All the modes have finally made the starting lineup, and there are successful tweaks and additions to both the gameplay and options. It's still more of an evolution than a revolution, but that's like saying LaDanian [la-dane-ian] Tomlinson just got better.

While not all that innovative, the game brilliantly implements a race-saving instant replay function and incorporates a strong strategic element with its sponsor management.

While not all that innovative, the game brilliantly implements a race-saving instant replay function and incorporates a strong strategic element with its sponsor management.

After suffering from an oversaturation of Sims for the last 10 or so years, it’s hard to believe The Sims 3 is as good as it is. It’s unapologetically a Sims game, but it also manages to feel truly fresh.

Space Invaders Extreme shows what can happen when a classic receives the kind of attention needed for rejuvenation, without sacrificing its core. If you’ve never played Space Invaders before, or simply want to rekindle that old arcade flame, you can’t go wrong with this portable invasion.

Space Invaders Extreme shows what can happen when a classic receives the kind of attention needed for rejuvenation, without sacrificing its core. If you’ve never played Space Invaders before, or simply want to rekindle that old arcade flame, you can’t go wrong with this portable invasion.

Thanks to its fluid, genre-crossing gameplay and action-packed scenarios, inFAMOUS has established itself as an electrifying new addition to the PS3 library.

Though it'll take you in the neighborhood of 12 hours to play through, Arkham Asylum feels like it's over in a heartbeat. This is a testament to its magnificent pacing, and the care that went into making every moment feel important.

Chinatown Wars boils Grand Theft Auto down to its basic elements and wisely goes with what works. The game also makes wise use of the DS hardware without requiring too much back and forth between the control pad and the stylus. Most impressively, the game takes cues from the series' 2D past and incorporates modern amenities from recent installments, letting it live up to its legacy and stand on its own.

Bayonetta is as good as it gets when it comes to action games. The combat system is the work of masters, and the whole production is vivid, bold, and imaginative. It's also a hugely substantial experience that sustains and encourages repeat playthroughs.

Given all the ways you can play it, as well as the superb MotionPlus controls, the Wii version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 is easily the best one. MotionPlus is a definite must-have in order to get the most out of the game, though.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2009's visuals may not be in the same league as the versions released on the more powerful PS3 and Xbox 360, but it's hands down the better playing game.

A true champion for the masses. Its over the top, vibrant style is a true spectacle in HD, and its strokes of fighting innovation trickle down into every one of its bells and whistles. If you're looking for an extremely smooth fighter with pomp and panache, BlazBlue is a sure bet.

When it comes down to it, your enjoyment of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom won't hinge on your knowledge of obscure Japanese animes. It's a solid fighter in its own right, bolstered by a provision of new content and features exclusively on the U.S. port. If beating up on Mario has lost some of its punch, definitely give the game a try; you may find that a venture into the unknown can have some pleasing results.

With stunning environments, a wide array of events, and an ingenious use of track surfaces, DiRT 2 is a superb ride for anyone wanting to rip through the wilderness at high speed.

With stunning environments, a wide array of events, and an ingenious use of track surfaces, DiRT 2 is a superb ride for anyone wanting to rip through the wilderness at high speed.

God of War Collection provides the definitive versions of two PS2 classics. If you've never played them before, there's never been a better time to check them out. For hardcore fans, the updated visuals amount to experiencing these stellar games with fresh eyes. Consider the God of War III demo included in the package icing on the cake.

Spirit Tracks addresses all of the shortcomings of Phantom Hourglass and delivers a brilliant experience. It hasn't done much to change up the established formula, but it's still a solid adventure that ranks as one of the better outings in the series.

New home and away tactics ensure that underdog teams hold their own by playing defensively on the road and adjusting strategies to capitalize on a home field advantage.

A sizable number of additions, improvements, and fixes make it a clear choice over the original, and as a fighter, it maintains its status as one of the most technically accomplished and brutally satisfying entries to date.

You'll get a lot more out of it than you do from typical games with no competitive multiplayer and while played cooperatively it really sings. It's lost a lot of what has made the franchise a pins-and-needles experience, but that sense of dread has been replaced with pure action that's hard to match.

You'll get a lot more out of it than you do from typical games with no competitive multiplayer and while played cooperatively it really sings. It's lost a lot of what has made the franchise a pins-and-needles experience, but that sense of dread has been replaced with pure action that's hard to match.

FIFA 11 doesn't deliver anything truly revolutionary, but it does improve on nearly every aspect of an already-stellar game. It'd be nice to see something truly revolutionary for the franchise in next year's installment, but considering that FIFA 11 is the most polished, refined entry in the series to date, it's hard not to recommend it to even the most discerning of football fans.

Playability has shot through the stratosphere.

Vanquish is a sleek, focused action game with every individual element tuned for a demanding, fast-paced, and highly enjoyable experience.

It's a matter of focus, as the most important aspects of the game are absolutely incredible, even as many areas fail to meet expectations. The range of driving experiences it presents you with is enormous and the depth backing it up will make you fall in love with cars you've never even heard of before.

The multiplayer component definitely has its moments, but serious players will be turned off by how random it can be. For the series to remain elite it will need to evolve, but for now, its unique premise and core gameplay are more than enough to make this brotherhood one worth joining.

The multiplayer component definitely has its moments, but serious players will be turned off by how random it can be. For the series to remain elite it will need to evolve, but for now, its unique premise and core gameplay are more than enough to make this brotherhood one worth joining.