It's ultimately disappointing that the best Sony could do with their advanced hardware is a poor man's version of a Game Boy game ["Advance Wars"]. But, hey, at least you can play it online.

Despite controls that take some getting used to, it translates very well to the PSP and proves a truly classic game can withstand the test of time.

In the spirit of generosity, we'll offer that there's about 30 minutes of entertainment to be had.

There's simply not that much to say. After all, it's freakin' ping pong.

And while the game generally looks and sounds just fine, you'll come away thinking about the interminably dull dialogue passages and unconvincing characters.

Like many games of this style, there is some vague, half-guilty pleasure in the mechanical repetitiveness of the game's combat. But ultimately, X-Men is in the time-honored tradition of licensed games -- rushed, derivative, and well worth avoiding.

Like many games of this style, there is some vague, half-guilty pleasure in the mechanical repetitiveness of the game's combat. But ultimately, X-Men is in the time-honored tradition of licensed games -- rushed, derivative, and well worth avoiding.

Like many games of this style, there is some vague, half-guilty pleasure in the mechanical repetitiveness of the game's combat. But ultimately, X-Men is in the time-honored tradition of licensed games -- rushed, derivative, and well worth avoiding.

Like many games of this style, there is some vague, half-guilty pleasure in the mechanical repetitiveness of the game's combat. But ultimately, X-Men is in the time-honored tradition of licensed games -- rushed, derivative, and well worth avoiding.

Like many games of this style, there is some vague, half-guilty pleasure in the mechanical repetitiveness of the game's combat. But ultimately, X-Men is in the time-honored tradition of licensed games -- rushed, derivative, and well worth avoiding.

And while the game generally looks and sounds just fine, you'll come away thinking about the interminably dull dialogue passages and unconvincing characters.

The new additions -- in particular the power-ups -- struggle to justify their inclusion, but they also keep the game from feeling like too much of a retread. It's unlikely that anyone will put this at the top of his or her list of favorite Mario games.

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.

While it has its flaws, it's paced well, full of action, and managed to keep us smiling all the way to the end. With a tweak here and a polish there, Ritual could really be onto something good. Bring on part two.

Genre-hopping games can be notoriously difficult, but with Spellforce 2, Phenomic has hit the nail... well, not quite on the head, but certainly in its general vicinity

A demanding and gratifying shooter that brings a new level of seriousness to the Ghost Recon franchise. And, perhaps more importantly, restores it to the good graces of PC owners. Provided they've got the horsepower.

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.

While the symbol-drawing controls and cunning elemental system are deep and enjoyable, the rest of the game drags it down to a level of tedium from which even the competent multiplayer can't rescue it.

Pretty much what you'd expect from another sequel. No more, no less.

The series' simplified gameplay takes a step backwards with Total Destruction, and the overall experience is decidedly mediocre. But sometimes, after a hard day of work, you just want to knock over a skyscraper.

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.

The series' simplified gameplay takes a step backwards with Total Destruction, and the overall experience is decidedly mediocre. But sometimes, after a hard day of work, you just want to knock over a skyscraper.

Dreamfall is a masterpiece of storytelling, and almost lives up to its illustrious predecessor.

This is one of the best stories in gaming since "Planescape Torment," and Zoe is one of the best leads, male or female. Her tale is as gripping as it is beautifully presented.

The technical issues are frustrating to be sure, but Brain Age is a surprisingly engaging puzzle non-game.

It's unlikely to tempt many current MMO addicts away from their regular poison, but if you've been looking for something that requires less commitment or organization it might be just the ticket. Auto Assault is the MMORPG for people who don't have time for MMORPGs.

With the jump to Xbox 360, Lady Croft feels right at home in a more beautiful world with better control and the same brain-twisting puzzles and level designs that made you drool over the series in the first place. Oh, and she's still smokin' hot.

While it doesn't have as complete a package as "Ghost Recon," it will satisfy those with tastes that run more to instant action, vehicle-based shooters.

You've never played anything like this, which may make it worth checking out for many gamers. Just be prepared for fits of frustration and an unnecessary microphone mechanic. Odama may win the battle of innovation, but it also loses the war for being considered a great game.

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

Only the Sabotage online mode, where teams attempt to interrogate rivals for parts of a six-number code, stands out as unique. One mode won't win the war, much less our gaming money for the month.

Only the Sabotage online mode, where teams attempt to interrogate rivals for parts of a six-number code, stands out as unique. One mode won't win the war, much less our gaming money for the month.

You'll cry for training wheels at first, but the elation of mastering the game's techniques is its own reward. This is a great start to a Gran Turismo off-shoot.

Only the Sabotage online mode, where teams attempt to interrogate rivals for parts of a six-number code, stands out as unique. One mode won't win the war, much less our gaming money for the month.

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.

We probably shouldn't be too surprised that Russia emphasizes repetitive action over character and style: it's just following lessons learned on the big screen.

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.

An adventure game that could have been much more if players weren't preoccupied with the game's poor voice acting and bugs. That said, if you're itching to play a new point-and-click PC adventure with good puzzles, you might not be disappointed with this sub-$30 game.

It has an uncanny appreciation for the nuances of real tennis. It's smart and unforgiving.

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

This is a wonderful synthesis of elements. Kingdom Hearts II is all about story, character, and the recreation of classic fantasies, and it excels at all.

Ultimately, the biggest flaw with Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers is polish. Everything here works decently enough, but it all feels like minor tweaks as opposed to major innovation.

Whether it's a licensed track by Moby or Timo Maas, or a Bemani original such as Genom Screams or the Shining Polaris, the selections vary in style, speed, and genre.

Plenty of Bruckheimer-style action, a decent suite of multiplayer options, strong visuals, and a variety-packed single-player mode. Derivative it might be, both of past Far Cry games and other FPSes, but there's still no arguing with the quality of this offering.

Warrior's Code is better looking and sounding than the original, but it doesn't really play any differently. It's still a long slog through thousands of enemies without many distinguishing characteristics.

It's puzzling and disappointing that the single-player game seems as neglected as it does, but it's a basically solid, pretty package with some new diversions for veterans. Enter the ring knowing it's a "v1.5" rather than a true "2.0," and you won't feel sucker-punched.

Empires provides equal portions of action and strategy, and dishes out an adventure that will gleefully eat up huge chunks of players' time.

The DS game supports the touch screen for mini-map movement as well as weapon selection, but suffers from a lower resolution and a restricted display area. The PSP game looks much prettier, but requires more button presses to navigate.

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

The game itself is an uneven mishmash of fighting, driving, and shooting. Call it Grand Theft Goodfellas; if someone took Rockstar Games' popular Grand Theft Auto series, moved its setting to New York, and then sent it via the Wayback machine to post-World War II New York, the result would be The Godfather.

The game itself is an uneven mishmash of fighting, driving, and shooting. Call it Grand Theft Goodfellas; if someone took Rockstar Games' popular Grand Theft Auto series, moved its setting to New York, and then sent it via the Wayback machine to post-World War II New York, the result would be The Godfather.

In a refreshing change of pace, the story in Suikoden V is what kept us playing; typically it's the best reason to quit an RPG.

This is a Katamari game in all its glory, only a bit truncated. It doesn't have the longevity or the broad appeal of its predecessors, but it has the basic spirit, which is what counts.

If we hadn't spent so much time recently with the superb "Syphon Filter," maybe the deficiencies wouldn't be so glaring. But once you've seen PSP stealth done right, there's no going back.

Speaking of modes, Karaoke Revolution Country really outdoes itself in this department as the game features a handful of solo and multiplayer game modes, and mini-games (including a silly voice-controlled beach volleyball diversion). For example, single-player options include a QuickPlay mode (pick a song and venue and get to it), Karaoke (no scoring), and Medley (select the number of sequential songs to sing through).

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.

Sim Tower is over a decade old, and looks it. But if you're looking for something a little more cerebral to play on your GBA (or your DS, for that matter), Tower perfectly captures the timeless, relaxing fun of building something vast and complicated, and sitting back and watching it work.

The game itself is an uneven mishmash of fighting, driving, and shooting. Call it Grand Theft Goodfellas; if someone took Rockstar Games' popular Grand Theft Auto series, moved its setting to New York, and then sent it via the Wayback machine to post-World War II New York, the result would be The Godfather.

If you had anything particularly pressing to be doing at any point over the next few months, it's time to cancel it. Bethesda's much-anticipated fantasy action RPG Oblivion is every bit the game it promised to be, with stunning visuals and vast amounts of engrossing, well-designed gameplay.

The painstaking attention to detail, outstanding worldcrafting, and inspired AI make it a huge improvement; and there wasn't all that much wrong with "Morrowind" to begin with. Oblivion is a stunning game -- don't miss it.

Wickedly addictive -- just like the original -- and the wifi element works extremely well. It's an irresistible package, and a win for puzzle fans.

Metroid Prime Hunters is simply amazing: It lives up to the pedigree of the series, the graphics are unbelievable, and it's the first truly excellent portable first-person shooter. It delivers in both single- and multiplayer in a way few games ever have.

That sense of design pervades Dark Mirror, making it the best shooter yet released for the PSP. Don't be put off by the learning curve, which demands a bit more effort at the front than most action titles. Once Syphon Filter's rhythms are familiar, you'll find depth and replayability in spades.

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.

Even without the compelling multiplayer, Daxter is the best platformer available on the PSP, and a fantastic extra chapter for the series.

Subsistence is easily the greatest same-gen remake ever, besting the Xbox GTA ports, "DOA Ultimate," "Ninja Gaiden Black," and even "Metal Gear 2: Substance."

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.

Devotees of multiplayer shooters will lap up Advanced Warfighter; single-player gamers won't be quite as enthralled. But in either mode, it's a gorgeous and atmospheric play, and just a little more time in boot camp would have made it into something really outstanding.

If you're envying all the fun your buddies are having with their 360s and Advanced Warfighter, you're better off staying with "Halo 2" and the recent "Far Cry: Instincts" than springing for this -- you'll be in for a disappointment.

Think of Pursuit Force as a cross between "Burnout Legends" and "GTA: Liberty City Stories," though it doesn't quite reach the quality level of those two.

With plenty of action, great visuals, lots of replay value and overall refinement, this is a winner both for newcomers and fans of the series. And while the game wraps up pretty cleanly, there's plenty of material for another adventure.

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.

It's certainly a deep, well-made blast from the past, but its pacing issues can't be easily discounted.

While Battle for Middle Earth 2 has taken a step back from its more avant-garde predecessor, it's a welcome one. If it wasn't for the woefully sub-par AI, this game would earn an easy, unreserved recommendation. But rolling over the AI time and time again in single-player just gets old, and if you don't have the appetite for online play, you'll end up pushing it to the back of the drawer and hoping for a patch.

It's got some great physics that come into play during the game, but relies most on rapid-fire gameplay that only lets up to make you sweat even more.

Quite simply, Ys isn't good enough to make it worth the pain in the butt of the constant loading. It's designed to play fast and easy, but on the PSP, it's a staccato exercise in waiting before you're allowed to do a few very simple things.

So if you're looking to give SWAT 4 a bit more longevity, your $20 will go a long way with Stetchkov Syndicate, but sadly not as far as it could have gone.

Street Supremacy may be pretty cool for its strategic twist, but when actually getting behind the wheel is so ponderous and unengaging, then for all you care, those other gangs can just have Tokyo.

With the slightly worn graphics engine and the advances of EA's "NCAA" -- notably the analog throwing and batting -- it's impossible to call The Show the best baseball title on the market. It is, however, a wonderfully well-built game that has all manner of detail to please every conceivable baseball fan.

For the most part the commentary is on target and better than most.

The economic model is robust enough to keep things interesting and the complexities of running a business will keep players hopping.

A multiplayer component is absent and the AI is a little ridiculous at times; but like a good action film, Black hits you hard and fast, leaving an impact you won't soon forget.

Younger DS owners, especially female ones, will lap it right up, finding the challenge level and frequent save points a good fit.

The great control, realistic physics, and abundance of tracks give MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On The Edge a lot to boast about.

Have your driving your way, while still getting enough substance and structure that doesn't feel like a mere test drive.

A thoroughly welcome development of an established game style, and is well worth your money.

Why not make a game starring Sonic and only Sonic, where he's running around on his own two legs, without any weapons besides his own body, in an action/platformer? Crazy? Yes, but it just might work.

Has everything you could hope for in a DS Monkey Ball: lots of stages, great mini-games, and nice presentation. The less-than-perfect control and the over-saturation of new Monkey Ball iterations, however, make it less attractive to the gaming masses.

A game with no surprises and a superficial combat model, but giant robot fetishists and long-time series fans at least have one less reason to complain.

Sorry, RF Online: Life's too short to play a mediocre MMOG.

Why not make a game starring Sonic and only Sonic, where he's running around on his own two legs, without any weapons besides his own body, in an action/platformer? Crazy? Yes, but it just might work.

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

Between the supreme visual polish and deep, excellent play, this is the uncontested champ.

A spectacular boxing game that moves beyond a lot of the systems prior limitations.

It's another throwaway shooter with bad AI, forgettable single player levels, and glib unremarkable multiplayer options. Here lies Rainbow Six. Rest in peace, while we go reinstall "Raven Shield."

While the ground stages don't quite match the rest of the game's quality, there's still something superbly delightful about marching a group of AT-ATs into battle, or commanding a fleet of star destroyers, or chopping up stormtroopers with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Empire at War captures these emotions perfectly, and backs them up with a robust large-scale strategic game and no end of single and multiplayer content.

While this is certainly a playable game, and sometimes even fun and challenging, it crucially fails to immerse players in the world of street art and culture. Instead, it simply appropriates the superficial aspects to make yet another passable action title.

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.