I can't recall another video game that made me this physically uncomfortable and this psychologically troubled.

We're very impressed with this enormous new simulation game, despite the fairly steep learning curve.

Middle Earth isn't a strategy game for hardcore fans, but it's a well-thought-out, well-designed, well-animated entry. And the atmosphere, visuals and sounds from the movie trilogy definitely make that simplicity both welcome and worthwhile.

Many things in this game leave me thankful: the dark presentation of ancient Greece, the innovative and simple fighting style, the horrific finishing attacks, the depth of the challenges, a great mood-setting score of horns and drums and a point-of-view camera that pans automatically to give you the best view of the action.

We can't recall another PC game that challenged us to furious one-on-one sword fights and strategic warfare with cannons blazing -- interspersed with a test of ballroom dancing skills in which each click of our keyboard's keys translated into a deft move on the dance floor.

We were overwhelmed by the huge range of top-quality gameplay that's available here for $49.99 (USD) with no online fees.

It's a winning combination: the same great concept that made Dungeon Siege a hit now with new story lines, new features and improved graphics. It's a great choice for dozens of hours of gameplay this fall.

The online game play is just as smooth and fast-moving as the offline versions, and the wacky variety of weapons -- turn your enemy into a sheep! -- makes it a heap of fun.

The action is incredibly smooth and responsive, the plot is fun and the game-play is quick and exciting. Even when you die, it's no big deal to get back in the action (and you will die, a lot).

We especially liked the intense array of challenges always pressing in on our fledging world. Empire Earth II is a real-time strategy game on steroids.

Devil May Cry 3's music, a cross between hardcore heavy metal and techno, enhances the dark tale. In between missions, there is spooky whispering that sounds like what you'd imagine an Ozzy Osbourne record being played backward would be like.

This isn't a crowning moment only for the PS2 generation, but for all of the Final Fantasy series. Long after the PS2 is forgotten, this installment will live in the memories of those who experienced it.

Want more statistics? You got 'em. More ways to contribute to your team (and rewards for doing so) for things like healing and supplies? Done. Better graphics? Much, much, much better. Same great zippy action as you move from tank to helicopter to foot? You bet.

Deceptively deep, graphically sharp and a beauty to behold in the hands of two skilled players.

Overall, we though, found Second Sight intensely challenging, a creative alternative to other PC shooters and -- priced under $25 -- a great value.

We can promise you there's no need to fear falling asleep at the keyboard. This final volume in the series has enough life left to prompt many late nights.

The online ability to spread an infection to another player is so innovative that this game gets my top award, even if it's not perfect in other areas.

The racing here is just flat-out fun, with growling engines, jumps and shortcuts that allow you to smash through fences. But there are thoughtful additions, including Party Play.

What's most fun about Lumines is the way updated technology has married sight and sound to turn our gameplay into an all-absorbing mini-concert.

This dazzling little gem for the small screen is one of the best in the first crop of games for Sony's new PSP. It's everything a handheld adventure should be: easy to see, easy to play, fun to play alone or with other people and strikingly detailed.

Shows off the beauty and horsepower of the PSP.

The controls are tight, the action tense and the graphics crisp. And, most importantly, lag was rarely an issue, even in 32-player firefights.

If you're a "Tetris" fan, you need no convincing. But for those who've never dwelled in that space, Meteos is especially heavenly.

Burnout: Revenge proves once again why it is the ultimate spectacle for those of us who just want to feel the rush. You know you're playing a great game when even the pauses in the action are filled with rockin' music, flashy video and big sound effects.

Sprinkled between the races are the kinds of cinematic scenes that Jak games have been known for: clever and extremely well animated.

Prey is touted as having an adaptive difficulty system -- the better you are, the better it gets -- and it really did seem to get harder as the game went on. As a result, there are just two difficulty settings, Normal and Cherokee, and I'd advise that even vets might want to give Normal a try on the first run out, letting the game's artificial intelligence pick up the pace to a comfortable level.

This is quarterbacking control at its most sensitive level. This year's version of Madden gives you more of it.

Though the game could be longer and could stand more diversity, the cold shivers that run down your spine while playing it are an undeniable rush.