As the pedigree of the series suggests, Warlords IV's AI plays a very mean game indeed. The different difficulty levels are well balanced, going from a pushover at the easiest setting (good for getting to grips with the rules, and what constitutes a good army) to a very real challenge at the upper ones.

Vastly improved over the original, and even the All-Stars version. [Import]

Arguments of depth aside, it can't be denied that Crimson Skies strikes a great balance between required skill and the effortless "feel" of being a swashbuckling air-hero, all backed up by swelling production values.

It's a fun diversion with big, bold graphics, but somewhat repetitive and predictable gameplay.

Even with combos and grinds at your disposal, the jumps and turns come so fast and thick that intelligently managing the course is a huge necessity...The game feels far less like a dog and pony show as a result, and is more challenging and rewarding, too.

While many courses here are modeled from past runs, most are barely recognizable, at best. They're like the ugly kid from high school who turns out to be a model ten years later.

While many courses here are modeled from past runs, most are barely recognizable, at best. They're like the ugly kid from high school who turns out to be a model ten years later.

Its pretty-but-oldish look fits perfectly with its gothic subject matter, and its random room generation gives it some good bang-for-your-buck replay.

Once you've mastered the ship-to-ship battles, captured a few towns and messed around with the simple trading system, you'll have seen the majority of what it has to offer...If you fancy a few hours of easy-going fun on the high seas, give it a try.

While Aftermath is a brave try, it lacks variety and strategic depth, relying instead on dumb but heavily armed enemies to provide a challenge. It's of passing interest, but ultimately destined to be abandoned in frustration in most cases.

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.

The gameplay is still addictive and people who enjoy their virtual people will find themselves compulsively playing this GBA version.

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.

Rebel Strike's control issues and lack of a manual camera option bring added frustration to an already difficult game.

Despite the somewhat deceptive advertising, there isn't that much alien blasting and army building, so if you were more interested in the RTS element, or expect a little more depth from your strategy games, you're better off looking elsewhere.

If the controls were tighter and the targeting system sharpened up, Mega Man X7 could have been a killer update. As-is, the game is a lethargic has-been.

Without patience and some dedication, this could be a quick ticket to frustration. But that's also what makes the game appealing, because for those who are up to it, there's a serious challenge in store.

Incorporating elements from a number of other titles, this highly polished and incredibly playable title has taken the bar and kicked it up a notch, and is definitely one of the best platformers currently available.

Well-developed and believable characters. That, in itself, is no mean feat, but mix it with the game's delightful combat, varied design, and admirable coherence of style and creative vision, and you have something very special. Max Payne 2 is a superb game.

Has great production values, is "spiritually" faithful to the look and feel of the famed Disney attraction, and is a very good action/puzzler to boot.

Has great production values, is "spiritually" faithful to the look and feel of the famed Disney attraction, and is a very good action/puzzler to boot.

Has great production values, is "spiritually" faithful to the look and feel of the famed Disney attraction, and is a very good action/puzzler to boot.

Gamers who liked the idea of, say, "Twisted Metal Black," but found the execution too quick and snappy to be satisfying, should check out Road Kill, a decidedly more kinetic follower.

Gamers who liked the idea of, say, "Twisted Metal Black," but found the execution too quick and snappy to be satisfying, should check out Road Kill, a decidedly more kinetic follower.

Is it playable and engaging? Yes, up to a point. But as a pure game it trips over its own feet more than once...For hardcore movie-lovers only.

A truly innovative action hit with mind-blowing graphics and a scattering of gameplay flaws that stifles the fun a bit. For the most part, though, this is a unique, well-crafted game with a solid, enjoyable feel.

A trip down memory lane for anyone pining for the original, but without strategic and gameplay enhancements, it's just a poor game by 2003 standards.

The AI is surprisingly excellent - if you send a batch of troops out to scout, they will take up careful positions, scale machine gun positions, engage the enemy, and redeploy defensively without any more commands having to be issued.