The captivating Flower manages to be both uncomplicated and deep. While many games fail to truly engage the player this highly conceptual title succeeds, and is more immersive than many feature-driven titles dare to dream.

The gameplay is solid and the online mode works fairly well, but a severe lack of features really dampens the experience for those expecting more from EA’s latest.

Shooter fans and especially fans of the series will find plenty to love with this solid, if not predictable sequel.

While it may not hold the same prestige of scaring the pants off of gamers like the original did, it remains a genuine thriller that will keep you immersed from beginning to end.

Kart Racing may not be the most original title in the stable of franchises, but it sure is loads of fun, especially with four people. The lack of online does hinder the experience a bit, but if you don't care about taking it to cyber space and enjoy NASCAR even a little, there is a ton of fun to be had with this peculiar title.

You will be hard pressed to find a better (legal) collection of Sega games in one place.

You will be hard pressed to find a better (legal) collection of Sega games in one place.

I really can't recommend this game for anyone other than those that just enjoy torturing themselves.

The combat is satisfying and the mixture of magic keeps things fresh from beginning to end. The backtracking and repetitiveness cause the experience to drag out longer than it needs to be, but at least you feel like you got your moneys worth when all is said and done.

The combat is satisfying and the mixture of magic keeps things fresh from beginning to end. The backtracking and repetitiveness cause the experience to drag out longer than it needs to be, but at least you feel like you got your moneys worth when all is said and done.

The gameplay is solid and the online mode works fairly well, but a severe lack of features really dampens the experience for those expecting more from EA’s latest.

Phineas and Ferb is a solid addition to the ever-growing library of family-friendly DS games. With responsive controls and a colorful art style this DS title is sure to be a hit with kids who are fans of the cartoon.

Savage Moon is an enjoyable game, even if it lacks the charm and obsessive allure of PSN alum PixelJunk Monsters.

Even though the game feels dated (and looks it too), Rygar: The Battle of Argus is extremely fun. Being a virgin to the series the ease of play and amount of enjoyment truly surprised me. This is the type of game that anyone can pick up and play and have a good time.

Afro Samurai is heavy on style and aggression, so it stinks that things like the camera get in the way of a game you really want to love. Afro Samurai is a six-hour excursion with plenty of ill-conceived aspects, but katana-wielding destruction is yours for the taking if you can cope with the oversights.

Afro Samurai is heavy on style and aggression, so it stinks that things like the camera get in the way of a game you really want to love. Afro Samurai is a six-hour excursion with plenty of ill-conceived aspects, but katana-wielding destruction is yours for the taking if you can cope with the oversights.

The exasperating continue system and abundance of cheap deaths will siphon most of the enjoyment away from casual players who; let’s be honest, seem like the target audience.

The game prides itself on simplistic controls and a focus on skating rather than performing inane tasks and worrying too much about a tacked-on narrative. Skate 2 continues to up the ante for genre forcing Activision to really step up for the next chapter of Tony Hawk.

The game prides itself on simplistic controls and a focus on skating rather than performing inane tasks and worrying too much about a tacked-on narrative. Skate 2 continues to up the ante for genre forcing Activision to really step up for the next chapter of Tony Hawk.

As far as Xbox Live Arcade titles are concerned The Maw is one of the brightest to come along in quite some time. The concept is fresh, the visuals are stunning and the pacing is nearly flawless.

There is so much depth and attention to detail in this game that anyone who is remotely a fan of classic turn-based RPGs would be doing themselves a disservice to ignore it.

Clunky controls and redundant gameplay all point to the guilty party: mediocre game design.

Clunky controls and redundant gameplay all point to the guilty party: mediocre game design.

A darkly methodical FPS on the DS should be entirely refreshing but instead feels phoned in, as though Renegade Kid covered all the basics without tapping into a deeper gaming vision. It's too bad that the proficient Moon is a disappointing example of how technical achievement is not enough to make a compelling game.

Lumines Supernova is easily the best iteration of the game to date. The amount of content here is simply outstanding. Unfortunately if you have been a fan of the series for a while a lot of it is going to feel a little too familiar.

Neopets Puzzle Adventure is certainly not going to re-invent the wheel when it comes to puzzle games, but I do have to give the developers credit for trying something new with the license. If you can get past the poor production values and the terrible frame rate there is enjoyable game to be found, granted you are a fan of the aforementioned virtual pets.

The combat is competent if not a bit repetitive and the story is entertaining from start to finish.

The combat is competent if not a bit repetitive and the story is entertaining from start to finish.

Meteos Wars is an excellent addition to the XBLA family and a delightful treat for fans of Q Entertainment in general. While it does suffer from transition issues to a traditional control scheme you can easily adjust to it after less than an hour.

There are a lot of things to love about PowerUp Forever: the trippy visuals, addictive old-school style of gameplay, but there are also some things that tend to weight it down. Lack of multi-player, repetitive gameplay and generic sound effects keep this one from being a classic in its genre. However, if you are a fan of games like Mutant Storm and Geometry Wars then PowerUp Forever is likely to satisfy your need for twin-stick shooters

It isn't full of guns, aliens or even tons of gore and it certainly doesn't have the marketing muscle of some of the other games currently occupying store shelves, but it does have one thing most of them lack: character. The relationship between Elika and the Prince is easily the best duo found in a game yet and the developers have done an outstanding job of forcing you to care for Elika more than even yourself.

It isn't full of guns, aliens or even tons of gore and it certainly doesn't have the marketing muscle of some of the other games currently occupying store shelves, but it does have one thing most of them lack: character. The relationship between Elika and the Prince is easily the best duo found in a game yet and the developers have done an outstanding job of forcing you to care for Elika more than even yourself.

Tales of Despereaux is a surprisingly fun title that takes the basis of what makes these types of game fun and runs with it.

As much as it pains me to say this, THQ needs to put this series out to pasture. The franchise has been steadily declining since Pandemic let go of the reigns. Unless they're willing to really concentrate on making a quality game worthy of the "next gen" tag, I think it's time for Crypto to phone home.

HD Remix is a superb edition of a timeless game complete with nearly flawless online gameplay.

HD Remix is a superb edition of a timeless game complete with nearly flawless online gameplay.

A solid, deep game it gets a lot of things right and is such an improvement over its predecessor it is an ideal pick for gamers looking to try the series - and a must have for gamers disillusioned with the last iteration's meager graphical effort.

Skate It is a solid entry in the franchise and it really couldn't have been done any better for Nintendo's motion-controlled console.

With its walk-in-the-park approach to gameplay, Keflings will launch a sneaky assault on your time, and before you know it you will easily have whiled away hours with the title. Where it may miss, however, is whether or not you will be keen to pick it back up and see it to its meandering conclusion.

Alone in the Dark: Inferno is much closer to the developer's original interpretation than the original game allowed.

As it stands, UB will provide a solid distraction for less discerning younger gamers and their Wii Sports loving parents, but it's inconsistency in the realm of control will turn off a large portion of its potential audience.

Even with its rickety presentation Bolt is a highly entertaining and truly enjoyable experience that fans of the movie will enjoy.

Even with its rickety presentation Bolt is a highly entertaining and truly enjoyable experience that fans of the movie will enjoy.

With arcade-like, simplistic game play and easy controls, Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff gives a nice little alternative to the realism found in that other football title. Now if we could only get an Xbox Live Arcade or PSN version with online leagues life would be grand.

One of the most visceral and enjoyable experiences you will find on Xbox 360 this holiday season. If you love classic zombie movies and/or love the idea of co-op shooter there simply is no better game.

Set in a world of wise cracking, battling robots, Robocalypse offers madcap weaponry and uproarious destruction, all embedded in a deep strategy war game.

Need for Speed Undercover is a solid if not predictable step for the series. The lack of difficulty and frame rate issues are at the top of the list of its problems, but if you are a fan it is worth checking out.

Need for Speed Undercover is a solid if not predictable step for the series. The lack of difficulty and frame rate issues are at the top of the list of its problems, but if you are a fan it is worth checking out.

Overall, while the game is a significant improvement over last years version, it's disappointing that many of the problems with the game weren't ironed out.

Overall, while the game is a significant improvement over last years version, it's disappointing that many of the problems with the game weren't ironed out.

The combat is solid, the story mode is substantial and if you are a fan of either universe there is something here to enjoy. The lackluster finishing moves and lack of extras really hurt the overall experience, but if you are indeed looking for a game that pits two franchises full of beloved characters there is a lot to love here.

The combat is solid, the story mode is substantial and if you are a fan of either universe there is something here to enjoy. The lackluster finishing moves and lack of extras really hurt the overall experience, but if you are indeed looking for a game that pits two franchises full of beloved characters there is a lot to love here.

Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades is a solid follow-up to an impressive first effort on a handheld system. While it feels more like an expansion set the addition of wireless streaming is more than worth the price of admission.

The game length could easily be a deterrent for gamers not wanting to invest $60 for a mere five hours of game time, especially if they have no interest in participating in the time trial portion of the game, but I highly recommend everyone at least check out this inventive take on the genre.

The game length could easily be a deterrent for gamers not wanting to invest $60 for a mere five hours of game time, especially if they have no interest in participating in the time trial portion of the game, but I highly recommend everyone at least check out this inventive take on the genre.

Red Alert 3 is chock full of charm and deserves to be experienced by anyone who enjoys a good strategy game.

In the end Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of a New World is exactly what you would expect for the sequel to the Gamecube original. Problem is that it feels like it was made for that system. Technical shortcomings aside if you enjoy the genre there is a lot to love here.

Decidedly low on platforming and high on the fumes of self-deprecating humor, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts is a playful addition to the series - though perhaps not what fans were clamoring for.

Guinness World Records the Video Game isn’t a bad game, but in a market with so many other “party” type games available like Raving Rabbids and Mario Party, there really needs to be more done in order to make this game stand out.

I cannot emphasize enough how great this game truly is and how much respect I have for the team to make a game that not only impresses on a technical level, but somehow manages to make playing in this overdone war fun again.

I cannot emphasize enough how great this game truly is and how much respect I have for the team to make a game that not only impresses on a technical level, but somehow manages to make playing in this overdone war fun again.

Gears of War 2 does everything you wanted the original to do and then some. I have never been so hooked on a game. I couldn't put it away until I beat it. I just couldn't get enough of the intense action, the beautiful visuals and I especially couldn't get enough of the story.

If you have young ones who adore Jack Black's loveable CGI panda then Legendary Warriors is a solid addition to your Wii library.

Everything about Legendary from the story to the set pieces screams epic proportions and honestly I really wanted to like the game a lot more. However, the small setbacks really take away from the experience and cause the game to go from legendary (pun highly intended) to just plain decent.

There is a lot of hope buried under the surface and if they can manage to unleash it, the game could truly live up to its namesake.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is easily the best entry in the series to date. The fighting mechanics are simple and fun and the visuals are absolutely astonishing to look at.

Unconventional and beautiful, Valkyria Chronicles delivers a game that is both deep and whimsical.

he abundance of modes keeps things fresh while the creation modes are great for younger audiences just looking to jump in and have fun.

The length of the game is probably its biggest weakness, but the robust multi-player makes up for the short campaign.

The length of the game is probably its biggest weakness, but the robust multi-player makes up for the short campaign.

Resistance 2 is an excellent game with fantastic art direction, but there is no longer that special hint of something greater. Without that golden touch, Resistance 2 plays like an accomplished shooter in which you progress through a straightforward campaign with fellow grunting tough guys in a battle against an impossible foe.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is yet another fine example of how to make a game appeal to a younger audience without the expense of good gameplay.

Fallout 3 is among the best games I've played this year, and represents both Bethesda's legacy and the legacy of the Fallout series incredibly well. It's easy to sink hours into exploring this world, and its depth will consume you if you let it. Fallout 3 is a must buy for anyone who loves games, regardless of your preferred genre.

Fallout 3 is among the best games I've played this year, and represents both Bethesda's legacy and the legacy of the Fallout series incredibly well. It's easy to sink hours into exploring this world, and its depth will consume you if you let it. Fallout 3 is a must buy for anyone who loves games, regardless of your preferred genre.

Taking Tower Defense to a playful and portable level, Ninjatown is more fun than a plateful of ninja cookies. The succinct levels make for great bite-sized portable portions of gameplay, and the ninja antics will have you gobbling it up.

It's a shame that technical issues hold KOF: Orochi Saga back so much, because it's a collection with a heck of a lot of potential.

Consider the purchase of your PS3 more than justified.

Guitar Hero World Tour manages to do a lot of things very well, but the problem arises when you realize that with so many options it is hard for one of them to stand out. The song list is excellent, but suffers now because of not being backward compatible with previous games. The music studio is an excellent first effort, but hurts from sound quality and complexity.

Guitar Hero World Tour manages to do a lot of things very well, but the problem arises when you realize that with so many options it is hard for one of them to stand out. The song list is excellent, but suffers now because of not being backward compatible with previous games. The music studio is an excellent first effort, but hurts from sound quality and complexity.

Completely absorbing, Fable 2 is unfettered by its few faults and while perhaps not entirely epic in depth, it is truly epic in scope – and even more fun.

The visuals and characters scream casual kid's game that parents tag along to, while some of the complicated mechanics and platforming elements will frustrate even veteran gamers.

The game is a masterpiece that deserves to be experienced by everyone who calls themselves a gamer. If you have already been through the vistas of Rapture there is little here to warrant a return visit, however if you have managed to remain closed off from the story it is definitely worth the trip.

An extremely enjoyable ride. If you can get past doing the same objectives to progress the story such as having to beat up a certain amount of bad guys or saving so many civilians, and forgive the camera issues, this game is more than awesome.

An extremely enjoyable ride. If you can get past doing the same objectives to progress the story such as having to beat up a certain amount of bad guys or saving so many civilians, and forgive the camera issues, this game is more than awesome.

TouchMaster 2 is a solid follow-up to last year's surprisingly addictive DS title. Everything you loved about the first one is intact outside of online leader boards and the collection of games this time around is much more diverse providing a more entertaining experience all around.

Mechanic Master is easily one of the most thought-provoking and inventive puzzle games I have played all year.

The additions to the PS3 version of Eternal Sonata add some length and substance to an already satisfying game. A tempting and beautiful dream world, the game design is truly captivating.

The songs are catchy and even I found myself humming them days after playing, but it will not replace any of the more mainstream karaoke titles.

With little to offer beyond the conventional cookbook What's Cooking? Jamie Oliver doesn't bring anything new to the dinner table.

It is more like an interactive experience for a younger demographic that manages to remain accessible and fun while not feeling too daunting for anyone. The mini-games are fun, the visuals are bright and happy and the game just oozes with personality that can make just about anyone smile.

The single player component will only satisfy the lonely and serve as a tutorial backdrop for the more robust multi-player options. A properly accessible downloadable title, Age of Booty is a joy to hop into with some friends, though with the current sound difficulties and insubstantial single-player not quite worth the $9.99 price tag.

Age of Booty is a multi-player affair so much in fact that you should not look at the challenges in the game as a single-player component.

And while Cesar Millan is a great trainer, this game is simply a waste of DS battery life.

Rock Revolution is a bad attempt at cashing in on the genre. It really does nothing to separate itself and actually siphons most of the enjoyment out of playing music games.

Rock Revolution is a bad attempt at cashing in on the genre. It really does nothing to separate itself and actually siphons most of the enjoyment out of playing music games.

Saints Row 2 is the type of game soccer Moms will scream about. Why, I'm sure I don't know because it is clearly not for kids. Silly, Outrageous, Profane, Excessively Violent, Very Naughty, and Unapologetically so. And it is a hell of a lot of fun.

Saints Row 2 is the type of game soccer Moms will scream about. Why, I'm sure I don't know because it is clearly not for kids. Silly, Outrageous, Profane, Excessively Violent, Very Naughty, and Unapologetically so. And it is a hell of a lot of fun.

Dead Space is the type of game that people will talk about five years from now about just how good it really was.