Midway has done a nice job of correcting most of the mistakes from last year's game, but the sore visuals and lack of overall polish keep this game from achieving greatness.

With all of its improvements FIFA Soccer 09 is by far the most impressive upgrade to any sports title this year. If you are even remotely a fan of the sport FIFA 09 is a must-buy.

With all of its improvements FIFA Soccer 09 is by far the most impressive upgrade to any sports title this year. If you are even remotely a fan of the sport FIFA 09 is a must-buy.

Probably the most feature-rich PSN game to date. It supports every single feature PlayStation 3 owners have come to expect from their system and a few that they probably are not aware of. The online play is the brightest point, but with the current problems it really holds the title back from its full potential.

Fracture tries to be more than every other shooter and at first it succeeds. Unfortunately after drilling through the game the hectic action and abundance of enemies causes you to forget what separates it from the rest of the herd and it quickly becomes what it is trying to avoid.

Fracture tries to be more than every other shooter and at first it succeeds. Unfortunately after drilling through the game the hectic action and abundance of enemies causes you to forget what separates it from the rest of the herd and it quickly becomes what it is trying to avoid.

Crash Mind Over Mutant is the kind of game that does nothing inherently wrong, but also fails to do anything to set itself apart from the herd.

The Association mode is making a case for the best franchise mode in the entire genre, and the on court gameplay is mostly very solid. With some tweaks to the post play, and an overhauled menu system, next years' version has the potential to be a truly outstanding title.

The Association mode is making a case for the best franchise mode in the entire genre, and the on court gameplay is mostly very solid. With some tweaks to the post play, and an overhauled menu system, next years' version has the potential to be a truly outstanding title.

The inclusion of Dynamic DNA and NBA Live 365 are two of the most important innovations in sports gaming this year. Combined with all of the other enhancements EA Canada has provided and you are looking at the most feature-rich basketball title to come along in some time.

The inclusion of Dynamic DNA and NBA Live 365 are two of the most important innovations in sports gaming this year. Combined with all of the other enhancements EA Canada has provided and you are looking at the most feature-rich basketball title to come along in some time.

Overall, this game is a dream come true for an old school, 8 bit gamer like myself. From the difficulty level, to the nostalgic graphics and sound, it's everything I could want from a new Mega Man title.

While it does change a lot as far as combat is concerned it feels more like a traditional Silent Hill title than the last few efforts.

For what it is Silent Hill: Homecoming truly does fit its namesake in bringing the franchise back to its roots.

My daughter loves Princess Debut, and what's not to like? What girl in her right mind wouldn't want to be sucked into a swirling vortex in her closet and forced to dance just so that she can "find a man"?? On second thought, don't answer that.

This is easily my vote for best downloadable game of the year.

Brothers in Arms seems to wish they were cool enough to eat lunch with Band of Brothers and ends up taking itself all too seriously. It is an earnest backdrop for a game in which the "fun part" is supposed to be blowing people into tiny bits.

Brothers in Arms seems to wish they were cool enough to eat lunch with Band of Brothers and ends up taking itself all too seriously. It is an earnest backdrop for a game in which the "fun part" is supposed to be blowing people into tiny bits.

Pure doesn’t set any standards in the department of innovation, but it does take everything fun about the genre and cram it into a tight package.

Pure doesn’t set any standards in the department of innovation, but it does take everything fun about the genre and cram it into a tight package.

Buzz! Quiz TV is more than just a good quiz game. An abundance of questions, some DLC already available and online features combine to make a lasting product. Lighthearted and well-paced, trivia junkies and social gamers just won't find a better fix than Buzz! Quiz TV.

Disgaea DS is probably the most feature-rich experience currently on the system.

As long as you can overlook the simplicity of the game play, the abundance of cut scenes and its ridiculous amounts of cuteness then there is a lot of fun to be found within.

The story was good enough to keep me playing through to the end to see what happens next, and told well enough so that I actually cared what happened to the characters.

The unlockables and amazing force powers offer plenty of replay value, and the story is top notch. Anyone who calls themselves a Star Wars fan needs to experience this game, if only for the narrative which really adds a lot to the main canon.

The unlockables and amazing force powers offer plenty of replay value, and the story is top notch. Anyone who calls themselves a Star Wars fan needs to experience this game, if only for the narrative which really adds a lot to the main canon.

The most shocking thing though is that even though the game fits all the criteria of a quick job, it doesn't feel like it when you play, and that is the most important part. The premise is simple and enjoyable, the soundtrack is fantastic and the amount of content is respectable.

With 84 tracks on the disc, an additional 20 more coming before year's end and the gigantic amount of improvements to an already stellar game Rock Band 2 is a music game lover's dream come true.

Sure, diehard wrestling fans will enjoy the fluid gameplay and the chance to play as some of their favorite TNA stars, however more casual fans will become quickly dissatisfied with the lack of variety.

Sure, diehard wrestling fans will enjoy the fluid gameplay and the chance to play as some of their favorite TNA stars, however more casual fans will become quickly dissatisfied with the lack of variety.

The games are fun, diverse and work surprisingly well in conjunction with the mat and Wii remote.

What it all boils down to is this game lacks a lot to make it a fun dodgeball game. The camera doesn't fit and the action is bit too slow-paced for some.

With a substantial campaign mode, excellent online and a great customization aspect Namco Bandai's latest is one of the better attempts at the genre on a console.

Underwhelming when viewed in the context of its predecessor, Trouble In Paradise gets so many things right it cannot be dismissed.

Vampire Rain: Altered Species has a lot working against it. Substandard AI, deficient visuals, exasperating difficulty and a host of other problems that make you wonder how much effort and care was actually poured into the game.

Rapala Fishing Frenzy 2009 is probably the best fishing game I have encountered in quite some time. It has inventive controls, superb visuals (minus the slowdown) and enough challenges to keep you occupied for months to come. The lack of true online really dampens the experience though and makes me wonder what could have been.

Mercs is all explosions with little care given to the wrappings. The lack of real story actually keeps the game playable and in the future Pandemic may be better off forgoing the pretense of plot.

Mercs is all explosions with little care given to the wrappings. The lack of real story actually keeps the game playable and in the future Pandemic may be better off forgoing the pretense of plot.

The Last Guy has a definite personality and style that almost completely overcomes the fact that it doesn't exactly make use of "the power of the Cell". It may not pack a graphical whollup, but it is more than just a novel idea. With truly addicting gameplay and a healthy portion of silliness, saving major cities from zombies is hours of fun.

The overall package sets the mood perfectly for the mind-bending challenges within the game.

In closing, Tales of Vesperia is a must buy for fans of the series, and a Must Try for those new to the series, or new to the genre. Vesperia is, what I hope, the tip of the iceberg for next gen capabilities as the series continues.

Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice is the pinnacle of the series and really does cater to the hardcore fans.

The biggest problem with Ferrari Challenge is the same one that plagues most racing games that choose to focus on one specific vehicle; lack of variety.

Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli is a solid racing game with a few disappointing omissions that keep it from being great. The graphics are inspiring, the racing is enjoyable and the tutorial meta-game is addictive.

Helix is a simple game that can be a lot of fun if you don’t mind looking bizarre while playing.

The game is shallow, but focused, and Insomniac's aim is clear: short, sweet, episodic content - but Quest for Booty gives the player the sense that Ratchet just isn't meant for episodic styling.

This game screams multiplayer. But, if you are a shooter fan, single-player will be enough to satisfy your thirst.

In the end, despite its flaws, I'm having a blast with Too Human. The looting and leveling is incredibly addictive, and if you let yourself dig a little bit you'll find a surprising amount of depth in the combat system. However I can't help but feel like the game isn't living up to it's full potential.

Bionic Commando Rearmed is the epitome of how to remake a game for the next generation. If you were a fan of the original you will love the attention to detail and classically epic soundtrack. If you are new to the series you will grow to love the swinging mechanic, once you get the hang of it.

The epitome of how to remake a game for the next generation. If you were a fan of the original you will love the attention to detail and classically epic soundtrack. If you are new to the series you will grow to love the swinging mechanic, once you get the hang of it.

Braid is the kind of game that will likely change the face of downloadable entertainment.

If you enjoyed the original game but found it frustrating, than Grave Danger will be a welcome addition. However, if you loved the challenge of the original this one will likely be a cakewalk by comparison.

King of Clubs feels like yet another "me too" title in a sea of the same.

With such rich presentation the simple gameplay is more than engaging, it's addictive.

Soulcalibur IV is the definition of how to make a sequel to a beloved franchise. Everything is dialed up and the amount of content will keep gamers occupied for months to come. The fighting engine is deep enough for hardcores to take pleasure in while easy enough for casuals to simply pick up and enjoy.

Soulcalibur IV is the definition of how to make a sequel to a beloved franchise. Everything is dialed up and the amount of content will keep gamers occupied for months to come. The fighting engine is deep enough for hardcores to take pleasure in while easy enough for casuals to simply pick up and enjoy.

A fantastic choice for casual and hardcore baseball fans of all ages. It makes a great companion to the realism heavy baseball games on the market, and Success and MLB Life mode would both be worth the price of admission on their own.

It is a great thing to bring light to an under promoted sport such as women's volleyball, but in this case it's like Ronald McDonald promoting P.E.T.A. It doesn't really help. So whatever you do, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME.

Sure the game may not be the prettiest on the market, and while there isn't a lot of competition it does have some major hang-ups, but for what it is it is quite enjoyable.

The sheer number of games on the disc combined with the cheap price tag makes it a steal to both classic gamers and newcomers.

The game's appearance combined with solid controls and generally tight feeling of the game make it more than an old remake, and evidence the success of a less direct tribute.

The problem here is that the concept wears out its welcome far too quickly and without enough diversity in the gameplay you will find yourself forcing your way through the later levels.

If you loved the original 1942 then Joint Strike will likely conjure up memories of the golden days of shooters.

As unpolished as some aspects of the game may be, there's no denying its overall charm and at five dollars it's hard not to recommend. At the very least, you'll have greater respect for the next overpass.

The simplistic swing mechanic hasn’t changed much, but what is here works flawlessly.

Much of the changes in Civ Rev are of the give and take variety ultimately streamlining gameplay with little sacrifice.

Much of the changes in Civ Rev are of the give and take variety ultimately streamlining gameplay with little sacrifice.

With a lack of user-customization being the biggest pitfall Unreal Tournament 3 is still worth your money if you don't already own it. You will be hard pressed to find a faster or more visceral experience on the console.

There is a fun little romp tucked away in here, but you have to dig (and play the game with other people) in order to find it.

At ten bucks it is hard to go wrong, even if it lacks online play, a mission mode and true widescreen support. Soulcalibur is one of those games that everyone needs to play at least once in their lives, and there has never been a better time to jump in.

There is a fun little romp tucked away in here, but you have to dig (and play the game with other people) in order to find it.

With a lack of downloadable content and a disappointing short set list GH: Aerosmith certainly isn't for everyone.

With a lack of downloadable content and a disappointing short set list GH: Aerosmith certainly isn't for everyone.

A nice step back to the glory days of arcade action where dying really meant starting over. If you are a fan of games that reward you for perseverance than this is your cup of tea. However, casual fans will quickly become frustrated with a lack of continue and a set number of lives.

Between the horrific camera and the absolutely infuriating battle deaths it is a wonder that this game was ever allowed to be put on the shelves.

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress is a prime of example of if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

The controls are downright terrible in some instances.

Overall, Top Spin 3 does a great job approximating the real talent it takes to play tennis at a competitive level.

The exclusion of Global Conquest mode from the PC does not help the idea of choosing this version over its Windows counterpart, but if you enjoyed Tiberium Wars on 360 than you will likely find the same satisfaction here.

Just about the perfect interpretation of the series in handheld form. I cannot imagine a better way to do it and I would love to see them continue to expand on the idea.

With a combination of linear levels and uninspired level design Fall of XANA does little to entice players into the wonderful world of the show.

When all is said and done Metal Gear Solid 4 is exactly what the fans wanted for Snake's final mission.

In the end, the positives surrounding the career mode of Prizefighter just aren't enough to make up for the numerous negatives in control, collision detection, and overall gameplay.

Waging war with unlimited ammo has its fun, but it gets repetitive fast and sweet nostalgia can't really support the mundane.

If you are a hardcore fan of puzzle games do not let Roogoo's cutesy demeanor throw you off. Underneath its kiddy exterior is a truly deep and engaging game that thrives on the idea that simplicity doesn't have to mean shallow.

Ninja Gaiden II is the type of game that will mollify its fanbase and not much else. There is nothing here to lure in new fans to the series, but what is here is exactly what you would expect from a sequel to the original game.

GRID is the type of game that straddles the line between sim and arcade so well that it actually works on both levels.

GRID is the type of game that straddles the line between sim and arcade so well that it actually works on both levels.

A prime example of how to make a great licensed game. The developers at Luxoflux have gone above and beyond the call of duty to bring this imaginative cast of characters to life. The amount of polish is simply impressive and I even found myself – a jaded game critic – enjoying the game from start to finish.

But I just can't give this game a legitimate score because this program essentially already exists with more font and typing options, wider use and less annoying mechanics. FOR FREE!

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is the kind of shooter that will garner a cult following and be loved by all who take the time to learn all of what it has to offer.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is the kind of shooter that will garner a cult following and be loved by all who take the time to learn all of what it has to offer.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is one of the few licensed games that I am not ashamed to recommend, especially to fans of the series.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is one of the few licensed games that I am not ashamed to recommend, especially to fans of the series.

The harder boss fights, longer levels, destructible environments, and the on-foot levels add to the already amazingly fun to play and, in my opinion, one of the best XBLA games making it a must buy if you were a fan of the original and have some points to spare.

If you enjoy the typical waggle-sports found on the console Wii Ski will likely please you, if you are still not a believer in motion control there is little here to advance the medium, just a lot of mindless fun to be had.

It is fun ripping around in two player mode trying to trash or out pace each other in your favorite ride, which is probably the best time to be had in the game. However, all this can't really justify putting up with the horrible AI ramblings, poor graphics and awkward controls that make this game so frustrating and monotonous at times.

A surprisingly deep game with some rough edges. If you can manage to get a grip on the controls and combat you will quickly grow to enjoy what the game has to offer.