It’s a huge game with an enthralling storyline and a huge mix of different gameplay elements that will keep players from ever being bored.

Excite Truck is as boisterous and cantankerous as your mother-in-law was when you forgot to call on her birthday. It's engines roar. It's music snarls. There's nothing sedate or stately about it. And, that's why it's simple but thrilling mindless fun.

While nothing about this is extremely challenging on one of the easier skill levels, trying to beat your high score and making some awesome combos while playing a seasoned human player or computer player on difficult is what will separate the newbies from the true pros.

It’s a big improvement over the previous game in the series, the ill-conceived “Super Monkey Ball Adventure,” and it’s another solid showcase for the Wii.

The only real fault with Resistance is that its inspirations are sometimes too obvious. It’s a little too much like Call Of Duty here or Half-Life there, and one of the later tank-driving segments feels like it was lifted straight out of the original Halo.

Like "Wii Sports," it is the perfect title to show off the Wii to friends, family and an excellent game to have in your library for those times where you just want to sit back, have a little fun and some laughs.

At present, this is the closest you will come to knowing what it is like to step inside a WWE ring. Here’s hoping THQ and the WWE will move past their business disagreements and continue producing superb wrestling games.

With its smaller scope and missions, New York doesn't eclipse 'Ultimate' as the benchmark Spider-Man title for the DS but it does sure as heck give it a run for its money.

As enjoyable as the game is, as my roommate can attest to, watching someone else play is about as exciting as watching the real thing.

Even fans of the original game might be a little put off by this rather pointless and soulless sequel. The volleyball is still good, bouncy fun, though.

Vibrant and charming, Viva Pinata is family friendly fun that engages a child's imagination with its ever evolving gameplay. The more kids play, the more they will be drawn into Viva’s virtual world. Parents be warned though. Keep those ear plugs handy. The migraine-inducing theme song is enough to have you reaching for that bottle of Tequila.

For such a short game, a Little goes a long way as far as we’re concerned.

Rarely do games with this much fanfare actually live up to their talked-about potential, but Gears does something that almost none do - it exceeds the hype. It looks almost unbearably gorgeous, it sounds out of this world, it plays as smooth as butter but most of all - it's fun. Pure, unadulterated, blood-spattered fun.

But it’s also immensely fun and satisfying to blow yourself and numerous other things on the screen up "real good", over and over again. Visually, Every Extend Extra (got to love those Engrish translations) is gorgeous, mesmerizing and quite varied.

So if you're looking for an all-out melee, then Call of Duty 3 is your game. If you want something that's somewhat stealth mission-based, then you might want to give "SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Combined Assault" a whirl.

The visuals and sound design really do drive the package well enough to create what's hopefully as close an experience to the real thing as any of us would like to have.

What's even more annoying is that like in previous SOCOMs, the characters have a bad habit of getting stuck on the environment.

Left Behind: Eternal Forces oscillates between the boring and the aggravating and is far from ever being a rapturous experience.

As one of the few distinct differences from the original, Lumines 2 features full, non-animated music videos as backgrounds on certain levels. The videos are pretty cool on their own, and yet actually add another degree of difficulty by being yet another visual distraction- something that should please veteran players of the first game.

Sometimes frustrating, but relentlessly entertaining, Death Jr.2: RoE marks a successful return for the franchise.

It’s a game more accustomed to hardcore players who really crave a challenge. For these people, Konductra should be right up their alley.

Its streamlined and action oriented gameplay fit the PSP well and it has been given an exceptionally nice graphical polish.

And the story's intriguing.

Easy to get and get into, with a slick engine (and only a few nitpicky problems) but clearly lacking a really creative story team.

It's fascinating the game goes to such lengths in the narrative and it is this that keeps the .hack//G.U. interesting. It's a little open-ended as it's the first in a series of three games, but you can continue to play other levels after the story ends.

If you liked "X-Men Legends," you'll love Marvel Ultimate Alliance, with its roster of two dozen playable heroes from every corner of the Marvel universe. But please, let's see She-Hulk in the sequel, OK?

As a supposed evolutionary member of the franchise, considering it's pretty much based on a single level from a seven year old game, Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam feels like complete regression.

An absolute must for any retro gamer or PSP owner.

Kim does not miss[] a step in the leap to bigger and better things due to the ingenuity of the BVG developers who decided to take the series in a different direction while still maintaining all of the components that have made it so popular.

The scum-ridden, germ-infested sponge under my bathroom sink has more character and wit than this SpongeBob, unfortunately.

But considering the title, it's a strangely sweet and charming little thing, so much so that anyone looking for cheap, violent thrills will quickly tire of Bully's mostly pacifistic tone.

Double Agent's level design and scenarios will keep you on your toes while blowing your mind at the same time.

So despite the course deficiency the 360 has compared to its cheaper and older rivals, EA has produced the golf outing they should¹ve released a year ago.

Those who consider themselves puzzle game connoisseurs or armchair detectives will have their skills severely tested and unlike the finale of "Missing: Since January", the conclusion is worth all the time and effort.

Sony's handheld buries the DS alive with better graphics and overall gameplay. The DS version plays and looks more like a Game Boy Advance side-scroller with text to read instead of voice acting to listen to, lifeless graphics and simplistic levels.

The Sony version has brilliantly rendered 3-D animated characters and cut-scenes, the actors from the animated series doing the voice work and large areas to wander around. There is just no comparison with this title. PSP owners are getting a treat this Halloween while DS'ers shouldn't be tricked into buying their underdeveloped edition.

Games like this ought to be easy to pick up and play, but “Crash Boom Bang” is so confusing and unnecessarily complicated that it will make any player shut off the DS in frustration.

The simulation is the best I’ve seen to date, it just falls short of my "Golden Tee" memories.

If you are looking for a compilation of mini-games to pass the time once and awhile, Clubhouse Games will fit the bill quite nicely.

The game does fill up the day, even if the experience isn't very satisfying. And at least you're not watching the show.

Curiously enough, the billiards mini-game really does sum up Gangs of London as a whole. Gangs of London has a lot of balls but when it comes to sinking them it always scratches.

In the hands of some more creativity (and maybe less time constrictions that most movie-based video games have), this could have been something worth a second look. As it is, this game should be judo-chopped immediately to the bargain bin.

I reward the game for its outstanding creativity and its fun game play. Unfortunately, its downfalls brought the game to a crash.

The game has its moments, but in the end it feels like watching a second-rate episode.

Gives you vaguely authentic import street racing, including real Tokyo streets, licensed import cars and an immense array of parts and manufacturers to customize your ride.

With each level presenting it own unique challenges to overcome, what you have with 'Mario Versus Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis' is not only one of the longest game titles of the year but an accessible and thoroughly addicting puzzle game for thinking gamers of all ages.

Without the free roaming play, the game is a limited and once you have accomplished all of your goals, there’s nothing to keep you amused. Why settle for the edited-for-television version when you can have the director's cut? Stick with the console version, capeesh?

If you enjoy the gunplay aspects of the GTA-style genre more than the driving and open city concept, then The Godfather is likely to be a highlight of the year for you.

As Open Season shows, the search for a kids movie game that appeals just as much to parents as it does to little ones proves to be an elusive one. Sub-par controls and by-the-numbers gameplay aside, this one is still worth a purchase if A) you're buying strictly for your child or B) you're looking for an easy 1000 achievement points.

The cover art looks great, but the actual substance is often a poor imitation of something else.

The game is a rapidly wearisome, dull dungeon crawling adventure with repetitive maps, dialogue and gameplay.

A quick but surprisingly enjoyable diversion. It's recommended only for younger gamers who likely won’t be able to point out the game’s obvious shortcomings like its graphics and almost complete lack of memorable sound.

The game is a rapidly wearisome, dull dungeon crawling adventure with repetitive maps, dialogue and gameplay.

With surprisingly good graphics for a GBA title, the gameplay is never boring since Phil and his friends are shuttled around quickly from one Blah emergency to the next.

Not surprisingly, some liberties were taken to reconcile logistics with gameplay. Call in the airborne and your paratroopers arrive immediately, with no need to plan the air drop in advance. But that is where the suspension of disbelief ends.

It’s safe to say that any fan of old-school Mega Man games will love ZX. Whether you’re familiar with the series or not, though, be sure that this is a must-have for anyone looking for a superb platformer on the handheld DS.

Obviously, there's nothing really new here. Although you have arms which you can use to punch out other robots and slam their heads' into the track as you drive, it's not very interesting as a fighting title. It also can't compare to the carnage in other violent racing games, such as one of the Burnout titles.

If you're looking for awesome graphics, revolutionary game play and realistic hockey, and don’t mind some sacrifices due to oddities in the game that EA happened to forget about and a lack of a major online component, this game is a hands down winner.

It’s a huge, solid package all wrapped up in a slick presentation with enough added features to make it a big step ahead of "2K6."

Although the animations have a lot of character, the gameplay is overly simplistic and often repetitive. Only fans of the series need apply.

As long as your little one can puzzle out how to operate the GBA to begin with, Little Einsteins is a perfect teaching tool that just like the animated series makes learning fun.

It's all cute and Lego-y, yeah, but this is also a thoroughly charming, satisfying and faithful tip of the plastic hat to the original Star Wars trilogy. The Force is strong with this one.

Even though there are special challenges, tournaments, multiplayer options, a whole host of wicked unlockable characters and some intriguing courts to play on, Mario Hoops 3 on 3 seems lacking as a complete package.

This could have been a fun little game if the levels weren't so darn frustrating. In the case of The Wild you probably won't hear this often but – you may be better off renting the movie.

Most NASCAR fans will enjoy this year’s version, but if they have 06, which they likely do, there might not be much reason to upgrade.

As adorable as it is eccentric, and as addictive as it is challenging, it still may not be everyone's cup of tea. But if happy, singing blobs navigating trippy technicolour worlds sounds like fun, you need this one in your PSP library.

Undeniably the best-looking PSP release since "Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror". The floating spectral faces, the tidal wave of blood, the massive beast masquerading as a temple are just some of the early "wow moments" that show off the technology that is packed into the PSP device.

It won't replace Grand Theft Auto in your carjacking, hooker-beating heart, but Saints Row is a surprisingly good clone, and it even manages to do a few things better than the games from which it shamelessly borrows.

Just saying the word 'strategy' may turn off some gamers who aren't typically into that genre, but even if you're not, at least give a shot. We have a feeling many people will be pleasantly surprised.

Even if you decide to skip all the ‘extra’ modes like Superstar and Minigames, you’ll still get a lot out of Franchise. It never becomes too overwhelming – a problem with many sports games in recent years.

The graphics won't win any awards but despite the small screens, the game still gives a decent sense of size and scope when you're playing. Players are blocky but the game uses bright colours and easy-to-navigate menus (the same of which can't be said about the home console versions).

Just hack, hack and hack your way through the maps, eventually meeting the level end boss and take them down. Great, huh? There really is nothing new here, other than the graphics.

Most of the adventure is spent exploring the ruins on a desert island while fighting monkeys and other pirates, and it’s not a terrible idea for a game it’s just so poorly executed that it’s impossible to recommend, even at a budget price.

A lot deeper and a lot tougher than it seems at first glance, Dead Rising is an old-school game posing as next-gen zombie slayathon. It can be frustrating as hell, but like the swarms of undead who don't know any better, you'll keep coming back for more.

If you like a challenging preconstructed scenario, some with historical overtones to them, you will find this expansion pack a great addition to a great game.

Younger gamers will enjoy the Roman atmosphere and fairly easy game play and there are enough features and variety in CivCity: Rome to make it a good addition to any strategy game collection.

The other big reason for shooter fans to check this game out is because of the online multiplayer, which is surprisingly well done.

It might be generous to say Miami Vice: The Game breaks the curse of South Beach cop titles. But it beats Bad Boys: Miami Takedown. Beats it senseless.

Again, like 'Resident Evil', 'Monster House' is not all about eviscerating hair-raising beasties. There are puzzles throughout the levels too but most are of the find-and-place-an-object-here or push-this-crate-there variety.

The DS adaption wears out its welcome really quickly with its repetitive gameplay.

In my experience, it is usually the GBA title that pales in comparison to the sophistication of its elder sibling. Not so with Monster House. The GBA RPG-like game is the clear-cut keeper.

Your best bet here is to wait until the Monster House movie is released on DVD. With extras, it'll probably be about as long as the game and you and your kids won't have to put up with design problems or frustrating controls.

What could have been a run-of-the-mill shooter is elevated by an interesting plot, wild environments and shifting gravity that sometimes makes you wonder which way is up. Not for the faint of stomach.

It's hard to imagine how this epic strategy game's control scheme could be any better on a console, but it's still not quite a match for the precision of the PC version.

Legend has some charm, thanks mostly to Depp, but gets repetitious very quickly.

Fans of modern flight sims will enjoy the game, but its bare-bones presentation and slightly technical nature won't win any followers among action gamers hoping for Top Gun-style dogfights.

It's simpler than a deck swabber what's spent too much time in the sun, but this one is surprisingly fun and charming for a game-to-movie tie-in.

Its easy controls, addictively simple game play and variety of game modes are likely to appeal to all but the hard-core soccer enthusiast.

This game has everything a Sudoku enthusiast could possibly want – namely, hundreds upon hundreds of puzzles ranging in difficulty from quite easy, to frustratingly difficult.

Although, Naruto has a lot of unnecessary elements, it still is one of the most enjoyable fighting games I have played in a long time.

This really is only for a defined group of hardcore football fans, but those fans won’t find anything close to this anywhere else.

The Alpha titles offer a dramatic battle setting which pits two against one and a survival mode, where a character fights battle after battle until he or she dies. Fun times.

Performing the special moves becomes boring quickly as it slows down the gameplay as you stop shooting baskets in an attempt to raise your respect points.

Except for die-hard GTA fans who don't own a PSP, I wouldn't recommend 'Liberty Cities' to anyone, even those who have never given the GTA a series a shot.

And the expansion pack is a step in the right direction. It's a good upgrade if you're willing to shell out for it.

While Cars is fun and inventive at times, it does manage to stay a cut below most of the competition.

Younger racers won’t really care too much about the auto-reset and lack of sliding all that much and should be engrossed in the unfolding storyline.

If you absolutely love the movie (or your kids do) then get the game, but if you want a good racing game, get something better (i.e. Burnout, Wipeout, Race Driver 2006, Ridge Racer, OutRun 2006 or even Need for Speed Underground).