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.

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

It lacks any compelling features and gameplay decisions are trite, obvious, or both. Life is tedious enough without games like ER.

Glyphyx bit off a little more than it could chew, as the bugs and hiccups show. Still, the developer dishes out a thrilling tale with varied gameplay that will keep you immersed through the end.

If you're looking to make a long-term commitment to a strategy role-playing game, then Sacred Stones is as wise an investment as you can make.

It's worth mentioning that WarioWare: Twisted is best on the original Game Boy Advance because of its one-piece architecture, but you won't be disappointed regardless of which Nintendo handheld you play it on.

As it is, it still has much to commend, but its peculiar design choices make it difficult to enjoy to its full potential.

In the same league as the disposable horror flicks that fill video shelves and late-night cable. It's not particularly frightening, but good atmosphere and short-lived twitch satisfaction is enough to sustain interest for a while.

A welcome change of pace for horror games. It's tightly focused, suspenseful, and fosters a strong sense of personality.

This game is a brave try, but most players will regard it as a step backwards from the previous game.

Never before has the Jedi experience been this visceral and accessible at the same time, and Revenge of the Sith has something for hardcore fans and curious onlookers alike. The Force is strong with this one.

Never before has the Jedi experience been this visceral and accessible at the same time, and Revenge of the Sith has something for hardcore fans and curious onlookers alike. The Force is strong with this one.

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.

The game's foundation is unshakable, and the endearing style adds just enough touches to make the game addictive.

Customization, handling, presentation, AI, damage, multiplayer: Forza hits the bull's-eye time after time. Although it doesn't have quite the bewildering range of cars as "Gran Turismo 4," Forza is its equal in gameplay, its superior in AI, and adds the online play "GT4" lacked.

With more polish, a better campaign, and a little more attention to detail, it could have been a real winner. In the end, it's creative and novel, but its flaws prevent an unreserved recommendation.

Whether you challenge specific favorite opponents or get a random one through the game's matching service, you'll be presented with one of the best squad-level strategy games out there... and you'll be constantly checking your email for the arrival of the next turn.

If tedious leveling up, dull combat, or uninspired player vs. player gaming are your quibbles with today's massively multiplayer offerings, Guild Wars is the cure.

But fans of the first Empire Earth are going to find a much improved game here, while veterans of the genre will be impressed by the new concepts.

After the bloodcurdlingly imaginative Resident Evil 4, this add-on to Outbreak barely qualifies as a legitimate expansion of the story's classic mode of play. We screamed for voice chat and better AI after the initial release, but those cries have gone unheard.

Dialogue is fantastic. The script's professionally written. Foul language is common, yet used in the appropriate context. Weapons come off as carefully balanced, and won't disappoint.

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.

Dialogue is fantastic. The script's professionally written. Foul language is common, yet used in the appropriate context. Weapons come off as carefully balanced, and won't disappoint.

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.

Weird, funny, immensely playable, and has that nigh-unclassifiable thing we can only call charm.

Weird, funny, immensely playable, and has that nigh-unclassifiable thing we can only call charm.

Unfortunately, the control isn't anywhere near at tight as the previous PS2 games, and you'll often find yourself overcompensating and weaving around the track. It doesn't ruin the game, but it makes it harder than it was designed to be.

The new perspective works excellently and the added buildings and units are welcome. It's a shame some of the old problems, like the unconvincing AI, are still around, but the intricate economy and unusual siege play make it stand out.

This isn't merely an evolution of the franchise -- this is Unreal with the dial turned up to 11.

Much like Dante and "Devil May Cry 2," let's hope this is just a sophomore slump, and this series will come back stronger in a future installment. If not, it truly is dead to rights.

Enthralling and beautiful, Jade Empire melds adrenaline-inducing combat with a compelling RPG structure perfectly. Here's an RPG that anyone can enjoy -- Jade Empire is sheer pleasure.

Much like Dante and "Devil May Cry 2," let's hope this is just a sophomore slump, and this series will come back stronger in a future installment. If not, it truly is dead to rights.

Tuners can go crazy creating a fully customized garage, and pure race fans can get off on the sense of speed.

Tuners can go crazy creating a fully customized garage, and pure race fans can get off on the sense of speed.

It falls short in a few areas, and the missing tilt-sensor is a disappointment, but puzzle fans with patience and those into heavy metals would still do well to give this one a roll.

By building gameplay around non-lethal weapons, they've honored not only the police they're modeling, but the power of guns.

It's a shame that the initial cooperative multiplayer scheme for Rise of the Kasai was dropped as it could have elevated a solid sequel into an exceptional one.

Who'd have expected a bunch of little colored blocks to re-energize the old George Lucas entertainment machine, just as it seemed to be winding down?

By removing some of the arguably cheap content from the game and introducing a couple of new weapons, Resurrection of Evil could be a rebirth for id's thriller.

Doom 3 won't win prizes for originality, but for low-key storytelling combined with all-out action and immense atmosphere, it's deserving of any shooter fan's time.

That co-op feature makes this among the best kids games out there, because parents and kids can directly play together.

That co-op feature makes this among the best kids games out there, because parents and kids can directly play together.

It's like a melted snowman -- something that could've been good, but instead turned out to be a goopy pile of mush.

It's like a melted snowman -- something that could've been good, but instead turned out to be a goopy pile of mush.

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.

Sure, it may hit a few speedbumps along the way, but the multiplayer appeal can't be denied -- and thanks to the infrastructure support, you don't have to worry about finding local competitors.

Remix gives PSP owners a massive, compelling experience, while at the same time making the hardware look golden. After all, it's not only a port of a best-selling console game -- it's better!

The path of progression can get a little dry, despite the depth of combat. Interacting with objects in the environment and strategy-laden boss battles help spice things up, but there are also times when you may realize this isn't the most fun game in the world.

As impressive as the combat is, the story is even more so. When was the last time you felt a complex set of reactions to an action hero? Kratos will inspire awe, revulsion, and pity as players learn his sad tale.

We'd have liked some more multiplayer and customization options, but the highly exaggerated drifts combined with responsive controls make the game exceptional fun.

A fascinating, unusual combination of turn-based story-driven missions with "card-battle" mechanics (think "Magic the Gathering" or "Yu-Gi-Oh!"). And being part of the infamous Metal Gear franchise, it's got all the convoluted yet strangely intriguing plot twists you'd expect.

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

It's a solid first-wave title, while the awesome 3D engine and multiplayer game makes it a truly new experience in the portable arena. Let's just hope the next legend that SOE tells has more surprises.

Even if you do have a shiny new PSP to play with, you're better off picking up a copy of the original Ape Escape for the PlayStation. It'll control better, and be less than half the price.

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.

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.

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.

Offering a perfectly balanced mix of features, gameplay, and style, Wipeout Pure is one of those rare gems that fires on all cylinders.

It's not just its uncompromising realism or its emotive theme, it's the whole package -- great looks, fantastic sound, and a gameplay and plot structure that promotes bonding with the men under your command. Wrap that up with a slick control method and, for once, some tactical depth, and you're left with a very special recipe.

The computer players take ages moving, and if you add more than one opponent for extra tactical depth, the problem is multiplied.

Act of War strikes an ideal balance between demanding and engaging. It's returned our faith to the modern real-time strategy game, and promises an impressive new franchise from Atari.

A solid, straightforward first-person shooter. It manages to stumble, gasping and grinning, from the no-man's land of "adequate" and into the green zone of "good," mostly due to the assorted flairs and presentational touches that make all the difference.

If your only option is the PS2 version, it's a less attractive option -- but if you're looking for simple, addictive brain teasing, you can't go too far wrong with this.

In the same league as the disposable horror flicks that fill video shelves and late-night cable. It's not particularly frightening, but good atmosphere and short-lived twitch satisfaction is enough to sustain interest for a while.

Thanks to the huge variety of powers and strategies, it'll last at least as long as a typical full-priced option.

The computer players take ages moving, and if you add more than one opponent for extra tactical depth, the problem is multiplied.

A good deal for Xbox owners, despite its shortcomings. There's an awful lot of gameplay here, thanks to the multiple single-player modes and good selection of party games.

In the same league as the disposable horror flicks that fill video shelves and late-night cable. It's not particularly frightening, but good atmosphere and short-lived twitch satisfaction is enough to sustain interest for a while.

Features the same aesthetic and attitude as its renowned predecessors but lacks some of their soul. On the plus side, the game is a heck of a lot better suited to mobile gaming.

The action is swift and challenging, but easy to control.

Like "Samba De Amigo," and countless other monkey games with silly controllers before it, Jungle Beat's a winner, albeit a short-lived one.

It's both a parody and tribute to the four-color pages of yesteryear when spandex heroes fought against world menaces, using a mix of brain, brawn, and unrestrained hyperbole. The game captures this with a wink, but also a great deal of love.

It's not just its uncompromising realism or its emotive theme, it's the whole package -- great looks, fantastic sound, and a gameplay and plot structure that promotes bonding with the men under your command. Wrap that up with a slick control method and, for once, some tactical depth, and you're left with a very special recipe.

There's a very limited, repetitive number of enemy types (whose quickly depleted voiceovers get annoying), and the core combat is solid, but uninspired (circle-strafe, reload, repeat).

It's not without its flaws -- a lack of tactical depth and disappointing multiplayer are chief among them -- but it's gripping and spectacular to play, and certainly one of the better Star Wars games on the market.

Neophytes may find the game's imposing difficulty tedious, but fans of the series will think Capcom has tapped into divinity with Dante's Awakening. It's got superb production values, exhilirating action... and besides, what would Dante say to his detractors? "To hell with them."

It's not just its uncompromising realism or its emotive theme, it's the whole package -- great looks, fantastic sound, and a gameplay and plot structure that promotes bonding with the men under your command. Wrap that up with a slick control method and, for once, some tactical depth, and you're left with a very special recipe.

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.

There's a very limited, repetitive number of enemy types (whose quickly depleted voiceovers get annoying), and the core combat is solid, but uninspired (circle-strafe, reload, repeat).

As a standalone experience, University doesn't quite live up to The Sims 2's high grade point average. New stuff like pranks and streaking actually aren't that much fun and the whole experience feels like a lot of work... As an expansion pack to the main game, this is a terrific product.

With the introduction of clinching, the innovative punch system, the deep tournament and career options, the graphics and realism, the improved presentation, and most of all, the obvious love of boxing infused into the game, Fight Night Round 2 is the best representation of the "sweet science" that gaming has ever seen.

It's not without its flaws -- a lack of tactical depth and disappointing multiplayer are chief among them -- but it's gripping and spectacular to play, and certainly one of the better Star Wars games on the market.

With the introduction of clinching, the innovative punch system, the deep tournament and career options, the graphics and realism, the improved presentation, and most of all, the obvious love of boxing infused into the game, Fight Night Round 2 is the best representation of the "sweet science" that gaming has ever seen.

With the introduction of clinching, the innovative punch system, the deep tournament and career options, the graphics and realism, the improved presentation, and most of all, the obvious love of boxing infused into the game, Fight Night Round 2 is the best representation of the "sweet science" that gaming has ever seen.

Kings' city-building isn't deep enough for a well-functioning settlement to be its own reward, and the combat is confused and equally shallow.

Nothing is prettier, nothing plays as deeply, and nothing is so chock-full of value with additional material. The new characters rock, the levels are compelling, and Namco even included a classic to play while it loads.

There's a very limited, repetitive number of enemy types (whose quickly depleted voiceovers get annoying), and the core combat is solid, but uninspired (circle-strafe, reload, repeat).

There's a very limited, repetitive number of enemy types (whose quickly depleted voiceovers get annoying), and the core combat is solid, but uninspired (circle-strafe, reload, repeat).

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.

A solid, straightforward first-person shooter. It manages to stumble, gasping and grinning, from the no-man's land of "adequate" and into the green zone of "good," mostly due to the assorted flairs and presentational touches that make all the difference.

A solid, straightforward first-person shooter. It manages to stumble, gasping and grinning, from the no-man's land of "adequate" and into the green zone of "good," mostly due to the assorted flairs and presentational touches that make all the difference.

Simply beautiful, with finely tuned play and as fine a presentation as we've seen in sport. The new details make the game feel much more real, and every step Konami takes towards full global licensing is a boon for fans.

There's very little middle ground in Nanobreaker. Either you're having a blast, playing through some innovative sections and loving the deep combat mechanics; or you're hating life, suffering through aggravating parts that are nearly as numerous.

A decent chapter in a larger story, but as a standalone game it's simply not that exciting. It's hard to get over the dumbed-down combat and character development systems.

About the only thing Fatal Shadows does well is the rooftop sneaking, and that's nowhere near enough to carry the game on its own.

It has quite literally everything you can think of to take advantage of the touchscreen.

With all the attention given over to the performance and presentation, it's a shame that V3 features such lame audio.

With all the attention given over to the performance and presentation, it's a shame that V3 features such lame audio.