MLB '07 still reigns as the premiere baseball title it is just that there aren't enough perks this time around to warrant trading up.

The most challenging levels though are the ones that get all Splinter Cell-ish on you. Even though you don't don Sam Fisher's trademark goggles, the gameplay is similar.

A challenging level of difficulty plus next-to-useless instructions makes Def Jam: Fight For NY harder than it needs to be. But once you master your skills (and overlook the camera problems), it's one of the most viscerally fun brawlers in ages.

But even without taking the game online, the solo, co-op and head-to-head multiplayer modes are enough to satisfy even the most diehard fans of Sweet Tooth and his crew. For this one, at least, technology trumps originality. Hands down.

While the graphics are undeniably great (especially after blasting demons and zombies into a bloody pulp) in Doom 3, it's the smart use of suspense and the creepy soundtrack -- including moans, groans and frantic cries for help --which make the presentation downright terrifying.

Just simply charming. After playing all those solemn first person shooters on the market, it is a nice change of pace to find a game that doesn't take itself or life so seriously.

The driving (and flying) sequences keep the game fresh, with cars that are an absolute dream to drive.

Black Arrow is also the first game to fully implement the Xbox Live 3.0 features, including the ability to recruit squads, schedule tournaments and leave profanity-laced voice messages for Flat Eric. Cool beans.

As generic a third-person shooter as you're likely to find, with its novel gimmicks countered by some truly irritating shortcomings.

With the improved graphics, increased card selection and better mission design, Acid 2 stands well above what was already a unique and fantastic PSP experience.

While the visuals are second to none, the game ultimately doesn't bring anything new or notable to the first-person shooter formula.

The creators of Alien Hominid tout their independence in an era of corporate consolidation in the video game industry. Fortunately, there's enough originality and heart-pounding action to warrant a look by any fan of retro action gaming.

With a concept as timeless (and downright fun) as the one that the Mario Bros. games adhere to, it would be tough to screw this game up. And Nintendo didn't ... not by a longshot.

A truly fantastic experience that is so much more than just a mindless shoot-em-up "GTA" clone. The developers almost force you to think outside the box and not spend an hour running over hookers and throwing molotov cocktails into a crowd on the beach (as fun as those things are).

One of the most grandiose, atmospheric, movie-like experiences in a video game ever. This is a standout on all the home consoles, but it hits even bigger heights if you snag it on the Xbox 360 along with a high-definition television.

The Call of Duty franchise proves that it's not all about mindlessly shooting wave after wave of enemies and moving onto the next section. You have to plan out attacks and take your time. When friends die on the battlefield, you'll actual react to it.

If you play Rogue Galaxy in a straight-line you can beat it in the average-RPG time of about 50 hours. Should you take your time and see everything it has to offer, however, you’re looking at a good 100 hours of gameplay.

What makes the Mega Man Anniversary Collection such a fine example of retro-gaming is the care that went into bringing it to the next-gen systems.

A blast for Star Wars aficionados and a solid experience for regular gamers, but it should be considered something of a work in progress, and future patches can do much to alleviate its short comings.

If Lucasarts can tame its networking quirks, deepen the map selection, and iron out a few of its weapons and class wrinkles, Battlefront stands the chance of being the most addictive online game since "Counterstrike."

If Lucasarts can tame its networking quirks, deepen the map selection, and iron out a few of its weapons and class wrinkles, Battlefront stands the chance of being the most addictive online game since "Counterstrike."

The feel of the game is almost exactly what you'd get at the arcade, without the sense of loss over all the money you're spending. The game is fast, exciting and fun – but one of the best parts about racing games is going at it with your friends and a good multiplayer mode is what this racer is sorely lacking.

Complete with amazing graphics and sound, violently focused gameplay and a love of all things explosive, it offers a thrilling experience for first person shooter fans and even just those with a bent for action.

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

As with most DS games, the WiFi connection works seamlessly, with none of the glitches or slowdowns typically found on online console games.

Intense action and great production values can't quite elevate this tactical shooter that's heavy on the shooting but light on tactics.

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.

Simplicity can be a very, very good thing.