There's some mindless fun on offer here, but in terms of depth and replay value, Alter Echo simply doesn't cut the mustard.

Suffers from a distinct lack of character. Nothing here really draws the player in, and as a result, the whole experience feels more like an exercise than the entertaining diversion a game should be.

Majestic Chess actually lives up to its name in not only theme, but quality and originality too.

The RC-racing theme has been done better by other games, the trick levels feel bolted on rather than being integral to gameplay, and they're also very limited.

The only downside to the heavy reliance on the achievements of VF4 is that the graphics engine is beginning to age.

Remember this is a die-hard, slow-paced, no-nonsense strategy title, and chances are you'd be better served with one of Koei's Dynasty games if you're not prepared to invest plenty of thought and patience into building an empire.

Just about the only bad thing about Madden NFL 2004 is the bar that it sets. EA Sports has one hell of a challenge waiting in the wings, trying to improve on a masterful title like this.

Just about the only bad thing about Madden NFL 2004 is the bar that it sets. EA Sports has one hell of a challenge waiting in the wings, trying to improve on a masterful title like this.

Just about the only bad thing about Madden NFL 2004 is the bar that it sets. EA Sports has one hell of a challenge waiting in the wings, trying to improve on a masterful title like this.

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.

Although its replay value leaves a bit to be desired, Chaos Legion is still a decent brawler with some clever combat and stylish visuals.

The appeal of this Island Thunder expansion, however, is limited to only those who loved the original, played it to exhaustion and are looking for some new content to rekindle their interest.

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.

While it's not any kind of gameplay revolution, it's the best, most polished and creepiest of the series.

A somewhat competent, but ultimately flawed game that boasts interesting ideas, yet fails to master any of them.

The game mechanics are so badly crippled that it probably doesn't even deserve to be called a strategy game.

The game mechanics are so badly crippled that it probably doesn't even deserve to be called a strategy game.

Easily the best and most important flight simulator available. FS2004 fulfils the expectations of even the most curmudgeonly sim fanatic. For 20 years, we've been waiting for hardware that can deliver a flight simulator this good. Now Microsoft has given us the software.

The new control system hurts more than it helps...While the game is competent, it lacks the depth that made the previous Mario Golf game so enthralling.

A perfect place to jump into the Age of Wonders series. It's "Age of Wonders II," only sporting a few refinements and a lot of extra content.

Mixing mountain biking with Road Rash-style violence and Tony Hawk's token trick allotment, it transcends conceptual shortcomings, officially clocking in as one of the season's best titles.

Although it's diverting, there's nothing new here - occasionally you can fire weapons (including on top of a moving train) and there's one bizarre sequence where Mac has to outrun his pursuers and try not to get shot or have his leg chewed off by a vicious dog.

The enemy AI seems to be a mixture of wunderbar and dumkopf - they frequently rumble you when you're convinced you're well concealed, yet sometimes you can swing a punch at them from one foot away and they totally ignore you.

If the whole Japanese-mech scene is yours, however, it's a good bet that the Armored Core series will appeal, and that the numerous customization options will offer you more than the typical "expansion kit" could ever hope for.

Under BioWare's guidance, Knights Of The Old Republic has become not only one of the best Star Wars games, period, but a wonderful expansion of the story and the first compelling Xbox RPG.

Its Star Wars atmosphere is minimal, and its advancement is riddled with repetitive, boring, time-consuming experience-grind busywork... As it stands, Galaxies is little more than a buggy, incomplete time sink.

A thorough, solid, funny and raunchy wild-side take on the beach-movie sport of choice that offers great graphics, lowbrow humor, funny locales/extras, and -- gasp! -- a ton of real, no-kidding volleyball.

Abysmal in every way. The only possible reason there could be for purchasing it is to give as a present to a particularly hated relative - but that might be considered a little harsh.