It's not a totally new slant on the genre, but a very slick refinement... Don't leave the girls of Dead or Alive 4 waiting; you'll regret it in more ways than one.

Launch issues aside, there's absolutely no reason why any World of Warcraft player should hesitate to pick it up. Consider it essential.

The artificial intelligence of the drivers is brilliant. Your computer-controlled opposing numbers are absolutely cutthroat at their best, burying you whenever an opportunity presents itself. But what's most impressive about the computer drivers is their restraint.

Doesn't really have any significant flaws beyond the odd moment of frustration and the occasional gimmicky voodoo power. It's beautifully presented, full of imagination, and delightfully off-the-wall.

One of the most innovative games we've seen in years...It delivers all the immersion, innovation, and entertainment you can ask for.

The new additions on the DS blend in seamlessly with the original game and the end result is fantastic.

Yes, it's a World War II shooter, but it's not just any WWII shooter -- until there's a revolutionary leap in the genre, this stands as the most polished, intense, and atmospheric war shooter for the living room, bar none.

Truly the best NASCAR package for console racing fans. Regardless of your console, NASCAR gamers need look no further.

It's an ingenious mix of resource management, micromanagement, action, RPG elements, tactics, strategy, innovation, and good old-fashioned D&D atmosphere.

It's just too original, funny, and innovative to ignore.

While it's not any kind of gameplay revolution, it's the best, most polished and creepiest of the series.

The competition may have a few small details and features over Sega, but no one can touch this gameplay. With subtle but effective tweaks made to all areas of the offensive and defensive games, ESPN NFL is certainly the toughest and most satisfying simulation currently available.

Every aspect of the game feels polished and ready to go, whether it's the single-player story, the online multiplayer, the numerous unlockables, or the custom mapmaker. This is one of those rare Jack-of-all-trades that has actually mastered them all.

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.

Every aspect of the game feels polished and ready to go, whether it's the single-player story, the online multiplayer, the numerous unlockables, or the custom mapmaker. This is one of those rare Jack-of-all-trades that has actually mastered them all.

Just about the only bad thing about Madden NFL 2004 is the bar that it sets. EA Sports has one hell of a challenge waiting in the wings, trying to improve on a masterful title like this.

Warlords is just the kind of expansion that a game as open-ended and infinitely replayable as Civilization IV needs: one that adds enough new stuff, while also changing up the basics so thoroughly, that you might as well be playing a whole new game.

Has the appeal of a 2D run-and-jumper and inflates the action to a surprisingly 3D world with a groundbreaking degree of fluidity.

Firaxis shows an impressively consistent grasp of what to abstract and what to detail, and a remarkable talent for presenting large-scale strategic challenges in a format that's easy to digest.

Look up "video game" in the dictionary, and Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin should be pictured on the page.

The look and sound of the game is tremendous. There is a real sensation of taking part in something real here, an excitement that somehow isn't present when dealing with the professional franchises in the Madden series.

By ditching tired and overdone conventions and replacing them with a new theme and a more action-heavy style, Capcom has created a half-familiar, half-original masterpiece of atmosphere and menace.

Largely an upgrade on the original, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is still one of the most polished and imaginative escapades we've played. Like a blockbuster movie, the tale delivers on almost every count from dazzling pyrotechnics to deft storytelling.

The level of work that went into this game is way beyond the norm. It's obvious that no expense was spared in making Def Jam Fight For NY a big-time title... It's one the most polished fighting games available.

EA Sports has nailed everything fans love about the college football experience, making it equal to their flagship "Madden."

An addicting synergy of videogaming, competition and physical activity, DDRMAX2 is an enjoyable game that can be played by just about anyone. Sure, the core concept is simplistic, but that doesn't mean it isn't good.

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

Whether or not you grab the new hardware, there is no question that the stand-alone Rock Band 2 game is worth its $60 price tag. Heck, you'd pay twice that just to download the 84 new songs; toss in the new online functionality, Battle of the Bands and the Drum Trainer and you get another desert island classic.

"FIFA" may continue to entice football fans who live in action-adventure mode, but for the purist and realist, there's no better footie than this.

Happens to have a fantastic storyline backing it up, mixed with what's proving to be some of the most enjoyable gameplay to be seen this year.

It seems to be improved for being on a console - third person games have always worked better with a decent gamepad, and this one is no exception.

A fantastic sequel.

It may be short on innovation, which is surprising with close challengers like Konami's "Enthusia" and Microsoft's "Forza" in the pipeline, but racing enthusiasts won't be disappointed.

Excellent deep portable gaming across the board.

Seeing the innumerable changes and tune-ups to the game engine and the rules, you get the sense that World of Warcraft is a finely-tuned machine that its makers just can't stop tinkering with in an obsessive effort to keep it fresh, relevant, and above all, fun. For now, mission accomplished.

If you're already a Guild Wars player, Nightfall is worth it for the story, continent, professions, and heroes. If you're new, Nightfall is the best installment so far, and a great place to start with this deservedly ultra successful MMO.

With simple, yet bright and beautiful graphics, enveloping sound effects, a suite of new areas to explore, and the same addicting gameplay as its predecessor, Pikmin 2 is brilliant.

When all's said and done, it's the combat that matters -- and in that regard, Soul Calibur III most certainly delivers.

This is not a short game and once you've started you'll never want it to end.

It's an absolute monster, with tons of power while simultaneously possessing impressive agility.

Striking a balance between cinematic, story-based gaming and free-roaming fun is harder than most people realize, and True Crime manages to pull it off in a way that brings excitement, challenge, and even a few laughs here and there (some of the voice work, particularly that of one Mr. Walken, is priceless).

While it can't touch the haunting potency of survival-horror classics like "Silent Hill" or "Resident Evil" (thanks to the scare-dispelling power of a semi-automatic shotgun and a belt-full of grenades), it makes up with more adrenaline-pumping moments of sheer destructive glee than anything else on the market.

With excellent visuals, varied and entertaining gameplay, quality acting, and a compelling mix of action and stealth -- not to mention the catalogue of extras -- it would be great value at $50, let alone the budget price of $30 that it's retailing for.

An excellent basketball game. It offers loads of gameplay, solid physics, unparalleled animations, and terrific graphics. It would be a bargain at $50, let alone the $20 it's selling for.

Unless you've got friends willing to pass as potential victims, it's about a day's worth of cheap thrills. But those seeking a suitable multiplayer scrap should find themselves in good shape with this one.

An extremely entertaining RPG and one I see myself returning to over and over, even after some 60 hours clocked.

One of the most important reason[s] that Dungeon Siege is such an improvement over its action RPG predecessors is that the interface is just downright perfect.

It's no "Baldur's Gate II," nor is it a "Planescape: Torment," but the way things are going it's the closest we're likely to get this century.

At its core, Tony Hawk's Underground is still the best skateboarding game out there and it's much more than "Tony Hawk 4" ever was. That being said, while some of the new features are great, others just aren't up to the level of quality that we've come to expect from Neversoft.

Animal Crossing on DS is as addictive as ever. What it lacks -- multiple homeowners, NES games, boating to the island -- it makes up for with wireless multiplayer, touch screen control, and the little additions.

EA Sports has nailed everything fans love about the college football experience, making it equal to their flagship "Madden." So quit waiting -- it's time to hit the field.

Loading times are near-absent, the interface and controls have few flaws, and you're always kept clear on where to go next. Compelling, imaginative, and rewarding.

Aside from the damage, Rallisport 2's physics are impeccable, and a definite improvement over the first game.

Mercenaries is what we play video games for -- it's that simple. It's action-packed, outlandish, violent, often humorous, and makes nicey-nice to the creatively thinking player.

Simply a great game. Even without the supreme visual polish of the 360, this is the uncontested champ.

Committed Guild Wars players will probably have bought it already -- if you haven't taken the plunge yet, it's the perfect opportunity to try this unique and beautiful game.

Largely an upgrade on the original, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is still one of the most polished and imaginative escapades we've played. Like a blockbuster movie, the tale delivers on almost every count from dazzling pyrotechnics to deft storytelling.

It's definitely an evolutionary step rather than something highly original, but even those who weren't enamored with earlier Splinter Cell titles should try out this more open-ended gameplay style.

Judged against its peers, Burnout Revenge sets the standard for breakneck speed and destruction in the action racing arena. Anyone new to the series should rush out and add this to their collection.

For our money, the crown jewel of the bunch is the most atypical boss battle we've seen in a long time -- a long, absorbing, drawn-out, paranoid, grueling sniper duel of attrition, spanning three maps, and requiring all the focus and patience you can muster.

MTS will provide hours of deeply immersive entertainment. Those not seeking that experience are gently urged to look elsewhere.

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.

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.

Original, addictive, and mesmerizing, Lumines is good enough to make a case for the PSP all by itself.

It's a real pleasure to see Rainbow Six given such royal treatment, particularly if you're a fan of the series. But even if you just like gunplay, this is a great time for shooter fans, whose embarrassment of riches just got even more embarrassing.

While it was easy to shut off the first game only to come back later and forget where you were, MGA2 keeps the objectives close by and your motivation memorable.

We're floored by the effort; if EA Sports can fix a few minor niggles and implement ongoing audiovisual upgrades, we expect big things from the series.

Some will be tempted to dismiss Advanced Warfighter 2 as an extended mission pack for the first game rather than a proper sequel. But from a solo perspective, there's no contest: GRAW2 delivers a much tighter and more polished experience. Online, it's a little less clear-cut, but the new set of maps, weapons, and tweaks will make it an attractive proposition for those hooked on the original's high-caliber offerings.

A stunning game. Graphics, sound and online play benefit the most from the treatment, but there isn't an aspect of gameplay that hasn't received attention, making this the most comprehensive slapshot sim available.

Madden 2005 is a benchmark in football simulations, because for the first time, it implements a realistic, versatile, hard-hitting defensive game that will pin you to the chair like a 300lb tackle.

If you're one of those many people who continue to pine for a Square RPG on your favourite Nintendo handheld, then rejoice because your prayers have damn near been answered with this game.

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

The addition of Xbox Live and the fact that you can play with four players in battle mode means that owners of both PS2 and Xbox should definitely be leaning towards this one.

Michaels, probably the best voice in football, takes the microphone with gusto and professionalism. He's recorded his lines, and they do get repetitive, but his delivery is steady and easy on the ears.

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.

An excellent basketball game. It offers loads of gameplay, solid physics, unparalleled animations, and terrific graphics. It would be a bargain at $50, let alone the $20 it's selling for.

By far the biggest game in the series. Gamers who aren't turned off by the nefarious and illegal activities will find this to be one of the most engrossing games ever produced.

Sure, it would have been nice to see a little work on the on-rails AI or the same-old single-player, but as an online racer and a graphical showcase for Microsoft's new machine, PGR3 dazzles.

For console-only gamers, Valve's masterpiece is the definition of innovation and an unequivocal must-buy.

That break-the-mold game that longtime players of the franchise have been waiting for. And if you're already a street-rag reader, you have permission and reason to drool - just keep it off the AirFlow controller, please.

Despite the staid atmosphere, Links is the fairway to hit if you're just in this for a round of golf. Especially if you want to play that round online... with voice and three of your friends.

It successfully marries open-world shenanigans with a great story, a “Witcher”-sized challenge, and keeps it humming with smart, addictive combat against a tide of brilliant enemies. Our species might lack good judgment from time to time, but “Horizon” proves we’re still worth saving.

It's generous, detailed, and brainy. If you want cheap thrills, there are some great real-time strategy games out there -- this isn't one of them. But if you want something from the other end of the spectrum that plays unlike anything else, this is the game for you.

And at least until Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite steps into the fight, you’ll want to come back to Injustice 2. It’s the complete package — beautiful, nuanced, and inviting — and though it trips up a little with its short, uninspired Story, it more than makes up for it with the most rewarding superhero power fantasy this side of Batkid.

What's so great about the game, apart from it looking and sounding so good on PS2, is the course design that you get to sample.

Online play is an easy oversight to overlook, though. The single-player game is as tight as any platformer around, and the presentation is so far beyond what we've seen before that you simply can't afford to pass it up. The future is bright, indeed.

Much more user-friendly and action-oriented than their "Romance" series, Tactics throws you right into battle early and often; turn-based strategy fans will surely love this one.

Playing Battle Realms is simply a joy. It's a real-time strategy title that doesn't bog you down in its details, it doesn't carry the ponderous weight of less refined titles, and leaves you with that genuinely satisfied feeling you get from playing a superbly crafted and balanced title.

The biggest, pervasive plus of Mercenaries is the raw, gleeful destruction options open to you. This is exactly the kind of stuff your parents don't like about video games.

Get past the slightly dated presentation and you'll find a game that's as involving as the best current RPGs.

In the end though, what really makes Crypto-138 stand out from the pack is the combination of solid controls and side-splitting humor. It may not be politically correct, but it's going to keep you entertained.

A simple joy to play. There's little about it that isn't excellent, polished, authentic rallying of the highest standard, with the graphics, sound, and above all handling to back up its well-respected license.

Striking a balance between cinematic, story-based gaming and free-roaming fun is harder than most people realize, and True Crime manages to pull it off in a way that brings excitement, challenge, and even a few laughs here and there (some of the voice work, particularly that of one Mr. Walken, is priceless).

Its regimented take on open-world gaming is surprisingly well handled, and Hopkins' quest to put order to what is the Wild West of education, has been built with enough loving care that players will be compelled to follow it to its natural conclusion.

There's an awful lot of gaming to be had here. While the updated version of the first Dead or Alive is only worthwhile for nostalgia's sake, the revamped DOA2 is a graphical masterpiece, and a blast to play online.

Few games have so much gameplay, let alone provide a setting and atmosphere that tell a captivating story. That said, Metroid Prime is an acquired taste.

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 wholly successful attempt to create a fully character-based game. It's fun and engrossing, and more than strong enough to stand against darker, more difficult games aimed to please a jaded, older audience.