In many ways it feels ahead of its time and once this technology becomes accepted as an industry standard, L.A. Noire will no longer feel as significant. Until then, it's a testament to Rockstar's ability to create characteristically rich worlds with top-notch production values and is also a pretty good homage to film-noir.

There are no truly wrong instances in this game that jump out, and many of the problems are just minor enough that they can be easily forgotten about after you actually get into the game and begin to enjoy it.

All criticism aside, this is a title that winds away the hours and, for the most part, is a joy to play. What I first considered to be a silly, childish story turned out to be a true portrayal of what most players will go through learning the ways of Peggle, in that you have to be patient, disciplined and sometimes lucky, too.

This game should prove fairly easy to those of us who have grown up with previous Mario titles; the levels are incredibly short, the difficulty is fair at best, and the whole thing seems to need a bit more fleshing out.

Stands strong as the top survival horror game of the decade.

If you are a basketball fan, get this game.

Dark Souls provides an amazing experience through a fantastic world, and it demands your patience and control every step of the way.

Paradise is a success because of it's originality within the Burnout series. Innovation isn't always EA's strong suit, but much like "skate," Paradise is an all-new concept that pays off, big time.

It might seem obvious but if you’re not a fan of The Beatles then The Beatles: Rock Band probably isn’t for you. I’m certain it can garner in some new fans, but if you’re buying it because you’re a Rock Band fan then you’ll be left disappointed.

It delivers everything that you expect from a Call of Duty release, and it does that very well. The campaign strikes a perfect chord and there's not a single dull mission in the bunch, every minute filled with bravado and bravery as it steadily rises toward a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.

The gameplay has been honed to near-perfection, showing that a tactical approach doesn't necessarily lead to more complexity.

It's an intelligent game, but also one that acknowledges that action needs to feel satisfying and brutal, just as much as stealth needs to feel tense and crafty.

As with all the best expansions, The Old Gods doesn’t just give you more of the same. Instead it takes an excellent core system, and adds a set of rules and changes that give you drastically different ways to play.

Mario Kart 8 is the end result of years of refinement. It zeroes in on exactly what we want from Nintendo.

It creates a creepy, disturbing atmosphere that is often unnerving, and combines that with a deep and engaging combat system that is simply one of a kind.

This latest installment of the series not only strengthens the franchise as a whole, but also offers so much to both longtime fans and fighting game fanatics alike.

A must-own, a must-play, a must-have or whatever generic must-“word” or must-“phrase” that you’ll find plastered on a game box. From start to finish, this is a tight experience that will challenge and entertain you unlike any other FPS of 2005.

The story feels disconnected and isn’t as strong as its predecessor but the gameplay has been improved upon for a much more enjoyable and fluid combat system.

Is it still one of the greatest games on the DS, and one of the best handheld puzzlers currently out? Absolutely. This game takes everything we love about puzzle games, tweaks it, and serves it to us on a silver platter.

Uncharted is a superb but linear action adventure that doesn’t last too long, but anyone with a PS3 or even a soft spot for a grand adventure should definitely check out it.

While Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas isn’t the most novice-friendly game, once you get past the steep learning curve, you’ll discover one of the finest action games currently available. With sublime gameplay, smart A.I., slick presentation and a fully featured online mode to keep you playing, it’s hard to pass up.

It is ART, god damn it. And it’s wonderful.

The Secret of Monkey Island is still one of the greatest games of all time and this new Special Edition presents it to a new audience with its fantastic production values and hilarious dialogue.

Origin's charm makes it easy to forget that you're playing on a handheld and that is perhaps its greatest achievement.

The pick-up-and-play gameplay appeals to newcomers and veterans alike, with insane speeds and ample opportunities to pull of stylish moves, whereas the detail of the numerous cars and courses is just astounding.

The overall package might not topple Modern Warfare 2’s throne, but the multiplayer might have just surpassed it. Competition is always healthy.

As far as handheld RPGs go, it doesn’t get much more original than this.

Definitely a notable improvement over last year's offering and the new Home Field Advantage feature is marvelous, but the recycled visuals and mere handful of other additions may deter those who already own 2004 from purchasing the game.