EA's challenge is not to simplify their simulation or stop adding detail, but to integrate those features so well that players can simply marvel at how advanced the game has become. The Superstar revisions are a step in the right direction, since they allow players to focus on the entire game one player at a time, but otherwise that's just not the case.

Dungeon Siege II hasn't improved significantly in the story or visuals department, but it's got deeper play mechanics, and the party management has been tweaked to allow for the level of hands-on interaction the player's comfortable with. It's also an incontrovertibly vast game.

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.

Episode 4's brand of observational satire is new territory for the series, and the game's anthropomorphic stars are very much at home with it.

The game offers unparalleled variety and choice in the actual gameplay. The non-intrusive design sets just as much of a precedent as did Deus Ex, which is a joy to realize. The game feels a bit short -- especially considering how much choice the player is given -- and the presentation values could have been polished up more, but it's an experience like no other.

Playing EyeToy solo isn't the sort of title that keeps you captivated for the length of time that experienced gamers expect, but it's certainly unique and a good crowd pleaser at gatherings.

If you expect that you'll live in a magical world, casting spells left and right and hanging out with vampires and undead comics within ten hours, then think again.

Graphically and sonically, the game does wonders for GBA. It’s clear and beautiful to look at – even in quite dimly lit play areas.

All the best bits you'll see in commercials for the game -- bits likely to make viewers think, "Wow, that looks cool, I gotta have it!" -- aren't merely climactic moments of one-off boss battles... they represent the vast bulk of the gameplay experience.

Pacific Assault's half-documentary, half-entertainment approach is solid, and the game's a thrilling, if slightly by-the-numbers WW2 shooter.

An excellent arcade-sports title that knows no equal on next-gen consoles. It's more user-friendly than ever, has a killer single-player mode, and its online play will only make you keep it cemented into your Xbox 360 that much longer.

Despite its supernatural trappings, this is a game very much about the human condition, about love and loss and how even the most innocuous decisions can leave the deepest footprints. There’s some great work here, and while Oxenfree isn’t without flaws, like its teenaged cast, it points to a promising future.

A fascinating strategy game mixed with a lot of tactical shooter elements. Additional online modes and some gameplay tweaks would have earned the game a higher rating, but as it stands, it's still a thoroughly entertaining and involving experience.

Offers a lengthy adventure, a compelling, gorgeous world, and more than a dash of chaos to the order of conventional fantasy role-playing games.

The AI is surprisingly excellent - if you send a batch of troops out to scout, they will take up careful positions, scale machine gun positions, engage the enemy, and redeploy defensively without any more commands having to be issued.

Wakeboarding Unleashed may have a few rough edges, but it is a franchise that is destined for greatness. Incredibly playable and lots of fun.

The good things about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles are REALLY good, and the things that are bad really hurt.

It's ideal for those with high-level Morrowind characters.

With polished online play, great visuals, and the right mix of authenticity and accessibility, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 is a solid package for golf fans. Unfortunately, the insulting shortage of courses on the 360 smarts a bit, and there's not a whole lot new since last year.

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.

While Operation Exodus is not without flaws, it offers modes and innovations you won't find in competing real-time strategy games and is a very refreshing take on the genre. It also looks gorgeous.

A fantastic sequel.

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.

THQ has given us a great game, but it's too bad they haven't taken steps to protect it for those of us who want to play fair.

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

Majestic Chess actually lives up to its name in not only theme, but quality and originality too.

Even with those downsides, MotoGP is as demanding and impressive a racer as you're likely to get for the 360 this year. It's more lively and entertaining than the PS2's Tourist Trophy, while being just as technically impressive.

With the more realistic animations and televisual camerawork, together with the new passing and shooting techniques and individual star skills, EA can be proud of the fact that it is the best game in the competition.