Outstanding graphically and sonically, Far Cry's gameplay doesn't quite match up to its looks. That said, the AI and imaginative set pieces make it easily the best single-player first-person shooter of the last few months.

While Pandora Tomorrow doesn't revolutionize the gameplay, it maintains and often exceeds its predecessor's exceptionally high standards in playability, atmosphere, level design, and visuals.

Even backed by "Metal Gear Solid 2" technology, Cy Girls' long stretch of frustrating puzzles will leave players feeling more blonde than Bond.

The end result is exquisitely original multiplayer gaming that's a vastly different experience based on which team is chosen. It's only marred by a bizarrely overlooked bug that crashes the Xbox when browsing available servers through OptiMatch.

A tightly packed game. Despite the AI and graphics issues, it's simply a lot of fun to play, due in large part to the fielder cam and excellent pitching and batting.

The lackluster visuals, an unsophisticated setup, and tepid pacing render it more curiosity than keepsake, even for series die-hards.

Unreal Tournament 2004 achieves that near impossible task in video gaming: It appeals to every online shooter fan without making compromises in quality.

It all pales when compared to better PS2 military shooters like "SOCOM II." The series is in need of a real sequel, a graphics upgrade, and a new and more refreshing direction if it wants to remain a contender in the tactical military shooter wars.

It's a drag that some serious AI issues still plague the simulation, but the EyeToy interaction and ball physics make MLB 2005 worth a look. A readily available online component even alleviates some of the AI tics.

One thing is assured: Breakdown is a new watermark in player immersion, and it's difficult to see how it will be one-upped any time soon. From start to finish, in sickness and in health, in combat or in exploration, the player experiences the world as though inside it.

Although the game pays lip service to the famous -- and feared -- tunnels of the VC, there are no claustrophobic underground chambers and passageways. Perhaps engine limitations are the reason, but it's certainly a missed opportunity.

Worms 3D's new engine isn't a necessary improvement on the classic and enduring 2D game, but the upgrade works, even if it makes the controls a little more cumbersome. It still has the tone, humour and playability that is synonymous with Worms.

Worms 3D's new engine isn't a necessary improvement on the classic and enduring 2D game, but the upgrade works, even if it makes the controls a little more cumbersome. It still has the tone, humour and playability that is synonymous with Worms.

Worms 3D's new engine isn't a necessary improvement on the classic and enduring 2D game, but the upgrade works, even if it makes the controls a little more cumbersome. It still has the tone, humour and playability that is synonymous with Worms.

Sadly, Tenchu on the Xbox has been out-stealthed by "Splinter Cell," and out-ninja'ed by "Gaiden."

Although the brain-dead enemy AI remains unchanged, Athena Sword is a worthy expansion.

Incorporates harsh violence, language, and imagery into a much darker, nastier action/horror title that takes its subject matter and protagonist seriously for a change...The Suffering offers a good mix of the violent, the visceral, and the visionary.

If there's one department in which MVP can't be beat, it's player animations. From the plate to the mound and out into center, these guys move with a jaw-dropping grace and fluidity.

Graphically, things haven't much improved from last time, but the 80+ new missions, more comprehensive ship designs, and added weapons make for a solid follow-up to a genre-busting first game.

Incorporates harsh violence, language, and imagery into a much darker, nastier action/horror title that takes its subject matter and protagonist seriously for a change...The Suffering offers a good mix of the violent, the visceral, and the visionary.

If there's one department in which MVP can't be beat, it's player animations. From the plate to the mound and out into center, these guys move with a jaw-dropping grace and fluidity.

A title that reveals how fresh its gameplay originally was by proving it still stands tall alongside the current contenders.

If there's one department in which MVP can't be beat, it's player animations. From the plate to the mound and out into center, these guys move with a jaw-dropping grace and fluidity.

Great control and tracks would be for naught if the graphics engine couldn't keep up, but not to worry. MTX runs at a silky smooth framerate that grabs your collar and shakes hard.

When Lifeline works, it works niftily... but when it doesn't, it actually isn't working at all.

The formula has merit, but if Square expects to launch a dynasty, it should have escorted the game out the door armed with more than a white belt and Etch-A-Sketch graphics engine.

Given the strength of the controls, it's a shame Gaiden falls victim to the classic third-person action game pitfall: the camera. While we've seen many worse examples, it does have issues.

Great control and tracks would be for naught if the graphics engine couldn't keep up, but not to worry. MTX runs at a silky smooth framerate that grabs your collar and shakes hard.

If you can look at the PSO universe with fresh eyes, like the Sonic Team designers clearly did, there's a lot of addictive gameplay to be mined from this new colonial frontier.

If you have the means, a good Internet connection, and salivate at the thought of a massive controller with 40 blinking buttons, Line of Contact is a must buy.

Sports not only improved visuals and a fantastic jazzy soundtrack, but the real changes lie in streamlined gameplay and a very different perspective. Unlike the other eight before it, this title follows the events depicted in the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" novel.

Full of overt and covert nods to the classic, Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is a worthy, entertaining successor to the proud, creaking lineage.

Full of overt and covert nods to the classic, Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is a worthy, entertaining successor to the proud, creaking lineage.

Full of overt and covert nods to the classic, Pitfall: The Lost Expedition is a worthy, entertaining successor to the proud, creaking lineage.

Packing serious star power, astounding production values, and surprisingly entertaining gameplay, Everything or Nothing delivers on all relevant counts, providing for a rousing escapade that ranks among the best to feature Her Majesty's finest.

The attention to detail is commendable, but the sheer scope may be a point of frustration for some, especially those who come from the "Tony Hawk" school. The supercross races are so exacting that progression without dedication is impossible.

The game's short length and near nonexistent replay value means it's hard to justify recommending beyond a rental or picking up at a reduced price.

Packing serious star power, astounding production values, and surprisingly entertaining gameplay, Everything or Nothing delivers on all relevant counts, providing for a rousing escapade that ranks among the best to feature Her Majesty's finest.

The attention to detail is commendable, but the sheer scope may be a point of frustration for some, especially those who come from the Tony Hawk school. The supercross races are so exacting that progression without dedication is impossible.

Packing serious star power, astounding production values, and surprisingly entertaining gameplay, Everything or Nothing delivers on all relevant counts, providing for a rousing escapade that ranks among the best to feature Her Majesty's finest.

Sadly, the AI, combat, and graphics issues keep Lupin the Third: Treasure of the Sorcerer King from joining the classic ranks, but the main character's sense of humor and general style make the game worth a look.

It's great news that Champions of Norrath's rich world, filled with smoothly progressing danger and engaging action, is an excellent title for fans of the genre, both online and off.

Approach this sharp blade with caution, because it's likely to turn on you before mastery comes.

Each game also consists of doing the same thing over and over again, and while this provides the perfect even playing field when skirmishing with a friend, it gets monotonous alone.

Its presentation is well below par, and the battles quickly become repetitive, but there remains an oddly addictive spark beneath its problems.

The original Metroid is also an unlockable bonus, which provides a great demonstration of how far video games have come in just under two decades.

The good things about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles are REALLY good, and the things that are bad really hurt.

There's something wrong with the game, though, which comes down to two fundamental problems: interface and gameplay. Smart has called it "idiot proof," but the truth is that the game is still way too cryptic.

Anyone who's ever sunk more pocketfuls of coins into an arcade machine than they'd care to admit will be incapable of resisting the game's charms.

Neither as disposed toward realism as the Namco "Ace Combat" series nor quite as "on the arcade-stick" as Sammy Studios' "Lethal Skies," AirForce Delta Strike is a basically solid, good-looking, and engaging campaign, albeit a repetitive, hitchy one.

Gamers who haven't exactly stuck by Sonic's blurry blue side over the years will have to work a little harder to get to the fun, spastic heart of Sonic Heroes, but those who know what to expect in terms of mechanics and sheer kinetic insanity will feel right at home.

Gamers who haven't exactly stuck by Sonic's blurry blue side over the years will have to work a little harder to get to the fun, spastic heart of Sonic Heroes, but those who know what to expect in terms of mechanics and sheer kinetic insanity will feel right at home.

But with a friend, Dark Alliance II's polished, addictive and comparatively deep gameplay, along with much improved replay value, makes it one of the best cooperative games around.

Even more surprisingly, the enemies evidently know that you know you're supposed to save certain persons and -- right buggers that they are -- actually go out of their way to bring harm to your would-be charges!

Despite a few glitches and omissions (no multiplayer or online options, although there is a map editor), expect Silent Storm to receive a noisily positive reception from the tactical strategy crowd.

But with a friend, Dark Alliance II's polished, addictive and comparatively deep gameplay, along with much improved replay value, makes it one of the best cooperative games around.

It's fairly short, so seasoned gamers won't likely see 15 hours of gameplay... but for all their simplicity, they're an entertaining 15 hours, studded with predetermined dramatic events and even references to characters and events from the first game.

This is essentially a stylish "Day After" dumb-and-gunner, with even less brainpower required than "Dark Alliance," and it's safe to say that if you enjoyed that game, this will have some appeal for you.

It's one of the few Trek games to nail the scale and speed, it has gorgeously straightforward graphics and a good sense of scope and pace. This, however, is combined with an insulting flight scheme, and the game rewards in-the-know Trek fans with one hand while it sissy-slaps them with the other.

It's one of the few Trek games to nail the scale and speed, it has gorgeously straightforward graphics and a good sense of scope and pace. This, however, is combined with an insulting flight scheme, and the game rewards in-the-know Trek fans with one hand while it sissy-slaps them with the other.

Gamers who haven't exactly stuck by Sonic's blurry blue side over the years will have to work a little harder to get to the fun, spastic heart of Sonic Heroes, but those who know what to expect in terms of mechanics and sheer kinetic insanity will feel right at home.

While Counter-Strike is still a popular and recommendable online shooter, this retail package offers poor value and is a huge disappointment.

"Ragingly adequate." It looks, plays and feels like a budget paean to Diablo in most respects.

It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.

It's not the prettiest game going, but its reliance on tense, cinch-your-belt strategy with limited forces is a welcome break from the near-mindless tank- (or in this case, monster-) rush blues.

It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.

It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.

Packed with atmosphere, accessible gameplay and sweet visuals, Beyond Good & Evil has most definitely reached beyond our expectations. Don't miss it.

An extremely stylish and -- please take it the right way -- icky excursion into the supernatural that has learned from its predecessors, and from itself, how to entertain and unnerve the player.

A fun time, in spite (or because) of its ludicrous story and cutscenes, which you won't find in any other serious racer.

It feels good on the PS2 pad, even, though a joystick is (of course!) preferable.

A fun time, in spite (or because) of its ludicrous story and cutscenes, which you won't find in any other serious racer.

Even the most polished, glitzy pool game would just be another pool game if it didn't bring some new challenge, so the fact that online play is included here counts as a large counterbalance to its presentation failings.

A fun time, in spite (or because) of its ludicrous story and cutscenes, which you won't find in any other serious racer.

It has many game mechanics in common with "EverQuest," the potential for town building like "Shadowbane," and a complex crafting system like "Ultima Online" or "Galaxies."

There is a big flaw in this Operation, however, and it's control. Simply put, the simplicity and elegance of "Splinter Cell" is not to be found in the IMF.

The plot, graphics and general fun of discovery should be enough to keep you happy despite the fact that 12 hours is about all the time it'll take you to complete the game.

A very comprehensive strategy game that is surprisingly easy to pick up and just gets deeper and more addictive the more you play it.

Doesn't stray terribly far from the formula, to both its credit and detriment.

Super-serious types who regularly dust their Ninja Scroll collections might have problems with its goofy, irreverent tone, but pure gamers will find a lot of pure fun.

Super-serious types who regularly dust their Ninja Scroll collections might have problems with its goofy, irreverent tone, but pure gamers will find a lot of pure fun.

Lots of different stars, ships, and aliens may be nice, but there is no excuse for unwieldy controls, a horribly high learning curve and pacing that takes a good dozen hours before things get interesting.

Is SpyHunter a fun, playable game? Definitely. Is it an improvement over the last one? Sure, but it's still too "samey" overall, and it's certainly a better success on the single-player front.

As a single-player quest to gather robots and unlock secrets, Gotcha Force can get a little tedious. As a game to make you scream at your friends, however, it's perfect.

Planet Moon set out to create a game that was pure, visceral fun and it did just that. You can sit down and play for ten minutes or ten hours and still be enthralled.

The game offers unparalleled variety and choice in the actual gameplay. The non-intrusive design sets just as much of a precedent as did Deus Ex, which is a joy to realize. The game feels a bit short -- especially considering how much choice the player is given -- and the presentation values could have been polished up more, but it's an experience like no other.

It achieved something that is very rare in gaming: well-developed and believable characters. That, in itself, is no mean feat, but mix it with the game's delightful combat, varied design, and admirable coherence of style and creative vision, and you have something very special.

Needless to say, the story is strong, contains all the typical Bioware twists, turns and quality writing, and fans of power-D&D will have a lot to crow about.

There is a big flaw in this Operation, however, and it's control. Simply put, the simplicity and elegance of "Splinter Cell" is not to be found in the IMF.

The game offers unparalleled variety and choice in the actual gameplay. The non-intrusive design sets just as much of a precedent as did Deus Ex, which is a joy to realize. The game feels a bit short -- especially considering how much choice the player is given -- and the presentation values could have been polished up more, but it's an experience like no other.

Planet Moon set out to create a game that was pure, visceral fun and it did just that. You can sit down and play for ten minutes or ten hours and still be enthralled.

Packed with atmosphere, accessible gameplay and sweet visuals, Beyond Good & Evil has most definitely reached beyond our expectations. Don't miss it.

Out of the box it's not as fun as its predecessors, and nowhere near as deep or engaging as Madden or ESPN.

Long-term appeal is dependent on having a suitably committed group of friends to play with. You'll need at least three players for a satisfying game, and four is much better.

Offers an interesting combination of an established universe with a different game genre.

It ultimately lacks the long-term appeal of EA's offering.

It achieved something that is very rare in gaming: well-developed and believable characters. That, in itself, is no mean feat, but mix it with the game's delightful combat, varied design, and admirable coherence of style and creative vision, and you have something very special.

A pulpy, good time. Just don't expect to come back after completion for any particularly inspired level design or captivating combat.