The episode is considerably longer than the last few. I was surprised and pleased to finish the trial and find substantial head-scratchers left to solve. As with all these adventures, there's little reason to revisit them once you've finished. That's just the nature of this particular beast, though. Digest it and spend a month waiting for the next one.

Inferno Pool is a cool concept hindered by slippery controls and poor replay value.

Inferno Pool is a cool concept hindered by slippery controls and poor replay value.

Visually the game is a complete mixed bag.

Visually the game is a complete mixed bag.

DJ Hero is almost a breath of fresh air in an already overcrowded genre. The rhythm game is becoming too much of a business and this really feels like it was designed with a lot of passion for the music.

DJ Hero is almost a breath of fresh air in an already overcrowded genre. The rhythm game is becoming too much of a business and this really feels like it was designed with a lot of passion for the music.

DJ Hero is almost a breath of fresh air in an already overcrowded genre. The rhythm game is becoming too much of a business and this really feels like it was designed with a lot of passion for the music.

It's not a difficult game, but with bolts, Zoni, Skill Points, holoplans, Constructo Mods, space missions, Trophies and Challenge Mode, there's an abundance of gameplay. It's a robust single player experience, and I particularly love that Insomniac has kept their signature Skill Points, with their own quirky requirements, separate from Trophies.

A fantastic concept poorly executed. All of the visuals and presentation seem in place, but the monotonous gameplay and boring combat really drag down the overall experience.

A fantastic concept poorly executed. All of the visuals and presentation seem in place, but the monotonous gameplay and boring combat really drag down the overall experience.

Torchlight is homage to a simpler time in gaming, one that deserves all the positive word of mouth it has been gaining.

Atelier Annie is a strange game that could find a small but eccentric audience. With nice colorful graphics, a whimsical musical score, and the addition of alchemy; Atelier Annie just might be the stay off of the RPG path that you might be looking for, even if the lame ass dialogue gets on your nerves.

A solid if not predictable shooter that manages to get the gimmick right. The included gun peripheral is a nice novelty and the shooting is actually quite enjoyable. The repetition will start to wear on you after a while but if you can look past that it should be a good time with the kids. If you love Nerf and are looking for a non-violent shooter to play with your kids I highly recommend checking out this quirky, but entertaining title.

In all, Family Game Night 2 offers five good board games for $40. The problem is, if you already own these classic games, there is no need to buy this. If you don't own these games, I recommend buying the actual board games for they are a lot more fun to play then sitting through a lot of not needed nonsense and using the Wii-mote, which isn't as responsive as it should have been.

The few rough edges that crop up as repetitive enemies and a weak link in the teamwork chain do little to detract from the very compelling whole.

This game has single-handedly stolen my soul since it arrived at my doorstep and I find myself needing to level up once a night, much like my wife and her World of Warcraft addiction.

This game has single-handedly stolen my soul since it arrived at my doorstep and I find myself needing to level up once a night, much like my wife and her World of Warcraft addiction.

Truly one of the most impressive years for the monstrous sports studio.

Truly one of the most impressive years for the monstrous sports studio.

Amazingly Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars outshines every other portable version of the series, and even some of the console offerings. This game is absolutely one of the most diverse and feature-rich games on the PSP, or any other system for that matter.

Way of the Samurai 3 is a great idea that is just lost in the past. The developers really had an opportunity to fully realize the potential of the game with the new hardware and failed.

There is just not enough actual game here to satisfy anyone outside the Bakugan fanbase. If you are however a huge fan of the show and have been dying to get your hands on the digital interpretation then by all means do not hesitate. There is enough here to keep you interested, and interacting with the characters and engaging in battles will be more than worth it for you.

Sadly Astro Boy boils down to a decent game that simply doesn't manage to be a whole heck of a lot of fun. The flying levels are truly inspired and serve to be the highlight of the game, but when they make up so little of it, it is hard to recommend the overall package.

The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun is a good licensed game with some minor problems that keep it from reaching must-own status.

Backyard Football 2010 is a good game for young children who love the idea of football. It is simple, easy to pick up and really well designed.

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is one of the best downloadable games you will play this year. The sheer amount of detail and care poured into this title secretes from every flick of the Wii remote. The motion controls are better than most every other game on the system and the art directions is absolutely jaw-dropping at times. I cannot recommend this title enough to anyone who enjoys a solid platformer.

However these shortcomings of our metal clad hero does not change the fact that Machinarium is a great addition to the classic adventure genre, and should be played by anyone who enjoys these types of games.

Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is yet another step forward in the resurrection of the adventure genre. Xbox Live owners should be reveling in the fact that they get to experience these great collections for a fraction of the original cost.

The side missions may be repetitive, but the story is interesting, the characters are great, and the atmosphere is encompassing. Brütal Legend is definitely one of the better games I have played this year, and I look forward to seeing what the guys at Double Fine come up with next.

The side missions may be repetitive, but the story is interesting, the characters are great, and the atmosphere is encompassing. Brütal Legend is definitely one of the better games I have played this year, and I look forward to seeing what the guys at Double Fine come up with next.

Spread across twenty-six chapters is a story as playful and worthwhile as the gameplay.

Magnacarta 2 is a traditional JRPG in every sense of the word. The clichéd story and predictable characters are not going to win any innovation awards, but they also manage to entertain just enough to avoid annoyance.

A surprisingly charming RPG.

If you are looking for an easy RPG the game is definitely for you, but if you want something a little more challenging I would stay away from this one. I feel there are a lot better games the PSP has to offer, that are out or on the way out.

Way of the Samurai 3 is a great idea that is just lost in the past. The developers really had an opportunity to fully realize the potential of the game with the new hardware and failed.

As a party game it's cheery, accessible, clear in its objectives and pretty much appropriate for young and old alike (unless, of course, you object to using the Squeeballs as test subjects in your sadistic games).

Console owners don't really have much in the way of choices when it comes to realistic tactical shooters. Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising does a great job of filling this niche, despite its flaws.

Demon's Souls is a fantastic game, with great environments and amazing boss battles. Unfortunately, most gamers will never see most of them. The bottom line is that this game is for the hardest of the hardcore.

NBA Live 10 is a fantastic upgrade to the series as it focused more on what was wrong with previous versions instead of trying to substitute them with more features.

NBA Live 10 is a fantastic upgrade to the series as it focused more on what was wrong with previous versions instead of trying to substitute them with more features.

Overall, 2K10 retains its crown as the best pro basketball game on the market, albeit just barely.

2K10 retains its crown as the best pro basketball game on the market, albeit just barely.

The freedom present means that no two missions will play out the same and the tense difficulty will challenge you to constantly improve your tactics. Just make sure you come in with the right expectations, because run and gunners need not apply.

All the years waiting have certainly paid off in presentation and gameplay, but a lack of certain standard features is likely to disappoint some. Still if you love the series, don't mind losing some of the core aspects and are in need of a great sim racer for your PSP you will be hard pressed to find a better offering.

Obscure the Aftermath is an above average PSP game and should be picked up by horror enthusiasts and gamers who enjoy multiplayer via ad hoc.

Military Madness: Nectaris is not a bad game, just one that is well behind the times.

The most amazing thing about Dead Space Extraction is that even with everything working against it, it still rises above the challenge.

MySims Agents is by far the best of the series so far. The unique detective aspect is something that a lot of family games have not attempted, and it works. Controls are smooth, graphics are eye-catching and the appeal is hard to ignore.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is easily the best version of the game, but it still lags behind the sheer polish and quality of the original. That said this is still one of the best action games of this generation, and PS3 owners should definitely not hesitate to lay down the sixty bucks for this amazing package.

A solid action game.

People want a good arcade football game, and with more time, love, and effort, maybe Tecmo and ironically-named developer Seamless Entertainment could have done it. But they didn't, and now I've poured all of my hopes and dreams into the possibility of a Mutant League Football revival instead.

The most surprising part of all is just how enjoyable it really is. While the game is much too simple for the hardcore RPG player, casual fans and newcomers will adore the simplicity and entertainment the title brings with it.

Tornado Outbreak is a fun, unique romp that will intrigue just about any gamer. The quirky story remains entertaining enough to keep you occupied, while the simplistic gameplay will keep you interested throughout its duration. The short campaign is probably my biggest concern, but with the ability to go back through older levels with your new powers is a definite bonus.

Tornado Outbreak is a fun, unique romp that will intrigue just about any gamer. The quirky story remains entertaining enough to keep you occupied, while the simplistic gameplay will keep you interested throughout its duration. The short campaign is probably my biggest concern, but with the ability to go back through older levels with your new powers is a definite bonus.

Tornado Outbreak is a fun, unique romp that will intrigue just about any gamer. The quirky story remains entertaining enough to keep you occupied, while the simplistic gameplay will keep you interested throughout its duration. The short campaign is probably my biggest concern, but with the ability to go back through older levels with your new powers is a definite bonus.

Rapala: We Fish is not a good start to bringing the series to a younger crowd. The controls are counterproductive and the layout and pacing of the game are simply mediocre at best.

The fast-paced action keeps things from getting too boring, and the medals and high scores actually strive to keep you coming back to improve your performance. The lack of depth and strategy will likely disappoint fans of the genre, but if you take it for what it is, it is actually quite enjoyable.

The fast-paced action keeps things from getting too boring, and the medals and high scores actually strive to keep you coming back to improve your performance. The lack of depth and strategy will likely disappoint fans of the genre, but if you take it for what it is, it is actually quite enjoyable.

"Lair of the Leviathan" is the best chapter yet, and it thrills me for the future of the series. Halfway through, Telltale has proven that they know what they're doing. Bring on the next!

Zombie Apocalypse is a great addition to both downloadable services. It is mindless fun that can feel repetitive if you let it.

Zombie Apocalypse is a great addition to both downloadable services. It is mindless fun that can feel repetitive if you let it.

For those of you who own all the Halo 3 content, your still getting a full single player experience, and a great co-op multiplayer add-on. For the rest of us the value is only bigger, for me I got dozens of new maps, Firefight, and the story all of which have so far been a blast to play.

Overall, Persona for the PSP is great slice of RPG history, a very entertaining story with a great and challenging single player experience. If you like your RPGs hard and intriguing with a dash of complete insanity then by all means pick up Persona for the PSP today.

The lack of depth and strategy will likely disappoint fans of the genre, but if you take it for what it is, it is actually quite enjoyable.

Wet is exactly what it claims to be and nothing more. The action is intense, repetitive and predictable, but it is also highly entertaining.

Wet is exactly what it claims to be and nothing more. The action is intense, repetitive and predictable, but it is also highly entertaining.

Need for Speed: Shift is a large step forward for the genre. The balance between arcade and simulation is nearly flawless, not to mention the graphics are jaw-dropping.

The balance between arcade and simulation is nearly flawless, not to mention the graphics are jaw-dropping.

NHL 10 is the epitome of hockey games. Granted the changes are not as revolutionary as last year's game. What is here is the best experience a fan of the sport could ask for.

NHL 10 is the epitome of hockey games. Granted the changes are not as revolutionary as last year's game. What is here is the best experience a fan of the sport could ask for.

The humorous dialogue and quirky cut scenes are enough to keep you entertained, but the steep learning curve and frustrating checkpoints will kill the arcade vibe.

The humorous dialogue and quirky cut scenes are enough to keep you entertained, but the steep learning curve and frustrating checkpoints will kill the arcade vibe.

While it does bring some good things to the table, NHL 2K10 unfortunately stumbles on the most important aspects of a good hockey game. Sluggish game speed, unreliable controls, and bland game modes leave the game several steps behind its competition.

While it does bring some good things to the table, NHL 2K10 unfortunately stumbles on the most important aspects of a good hockey game. Sluggish game speed, unreliable controls, and bland game modes leave the game several steps behind its competition.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is a solid successor to the original game, but not one that feels like it was three years in the making. Anyone who enjoyed the original will find enough content and fan service to keep them busy for quite some time, but anyone who grew tired of the original will likely call it quits long before the credits roll.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is a solid successor to the original game, but not one that feels like it was three years in the making. Anyone who enjoyed the original will find enough content and fan service to keep them busy for quite some time, but anyone who grew tired of the original will likely call it quits long before the credits roll.

So if you can put up with the weak control scheme, there are some truly inspiring moments that can occur. Scribblenauts had such a huge vision I can't help but love it, and although sometimes it makes me want to throw my DS across the room, I'm still glad I spent the time playing it.

Unfortunately Toy Story Mania squanders its substantial potential through poor design choices and technical issues.

It is all so poorly realized, wrapped up in such a clumsily produced game, that these enticements just add to the frustration.

An interesting conundrum. For what it is it is flawless. The representation of the famous foursome is impeccable and dripping with fan service. The selection of songs is disappointing, but with future DLC you will likely be able to enjoy all of your favorite tunes for a price. Beatles fans need not even hesitate; just buy the game.

An interesting conundrum. For what it is it is flawless. The representation of the famous foursome is impeccable and dripping with fan service. The selection of songs is disappointing, but with future DLC you will likely be able to enjoy all of your favorite tunes for a price. Beatles fans need not even hesitate; just buy the game.

Muramasa: The Demon Blade is another example of a developer that truly takes pride in what they do. The sheer visual enjoyment you can take away from this experience is endless, making this one of the best looking game this generation.

DiRT 2 is about as good of a sequel as you can ask for. It took everything that made the original so good and amplified it, while still managing to address all of the criticisms.

DiRT 2 is about as good of a sequel as you can ask for. It took everything that made the original so good and amplified it, while still managing to address all of the criticisms.

In my humble opinion, Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days for the PSP is the definitive Disgaea portable experience. From the widescreen presentation to the sound and voice work, the PSP is the benchmark for Disgaea on the go.

There is plenty of content here, enough it seems to keep a child entertained from age three all the way through to six.

An out in left field gem, it's a blast to play, and its odd side experiences and thrilling levels will bring back a feeling of pure fun that games use to be about.

Section 8 is what it is, a great multi-player experience that will likely suffer more because of the community and less because of the game itself.

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is quite possibly the best portable fighting game I have ever played. The only thing it suffers from is its inability to differentiate itself from its console brethren.

Definitely the best of the series, and easily the most streamlined of the genre. The option for importing songs is disappointing, but everything else is finally up to par with that other music game.

Definitely the best of the series, and easily the most streamlined of the genre. The option for importing songs is disappointing, but everything else is finally up to par with that other music game.

Definitely the best of the series, and easily the most streamlined of the genre. The option for importing songs is disappointing, but everything else is finally up to par with that other music game.

One of those games that comes along every few years that will have gamers talking about it long into the future. It is this year's BioShock, and I for one could not put it down from start to finish. If you enjoy great narrative, interesting boss encounters, fresh gameplay and of course everyone's favorite detective then Arkham Asylum will not disappoint.

One of those games that comes along every few years that will have gamers talking about it long into the future. It is this year's BioShock, and I for one could not put it down from start to finish. If you enjoy great narrative, interesting boss encounters, fresh gameplay and of course everyone's favorite detective then Arkham Asylum will not disappoint.

Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy continues the NIS tradition of solid RPG love with a quirky twist. If you enjoyed the first game then the second one will truly impress thanks to all of its improvements over the original. However, if you were not a fan then the improvements may not be enough to sway your opinion.

Sudoku Ball Detective is an interesting concept that will satisfy players in need of a spin on the genre. If you are not a fan of the quirky number puzzles then the additives are not going to sway your opinion.

There is a general slimness to this installment, aside from the areas; the puzzles do not challenge, the plot breezes by, and the overall duration is quite brief, even for an episodic game. Let us consider this a bite between meals, then, and hope that the next chapter is a more substantial repast.