I was encaptured by this game right from the start and I haven't put it down since I received my copy.

Thanks to Dead Space, the horror/survival genre is brimming with excitement. Dead Space’s release also marks the first time the RE series has looked vulnerable within its genre. Hmmm, maybe the term “extinction” is more than just some movie’s subtitle.

From the excellent blend of both arcade and pro-accurate MLB components, to the strength of the audio and graphics, The Bigs 2 is a player.

The tables are near perfect re-creations of the Williams originals—not only in look and feel, but in how they play. I was stunned at the quality and entertainment value.

Halo Wars is undoubtedly fun; one just worries if it’s not enough for one group of gamers and too much for another. If you’re part of that middle ground like I believe I am, then you’ll love Halo Wars as much as I did.

FPS fans looking for a killer single-player campaign will get just that. Players hoping for yet another awesome multiplayer shooter on the Xbox other than "Halo" won't find what they are looking for in DOOM 3, and they will just have to wait for "Quake 4" to get their fix.

Infinity Ward has created a PC game for the 360 (with better graphics than the PC version to boot) and managed to include not only next-gen sounds and graphics, but also gameplay features that were basically impossible on the old hardware.

While the graphics are beautiful, the damage system is unbelievable, and the audio is right-on, the career mode is what really carries Pro Race Driver across the finish line. The amount of detail and attention Codemasters put into this mode is untouched by any other console racing game to date.

If repetitive slaughtering of the innocent by punching a few buttons is what you're looking for, then True Crime isn't the title for you. But you other guys really can't go wrong if you're looking for an action/adventure with riveting, twisting, non-linear storyline, advanced move sets, solid graphics, and a sweet audio track.

A great game with absolutely stunning visuals, intriguing gameplay, and a cool story, but it may not be everybody's cup of tea in terms of its new dank look or hard-edged feel.

DJ Hero 2's gameplay is better, the mixes are fantastic and getting the ability to creatively control your own freestyles make it an experience worth exploring. It's extremely gratifying to cut back and forth between two songs at your own discretion and create something that sounds simply awesome.

The weight of the game increases quite a bit with the addition of The Lost Chapters so fans who were deterred from a purchase when the first game was released now should have all the reason they need to go pick up a copy.

The best golf game that an MS console has ever seen. Could still use a few engine tweak, however.

But for every slight slip-up or apparent wrong in Crackdown, there’s a laundry list of perfection and general right that makes this title nearly impossible to put down - like some sort of digital crack.

My immersion in the gameplay experience is a good part of why this review is going up a bit later than planned. I often had a tough time pulling myself away from the playing to write this up.

NHL 12 offers a ton of options and improves on key areas like control, artificial intelligence and the number of game modes.

Borderlands is one of the year’s most enjoyable games, and I highly recommend it—even to those who may not like shooters or RPGs, because there’s a lot to like from this interesting hybrid.

If map modding, PC-worthy tech and the ability to make your own magic happen in a game (rather than waiting for the game to reveal its tricks) sound like you, then Far Cry 2 is the only way to hang-glide this holiday season.

Those that take a chance on Otogi 2 will find a unique and beautiful hack-n-slash title that sprinkles in plenty of variation thanks to some limited RPG-like upgrades, diverse playable characters, and a challenging story mode.

The new story mode takes the genre in another direction that is engaging but still keeps the tried-and-true Tony Hawk goodness intact. If you love the series then you are going to cream over Tony Hawk’s Underground.

Don’t let the blood and internal organs fool you: Ninja Gaiden II takes even greater skill to play efficiently than its predecessors.

Every once in a while, a game comes along that really stands out in its genre, and Poker Smash is one of those games. By taking a generic formula and giving it a Vegas-like spin, Void Star Creations has put together a truly unique and entertaining experience that earns it a spot right next to the big boys in the puzzle genre.

There's nothing better than completing a multi-million point combo after tricking off of a helicopter while being chased by a massive avalanche – it's reasons like this that we're happy to say, "Welcome back, SSX, we've missed you."

Beating all twenty levels of Sequence will give you an immense sense of accomplishment. Or at least I assume it will, I haven’t been able to do it yet.

If you’re looking for a great warm-up before Street Fighter IV is unleashed, look no further than Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.

Better than the original in almost every way, which says a lot for LucasArts' and Pandemic's commitment to their legion of fans. Space battle and playable Jedi are reason enough to run out and buy Star Wars Battlefront II, but 32 player online matches don't hurt either.

Gives you a bit more "professionalism" than the arcade feel of SSX so it’s a nice blend of arcade fun and authenticity.

The gameplay is as solid as its predecessors, the online support is some of the best out there, and the graphics and audio rival most other Xbox 360 titles.

Those that cringe at the site of the arcade or 8-bit style of games on XBLA need to stay far, far away from Mega Man 9; the difficulty and overall replay value will not sit well with you. But for those that are simply in love with the Mega Man IP, or those that continually pull out the NES for old time’s sake, Mega Man 9 is one is a rare treat– a tasty morsel likened to the decades-later discovery of a previously unreleased recording from Zeppelin, or similar rock gods.

A great bang-for-buck ratio happening right here. An engaging, well-written story with gameplay that is just as accessible to casuals as it is challenging for the hardcore, Trine 2 will give you an experience that will leave you with a look of satisfaction on your face all the way through.

A source of great entertainment that is easy to pick up. Whether you're a dedicated Marvel fanatic or just someone who likes pinball, you shouldn't have too much trouble enjoying the game. For 800 Microsoft Points, or roughly $2.50 per table, it's not only cheap, but lots of fun.

The game is atmospheric, creepy and exciting throughout.

Spelunky is probably not for everyone. For all my attempts to romanticize the game's difficulty, it still demands patience from its players, and that might be too much for some. Those that stick it out though, or have an affinity for similar punishing trials like Dark Souls or Super Meat Boy, will find a game that rewards the time you spend with it with nearly infinite amounts of replayability. It all adds up to make Spelunky the best port of a mining related indie PC game to hit the Xbox.

So good, at times it can be too much to take. When it comes to football games, it simply doesn’t get any better than this folks. Whether you’re a casual or die hard fan of football, spend the money and build a college dynasty on your Xbox.

As challenges go, it’s brutal, so be prepared what you’re in for. Of course, what you’re in for is a brilliantly realized XBLA game, with scads of replayability, a hot look and a commitment to its arcade roots—if the MIDI-based soundtrack doesn’t pump your heart rate up to 120 BPM, then maybe you should double check that you’re even alive—that deserves our deepest respect.

Finishing Darksiders was one of those great reliefs quickly followed by a refreshed desire to play it again.

For those of you who like to be creeped out, wigged out, or just plain scared, I can't recommend Fatal Frame enough. It uses just about all the senses to weave together a highly unsettling and downright scary experience.

The kind of logical thinking it requires of you in the forensic mode is unheard of in action games.

The game’s unique spin on a classic formula, coupled with a difficulty level sure to challenge even the most hardcore gamers, make the game an experience just waiting to scratch your itchy trigger finger.

Bonus DVD and extra modes help justify a paltry asking price that really needs little justification.

Midway's selections are not only well thought out but they also perform as flawlessly as possible given the hardware and peripheral differences.

Jet Set Radio Future will be a game that future developers use as the epitome of a product that includes top notch planning and imagination all in one package.

Quite possibly, one of the best games available on any console. THIS is what happens when games are Xbox-exclusive.

The wireless controller and online gameplay are nicely engineered. Beyond that, it’s mostly in the same vein as the previous Guitar Hero games.

While the style of game isn't anything we haven't seen before, the implementation of a free-roaming environment and the scale of the environment all comes together for a fantastic gameplay experience.

Getting the music right was crucial, but so is the gameplay, and the developers really nailed it.

It's always a good sign when the toughest decision you have to make is what game mode to start with; such is the case with MX vs. ATV Unleashed.

The combination of an intriguing campaign mode and large-scale multiplayer action for up to 24 players is hard to mess with, at least in terms of the late-model combat stuff.

For its first band-in-a-box release, GHWT does a good job of getting on the map. In my view, though it does some things better, it doesn’t quite reach the sheer playability and enjoyment of Rock Band’s two releases and its broad DLC catalog. Close, but not right alongside its competitor.

In Midnight Club: Los Angeles’s case, the engine behind its essence—Rage—is good enough to make this title a standout, even though it isn’t particularly packed with genre-inspiring features. While this may be a letdown for those early-adopting, cutting-edge types, those who rank “go” above the “show” in the list of their racing-game prerequisites will consider Midnight Club: Los Angeles a real cream puff.

Does a great job of blending elements of action, stealth, and driving to create one of the greatest Bond game ever, just after the all-time classic, Goldeneye. Everything or Nothing starts players off with a kick in the ass and doesn’t let up until the credits roll.

Beyond the licensing, WWE Legends of WrestleMania is a smartly-designed game that enables studio antics to be more approachable to the common gamer. The gameplay isn’t dumbed down to the point where hardcore wrestling fans will scoff at Legends either.

Skate 2 continues to raise the bar for skateboarding games, but it just wasn’t enough for draw the kinds of raves offered for the first game in the series.

I honestly didn’t know much about Carcassonne before I played it on XBLA, but the cozy format and computer control makes it a lot of unfettered fun. Sierra also promises that it’ll add some of the board game’s expansion as inexpensive downloads soon, which will extend the gameplay that much more.

An awesome, visceral experience, especially when enjoyed against a human opponent. It remains one of my personal favorites of the EA Sports lineup. I just hope that in the next iteration they can figure out where the magic went and infuse it back into the series.

Strangely, I’ve been having more fun with the game since I finished it than I did when I was trying to. Maybe that says something about the game, maybe that says something about life. But now I have all the time in the world to sleep with whores, buy properties, explore lost dungeons and sign autographs for kids.

It might not pick up an award for its revolutionary graphics or voice acting, but it should put a smile on your face at times and give you a teeth-gritting grimace at others.

Battlestations: Pacific speaks to the ten-year-old in me who pored over illustrated coffee-table books about WWII weaponry and watched “Victory at Sea” instead of “Sesame Street.” For a military-porn aficionado like myself, Battlestations: Pacific is like heaven, despite some of its rather glaring flaws.

The story is fantastic and the way in which several characters interact and overlap in order to create a larger picture of what's happening is very well put together. The fact that players get to take part in each character's progression through the story is icing on the already great tasting cake.

With a hearty single player experience, enough online goodies to shake a medieval sword at, and some pristine production quality to top it all enough, Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes equates to the perfect fix for those looking for a great action/strategy experience.

Regarding clean-cut, vibrant visuals, ESPN 2K5 is by far the best looking hockey game to date and it's nice to have the adjustable zoom camera back.

Combined with a highly cinematic presentation supported by exciting gameplay and an innovative storyline that breaks new ground in the world of X-men, Activision's X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse is a must-have for anyone who tried the original game out and definitely something comic fans will want to check out.

The sheer amount of features, including the Star Wars characters, makes Soulcalibur IV worth its premium asking price for those that adore this franchise. But it’s the synergistic power of these parts coming together that makes Soulcalibur IV a good recommendation to any player looking for a fresher take on the fighting game genre.

And even though it’s not exactly a major overhaul of the game, the improvements are great, the game looks great and it’s as fun as ever. Good job, EA.

The graphics, while not exploiting all of the Xbox's power, look sharp. And the depth and replayability of this game is nearly limitless.

A perfect example of how attention to detail can make an average game much more than the norm. First-person shooters are nothing new, and even though Finest Hour doesn't really introduce any groundbreaking aspects into the gaming world it does show just how well crafted a video game can be, blurring the line between gaming and cinema.

This is the most complete football game that we've ever played, and it really feels as though the NCAA Football series is truly hitting its stride.

Worms 2: Armageddon is the complete XBLA answer to the franchise that fans have been waiting for. Worms 2 is also good enough for me to recommend it to new fans of the series; even more so than the free PC demos floating about in cyberspace.

"NFL 2K2" will be online for players to go at it via broadband connections, but NFL Fever 2003 is going to be my choice this year because of both the online support and the energy level combined with realism.

The real game changer is the Multiplayer experience which brings a tense battle of paranoia to the forefront and rewards stealth over open-attacks. There are subtle techniques to be learned and to succeed you need to play smart.

NHL 10 has a ton of gameplay modes, and the action is slick. Not perfect, but it does have a good flow and it’s fairly comprehensive in covering the sport.

The game isn’t that much different five-on-five style, but the inclusion of online play and cool new game modes puts it over the top. The Dunk Contest in itself is worth the price of admission.

Still has a gameplay engine that rivals anything out there and gives the best overall experience of actually playing in a big league game.

The way the sun, street lights, and even other cars reflect off your car will amaze you. Each city, (San Francisco, Tokyo, London, New York City) is modeled as seen in real life, so you might recognize some of the places or buildings you are zipping by.

The only gripe I have is the lack of a fully customizable control scheme. With playing all the various available football games, it becomes a nuisance to get used to each game's specific control scheme.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey, viewed generally as a piece of software, is finely crafted in every way, and it shows a great carefulness on the part of its developers to do right by the subject matter.

Gladius is by far unmatched in terms of character control in the strategy/RPG genre. The only thing I would have wished for is more ability customization for characters in between class types.

Battlefield 1943 is truly a blast. Its stripped-down nature (though definitely not a no-frills release) means its easy to get into, and the high potential player count should have the servers filled with players for quite some time.

Taito has meticulously crafted each progressive level in Exit to be a mindbender, thus ruling out all possibilities of this title being a pushover. Throw in the fact that there are a staggering 220 levels in Exit, and you can easily see why puzzle freaks like us are clamoring over Mr. ESC and his hip antics.

One of the best XBLA hack-and-slash classics ever to grace Xbox Live Arcade.

Even though Xbox was screwed out of online support yet again, anyone who is a fan of soccer will enjoy this title thoroughly, and find a lot of depth worth hours of play.

If you just want to play soccer with a bunch of no names, it's "Winning Eleven" all the way. But if you have even an inkling of playing with any of the pro world's best or any official squads, then you can't really go wrong with FIFA 06 Soccer.

NBA Live 10 shows continued improvement for the series. But in classic EA fashion, this feels incredibly iterative. The improvements of this latest iteration are impressive nonetheless, but it feels like a long road to one truly great basketball game to grace our consoles, a revolutionary and defining game of its genre.

It’s incredibly easy to control, but in addition to the timing of hitting the button to drop the floor, you have the lot-building strategy as well.

150 playable characters, an absolutely nuts map editor, eleven online multiplayer types, a Challenge and Arcade mode; the list goes on for this refreshing spin on the borderline ho-hum first-person shooter genre.

Without overly dumbing down the modern military sim fighter, Namco Bandai has managed to create a very accessible flying game that has all of the presentation bells and whistles of its big boy cousins.

Wonderful direction, excellent storytelling, and a compelling plot. The gameplay is good enough to hold its own within the cinematic confines and actually does its fair share to charge the story forward.

Most of MLB 2K5 feels next generation; only small bits of the AI and physics engine need any pine tar.

A visual treat; even more so than its immensely popular "Geometry Wars." The tweaked classic tracks may not be for everyone, but at least they tie into the gameplay, making Boom Boom Rocket a very unique offering in the ever-surprising lineup of Xbox Live Arcade games.

This is <I>the<I> basketball game to own this season...Only a few hiccups here and there stop this game from being perfect. The level of realism in the animations is astounding, but you can still have a fast-paced and fun basketball game.

It’s hard to go wrong with Mutant Storm Empire for 800 Microsoft Points, eve if you have never played Reloaded. With stunning 3D graphics and the perfect blend of mindless and strategic twitch blasting, Mutant Storm Empire is a near perfect Halloween treat.

Its cutesy image may not appeal to the hardcore crowd, but the core game is nearly flawless. It’s a game that you’ll want to continue playing – it doesn’t feel like “work”. The characters are imaginative, the visuals are outstanding, and the game is downright fun.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a feature-packed game; one of those rare birds that feels like arcade gaming, but with that next-gen edge that helps to justify $400+ dollars of hardware.

One of the best values when considering that it fully supports Live and System Link play, has HD graphics support, and one of the best audio tracks ever laid down in a video game.

I had a lot of fun playing the dunk contest in "NBA Live 2005," but I couldn't really get deep into the actual games. This is not so in NBA Live 06. I'm thoroughly enjoying the actual season games this time around and I have to attribute most of this love to the Freestyle Superstar system.

The co-op mode shows flashes of brilliance, and the number of options provided for online play is astounding. The core game plays much like any other FPS – a VERY pretty one at that.

The best basketball title on the Xbox right now...Great graphics, fantastic gameplay, and a very enjoyable online mode make this a keeper for every sports fanatic.

Packed full of great new features, tons of new enemies, and a perfectly flowing storyline there is none better than Dark Alliance II. The graphics are stunning, the audio is brilliant, and the gameplay shows why Dark Alliance II is still at the top of the genre.