Certain classic enemies have also been upgraded, such as the imps, which now stare players down with glaring eyes before pouncing on them.

The monsters are determined to destroy the characters' home world, so players will need to perfect various combos and team attacks in order to survive.

Hands down the most playable, enjoyable golf game released to date.

Hands down the most playable, enjoyable golf game released to date.

There is enough of Tolkien's story and Jackson's presentation here to do the title justice, and enough classic action role-playing to make for an engaging, enjoyable game.

The technique associated with controlling the motorbike that makes Freekstyle such an entertaining diversion from other racing games, and the sound effects and music are easily among the best available on the handheld to date.

Sadly, the most innovative aspect of the first title has been diminished to the point where Buffy isn’t much different than a routine 3D slugfest. An easy recommendation for loyal fans of the series, but the game's appeal would be lost on the casual player.

As the passionate announcer exclaims during the opening sequence, "the soul still burns," though neither as fiercely nor as brightly as longtime fans may have hoped for.

With 200 items to unlock, eight different modes, and Link as a playable character, Namco has certainly delivered an impressive package for fighting game fans. Yet if players look closely, they’ll see the package is wrapped using recycled paper tied together with frayed twine that has a few too many loose ends for such an important sequel.

Is Futurama fun for fans of 3D platform or shooter games? As Leela once said, "At the risk of sounding negative, no."

The changes aren’t substantially different from Madden NFL 2003, and the excitement level has diminished since the release of "NCAA Football 2004," a game that offers better commentary, more diverse modes, and simply more "energy" than this chapter in the long-running Madden series.

Combat is more tedious than fun, though players can now wield more powerful weapons such as the katana blade. Most often players can get by simply running past many of the enemies -- not necessarily out of fear, but in a noble attempt to relieve boredom.

Starts out promising and gradually becomes more tedious the further you delve into it. It’s repetitive, and it’s repetitive not because of the sheer number of enemies thrown at you or the simplistic nature of objectives, but because of the paltry set of moves you can initiate with the main character.

Filled with such a carefree and upbeat attitude, from the movie-quoting riders to the ridiculous courses featuring cannon-blasting pirate ships, rampaging dinosaurs, and rollicking waves, that it’s easy to forgive any shortcomings.

Yet another disappointing entry in Titus Interactive’s pitiable portfolio. Part man, part machine, all flop.

While Knights of the Old Republic is entirely addictive, there are some small complaints. There are no beasts to ride or vehicles to use as transportation while traveling across planet surfaces, the party is limited to three at any given time, and there's no multiplayer support.

Dynasty Mode is the main selling point and it is a lot of fun, especially the recruiting. After getting wrapped up in the Dynasty Mode you might even forget about Madden, at least for a short time.

Unlike many of the swimsuits featured in the game, there’s some breathing room for further development, but Hypnotix has once again surprised audiences by proving Outlaw Golf was neither beginner’s luck nor a fluke. The Outlaw series is here to stay.

Though the game is plagued with problems in every area, it is perhaps the fighting engine that’s most disappointing. The slow motion effects used to bring dramatic flair to the fights are barely noticeable.

A passable diversion between more traditional sports games, but nothing more.

What it lacks in new ideas is more than made up for in playful exuberance.

A weak conversion of what was arguably a middling title to begin with. Though it starts off fast and smooth, the action quickly becomes touch and "d'oh."

Despite the problems, players will likely find themselves coming back to the game, because it is just as entertaining as it is frustrating.

The replay value is inexplicably weak, because getting all of the treasures, statue pieces, and rubies is not as complicated as it sounds.

It is an absolute shame that the controls are such a beast, because there are many interesting elements in the game.

More attention needs to be placed on the space aspect of the game, and players should have the same sense of freedom as in titles like Halo instead of wandering through narrow halls.

It is the combat that is the most disappointing aspect, despite the game offering such elements as piloting buggies, donning a space suit before exiting space stations, and using jetpacks.

Players are ultimately better off with "Hunter: The Reckoning" for a similar style of game that at least features multiplayer support, different characters, and experience-based attributes.