One of the most novel gaming premises to come along in quite some time, (but) its poor gameplay mechanics and woeful graphics ultimately relegate it to that ignominious coulda-been, shoulda-been pile of underachieving PlayStation action titles.

The problems with the framerate and inability to save my game made me want to break the CD into tiny pieces.

Great characters, unbelievable level design, well-executed game-engine cut scenes, outstanding voice acting and style that just won't quit, No One Lives Forever is the best game I've played in far too long.

Graphically, Jetfighter IV is one of the sweetest simulators you've seen.

Its unique melee-based combat sets it apart from the usual guns-'n'-grenades blood sports, but a lack of variety in the single-player game means that it never becomes quite as addictive as it could.

I've never really found a basketball simulation that accurately translated the game from the hardcourt to the home court. But NBA 2K1 is by far the closest to the real thing I've ever seen.

This game is neither as creepy as Blair Witch Volume 1 nor as adrenaline-pumping as the other "action" games on the market, and in the end is something of a disappointment.

A game that lets you live out those teenage fantasies we've all had about joining a gang, rollerblading through the streets with total abandon and tagging the hell out of anything with a flat surface.

Overall, 4x4 Evolution is a fun offroad racing game, with beautiful visuals, solid AI and some cool track designs. While it's certainly nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary.

With the addition of the course designer and the improved graphics engine, diehard Links fans will definitely want to get their hands on this year's model.

The whole multiplayer aspect was wasted, essentially a glorified deathmatch where players can either be bugs or humans, but once again there's just not a hell of a lot to do and the whole things feels tacked on just so they could slap "multiplayer" on the side of the box.

Even though Westwood hasn't blazed much technological ground with Red Alert 2, it does succeed in being their most enjoyable real-time strategy game yet.

Amazing sound, strong research, beautiful graphics and varied missions ensure a long shelf-life.

Simply put, if you loved SWAT 3, this upgrade is a blessing. And if you resisted SWAT 3 because of its lack of multiplayer, you're out of excuses now.

Unfortunately, while the story is well-told and intriguing, the gameplay is unwieldy and frustrating -- and after all, we aren't watching a movie, we're playing a game.

Is it perfect? No. But it's pretty damn close.

Essentially a multimedia encyclopedia with a few playable levels thrown in, Covert Ops Essentials is mainly for "Rogue Spear" fanatics and those with a passing interesting in counterterrorism.

Combining action and adventure isn't an easy thing to do, but Konami has pulled it off beautfiully with Metal Gear Solid.

May very well be the best computer-based role-playing game of all time.

A fine game and a worthy successor, offering almost twice-and-a-half the original ... and the original was a classic as it was.

The varied mission types, scripted events and engrossing storyline made it great fun to play, an "experience" more than just a game.

With its customizability, near-perfect gameplay and copious amounts of fun, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 is the real deal -- a great sequel and a stellar game.

Microsoft should be ashamed for releasing a game with so many obvious and nasty bugs, basically throwing away a year's worth of work just to meet some pointless deadline.

A graphical dream stuck in a gameplay nightmare.

Not only is this the first console game that allows you to go online and play against other people, it's also the best sports game I have ever played.

Unfortunately,TXR2 ends up being less of a game than its predecessor, despite double the number of opponents and a vastly larger racing area.

Add to the mix that there are plenty of secrets to uncover, including cover art, character viewers, training sessions and even costume changes and you have a one loaded game worthy of high praise.

Whether you're a fan of Bruce Lee, Lennox Lewis or Dalton the bouncer (Patrick Swayze's character in "Road House"), you're bound to find someone who fits your needs.