It's a bold, cinematic step forward in a genre that's dying for innovation, and its implementation of the MotionScan technology is truly a game-changer.

The Witcher 2 embodies everything that's good about PC development, and everything that makes it, in my mind, the best platform out there. It tells a mature tale full of intrigue, mystery, and frustrating but satisfying combat, and while it is difficult (remember, there is no shame in playing on easy if you're having trouble; no one's going to take your gamer cred away from you for doing so), it's bound to please any RPG player who gives it a try.

It's a bold, cinematic step forward in a genre that's dying for innovation, and its implementation of the MotionScan technology is truly a game-changer.

Still, Terraria is a great adventure, one of the best sandbox games around, and an absolute steal for ten bucks on Steam. It's well worth checking out for anyone, regardless of how they feel about Minecraft. Despite having one fewer dimension, Terraria hides greater depth than its 3D cousin.

This is a beautiful puzzle game with loads of challenge and plenty of variety. Each level will force you to think differently and develop new tactics solve them.

The question isn't if it's worth your time. It clearly is. The real question is if -- for only ten dollars -- you're ready to spend every free second you have in front of your computer, dominated by Critical Mass. It might be a blasphemous comparison, but this is an obsession of mine that's nearing Tetris proportions.

This game is a great value considering everything you get for only $10. A funny and fun title with tons of personality, Twisted Pixel has yet again shown its skill at being able to develop interesting characters and addictive gameplay in downloadable form.

Bastion isn't just one of the year's best title[s]. It's also one of the best stories you'll see in an indie game.

If you buy just one tower defense game this year, well, knock yourself out. But if you want a really good action game with some tower defense, some great scoring challenges, some wonderful multiplayer support, some great graphics, and a wonderful sense of humor, you can't go wrong with Toy Soldiers: Cold War.

The game looks fantastic and the touch controls are quicker and more precise than its PC counterpart's mouse. Its glorious mix of tactics and action is both instantly accessible and deceptively deep. An anomaly indeed.

What makes Monolith's game such a stellar experience is the fact that everything it does dramatically improves and innovates the RPG genre. Xenoblade gives the player a whole world to interact with and explore, removing boundaries and convenient game design choices for the sake of fun and immersion.

A landmark sports game. Not only is it the greatest football game we've yet seen, it's a masterclass in how to capture the essence of a sport. From they way it looks to the way it makes you think about how you play the game, FIFA 12 is brilliant, through and through.

A landmark sports game. Not only is it the greatest football game we've yet seen, it's a masterclass in how to capture the essence of a sport. From they way it looks to the way it makes you think about how you play the game, FIFA 12 is brilliant, through and through.

In short, it's everything I could have hoped for in a (spiritual) successor to Demon's Souls. I'm pleased to recommend it to anyone who wants to see the medium pushed to its limits and beyond.

In short, it's everything I could have hoped for in a (spiritual) successor to Demon's Souls. I'm pleased to recommend it to anyone who wants to see the medium pushed to its limits and beyond.

The ultimate automotive playground. A place where car buffs can come together and enjoy virtually every aspect of car culture you can think of – and engage in fierce, beautifully articulated competition.

There's a real sense of progression to Arkham City in its gameplay, in its story, in the variety of its missions (the abundance of open world side-quests will keep you busy for a long, long time), and in the evolution of its pointy-eared protagonist, that really deserves to be commended.

There's a real sense of progression to Arkham City in its gameplay, in its story, in the variety of its missions (the abundance of open world side-quests will keep you busy for a long, long time), and in the evolution of its pointy-eared protagonist, that really deserves to be commended.

Overall, the combination of a robust multiplayer, a surprisingly compelling co-op adventure, and a thrilling ten-hour single-player campaign add up to a title that is, quite simply, a must-own

To the Moon is a rare treat in this current crop of game releases. It doesn't break new ground with its storytelling, and it won't drop jaws with its unfolding action, but that's exactly what makes it a different kind of game. It calls for a moment of your time, and your undivided attention. It involves a lot of reading and a very little strategy. It explores a human concept -- the dying wish -- and invites you to come along. It's simple, poignant, and full of heart.

The tired, princess-saving formula never seems to change, but somehow Nintendo makes every visit to the Mushroom Kingdom feel like the first time.

Like every other game in the series, Skyrim is going to eat hundreds of hours of my gaming time over the next few years. It has that sense of wonder that makes he Elder Scrolls games so great, and with the changes to skills, the Shouts, and dual-wielding, I think any gamer is going to have a lot of fun with Skyrim (and its eventual expansions) as well.

Admittedly, critiquing Minecraft's ready-made dungeons and NPC villages is a bit like complaining about the beans served alongside an immaculate five-star steak. Sure, the side-servings might be mediocre, but at its core Minecraft is one of the most forward-thinking games ever created. It spits in the face of the conventional games industry, and it's raked in millions of dollars while doing so

It's tough to sum up everything that makes Arkham City work as well as it does. If Arkham Asylum was a fun-house chock-full of Batman's most famous foes with a decent dose of fanservice for Dark Knight die-hards, this is a sprawling theme park that plumbs the depths of his case files.

Put simply, Company of Heroes is a masterpiece. Its dedication to realistic battle concepts and tactical warfare is enough to make it a high watermark for the RTS genre but its excellent graphics and physics, along with an intensely enjoyable single-player campaign and multiplayer options, help make this an instant classic.

The game that "Doom 3" and "Quake 4" wished they could be. It's ruthlessly violent and action-packed, yet consistently subversive and innovative -- not unlike "Duke Nukem 3D," another 3D Realms-produced game. It's also one of the least frustrating games we've ever played.

The game glows in a revelatory way we haven't seen since "God of War" and "Resident Evil 4." If nothing else, it's infinitely more engaging and suspenseful than this year's crop of by-the-books FPS games.

The game that "Doom 3" and "Quake 4" wished they could be. It's ruthlessly violent and action-packed, yet consistently subversive and innovative -- not unlike "Duke Nukem 3D," another 3D Realms-produced game. It's also one of the least frustrating games we've ever played.

Even without the picture-perfect graphics and spectacular technological prowess, Crysis is a great action game that can stand up against any great FPS. The acting and story aren't spectacular, but using the Nanosuit makes this open-ended adventure one that is fun from start to finish.

Rainbow Six: Vegas's gorgeous graphics, professional presentation, well-executed cover mechanic, and highly customizable multiplayer make it one the best first-person shooters on the Xbox 360. Heck, why beat around the bush: it's got my vote for Game of the Year.

All in all, Phantom Hourglass is a successful sequel that improves on everything that its predecessor did right. [Nov 2007, p.92]

The title's greatest strength is the way it completely wraps you in the main protagonist's skin, which is something more RPG games should strive to do. The game's staggering depth and complexity is also impressive, as is its accessibility.

It's so hard not to like Crisis Core because it does so many things right. [Apr 2008, p.76]

Carbon almost always manages to feel as finely tuned as any of its high performance sleds, and with downloadable content on the way, it seems safe to think that it'll be an adrenaline generating favorite for a good long while.

But, the added level of depth and infinite replay value through Xbox 360 Achievements and loads of downloadable content make GHII Xbox 360 the ultimate version to own. [Apr 2007, p.80]

Most importantly and most powerfully, however: The completely open-ended nature of this experience creates a very real sense of infinite possibilities.

Blue Dragon might not be sheer perfection, but it still delivers a truly exemplary console RPG experience by thoughtfully executing and expanding on longtime genre traditions.

At the end of the day, Persona 3 is an engaging title that truly pushes genre conventions in an exciting way. [Sep 2007, p.82]

Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the best version released so far and that's saying a lot considering how awesome the other versions were.

If you own a PSP, there is no excuse for you to not own this title. [Nov 2007, p.95]

The best PSP title I've ever played.

Marrying an innovative control scheme to the best survival action game ever and presenting at a bargain price is something even the most brain-dead zombie can get behind.

Gamers who are used to contemporary titles may find this one a little too simplistic and old for their tastes but if you can look beyond that, you'll be treated to an amazing rendition of a classic console RPG. [July 2007, p.86]

The bottom line is that Worms has always been a fantastic game so it all comes down to how complete a given installment is, and Worms Open Warfare 2 is easily the defining title in the series. [Oct 2007, p.87]

It's not often that you run across a good XBLA with flair all its own, but Undertow has it in spades.

Combining the old-school feel with new-gen intensity, Pac-Man World Championship is the best Xbox Live Arcade game since Geometry Wars.

The definitive football game to buy this season.

Everything just screams high production values, which is pretty awesome. The song list is also impressive and features a good mix of the old and the new.

Anyone with even a passing interest in puzzle or role-playing games should take a long hard look at this endlessly addictive gem. Chances are that within an hour of downloading the trial version you'll be looking to purchase it.

The refined gameplay, the super slick presentation and the flexible controls all add up to one of the finest racing experiences ever.

The graphics in GT5: Prologue are even better than "Crysis."

One of the better games to come out on XBLA in the last few months.

Ultimately, Final Fantasy IV remains the same epic experience it was 17 years ago, and improvements on the DS are a welcome treat for fans of the series and newcomers to the franchise. [Aug 2008, p.80]

As Obi-Wan Kenobi once told me, "Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view." Good advice when thinking your way through Echochrome's frequently mind stumping, addictive I-think-my-IQ-just-went-up-10-points, levels.

Long time Homestar Runner fans will be pleased to see that all the major characters they've come to know (Marzipan, The Cheat, Coach Z, Pom Pom, etc.) are included along with many inside jokes.

Long time Homestar Runner fans will be pleased to see that all the major characters they've come to know (Marzipan, The Cheat, Coach Z, Pom Pom, etc.) are included along with many inside jokes.

Episode 2 is so well written, funny and enjoyable you'll gladly submit to the domineering, steel toed boot of your new red masked overlord.

Episode 2 is so well written, funny and enjoyable you'll gladly submit to the domineering, steel toed boot of your new red masked overlord.

The transition from the politics in episode 2 to the completely different slant of rock and roll in episode 3 never feels forced, out of place, or nonsensical. It just works because the writing is so damn good, and leads me to believe the creators of this series could cover any topic and still make a funny game.

The transition from the politics in episode 2 to the completely different slant of rock and roll in episode 3 never feels forced, out of place, or nonsensical. It just works because the writing is so damn good, and leads me to believe the creators of this series could cover any topic and still make a funny game.

Saints Row's Xbox Live presentation is a colossal step in the right direction for the genre, with its live-action lobby, imaginative game modes, and an MMO-inspired element that allows you to amass and spend the money you win online.

Assuredly, a great majority of RPGers have already beaten Final Fantasy VI multiple times, and while this game is pretty much a direct port, I still recommend it highly just for sweet nostalgia's sake.

"MDK2"'s style of gameplay doesn't lend itself well to multiplay, so the replay value is slim, but the single-player experience is guaranteed to suck hours away from your life.

If you've ever wanted to be a monster fighting for its soul, or if you've ever had designs of creating your own RPG, then let "Vampire" seduce you to the dark side.

Oddly enough, the AI is probably the best part of the strategic game.

While the gameplay remains the same, the new features and improvements make Cataclysm even more enjoyable the original.

Simply the best air combat action the PC has to offer.

Pure, unadulterated fun, especially when you’re playing the game with other people.

The sheer scope of this game (to repeat it again: 12 races, 33 classes, 3 realms) and its incredible quality level make it a shining star in the MMORPG sky.

The real star of this game is the gameplay, which alternates between great and brilliant.

A perfect sitting around the living room, talking smack with your buddies, everyone's involved party game.

While "SSX" offers more arcade-style gameplay, Konami wants to slam you into the snowboarder's world harder than a botched Frontside Indy.

A fast, frantic blast.

You'll be hard-pressed to score more than a couple goals. But that just mirrors real life, and the action delivers plenty of thrills.

The fighting world has a brand new and addictive style of gameplay. Kengo pays homage to an art form that's rarely seen, and plays as a well-crafted and fun experience that no fighting-game fan should miss.

A fun game with tons of character. The difficulty and control tweaks mean that all that good stuff won't be lost in a flurry of frustration.

This is the best kind of game: easy to pick up, hard to put down; simple to learn, difficult to master.

The gameplay finally matches the graphics, and the result is what basketball fans want and need in a PS2 game.

Until we see how well EA Sports’ "NASCAR Thunder 2002" turns out, NASCAR Heat is the stock-car game to beat.

Its outstanding looks and stellar controls make it a heavy favorite to win the championship.

Hardly a groundbreaking fighting game, but it delivers a massive lineup of classic characters coupled with a tried-and-true fighting engine. It’s rock-solid fighting, plain and simple.

Different, rewarding, intelligent, funny, and filled with memorable characters and weird creatures. It’s damn fun, too, and will keep you performing the repetitive duties required of a monster raiser for far longer than you’d ever imagine.

The real star of the game is the stellar A.I. No game rewards you so much for playing smart basketball or punishes you so badly for playing high school ball.

The transition from flying a plane to steering a four-wheeled armored truck to shooting a gun in first-person view is smooth, addicting, and, best of all, keeps the pace of the action consistent enough for you to be involved to the very end. [July 2002, p.74]

It proves that you don’t need hyper detailed, synapse-sizzling graphics to deliver a great game when ingenuity and solid mechanics will do.

Transcending PaRappa, this Japanese import combines innovative control with a hot soundtrack for a frustrating yet addictive experience.

One of the most challenging match-your-fingers-to-the-onscreen-button-presses game since the sub-genre’s conception.

While all this is great, it still comes up a tad short compared to EA’s NCAA football game, especially in the college atmosphere category.

Straddles the line between arcade and simulation nicely. Players move, look, and behave in a realistic fashion, but fatigue, substitutions, and playcalling don’t interrupt the fun.

The real joy of Samurai lies in the replay as you repeat the game, experimenting with characters and conversations armed with what you learned last time around in a Groundhog Day–style effort to try to get things "right."

Edges out "NASCAR Heat" as this season’s top stock-car racer. Slick A.I. and a great Career mode make this game addictively playable.

A killer combination of awesome controls and realistic details, proving to be much more fun than EA Sports' "Triple Play Baseball."

Requires a bit of fancy powersliding, but it feels a lot more natural and comfortable here than it does in other games - the controls really respond well.

It was hard enough to put the game down long enough to write this review, if that tells you anything. Pirates might lack graphical “oomph,” but it’s fun.

It's not perfect, but it's a polished, exciting ride.

The action is fast and furious, packed with epic amounts of dog?ghting and brief story interludes that are not exactly the greatest Star Wars story ever told, but get the job done. All in all it's a good time.

You know this gameplay: There’s been a lot of excellent tuning but no mammoth overhauls.

The combination of "Thief"-style sneaking with smart enemy A.I. and the use of realistic weapons-piano wire, silenced pistols, sniper rifles, and even M-60s-creates an intense experience, though many gamers will be frustrated by the lack of in-game saving.

Of course, "Hot Shots Golf 3" is still the definitive “everyone’s game” that appeals to all skill levels, but parents looking for something to play with young kids can’t go wrong with Disney Golf.

Awesome single player game is held back by a mediocre multiplayer experience.

The challenging action platformer fans have been waiting for, but it's not too tough for newcomers. Excellent. [March 2002, p.94]

An absolutely gorgeous game, packing in fantastic animations, lavish player models, and stadiums with cool details like flags waving in the stands.

Deserves attention because of its captivating feel and deep features.

If you're the kind of hardcore NASCAR fans that will revel in the challenge of Career mode, you'll have an absolute blast with Thunder, particularly now that Tiburon has included a ton of in-game help and redesigned the interface to be massively more usable.

For all its similarity to Silent Hill 2, the third installment still manages to set itself apart with more variety, slightly improved combat, more logical puzzles, a different enough story, and even better visuals in their own grainy nonconformist way.

The mix of true physics, newbie approachability, gameplay depth, and even a sly sense of humor makes Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 thoroughly enjoyable.

Improved in more ways than is physically possible to list.

Defiance shines with pure entertainment value, with crisp and gorgeous visuals and squishy sounds that invoke the feeling of steel crushing flesh.

Across the board, the slick environments, cut-scenes, and character faces shine, although some of the animations are awkward, particularly when 007 runs. A great title song by Mya, strong voice acting, and booming sound effects complete the package.

Despite its shortcomings, Outbreak’s hefty replay, intense action, and clever scenario designs make for an engaging play—on- and offline, and a must for any Resident fan. Here, success ultimately depends on how helpful everyone’s willing to be.

Combining the addictive life-simulation aspects of The Sims with real-time strategy elements, Firefly Studios has produced Space Colony, a tough, funny, and very charismatic hybrid.

The lack of multiplayer options is a shame, but TTOEE is the best D&D title in recent memory, especially since parties of different alignments (good, evil, neutral) all face unique plots. This all adds up to one monstrous nonlinear RPG packed with plenty of replay value.

Flawlessly paced progression keeps you playing for leaner lap times; a newfound sense of speed makes each race seem like protracted suicide; and down-to-the-nuts-and-bolts details assure authenticity--as the box says, this is the drive of your life.

The ambient music and low hum of your engine perfectly invoke the feeling of being out on your own in space, while radio chatter around the various planets and bases only enhance the realism.

Everything’s been upgraded and/or redone to make tactical team gameplay as cohesive and fun as the series has always been. Just make sure you have a powerful machine to enjoy every aspect of the game.

Stunning visuals, blistering speed, interactive environments, and explosive gameplay combine to give car combat junkies their fix.

Heavy Metal FAKK 2"will give you a good dose of fun while you're playing, although it is a bit short and there isn't any multiplayer to extend the game value.

If stealthy, strategic action intrigues you, Hitman 2 is a blast.

Music is absent from the game, but you probably won't notice that either with the sounds of revving engines, squealing tires, and flying trashcans filling your ears.

All in all, despite the less than stellar PC graphics, Metal Gear Solid remains an intense gaming experience with a gripping story and heart-stopping action.

The keyboard, joystick, and gamepad all work, but this game was designed with a wheel in mind. You’re cheating yourself if you play without one.

Anyone looking for a classic AD&D gaming experience to hold them over until "Baldur's Gate II" arrives should definitely check out Icewind Dale.

Filled with enough chaos and wicked humor to forgive the slight reliance on platform clichés, Whiplash really is a hell of a game. With a little more polish before release, this game could have been a true masterpiece.

Fans of the animated series will definitely be delighted to experience the One Year War from the side of the Principality of Zeon.

But what separates UT from Quake 3 is its glossy presentation...Audio in UT is also superb.

Combines a wealth of visual power with extra gameplay modes, creating hours of intense gameplay.

Renegade has its assorted other problems, like Gump-level enemy A.I. and somewhat silly mechanics (destroying a building’s master terminal disables the entire building), but the sheer fun of blasting your way through Nod's defenses and just being a badass makes up for a lot.

The game lives up to its lofty goals, providing a tight, smart tactical game along the lines of the combat in Baldur’s Gate.

If you enjoy the idea of engaging covert-ops missions that require stealth and smarts more than sheer brawn, you'll love IGI.

[It] offers giddily satisfying gameplay.

The arcade gameplay retains the Ace Combat trademarks: tons of firepower and a simple control scheme.

The replay value isn't as high as it could be, but no doubt, Ridge Racer V is a fantastic game that sports excellent graphics and has some very fun racing action.

Overall, the physics find a solid balance between fantasy and reality, and the smooth controls make running contraband an addictive experience.

Nearly flawless visuals and truly immersive sound make sure you’re having fun even when you’re not shooting.

Torment's graphics and sound are paradise. Gorgeous, hand-drawn backgrounds look sumptuous, even if they're overcome with dark, moody, colors.

The immense depth of strategic planning and historical accuracy combine for an intensely addictive experience.

The action here is more cerebral, emphasizing teamwork and accomplishing specific objectives over twitchy combat—it’s great fun.

Serious Sam has some of the most exciting and addictive shooting action in years.

If you didn't like the original game, this expansion probably won't change your mind, but if you loved "The Sims," then "Livin' Large" will have you lovin' it even more.

It’s a fast and furious action/adventure that oozes style (among other things) but still delivers all the gameplay goods.

While the series has strayed from its hardcore sim roots pioneered by Coach K College basketball way back in the Genesis’s heyday, it at least has defined an identity and found a fun formula as well.

Start with an intense action/strategy game, add a remarkably easy-to-use interface, and wrap it in one of the most impressive 3D engines ever seen in a computer game, and you've got "Ground Control."

The gameplay is nothing new, but the engrossing story and intense action will keep you playing for hours.

Gauntlet attempts to exercise the PS2’s graphical muscles, but because of the locked overhead-camera angle, there’s only so much detail and special effects to see amidst the tiny characters scurrying about.

The most distinguishing difference between Half-Life and its PC counterpart is the sharper visual presentation.

Its excellent mix of driving techniques, fantasy physics, and gigantic cities will keep couch drivers burning onscreen rubber for some time.

RFII isn’t a landmark game or an astoundingly innovative one, but it sure is a lot of fun to play.

It's gorgeous, long, deep, and fun, and that extra level of challenge should whet the appetites of gamers bored with typical hack-n-slash. [Mar 2004, p.84]

While it only takes about ten hours to complete Max Payne, it will be ten of the best hours you’ve spent on a computer in a long time.

Seriously gory but realistic environments and an action-heavy gameplay mix make The Thing a satisfyingly disturbing must-play...Terrifyingly good.

A solid title that gets kudos for strong action and replay value. Giant-robot fans will want it -- others should, at the very least, rent it

For a refreshing RPG that will satisfy all but the most blowhard dungeon hacks, take a trip to Evil Islands.

Polished, intuitive, balanced, and fun, this is one of the best RTS games ever made, but if you’re bored with the genre this isn’t going to suddenly make you a believer again.

The A.I. could use more brainpower, but the controls handle beautifully, and the graphics and sounds are stellar.

The game motocross wannabes have been craving for years—and it’s just what you’d expect from EA’s Big series.

Its visceral intensity is off the charts—other shooters seem frail and timid in comparison.

It’s easier to communicate between teammates on and off the battlefield using the headset. There isn’t as much breakup or static when you talk, plus you can now identify who’s actually talking.

Excellent graphics, superb story, addictive gameplay, and a simple interface combine to blast 3D real-time strategy into the vastness of space.

There’s just one problem with The Sims Online: It’s almost not a game. The slow-paced activities rely so heavily on social interaction that in some ways it feels like a glorified chat room.

A solid simulation of the sport that offers more teams and unique options not available in its main and only competitor on the PS2, "Winning Eleven." Some minor control issues remain and the depth is still not where it needs to be, but it delivers a highly worthwhile experience nonetheless.

Wrap up the tight gameplay in gorgeous graphics and solid sounds, and Pitfall has never been better. [May 2004, p.69]

Regardless of its shortcomings, FFX-2 is an engrossing RPG that’s worth the extensive time investment, although it may be a bit too awkward and saccharine for hardened FF vets.

Although the PS2 game comes some three months after the Xbox release, this version is the better of the two—mostly because of its superior controls.

SH2 makes more effective use of shadows, lighting, and sound than 99 percent of the Hollywood horror movies made in the last 20 years.

It gives serious golf fans a deep sim while offering casual fans an approachable, gorgeous game with tons of play modes.

Essentially the same game with a slew of slick improvements, and gamers will have an absolute blast throwing down dunks while exploring its new features.

For the most part, though, Spyro is a graphics bonanza with blasts of color and eye-catching nuances, such as rippling water, glowing flames, and shimmering portals.

Blazing graphics and excellent controls, as well as a variety of play modes for a repeatedly enjoyable experience.

R & C's innovation comes in the form of all those crazy, non-gimmicky weapons and tools. This is a complex, polished platform gaming machine.

Although it lacks the ultra polish of "Need for Speed" or the outrageous wrecks of "Burnout," its high challenge and huge tracks will keep your hands glued to the controller.

At once the best wrestling game in years, an awesome showcase for some damn good hip-hop, and an example of what can happen when a game company takes a chance.

It’s supremely addictive, fun, and entrancing, and not just because of the flashing psychedelic tunnels of light. Plus, the feeling that you’re actually in control of a drum set or a base line is about as good as it gets.

Two Towers isn’t perfect, and it’s pretty far from groundbreaking, but it’s undeniably awesome to delve into such an authentic representation of this universe and whup some orc backside.

The anime-mech lover’s dream come true.

In between some breakneck driving and intense gunplay, you get plenty of tough guy angst, wicked doublecrosses, and excruciatingly brutal thuggery.

Where the wheat gets separated from the chaff, however, is the A.I.; and Sega’s game is all whole-grain goodness.

The challenge may be too steep for some, but it’s ultimately rewarding for determined gamers.

A masterpiece of cinematic, anime-inspired, science-fiction storytelling, but only if you have the patience (and time) to endure cinemas that can last upwards of 45 minutes.

Delivers a burly extreme experience that doesn’t feel like it was cloned.

Offers more multiplayer options than you’ll likely ever use combined with a single-player experience that’s wonderful but somewhat typical. Still, it’s the best PC D&D game ever, bar none.

What makes Ape Escape 2 rule is that it simply feels like no other game, thanks to an intuitive analog control scheme in which pressing or rotating the right stick both aims and activates your various gadgets.

The most remarkable new feature, though, is the cavernous Career mode.

As original in gameplay as it is in visual design.

The utterly perfect soundtrack delivers exactly the mood you want, from the smooth coolness of the Predator’s snarl to the eerie silence of the Marine’s pinging motion tracker.

You’ll get an unforgettable experience of different military tactics, plus you’ll have a better idea of what the Army went through in Somalia.

Its premise is straightforward, yet there’s so much to do and see, along with some sizeable challenges that will test even the brightest adventure veterans.

The Dual Shock organizes controls logically and offers the sharp response, especially considering the cool Bullet Time and Shootdodge aspects, which slow down time for Matrix-style gunfights.

With a four-player mode and user-created remixes, the replay value goes through the roof.

It’s a huge, sprawling, wonderfully involved game that makes you feel as though you’ve read a fantasy trilogy by game’s end.

What little it lacks in gameplay sits UT a close second to Eidos' excellent "TimeSplitters."

All-Star Baseball was always one of the best console baseball series when it was on the Nintendo 64, but it's amazing how much the PS2 and Acclaim Sports' two years of development have added to the series. Most impressive are the excellent player models and faces.

Brings more than just fierce punches and kicks -- it features an engaging story and plenty of gameplay modes that offer a high replay value. Hands down, this is one of the best PS2 games.

A wild, chaotic, and intense strategy game as much as it is an action title, so those of you who've always wanted to be a war hero can strap on some armor and get to it.

Online FPS fans who like the heat of tactical team action will really dig the constant squad-level action of PlanetSide.

With a massive amount of features to unlock and enjoy, SSX Tricky gives fans a whole lot of tasty treats to chew on.

By virtue of simple, solid gameplay, Starcraft has managed to rise above a predictable approach and been-there-done-that mechanics, and the final product (much like "Warcraft II" in 1995) seems fresh and new.

As long as you don’t mind a slightly more technical feel and a hefty challenge, you’ll find the best thing to happen with jetskis since the N64’s Wave Race.

The quest is absolutely enormous, especially for this style of game, with tons of lengthy missions and a few character-specific side-quests. There’s also a great weapon-and-item customization feature that vastly increases the already impressive equipment possibilities.

Although it doesn't break much new ground and the series' vibe has become more mainstream with age, Wipeout Fusion is simply an excellent, action packed racing game. [July 2002, p.73]

Granted, it’s a very short game that certainly won’t mesmerize you for weeks, but the value of its multiplayer side as a killer party game makes it a very worthy addition to your PS2 library.

If you like first-person shooters with lots blood, fire fights, screaming and explosions… then you’ll rip through this – loving every minute of it.

It’s a well-crafted, brilliantly designed, and lovingly developed space adventure that’s every bit as gripping as "EverQuest" ever was.

Quake III Revolution’s frantic combat is wicked fast and packed with addictive, exciting action that heavily favors quick reflexes and itchy trigger fingers over deep strategies.

The series could use a bit more depth and original features, but its pedigree as a top-ranked fighter remains intact.

It’s repetitive and, at times, stupidly frustrating, but overall the insanely awesome outweighs the bad. You won’t find more intense action on PC, and no game will make you feel like more of a badass.

And while you must have a mind for strategy and business to really enjoy it, you do get to see dinos bleed now and then—and that’s worth something.

The feel of the driving is what earned the McRae series its reputation, and the controls remain impeccable in this PS2 edition.

The controls for all versions do a masterful job of managing the fierce action. Even in battle so pitched that you literally lose sight of your character amid the multitudinous combatants, you still feel you’re the master of your fate.