As it stands, it's almost in the realm of the type of content you expect to freely download.

The hands-off battles and overall lack of challenge make this game feel somewhat like a very long, yet entertaining book that's totally lacking a climax.

No lines are crossed and no boundaries are broken. Good stuff, but still stuff you've seen many times before.

Despite its kiddy appearance and theme, it's far too frustrating and unhelpful to recommend for a youngster. Or anyone that hasn't exhausted the many better options, for that matter.

It has an original take on the combat system but its average graphics and strictly linear gameplay will not guarantee a long shelf life.

For fans of the comic, Rogue Trooper is a satisfactory effort, but it's a hard sell for the rest of us. The average gameplay and short length make it good for a weekend rental, but the weak multiplayer and absence of replay value mean it's not worth adding to your permanent collection.

It's adequate-looking, sounds OK, makes a passable attempt at humor, has a decent selection of weapons, a nice set of multiplayer options, and puts up a reasonable challenge. But it doesn't excel in any of these areas.

Both atmospheric and exciting, and there isn't much higher praise for a historical first-person shooter than that.

Yes, better communication, more content, and deeper story would all be welcome, but that's the default critic's list for almost every game. How many titles offer the chance to become a zombie and munch on former allies?

The single-player mode will probably bore most people with its repetitiveness and tough gameplay. Multiplayer is excellent.

Ultimately falls far short of the revered PC series with its less sophisticated controls and missions and ridiculously short length.

Most games will have you shaking your head (if not cursing) at the fielding. That's a huge letdown when the pitching and batting interaction is as strong as that of MLB 2K6. Inside Edge is such a fantastic addition that fans have to see it in action.

Unfortunately, Mass Effect: Andromeda picked up some unwelcome visitors on its long journey to your gaming machine. Though it has some stellar moments, “Andromeda” tries to cram too many ideas into one package, turning its obsession with the bigness of space into a crutch for uncharacteristically shoddy workmanship.

Aome awfully big albatrosses around its neck in the way of major bugs, repetitive gameplay and interface nightmares weigh it down.

The story is solid, the puzzles well integrated into the plot, and the pace is quick moving enough so that you can finish the game in about the same amount of time as you can finish a good suspense novel.

Graphically excellent, easy to control, interesting and very long, Blinx is certainly the best platform game on Xbox so far.

New players will find a passe and not-scary survival horror relic, but old hands will enjoy the nostalgia of a fine old classic with a couple of new features. Take your pick.

We buy video games to play them, not simply marvel at what they can do. Its technological advancements and sheer scope may indeed be incredible, but No Man’s Sky’s repetitive world and gameplay are decidedly less than stellar.

A nice execution of admittedly old ideas, Men of Valor features exhilirating action, storytelling that takes risks, and convincing team AI.

For those of you looking for a giant robot game that's distinct, exciting, deep, and eminently customizable, as long as you're willing to play with others, Chromehounds is what you've been waiting for.

There's nothing really like it on the PS2, and it's a marvel to behold in full flow. Sega and Sony should be happy that the conversion has gone so swimmingly well.

The next-gen graphics were exponentially more impressive when fired up side-by-side with the normal Xbox version -- which has so little detail by comparison it's shocking.

There's a lot of fun to be had discovering the different units and strategies. This isn't a great RTS, and it's likely to be forgotten this time next year. But it is a good RTS and it's well worth your time.

The novelty of the Hulk scenes wears off eventually if you're not a huge fan of the comic books, and the Banner sections are disappointing. Still, it doesn't anger us as much as some movie tie-in mediocrities.

A solid game that leans towards the easy side. The only real flaws are an iffy camera and iffier reading of its potential audience. It's still the best interactive thing to happen to the Shrek universe thus far.

Monster Hunter is certainly an acquired taste. But if you can appreciate the appeal of crafting, if RPGs aren't just about you leveling something, and if you're willing to try something completely different, you're in for a long, open-ended treat.

In terms of gameplay this title is a gem. There are loads of tricks for you to master and a stack of challenges for you to complete.

Going at it with other players in Open Warfare is definitely enjoyable, but going solo against the computer is rather mundane.

Curse of Darkness picks up after a few hours, but never really hits its stride -- despite nice bosses, cool abilities, and the large amount of real estate.

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.

Appealing just to player management aficionados and ignoring the excitement at the heart of the game will eventually cost them dear.

Best of all, your character is no longer the somebody-please-talk-to-me newbie that he was in the first episode; it's no coincidence you've made it this far, and as a bulked-up character in your own right, it can now fall to you, as quests, to take other virtual newbies under your wing.

Unlike the offline game, The Sims Online lacks the mad energy and pleasant frustration of managing a complex system of happiness, goals and limited time.

If Silent Hill 2 is your first PC horror game, then congrats -- and woe -- to you. Pleasant dreams.

Its pretty-but-oldish look fits perfectly with its gothic subject matter, and its random room generation gives it some good bang-for-your-buck replay.

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 the Ramen Noodles of racing games - not bad on its own, but needs something to spice it up to make it a proper meal.

It's worth noting if you've still got your N64 hooked up, there's not enough new and exciting here to make it worth the purchase.

Fun for a while, and the customization is quite compelling at first, but before long the innate repetition, linearity, and ultimate emptiness really begin to grate.

If you approach Air Command as a three dimensional traffic-routing puzzle then it's a lot of fun.

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.

The combat difficulty level is forgiving, and the game guides you through the puzzles with helpful clues and hints from the other characters. Less experienced gamers -- who, let's face it, are really the ones the game is aimed at -- will find its light touch very rewarding.

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.

Don't buy it expecting a complete remodel -- it's just a fresh coat of paint on an old frame.

Sure, the arcade side of the game remains commendable, but with broken franchise AI, a lack of mouse support, horrifically frustrating interface, and no online play, High Heat 2004 is one of the worst console ports imaginable that regrettably shouldn't have been developed as a console port in the first place.

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

Though you are bound to find yourself marveling at the innovative use of the DS hardware and the creativity of the puzzles, the core adventure is simply way too short -- six hours at best.

Rather than the car being the star, Enthusia puts the driving first -- it's a shame that the rest of the game can't quite keep up.

A respectable weekend time-waster. It's got enough going on to fill a late night or two, and not so much that many gamers will pine for it when it's gone.

Most games will have you shaking your head (if not cursing) at the fielding. That's a huge letdown when the pitching and batting interaction is as strong as that of MLB 2K6. Inside Edge is such a fantastic addition that fans have to see it in action.

The hard-core realism and punishing difficulty that earned this franchise its rabid fan base has been diluted, and what's left is a hardcore strategic series that's trying awfully hard to be a little more run and gun. It doesn't quite work.

A solid game that leans towards the easy side. The only real flaws are an iffy camera and iffier reading of its potential audience. It's still the best interactive thing to happen to the Shrek universe thus far.

Full Auto feels like someone came up with a good concept and a few fresh ideas, and just expected the game to design itself. It didn't, and we're left with tons of wasted potential. You need gameplay and modes to tie together the combination of racing and shooting.

Fun for a while, and the customization is quite compelling at first, but before long the innate repetition, linearity, and ultimate emptiness really begin to grate.

Chaos Overlords is good for maybe a couple of days play, especially with the novelty of the whole 'gang war' thing, but after that's worn off, it gets boring fairly quickly. It's not as interesting or fun to play as "Syndicate" or "Civilization"; it's just too limited.

It might be best just to rent it whenever you're planning to have company, and steer clear of buying it altogether.

Younger players out there will get a kick out of the solid controls and bright environments, while more advanced players can appreciate the challenge and depth of the included boost system.

Even with an outstanding soundtrack, great voice acting, some incredible, although obviously cartoonish cutscenes, the overall experience is not nearly as rewarding as it could have been.

King of Swing is defined by its gimmick. Enjoy the unique control system and you'll find the game a pleasant and diverting play. If you're left cold by it, you'll quickly tire of the game's one-trick-pony style.

Aspirations aside, the gorgeous screenshots represent a game that is distressingly mediocre in motion...Without the ambitious graphics engine, Killzone's linear run-and-gun combat would vanish into the swarm of generic shooters.

The controls will definitely take a while to familiarise with, but the rewards are rich in gameplay and visual splendour.

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

The PS2 version of Rainbow Six 3 lacks in nearly every department: graphics, gameplay, multiplayer, and weapons selection.

The PSP is already blessed with great racing games, but what it doesn't have is a racer to satisfy those not interested in white-knuckle competition. Cars fills the niche perfectly.

The most obvious flaw in Grandia II is the music. It's pretty unpleasant, and often incongruous with the on-screen happenings.

World War 2 flavor strategic decision-making is the order of the day, and despite all of Strategic Command's quirks and flaws, the stew as a whole is quite tasty.

Polished and challenging, and the inclusion of the mission editor, new multiplayer options, and the new campaign for the British (which is quite good) make the tribulations well worth the trouble.

If its creepiness, truckload of style, and inventive concepts sound appealing, then by all means give it a shot. On the other hand, if you think the repetitive shooting, ho-hum puzzles, and inability to actively control your characters' movements will flip your smile upside down, then it might be best to avoid this in favor of another play through "Resident Evil 4" or "God of War."

Essentially, if you want to improve your chess and bring a competitive edge to it, this is the ideal pocket edition to carry round with you. The only complaint – and it’s a substantial one – is the lack of a save facility.

There are bosses with personality and the fighting is pointlessly gratifying enough to distract for long periods of time, but those hungry for some kind of innovation might be left a little cold here.

A pleasant surprise. The characters are amusing and a little different, the game is smoothly produced, and while it's somewhat derivative, it's still a lot of fun.

We can think of few shooters that capture so well the dynamics of modern combat. And we can think of even fewer that have managed to stand out with such a unique and compelling approach.

Falls a bit short. Still, a relatively compelling story, good flight controls, and a nod toward realism help block out the graphical glitches and penchant for system-crashing memory leaks.

The game hangs together well, and its surface simplicity belies hidden depths.

This type of game and this type of game system go together like oil and water.

Nothing here warrants shelling out for the game if you played it on another console, but if you missed out (and you want to play it on the Wii instead of picking up a cut-priced last-gen copy of Two Thrones) it'll keep you busy for the 12 or 15 hours the campaign will take you.

While Mr. Driller: Drill Spirits feels very different from your average block puzzle game, it doesn't offer much depth. However, its fast-paced action and tension will keep most entertained.

A classic shoot 'em up, plain and simple, and it's a damn good one.

If you've already grown weary of the series, Unchained definitely won't change your mind; but if you have a few more fatalities in you, pick it up. Who knows? Its unique, cathartic brand of violence may prevent a road-rage incident.

A good looking, fun romp, granted. It just lacks the necessary polish to make it anywhere near as fun as the games it clearly takes inspiration from. Not to mention the need for a learning curve that could be a tad smoother.

It's a cracking title, which makes excellent use of its 3D premise for genuine gameplay improvement. Its rendering of battlefields is superb and strategical, and ranks up there as one of the most enjoyable RTS titles we've been fortunate enough to play this year.

A completely over the top, politically incorrect title, laden with sexual innuendo, creative environments and one incredibly detailed trick system.

Hardcore opportunists and lone-wolf types have a vast cosmos to win here, but more casual gamers are advised to tread cautiously... to research, manufacture and carry a big stick.

The perfect game for obsessive fans of the comic franchise, those who never tire of senseless violence, and activists looking for scapegoats, but it simply doesn't have enough to offer anyone else.

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.

It may be a little too hard for some and the learning curve is definitely steep, but this is a game that's worth the effort.

Levels are brilliantly designed and there's always a mass of things for you to do when you first come into a new section of the game and you can approach the various tasks in whatever order you desire to some extent.

With a dash of humor and inspiration -- the two things Parallel Lines desperately needs -- this might have been a minor classic. Instead, it merely shows that attention to detail is nothing without a flash of life to drive the effort.

With such a disappointing new city course, Crazy Taxi 3 is a tough one to recommend if you're tired of the franchise already.

With only the occasional shark attack and violent thunderstorm disrupting the tranquillity of island life, the game doesn't have the same pace or urgency as, say, "Theme Hospital" or "Theme Park," but the task of setting-up and running grand holiday resorts is challenging enough to keep you engrossed for many an hour.

Crazy Taxi’s voices used to be fun...They’ve been replaced with some flat, bored-sounding clips that don’t come close to the original’s amusing, quotable lines.

A great idea that suffers from lack of execution. Finding out your brain power from a video game is genius; doing so by reading maze layouts or running from flashlights isn't.

A fairly generic expansion that adds a bit of content without really improving the core experience. It's OK for the hardcore fans, but if you had issues with Black and White 2, don't expect to see any of them resolved.

American role-playing veterans who aren't absolutely dying to do turn-based battles on their shiny new console are advised to wait for a true RPG killer app on 360 -- however long that's going to take.

It's absolutely worth it to breathe new life into Guitar Hero II. Because there's nothing quite so exhilarating as facing down a whole long list of new Guitar Hero songs to unlock, learn, practice, and perfect.

If you're trying to decide between "Test Drive: Off-Road" and this game, choose the former for a better racing experience but choose Evo for its wildly inventive courses and creative object-based missions.

Go ahead and say that EDF is repetitive, but we had more fun trying out the 150 weapons than in almost any other recent shooter. Every level is packed with pure, nerdy fun, and the five difficulty levels prodded us into taking new weapons back into early levels to see how we'd fare. Weak-kneed animations and silly dialogue made it that much better, just this once.

As a more portable take on the Star Wars experience, it won't disappoint most gamers. However, the unappealing space battles and paltry multiplayer options keep it from being a feather in the PlayStation Portable's cap.