The game can be repetitive and frustrating, and the graphics won't leave you breathless, but there's a ton of free-form gameplay to be had for those who dig the series.

There's an awful lot of gaming to be had here. While the updated version of the first Dead or Alive is only worthwhile for nostalgia's sake, the revamped DOA2 is a graphical masterpiece, and a blast to play online.

If there were a more advanced game behind the excellent writing, The Bard's Tale could have been one of the highest rated RPGs this year. The Bard's sarky one-liners, foul mouth, and rampant chauvinism make every cutscene and conversation entertaining and frequently laugh-out-loud funny.

Console dogfighting really can't get much better than this.

If you're looking for an accurate representation of the arcade machine, you'll find it here, and you'll be more than pleased with the experience.

Although simplistic in many ways, Otogi 2's character variety, non-linear progression, and sheer level of chaos are all big points in the game's favor. This is a must-see sequel for anyone with a destructive bent.

Neo Contra isn't as true to the original games as fans might wish, but nevertheless, it's a good attempt at recapturing the original's magic and a respectable action game in its own right.

The levels don't display anything like the creativity of past Time Crisis games, and although shooting up the place with automatic weapons is fun, it won't keep you coming back for more.

A nice execution of admittedly old ideas, Men of Valor features exhilirating action, storytelling that takes risks, and convincing team AI.

The likes of "Planetside" and "Unreal Tournament 2004" have stolen some of its thunder, but Vengeance is still unique enough to recommend to any multiplayer shooter fan.

It's still as fun a fighter as the previous iterations of the series have been, but with weak graphics and bland new fighters, there's definitely room for improvement.

It's good because it offers some refreshing gameplay, lots of variety, and a sublime world in which to conquer or destroy. It may even represent the evolution of the role-playing game genre, which has needed a shot in the arm for years now.

Original games aren't exactly everywhere, but adding such deep role-playing and strategic elements to a combat game was an inspired move.

Tak 2's biggest flaw is that we've seen it all before. It's not a bad game, and is certainly a lot better than its predecessor, but it really doesn't do anything particularly well.

Tak 2's biggest flaw is that we've seen it all before. It's not a bad game, and is certainly a lot better than its predecessor, but it really doesn't do anything particularly well.

While this isn't a hardcore title, the puzzles and numerous battles will keep serious gamers busy for some time. Paper Mario is easy to play, exceptional fun, and a thoroughly engaging title.

Tak 2's biggest flaw is that we've seen it all before. It's not a bad game, and is certainly a lot better than its predecessor, but it really doesn't do anything particularly well.

If you're a Larry fan from way back, Magna Cum Laude takes the series into a pleasing new direction. But it needs a greater variety of challenges to be more appealing.

Despite the lure of naked chicks, at its heart it's a fairly innocuous, and rather derivative "The Sims" knock-off.

If you're a Larry fan from way back, Magna Cum Laude takes the series into a pleasing new direction. But it needs a greater variety of challenges to be more appealing.

It's a rap-flavored karaoke program with a minor gameplay element and nowhere near enough songs. It's a missed opportunity... and that's whack, yo.

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.

If you're a Larry fan from way back, Magna Cum Laude takes the series into a pleasing new direction. But it needs a greater variety of challenges to be more appealing.

Amazingly fun; once again, fans will be shouting "Finish him!" for months to come.

A sign that the series is grinding along nicely in a comfortable rut, biding its time with the same old technology and some minor gameplay changes.

A sign that the series is grinding along nicely in a comfortable rut, biding its time with the same old technology and some minor gameplay changes.

It turns out that pinball controls don't make for a very good platform game.

Amazingly fun; once again, fans will be shouting "Finish him!" for months to come.