In Shadowbane, the players get to remap the world, and that's something that just hasn't been done before. It's a significant achievement, and an engrossing gameplay experience that should be applauded, albeit cautiously.

Pure action-junkies may lose patience with Primal (if the prolonged, "enforced tutorial" beginning doesn't outright kill them), but those who like to sit back and soak in atmosphere are in for one hell -- one Hell -- of a moody ride.

Different, imaginative and entertaining, it's even more deserving of success than its predecessor.

Although MVP Baseball 2003 has a few rough spots, it is worth checking out, especially if you're a little tired of the routine baseball game interface and want to get more hands-on when you take to the mound.

Enchanting, entertaining, inventive, elegant, rewarding and captivating from start to "finish."

Although 1503 offers only a few modest innovations, it's still a solid example of how gratifying it is to spread your own civilization, whether it's this century or 500 years ago.

An exhilarating special ops action game, with finely crafted missions and amazing graphics. For anyone who loved the "shock and awe" of the movie, the bloody action and non-stop shooting, this game will provide the same kind of visceral thrill, and then some.

Match-up restrictions aside, Raven Shield is not only a great multiplayer game, but a welcome next step in the Rainbow Six series for gamers that should meet, if not exceed, many of its fans expectations.

It utterly breaks the subdued mold of the series.

A poor excuse for a Tenchu-style fighter, thinly veiled as a story-driven stealth action game a la Metal Gear that's so laughably bad it actually makes "Batman: Vengeance" look like the best superhero action game ever created.

A gorgeously slower-paced fighting game with an emphasis on combos and strategy over frantic button mashing... A refreshing change of pace, to be sure.

Complete in nearly every way and is a good bet for casual fans who just want to slap a few balls out of the infield and diehards who will settle for nothing less than a full career simulation.

Due to good physics modeling, sharp AI, and spot-on controls, no amount of wonky pitches and fiery players, watery stadiums, and moronic (if hilarious) commentary can detract from the solid gameplay.

Due to good physics modeling, sharp AI, and spot-on controls, no amount of wonky pitches and fiery players, watery stadiums, and moronic (if hilarious) commentary can detract from the solid gameplay.

Due to good physics modeling, sharp AI, and spot-on controls, no amount of wonky pitches and fiery players, watery stadiums, and moronic (if hilarious) commentary can detract from the solid gameplay.

Praetorians isn't the deepest RTS going, but for fans of the genre and/or the era, it's a no-nonsense, well-presented package.

The game tends toward actual-world realistic, but in a fancifully dull way.

It's too hard to steal bases against the computer and throw computer stealers out. Computer batters are far too patient at the plate... It is worth checking out.

Just too much fluff and not enough fun.

Most of its faults are forgiveable, and the excellent controls coupled with the intense action often make for an engrossing experience.

It's too hard to steal bases against the computer and throw computer stealers out. Computer batters are far too patient at the plate... It is worth checking out.

Complete in nearly every way and is a good bet for casual fans who just want to slap a few balls out of the infield and diehards who will settle for nothing less than a full career simulation.

A short-lived single-player mode combined with repetitive multiplayer gameplay make this game a title destined for the bargain bin, rather than greatness.

There are no surprises in Sonic Advance 2... The lower your expectations, the more you'll enjoy this game.

Sure, the arcade side of the game remains commendable, but with broken franchise AI, a lack of mouse support, horrifically frustrating interface, and no online play, High Heat 2004 is one of the worst console ports imaginable that regrettably shouldn't have been developed as a console port in the first place.

Displays almost Zelda-like creativeness in its monsters and environments.

Hardcore space simmers are likely to be disappointed with its lack of depth and unusual controls, but where they see shallowness and unrealism, others will see easy learning curves and familiarity.

Once the initial thrill of playing such a violent and visceral strategy game has worn off, you're left with an RTS without most of the things that make RTS games entertaining, like planning, economic balancing, and developing your base.