it's just woefully undercooked in many parts.

Once you're past the technical hurdles (and the brutal realization of just how easy it is to die in a swordfight or sea battle), Pirates of the Caribbean is an absolutely beautiful looking, freeform RPG adventure. But it is really suited for experienced, patient gamers.

No matter the console, Meet the Robinsons is a darn good video game. The game is smart, vast, and really does offer something for everyone.

But as Wii-makes go, Pets is as solid as the best of them, and in some ways perhaps better, by virtue of presenting loads of open-ended content with a powerful gaming interface.

A seriously retro-minded and generally uninspired project.

Even the parodic nature that was attempted here falls flat after a couple plays, leaving you with a husk of a game that could have been great.

Requiring only five to seven hours to finish, and having virtually no replay value, only the most dedicated fans should own Batman Begins.

Computer opponents are simply too good, too tireless. Points constantly drag on, as your foe can get to almost every ball that you hit.

Could have been great, but relies too heavily on the "Jango Fett is cool" idea, and doesn't have the depth of gameplay needed to hold most people's interest.

If only Blade Warriors was a better, deeper, more fun game -- then it could really deliver for fans of these characters.

Also aggravating is the half-assed presentation. Cutscenes are crap, and voiceovers are all delivered by stand-ins instead of authentic actors. Even Paulie sounds like he's being voiced by someone's roommate.

Dreary when it should be light and enjoyable, Monster Force is the videogame equivalent of last year's Time magazines in a doctor's waiting room.

Each iteration of the Medal of Honor series has been better than the last, and Rising Sun is no exception. It would have been nice to see EA take a few risks and break formula, but the game's a great war shooter nonetheless.

While Counter-Strike is still a popular and recommendable online shooter, this retail package offers poor value and is a huge disappointment.

Really just a chip shot compared to its competitors.

So while the core gameplay is great fun, longevity does suffer from the inevitable repetitiveness and uneventful missions. Be wary.

Although its replay value leaves a bit to be desired, Chaos Legion is still a decent brawler with some clever combat and stylish visuals.

And unless you're a SPF fanatic, we'd advise waiting for the inevitable download to be offered, as Capcom Puzzle World isn't a compelling enough product to trade for thirty hard-won dollars.

It is ironic that Vampire Night should be both toothless and bloodless.

As a purchase, its replay value is a bit dubious, but for the skilled shooter, and even the casual action/adventure enthusiast, it's a terrifyingly amusing look at the world of low-budget horror flicks.

The best thing by far about the game is how much Bam! has captured Dexter's world for the game.

It's gorgeous. The uniforms look like cloth (meaning they aren't shiny), while the ice and the plastic visors shine like the real thing. The physics are exciting and, because of the realism, the hits feel more devastating.

One of the oddest things about Network Transmission is the game's learning curve that bucks convention by starting out frustratingly difficult and getting progressively easier.

A slightly ropy control system, and disappointing length let us down on what is otherwise a truly enjoyable experience. Flipendo!

Its saving grace might have been the potential it had to provide a more jovial spirit in the "Redneck Rampage" theme, but this is never really accomplished.

If you aren't up for endless hacking and slashing, there's not much here. But for anyone who digs the genre, Gladiator is the most satisfying form to come down the Appian Way in some time, and is definitely worth a look.

Warrior's Code is better looking and sounding than the original, but it doesn't really play any differently. It's still a long slog through thousands of enemies without many distinguishing characteristics.

While it doesn't necessarily capture the imagination to the extent that "Half Life" did, it does pack a pretty good punch.