By adopting a laissez faire attitude to player discretion, Ubisoft has crafted a brilliant follow-up.

By adopting a laissez faire attitude to player discretion, Ubisoft has crafted a brilliant follow-up.

This is exactly the kind of experience WiiWare seems designed for. 1500 Wii Points is really a small price to pay for excellence, especially when the sheer quality of World of Goo handily puts more than a few full-blown Wii releases to shame. It's a blast from start to finish. If there's one game you pick up on WiiWare this year, make it this one.

Replay value is off the map. Steep learning curve, though.

Easy online access, fulfilling single-player experience. Fun action with RPG elements makes the hunt for gear in an interesting world a real treat. If you own a DS and you care about quality entertainment, then you need this game.

The sheer amount of content in The Lost and Damned is truly impressive considering its modest twenty dollar asking price. With its lengthy single-player experience that provides a good amount of new content, while also shedding light on some of the events of GTA IV, as well as its enjoyable new multiplayer options, it would be impossible to not recommend this title to fans of the series. Hell, the inclusion of checkpoints in every mission throughout the expansion, avoiding the frustration experienced in GTA IV from having to drive back to every mission after failing, is worth it alone.

But, if you don't mind taking some time out of your day to enjoy something completely different, with no real goal or objective, then Flower is definitely worth its $10 purchase price. With stunning visuals, a beautiful soundtrack, and relaxing gameplay, this title is one-of-a-kind and, as such, simply can't be missed!

There is so much depth to this game it's almost obscene! You'll likely be playing this title for years to come.

The combat is fun, the characters are great, and there is a ton of gaming value shoehorned into this disk. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a worthy sequel to the original.

The combat is fun, the characters are great, and there is a ton of gaming value shoehorned into this disk. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a worthy sequel to the original.

The combat is fun, the characters are great, and there is a ton of gaming value shoehorned into this disk. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a worthy sequel to the original.

Between its active battle system and its online functionality, there is a whole lot that separates Demon's Souls from other games in the dungeon-crawling genre, bringing it into the current generation.

The fighting system in BlazBlue is the deepest I have seen this generation, and the level of exploration that is possible within the combat is something that is rare indeed.

The fighting system in BlazBlue is the deepest I have seen this generation, and the level of exploration that is possible within the combat is something that is rare indeed.

NMH2 is more akin to a shot of gaming adrenaline, delivering over the top action, entertaining minigames, and an enjoyably absurd storyline and characters directly into your veins without delay. If you're a fan of the original NMH or are just looking for a great action title, you definitely need to play this game.

A fantastic game. It improves upon last year's version in several ways, making this the best soccer simulator to ever hit store shelves. Whether you bought the game or not last year, it's definitely time to upgrade.

FIFA 10 is a fantastic game. It improves upon last year's version in several ways, making this the best soccer simulator to ever hit store shelves. Whether you bought the game or not last year, it's definitely time to upgrade.

Overall, CW for the PSP is a slightly better version of the game than the DS original. Although the mini-games do feel a little out of place without touch-screen controls, everything else is just as good if not better than it was on the DS.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is one of the very best games to grace the Nintendo DS - it outdoes even its excellent predecessors. This game exudes quality at every turn, and it's easy to see it was developed with a remarkable amount of care and love.

None of these games is perfect, but all of them will draw you in, and for $20 most gamers would be insane to pass this up - provided they didn't already acquire these titles through XBLA.

A fun, fast, frenetic game that is truly unique.

It's another Nintendo masterpiece with gorgeous and vibrant graphics, loads of original characters and enemies (both classic and new), beautiful and unique environments, classic Mario tunes, superb voice acting, amusing but challenging gameplay, engaging multiplayer action, and more.

The sheer amount of content in The Lost and Damned is truly impressive considering its modest twenty dollar asking price.

I always appreciate it when a game that touches on some cultural commentary, whether it's obvious or not. And given how entertaining it is to "play war" in the setting provided here (and believe me, it is) is proof that sometimes violence isn't as much about what is shown-in a game as much as anything else-but what isn't.

The sheer amount of content in The Lost and Damned is truly impressive considering its modest twenty dollar asking price.

Civilization V keeps everything that makes the series great, makes the game more accessible to non-fans, and overhauls many of the finer gameplay details. Every PC gamer owes it to himself to give this game a shot.

Action-RPG fans will certainly have fun with this release, although it's similar to the original, and if you're into thongs and "role-playing" then this game is a win-win.

Action-RPG fans will certainly have fun with this release, although it's similar to the original, and if you're into thongs and "role-playing" then this game is a win-win.

The inclusion of Air Jordan, the improved dribbling and shot stick use, the ramped-up AI, and the TNT presentation means that there isn't much to dislike about NBA 2K11.

Ultimately, NBA 2K11 brings a lot of freshness to the formula. The inclusion of Air Jordan, the improved dribbling and shot stick use, the ramped-up AI, and the TNT presentation means that there isn't much to dislike about NBA 2K11.

Rock Band 3 is simply the best there is in the music genre.

Rock Band 3 is simply the best there is in the music genre.

Rock Band 3 is simply the best there is in the music genre.

Offering a new element to Red Dead Redemption, one of this year's best titles, Undead Nightmare refreshes everyone's mind on the title right during award season.

Definitely the apex of the Assassin's Creed series thus far. The story does a great job of furthering both the historical plot as well as the overarching sci-fi elements of the story (Desmond has a much larger role here), and the game's new structure is refreshing for those who may have found the back-and-forth structure of last year's title to be a bit tedious.

Offering a new element to Red Dead Redemption, one of this year's best titles, Undead Nightmare refreshes everyone's mind on the title right during award season.

Definitely the apex of the Assassin's Creed series thus far. The story does a great job of furthering both the historical plot as well as the overarching sci-fi elements of the story (Desmond has a much larger role here), and the game's new structure is refreshing for those who may have found the back-and-forth structure of last year's title to be a bit tedious.

Though you can power through the game's platforming levels in a day or two, getting 100% of all the goodies will take some time, and the endless community offerings should keep you busy for months to come.

Dead Space, improved. Not just a great sequel, but a great horror game. Isaac's dementia and the underused impaling in combat mechanic are the only disappointments, and they're pretty slight.

Dead Space, improved. Not just a great sequel, but a great horror game. Isaac's dementia and the underused impaling in combat mechanic are the only disappointments, and they're pretty slight.

Dead Space, improved. Not just a great sequel, but a great horror game. Isaac's dementia and the underused impaling in combat mechanic are the only disappointments, and they're pretty slight.

Portal 2 includes groundbreaking gameplay, a collection of deep and nuanced characters, a completely insane story, and some incredible gaming moments you'll probably never forget.

Portal 2 includes groundbreaking gameplay, a collection of deep and nuanced characters, a completely insane story, and some incredible gaming moments you'll probably never forget.

Portal 2 includes groundbreaking gameplay, a collection of deep and nuanced characters, a completely insane story, and some incredible gaming moments you'll probably never forget.

Los Angeles is the perfect playground for all the freaks, creeps, thugs, and murderers you could want to see in a morally ambiguous game, and Noire doesn't pull any punches with its blunt and often graphic depiction. L.A. Noire isn't a perfect game, but it does represent a new benchmark both for realism in the medium as well as for the adventure genre.

Los Angeles is the perfect playground for all the freaks, creeps, thugs, and murderers you could want to see in a morally ambiguous game, and Noire doesn't pull any punches with its blunt and often graphic depiction. L.A. Noire isn't a perfect game, but it does represent a new benchmark both for realism in the medium as well as for the adventure genre.

EA has seemingly done the impossible by revamping the game in a way that not only increases the realism, but also improves the gameplay.

EA has seemingly done the impossible by revamping the game in a way that not only increases the realism, but also improves the gameplay.

The game is extremely expansive, and features just as much value as (if not a little bit more than) the original.

An absolutely incredible experience that simply shouldn't be missed.

The cutscenes, while possibly too numerous, are seamlessly integrated into the overall narrative in a way that often makes you forget when it's time to take control of your character.

If you love music and you love video games-and especially if you love rhythm games-Sound Shapes is simply a must-buy title. For the low price of fifteen dollars, you could be creating that musical masterpiece you've always dreamed of but simply lacked the tools needed to compose it.

This is the first time I could make the following statement: This MMO, in its current state, poses a serious threat to World of Warcraft.

LittleBigPlanet is exactly the type of game that the Vita needs right now. It's equally playable in short bursts or marathon sessions, it uses the Vita's unique controls in ways that feel intuitive, and its creative tools and level sharing provide the potential for almost unlimited replayability.

Dance Central 3 is one of the best, if not the best, game the Kinect has to offer, and yet there is still room to grow in Dance Central 4. Here's hoping the next game will have a more refined feedback system and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

Competitive types will adore proving themselves superior to their friends while doing all of the above. I think it's safe to say that no matter which type of gamer you are, you'll find at least some aspect of Need for Speed Most Wanted to completely lose yourself in.

LEGO The Lord of the Rings takes the charm of the LEGO games and mashes it up with the brilliance of Tolkien's beloved masterpiece in a way that does justice to both. This is a refreshing, from-the-ground-up rebuilding of the LEGO formula, making this perhaps the best LEGO game to date.

It doesn't push boundaries, but it reminds us all that Mario will always be the king of the 2D platformer genre, even long after that genre has been buried beneath decades of gaming history.

Small criticisms aside, Fire Emblem: Awakening will have you hooked from the very beginning, and will be incredibly hard to put down throughout. You'll always want to take just one more turn to build more relationships, gain a level, forge a new item, and see what will happen next in the gripping narrative.

If you like survival games, if you enjoy Tim Burton-esque artwork, or if you’re just looking for an unforgiving challenge of a game, pick up Don’t Starve immediately. Pretty much everything about this game is fantastic, and you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with it.

The culmination of amazing sound, throwback 8-bit cutscenes, excellent graphics, spotless presentation, and enough details from the 80’s to pack a game twice this size; Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon delivers on every front near flawlessly.

A flexible and fun experience which can be overwhelming at times but always manages to entertain.

For those who dare to tug on the tiger’s tail, prepare for an experience that will satiate your lust for money, power and women while simultaneously entertaining you almost every step of the way.

For those who dare to tug on the tiger’s tail, prepare for an experience that will satiate your lust for money, power and women while simultaneously entertaining you almost every step of the way.

Due to great track design, 60 FPS, high res support and ability to go online the added benefits of RR6 cannot be ignored.

If you're a stickler for 100% completion those Platinum awards will keep you coming back for months, while less enthusiastic racing fans who don't want to race online will only get 50% of what PGR3 is offering.

Civ IV is definitely one of the best strategy games of all times. Following three other classics in the series it has a great pedigree and manages to uphold the tradition of great gaming set forth by its predecessors.

Mario is no stranger to RPGs but there are probably no stranger RPGs than this one. Highly recommended.

The single mission is definitely worth the full price of admission, compared to games where all of the emphasis is on the online play.

Even if you believe you've seen everything Revenge had to offer on the current gen consoles, this sleek revamped racing hottie will show you a few new tricks.

I applaud the developers for not dragging the gameplay out. It's as long as it needs to be, and even if that means a little on the short side, so be it. It just leaves me wanting more.

The addition of a bulked up multiplayer on the PS3 makes this the best version of the game you can buy. The controls and the sound effects are perfect. Unfortunately, the graphics are the weak link.

Unfortunately for PS3 fans, the SIXAXIS controller is vastly underused.

Just about every change they have made to the core gameplay, aside from the stat-capping, works to perfection and provides hours upon hours of engaging golf.

Classic RPG gaming brought to the next gen. Sure it's no political drama, and it won't have you aggressively button-mashing, but Blue Dragon promises engaging gameplay that you'll not only want to play through once, but revisit again and again.

It's got satisfying gameplay, wonderful music, and some uber-amazing visuals. And you'll have lots of fun. I can almost guarantee it.

My advice is that if you pick up just one Naruto title this year, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 will be your best bet.

The interface couldn't be easier to use. The first few hours of the story mode is basically a tutorial introducing you to the control system. The tutorial is so subtle, and the interface so intuitive, you'll be playing like a Sims vet in no time, even if you have no previous Sims experience.

Escape from Paradise City thrusts players into a dynamic gaming experience they won't soon forget. Some story elements may feel too common or even cliché at times, yet the high level of play control, enthralling locations, superb visual detail, and role-playing elements are some of the best we've seen lately. On the whole, the game knocks you to the curb, kicks you in the teeth, and makes you love every second of it. It's violent, sexy, and highly recommended.

I was thoroughly enraptured by Jeanne D'Arc. It's a sweeping epic that has both the mechanics and visuals to make it a must-play title.

This prequel has everything you've come to expect from God of War, just in a little disc and on a smaller screen.

An absolute joy to play. Though it certainly does its job as a party game and will definitely help liven up your next get-together, it is equally enjoyable when played by itself. Its unique mash up of dancing and karaoke make it an irresistible choice for audiophiles and rhythm-lovers everywhere!

The game is everything it promised and more: striking level design, great music, easy controls, addictive gameplay, tons of features and collectables, and amazing physics.

A true PSP system seller if ever there was one. The sheer amount of content coupled with the in depth battle system and epic story provide a game that will keep you busy on-the-go for months.

Syphon Filter: Logan Shadow's is one of the best, if not the best, experiences you will have on a handheld this year, especially if you are a fan of the genre.

The roar of the engines and the squeals of the tires are almost as impressive as the graphics, even without headphones. All components mesh together like a finely tuned machine.

For football fans it simply cannot be missed. There are really no glaring faults at all. One would be hard-pressed to improve upon the graphics, controls, sounds, modes of play, varied content, and online play.

For football fans it simply cannot be missed. There are really no glaring faults at all. One would be hard-pressed to improve upon the graphics, controls, sounds, modes of play, varied content, and online play.

For football fans it simply cannot be missed. There are really no glaring faults at all. One would be hard-pressed to improve upon the graphics, controls, sounds, modes of play, varied content, and online play.

An extremely challenging but rewarding title.

If you're a PS3 fanboy and were a little bit jealous because your "Xbot" friends were loving it up with Gears of War 2, don't worry too much. Killzone 2 is every bit as engaging as that title is. In fact, the story and characters are much more interesting and, dare I say, the graphics are even better. However, the lack of co-op features is a substantial misstep; anyone who has gone through Gears 2's Horde mode, blasting away with their buddies can tell you that.

You'll easily spend months playing through the different difficulty setting to unlock new tracks, guitars, playable characters, and other excellent features.

An excellent title. It features memorable gameplay, stunning graphics, and a great multiplayer mode. It is also a very long title, and will keep you playing for quite a while.

WipEout HD is a remix in the most proper sense - it takes what made the series popular, gives it an ample layer of polish, and slaps on a hard-to-resist price tag.

Ultimate Ninja 3 is undoubtedly the best in the series. There are many ways to play this title, and it is the most complete of all the other Ultimate Ninja games.

The control scheme in this title is perfect. The stylus is the best thing to ever happen to both the series and handheld, turn-based, strategy games as a whole. The speed and ease with which selections are made is phenomenal.

Patapon is very revolutionary and inventive; it's a one-of-a-kind game no one should miss. Even people who don't usually play RPGs and RTSs will find this game to be a gem.

A zombie episode is perfectly fitting for the series, and it's a refreshing change of pace from past themes. Telltale once again pulls it off with buckets of style in Night of the Raving Dead.

Is GRID the next big thing in the automotive game genre? I think so. The game has incredible arcade form, and I think the Flashback feature is one of the best new ideas we've seen come from this genre in a long time.

Is GRID the next big thing in the automotive game genre? I think so. The game has incredible arcade form, and I think the Flashback feature is one of the best new ideas we've seen come from this genre in a long time.

Is GRID the next big thing in the automotive game genre? I think so. The game has incredible arcade form, and I think the Flashback feature is one of the best new ideas we've seen come from this genre in a long time.

A great ending to an amazing season, and it ties a lot of things from both seasons up nicely.

It took me almost six hours just to get through the first three levels on easy with all the handicaps listed above. It is a truly challenging game, and is probably one of the best games out on Live Arcade.

Despite some really nit-picky problems, Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 is a fun, frantic game that's worth trying. Regardless of what type of gamer you are, you owe it to yourself to try out the madness that is Trauma Center. Once you start playing, you'll be a hooked.

The game runs smoothly in single or two-player mode. It manages to use the PSP's screen to good effect so that everything is easy to see. However, you may want to turn off the distracting, undulating background.

If you're a golf fan, you've got to buy Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All Play. It's the definitive game of golf this year, and the yearly iterations to come will surely improve upon an already-great game.

A great sports title and really succeeds because it provides a deep and rewarding experience for serious sports gamers, but it also provides a fun and casual experience for those who just have basic knowledge of the sport and want to have some fun playing baseball.

The sound in Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise is particularly good, and I really enjoyed the classically-inspired score. The relaxing orchestral tunes really provide an excellent catalyst for creativity and definitely help you feel like creating a piñata masterpiece.

Treyarch did a remarkable job of breathing new life into the WWII shooter. They followed the conventions outlined by Infinity Ward to a tee and, as a result, created a shooter that is every bit as good as last year's entry. Of course, there isn't a whole lot of innovation this time around, but the increased Multiplayer options, new settings, and great enemy A.I. should more than satisfy all but the most jaded Infinity Ward fanboys.

Treyarch did a remarkable job of breathing new life into the WWII shooter. They followed the conventions outlined by Infinity Ward to a tee and, as a result, created a shooter that is every bit as good as last year's entry. Of course, there isn't a whole lot of innovation this time around, but the increased Multiplayer options, new settings, and great enemy A.I. should more than satisfy all but the most jaded Infinity Ward fanboys.

The upgrades to this game aren't enough to make me recommend it if you own FlatOut 2, but, for everyone else, it's a green light.

Rock Band 2 is definitely an upgrade over its previous entry. Although its best feature is probably the 80+ songs that come with it, you'll find a whole host of new and upgraded features that will keep you rocking for quite some time. Even if you have never rocked before, Rock Band's No-Fail mode makes this one an easy choice for casual or new players.

The excellent single-player campaign is loaded with goodies and can easily be played through a second time due to the inclusion of Infected Mode. The multiplayer offering sets the bar for competitive shooter gameplay on the PSP.

Overall, Robocalypse is a solid and deep game with incredible presentation. It’s certainly one of the best RTS games on the system to date.

If you're a Western-style, fantasy RPG nut, or if you love a great tactical challenge, you simply can't go wrong with Dragon Age: Origins. BioWare has outdone itself once again - they've created an RPG masterpiece that I'll be playing till Mass Effect 2 drops.

FIFA Soccer 09 is a must-have for sports fans. The simplified touch screen control system ensures that everyone will be up and running in no time with plenty of moves at their fingertips. Don't pass on this one.

It is only March and I already know Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure is a very strong candidate for game of the year on Nintendo's handheld. The exciting adventure mode mixed up with the puzzle gameplay is a surprisingly good formula that's both entertaining and very rewarding.

With a massive world to search, an easy to adjust combat system, stealth action, audio logs to find, and challenges galore, Batman has finally come into his own in this medium. There are so many extra things and enjoyable moments in Arkham Asylum for fans and newcomers alike, you'll be glad you are a fan of Batman and video games.

I can say with confidence and cannot stress enough, Batman: Arkham Asylum is, without a doubt, the best Batman game ever created. It does more than give you the Batman game you want, it gives you a video game that you could play repeatedly, even if it didn't have the caped and cowled Dark Knight in it.

I can say with confidence and cannot stress enough, Batman: Arkham Asylum is, without a doubt, the best Batman game ever created. It does more than give you the Batman game you want, it gives you a video game that you could play repeatedly, even if it didn't have the caped and cowled Dark Knight in it.

The visuals are great, the gameplay is entertaining, and all of the new things that were tried in the game are welcome additions. The semi top-down view can take a little getting used to, especially when driving, but CW does a great job of compensating for this and just about any other issue you'll run into with a handful of assists that can be turned on and off.

There's just so much content here and so much complexity that once you get a handle on how the game works, it's going to be difficult to stop playing.

With a ton of varied game modes, authenticity galore, near-perfect gameplay, and extensive yet somewhat glitchy online play, there's at a year's worth of content for you to swing through!

Assassin's Creed II is greatly improved over its predecessor. At the same time, it doesn't mess with what made the game so attractive to fans in the first place. The varied and refined gameplay along with the engaging story makes this title a must-buy for any serious gamer.

Assassin's Creed II is greatly improved over its predecessor. At the same time, it doesn't mess with what made the game so attractive to fans in the first place. The varied and refined gameplay along with the engaging story makes this title a must-buy for any serious gamer.

NHL 10 is one hell of a good hockey game. It nails playability, presentation, gameplay variety, online options, and realism. It also is one of the best local multiplayer sporting experiences available.

NHL 10 is one hell of a good hockey game. It nails playability, presentation, gameplay variety, online options, and realism. It also is one of the best local multiplayer sporting experiences available.

Blur's mix of strategy-based power-ups, load-out menus, and largely varied challenges really make this game a must for all automotive fans. In a genre this oversaturated, it is good to know that there is still some innovation left.

Blur's mix of strategy-based power-ups, load-out menus, and largely varied challenges really make this game a must for all automotive fans. In a genre this oversaturated, it is good to know that there is still some innovation left.

Blur's mix of strategy-based power-ups, load-out menus, and largely varied challenges really make this game a must for all automotive fans. In a genre this oversaturated, it is good to know that there is still some innovation left.

Forza 3 is easily the best and most complete console racer currently available. Will Gran Turismo 5 change all that? There's no way to know at this point in time. But for 2009, it seems that Forza 3 has emerged as the automotive title of the year, and it is one that all simulation fans will enjoy.

While ODST is my personal favorite Halo single-player campaign to date, it is a tad short at only six hours. Luckily, it is still excellent despite its length and has a ton of great multiplayer content to fall back on for replayability and longevity.

With more modes, weapons, health items, special infected - you name it! - L4D2 feels like a massive upgrade from the original L4D.

With more modes, weapons, health items, special infected - you name it! - L4D2 feels like a massive upgrade from the original L4D.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 easily represents the biggest leap forward for the series. While previous entries certainly piled on the match types and character rosters, the new creation aspects of SvR 2010 make it the best and most immersive WWE video game experience to date.

SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 easily represents the biggest leap forward for the series. While previous entries certainly piled on the match types and character rosters, the new creation aspects of SvR 2010 make it the best and most immersive WWE video game experience to date.

A must-buy for fighting fans. Its balance, variety, accessibility, and depth are unmatched on the Wii, and it gives even fighters on other consoles a run for their money.

Believe me; you will care enough about these characters to want to see just how things play out differently each time. Heavy Rain potentially marks the beginning of something new in the industry and I hope the rain continues to fall.

A truly immersive and extremely enjoyable experience that fans of the franchise shouldn't miss. Its innovative gameplay elements and engaging conclusion to the trilogy make this one the definitive title in the Future series.

It's about eight to ten hours of pure, fast-paced action no one should look down on, unless you're just not a fan of the genre. With such an appealing story and addictive gameplay, Dante's Inferno's only sin seems to be its shameless similarity to Sony's celebrated franchise.

It's about eight to ten hours of pure, fast-paced action no one should look down on, unless you're just not a fan of the genre. With such an appealing story and addictive gameplay, Dante's Inferno's only sin seems to be its shameless similarity to Sony's celebrated franchise.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, it just tightens a few of the lug nuts.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, it just tightens a few of the lug nuts.

Between the new maps, new towers, and the online capabilities, there is plenty of new content and features for diehard fans to experience in this new version.

It's not quite as lengthy or extensive as a Zelda game for the Wii, but it certainly includes all those elements Zelda fans are looking for: lots of dungeon crawling, puzzles, good storyline, charming visuals, etc. Best of all, you can take it with you on your next trip and even play it with a friend.

Everything you were expecting and more. It really delivers with extremely upgraded graphics, a quality soundtrack, easy-to-learn controls, varied weapons and powers, challenging battles, enemy diversity, plenty of boss battles, immersive puzzles, a story that ties up the loose ends, and much more. My only gripe is the lack of innovation.

Nothing captures the flavor of Major League Baseball better or in so many ways. Addictive as can be, even for the casual fan.

The worst part about So Long My Love is that awful feeling when you realize that there are at least four other Sakura Wars games that have never come to America. I desperately need to return to the warm and happy world of Sakura, but the best I can hope for is a second (or third) playthrough that takes advantage of Sakura's branching storyline.

The worst part about So Long My Love is that awful feeling when you realize that there are at least four other Sakura Wars games that have never come to America. I desperately need to return to the warm and happy world of Sakura, but the best I can hope for is a second (or third) playthrough that takes advantage of Sakura's branching storyline.

Cave Story is a great game. It feels like some sort of gem from a bygone era that, while complete, never saw the light of day (think Star Fox 2).

Shatter is a brilliant expansion to traditional arcade-style gameplay, and how often can you say that a new contender has improved on a classic?

With a lengthy story mode and the addition of mini-games, picture books, and free downloadable puzzles, there is plenty of content here for those who enjoy puzzles.

A quest mode that is fun and interesting, diverse set lists, and the inclusion of new power abilities will definitely find a special place with fans of the series.

A quest mode that is fun and interesting, diverse set lists, and the inclusion of new power abilities will definitely find a special place with fans of the series.

A quest mode that is fun and interesting, diverse set lists, and the inclusion of new power abilities will definitely find a special place with fans of the series.

Castlevania as a modern, linear adventure game. It's a little different, but the formula works. Also, this game is massive-expect to log at least 18-20 hours before you reach the end.

Castlevania as a modern, linear adventure game. It's a little different, but the formula works. Also, this game is massive-expect to log at least 18-20 hours before you reach the end.

The dancing rhythm genre is likely set to explode next year on Kinect. I think Harmonix is going to make a killing off this software, and we're likely to see a deluge of me-too shovelware come along once publishers get a whiff of that money.

Certainly the best shooter we've seen on the PlayStation 3 platform. In addition to its great story, perfectly-paced gameplay, and stunning visuals, Killzone 3 has a certain charm to it that can't be denied (despite its at-time apocalyptic visuals.)

New precision controls take some time to learn, but are rewarding for those who want to ultimate sim experience.

While much of the content is lifted directly from the console version, 3D visuals, new control schemes, and a deep Street Pass mode make this the ultimate version of Super Street Fighter IV.

For those who dare to tug on the tiger's tail, prepare for an experience that will satiate your lust for money, power and women while simultaneously entertaining you almost every step of the way.

inFAMOUS 2 delivers.

Catherine is incredibly hard to put down, if only because of how well the story is written. You really want to see what happens to Vincent next, and with multiple endings and story paths, the game will keep you busy for multiple playthroughs.

Catherine is incredibly hard to put down, if only because of how well the story is written. You really want to see what happens to Vincent next, and with multiple endings and story paths, the game will keep you busy for multiple playthroughs.

Fans of Formula One can finally rejoice that their favorite sport is being faithfully represented in the video game realm, and fans of racing games get another great series from a great developer. It's a perfect 1-2 finish.

Fans of Formula One can finally rejoice that their favorite sport is being faithfully represented in the video game realm, and fans of racing games get another great series from a great developer. It's a perfect 1-2 finish.

The only thing that is frustrating about BF3's multiplayer mode is EA's new Battlelog service. Battlelog is a browser-based interface that forces PC players to exit their game and reconnect if they want to change game modes. All in all, the function seems tacked-on and cumbersome.

If you've never played these classics, you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy this instant. If you've played them before, this is a budget-priced return to some of the most influential video games ever made. Either way, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is $50 you won't regret spending.

If you've never played these classics, you owe it to yourself to run out and pick up a copy this instant. If you've played them before, this is a budget-priced return to some of the most influential video games ever made. Either way, Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is $50 you won't regret spending.

The Darkness II is everything I wanted a sequel to The Darkness to be. It's almost excessive in its violence, the combat is addicting, the hand-drawn Graphic Noir art style is gorgeous, and underneath it all is a game with a heart and a truly interesting story. Jackie's a supremely messed-up individual, but we still love him because of all the crap he's willing to go through in order to save Jenny. If you're looking for any of these things, The Darkness II won't disappoint.

While not the first game to be called a hybrid of action and RPG, it certainly is the hallmark of the former, with the robust content that's generally expected of the latter. If you were hoping to be connected to the characters like you did in some of R.A. Salvatore's great fantasy novels, you will undoubtedly be disappointed. But Amalur is still a beautiful and immense world with plenty of secrets to discover and combat that is ceaselessly satisfying.

SSX has so many great things wrapped into it that I could hardly be happier. Aside from the way the Deadly Descents "storyline" plays out and the occasional character getting stuck between two rocks, SSX brings back the joy of playing all hours of the night trying to outdo your previous score.

I was hooked from the beginning. The extras and refinement brought into this game have only made it better, and BioWare has made the latest installment in the Mass Effect series nearly perfect.

I have literally never had this much fun with a fighting game before.

Though there is no real story to speak of, the fantastic tutorial makes up for it.

If you had even the slightest interest in the original Torchlight, or if you're tired of Diablo III but are still itching for some more loot-grabbing RPG action, Torchlight II is well worth the asking price. In fact, you should probably feel guilty for only paying $20 for this game.

Resident Evil 6 is not a perfect game. It's not even all that scary, but it is immensely entertaining, gorgeous to look at, and it has more content than I've ever seen in a game like this. It might not revolutionize the genre like Resident Evil 4 did, but it does offer something for everyone.

I really cannot praise Skylanders: Giants enough. Last year's beginnings were just that, a launch pad for what was to become one of the most sought after collectibles of the 2011 holiday season. With tons of new and exciting things to do, new figures to collect, and the ability to use your previous Skylanders, it feels like someone finally got everything right when creating a sequel.

It offers both a substantial kart racing experience and a heaping serving of that LBP flavor we've grown to love. It's not perfect, but it's an absolute blast.

From the standpoint of a tutorial alone I believe this game is worth the price of admission.

The game puts you right in the middle of the show. There's no one to fall back on. It's all up to you and let me tell you this is one tough mother.

New features, new modes, tons of options, great control and online play makes this the hockey game that others will be compared to.

It's quite a phenomonal take on the sport. Where most developers spend their time making sure their physics engine, models and sound effects accurately portray vehicles driving extremely fast, EA Tiburon has already accomplished this years ago, so instead they focused on the personality of the sport and it makes all the difference.

Midway might have the best game out there if you base the game on fun and action alone. The game still has that feel right out of the movie "Slap Shot" with the mix of the more realistic hockey of the other guys.

Better courses, more tricks and a major overhaul in virtually all departments, Rides Gone Wild has improved on everything that reviewers and fans alike criticized in the original.

Don't even think of renting if for this price. With such a simple-to-use, yet complex control system, you can be fighting in no time and continue refining your skills for months to come.

EA needs to be commended for turning videogame golf into it's own sport, completely separate from the real thing...If you want the most advanced golf game available you'll want this one.

It’s steep and it’s fast. It not only looks great but it will make your stomach feel like you’re on a elevator. The graphics are realistic, and the perspectives are virtually perfect enough to consider this game a sim.

Steep and deep. That means it's got a steep learning curve but the depth it reveals will be worth the effort.

Provides a great balance of gameplay features with an easy-to-use interface and realistic situations. I wouldn't be surprised if this game was being used in training sessions for special forces recruits.

Not only are the character models gorgeously detailed but you'll see everything from coffee cups to magazines lying around some of the rooms not to mention the tall grass that sways in the wind as if every single blade was animated individually.

One of the most entertaining games I've played in a long time. It has a ton of injoke humor, action, car chases, explosions, violence, adult situations and language - it's what adult videogames are all about...Should you buy TC? You'd be a damn mother****ing fool not to. You can print that.

It can be a little slow going at times but that's because the focus is on real time strategy. The whole game is about conflict, but it goes about it in a more sophisticated way.

What's great about Freelancer is that it's relatively easy to learn how to play and relatively easy to play, yet still provides enough of a challenge to give hardcores a real workout.

The level of detail is astounding... You can play this game for years and always get different results.

If you've dreamed of becoming a Jedi Knight endowed with the powers of the Force and equipped with a lightsaber or two, you're going to think you've died and gone to Tatoonie.

For a one-on-one basketball game featuring licensed NBA players, I can't recommend a better game.

Perhaps one of the more interesting modes is the Owner mode that exists as a kind of parallel universe with the Franchise mode. It would make a good game by itself although the focus is on business and not on football gameplay.

Because of its tight game-play, depth and dizzying amount of features, Madden is still the one to beat.

Replay value abounds in Gladius, and when combined with the great presentation and the intense and varied gameplay, I would say this game has it all. Hail Caesar.

This game is one of the most dark and disturbing games I have ever played and I'm still not sure if that's a good thing or not...Underneath it all I found the game one part infectious and one part repetitious. I enjoyed skulking in the shadows for the first half of the game, but after that it wore thin.

The game has a great sense of humor and parodies much of the spy genre without losing the focus of the game.

I've already admitted I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan and I found Bounty Hunter dripping with entertainment value.

I am amazed at what they where able to create here... This game is fun, challenging and addicting.

And then there are times when you can just blow the hell out of virtually anything just for the hell of it. It's a hell of a game. Hell. Hell. Hell. Hell. Damn I like typing "Hell."

I'm sold - give this game the checkered flag.

Learning to fly can be a bitch but the reward is a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of freedom that you just can't get from Mario.