It blows away every 3D fighting game I've ever played (even "Virtua Fighter 3," and by a much bigger margin than I expected!), so go buy it when you get your Dreamcast, or feel like a total fool when it's sold out the next day.

Featuring improved graphics and tighter control, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 is all but assured legendary status.

This is the best action game on the Nintendo 64 and a great follow-up to "GoldenEye."

While NFL 2K1's gameplay and presentation are stellar, it's the advent of network play that will really set the game apart from anything else on the market.

Possibly the best and biggest RPG you'll ever play.

Stunning, optimized graphics; immersive, rich sound; refined, complex, and deep gameplay; and a mature, gripping plot make it a game that you won't want to miss.

Continues the series' long-standing tradition of quality in one of the most compelling RPGs ever. This is the last Final Fantasy game that will appear on the PlayStation, and SquareSoft has definitely saved its best for last.

From the incredible story line to the combat system to the great visuals to the overall feel of the game, players will get the sense of how much of an impact a game like this can have.

A visually gorgeous game that combines awesome graphics, fresh gameplay, irresistible music, and incredible design in a polished package that is a true original.

Is the game a worthy purchase for GT veterans and racing newcomers alike? The answer is a 400-horsepower yes.

If you are searching for a truly exceptional first-generation PlayStation 2 title that offers fast action, excellent gameplay, and splendid visual pageantry, you had better buy yourself a copy of SSX the minute you pick up your PS2.

Without a doubt, the best PC-to-console port ever seen.

The most faithful representation of GT and Prototype sports car racing on the market.

It is, without a doubt, the best basketball game on any console.

And this absurdness is what makes The Sims tragic, funny, mundane, and one of the most entertaining games I've seen in a long, long time.

It can get a little too technical and difficult at times, but the various systems in the game, such as Break Arts, chaining attacks, and the weapon creation system, are simply revolutionary for an RPG.

A thoroughly entertaining and addictive tennis title that also doubles as a poster child for high-res Dreamcast graphics.

There are instances where players phase through each other as they return to their respective huddles after a play. While they certainly don't ruin the game, these little inconsistencies must be noted.

Lifelike tennis action with whimsical Mario Bros.-style flair that's insanely addictive and provides more fun than you could possibly imagine.

The folks at Insomniac have built an incredibly detailed, fun, and immersive action/adventure that is definitely worth picking up, whether or not you're familiar with this franchise.

One of the best fighters available for the PlayStation 2, thanks to rock-solid gameplay that overshadows minor graphical issues.

The best skateboarding experience going on the PC -- and given the improved graphics, it is arguably the best version of the game out there.

Offers an astounding 50 hours or so of gameplay, and when it was over we wanted more.

May feel more like a classic Bond Marathon on TBS, rather than the instant-gratification spy movies we have seen in recent years.

Showcasing incredible gameplay, fabulous animations and an unthinkable amount of playable characters, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 shows us why it's a good time to be a Dreamcast owner.

EA Sports delivers its most solid hockey game yet -- NHL 2001 could be the best sports game released this year.

Oftentimes brilliant, sometimes frustrating, and always riveting, "Deus Ex" could be game-of-the-year material if not for its many glaring flaws.

With more than 50 WWF superstars, a fantastic array of matches, and unparalleled, blisteringly fast gameplay, it's the only squared-circle brawler you need to buy. Anything else, especially the horrendous "WCW Backstage Assault," isn't worth your time.

The great combat system and engaging story truly make the game a gem, not only on the Dreamcast but in the RPG genre as a whole.

The gameplay is what's key. Banjo-Tooie offers one of the best platforming experiences on the Nintendo 64.

Arcade racing aficionados might be daunted by the learning curve, but sim fans will find enough depth here to keep playing for a long, long time.

The most impressive interactive gridiron PlayStation sensations to date.

From its open-ended campaign and mind-searing graphics to its wide variety of multiplayer options, Sacrifice is one of those few games that manage to do just about everything right.

It's a lot harder to get the full fruity experience that is Samba de Amigo without the maracas. Unfortunately, the maraca controllers -- which are sold separately -- will set gamers back 80 bucks a pair.

A graphical and technological marvel that offers slick graphics, smooth online play, and groundbreaking communication features. You owe it to yourself to experience it.

You can tell from the beginning that this game is a visual feast: the graphics are gorgeous, and combat is a blast to watch.

Packed with a plethora of wrestlers, features, and gameplay options, WWF: No Mercy is all the wrestling game you'll ever need and then some.

This year's game has excellent graphics, a great frame rate, fluid gameplay, and plenty of new features.

By combining excellent graphics, strong gameplay, superlative control, and outstanding features, it's a fitting end to an excellent era in console hockey.

This is the best racing game on the Nintendo 64. Period.

EA Sports delivers its strongest installment yet in the PC's best motorcycle racing series.

UFC doesn't KO the rest of the Dreamcast's brawling lineup as the best title on the system, but its solid fighting-game engine and distinct mixture of realistic fighting styles and brutal moves make it one fun, tough customer.

This expansion's additions prove that more is indeed better, but the balancing issues are troubling.

One of the most evilly entertaining time-wasters since the original "Quake."

A great game, but not the revolution in gaming that we were expecting.

The brilliant thing is that with everything happening on screen with four players, the action still remains fluid at 60 frames per second.

While the AI has a few problems, and there is an occasional rough spot, the finished product is one of the most complete and compelling games we've played, and easily the best MechWarrior game in the series.

The game is a kick, finally letting players fully exploit the upper end of the AD&D goodie bag, including cool spells and magic items.

Even with its flaws, "GP3" is the pinnacle of contemporary Formula 1 simulations.

Shorter scenarios, smarter AI, and extensive military features make the game much more fun and intriguing, and the mythology aspects add a whole new dynamic.

Even with its twitchy control and funky camera angles, it's a top-notch action/adventure worthy of the moniker. Excelsior!

Even though the developer left out a training module and the CD duplicator unintentionally omitted the game's audio tracks, "Comanche Versus Hokum" is nevertheless a worthy addition to any flight enthusiast's library of chopper simulations.

While NBA Live 2001 is very much like the 2000 version, it offers some new extras like the NBA Challenge and new in-the paint moves that will appeal to die-hard ballers.

Easily the best, most accessible 3D real-time strategy game to date.

Perhaps the best modern tank simulator on the market.

The added improvements, like the new wings, will ensure gaming pleasure for months to come.

Though crappy brakes take away some of the game's drivability, the superb graphics and special effects still offer a winning combination for DC off-road enthusiasts.

The levels are well designed, and the game's weapons are damn cool and pack a real punch.

Great graphics and sound, tried-and-true gameplay, and wall-to-wall blasting mayhem make this a winner.

Even though it offers the same style of gameplay, its alternate story line, engaging action, and excellent musical score will have you sneaking behind enemy lines until the wee hours of the morning.

When you get right down to it, this is the best-looking, best-playing, and most full-featured golf game on the market, bar none.

The best adventure game we've played in recent years, and an instant classic.

Like all Psygnosis games, Rollcage Stage II is full of eye candy, with flashy graphics and colorful decor up the wazoo.

From the revamped graphics to the refined gameplay, this is arcade fighting at its best.

Yeah, Giants has its flaws, but it's one of the most competent -- and clever -- action games we've laid our hands on,

Even though the gameplay is up to par, the graphics need to keep up with the times.

Not only contains top-notch gameplay, but it's also the most realistic-looking sports game to ever hit a console

A supremely well-crafted port of the popular coin-op racer that sets a lofty new standard for fidelity and realism in console driving games.

The gameplay is a nice mix of intricate strategy and fast-paced action; online play is an option; and commentators John Motson and Mark Lawrenson are back, accents and all.

The premise is twisted, and the game looks hauntingly beautiful; if only it weren't lacking in a few key gameplay areas, it would easily be one of the most fun, interesting, and memorable games of the last few years.

The players look and sound cartoony, with gigantic quadriceps and incredibly deep voices.

Great Street Fighter game, but only for purists.

A vivid and compelling portrayal of feudal warfare in the age of the samurai.

Red Alert 2 proves to be one of the finest offerings in the C&C series.

If you're a die-hard boxing fan, you'll appreciate the extended Career mode and boxer-specific fighting styles. Unfortunately, you won't appreciate the less-than-optimal frame rate.

It may be a "Gran Turismo" clone, but it's still as stunning and immersive a driving experience as you're ever going to find on the Dreamcast

While weaker in the graphics department than its predecessor, this game still delivers punch.

Despite the graphical shortcomings, Star Wars Episode I: Battle for Naboo offers some of the best shooter action on the Nintendo 64, especially now that the system is hurting for good titles.

A beautiful game that comes close to "classic" status, but doesn't quite deliver.

"MDK2" is a fine sequel to one of the silliest action fests ever.

Ends up being a quirky gem in the Dreamcast catalog thanks to rock-solid gameplay, great graphics, and a loopy sense of humor. Best of all, players are guaranteed to see improvement in their typing if they log some time into the game.

While it would've been nice to re-create some of the truly significant aerial engagements of the war, such as the Battle of Midway and the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, Combat Flight Simulator 2 is nevertheless an excellent game.

A must for fans of arcade-style dogfighting -- provided they learn their way around the bugs and download a critical patch.

Its combination of colorful, accurate cartoon-themed graphics and tight gameplay will have you hootin' and hollerin' all winter long.

For those unfamiliar with the title, this is a chance to check out one of the better console games ever made, warts and all.

With an excellent story line, interesting characters, dazzling visuals, and distinct soundtrack, Breath of Fire IV is well worth the time of any RPG fan who's looking for a mature gaming experience.

A wickedly fun game despite some of its visual shortcomings, offering the right mix of killer BMX gameplay with X-Games attitude.

Excellent game with new features that breathe life into the genre.

Hard-core fans will love how the new features affect long-term gameplay, and casual players will find some of the more outrageous scenarios quite amusing.

EverQuest reaches a certain peak and maturity with The Scars of Velious, further solidifying the franchise as the premiere massively multiplayer online RPG.

Casual gamers, however, should skip this title (unless they're WWII plane enthusiasts), because the learning curve is steep.

A truly new gameplaying experience that is worth checking out.

Combining slick graphics, fast-as-hell gameplay, and an incredibly deep set of features and options, TimeSplitters has what it takes to make the PS2 a premier platform for shoot-'em-up multiplayer action.

Somehow, Sierra managed to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory by committing gaffes and other oversights that just boggle the mind.

A comprehensive and versatile stock car title that should appeal to all levels of PC drivers.

There could be a bit more variety to the sound clips, but it doesn't matter much--after the fourth or fifth time you hear "Pi-ka-chu!" you'll be pushed to the brink of madness anyway.

If "GoldenEye" was the Sean Connery of Bond games, and "Tomorrow Never Dies" was George Lazenby, then The World Is Not Enough is a likable Roger Moore--showing its age, in it for the money, and prone to bouts of slowdown, but still sporting that old Bond magic.

Even if you're not a Trekker, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine -- The Fallen still offers some pretty solid action/adventure with top-notch production values