So while there isn't all that much on the menu, the fast-paced and simple gameplay can't fail to raise a smile, at least for the first few plays. Most will set it aside after that, but it's priced at a decidedly value-conscious $20 -- less than the cost of a good steak.

A little frustrating, a little predictable, but like many a Hollywood blockbuster, it's a thrill ride worth taking.

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

Although MVP Baseball 2003 has a few rough spots, it is worth checking out, especially if you're a little tired of the routine baseball game interface and want to get more hands-on when you take to the mound.

What you're really looking at is more of the same.

The somewhat frustrating part is that each scene, after completion, lasts about two minutes, yet takes an hour or so to complete, and while you feel a great sense of accomplishment in finishing each scene, watching the brief replays may make you ponder, "I spent an hour toiling at the controller for this!?"

A fun time, in spite (or because) of its ludicrous story and cutscenes, which you won't find in any other serious racer.

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.

Terminator 3: The Redemption is more interested in being a playable movie than a real game. There's little to no choice for players, who just have to sit back and shoot everything.

A fine place to start for younger gamers. In that respect, the puzzles, side quests and overall presentation are just about right.

Dark Messiah gets points for being unique among shooters, but it loses points for not being unique enough. It's the same old dungeons, the same generic monsters, and some uninspired gameplay that doesn't make for a very memorable game.

You also never get into that old-fashioned running and jumping zone that so characterised the initial games in the series, because you're usually timing laser blasts and calculating jumps.

Although the time in between turns alone may push modern gamers' patience past the breaking point, Risk: Global Domination stays true to its heritage and the enhanced online capabilities will go a long way towards maintaining players' interest.

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.

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.

Some of the time limits are so tight, and one tiny mistake is all it may take to send you back to the beginning, gnashing your teeth in frustration.

It's too hard to steal bases against the computer and throw computer stealers out. Computer batters are far too patient at the plate... It is worth checking out.

The action icons on Groove are more sluggish than on Play, which will mean a lot more furious hand-waving action and frustration that things can't move along quicker.

While it's not as polished as most modern offerings, it's priced to sell and still raises grins like nothing else.

While the game's is an improvement over the 2004 edition, it's still not quite up to snuff.

The biggest failing of Heroes V, which you can almost anticipate from its emphasis on looking so good, is that it's stingy with information.

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.

In short, the people that should love the franchise mode may be put off by the performance. In addition to the sluggish menus, load times are too frequent and too long. Portable games should be fast and accessible, and Madden isn't.

Although 1503 offers only a few modest innovations, it's still a solid example of how gratifying it is to spread your own civilization, whether it's this century or 500 years ago.

A no-brainer for all Mega Man fans out there. And even if you weren't an old-school addict, you can still dig in for some harmless fun... just be prepared for the frustrations and insane difficulty that come with many retro classics.

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

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.

There are bosses with personality and the fighting is pointlessly gratifying enough to distract for long periods of time, but those hungry for some kind of innovation might be left a little cold here.