Everything we hoped 06 to be and more.

If they would have combined the violence with good gameplay, decent playbooks, and maybe some more modes, Blitz: The League would have been one heck of an arcade-style football game.

New gameplay and presentation tweaks and the all-new online franchise are welcomed with open arms, but disappointments from The Extra Point, online co-op, and the commentary don't make it the greatest Madden game ever.

The new gameplay elements and controls are great innovations, and they really force players to develop some skill.

It’s scary at first, but once you get a bigger gun it becomes a Horror Action game, with no real threat present. That being said, Dead Space is an excellent game that’s worth checking out, even if you don’t like horror games.

Phantom Dust is worth every dime and nickel you put into it. Ironically it's only $19.99, so Phantom Dust won't be busting your wallet. Don't let the card-collecting stereotype scare you away.

This version is just as fun and exciting as before, but it isn’t an incredible leap forward.

Every Extend Extra Extreme shows that big things do indeed come in small packages. While its core gameplay may not appeal to everyone, this is definitely one of the best values you’ll find on the Xbox Live Arcade.

There isn’t much I can find fault with in this game. It’s certainly one of the best racing games out there and possibly the best in its little subgenre as well.

Lost Odyssey may not rewrite the rules of the genre, but it performs a wonderful job improvising with what’s on the table.

It features a revamped Manger Mode that will provide many hours of fun, and it is the only game to offer the FIFA leagues and teams.

Assassin’s Creed is by no means a bad game; it’s fallen to the fate of many other games by having too much hype surrounding it. If you’re expecting a ground breaking Game of the Year quality game, you won’t find it. If you’re expecting to play an average action game, then you’ll find yourself very pleased with your purchase.

Bound in Blood greatly exults over its predecessor and proves to be one of the finer single player experiences you’ll get to play through for your Xbox 360.

It packs itself chock-full of gaming ecstasy – and when you throw in some superlative production values and a restrained yet delightful soundtrack, you’re looking at a very well-formed package that should be in just about everyone’s collection.

There isn’t much to complain about in Far Cry 2. As I’ve already raved about before, the visuals are gorgeous, the use of fire is amazing and the gunplay is viscerally satisfying.

A genuine attempt to deliver something fresh and different. Controlling an army of minions was both fun and rewarding. The evil humor and richly detailed world keep me fastened to my chair for hours at a time totally immersed within the game.

If you have not played Viva Pinata, then it's most unlikely this release will do anything to change your mind to the contrary. If you expressed an interest but did not make the plunge the first time around, I would highly recommend this as your first foray due to all the excellent additional features included.

At the end of the day, Guitar Hero: Metallica is essentially what it sounds like: a Guitar Hero game for Metallica fans; by the fans, for the fans in the purest sense.

GRID's delicate straddling of the line between arcade and simulation racing is one that works well for it, appealing to fans of either simulation or arcade racers, once you get used to its handling quirks.

It has the graphics and soundtrack of a AAA title, but the gameplay just doesn't mesh with the rest of the game to form a game you will be coming back to again.

The sound is solid as well, with the only hiccups involving the commentating. The control scheme is excellent and the game will offer an acceptable amount of replay value.

A superb addition to anyone’s library. Its accessibility and user-friendliness will allow people of all skill types to have a blast. Even if this wasn’t your type of game in the past, Catan may just make you a believer.

The expository sections of Kong really do feel like a playable movie, and there are scenes in King Kong that will make you stop in your tracks and stare at the utter beauty the developers have crafted.

While The Darkness may not hit the mark on everything it tries for, it's not nearly enough to knock the experience off track. Even for an average 10-15 hour campaign, The Darkness hits a lot of nails, and only bends a few.

Plain and simple, The Godfather 2 is an action packed thrill ride. Even though it may not deliver on the strategy element’s pursuits, the action is constantly intense, and keeps you excited to play more up to until the credits begin to roll.

The gameplay is relatively simple, but is entertaining and challenging at the same time.

Jetpac Refuelled sports some of the best 2D graphics on XBLA. There’s something about Rare’s art style that really stands out. The colors, backdrops, and character design all blend perfectly together.

The presentation is superb on all fronts, and the gameplay is unique and intuitive. For ten bones, this is without question a must-have.