Blur is a great racing game. It's at its greatest when you're playing it online against other people, but even offline there's more to things here than just a kart racer with licensed cars.

A great start to what should be a fantastic series. Telltale nailed the atmosphere and did a fantastic job of making the player feel as though their choices have meaning. Can't wait to see where things go to next.

Yes, it's a kids game at the core. So what? We could all stand to relax more, and Okabu provides a classy and gorgeous way to do just that. There is no better game to play with a young child than this one.

This is an incredibly well-designed mech shooter, period. Genki has a genuinely enjoyable mixture of combat, upgrades and globe-hopping Snow Crash-like dances across servers, and it's a fantastic mix indeed.

A pure, unadulterated action flick boiled down into its simplest parts, Extreme Justice wantonly flaunts its ignorance of depth or basis in reality and as a result walks away a top-notch portable effort, and a damn fine follow-up to the original.

Zen Studios proves they aren't going to be pigeonholed with the excellent CastleStorm. Simple gameplay mixed with excellent variety alongside funny writing and a fun upgrade system equal a surprising little gem.

It's not a great leap forward from last year's model, but F1 2012 adds just enough to an already tight package to keep the series on top. This is a far cry from an arcade racer so only serious Formula 1 fans need apply.

Atari Classics Evolved is a tight, concise little value-priced collection of honest-to-goodness great retro games. It's well worth the asking price and even offers a little more than you'd expect.

They did it. Capcom sucessfully updated the series without destroying what was good about the classics. I'll always bemoan the loss of the Maximo team, as they actually translated things into full 3D perfectly, but this is a nice in-between.

Irem has, possibly more than any game they've made in recent memory, crafted a shooter that is at once faithful to the challenge of the original shooters that came before it, and utterly accessible to anyone experiencing it for the first time, and they've thrown in a remarkable amount of depth and just plain fun to keep both sides equally true to the source material. R-Type Final is a blast, plain and simple.

Holy crap can this game be good, but just as easily and twice and often, it's so bad you'll hate yourself for retrying that race for the 20th time. If only the challenge were eased off just a bit more, this game would have been a must-have.

One of the better recent collections, the Star Wars set is a treat for fans of the franchise and a decent collection of tables for any pinball enthusiast.

Doublesix has done a hell of a job in creating a simple, attractive, immensely rewarding (and ridiculously challenging game if the high score goals are any indication) little shooter that deserves more than a passing look.

One of the PSP's best titles finally gets a sequel. But can a Top 40 musical injection make the game better, or does it hurt it?

It's not perfect but it is more than good enough to be one of the best titles so far this year. Few games make me want to rush into a second playthrough yet MP3 did. With some patches and tweaks the multiplayer could be the best of the year, too.

Basketball gameplay in NBA 2K9 is second to none of 2K Sports' competitors.

We're at the point in the generation where sports games are refining rather than innovating and have been for years. Thus we have the most polished Madden game so far, but one with only a few new features.

Just make sure you’ve digested "Final Fantasy X" either way and you’ll walk away from X-2 with a nice, satisfying ending.

True Crime does many, many things right, but for as many cool features that it flaunts, there’s another that drags the whole experience down.

Saints Row IV is a video game unlike any you've played before with a rich story, sharp sense of humor and unique mechanics. It's only held back by a lack of variety and the need for a bit more polish.

If you’re looking for a story that will hook you, play with your head, and leave you questioning exactly how far our pursuit of technology should go, and exactly how some world events and so-called tales of conspiracies really fit together, you should drop everything and go buy this game.

An addicting and enjoyable simulation.

One of the best light-gun shooters you’ll find on a console. The gameplay is addictive, the GunCon2 controls are unmatched, and the overall feel of the game is just right.

With ranging, alluring challenges that offer tons of key rewards, all under a difficulty that feels just right, FR2 offers an outstanding but affordable package that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. It just may be the best ten bucks you’ve ever spent.

For $20, you’ll be getting a fantastic collection of games and a bit of history to go with some of the bigger ones. Hopefully future collections will add a bit more in the history department, but for now, this is an admirable start.

Stacking fills a role as a clever little family game that is great for a weekend with the kids. As a showcase for the humor of Double Fine, Stacking can't stand up to some of the past gems from the studio.

PES 2014 leaps back into the conversation of where your soccer dollars should go after a few down years. With a bold new control scheme and a solid foundation based around the Fox Engine Konami will be a force going into the next generation.

Basic and unassuming, this is an RPG for gamers that love RPGs. No complex battle system, no hugely epic storyline, just old-school goodness by the fistful.

The collection hits highs (Jak 1) and lows (Jak II) but serves as a great window into the changing of the guard in action platforming in the early aughties. Gamers who haven't checked out the series really should for historic value alone.

It's just a notch below the Vita version for playability but Dragon's Crown on the PS3 still shines as the fullest-featured arcade-style brawler with unique visuals. The steep price tag is scary but there is more than meets the eye here.

As dee-lish as all the camp and nostalgia is, it's also very reminiscent of the source material; pretty, stylish, but ultimately rather vapid when it comes to depth.

It's hard not to play what-if with some of Capcom's later titles on home consoles, and especially with later arcade games, but what's here is a fantastic snapshot of some of the better arcade hits to come from this era.

The visuals and audio could have been better, as could the track list, but what's here is certainly worth the $20 asking price.

If you have a couple friends and an afternoon to charge through the game with them, you're going to have a blast. The single-player experience is still fun, but without the lure of real teamwork, the rougher spots of the game tend to punch through to the fore during inopportune times.

MLB Power Pros' greatest asset is the presentation. No nonsense and adorably charming, the game suckers you in with what seems to be a simple little game of Baseball Lite, but the deeper you plug into it, the more you realize just how much time and effort was put into making the game appear simple.

Those of you who enjoyed Enslaved will have no regrets with this surprisingly lengthy and fun adventure.

You’ll pay the price for the presentation in, on average, about 30 second load times the first time you get to a level, but you get to play Pong while you wait, so who’s counting?

A very, very solid and semi-interactive version of the cartoon, Harvey Birdman may be as inept in court as the game's namesake, but all of the humor and interesting takes on classic characters come through just fine.

A worthy Castlevania game but not the best in the series. Flawed but still worth at least a rental to complete all the way through.

Nevermind the fact that it's the only option on the PS3 right now, NHL 2K7 is a quick, smart game of hockey with an insanely deep franchise mode, solid online play, serious SIXAXIS integration, a handful of terrific (if fairly minor) new additions and plenty of mini-games and challenges for newcomers.

Capcom fixed a few flaws from the first game, but left a lot of them intact the second time around. That doesn't mean it isn't still a blast to explore Fortune City, just don't expect too much here and you won't be disappointed.

It definitely took a while, but once I understood what Badman was trying to do, I was sold. That doesn't mean everyone will get it or even like what the game is doing when they do, but for me it really was something different and unique.

As good as the Getaway is, it needs more powerful hardware to really deliver the kind of punch the game has the potential to administer.

Old-school to it's core, God Hand isn't perfect, nor is it the kind of game that will please everyone, but buy into the world and the characters, dig into the combo system and enjoy the quirky humor here and you're bound to have a good time.

The visuals will likely turn most off to what is quite honestly one of the most entertaining RPGs to hit the PS2, but a general lack of even casual steering towards the storyline does make the game seem aimless at times. Still, it's worth the adventure.

This game delivers one of the better RPG experiences on the PSP console. It is put together well and gives you quite a bang for your buck, just make sure you aren't a casual gamer.

Motor Mayhem isn’t a bad game, but it’s hampered by a combination of small, annoying slights that keep it from being the game it could be.

A steep learning curve, specific source material and an overall feel that doesn't exactly scream mass market means the game probably won't have the universal appeal that Incog’s previous efforts had, but given enough time, it's more than easy enough to warm to the game’s plusses.

If you've played paintball in the past -- particularly in a tournament situation -- you may find even more to love here than most.

It's easy to get sucked into Urban Trial Freestyle for hours trying to perfect a run, and the difficulty ramps up that there will almost always be a new challenge for you. A nice "harder-core" compliment to Joe Danger.

Suffice it to say, 1942: Joint Strike is a fun diversion for those who aren't accustomed to the ins and outs of vertical shoot-em-ups and a great throwback for those who are. What it lacks in techno music, vector graphics, or shtick, it more than makes up for with a solid experience that can be enjoyed singly or cooperatively.

A very, very solid and semi-interactive version of the cartoon, Harvey Birdman may be as inept in court as the game's namesake, but all of the humor and interesting takes on classic characters come through just fine.

Carnival Island does exactly what it claims to on the box: it offers a compelling (and challenging) set of carnival-themed mini-games, a light story and offers the perfect all-ages showcase for the Move. If you have a Move, you want this game.

Crysis 2 is an excellent game - one with dynamic combat, smooth controls, and slick visuals. But the unimpressive narrative and rampant glitches hold the overall experience back.

Yep, best version of the game. That may not be saying much for those who are looking for an exceptionally deep racer, but for $20, this is the perfect value-priced racer.

Tomb Raider took a turn for the worse in the last decade, but unbeknownst to me, it rebounded back for a trilogy of good games. This collection gets them all together at a great price that will whet your appetite for the next game.

A huge expansion that almost doubles the content of Marvel Pinball with both popular and cultish properties. Zen has proven that they make solid pinball tables, and while they aren't breaking new ground here they still stay sharp.

If you have the 360 version of the game already, then you probably aren't going to be going ga-ga over the SIXAXIS stuff, and the PlayStation Network, for being free and what it is, still isn't enough to hang with Xbox Live.

Disarmingly solid. One expects a game this spritely to be a little lax on the depth or story. Neither is the case here; what you will find amidst all the genuinely enjoyable characters is an adventure that reaches well beyond the confines of a My First Adventure Game aesthetic and actually satisfies on a hardcore level.

A solid game, no doubt. It provides a visceral, bone-shaking experience. Unfortunately, the changes made from FN2004 only detract from what was otherwise a very satisfying fighter.

Throne of Agony doesn't do anything that hasn't been seen in the genre before. Luckily, it does what it does very, very well -- well enough that there isn't a better hack 'n slash on the PSP right now.

What blows my mind is that Neversoft was able to include everything they did in the normal year-long development schedule.

A nice diversion that breathes new life into an older title, certainly worth the $15 asking price for those still playing regularly. It is a shame they didn't at least dabble with taking the levels out of the jungle and into the city though.

Meeting the unique demands of Rocket Racing can be maddening, but there is great satisfaction in triumph. With a little perseverance, a lot of entertainment can be extracted from this small package.

No, it isn't as iconic as Twisted Metal 2, but it still serves up a healthy dose of visceral fun that is only slightly diminished by dubious design decisions. It's certainly the benchmark for vehicular combat this generation.

Sure, plenty of elements are executed well, but some things, like the ENDLESS switch flipping is just needlessly tedious.

While they're certainly not bad games by any means, familiarity breeds contempt, and I'm just starting to get irked by the lack of freshness.

Atlus is known for very obscure and cult-developing titles. While neither descriptors can be properly applied to this title, Droplitz does give you a fun ride, albeit short.

In a tired and overworked genre, Renegade Ops steps up to the plate with fun and fast-paced vehicular mayhem that lets you and your friends blast your way through nine levels. The story isn't worth your time, but that's easy to overlook.

The dialogue is intelligent, the side quests actually help thicken up the feel of a fantasy world, and the graphics and sound have a subtle way of reeling you in without knowing.

Even still, it's a good, spooky horror adventure, and worth a look if you've got 10 hours and 40 bones to blow.

In terms of doing the comics justice, this game is a shining example of how to stay true to the source material, but as a game, it can feel a little repetitive. Dig it for the story and the characters, not the depth of gameplay.

If you bought into the series not for the boobage, but for the hot man-on-man ass kicking, then you're probably going to find plenty to love here. The game is essentially the same, though in a few ways it's actually improved over the console experience.

So the game looks a mess; it runs with the clunkiness of hastily-assembled quick-and-dirty port. It's still Liberty City Stories at heart, which means you get to rip around on a crotch rocket, you get to see some buildings before they were built in GTA III (or, blow some others up as the case may be), explore more of Shoreside Vale, and experience the formation of what would later be the world of Grand Theft Auto III from an entirely new perspective.

The change in publishers doesn't mean any changes to the core Yuke's WWE experience. The new Wrestlemania modes should appeal to anyone who's been a wrestling fan at some point over the last 30 years.

The change in direction, tone, and atmosphere paid off and the groundwork that has been laid should revitalize the series. There are some blemishes but if you have the Ace Combat itch this will scratch it.

Refinements in story, level design and narrative pacing have helped the single player experience fall at least on par with the first game, but the addition of an evilly addictive multiplayer mode that plays differently depending on which side you choose makes it a must-buy.

The game is deep and focuses on beating the man in front of you. It's like having a pickup game of soccer somewhere except this time you can actually pull off the tricks that the pros use. Grab a pal and have a blast.

Don't expect anything mind-blowing here, but War for Cybertron isn't just good for a licensed game, it's a good shooter first with Transformers icing on top.

The very definition of a pleasant surprise, World Gone Sour proves that the advergame doesn't have to live in the land of mediocrity. For a mere 5 bucks, this is a sold platformer with a wicked sense of humor.

Hitting and pitching controls are excellent, but improved defensive movement and base running control are still needed.

Better than the first, but not by much. If it weren't for some roster upgrades that more or less make the game, and a little more control over how your characters level up, this WOULD be the first game all over again.

It’s not easy to deliver role-playing diehards nowadays with a fresh take on their beloved genre, but Devil Summoner quite ably lives up to the challenge. It’s as engrossing as it is amusing, and for as many hours as you’ll be pouring into it, makes for a wholly entertaining experience.

Solid, yes, but familiar. I mean no disrespect for the men that died protecting freedom, but considering I was born a good 30 years after the war ended, familiarity with this setting probably isn't a good thing.

In the end there are two reasons why someone would purchase this game. The first being that they really like the hack and slash platforming genre. The second being that they really like the goofy sense of humor NIS injects into all of their games.

Simply put, this isn't a Resident Evil game as the series has built it up. It's an action game and almost nothing else.

The game's pitched a bit too far towards the hardcore crowd that's already spent plenty of time the arcade version, which adds more replay value if you get really into things, but more beginner tracks would have been nice.

Even though there are major improvements the game still needs work. When one of those (the new camera angles) reveals glaring problems (crowds, cars, cheerladers) it seems counterproductive. Still, it's Madden and it's a whole lot of fun.

Rochard is a charming romp through space with interesting ideas which, while not entirely original, are executed and pieced together well for an enjoyable final product. We'd love to see what they have in store for the inevitable sequel.

Dead Head Fred's greatest strength is its humor. The world that was created is almost depressingly dark, but the biting humor and incredibly smart writing keep it light enough that you want to see if you can make everything better.

It's likely that BLADESTORM is going to be an absolutely polarizing affair. Plenty will hate it for not being Dynasty Warriors while commenting in the same breath that the Dynasty Warriors games aren't different enough, while others will find the RPG elements and light strategy to be refreshingly different.

Its funky bugs, ho-hum core plot and flat, unrewarding ending keep me from recommending it to everyone, but the amazing graphics, unrelentingly sharp dialogue and fantastic score keep it high enough that I can say it’s a definite rental.

Resident Evil 4 HD unfortunately isn't the remaster it could have been, and its upscaled textures and lack of Move support are more than a little annoying. However, in the end this is still one of the greatest games ever made.

The combat system, storyline, music and effects are too good to be ruined by one bad level. It is a shame, however, to see a game that spends 90% of the whole experience building up stealth and a kick ass combat system only to watch it all fall apart in very basic, repetitive final confrontations.

If you can find it on another platform, do so. If not, this is still a hell of a way to present a basic strategy game, and one that mixes equal parts of presentation with gameplay. If only it didn't have to dip so much into one when the other was lacking.

a game made for geeks. Even ignoring the steampunk and fantasy element, the whole process of collecting cards and doing battle with them is incredibly dorky, but to be honest, the game is so much fun to play and after about an hour of futzing around, fairly easy to understand that you'll take any lumps just to find someone to play a game with online.

Nevermind the naysayers, this is a solid racing game with enough style and fun to balance out the repetitive bits.

Next-gen visuals for the PS3 version can't help that the basic gameplay is the very same sort of mindless button masher that was present in the original PlayStation 2 version. Is it still fun? Yeah, of course, provided you're a comic fan, but 20 hours or so later, it's entirely possible that you won't really want to do this again -- no matter how many characters or in-jokes are added.