Not only is this title sorely lacking for those kinds of innovative features, but it just doesn't compete with even the original "Midtown Madness" for gameplay and graphical variety.

As generic and forgettable as the game's name.

It's just one extended chair wrecking, box-shoving session. And that's a house of pain, to be sure.

Without a more dynamic AI and combat model, each event seems like a pale recreation of the last. Eventually, it's tough to remember why you're still fighting.

Sure, the arcade side of the game remains commendable, but with broken franchise AI, a lack of mouse support, horrifically frustrating interface, and no online play, High Heat 2004 is one of the worst console ports imaginable that regrettably shouldn't have been developed as a console port in the first place.

The PS2 version of Rainbow Six 3 lacks in nearly every department: graphics, gameplay, multiplayer, and weapons selection.

It's even less successful as an adventure game because it's so superficial, small, and indistinct. There are very few memorable characters, although everyone has his or her own name.

As if mocking its own pompous title, Pokemon Battle Revolution is, amazingly, a step back for the historically reviled console Pokemon games - there's plenty of style, but less substance than ever before.

A bad game. Bad deeds deserve punishment, so I vote to have the entire Army Men development team plastifricated for unleashing this "game" onto the world.

Had Freaky Flyers been a bit more focused, it could have easily been a top tier game, but as-is, the game simply spreads itself too thin.

There's something wrong with the game, though, which comes down to two fundamental problems: interface and gameplay. Smart has called it "idiot proof," but the truth is that the game is still way too cryptic.

Because of its shallow combat and poor presentation, the game loses its thrill very quickly for anyone not a devotee of the subject matter.

If gamers aren't put off by the distinctly lack-lustre character visuals, they will be by the dire English voice-overs, stilted and forced from a poorly translated German script.

It's just one extended chair wrecking, box-shoving session. And that's a house of pain, to be sure.

Simple gameplay, but like all good games of this genre, it’s oh-so frustrating at times.

Depressingly average in almost every respect.

The biggest problem with the game, though, is the AI - both the enemy's and your own units.

Good points aside, E:BD is a tired game based on a limited concept that was beaten to death in 1998.

One notable disappointing absence in this game is any of the female wrestlers - come on, THQ, let's not be all macho about this!

The latest release in this hopelessly unrealistic arcade series that just fell yet another notch on the realism scale.

It's one of the few Trek games to nail the scale and speed, it has gorgeously straightforward graphics and a good sense of scope and pace. This, however, is combined with an insulting flight scheme, and the game rewards in-the-know Trek fans with one hand while it sissy-slaps them with the other.

While The Sims: Unleashed offers plenty of new features, game objects and gameplay changes, it doesn't significantly add pleasure to the game, which is a real disappointment.

The moaning and suffering of hit civilians can be quite disturbing in their realism, as are the fire effects and animations. While the graphics fail to evoke the surreal atmosphere that was intended, the sound plays its part superbly.

Lots of different stars, ships, and aliens may be nice, but there is no excuse for unwieldy controls, a horribly high learning curve and pacing that takes a good dozen hours before things get interesting.

It's like a melted snowman -- something that could've been good, but instead turned out to be a goopy pile of mush.

Despite its kiddy appearance and theme, it's far too frustrating and unhelpful to recommend for a youngster. Or anyone that hasn't exhausted the many better options, for that matter.

What makes Tomb Raider: The Prophecy so dreary is the level design.

There's a fine strategy game under here somewhere, but the clumsy interface and staid presentation mean few people will have the patience to find it.