Despite all the murder and mayhem, one of the biggest aspects of Saints Row isn't how many thugs you can cap, but the deep level of customization.

Combined with the fun dogfighting and smart stylus control, this is better action than we deserve in a portable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you're coming to Sword of the Stars from titles like "Galactic Civilizations," things may seem stripped down... but "focused" is a more accurate way to look at it.

Cerberus doesn't come close to capturing the timeless appeal of FFVII, although if you're desperate for more insight into Vincent's background you'll probably struggle through it.

It definitely won't win the war for your Xbox 360 gaming dollar -- especially when the newly released "Dead Rising" does something similar but comes off infinitely fresher.

As good as the combat is, Darkstar One is too simplistic to evolve into a real classic. It's a great look back at a fading genre, but lacking a stronger story and economic system, it's not likely to foster a major revival.

The spaced out save points create a wonderfully rare sense of dread. You'll want to stock up on inventory and weapons before attempting a particularly difficult passage. And you're not always secure whether you're going to make it. This is where Dead Rising's sandbox zombie killing comes into its own.

There is a lot of strategy hidden in this classic 2D fighter. No matter how long you play, it always seems like there's time for one more round.

FlatOut 2 is fun, if only for a little while.

FlatOut 2 is fun, if only for a little while.

The adventure boldly promised by the title is lacking, leaving only a half-hearted tale that's trailing dozens of frustrated players and broken controllers in its wake.

FlatOut 2 is fun, if only for a little while.

There's no fighter on the system that even vaguely competes. Sure, "Street Fighter" was nice to have, but this feels like it belongs on the PSP, while Capcom's game never escaped the feeling of "port."

Warlords is just the kind of expansion that a game as open-ended and infinitely replayable as Civilization IV needs: one that adds enough new stuff, while also changing up the basics so thoroughly, that you might as well be playing a whole new game.

A more challenging economic system would add a lot to the game and make it more replay-friendly. But as a step up from a lightweight like Glory of the Roman Empire, CivCity is engrossing enough to command a couple weeks of play time.

Only the most desperate deathmatch champion will get their money's worth out of this purgatorial port.

More than anything, playing Cloning Clyde will give you the sense that someone had an almost unnecessary amount of fun making this game.

Every fan of the genre should revel in the ability to enjoy Valkyrie Profile without giving blood on eBay. RPG newbies are encouraged to indulge as well, though with a warning: don't expect to find an equivalent any time soon.

Even with cuts made to the major game modes, NCAA 07 looks like a total triumph compared to the neutered Madden released last year for the Xbox 360. And it's definitely a fun, respectable game. But it needs to be more than that to really keep our attention.

This is a very densely detailed college ball game, and one that you'll be hard pressed to drop, even when Madden shows its face later this year.

It's not a game that hums with careful design or thoughtful implementation. Nevertheless, if you can cope with its many flaws it'll reward you with a lengthy and addictive experience.

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

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

A polished and exciting ride, carefully calculated for 80 percent thrills and 20 percent brain teasers.