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.

The various battlegrounds of Virtual On are just as well modeled as the Virtuaroids and are pretty expansive for a mid-’90s video game.

Very primitive, with few options for making it look better.

Banjo-Tooie is a no-frills ROM port that is a slam dunk for those looking to relive some of gaming’s past glory without having to pull out past consoles.

Nearly anyone can plop down on couch and get enjoyment out of Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action in a party setting, which makes this Microsoft/Screenlife collaborative a success. But for the game and franchise to have any legs on the Xbox 360, downloadable content and some form of Live tie-in is a must.

It locks you into a gameplay hell of sorts, giving you a devil of a time just to try and survive, though rarely making you feel like the reward is worth the incredible effort. Instead of bringing the poem to life, the gamemakers slammed the book on your fingers.

Those looking for the most complete and best playing soccer game this year will still want to grab FIFA Soccer 07 for the big black box.

Kinect Sports is a robust package that offers a lot of variety on one disc.

Sure, the story isn't that deep or developed that well. Yeah, the graphics are not stellar. True, the audio is pretty much a disappointment. But oh that engine. Spartan controls with ease.

Highly addictive gameplay that lasts for a few hours. A bit basic for a standalone title.

It's a little disheartening to see how much the Xbox version is missing when compared to its Xbox 360 doppelganger, but I suppose that's what you should expect when you pay forty bucks less for a game.

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.

It’s quite often entertaining and challenging, but often frustrating and boring as well.

Rock of Ages might not be the most taxing or deep strategy game out there, and with only 23 missions available, it won't take you long to polish off the single player campaign. However what's there is fun, simple and accessible.

Mindless gameplay could be making its final appearance on the beleaguered Xbox, so players who relish the opportunity at sending a bunch of empty-headed hooligans to an early grave would be wise to shell out for the ticket price.

By around the fourth level of Urban Chaos: Riot Response, it was clear to us that we were thoroughly enjoying this title. Despite each level not be drastically different from the next, we loved the execution of the high-octane action.

A lovely game engine featuring independent player and ball physics. Card game campaign mode jazzes up offline play.

The refinement of the adrenaline and revival systems respectively would have solidified the powerful campaign. That being said, Medal of Honor European Assault is a fun, but flawed overall experience.

It’s pure, old-school, side-scrolling action wrapped up in a gorgeous visual package. The game will certainly appeal to fans of the genre, even if they are left scratching their collective heads after trying to make sense of it all.

No frills racing action that isn’t quite as enjoyable for those that like the console bells and whistles.

From start to finish, it’s a fun experience and deserves to be drafted into most gamers’ Xbox LIVE Arcade library.

The overall scope of the story is much deeper and involving than other games, and the inclusion of multiple characters for combat and puzzles adds a bit more depth as well. The experience is still easy though, and won't pose much challenge to anyone over the main demographic.

It’s the truth; you either love this game because it reminds you of Slurpee-fueled afternoons at the 7-11 near school, or you’re an incredibly knowledgeable fan of fighting games who wrote your 500 page dissertation on the subtle differences between SNK and Capcom games. You guys are cool, you’ll love it. But to the entry level fighting gamer, I can’t fully recommend it.

Using both real-time action and strategy elements, developer Secret Level has pulled off a wildly challenging, but addictive game.

Although Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground definitely falls into the “good” game category, there’s no denying that the franchise is getting more than a little stale.

So, is GripShift the end all be all of combat racing on the Xbox 360? Not by a long shot. However, the game definitely stands out in its genre and makes it a lot of fun to get behind the wheel to put the pedal to the metal—and has a price tag of only 800 Microsoft Points (or about $10).

These types of games do become repetitive and this certainly applies here as well, but thanks to a strong story written by NY Times best-selling author R.A. Salvatore, Demon Stone has a lot more going for it than most titles in the genre.

The design and concept behind Mercs 2 is fantastic. Some of the artistic ideas and especially the music are totally top notch. It’s just a shame the entire experience doesn’t quite live up to expectations.