It’s an old school shooter more closely related to "Quake" than "Call of Duty 4," with fast-paced explosion heavy action, a sci-fi theme to the levels and the weapons and a bunch of fun powerups like shields and damage amplifiers. In other words, it’s quintessentially an Unreal Tournament game.

A definite thrill ride from beginning to end that relies heavily on its Hollywood-style presentation more than true gameplay. Hindered ever so slightly by repetitive enemies and puzzles.

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.

The development team may have been a little too ambitious, as the game tries some new things, succeeding in some areas and falling just short in others. The presentation and visuals are absolutely top-notch, but the gameplay ultimately becomes a bit too repetitive and the multiplayer feels tacked-on.

The online and offline integration is well done, the car lineup is solid, and the graphics are above average. There’s also a good amount of gameplay jammed onto the disc.

At the time this was released, it blew people's minds and nearly everyone played it. The innovation doesn't hold a candle to today's games, but it carries over nicely as an Arcade title.

The hefty price tag of $65 (and $20-$30 for a second pad) is a bit much, but if you are looking for a unique and incredibly fun experience then DDR Ultramix is worth every cent.

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.

The game’s basic concept, and IO’s commitment to give gamers a multiple paths to an ending while still pushing for “transparency” should be applauded. But a two year 47 hiatus and no real signs of an inventory system or A.I. improvement hurts like a 7.62mm round to the spleen.

It’s a unique experience, in both single and multiplayer, and Double Fine nails the concept perfectly, making it challenging for experienced gamers, yet not overwhelming for the newbies who just came here for the metal.

Regardless of how many join your fight, you’ll find Castle Crashers a content-packed offering, brimming with replayability, buoyed by unlockable characters and just-one-more-level addiction. Plan on crashing plenty castles before the holiday rush.

A healthy mix of melee and gunplay, the stealth action is tried and true.

Stands out because of a great gameplay setup that mixes a very strong combat system with the ability to level up characters during the game. While some of the game's action may become quite repetitive, it's also quite addictive.

The game has great features, just not enough of them to compete with the likes of Gran Turismo. Had SegaGT 2002 had more cars and a lot more tracks we might be singing a different tune.

The greatest weakness for Freedom Fighters is its length, which is really disappointing considering that overall the game is nothing but an enjoyable thrill ride. As a single-player experience, you can’t do any better than Freedom Fighters.

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.

There are times when the subject matter doesn't quite measure up to the gameplay, and vice versa. Thief: Deadly Shadows, although a killer PC title, doesn't seem to have the flair that makes for a strong console title.

Rock-solid gameplay engine artfully recreates the college hoop experience.

Solid, and worth a look by both the experienced fighting game fan as well as those brawling neophytes.

It’s a solid piece of gaming history brought back to the fore by a publisher and developer with an eye for modern flair. It’s not overdeveloped or taken in such a different direction that it loses sight of the fun and appeal the original game offered.

If you've played one Call of Duty game, you know exactly what to expect from this one. Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

If you haven't played through the campaign that redefined console FPS then there is no better way to do it than with the new HD graphics and remade maps. Unfortunately, long time fans may be disappointed with the small selection of maps on the disc and the removal of the original multiplayer component.

In C&C 3’s world of the future, you expect the units to be faster-moving craft that crackle, zoom and jet from spot to spot—they are and they do. That speed is part of what makes the game look great, but which causes headaches in the gameplay, because the AI foe doesn’t seem to have any problem throwing units at you. Meanwhile, you’ll be pulling triggers, moving sticks and pushing buttons at a much less-efficient rate...and therefore need to scramble more to keep up.

Final Fantasy XIII shoves a handful of protagonists in your face that look like they were designed at a cosplay convention and asks you to care about them simply because they’re wearing a beanie, have a cool nickname or speak with a mysterious Australian accent.

WARNING: After a few hours of playing this you may notice your neck a little red.

Despite its age, Sonic 2’s gameplay holds up pretty well, with a lot of adversaries to avoid or dispatch.

This title does a great job of adding familiar elements of platforming and first-person shooter titles to an intense fast-paced action game.

While this current FIFA is solid, EA still needs to put its best cleat forward and utilize this latest SKU as a stepping stone toward soccer game nirvana. FIFA Soccer 08 is, however, an authoritative crossover step in the right direction.

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.

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."

There’s just barely enough new stuff to warrant a purchase from those who already took the plunge with 2K Sports’ NBA game. The atmosphere of a true-to-life college basketball game comes right through, both the screen and the speakers, perfectly.

It may have a very repetitive gameplay mechanic and even when you know something is lurking around the corner, yet it still manages to unnerve the player due to the game’s overwhelming atmosphere composed of great graphics, sound effects, and a demented storyline.

Tony Hawk's Project 8 needed to be absolutely mind-blowing for me to catch skate fever once again, and sadly, it just isn’t that spectacular... yet.

While the developers definitely misfired with the Lock-on D mechanics, the new animation system changes the gameplay quite a bit, as does the ability to learn how to run plays on the fly. The game's lasting legacy may be the introduction of an emotional element to the Association mode.

As the series' last hoorah on the Xbox Tiger Woods 07 succeeds with flying colors. For the first time in sports gaming history, it's actually acceptable to bring gamers what they've had before.

It has charm and polish that elevate it beyond a simple Diablo clone to something special in its own right.

An almost perfect blend of great control and deep gameplay that will meet any college hoop fan’s criteria.

If you're looking for some explosive fun on Xbox Live, it is hard to go wrong with Renegade Ops. The gameplay is tight, the experience polished, and the game plays out like a 80s action movie.

The single player campaign mode has a somewhat abrupt ending that doesn’t exactly lend itself to replay value, but there are still tons of activities included in the game, not to mention those that you create for yourself. The multiplayer modes are the most significant innovation in Saints Row.

Very clever puzzles and fun action sequences will take you through the course of the Original Trilogy. The vehicular battles, especially with two people, are a real highlight.

Creatively, it’s all good. And you couldn’t have asked for more things to do in a game. It’s like a ginormous buffet of junk food. So bad but so good. I think I’ve found this year’s ultimate guilty pleasure. Funny thing is, I’m not feeling that guilty about it.

Easily one of the better looking fighting games out there and by far the prettiest MK in the series.

The graphics continue to sizzle with eye-catching particle effects, excellent crowds and decent player models.

While this year's iteration fell just a bit short of greatness, we'll just have to wait to see if the game strikes the Heisman in during its junior year.

Buy it, live it, enjoy it. This is where gaming started people, and with a cheap price of admission, plenty of history on each title, and some of Capcom's better works all on one disk, there is no reason not to pick this title up.

Fans of collectible card games will feel right at home with Phantom Dust's gameplay style and they will appreciate the game's pace.

Other franchises do an admirable job of capturing the spirit of fighting, the spirited back-and-forths of a good brawl. But with Virtua Fighter, you get the very essence of fighting, the true artistry in martial arts. And it's a total knock out.

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

One of those rare gems that stands the test of time, thanks to its near-flawless gameplay. And while the temptation must have been huge to overhaul the game for the next-gen release, it’s great to see that the SWOS developers didn’t cave to it. While the game may not be the prettiest game on the Marketplace, it’s certainly one of the most fun.

The game's basic concept, and IO's commitment to give gamers a multiple paths to an ending while still pushing for "transparency" should be applauded. But a two year 47 hiatus and no real signs of an inventory system or A.I. improvement hurts like a 7.62mm round to the spleen.

If you're looking for a competitive tower defence/strategy hybrid game, Toy Soldiers: Cold War is tough to put down.

Assassin’s Creed has a rich spread of activities with hours of gameplay. Unfortunately, it gets extremely repetitive about midway through—and then it unsatisfyingly turns into a tedious, combat-heavy game.

It's all been done before one way or another, but the new style and story helped this score.

While the graphics and audio don’t do anything to rouse the imagination, the gameplay in UNO brings plenty of fun to the table for those who enjoyed the original card game.

With the addition of rivals mode, gamebreaker, and the advent of the shape stick there's enough to keep players occupied at least until the release of the Xbox 360 despite some of the visual shortcomings of the game.

This XBLA game signals a shift into something more hardcore video gamers could get behind: an action game that requires an itchy trigger finger to complement an itchy brain. With some exciting shooter action, solid strategy gameplay and a uniquely satisfying art style for the overall presentation, Toy Soldiers is proof of what XBLA was meant to do: bring us casual games in a hardcore games package.

Solid gunplay combined with powerful but balanced Nanosuit abilities, plus plenty of replayability thanks to the open nature of many of the game's levels.

While the game doesn't necessarily introduce any kind of ground-breaking gameplay elements, what it does is perform some tried-and-true FPS staples (and some newer concepts too) at a very high level, and hits the mark an overwhelming majority of the time.

Find another game that makes gamers anew to it feel like they’ve been playing it for years, and the masters feel as if they’ve never played before. This is the engine talking to you, thus making Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis a true triumph as an implement for having fun.

The beauty of KUF: The Crusaders is the simplicity of the action gameplay, even though it looks very complex and overwhelming on the screen. The control set is easy to use, yet competent when it comes time to battle the seemingly endless amounts of enemies.

A few gameplay issues and graphical shortcomings keep the game from being an A+ stellar title, but hardcore Simpsons fans will be more than happy with this baby.

The multitude of careers and social interactions provide plenty of longevity, and the new format of the two player split-screen play is a nice touch.

Whether or not players enjoy the new look and feel the title took, it went for it all the way, and succeeded in mixing classic SSX gameplay with a new style. I applaud this direction.

Overall I'm not just impressed with the game as it's presented, but I'm also impressed knowing that one guy did pretty much all of it. That blows me away as I'm sure it will do to you too when you get a true feeling of the style, the story, the over-the-top action and replayability that lies beyond the opening menu.

With an excellent versus play, an addictive Puzzle mode, and a strategic chess mode, MK: Deception is chock full of solid gameplay. Add to this a decent campaign mode which is a necessity for cool unlocks, and you have yourself a certified console fighting classic.

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.

While the game lacks the fast pace and wild action of its NBA brethren, the game is tailor made for the more technically minded sports fans. Strong gameplay and deep customization helps players to make the total college-sports experience a reflection of their individual tastes.

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.

One of the best reasons for buying a game like Catan on XBLA—which comes with a cost of 800 Microsoft Points or about $10—is that you don’t have to know the rules and procedures that well.

MX Unleashed, however, has a lot more tracks available for those who don’t want to make their own. The nod for gameplay goes to MX Unleashed as the controls are more responsive and the overall play is more fun.

With a bit more time and experience, the NBA 2K series will be an unstoppable, next-generation force that cannot be contained, even with the industry’s best D’ing up.

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.

Sure, there are issue like the A.I., clipping, and sketchy hit detection, but for the most part, this game speaks to the legions of WWE fans out there- loud and clear.

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

There is still a bit of linear gameplay in the single player mode which could be a bit more in depth and dynamic, but as it is, blowing stuff up has never been more fun.

I recommend that former FIFA fans that have been turned off by the recent versions to check 2005 out - you may be surprised at how many gameplay and graphical elements that EA Canada nailed into the upper corner of the goal.

With 300 single-player stages there is plenty of monkey rolling gameplay in store, however, we could do without the lackluster story. Despite its flaws, Super Monkey Ball Deluxe is as addictive as the likes of "Tetris" and "Lemmings" and worth a rental at the very least.

A really pure gaming experience that will undoubtedly split gamers on the issue. Some will hate the controls, others will love them. Some will be bored with the game’s repetition, others will be enthralled by it. Some will love the voice acting, others will be on the right side of that issue. No matter. Prince of Persia is a gorgeous piece of work that may just pull more people into gaming by being as fun and easy as it is beautiful.

The massive update of maps will draw any Live gamers to Island Thunder for sure. Add to that the fact that there will be downloadable maps and single player missions and this game is easily worth the discounted price tag.

The single player game modes have a fairly decent amount of depth to them, but this game really shines in multiplayer. The computer AI, even at the harder difficulty levels, provides only a moderate challenge for heavy duty football gamers.

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.

Sure, the content isn’t exactly tailor made for an afterschool special, but it’s a great exaggeration of the hijinks and hard times that just about anyone can relate to. And thanks to Rockstar’s decision to give fans continuing education by expanding the game’s content, there’s plenty in place to please both Bullworth freshmen and alumni alike.

The multiplayer maps are gorgeous but tend to be too large for small team battles. Ghost Recon 2 is one of the best shooters of 2004 and a worthy successor to the previous games in the series.

The game is virtually bursting at the seams with content, and it’s got near flawless controls for both newcomers and hardcore fighters alike.

It’s just plain fun, with the presentation adding to the entertainment.

If you are not intrigued by intense storylines and great original gameplay at least go give this baby a rent, you will not be disappointed.

While the subject matter of pirates is intriguing, many gamers will be instantly turned off by the basic graphics, dated audio track, and strategy-heavy gameplay.

The environments alone almost justify the cost of admission! In this massive world the sound and presentation mix to keep you engaged throughout the storyline and leave you wanting more at the end. This is definitely a game to check out.

With a bit more attention to in-game fluidity and detail, and the inclusion of core extras such as online leagues and co-op, Madden NFL 07 could have been stellar. It’s good for sure, but Madden NFL 07 isn’t a lock in this gamer’s Hall of Fame.

I always wonder just how much more they can pack into an SvR game, but THQ and Yukes never cease to amaze me. Polishing what we love and adding more show the evolution of the series.

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

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

While it’s abundantly-clear that SIE is an ode to the original, it’s also thankfully apparent that its creators did their homework on what makes a successful modern video game, too.

The development team has added tons of excellent new features, from the new trick system to the improved Gamebreaker mechanic, without taking away any of the stuff that made the previous titles so great.

But more importantly, the developers at 3D Realms (yes, the original devs did this port instead of working on something else, ahem) added a few features to bring the experience up to date without severely affecting the core gameplay.

The changes implemented are purely optional, leaving the ultimate decision of use to the gamer. And that's exactly how it should be.

Fantastic art direction. Great fidelity to the comic-roots of this universe.

Just like all the previous Activision O2 titles (even before they were called such) I find that I can’t put Wakeboarding Unleashed down.