us using the right control stick to assign attack buttons to enemies, but the fisticuffs now seem stale by today's action-game standards.

For a handheld version, it ain't bad, but don't expect the same slick game you've been playing on the Xbox.

The feel of the flippers translate well into the game, letting you practice stalls and precision shots...Overall, it's a solid simulation of the real thing. Then again, the real thing only costs a quarter to play.

The game's third-person combat is pretty much D.O.A.—target, shoot, repeat, etc.—but things pick up considerably once you acquire your chainsaw and boomstick (aka 12-gauge shotgun). And things pick up again after you partner up with a wise-cracking midget Deadite.

The racing feels bone-dry next to the tastier "Midnight Club 3"; the tracks in Juiced are closed off and clean, giving the game a hygienic feel.

While the hand-to-hand stuff won't win any awards, the deep selection of vehicles (from pickup trucks to high-tech battle tanks) and the frenetic pace of the game more than make up for it.

Though the graphics are sharp, the world is tiny and the pain-in-the-ass controls make killing monsters a chore.

The racing feels bone-dry next to the tastier "Midnight Club 3"; the tracks in Juiced are closed off and clean, giving the game a hygienic feel.

While the hand-to-hand stuff won't win any awards, the deep selection of vehicles (from pickup trucks to high-tech battle tanks) and the frenetic pace of the game more than make up for it.

The first game in a proposed space opera trilogy, in theory, wants to be the video game equivalent of "Star Wars," but in practice turns out to be more "Battlestar Galactica." As soon as we took control of space ace Gideon Wyeth, we smelled a bit of intergalactic cheese, here.

Peppering enemy ships with lasers and smart bombs while navigating trench runs is white-knuckle fun.

The large number of cut scenes seems a little distracting at first, but once you get used to them, they add a lot of depth to the game.

All told, Galleon provides the standard 30 to 40 hours of game play, a little less if you keep exploration to a minimum.

The problem is, this disc probably won't offend anyone other than Hillary Clinton and it won't titillate anybody over the age of 12. Indeed, playing the game is like watching a third grader make farting noises: Both the game and the kid are trying like crazy to be offensive, but all they really want is a little attention.

Even with superstrong "Hyper" mode and customizable weapons, it took everything we had to not fall asleep on our controller.

Sporting bigger loads than John Holmes (almost all of EA's PSP titles are plagued with long load times), this miniature version of the MVP franchise seems to be trying a little too hard to look good.

While the hand-to-hand stuff won't win any awards, the deep selection of vehicles (from pickup trucks to high-tech battle tanks) and the frenetic pace of the game more than make up for it.

Rent. You can play through the game in an afternoon and still get to your weekly "Magic: The Gathering" tournament on time.

Longtime Bat-gamers can consider Batman Begins the cave-engineered antidote to the Bat-crap that's been dropping on consoles in recent years.

Don't let this game's boring name or boring content fool you. This is one of the best golf games out there.

Sure, it's still basically a more sophisticated version of "Duck Hunt," but nothing helps us unwind quite like putting bullets through the heads of parachuting ninjas.

Blindly swinging your sword while trying to manipulate your skeleton is like trying to drive a unicycle on a high wire covered with banana peels. And we all know how that brilliant little experiment ended, now don't we?

The problem is, this disc probably won't offend anyone other than Hillary Clinton and it won't titillate anybody over the age of 12. Indeed, playing the game is like watching a third grader make farting noises: Both the game and the kid are trying like crazy to be offensive, but all they really want is a little attention.

The game's third-person combat is pretty much D.O.A.-target, shoot, repeat, etc.-but things pick up considerably once you acquire your chainsaw and boomstick (aka 12-gauge shotgun). And things pick up again after you partner up with a wise-cracking midget Deadite.

Fact is, it's good. If you dig the Aeon franchise, Charlize's long, lithe getaway sticks, or third-person action games, check it out.

Gallery mode (aka Pants Around Ankles mode) lets sexually repressed gamers get ridiculously close to some virtual flesh.

And the online play and Franchise mode are limited compared with the competition. But for a relaunch of an old, broken-down series, it's a screaming slap shot in the right direction.

The tackles in the game—some of which can literally send players flying into the bleachers—are the most vertebrae-jangling hits we've seen this side of a roller derby.

After each race you feel underwhelmed. There are no "wow factor" moments.

The comprehensive, well-designed 20-minute tutorial is about 19 minutes too long for us.

Don't bother dissecting the plot, as the incredibly short game ends abruptly, giving the impression that the creators quit halfway through. Sort of like us with therapy.

Longtime Bat-gamers can consider Batman Begins the cave-engineered antidote to the Bat-crap that's been dropping on consoles in recent years.

A chunky online component will keep you coming back for more than just the 40 or so hours of solo game play.

The tackles in the game-some of which can literally send players flying into the bleachers-are the most vertebrae-jangling hits we've seen this side of a roller derby.

We grew bored of the sheer repetitiveness of the game play, and not even Spyro's smart-ass remarks could keep us amused. Just talk to the hand, Spyro. Snap!

After each race you feel underwhelmed. There are no "wow factor" moments.

The game's graphics do a swell job of mimicking the trademark Pixar look and the levels are all based on the more memorable action sequences from the film. The game play, however, tastes like leftovers: clobber a bunch of bad guys, flip switch, repeat.

Shockingly enough, is actually pretty damn good. Sure, it looks uglier than Ernest Borgnine in a tutu, and trying to use the controls is like operating the Space Shuttle while wearing oven mitts, but once you get the hang of it, beating the Stove Top stuffing out of agents is terrific fun.

It’s decent, mindless fun…until you realize how little freedom your four heroes actually have.

The chronic problem that has plagued pinball games since the dawn of time plagues this pinball game: luck, rather than genuine skill, always wins the day. Trust us, jamming on those flippers and hoping for the best gets old fast.

The convoluted control scheme outlined in the manual leads you believe you can pull of coolly calculated combinations (isn't alliteration fun!), but the action quickly devolves into button-mashing confusion.

Longtime Bat-gamers can consider Batman Begins the cave-engineered antidote to the Bat-crap that’s been dropping on consoles in recent years.

The racing feels bone-dry next to the tastier "Midnight Club 3"; the tracks in Juiced are closed off and clean, giving the game a hygienic feel.

This sequel boasts larger battle arenas, including a surprisingly convincing New York City.

The convoluted control scheme outlined in the manual leads you believe you can pull of coolly calculated combinations (isn't alliteration fun!), but the action quickly devolves into button-mashing confusion.

It's decent, mindless fun…until you realize how little freedom your four heroes actually have.

Slam it in reverse unless you're entertained by rolling quarters across a sunlit floor.

The game's graphics do a swell job of mimicking the trademark Pixar look and the levels are all based on the more memorable action sequences from the film. The game play, however, tastes like leftovers: clobber a bunch of bad guys, flip switch, repeat.

What we really like about the game is that the unrelenting, merciless killing just feels right.

We grew bored of the sheer repetitiveness of the game play, and not even Spyro's smart-ass remarks could keep us amused. Just talk to the hand, Spyro. Snap!

After each race you feel underwhelmed. There are no "wow factor" moments.

In fact, the game is almost as dull as listening to NPR (almost), but since it's so mercifully short, the credits will be rolling before you realize just how little fun you're having.

This sequel boasts larger battle arenas, including a surprisingly convincing New York City.

Slam it in reverse unless you're entertained by rolling quarters across a sunlit floor.

Somewhere there is an audience for the kind of soul-crushing ennui that Capsule Monster Coliseum drapes around you like a ravenous anaconda…made of ennui.

Worth buying, especially for the cartoon raunchiness. But don't let on that this is the only way you meet women.

Here's a puck game that's actually worthy of old number 99. The Franchise mode is nice and deep, the Wayne Vs. Wayne Arcade mode is mad addictive and the on-ice action is super slick without ever being too over-the-top.

It's decent, mindless fun…until you realize how little freedom your four heroes actually have.

Athens is Dance Mat compatible, which opens up the potential for some ridiculous four-way group competition. Unfortunately, Olympic events are intrinsically boring.

The creators seem to have focused more on blending cinematic elements and story arc than on controls and action. Still, it's a solid all-around title that pushes games in a different direction and serves as a vivid reminder that living in America is way better than living in Chechnya.

It'll make you all warm and nostalgic at first, but don't' be surprised if by your second hour of gameplay an unfortunate sense of "didn't I play this back in 1989?" sets in.

Bury this one six feet under. Even if the Tim Burton aesthetic turns you on, the tepid gameplay makes this disc DOA.

It's decent, mindless fun…until you realize how little freedom your four heroes actually have.

With a harrowing 16-mission single-player experience, and monstrous multiplayer arenas, this disc is worthy of your hard-earned per diem, grunt.

The game's sole bright spot, sadly enough, is managing the magazine. When tracking market trends to increase readership is more thrilling than talking a cotton-tailed hottie into straddling you in the Grotto, you know something is very wrong.

The action is solid—we actually enjoyed the old-school game play—but the sprawling level design cramped our fun. If you miss one of the hostages (and you will), plan on spending about 10 minutes backtracking. Ah, good times.

Like this year's Philadelphia Eagles, this game is the quintessential example of a franchise taking a step in the wrong direction. Our advice: Run away.

Spell casting is a nice twist but overall this is your usual movie tie-in.

Like this year's Philadelphia Eagles, this game is the quintessential example of a franchise taking a step in the wrong direction. Our advice: Run away.

Worth buying, especially for the cartoon raunchiness. But don't let on that this is the only way you meet women.

But battling groups of bad guys gets dangerously dull after an hour or two, especially when the game's unfair A.I., just like our booze-addled fathers, has a tendency to make you pay dearly for even the slightest gaff.

The fancy-pants replay is a nice enough function…except for the fact that all the other cars on the course mysteriously vanish into thin air during playback. Um, didn't anyone notice this?

We grew bored of the sheer repetitiveness of the game play, and not even Spyro's smart-ass remarks could keep us amused. Just talk to the hand, Spyro. Snap!

Like this year's Philadelphia Eagles, this game is the quintessential example of a franchise taking a step in the wrong direction. Our advice: Run away.

It'll make you all warm and nostalgic at first, but don't' be surprised if by your second hour of gameplay an unfortunate sense of "didn't I play this back in 1989?" sets in.

Whether you're reeling in a king mackerel in Alaska or a peacock bass in the Amazon, there's still not enough spice to make up for the fact that you're fishing.

The game's sole bright spot, sadly enough, is managing the magazine. When tracking market trends to increase readership is more thrilling than talking a cotton-tailed hottie into straddling you in the Grotto, you know something is very wrong.

The white-hot fire fights are so intense they actually made our underarms moist. The PSP screen practically shudders with explosions, shotgun fire and discarded shell casings.

Remember how sparks and hubcaps pingponged everywhere in "Burnout Revenge" and "Midnight Club 3?" Remember how your eyes hurt because you were afraid to blink during races? Sadly, the only thing Rush made us feel was hungry for more beer nuts.

Whether you're reeling in a king mackerel in Alaska or a peacock bass in the Amazon, there's still not enough spice to make up for the fact that you're fishing.

Worth buying, especially for the cartoon raunchiness. But don't let on that this is the only way you meet women.

Capcom updated the combat system from the original game to make the movements seem more authentic. It also added the ability to kill your opponents in a single counterattack finishing move. This doesn't add to the game, but it makes waxing anyone who gets in your way laughably easy.

The game's sole bright spot, sadly enough, is managing the magazine. When tracking market trends to increase readership is more thrilling than talking a cotton-tailed hottie into straddling you in the Grotto, you know something is very wrong.

The game alternates between first- and third-person views, but it is all action, allowing you to fight riding the Cyclone in motorcycle form or wearing it as mecha battle armor. Either way, it's a way more bitchin' ride than your little Vespa.

Remember how sparks and hubcaps pingponged everywhere in "Burnout Revenge" and "Midnight Club 3?" Remember how your eyes hurt because you were afraid to blink during races? Sadly, the only thing Rush made us feel was hungry for more beer nuts.

The line "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules" has never been so fully embodied by a video game.

Making cardboard cutouts of samurais and taping them to your TV screen is more fun than playing this game. Try it. You'll see.

With a harrowing 16-mission single-player experience, and monstrous multiplayer arenas, this disc is worthy of your hard-earned per diem, grunt.

Spell casting is a nice twist but overall this is your usual movie tie-in.

The line "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules" has never been so fully embodied by a video game.

Switch on those subtitles (the cockney accents make English sound like a bloody foreign language) or else you'll potentially miss out on some of the finest dialogue in a video game. Our favorite line: "She's had more pricks than a second-hand dartboard." Oi!

Something about the A.E.U.G. rebels doing battle against the elite Titans police force…oh hell, just pass the damn aspirin already. But the gameplay does feature its fair share of bright and shiny explosions.

The game alternates between first- and third-person views, but it is all action, allowing you to fight riding the Cyclone in motorcycle form or wearing it as mecha battle armor. Either way, it's a way more bitchin' ride than your little Vespa.

Hours to complete: That depends on how long you can deal with mediocrity.

With no online capabilities or even tag-team possibilities, you're better off spending the 40 bucks on a Jenga game and a case of Schlitz.

Hours to complete: That depends on how long you can deal with mediocrity.

Despite PS1-era graphics and stubborn controls, we found ourselves spending many blissful hours kicking some Roman ass.

XXI is certainly more polished than previous installments, sporting better voice work (Randy Orton ain't just phoning it in, anymore) and cleaner graphics. We especially enjoyed the Create-A-Fighter feature.