A little rough in terms of transition from scene to scene, but otherwise solid. Both platforming and fighting systems are easy to learn, but tough to master.

There’s lots to do and that includes side missions that you can skip if you’re immersed in the main story path. And it’s fun in a basic way.

I was surprised at how much I liked this game. Hand it to Raven Software for building a movie-based game as a game first and then worrying about the tie-in later.

It’s not going to rival a Modern Warfare 2 or Assassin’s Creed II with its depth, but for what it does, it’s worth the 800 Microsoft Points (or about $10) that’s the price of admission.

With smoother animation transitions, a better framerate, and a tad more pace, NBA Live 06 will look silly-good, as the rendering and motion capture is already there.

A solid game, with some decent gameplay. But it’s not going to light your soul on fire like other shooters hopefully will, and might bore gamers who’ve played every single shooter out there and are looking for something new. It may not feel new, but it definitely feels polished and solid. If not very scary.

Whether you're a more casual gamer looking to join up with a buddy for a quick adrenaline surge, or you're the hardest of the hardcore determined to prove that there's no one better to rely on than yourself, Schizoid has more than enough to make you a little mental ... but enjoying yourself all the while.

Though Xevious was a ground-breaking title when it was released 25 years ago, it’s a great example of how game designers of that era were trying out new things and new ways of challenging players. As such, spending a few Microsoft Points to pick up the XBLA version will give you a good look at what served as a revolutionary game in 1982—and to test your piloting mettle.

It’s not a perfect action game by any stretch, but one that does keep the player engaged from point to point—and that’s all you can ask.

While the new single-player gameplay modes are nice additions, they still end up being too repetitive over the long haul. Multiplayer is the strength of NFL Street 2 and can make for some heated matches.

While some elements are fantastically executed and the main campaign is quite compelling, there just isn't enough innovation or diversity in the multiplayer or beyond the story to pry people away from its behemoth of a competitor.

It isn’t a bad game; it’s just not a particularly original or innovative one. Those checking out a LEGO video game for the first time should enjoy how it plays, but those who have at least one LEGO game in the collection should try it before buying.

Those that love unique stories, settings, and characters will adore just tooling around in this mystical land, but those looking to give their reflexes a workout will be left wanting more.

With a renewed focus on adventure and the inclusion of a less restrictive control scheme, Crystal Dynamics has managed to rekindle the fading flame of the Tomb Raider franchise. Although it is a bit on the short side, a multitude of extras and the tough Time Trial mode will extends the Croft experience.

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.

On one side you have a truly engaging experience that makes the gamer think about their actions and study the environments in order to be as efficient as possible. The AI is great and the replayability factor is high. On the other side of the blade you have a cumbersome inventory system, suspect character control, and perplexing animations.

The AI players choose to push hard with some strange hands that’ll keep you off-balance, but there’s lots to do in the single-player game, and all that fun playing others in multiplayer.

Chessmaster isn't for all Xbox'ers, but it is highly recommended for anybody event remotely interested in learning how to play chess or wanting to become a better player.

It’s more story-driven and -focused, which might not be as satisfying or challenging for hard-core gamers looking for constant, fast-paced action—and if you don’t like that kind of game, it’s a good bet you won’t like the next BiA that’s surely coming.

A bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing - masked behind pedestrian visuals, a mediocre soundtrack, and a rocky release to market with the whole 3DO debacle, is a racing game with absolutely incredible physics and handling and a fun career mode.

For attempting to satiate the entire racing game populous with a single title, EA has done a pretty fine job. Would a super-mega tuner game have been a better move? Would a follow-up to the pursuit-style racing of "Most Wanted" have made more sense? Maybe and maybe.

The Marvel entity known as The Punisher is done right in this game... really right. The Havoc engine makes for pretty fun gameplay but there's not much of the core action that you haven't seen before. Interrogations and special kills are a blast.

This is one of those occasions where having your movement "on rails" actually helps extend the gameplay.

If you go into the game expecting a rush of nostalgia backed by solid gameplay you will not be disappointed.

In the end, Def Jam Icon is more like a bump-n-grind slow jam instead of the club banger that it should have been, but it still deserves merit.

It’s not perfect, to the hardcore or others. But it is good enough to give you an experience you won’t regret.

So if you've been pleased with the series so far and love the latest set list, you're going to have a blast with Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. But for everyone else who hasn't been completely sold on the Guitar Hero franchise, there's nothing going on here that's going to change your mind.

If large-scale battles are your forte and you despise PC gaming, then Delta Force - Black Hawk Down is a must-buy.