Sadly, the AI, combat, and graphics issues keep Lupin the Third: Treasure of the Sorcerer King from joining the classic ranks, but the main character's sense of humor and general style make the game worth a look.

It's great news that Champions of Norrath's rich world, filled with smoothly progressing danger and engaging action, is an excellent title for fans of the genre, both online and off.

Approach this sharp blade with caution, because it's likely to turn on you before mastery comes.

Each game also consists of doing the same thing over and over again, and while this provides the perfect even playing field when skirmishing with a friend, it gets monotonous alone.

Its presentation is well below par, and the battles quickly become repetitive, but there remains an oddly addictive spark beneath its problems.

The original Metroid is also an unlockable bonus, which provides a great demonstration of how far video games have come in just under two decades.

The good things about Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles are REALLY good, and the things that are bad really hurt.

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.

Anyone who's ever sunk more pocketfuls of coins into an arcade machine than they'd care to admit will be incapable of resisting the game's charms.

Neither as disposed toward realism as the Namco "Ace Combat" series nor quite as "on the arcade-stick" as Sammy Studios' "Lethal Skies," AirForce Delta Strike is a basically solid, good-looking, and engaging campaign, albeit a repetitive, hitchy one.

Gamers who haven't exactly stuck by Sonic's blurry blue side over the years will have to work a little harder to get to the fun, spastic heart of Sonic Heroes, but those who know what to expect in terms of mechanics and sheer kinetic insanity will feel right at home.

Gamers who haven't exactly stuck by Sonic's blurry blue side over the years will have to work a little harder to get to the fun, spastic heart of Sonic Heroes, but those who know what to expect in terms of mechanics and sheer kinetic insanity will feel right at home.

But with a friend, Dark Alliance II's polished, addictive and comparatively deep gameplay, along with much improved replay value, makes it one of the best cooperative games around.

Even more surprisingly, the enemies evidently know that you know you're supposed to save certain persons and -- right buggers that they are -- actually go out of their way to bring harm to your would-be charges!

Despite a few glitches and omissions (no multiplayer or online options, although there is a map editor), expect Silent Storm to receive a noisily positive reception from the tactical strategy crowd.

But with a friend, Dark Alliance II's polished, addictive and comparatively deep gameplay, along with much improved replay value, makes it one of the best cooperative games around.

It's fairly short, so seasoned gamers won't likely see 15 hours of gameplay... but for all their simplicity, they're an entertaining 15 hours, studded with predetermined dramatic events and even references to characters and events from the first game.

This is essentially a stylish "Day After" dumb-and-gunner, with even less brainpower required than "Dark Alliance," and it's safe to say that if you enjoyed that game, this will have some appeal for you.

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.

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.

Gamers who haven't exactly stuck by Sonic's blurry blue side over the years will have to work a little harder to get to the fun, spastic heart of Sonic Heroes, but those who know what to expect in terms of mechanics and sheer kinetic insanity will feel right at home.

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

"Ragingly adequate." It looks, plays and feels like a budget paean to Diablo in most respects.

It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.

It's not the prettiest game going, but its reliance on tense, cinch-your-belt strategy with limited forces is a welcome break from the near-mindless tank- (or in this case, monster-) rush blues.

It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.

It adds just enough to keep fans interested, but doesn't fix all the flaws or reinvent the game. With that said, the game has more focus, a bit more style, a lot more to do, and a definite ending if you choose to pursue it.

Packed with atmosphere, accessible gameplay and sweet visuals, Beyond Good & Evil has most definitely reached beyond our expectations. Don't miss it.