rank title sales publisher isexclusive genre systems rating portable homeconsole imageurl month qperson qorg qtext 100 Okami 200000 Capcom 1 Action PS2 93 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Capcom/okami.jpg 9 Chris Roper IGN Beautiful, charismatic, engaging and one of the most original games you'll play anytime soon. 99 Rayman Raving Rabbids 200000 Ubisoft 1 Puzzle Wii 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Ubisoft/raymanravingrabbids.jpg 11 Greg Ford 1Up Raving Rabbids' whimsical art style shows the Wii does have potential for graphical power given the right visual direction. The rabbids and colorful worlds give the game a kitschy, cartoonish quality. It makes for a generally enjoyable experience, ideally, sets an upward trend for the inevitable flood of similar games to come. 98 Prey 200000 Take-Two 0 Shooter Xbox 360, PC 78 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/prey2.jpg 7 Jeff Gerstmann GameSpot Much of the game's potential for unique thrills feels wasted by its straightforward level design, and the multiplayer doesn't add much to the package. 97 F.E.A.R. 200000 Vivendi 0 Shooter Xbox 360 85 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Vivendi/fear-x360.jpg 11 Ben Reeves Game Informer F.E.A.R. also gives off an interesting illusion that you can take multiple paths through the levels, but this is not the case as every fork is just a different bend that leads to the next open area. Many of the areas look very similar, and you’ll quickly tire of wandering through warehouses and office buildings. 96 Red Steel 220000 Ubisoft 1 Action Wii 63 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Ubisoft/red steel.jpg 11 Keza MacDonald Eurogamer An old-fashioned game at heart, linear and cheesy and a bit inflexible, but also responsive, explosive and often greatly entertaining. It has inspired moments, but the whole thing is undermined by the terrible presentation and the all-permeating impression that Red Steel isn't quite finished. 95 Battlefield 2142 220000 Electronic Arts 1 Shooter PC 80 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/battlefield 2142.jpg 10 Mike Griffith Play Magazine At times, Battlefield 2142 sort of feels like you’re playing a really good BF 2 mod and with that observation comes a pang of “been there, done that.” Regardless, DICE has delivered a deftly constructed multiplayer shooter with titanic replayability. 94 Tourist Trophy: The Real Riding Simulator 230000 Sony 1 Racing PS2 74 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/tourist trophy- the real riding simulator.jpg 4 Craig Hansen DigiNews Delivers to motorcycle fans the same sort of thrill that Gran Turismo delivers to auto aficionados. The only downside is that there’s far fewer bike makers involved than there were auto makers… 93 Star Fox Command 240000 Nintendo 1 Action DS 76 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/star fox command.jpg 9 Andrew Pfister 1Up Command never becomes demanding -- any seasoned Advance Wars or Fire Emblem player will have no trouble mopping up enemy forces and clearing planetary paths, because just as the scenarios start to show signs of real cleverness and challenge, the game's story ends. 92 Daxter 240000 Sony 1 Action PSP 86 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/daxtera.jpg 3 Brad Gallaway GameCritics Every aspect of Daxter screams quality, and Ready At Dawn studios deserve an ovation for putting together such a masterful platforming experience. 91 Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII 240000 Ubisoft 0 Flight Xbox 360, Xbox, PC, PS3 66 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Ubisoft/blzingangelsps3.jpg 3 Jonathan Miller IGN Online multiplayer is its strongest point; the single-player campaign quickly becomes monotonous because of the lack of challenge and the unbalanced squad-based gameplay. 90 NFL Street 3 260000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, PSP 71 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/nfl street 3.jpg 11 Todd Zuniga 1Up A maturation of the series, this is a really solid game with lots of loony Street-style happenings. In the end, it's fun to play, and will keep you engaged. If only it were on next gen. 89 Family Guy 270000 Take-Two 0 License PS2, Xbox, PSP 50 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/TakeTwo/familyguy.jpg 10 Andrew Reiner Game Informer The show’s writers and voice talent have done a tremendous job with the trademark humor. The game, however, is a complete disaster, and is just barely playable. 88 Top Spin 2 270000 Sports 0 Take-Two Xbox 360, GBA, PC, DS 75 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/topspin2.jpg 3 Mike Nam MyGamer A worthy new sports title with enough graphical oomph and exceptionally challenging material to warrant a good long look by anyone inclined to charge the net. 87 Chromehounds 270000 Sega 1 Action Xbox 360 70 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/chromehounds.jpg 7 Gabe Graziani GamesRadar This game is predominantly about next generation tank combat, which may strike some people as terribly boring, but for those just itching to join the new era of steel-clad, explosive-hurling champions, Chromehounds delivers the most satisfyingly complete experience available to date. 86 Burnout Revenge 270000 Electronic Arts 0 Racer Xbox 360 89 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/burnout revenge.jpg 3 Adam Pavlacka Yahoo Games Judged against its peers, Burnout Revenge sets the standard for breakneck speed and destruction in the action racing arena. Anyone new to the series should rush out and add this to their collection. 85 Kirby Squeak Squad 280000 Nintendo 1 Platformer DS 72 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/kirby squeak squad.jpg 12 Justin Leeper Yahoo Games A solid, easy platformer that's colorful, fun, and full of variety. 84 NBA Ballers: Phenom 280000 Midway 0 Sports PS2, Xbox 71 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/nba ballers- phenom.jpg 4 Bob Colayco GameSpot Phenom has also added a two-on-two mode and a free-roaming story mode to its repertoire, but underneath those additions is a game design that hasn't changed much and a graphics engine that is beginning to show its age. 83 NASCAR 07 300000 Electronic Arts 0 Racing PS2, Xbox, PSP 70 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/nascar 07.jpg 9 Ben Dutka PSX Extreme There isn't anything too special about it or anything that makes it stand out, but then again, there also isn't anything to really get in a twist over. 82 Microsoft Flight Simulator X 300000 Microsoft 1 Simulation PC 80 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Microsoft/msfsx.jpg 10 Walter Hurdle PC Gameworld Let’s look at what you get: 24 base aircraft, 71 states and provinces, 223 countries and regions, 15,773 cities, 24,491 airports, the ability to be the Traffic Controller or share a cockpit with another real person (multiplayer only) and the unavoidable and time-consuming task of tweaking to find the right settings for your unique computer, settings that will produce a playable frame rate and acceptable eye candy at the same time. Is it worth it? As we say in Minnesota, “you betcha.” But understand that FSX is a simulator that can be appreciated fully only with tomorrow’s technology. 81 Battlefield 2: Modern Combat 300000 Electronic Arts 0 Shooter Xbox 360 78 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/battlefield-2-modern-combat-2.jpg 4 Matt Martin Eurogamer Arriving on Xbox 360 just six months after its current-gen incarnation, there will be an initial sense of disappointment for anyone that already owns the Xbox or PS2 version of Modern Combat. Apart from a handful of additions and some tightening up of the online experience, it's the same game bar the slightly nicer visuals. 80 Resistance: Fall of Man 300000 Sony 1 Shooter PS3 89 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Sony/resistance fall of man.jpg 11 Travis Dwyer GamingAge It does nothing to truly advance the genre, but it does everything right. 79 Catz 310000 Ubisoft 0 Life GBA, DS 44 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/catz.jpg 12 Mike David GamerZone The game is inane and devoid of any sort of challenge. 78 Hanna Montana 320000 BVG 1 License DS 65 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/hanna montana.jpg 10 Lucas Thomas IGN This DS design gets a lot of things right – the look, the sound, the overall feel. But the experience is just too short. Players will want more gadgets, more mysteries, more of everything Hannah…the curtain fell too soon. 77 Tetris 320000 Nintendo 1 Puzzler DS 84 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/tetris ds.jpg 3 Matt Wales CVG Despite some idiosyncrasies Nintendo has done a sterling job of bringing the classic puzzler to the DS. In fact, even the most cynical of gamers will be hard-pushed to complain, given the sheer variety of quality stuff on offer here. 76 NFL Head Coach 330000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Xbox 64 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/nfl head coach.jpg 6 Scott Tobias The Onion Armchair generals may jump at the chance to run their favorite teams the right way, but there isn't enough beer in the world to swig in the load time between tasks, which themselves are an exercise in tedious repetition. Needless to say, the pressures and thrills of leading a franchise to glory never come close to translating. 75 Final Fantasy III 330000 Square Enix 1 RPG DS 78 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Square_Enix/final fantasy iii ds.jpg 11 Jeremy Parish 1Up Remakes and rehashes are more or less a given these days. If only we could force publishers to maintain a level of quality on par with Final Fantasy III for the DS. Then all these trips to the retro-gaming well would feel less like crass opportunism and more like enshrinement of the classics. 74 Arena Football 340000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Xbox 67 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/arena football.jpg 2 Alex Navarro GameSpot It gets some of the sport's complexities down pat, but it lacks the intangible qualities that make Arena Football interesting--not to mention that it fails to present itself well and that there aren't enough modes to keep you busy for very long. 73 FIFA Street 2 340000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 59 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/fifa street 2 .jpg 3 Justin Leeper GamesRadar FIFA Street 2 just isn't much fun to play, plain and simple. It won't gain many supporters from the soccer enthusiast set, nor arcade sports fans. The multiplayer isn't even that great - shunning online completely. This is another yellow card for the FIFA Street series, which may want to think about retiring early. 72 SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals Combined Assault 340000 Sony 1 Shooter PS2 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Sony/socom combined assault.jpg 11 Chris Roper IGN While its online functionality has always been key to the series' success, Combined Assault rides on this as its single-player stuff simply isn't as strong as it has been in the past. 71 Destroy All Humans 2 340000 THQ 0 Action PS2, Xbox 76 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/THQ/destroyallhumans2.jpg 10 Erik Brudvig IGN Difficulty is an issue, as it was in the original; it's not always a cakewalk, but you won't really struggle to progress through the storyline. Thankfully, Destroy All Humans! 2 provides enough variety and a quirky cast of characters to make it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the first and for gamers with a taste for the distinctly original. 70 Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 350000 Namco Bandai 1 License PS2 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/naruto- ultima ninja.jpg 6 Juan Castro IGN To put it simply, Ultimate Ninja succeeds in blending a popular license with good game design. And that's precisely what these games need to do to be successful from a critical standpoint. They need to have enough real meat to satiate the hunger of serious gamers, and not just fans of the comic who will blindly purchase anything with the name Naruto on it. In that respect, Ultimate Ninja delivers the goods. 69 Naruto: Clash of Ninja 360000 D3Publisher 1 License GameCube 70 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/naruto- clash of ninja.jpg 3 Michael Knutson GameZone Obviously marketed towards younger gamers because it is just too easy and lacks depth. 68 Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus 360000 Square Enix 1 Action PS2 60 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Square_Enix/dirge of ceerberus ffvii.jpg 8 Raymond Padilla GamesRadar For an action game, this one's basic as hell. You basically run around, shoot lots of things, punch lots of things, find things, unlock things – repeat as needed. Compared to games like Devil May Cry and God of War, the action feels underwhelming and antiquated. 67 Superman Returns: The Videogame 370000 Electronic Arts 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 47 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/superman-x360.jpg 11 Jonathan Miller IGN An unfinished game that suffers from a poor narrative, monotonous and brainless enemies, and a questionable take on the Superman universe. 66 Jaws Unleashed 370000 Majesco 0 License PS2, Xbox 53 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/jaws unleashed.jpg 5 Tyler Whitney Game Vortex With serious camera issues, sub par graphics/sound, and an antiquated save system, this title just doesn’t seem to float. 65 Mario Vs Donkey Kong: March of the Minis 370000 Nintendo 1 Platformer DS 76 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/mario vs donkey kong- march of the minis.png 9 Carolyn Gudmundson GamesRadar An especially great puzzler, even if it lacks the koopa-stomping action of other Mario titles. 64 Super Princess Peach 380000 Nintendo 1 Platformer DS 77 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/superprincesspeach.jpg 2 Craig Harris IGN You pretty much know what you're getting into with a game starring Nintendo's very, very female protagonist. On the other hand, it's a Nintendo developed platform game, and these generally have a level of expectation. It's an interesting balance, and ultimately Nintendo did a good job with Peach's first starring game. Even if it's a little too easy. 63 Eragon 400000 Vivendi 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 51 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/eragon.jpg 11 Chris Antista GamesRadar If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, Eragon for the PS2 does little to entice you to do so. 62 Metroid Prime: Hunters 410000 Nintendo 1 Shooter DS 85 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/metroidph.jpg 3 Mathew Kumar Eurogamer Metroid Prime: Hunters is not a life-changing experience but it is an astoundingly competent first-person shooter. While the multiplayer mode is a flimsy experience unless you have friends you can rely on, the single-player mode offers a worthy adventure even for players who don't ever expect to take the game online. 61 Mario Hoops 3 On 3 420000 Nintendo 1 Sports DS 70 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/mario hoops 3 on 3.jpg 9 Jeff Gerstmann GameSpot It's short on modes and asks you to replay the same tournaments on multiple difficulty settings, but the core gameplay in Mario Hoops is pretty good. If you're near other DS owners who are likely to play multiplayer with you frequently, Mario Hoops is a good choice. But by itself, the game wears out its welcome a little too quickly to be wholly recommendable. 60 Star Wars: Empire at War 420000 LucasArts 1 License PC 80 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/star wars- empire at war.jpg 2 Jon Wilcox TotalVideoGames There's no denying that there are a number of features implemented in Empire at War that separate the game from any other RTS title, and the excellent interconnection between strategy and tactics creates an enthralling experience; it's just a shame that certain areas, cannot match the enjoyment provided by strategically taking over the galaxy in the galactic sections. 59 Bully 440000 Take-Two 1 Action PS2 87 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Rockstar/bully a.jpg 10 Jeff Gerstmann GameSpot Taking the platform into consideration, Bully looks great, with a lot of lifelike animation that makes the characters come alive during its cut-scenes. The characters are perfectly cast with voices that fit them. 58 Rampage: Total Destruction 460000 Midway 0 Action PS2, Multiplatform 51 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/rampage td.jpg 4 Mike Nelson 1Up The original Rampage never had any depth, and it never really asked for any, which is its downfall in today's gaming market. 57 Bratz: Forever Diamondz 460000 THQ 0 License DS, GBA, PS2 50 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/bratz- forever diamondz.jpg 9 Lucas Thomas IGN Young girls who share the Bratz characters' passion for fashion would be better off simply adding another of the dolls to their collection, rather than wasting time with this shallow array of mini-games. 56 Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning 460000 Vivendi 0 Platformer PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 64 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/legend of spyro- a new beginning.jpg 10 Lesley Smith Eurogamer The gameplay is repetitive and the enemies too many and too hard to defeat. The new power-up system and gorgeous combos do make this experience a little more enjoyable but it's really too little too late. 55 Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 460000 Atari 0 License PS2, Wii 76 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Atari/dragonballzbud2.jpg 11 Richard Li 1Up Tenkaichi 2 emerges as an impressive sequel tailor-made for every Dragon Ball fan. Hell, with this amount of content squeezed into the game, it may even satisfy fighting fans bred on a strict diet of traditional fighters. 54 Spongebob Squarepants: Creature From Krusty Krab 470000 THQ 0 License PS2, GBA, GameCube, DS, Wii 55 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/THQ/spongebobkrustykrab.jpg 10 Tracy Erickson Diginews Fails to live up to previous videogames bearing the license. Instead of offering an enjoyable experience for series fans, it manages to hold your hand through several levels of mind-numbing action and simple platform challenges. 53 Thrillville 470000 LucasArts 0 Life PS2, Xbox, PSP 69 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/LucasArts/thrillville.jpg 11 Simon Parkin Eurogamer It would be easy to dismiss this as Rollercoaster Tycoon: Kid's edition - certainly the superficiality of the statistical balancing and ride designs suggests that to be the case. But, in actuality, Thrillville is straining so hard at the genre boundaries of management sims that it tips generously into party game territory - something that the variety of mini-games on offer emphasises. 52 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas 480000 Ubisoft 0 Shooter Xbox 360, PC 89 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Ubisoft/rainbow6-vegas-x360.jpg 11 Charlie Barratt GamesRadar Graphics, gameplay, atmosphere, all-important multiplayer... Rainbow Six Vegas gets pretty much everything right. It even shines on the little details, like wind whistling through a freshly shattered window or jackpot coins spilling out onto a freshly bagged terrorist. But the game's greatest feat is adding strategy to the first person shooter and getting the player - whether working alone or with others - to occasionally stop, forget about the gun and just think. 51 Happy Feet 500000 Midway 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 49 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Midway/happy feet.gif 11 Matt Casamassina IGN Mimics the movie in that it falls well short of expectations. The basic gameplay mechanics are incredibly simple and they repeat so often that the action is doomed for monotony. 50 DDR Super Nova 500000 Konami 1 Music PS2 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/ddr super nova.jpg 9 Juan Castro IGN The coolest addition, Stellar Master Mode, adds some depth and variety, but it would have been nice to see it as part of a family of new modes. Instead, it's the only one that really feels any different. In the end, the old DDR formula works well, but it feels irrefutably tired. Again. 49 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest 550000 Vivendi 0 License GameBoy, PSP, DS 70 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/pirates of the caribbean- dead man’s chest .jpg 6 Ryan Davis GameSpot Dead Man's Chest is full of promise, which is really what makes its awkward action and fleeting story mode that much more disappointing. 48 Yoshi’s Island DS 550000 Nintendo 1 Platformer DS 82 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Nintendo/yoshis island 2.jpg 11 Eliot Fish Sydney Morning Herald Just like the classic Mario games of old, this is an imaginative and entertaining test of hand-eye co-ordination. Yoshi's Island is a paradise of platforming pleasure. 47 X-Men: The Official Game 550000 Activision 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 56 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/x-men- the official game.jpg 5 Brett Elston GamesRadar You could probably leech out a weekend's worth of so-so gaming, and at 30 bucks, you'll still have plenty of cash to check out the upcoming film. It's bound to be more exciting than this. 46 Mortal Kombat: Armageddon 550000 Midway 0 Fighting PS2, Xbox 76 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Midway/mortal kombat armageddon ps2.jpg 10 Greg Kasavin GameSpot Despite the smorgasbord of different features, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon falls short of being a highly satisfying new entry in a long-running series that's decidedly had its ups and downs. But you can tell there are still a lot of good ideas brewing in here. So with any luck, the series is far from finished. 45 Lord of the Rings: Battle For Middle Earth II 550000 Electronic Arts 0 License PC, Xbox 360 84 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/lotr battle for m-e 2.jpg 3 Alexandra Jeffreys Strategy Informer You can play single player, which is fairly lame, or in multiplayer War of the Ring mode, which is as impressive as the name suggests. 44 The Sims 2: Pets 580000 Electronic Arts 0 Life DS, GBA, PS2, GameCube, PSP 51 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/sims2pets.jpg 10 Craig Harris IGN Overwhelmingly bland, boring, tedious, and unrewarding. 43 Nintendogs: Dalmation & Friends 600000 Nintendo 1 Life DS 82 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/nintendogs- dalmation & friends.jpg 10 Bethany Massimilla GameSpot Nintendogs is still a great game more than a year after its initial release, though it's also precisely the same game as before. There are no new dog breeds (the Dalmatian could be unlocked in the original version if you found the fireman's hat item), no new play modes, and much the same selection of earned and purchased extra content. If you already own Nintendogs you can safely give this a pass, but for new would-be puppy owners, Dalmatian and Friends can be an appealing, enjoyable experience. 42 Tomb Raider: Legend 600000 Eidos 0 Action Xbox 360, Widespread Multiplatform 80 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Eidos/tomb raider legend psp.jpg 4 Jeremy Parish 1Up Legend isn't going to change the world. It's hardly the monumental, influential work that the original Tomb Raider was, but it doesn't really need to be. It proves Tomb Raider's success was the result of a great gameplay idea that holds up 10 years later. 41 Dead Rising 600000 Capcom 1 Action Xbox 360 85 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Capcom/deadrising5.jpg 8 Jason Hill Sydney Morning Herald Violent, poignant, frightening, hilarious, maddening, addictive, innovative and archaic - Dead Rising is a game of wild contradictions. It is simultaneously stupid and clever, and certainly a rare treat. 40 Saints Row 610000 THQ 1 Action Xbox 360 82 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/THQ/saints row.jpg 8 Steven Embling Ferrago Saints Row is yet another GTA clone, but the good news is it's a pretty decent one. Sure, it's never better than GTA itself and isn't going to win any awards for originality, but it is a very accomplished game. 39 Ice Age 2: The Meltdown 630000 Vivendi 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 70 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/iceage 2.jpg 3 Alex Navarro GameSpot The gameplay is enjoyable, the characters are well represented, and the graphics are top notch for this sort of game. So, what keeps it from greatness? The one, fatal flaw that holds Ice Age 2 back is its brevity. 38 Hitman: Blood Money 650000 Eidos 0 Action Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PC 82 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Eidos/hitman blood money.jpg 5 Robert Coffey 1Up The fourth instalment of Eidos' successful murder-for-hire series, slickly builds upon the franchise with more of its gripping signature stealth-action gameplay. All 13 of the game's missions are well crafted and challenging. 37 MVP 06 NCAA Baseball 700000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Xbox 78 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/mvp 06 ncaa baseball.jpg 1 Lance Kwok PSX Extreme Put simply, MVP 06 NCAA Baseball is MVP Baseball 2005 stripped of the MLB license. As such, the controls, physics, and overall baseball-ish nuances are superb, but the atmosphere suffers greatly from the absence of MLB teams, stadiums, and players. 36 NBA 2K7 700000 Take-Two 0 Sports Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PS3 85 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/TakeTwo/nba2k7.jpg 9 Jonathan Miller IGN The NBA 2K franchise has for years been as dominating as the Big Diesel, turning in such smooth, realistic gameplay that the game has become the videogame choice for a number of NBA stars. But 2K7 is aging, improving only marginally in gameplay and graphics, utilizing the same elements that made the game a winner way back on the Dreamcast. But hey, getting old hasn't stopped Shaq. 35 Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent 700000 Ubisoft 0 Action Xbox 360, Widespread Multiplatform 85 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Ubisoft/tcsplintercellda.jpg 10 Greg Kasavin Gamespot Double Agent's few keen twists on Splinter Cell's single-player gameplay don't result in a remarkably different experience from the previous games, though that doesn't mean it still isn't some of the best stealth action out there. The multiplayer portion, meanwhile, introduces some inventive changes that seem to be for the better and that help make this unique mode easier to get into and often more exciting to play than before. 34 Avatar: The Last Airbender 720000 THQ 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 65 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/THQ/avatar airbender box.jpg 10 Carolyn Gudmundson GamesRadar Avatar fans will probably be disappointed with the superficial storyline that lacks the charm of the original show, and newcomers will have trouble finding interest in the loosely tied-together missions. 33 Big Brain Academy 750000 Nintendo 1 Puzzle DS 75 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Nintendo/big brain academy.jpg 6 Tom Bramwell Eurogamer The game's just too easy for people who graduated... well, people who can spell "graduate". It took less than an hour to achieve gold medals in every task in the game, and it doesn't take somebody as doctorly as me to figure out that counting animals probably amount to a game aimed at the younger end of the spectrum. 32 Sonic Riders 780000 Sega 0 Action GameCube, Xbox, PS2 62 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/sonicriders.jpg 2 Matt Casamassina IGN We can't pretend that we agree with the direction that Sonic Team has seen fit to take its classic characters, but neither can we state that Sonic Riders is a catastrophe of an effort. Fact is, this is a much better game than Shadow the Hedgehog, whose mechanics were flawed at every turn. Riders, in contrast, never fails to deliver gamers an engaging sense of speed and mostly unpredictable tracks. 31 FIFA Soccer 07 800000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 82 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/fifa 07 xbox.jpg 10 Richard Grisham GamesRadar There's even more going on under the hood than last year, which may cause some of the more advanced gameplay to seem a bit foreign to long-time FIFA gamers. Over time, though, the experience will be made exponentially sweeter and will demand a laser-like focus from the player at key moments. Winning Eleven loyalists probably consider such statements blasphemy, but we like that series too. 30 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 800000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 80 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/tiger-woods-07-x360.jpg 10 Aaron Thomas GameSpot Almost universally, the changes and additions made since last year serve to make Tiger Woods 07 a better game. The improvement in the last 11 months shows that EA isn't content to maintain the status quo. 29 The Godfather: The Game 880000 Electronic Arts 0 License PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox, PC 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/godfatherc.jpg 3 Dean Mortlock Boomtown The grainy, sepia tones of the graphics do a fine job of recreating a New York of the past, and the characters look incredible, but there’s still a feeling that The Godfather isn’t quite as good as it could be. 28 Tony Hawk’s Project 8 900000 Activision 0 Sports PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 71 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Activision/tonyhawkproject8.jpg 11 Chris Antista GamesRadar It would seem that the developers are appealing to a younger demographic, by no means a bad thing, but a higher degree in difficulty would’ve been nice. We hardcore Hawk-ers are left with little more than finding all the gaps for a hardcore, extended experience. After all, those who have been with the TH since the beginning are eight years older, and there are millions of us. 27 Over The Hedge 910000 Activision 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 58 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Activision/overthehedge.jpg 5 Kristan Reed Eurogamer Over The Hedge is quite obviously a decent attempt to make the most of the license, and isn't the bloodless exercise that we feared it would be. Rated next to proper, real life combat platform games like Jak & Daxter and Sly Raccoon it's evidently a pale shadow of what else is out there, but next to other kids' games it's a massive improvement over what we've seen before. 26 MLB ’06: The Show 910000 Sony 0 Sports PS2, PSP 83 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/mlb06theshow.jpg 3 Jeff Haynes IGN Apart from a new mini-game and the inclusion of Rivalry mode, MLB '06: The Show doesn't really do anything revolutionary to the game system except fix a number of bugs that plagued MLB 2005. 25 Black 950000 Electronic Arts 0 Shooter PS2, Xbox 80 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/blackc.jpg 3 Chris Leyton TotalVideoGames Criterion’s effort is an excellent first stab at first-person-shooters. Hopefully Black can follow the improvements that Burnout made over the course of the series, so by the time the third title arrives we're looking at something that really pushes the genre into new places. 24 FIFA World Cup 2006 950000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/fifaworldcup2006.jpg 4 Andrew Macarthy Play A well-rounded experience that is the official virtual compliment to the real world events. As a standalone football game without all the World Cup-related fluff and filling, EA has provided something which is actually good fun to play. 23 Major League Baseball 2K6 950000 Take-Two 0 Sports Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, GameCube, PSP 63 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/major league baseball 2k6.jpg 4 Scott Tobias The Onion The nay-sayers were right: Licensing agreements generally lead to one bad choice. 22 Scarface: The World Is Yours 970000 Vivendi 0 License PS2, Xbox, PC 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Vivendi/scarface.jpg 10 Ben Dutka PSX Extreme The city is large and teeming with life, sporting more vivacity and liveliness than any GTA populace, but not enough of it is utilized. You do get to visit blood banks to refill your health, drop off acquired funds at the bank, purchase all kinds of goodies, and basically be the man around town, but it all feels somewhat stripped down and clunky. Ironically enough, despite all the frills, they all seem disjointed and even superfluous, which essentially means the individual pieces are better than the whole. 21 Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories 1000000 Take-Two 0 Action PS2 77 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Rockstar/gta vice city stories.jpg 6 Jeff Gerstmann GameSpot …Pales in comparison to the 'real' Grand Theft Auto games and this port to PS2 feels suspiciously like a cash-in, something the megapopular series has been very careful about in the past. The writing isn't up to par with the past games, the mission design is often dull, and overall, the game feels like the mechanics of GTA, without the attention to detail and care. That said, since it's available for only $20, some of these things can be overlooked. 20 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 1000000 Activision 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 82 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Activision/marvel ultimate alliance.jpg 10 Ryan Davis GameSpot Beyond being a well-made and accessible action RPG, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance captures the essence of the Marvel Universe, an incredible feat considering the breadth of the source material. 19 Brain Age 1100000 Nintendo 1 Puzzle DS 78 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Nintendo/brain age a.jpg 4 Andrew Pfister 1Up Brain Age is a tool, one that sharpens your mind not just for playing real games, but living real life as well. 18 NBA Live 07 1200000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox, PC, PSP 65 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/nba-live07.jpg 9 Louis Bedigian GameZone In addition to being a rehash, the game is also very slow, graphically dated, and technologically challenged. Quirky animations (where a player leaps into the air with little to no leg movement) could be overlooked...if this were a first-generation title. The arena fans are basically lifeless, only having a few frames of animation to work with. 17 WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 1200000 THQ 0 Sports PS2, Xbox 360, PSP 79 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/THQ/smackdown vs raw 2007 360.jpg 11 Nick Dunn GamingAge We can forgive the fact that certain things aren't up to date and some of the clipping issues, but we wish other elements were improved. Collision detection still needs work, and the commentary is as repetitive as ever. None of this stops the game from being a whole lot of fun, though, especially with some friends. The current generation of hardware isn’t dead yet. 16 Final Fantasy XII 1200000 Square Enix 1 RPG PS2 93 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Square_Enix/ffxii.jpg 11 Cortney Stone RPGamer There are a few technical flaws, but the rest of the game overshadows them. Some players may find the new battle system heretical and offensive, but those who accept it will become immersed in the hectic, almost realistic battles. Regardless of whether one likes the battle system, the character designs, or music, Final Fantasy XII is still a solid, well-crafted title. 15 Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red & Blue 1300000 Nintendo 0 RPG DS, GBA 66 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/pokemonmd.jpg 9 Craig Harris IGN It drags on and on without much change, which is why it's a good thing it's been structured in segments for quick-shot, handheld-friendly dungeon exploration. Both the GBA and the Nintendo DS versions are virtually identical in experience, with the exception of a couple of dual-screen elements that feel thrown in at a bare minimum level. 14 Guitar Hero 2 1300000 Activision 1 Music PS2 92 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/guitar hero 2.jpg 11 Michael Donahue 1UP Aside from the bitchin' new modes, Guitar Hero II is essentially the same game with new songs. Can't really complain, though -- the set list for the sequel is in some ways better than the original, mostly because of variety. 13 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 1400000 Ubisoft 0 Shooter Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PC 91 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Ubisoft/grawb.jpg 3 Gabe Graziani GamesRadar A game of monolithic proportions. There exist at least three distinct tactical shooter games in this one package: the single-player campaign, the multiplayer co-op and the multiplayer competitive. It is the best use of your 360 currently on the market and, whether you know it yet or not, the reason you bought one in the first place. 12 Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 1400000 Take-Two 0 RPG Xbox 360, PC 94 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Screenshots/oblivion2.jpg 3 Greg Kasavin Gamespot Literally almost everything that's ever been done well before in past role-playing games is in here; done at least as well, if not better. From the quality of the story and character interaction to the pure thrill of the combat to all the pleasure to be found in the game's little details - these things combine to make Oblivion one of the single best, longest-lasting gaming experiences to be had in a long time. 11 Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 1500000 Nintendo 0 RPG Wii, GameCube 95 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Nintendo/zeldatp.jpg 11 Matt Casamassina IGN It took Nintendo almost a decade to do it, but the publisher has finally created a new Zelda game that is so well-designed and so epic that it deserves to be crowned the best in its class… Twilight Princess is must-see, must-play and must-own entry into the series that proves over and over again why Nintendo is the best developer in the world. 10 Need For Speed Carbon 1600000 Electronic Arts 0 Racing PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 75 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/nfs-carbon-x360.jpg 11 Richard Grisham GamesRadar So what if Carbon isn't redefining the street racing genre - really, at this point, what could? It hits a sweet spot of intensity, danger, and style. 9 Fight Night Round 3 1600000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PS3, PSP 85 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/fight-night3-ps3.jpg 2 Jonathan Miller IGN This is a great sports title, but negligible improvements in the career mode and idiotic computer AI hold the game back from true greatness. There are some strange choices in the presentation department, like the lack of rankings, but the outstanding graphics and sound effects create a great in-game experience, which is what counts. 8 Call of Duty 3 1700000 Activision 0 Shooter Xbox 360, Widespread Multiplatform 84 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Activision/call-of-duty-3-x360.jpg 11 William Campbell GamerzEdge Did it break any new amazing ground? Well no, not really. But overall it has a solid delivery. 7 Kingdom Hearts II 1700000 Square Enix 1 RPG PS2 87 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/MoreScreens/kingdomhearts2.jpg 3 Carrie Gouskos Gamespot There's still something about Kingdom Hearts II that doesn't make it universally appealing. The mechanics are secondary to the story and the experience, and you'll find yourself often mashing your way through the easy gameplay in an effort to witness more of the game. Though the fusion of Square and Disney--which at one time might have been thought a surprising combination--has once again been successful in Kingdom Hearts II, the fusion of the concept and the gameplay falls a tiny bit short of being everything you'd hope for in a Kingdom Hearts sequel. 6 Gears of War 1800000 Microsoft 1 Shooter Xbox 360 94 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Microsoft/gears of war spider.jpg 11 Andy Robinson CVG Gears of War is everything we expected it to be. It's without a doubt the biggest and most important Xbox 360 release so far… The multiplayer modes only strengthen the strategic elements and really show off the intuitiveness of Gears' cover system. 5 New Super Mario Bros 2000000 Nintendo 1 Platformer DS 89 1 0 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/Nintendo/new super mario.jpg 5 Tom Bramwell Eurogamer There's been one level that's annoyed me intermittently over the past two days - a sequence of jumps just after the halfway point involving a waterwheel that turns if you linger on it and a group of flying turtles that have to be artfully bopped in sequence to reach a big coin. And I've done this sort of thing before hundreds of times across thousands of days in what feels like a dozen Mario games. I still love it. 4 NCAA Football 07 2200000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox, PSP 87 1 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/ncaa 2007.jpg 7 Brian Ekberg Gamespot The sound and graphics add up to a truly authentic rendering of the college football experience, and it's an atmosphere that simply can't be found in any other sports game. 3 Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy 2500000 LucasArts 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 85 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/LucasArts/legostarwars2.jpg 9 Sam Kennedy 1UP Like any good sequel, Lego Star Wars II improves on the original in almost every way. But most importantly, it's about the good episodes now. For that reason alone, Lego Star Wars II is one of the most enjoyable games of this fall. 2 Cars 2600000 THQ 0 License PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 71 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/THQ/cars.jpg 6 Russ Fischer Yahoo Games Rainbow Studios, responsible for quite a few great racing games has added a free-roaming sandbox element, allowing you to drive anywhere in and around the film's town of Radiator Springs. Together with some great racing, the elements add up to much more than an eight-hour commercial for a film. 1 Madden NFL 07 6500000 Electronic Arts 0 Sports PS2, Widespread Multiplatform 85 0 1 http://www.next-gen.biz/images/stories/Companies/ElectronicArts/madden 2007.jpg 8 Jeff Haynes IGN While the inclusion of NFL Network mode and the redone Superstar mode reinvigorates the game, Madden NFL 07 still features so many of the same bugs and issues from previous years that should’ve been fixed a while ago. Considering that many of the gameplay features are extremely mild remixes of previously included gameplay options, this year’s Madden comes across as a solid title, but one that’s starting to show its age.