Climax has created a game which is not only addictive and playable, but keeps you constantly cooing over its lovingly crafted details that so many other rally games leave by the trackside.

Another improvement is in the deliberate simplicity of the interface which is designed to keep the screen as uncluttered as possible and to issue commands with the minimum amount of keystrokes.

Regardless of whether you're online or off, split-screen or undivided, the game looks fantastic.

It takes the best of "Jedi Knight" and superpowers it with well thought out Force powers, excellent level design, fiendish and boggling puzzles and simply magnificent lightsaber fights.

As long as you know the rules of engagement, Rainbow Six 3 is a rewarding game with a lot of tactical depth hiding beneath all the incredible sights and sounds.

As a single player game it can become pretty infuriating having to put up with the computer AI.

Really the only place Forza Horizon 3 skids out is in its lack of ingenuity. It’s packed, over delivering on what was already plenty of content in the previous game, but it comes up a little short in terms of innovation. Racing through a gorgeous field, foliage crumpling under your tires, the sun gleaming off your dented roof – it’s a sight, but one that I recall seeing countless times in Forza Horizon 2. Much of what you do in Forza Horizon 3, you have likely done before. Still, it’s never looked this good, been this big or done its job with as much confidence.

This is almost certainly the best release in the history of the NHL series and one of the most authentic action-oriented sports games currently on the market.

An extremely stylish and -- please take it the right way -- icky excursion into the supernatural that has learned from its predecessors, and from itself, how to entertain and unnerve the player.

The special rotational and background effects, the sound and voice effects...and, of course, the overall engaging challenges make Yoshi's Island a must-play title for anybody who values classic platformer action.

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.