One of the major gripes about Frantix is the control; not that it's bad, but rather that it's awkward and inappropriate for timed challenges.

The story may be unique, but the overall game design, as represented by the combat model, is one characterized by laziness masked as tradition. It's accepted that survival horror has lame combat, boss battles and fetch quests, so Rule of Rose has all those things, too.

We're still waiting for something that is truly a progression in EVERY way for a genre that has seemingly stagnated over the last two years.

Its short length, bland storyline and by-the-numbers gameplay aren't going to win over the new, more demanding generation of gamers.

Unlike the offline game, The Sims Online lacks the mad energy and pleasant frustration of managing a complex system of happiness, goals and limited time.

None of the other games come close to this one in terms of gee-whiz frills and bonus content. But ASB 2004 doesn't really get the job done on the field.

The only way to avoid relegating this to the ‘I’ve got nothing better to do for the next twenty minutes’ league is to persuade your friends to buy a light gun and bring over their console and a spare TV and act like John Woo for an evening – great fun!

This game lacks Batman's attitude, Green Lantern's gadgets, The Flash's quickness, and Superman's strength. It's a mediocre action-RPG through and through.

Without more variety in the missions, consistency and depth to the characters, and a purpose to the expansive and pretty scenery, there are far better games to pick from this year.

Comes off lacking; the action is often repetitive and unwieldy, the platforming is iffy due to control quality, and the look and sound of the whole enterprise are on the uninspired side.

If you’re a serious strategy aficionado who expects more than to be seduced by lush eye candy, you’ll lament the restricted control system and the over-emphasis on storyline at the expense of intricate gameplay.

Doesn't stray terribly far from the formula, to both its credit and detriment.

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.

Though it's engaging, fun and novel for the first few hours, there's only so many ways you can come up with to use Abe and Munch's powers.

At the core of any racing game should be the feeling of fast movement, and the Gameube version just doesn't seem to deliver in this regard.

Yakuza also features one of the worst stealth-based sequences in all of video game history.

If you are looking for a solid, turn-based strategy wargaming bundle of titles, there's tremendous value in what is being offered with The War Engine.

Racer Revenge isn't a bad game in terms of action when you're out there mid-gameplay, but it does nothing to add to the fun we had with Episode I Racer.

The story and the graphics certainly make the grade, but a few tweaks are still needed in the gameplay to cement this one as a classic.

Those expecting something completely different, such as the ability to pilot spaceships or man turrets, will need to wait until the next release.

There is a big flaw in this Operation, however, and it's control. Simply put, the simplicity and elegance of "Splinter Cell" is not to be found in the IMF.

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

Ion Storm seems absolutely dead set on making you scream with frustration for the long haul through the opening section of the game.

Many of the tracks and events have simply been lifted from earlier entries, and the controls aren't reliable enough to consistently deliver the elation that characterized the best SSX titles.

A good looking, fun romp, granted. It just lacks the necessary polish to make it anywhere near as fun as the games it clearly takes inspiration from. Not to mention the need for a learning curve that could be a tad smoother.

The fast pace, smarter computer-controlled players, and freestyle control system make it enjoyable at times, although it also makes you think that such things might have been better suited for the next version of "NBA Street" than a game with pretensions to simhood.

This is decent but minimal new content that you'll want mainly because you're sick of the few maps you were given in the original game.

The auto-target feature for the bungun is way too helpful and intrusive. The double-jump looks and feels absolutely wrong. Most of all, the overall game is just a little too unchallenging, a little bit rote, and a little too, well, immature.