The level of detail is astounding with nary a hint of slowdown.

With voiceovers and the ability to team up with other characters there is more of a sense of community than ever before.

Much more than a mere upgrade, Unreal Tournament 2004 brings more depth to the frag-fest with more weapons, vehicles, maps and opportunities for team-based strategy.

Seldom does a sports game possess arcade-style flair and PC-like depth but NBA Street Vol. 2 is just such a game.

It's fast, furious and one of the best times I've had playing vid in a long time.

With incredible attention to detail, the graphics are among some of the best ever seen on the PS2.

The graphic violence is shocking. The story is captivating and the disturbing scenes are sure to make even hardcore gamers a little queasy.

This is one hot engine, baby. The graphics and the animation are about as smooth and realistic as it gets. The physics is precise and the controls are tight.

If you've got your PS2 hooked up to a good stereo you will be tempted to do the glass-of-water test from the movie Jurassic Park. So powerful are the pounding sounds that they're sure to leave ripples in your glass of water.

Playing as the green thing is incredible fun. He's not only easy to control but he's got a good variety of moves... My biggest complaint is that the game isn't long enough.

Hack'n slash fans and Tolkienites will go nuts over this.

Purists may find some of the changes too drastic but remember that people freaked when Bob Dylan added an electric guitar to his combo.

Extremely colorful and detailed, the environments and character models will make you think you're playing an Xbox game - and an excellent Xbox game at that. The environments are huge and imaginative.

If you were freaked by the "Blair Witch Project" you will definitely find this scary. People with a more sophisticated imagination will get the most out of this game though there are some damn good shocks as well.

The stunts you can pull off on a wakeboard in real life are astounding but the stunts you can pull off in the virtual world are nothing short of amazing.

This expansion pack adds new races, a new story, new missions and side quests, new weapons and armor, Perks and a totally overhauled engine with graphics that have to be seen to be believed... So incredible are the environments that even the wastelands look fantastic.

It's not a button masher. Energy and strength must be conserved. The key to good gameplay is looking for and finding openings. Taking advantage of your opponent's weakness is the strategy that will separate the men from the boys.

The creatures are incredible. They look and move like distorted corpses that have been in tragic accidents or have undergone unspeakable experiments. They limp, writhe and undulate their way into our unconscious.

It will take the better part of a day to get comfortable with the controls so plan on using up some of your patience. In a short while you'll be soaring with the eagles - and also dropping like flies.

If you love this type of game, if you enjoy being taken into a world that lasts very long, is fun and is not frustrating to play, then this is a must have for your collection.

If there's a better game for beginners or intermediate virtual fighter pilots out there that want to have a lot of fun flying the unfriendly skies, I haven't heard about it.

There are tons of extra moves such as two-level jumps, fireballs, hurricane kicks, dust moves, one-kill-punches and the Psych Burst which allows you to stop a combo or super move right in the middle of its execution.

The game has plenty going for it. Most notably the AI which rivals just about any human that I've played against. What is most interesting is that the AI plays fair. It doesn't have ESP.

The mouse takes the place of the analog stick and really smoothes things out. It's much easier to aim your gun at cameras, light bulbs and human heads, and you can make Sam run faster than ever before. It all comes together to make Splinter Cell one of the best action/stealth games to ever grace PC.

Rarely is there a game like this that can accommodate beginners and satisfy experts. Earth and Beyond is one of those rare beasts.

Bigger, better, more realistic and more difficult than Command & Conquer: Generals, Command & Conquer: Generals Zero Hour, is the expansion pack that keeps on giving.

There are less modes, tracks and cars but the engine has been rebuilt and offers incredible handling and realistic graphics. If you want to focus on rally racing without all the distractions, this is the game.

From the thunder of the engines to the sound of breaking glass you won't need much further convincing that you are playing one of the finest racing games ever created for the home system.

This game got more play on my machine then the Culkins at Neverland ranch.

The nicest feature is the absense of a time limit within the game. This allows for a more seamless play experience, with not having to restart every 2-3 minutes.

A fantastic game to gaze at, with wonderfully detailed graphics, enormous environments, above average lighting effects, and smooth looking characters.

Rez is not so much a game as it is art.

Although it borrows from other gaming experiences in certain places, you haven't ever played a game like Ico. Highly recommended!

Shorter than the average RPG, this game should take you about 18 hours to complete but the two player co-op and the two other class characters will add to the replay value. Truly an instant classic that will be enjoyed by gamers of all persuasion.

Hands down this is the best child-oriented game I've ever had the pleasure of playing and that's because Disney Extreme Skate Adventure goes to great lengths NOT to insult the gamers intelligence and skills.

One of the few PS2 games that ventures into Xbox territory. In looks, sounds, animation, story and depth, this game has it all.

The gameplay can become a bit a redundant and you won't find much for replay value but Ghosthunter is certainly one of the best rental choices of the year.

Battlefield Vietnam lets you use everything you've got, from your shooting skills to your strategy acumen. It's very engaging and easily one of the best Vietnam war games ever created.

Whatever magic that was used to create the original Sims, the most popular computer game of all time, has not only been recaptured but the dosage has been cranked to lethal proportions...It's better than the original and all of the expansion packs combined.

As an expansion pack this isn't a new game but it throws you enough bones to begin construction of a medium-sized graveyard.

Just about every aspect of Darkwatch is cool. The environments are cool, the weapons are cool, the characters are cool and while the gameplay is not unique it's definitely one of the best first-person shooters on the Xbox and PS2. The controls alone are worth the price of admission.

With an overhauled tutorial, user-friendly interface and straightforward goals, this is easily the most accessible game in the series.

I absolutely hate the music which is a mix of cheap-sounding alternative and punk.

This game is satire in its sharpest form. It's self mocking, self aware attitude is always at the forefront and it makes the adventure, oh so very clever indeed.

With virtually no load times this game rivals some of the best Xbox games. The character models are excellent and really excel at instilling a sense of awe at the gargantuan proportions of some of the enemies and Gods.

If may not feature a drunken out of shape John Daly or the regal presence of Tiger himself, but like Stifler's mom, it definitely has it going on. Buy it for the gameplay, stay for the online.

A classic comic book come to life... With a great story, excellent controls, graphics and voiceovers you are certain to get your money's worth out of this game.

Only the best elements have been preserved and put to good use to continue the series. Covenant gives us great characters, a unique and fun to use combat system and a storyline that takes on a life of its own.

One must appreciate the nuances of such a game. This is a perfect alternative to curling up with a good book on a stormy night - although the storm could last for weeks.

Guild Wars is my kind of MMO RPG game. It's as though my complaints have been addressed and someone has crafted an almost perfect example of an online, multi-player, role-playing game.

It offers lots of gameplay variety and a down and dirty story that gives us a fair representation of thug life in the 70s. Not to be missed.

Fans of the show should not be without this game. It's like being in one of the episodes.

No two games play alike thanks to the incredible AI who act like real human enemies. They also die like real humans, meaning that they aren't given an unfair advantage. This is war.

Saying United Offensive is just another expansion pack for just another FPS is like saying Hurricane Jeanne is just another hurricane.

The environments are incredibly detailed and show a lot of innovation and imagination. It's not a stretch to believe that this world exists as characters go about their daily business and vehicles fly around in background. The AI is also more realistic and more challenging.

Due to the variety, the solid gameplay, the interesting story and the sheer length of this game, RPG fans shouldn't hesitate to purchase Till the End of Time. It's a great value.

One of the most epic, detailed, varied and deep RTS games ever created. It's going to challenge all gamers of all skill levels, from hardcore strategist and newbies.

It's quite possible that Champions: Return to Arms is the best hack and slash game ever created. Unfortunately it has been built atop the foundation of "Champions of Norrath." So much so that fans of that game may feel somewhat betrayed that Return to Arms is so similar.

Those hardcore gamers and DMC fans looking for an incredible challenge will be rewarded beyond their expectations... DMC 3 is loaded with action, depth and replay value - all presented with some of the best production values ever seen on the PS2.

The animation is smooth and the sound effects are top shelf. Bullets whiz by, explosions echo in the valley and the screams of the enemy play like a sadistic symphony across the bloody fields. War has never been this much fun.

From the graphics to the gameplay mechanics everything runs smoothly and precisely like a Swiss-made clock. The controls are tight, the animation is fluid and the gameplay is extremely varied for a fighting game. It's a winner.

The game is going for a more cartoonish look. It's bright and colorful with characters such as Ben Franklin which appear more as caricatures than real-life renderings. The environments are hugely three-dimensional and well detailed when you're in range.

The load times suck but the graphics are actually pretty darn close to the Xbox and Cube, which surpised me. Online play is pretty good, but I found it to be more laggy than XBL. As mentioned though, you've got the controller that makes this game a breeze to play.

The lack of online play for either the Xbox or PS2 North American versions is downright deplorable.

The only real complaint that I have is that there are no voiceovers. The game is relatively mute. Fortunately the personality of the characters is able to transcend this limitation but the game is far from silent as it utilizes the incredibly rich, John Williams scores for theme and background music in addition to all of the sound effects from the Lucas library.

By far this is the best version of the game available, simply because of the graphics and reduced load times. You will need a workhorse to have it run smoothly, but it's definitely worth it in the end, whether you've an old homie of CJ's or you've just been introduced.

There are countless tense moments playing as Jack and my only complaint is not playing as the featured star more than we were given the opportunity.

There are countless tense moments playing as Jack and my only complaint is not playing as the featured star more than we were given the opportunity.

This is a serious fitness tool. You don't need costly equipment and the entire package costs less than an average month at the gym. It's also a great alternative for those that may be self-conscious about going to one.

Sure I love the Hulk and I love this game but I can overlook a bit of gameplay repetition. At least it's the kind of gameplay repetition that I want repeated.

Another instant classic.

Playing ball was never so personal. With an incredible amount of slider options you can customize the gameplay to accommodate any style of player. You can go from arcade to sim and all points in between.

Everything just feels so unbelievably right. The control you have over your car is so spot-on that you can literally "feel" it when you nail a drift just right or when you’re careening down a straightaway at speeds of nearly 200 MPH.

Not only is this a great game but like most Star Wars videogames, the production values are beyond reproach. The game looks fantastic.

Pinch me, I'm dreaming. I think I've just played the perfect videogame. Director Fumito Ueda's vision is extraordinary thus making Shadow of the Colossus one of the most unique experiences I have ever had the pleasure of undertaking.

The only slight knock I can level at DoS is the incessant backtracking and repetitive soul collecting that is really ONLY necessary if you want to strive for the best endings to earn the best unlockables.

The Godfather is not a perfect game but it's a hell of a lot of fun. There's nothing particularly frustrating about it so the challenges won't be insurmountable to casual gamers. Hardcores can immerse themselves in the mob world and enjoy the game as an interactive movie.

The Godfather is not a perfect game but it's a hell of a lot of fun. There's nothing particularly frustrating about it so the challenges won't be insurmountable to casual gamers. Hardcores can immerse themselves in the mob world and enjoy the game as an interactive movie.

The graphics do an excellent job of immersing us into this fantasy world. Characters are charming, funny, evil and mysterious.

The whole package is a little overwhelming. The sleek lines of the PSP, the drop dead gorgeous visuals and the control.....ah, the control. While the analog stick placement is a little low for my liking, once you get used to it - and I mean, entirely for every game - the PSP handles like a Dual Shock with a screen.

There's nothing not to like about this game and I don't say that lightly. It's definitely a contender for Game of the Year - at least the online portion.

If you leave your pre-conceived notions at the door, Graffiti Kingdom will most definitely entertain you.

TOCA Race Driver 3 may not be the perfect racing game in terms of physics and feel but there's no other game that can match the outrageous number of different racing styles at such a consistent level of quality.

TOCA Race Driver 3 may not be the perfect racing game in terms of physics and feel but there's no other game that can match the outrageous number of different racing styles at such a consistent level of quality.

Any gamer who gets off on high speed hijinks will find that Revenge is a dish best served now!

Tomb Raider: Legend is the definitive sequel/prequel/quadquel to the Tomb Raider series. It's hard to imagine where it can go from here.

Tomb Raider: Legend is the definitive sequel/prequel/quadquel to the Tomb Raider series. It's hard to imagine where it can go from here.

It's technically impressive but more than anything it's a lot of fun.

It's a freestyle experience that allows one to unlock his or her creativity without fear of judgement. It can be totally engrossing and incredibly relaxing.

With gameplay nearly identical to its predecessor, Battlefront II takes every aspect of the original Battlefront and runs with it.

Space battle is the newest addition to the Battlefront series. I stand and applaud LucasArts and Pandemic for pulling off the single greatest space flight simulation game ever.

As unique and brilliant as videogames get.

While Prey brings a lot of innovation and fun with it, it's not quite the system-shattering killer app that a decade of delay should promise. It is, however, a solid FPS with many never before seen features and an interesting and original storyline.

There is a delicateness in the story that is inextricably linked to the violent savagery of the gameplay. It's both sweet and sour or yin and yang. It's Japanese - go figure.

Those who are looking for more Tony Hawk style challenges which are entirely based on skill, might not dig the On Tour vibe with it's easier than pie trickstylings, but those who know that it's all about getting to the bottom first and looking awesome while doing it will really get into this one.

The perfect marriage of a handheld game and a touch-sensitive screen.

With great new moves, excellent graphics, plenty of deep, exciting modes including a variety of mini-games, NCAA Football 06 comes highly recommended. If you passed on last year's game this is definitely the year to buy.

A tour de force of high quality gameplay that doesn't suffer from the "leftovers" syndrome of so many other PSP titles, even though the courses found within the game are tweaked tracks from previous games. Even if you've played every Burnout title to date, including the recent Burnout Revenge on the consoles, BL is still going to rock your world.

Bully is filled with entertaining and diverse gameplay. It’s got a great story with lots of humor and emotion – and just enough violence to satiate all you little bastards out there.

For the first time in years, the game has been redesigned which completely alters the gameplay at its core. Tiburon appears not to be satisfied with just creating an entertaining representation of video football but to advance the realism so that the experience brings players that much closer to what it feels like being on the gridiron. They've succeeded.

For the first time in years, the game has been redesigned which completely alters the gameplay at its core. Tiburon appears not to be satisfied with just creating an entertaining representation of video football but to advance the realism so that the experience brings players that much closer to what it feels like being on the gridiron. They've succeeded.

One of the smartest games on the DS. It's highly recommended for gamers of all ages and intelligence.

CCO has all of the gameplay, story, visuals and atmosphere that you could possibly want in a mystery game and I think does them all to a proverbial "t".

If you were thinking that Rockstar would cowtow to the critics and release something on the PSP that was a watered-down shrinking violet of a story, rest easy. Liberty City Stories is as brutal and harsh as you've come to expect from the series.

The level of graphic detail is astonishing. The dogs are fully rendered in 3D and display incredibly realistic animation as the puppies frolic and tumble all over the screen. It's hard not to get attached to these mutts for crying out loud.

The level of graphic detail is astonishing. The dogs are fully rendered in 3D and display incredibly realistic animation as the puppies frolic and tumble all over the screen. It's hard not to get attached to these mutts for crying out loud.

The level of graphic detail is astonishing. The dogs are fully rendered in 3D and display incredibly realistic animation as the puppies frolic and tumble all over the screen. It's hard not to get attached to these mutts for crying out loud.

It's the epitome of turn based strategy games. I've loved AW since it appeared out of left field on the GBA and Duel Strike knocks it out of the park on the DS.

If you loved Total War get ready for another rendezvous.

Easily the best flight and fight sim ever created. And I don't say that lightly. It's not easy but at least if you make the effort you won't be plagued by buggy programming.

Due to the rich history of the series, you can't help but feel like you're taking part in a fantastic epic that hasn't even begun to scratch the surface in terms of totality. That's why I love this series and that's why I love DDS2. Chances are, you will too.

Quake 4 is not pretentious. It's a hardcore shooter in which you don't have to be a hardcore gamer to experience.

This is definitely one of the best RPGs I've played this year.

It may not be as deep as the PC version but compared to most console games, this one is a bottomless pit.

If your a fan of "MVP Baseball," like myself, and your looking to quench your thirst for baseball, then you've found a damn good alternative.

Not only surpasses the Budokai series up to now, but shows us some new and great additions.

A gift from the Nintendo Gods. [CCC's "original review was removed due to what [they] consider to be trolling and erroneous information."]

I can't say enough about the pitch detector. It's one of the most incredible tools available for potential musicians, and I don't say that lightly.

It's a fun romp though and definitely a welcome companion to the upcoming movie. There are countless tense moments playing as Jack and my only complaint is not playing as the featured star more than we were given the opportunity.

It's not the perfect wrestling game but it's damn close. You don't have to be a wrestling fan to appreciate the challenges put forth in this excellent title.

A rock-solid game filled with innovation, a compelling story, and gorgeous graphics.

Although there aren’t many significant changes to the gameplay, the game still feels more exhilarating and more immersive because of the improved visuals, better storyline, lack of darkness, and the moral choices Sam if forced to make.

I found the story more fleshed out since certain story elements that are glossed over in the X360 version are given more gravity and importance.

It's going to take some time to learn the ropes but there's a deep game with lots of replay value waiting for you when you become one with the control system.

Although I do like playing Ultra Bust-a-Move on the Xbox, mainly for the larger screen, I have to admit that this DS version is hands-down the best version of this franchise due to the control system and the new swap-a-ball feature. Get this game.

It's intense, exciting and varied. Not since the original has a Syphon Filter title felt and played this good. Welcome back, Gabe.

Tomb Raider: Legend is the definitive sequel/prequel/quadquel to the Tomb Raider series. It's hard to imagine where it can go from here.

Daxter is an amazing looking creature. He's loaded with personality and his animated movements are fluid and well detailed as he slinks around with tail wagging and ears flapping.

Empires makes the series bigger and better than ever with new scenarios, large scale battles, new policies and plenty of strategy to keep your mind fully engaged.

Rogue Galaxy ultimately feels like a mixture of "Final Fantasy XII" and "Dark Cloud 2," which is undoubtedly a great combination. With its gorgeous visuals, its galaxy spanning story, and dozens of hours of gameplay, Rogue Galaxy is probably and sadly the last great RPG that the fading PS2 will see.

Empires makes the series bigger and better than ever with new scenarios, large scale battles, new policies and plenty of strategy to keep your mind fully engaged.

A great game with amazing graphics, epic boss battles, good gameplay, and mechfights in the snow. It's hard to go wrong with that combination, and Capcom didn't, essentially creating a great gaming experience.

Liberty City Stories is a summer time treat for PS2 owners who haven't played the PSP version. Even though it's an almost direct port, the control system is vastly improved on the PS2 and the budget price just seals the deal for this full length GTA adventure.

Fairly balanced and sharp looking, it may lack some of the depth of its competitors but it does more than hold its own by providing an exciting competitive combat experience rounded out by impressive visuals on anyone’s system and the right MMO aspects sprinkled throughout.

With gameplay that you would expect to see on the DS instead of the PSP, Loco Roco is easily the most accessible title available to date and is easily one of the best titles to be seen on Sony’s handheld since its debut.

Instead of simply porting over one of their best-selling PS2 titles, NamcoBandai took a couple extra steps to move the series forward as it made it portable. With only the small misstep in the customizable planes department, Skies of Deception could very well be seen as one of the best titles in the series.

Yes, the gameplay can get tedious. Yes, the traveling can be slow at times. Yes, it can be difficult and require plenty of trial and error. But if you're a RPG warrior, all these challenges comes with the territory.

Despite its few flaws, MUA is a blast to play. If you’ve ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that.

If you’ve ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that. RPG and dungeon crawler fans along with comic-book lovers will find much to love about MUA.

Even despite its few flaws, MUA is a blast to play. If you’ve ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that. RPG and dungeon crawler fans along with comic-book lovers will find much to love about MUA.

Even despite its few flaws, MUA is a blast to play. If you’ve ever enjoyed an X-men Legends game, MUA is a step above and beyond that. RPG and dungeon crawler fans along with comic-book lovers will find much to love about MUA.

It doesn’t take the psychic powers of Prof. X or Dr. Strange to predict that a pulse-pounding, butt-kicking, mask-wearing adventure is in your immediate future. Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is a no-brainer purchase for any self-respecting Marvel fan.

Madden has graced us with the greatest update of the genre since ’04, and once you pick up this year’s version you can never go back.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2 may not be the easiest name to remember, but as a game it's impossible to forget.

The sci-fi inspired storyline will keep players interested until the very end, the enemies you fight against are numerous and deadly, the battles are grand and will challenge you even on the default settings, and the weaponry available is friggin’ sweet. Online support for 40 players and Co-op mode are icing on the proverbial cake.

I cannot recommend this game enough. It's the most fun game experience I've had on the Nintendo DS since the New Super Mario came out. I would even say that this game is a little bit more fun than the latter simply for its unique gameplay and ultra-cool copy abilities.

It places itself on the short side, as it took me less than three hours to beat completely. Nevertheless, there are over 200 wacky mini-games that you can always practice individually at seven different speeds by going to the Temple of Form located on the map.

In a nutshell, LEGO Star Wars II is action, adventure, collecting, puzzles, races, mini-game, Co-op mode and your favorite Star Wars characters all having a great time.

In a nutshell, LEGO Star Wars II is action, adventure, collecting, puzzles, races, mini-game, Co-op mode and your favorite Star Wars characters all having a great time.

In a nutshell, LEGO Star Wars II is action, adventure, collecting, puzzles, races, mini-game, Co-op mode and your favorite Star Wars characters all having a great time.

The stylus is used to direct your craft and also to target the enemy. It requires some practice, but it's a great addition to the gameplay.

Final Fantasy XIII is an amazing game. With an engrossing story and a thrilling new battle system, this is one title you can't afford to miss as an RPG fan. However, though it succeeds on the most important fronts, there are some notable areas where the game could have been better. The linear level design is a fairly large stumbling block, and if you are used to open-world games, it can make the entire experience feel a little claustrophobic.

The role-playing possibilities are endless, and the world is amazingly well fleshed out. Unfortunately, technical issues with the visuals and the fact that non-role-playing gamers will likely be bored by the sheer size and scope of play limit the title's appeal.

Quite simply, if you are a Naruto fan, you're going to get a lot of entertainment value out of Ultimate Ninja.

This game exceeded all expectations I had, not only for an anime game but for any handheld title. It's multitude of modes coupled with the great gameplay and ultra-immersive online modes really make this one stand out from the crowd!

With the Signature Style re-creating players’ styles on the game, the immersive Association mode, and the nearly impeccable online play, NBA 2K7 is the sports title to get this basketball season.

With the Signature Style re-creating players’ styles on the game, the immersive Association mode, and the nearly impeccable online play, NBA 2K7 is the sports title to get this basketball season.

With such faithful recreations of classic SEGA Genesis games, and a few not-so-classic ones, I can finally take my Genesis out of the closet and get some use out of it as a doorstop.

While other faithful ports of have seen their fair share of action on Live already, Doom trumps them all with its intense action and countless secrets.

Don't be scared of the new Gibson X-Plorer controller because it plays just as well as the PS2 version. Too bad it looks a little too 80s hair band for my taste. No matter, the game still totally rocks.

A game that leaves you wanting more is definitely the sign of a good game, and it's also the sign of a perfect rental.

The graphics are stunning on any console, the voice-acting and writing is more Hollywood quality, and the level designs feature obstacles that have been featured in many adventure films. It's perfect in a way that reminds us of Lara's past yet introduces us to modern game physics and design.

I love the fact that the physics engine in the game applies not just to the player, but to the entire game environment. I felt like sitting back with a bucket of popcorn to enjoy the big, big, beautiful explosions in all their earth shaking, shrapnel flinging glory.

It can not be debated that this is a hardcore gamers' fighting game, but even those looking to just pick up and play will find more than enough to enjoy in this title.

The dynamic Wii-mote allows you to really become involved with "family business" like never before.

Overall, the better graphics, easier controls, and clearer visuals help make this Pokémon game the best in the bunch. The great Wi-Fi connection modes also make this a must have for any Pokémon fan who may own too many versions already.

Overall, the better graphics, easier controls, and clearer visuals help make this Pokémon game the best in the bunch. The great Wi-Fi connection modes also make this a must have for any Pokémon fan who may own too many versions already.

As far as gameplay goes, Bethesda has delivered in just about every way. In fact, I think they've improved what Oblivion had to offer.

Luckily, its captivating characters are far from the only things that SI offers.

A darn good game.

A darn good game.

A darn good game.

Symphony of the Night is a momentous addition to the Xbox Live Arcade family, both because of its incredible depth and the fact that it is the first game allowed to break the 50 MB size restrictions.

Rock Band has one thing going for it: the necessity to having friends to play and the willingness to work together. It may not be enough for everyone to drop 170 bucks on the game and equipment, but I can say if you even remotely have thought about this game, it is worth it.

Rock Band has one thing going for it: the necessity to having friends to play and the willingness to work together. It may not be enough for everyone to drop 170 bucks on the game and equipment, but I can say if you even remotely have thought about this game, it is worth it.

Picross DS is quite literally you, a grid, some numbers, and the seemingly endless combinations of them. If you have $20 and a DS, Picross DS should be at the top of your shopping list. Games that sell for three times Picross DS's price don't have this much entertainment in them.

Its fresh take on the fantasy genre, excellent minion mechanics and morbid humor make for a gaming experience you won't soon forget.

Its fresh take on the fantasy genre, excellent minion mechanics and morbid humor make for a gaming experience you won't soon forget.

Solid arcade play, great one-on-one local matches, and a multiplayer mode that is almost lag free - this adds up to one of the best gaming values fighting fans could ask for.

Solid arcade play, great one-on-one local matches, and a multiplayer mode that is almost lag free - this adds up to one of the best gaming values fighting fans could ask for.

It has enjoyable gameplay, an engaging story, some freaky visuals, and super-effective sound. And while it is the single player mode that stands out as the best part of this title, the multiplayer is not too shabby either.

It has enjoyable gameplay, an engaging story, some freaky visuals, and super-effective sound. And while it is the single player mode that stands out as the best part of this title, the multiplayer is not too shabby either.

Getting two excellent single-player campaigns as well as a sizeable online offering should please fans of the original game and newcomers alike. While there are some minor graphical issues that can be found throughout both games, they thankfully never adversely affect the gameplay.

Getting two excellent single-player campaigns as well as a sizeable online offering should please fans of the original game and newcomers alike. While there are some minor graphical issues that can be found throughout both games, they thankfully never adversely affect the gameplay.

It is great to see games with a specific goal in mind succeed, and the funny thing is that Big Brain delivers in a pair, providing a learning experience and a degree in fun. I for one could not be happier.

An exquisite experience for strategy junkies. PC purists may turn up their noses at it, but I dare them to play through multiplayer with a pair of headsets on and not get giddy.

An exquisite experience for strategy junkies. PC purists may turn up their noses at it, but I dare them to play through multiplayer with a pair of headsets on and not get giddy.

A great game. From the ultra-engrossing success mode to the unexpectedly deep season mode, there's a lot to love about this game. I'm very proud of 2K for localizing this game and finally bringing this Japanese hit stateside.

Borderlands is a deep and engaging, RPG-shooter hybrid that needs to be played to be fully appreciated.

A deep and engaging, RPG-shooter hybrid that needs to be played to be fully appreciated.

Even with some issues, Empire: Total War's battles are still very satisfying on the whole, and the game has a huge level of overall depth to explore. Armchair generals will get a ton of mileage out of this very ambitious and expansive game that once again pushes numerous boundaries with the Total War series.

It's a hilarious game that offers a completely unique first-person experience and forces players to use their brains rather than their blasters.

Ice Station Santa is definitely one of the longer episodes of the batch, and it may easily become a fast favorite. Still, even with the hints turned completely off it will only take you a handful of hours to plow through this gem.

A long game coupled with the fact that it's incredibly immersive and addicting; excellent storylines really keep you playing.

If you're a fan of the series, then The Sims 3 will deliver all that you've come to expect and throw in a ton of new ideas, even if the amount of extra toppings doesn't seem as vast.

It's simultaneously sadistic and marvelous.

The combat is fun and accessible, the gore is over-the-top, and the story's spiked with humor (though not always intended) and provides for a non-stop, action-packed thrill ride. Still, whereas the original title was groundbreaking, GoW 2 is simply a honed, rehashed sequel.

If you are a fan of PixelJunk Monsters, you owe it to yourself to pick up this worthwhile add-on. The gameplay still retains its charm, and chances are good that you'll fall in love all over again!

There's potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay. The gameplay is deep, rewarding, and addictive.

A surprisingly excellent game that is bound to piss off a lot of people. However, it's refreshing for adult gamers to have access to such interesting and mature (immature?) fare on Nintendo's console.

All these features and ultimately the exciting, addictive, and utterly entertaining gameplay make this game deserving of a high score.

Bionic Commando Rearmed is one of the best downloadable titles to date. The production value, quirky humor, outstanding platforming challenge, and low cost make this a game everyone should pick up.

Bionic Commando Rearmed is one of the best downloadable titles to date. The production value, quirky humor, outstanding platforming challenge, and low cost make this a game everyone should pick up.

I am not a big fan of the UFC. Sure, I’ve seen a few matches here and there, but I don’t really follow the sport devoutly. I guess wrestling is more my cup of tea. Now, that said, I have to admit I love this game. UFC 2009 Undisputed takes all the things that makes the UFC sport electrifying for fans, and puts it into a cohesive and realistic game experience.

I am not a big fan of the UFC. Sure, I’ve seen a few matches here and there, but I don’t really follow the sport devoutly. I guess wrestling is more my cup of tea. Now, that said, I have to admit I love this game. UFC 2009 Undisputed takes all the things that makes the UFC sport electrifying for fans, and puts it into a cohesive and realistic game experience.

Portal's blend of first-person, action, and puzzle elements marked by wry psychology and facetious dialogue make for a one-of-a-kind experience. Bolster this package with Still Alive's 14 new, more difficult levels and this is a game that shouldn't be missed.

An excellent DS debut and offers a solid introduction point to the series for new players. It refines and fine-tunes the gameplay to provide a largely enjoyable strategy adventure. The only major complaint is the game doesn't really bring anything new to the table, aside from changes made to properly utilize the DS hardware.

The extensive character list, tried-and-true mechanics, gorgeous graphics, and quality play modes (including online battles) have updated this franchise in such a way that it feels both fresh and familiar. If you own a PS3 or Xbox 360, you simply have to go out and pick up Street Fighter IV - it will be remembered as one of the marquis fighting experiences of this generation of gaming.