Whether you sit down for three minutes or three hours, there is little to dislike here. Just be careful when playing -- it's quite easy to get a bit carried away with the stylus. It any game is going to test the durability of your DS's touch screen, this is it.

A role-playing game that's just a little more interesting than the rest of the fold.

This isn't a game of depth. This is quick football satisfaction and little else. Against a few friends over the weekend, Arena Football is an excellent diversion, but it won't replace "Madden" or even "NFL 2K5" until the weather turns cold again.

In all other ways besides control, Street Fighter Alpha 3 MAX is a 2D fight fan's dream come true. It's more than worth the struggle with the d-pad, as there's so much to love and immerse yourself in with this game.

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.

The best that can be said is Chibi-Robo may satisfy patient children. The rest of us will grow weary of the hurdles and slow text, and pull the plug to go looking for something else more our speed.

It's probably too much to ask that a single game capture all the nuances of a huge event like the Winter Olympics. But there isn't even the fun and spirit of gameplay that imbued the original "Track and Field," and that was on the Atari-bloody-2600! When a modern game is getting lapped by an 8-bit wonder, something is really rotten in... well, Torino isn't in Denmark, but you get the point

The inaccuracy of the swing and shot placement turns into a severe handicap for the game. True Swing Golf is passively entertaining, but won't suck anyone in as quickly or for as long as "Hot Shots" is able to.

With the new swing and throw systems we had a better time here than in any other recent baseball sim, and got more attached to created players than that old digital Nomar. MVP 06 NCAA Baseball proves that an excellent ball game is exactly that, no matter who's on the cover.

It's only January, but we already have an early favorite for 2006's Worst Game of the Year award. In terms of graphics, gameplay, sound, and most other categories, 25 to Life is so low on the totem it's underground.

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.

We've seen non-games like this before; the Dreamcast's "Seaman" comes to mind. Typically, they're fleeting novelties that burn out quickly. Electroplankton feels different, simply because it offers too much choice and unexpected surprises.

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.

The type of conversion we hoped to see on the handheld: There's virtually no degradation in quality, it's better than almost any console game in the genre, and it makes the platform look like gold.

More of a tech demo than a solid game. The engine is pretty and the characters look great, but it's sorely lacking in the gameplay department.

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

All told, this is a great package for the PSP that offers discrete slices of fun with every game.

The PSP now has a stylish, almost insufferably cute dose of action/puzzle gaming, and a world that will appeal to both sexes and all ages.

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.

Storming through the Power Tour mode in singles and doubles is an entertaining ride, and there's plenty of replay value with the multitude of unlocked minigames and characters.

It does right by the arcade sports genre in that respect, and has great control to boot. What it's lacking in other respects, however -- stats, modes, and variety -- keeps Super Mario Strikers from pulling off the hat-trick.

This is the sequel we should have had in the first place, and the simple fun of leaping from wall to wall is enough to overcome any lack of challenge or novelty.

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

It's not for everyone, of course, but for those looking to shed some weight or strengthen muscles, including your heart and mind, this title is an extraordinary one worth spending time with.

A linear game that simply doesn't feel linear, and that's a major achievement. By tightly focusing the action and constantly engaging the player, the developers have managed to make you feel a part of the action without holding your hand.

If your only complaint about the core game was that it still seemed too quick, too "deathmatchy," then Special Forces is just the reinforcement the Commander ordered.

It's disappointing that there's no option to enjoy the game at your own pace, as it can bring the game to a screeching halt. But otherwise, Double Trouble is a stellar example of how great games can be adapted for the Nintendo DS.

Ridge Racer 6's graphics may be pure 360 shininess, but the gameplay is from a generation ago... hell, two generations ago and that's generous.

Don't buy it hoping for a wonderful solo experience: Buy it because you want to spend hours fragging your buds on Xbox Live or working through a uniquely implemented cooperative campaign. It ain't perfect, but it's sure to please.

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.

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.

Most of the attraction was the aliens, though it was difficult to restrain the urge to lift them out of the genre-bound confines of Earth 2160 and into the groundbreaking RTS they deserve.

There's not enough action/platformer fiber, and even the young'uns may find themselves longing for the mini-game galaxy of Neopets.com.

A rather short, but thrilling ride. The plot is linear and there's virtually no replay value, but it's a hugely compelling ride thanks to the pure visceral nature of the experience.

A definite step up from the Underground brand, but make no mistake: It's still yet another Tony Hawk game. With Activision seemingly stuck on annual sequels and Neversoft's dedication to advancement, you'll see even more bugs than before.

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.

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.

A game that won't appeal to everyone; Calintz's girly ways alone may turn off a lot of people. However, if you're looking for an RPG with a great battle system, you'll definitely be a fan of Magna Carta: Tears of Blood.

Certainly one of the more imaginative games of the 360's launch line-up, Amped 3 impresses in both its stylish, off-the-wall presentation and its relaxed, laid-back gameplay.

Along with the AI issues, the handling between autos is a little suspect. Despite the fact that the game is loaded with exotic cars -- 36 to be exact -- they all seem to handle very much like one another. If there are differences, they're extremely subtle.

Madden is fun, no question. It looks wonderful, and the visual improvements make it a more entertaining game both for players and spectators.

Infected does get repetitive, there's no denying that. But the sheer action and stress-factor of clearing out mission areas, and the bloody, cartoonish joy of Bruce Campbell-ing your way through legions of splattering zombies to a Rawk soundtrack is probably more than you expected from a zombie-centric game in the first place.

While the plot and motivation spazzes out all over the place, linking the narratives of the animated series and the contemporary movie (literally highlighting different ages and generations), the gameplay is consistently solid.

Adding cop chases back to the franchise, retaining the free-roaming world setup from "Underground," and introducing the Speedbreaker are all welcome items.

It controls decently, has some good tracks, and looks and sounds like you'd hope a PSP racer would. The problem is that its main selling point -- the police dynamic -- is as much a negative as it is a positive, leaving it without a real means of distinguishing itself.

We love the ambition in this take on the Big Apple, but sometimes the inexpert mechanics just can't be ignored.

Some of the game's combat moves are very impressive, especially as you don't need to do anything particularly complex to pull them off.

It's vibrant and fast, easy to pick up, and as satisfying as a speeding hedgehog can possibly be in the long run.

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

A refreshingly good -- albeit a bit short -- movie-based game with a dose of ingenuity and plenty of memorable game-play moments for fans and action-adventure gamers alike.

From the creative track design to the expertly balanced difficulty levels, nearly everything about Mario Kart DS screams quality.

With GM mode, arguably the best season mode in wrestling, and expanded online play (four players in one match), it's basically impossible not to recommend Smackdown vs. Raw 2006 to any grappling gamers.

Don't expect challenging financial decisions or careful economic planning, but if all you want is to make your own movies, this game's awe-inspiringly varied toolset should not be missed.

This take on the Hogwarts crew is purely by the numbers, not at all emblematic of the magic wielded by the characters within.

It doesn't offer the same mission or weapon variety as its big brothers, but its portability and wireless multiplayer more than make up for those shortcomings. And like its counterpart on the PlayStation 2, it's one of the best first-person shooters for the PSP to date.

The quality story, strong voice acting, vast landscape, and competent combat make for an all round solid action-adventure experience.

This is great gaming, great art, and a great way to give yourself the creeps while fumbling around with the oddest virtual camera you've ever handled.

Comparing Lord of the Rings Tactics to "Metal Gear Solid" -- another turn-based, tactical PSP title with a famous franchise attached -- this game comes out on top in almost every way.

For a game that manages to capture the look and personality of Viewtiful Joe, Red Hot Rumble is strangely demanding and uncompromising.

PlayStation2 owners should revel in the fact that Path of Neo looks and feels best on their console. While Sony's hardware generates a relatively smooth framerate, the Xbox suffers a real stuttering problem, and the PC has an absolutely terrible control set.

Hidden underneath the heroine's cute, sly smile is a solid helping of classic Rare goodness, just waiting to burst forth. Layer on the excellent combat system, beautiful visuals, and an orchestral score, and you've got a game well worth checking out.

Guitar Hero effortlessly tops the charts in terms of music/rhythm games -- and not just because the controller, gameplay, and song list are all flawless. It shoots to number one with a bullet because you actually feel and look cool playing it.

Gamers on the go will undoubtedly enjoy this huge game with seemingly endless variety.

For new players or rabid fanatics, Mario Party 7 is a respectable addition to the series. But for anyone expecting to have a great time with less than four people, this release can kill the party instead of starting it.

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.

An overly liner, repetitive action game with very little personality.

It captures the thrills of the original, and spices up a few areas while adding some new things. Unfortunately, space battles drag down the total package; but at least it's trying something different.

There is one reason to look into this dim sequel: it packs in "Turtles in Time," the excellent four-player arcade release from over a decade back.

More than anything else, Big Red One is all about throwing players into war individually, and letting them feel the despair, noise, and thrill of coming out the other side alive.

Maybe being a villain isn't all that the brochure promised, but those giddy early levels and powerful later ones just might make the middle slog worthwhile.

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.

A mess of a game. It's not even a game, more like a slow, rotting death. No matter how great your love for George Romero, no matter how overpowering your curiosity, there is no reason to look twice at Land of the Dead. Do not walk away. Run.

Rather than creating a new system to go with the new engine, the developers tried to shoehorn the classic control scheme into the new game.

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

When something is this well done, just because you've seen it all before doesn't mean it's not worth seeing again.

It's the co-op mode which really shines. Sadly, co-op must be entered through the menu rather than by plugging in an extra controller, but the mode is a total success regardless.

A mediocre medley.

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.

Offering 20 characters, 16 levels, and a ton of replay value, this title is great for kids and adults alike, and shouldn't be dismissed as a mere licensed game (or "merchandise") -- it's the real deal.

An amazing shooter, reviving the 2D gameplay. It's disappointing to see co-op multiplayer missing and a few more levels really would've been nice, but Super Heroes will still save the day for just about anyone with a GBA or DS.

It's definitely a Trim Spa version of the absorbing, deeply time-devouring PC gem, but Battlefield 2: Modern Combat is a solid, balanced action game that lets players fight the battle on their own slightly conceded terms.

Liberty City Stories stands out on the PlayStation Portable like an elephant in a henhouse, and puts almost every other PSP game -- especially console ports -- to shame.

It's the ultimate in meta-gaming. Playing yourself playing yourself and it's worth the purchase, because it's different enough, even if you just spent the past year sitting in a computer chair playing a character sitting in his computer chair.

The boards look very similar. A few more would've been great, too. All things considered, Metroid Prime Pinball is a fun little game that is great for players 7 to 107.

While the cars could use a greater sense of mass, it's smooth racing with a decent framerate even when things on the track get hairy (and this is when they're most fun).

Age of Empires III would be a damn fine RTS if it came out five years ago. Instead, it's some impressive modern technology and bold gameplay ideas unfortunately saddled by an outdated take on the genre.

Original, gripping, and outstandingly produced, Shadow of the Colossus is not to be missed.

Ultimately, the problem with Jak X is that the underlying game is utterly generic. Strip away all of the characters and you're left with a racing game that borrows from the genre, but doesn't give anything back.

Quick bouts are enjoyable enough, but once you have your head around the novel betting structure, The Con doesn't give you enough to get your teeth into, long-term.

There's no question that X-Men Legends II is an improvement on its console predecessors -- now it's even better with a PSP version, so you can take your mayhem with you.

A definite step up from the Underground brand, but make no mistake: It's still yet another Tony Hawk game.

Thankfully, the game's humor and action overcomes the technical glitches. The brain-crunching animations are so much fun that, coupled with the peoples' cries for help, it's easy to get lost in Punchbowl, even as you realize that there's not much there.

Some of the best brawling seen in this console generation, as well as slick presentation, varied gameplay, and an unbeatable depiction of gang life pre-gangsta rap.

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.

Blitz: The League is functional, fun, *!#$ed-up fantasy football with enough humor, style, and faux "edge" to keep even the least gridiron-minded among us entertained with its raunchy excess.

The only flaw is that it didn't go the extra mile -- but with a series of this pedigree, that isn't much to complain about.

Since the storyline is very linear, there's not a lot of replay value to Phoenix Wright, making it best served for a long trip. Even so, only the player most determined to resist Mr. Wright's charms will be able to object to the game's finer points.

The hyper-aggressive cops, touchy crashes, and thick traffic all work against the player. They don't heighten the rush. These elements just stop the game dead and make it a chore.