IGN

• PC
• 6.4 / 10
• États-Unis

• DS
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

Madden still isn't the innovative, DS-inspired sports game we'd expect from EA, but it also isn't a bad offering this year. There are plenty of modes, lots of options to work with, and a great online offering that returns from last year. What's unfortunate, however, is that the game has gotten no facelift, is still just as clunky and unrefined in its gameplay as ever before (fixing some issues, but leaving more to be addressed), and EA chose to spend time on mini-games -- pretty poor ones at that -- rather than making the core game faster, more polished, and more entertaining overall. Madden DS needs an overhaul bad, and I'd sincerely doubt we'll see one, as EA seems content phoning it in until a new handheld comes along. It's a shame, too, as there are plenty of gamers out there who pick Madden up on DS, and end up getting a purely "by the book" offering, rather than something truly special. Just as annoying, however, is the realization that something as unique and fresh as stylus-based create-a-play or a DS Call Your Shot spin-off could (and should) have been done years ago, and instead, for whatever reason, is getting ignored year after year. Madden 09 is still fun in its own rehashed, unfortunately generic way, but there's a seemingly never-ending list of changes that could be made for the better with this design, and EA instead seems content to just tread water year after year.

• PS3
• X360
• 8.8 / 10
• États-Unis

Madden 09 could easily be swept under the rug by the casual onlooker as being, “just another release.” And, for the most part, it is, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of your cash. Madden NFL 09 is the most loyal translation of America’s favorite sport I’ve ever seen. It looks great, plays great, and despite its few moments of inaccuracies, is still one of the best sports games in memory.

• X360
• 6.4 / 10
• États-Unis

There probably aren't many people out there more excited for Fable II than I am. And the chance to earn money and items for Fable II well in advance of the game's release is certainly one a fan, such as myself, can't pass up. Yet, I can't deny my disappointment in Fable II Pub Games. There's no personality here -- just a trio of games and nothing else. And only two of those games are good. If you've pre-ordered Fable II, then by all means, you should download and enjoy this free game. Fortune's Tower and Keystone are nice distractions. If you didn't pre-order Fable II, then save your money. If you pick this game up and don't plan on buying Fable II, you should kick yourself in the face. This is a good idea overpriced and poorly executed.

• PS2
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

There's a point where you can tell that the emphasis has shifted to a newer console and its development cycle – Madden NFL 09 seems to have crossed that line, particularly because the gameplay feels so much like last year's title with only a handful of changes made here and there. The casual focus seems to have taken over much of the title, and while Family Play will be enjoyable for newcomers and beginners, veterans will quickly become bored or annoyed by the lack of innovation found here. It's not a horrible game, but it just doesn't do anything new at all, making it a watered down copy of last year's game with only mild items to keep your attention for a few minutes here and there.

• WII
• 8.1 / 10
• États-Unis

A lot more care and effort has been put into Homestar Ruiner than most WiiWare offerings. It feels very much like a product of the Chapmans. As a point-and-click game it doesn't do anything groundbreaking, but all of the window dressing is fantastic. If you've never watched Homestar Runner, I would recommend checking out the web cartoons, first. Strong Bad's Cool Game is full of inside jokes and doesn't introduce newcomers to this wacky world. If you are already a fan, though, you've got yourself a must-download. It's a short experience and I'm tempted to say the $10 price tag is a bit much. The PC version is only $9. But if you download all five WiiWare episodes you'll have spent $50 for a full-length game, which is normal. I can't wait to see what Strong Bad has in store for us next.

• WII
• 8.6 / 10
• États-Unis

We've come to a crossroads for Madden Wii. EA is going with All-Play as its Wii philosophy, which means you're going to see a casual focus for the new Wii users. The company is trying to keep the hardcore gamers in the loop, and all the customization options, advanced controls, refined online, and Call Your Shot mode is evidence of this (there's even a few upgrades based on the HD versions of the game, including the return of lead blocker mode and the new slide protect system). Still, things like All-Play controls, Mii referees, fair play modes, the main party mode, and visual tuning shows that EA is also putting a heavy emphasis on the casuals, and with only so much time each year to add and refine, that means you'll never get a fully-hardcore leap so long as All-Play is around. Madden 09 has done a great job of giving every type of player a little to love, but for the Wii-only hardcore out there, you're going to need to realize that times are changing, and Nintendo is synonymous with "everybody" now. For the casual football fan out there, Madden 09 All-Play is one of the best experiences you can have on Wii. It's easy to use, inviting, and the default play schemes will have you enjoying a game of football in very short time; usually without learning anything about the game, and just doing the motion that most makes sense. For the hardcore, you can choose to pick up Madden 09 All-Play and love it for its new advancements on the core front (there are many, and it's a great, great game), or you can bite the bullet, pick up a 360 or PS3, and dive into what looks to be the most robust and impressive Madden thus far on the HD front. EA has done an amazing job in creating a truly different experience based on what system you select, so much so that multi-console users may want to pick up All-Play, as well as an HD version this year. Bottom line, EA is showing a serious investment on Wii, and Madden NFL 09 All-Play truly delivers. Whether you're a gaming rookie or seasoned veteran, there's something here for everyone, and that's what All-Play is all about.

• SAT
• 9 / 10
• États-Unis

• DS
• 8.2 / 10
• États-Unis

Civilization Revolution is one of the better strategy titles for the DS and the only one that delivers the full empire-building experience that made the series such a hit on the PC. Yes, a number of elements have been streamlined and simplified, but that makes Civilization Revolution a stronger game and a better fit for the handheld platform. It falls somewhat short in a number of key aspects of its presentation, particularly with regard to the cramped visuals and the occasional lack of information, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the more enjoyable strategy titles we've played this year.

• DS
• 8.3 / 10
• États-Unis

I’ll admit that I’m more a fan of the arcade-style racing games than those that put heavier focus on realism, so I’m much more looking forward to Firebrand Games’ next racing project: Trackmania DS. But GRID is still an impressive effort that has a lot going for it, and it’s a slight improvement over last year’s already impressive Race Driver: Create and Race experience. GRID is best played on the console, but the DS game offers up its own unique take on the core racing design, enough that it’s definitely worth a look.

• WII
• 6.8 / 10
• États-Unis

I like Wild West Guns. I just wish it retailed for 500 Wii Points less. It's a game that works for exactly the same reasons Link's Crossbow Training does. It has tight control (it supports the Wii Zapper, even), a respectably polished presentation, and some decent variety in level types. But Nintendo's game is much deeper, which is saying something given that it's not very deep at all. Still, if love games like Crossbow Training and you don't mind shelling out $10 for an hour of genuine gameplay, give Wild West Guns a shot. For everybody else, holster your weapon and move on. Okay, out of puns now.

• X360
• 9 / 10
• États-Unis

• PS3
• 5.2 / 10
• États-Unis

If you're completely set on snagging a copy of Monster Madness, Grave Danger is the way to go and having it sell for around 40 dollars is reasonable. But once you get your hands on the game, you'll find that it feels cheap and doesn't provide you with satisfying combat, which is what hack and slash titles are all about. If you're looking for zombie entertainment, I'd probably look elsewhere.

• PS3
• 8.4 / 10
• États-Unis

As an experiment in both survival horror and episodic content, Siren: Blood Curse succeeds on a number of levels. While the first few levels were somewhat clunky, it managed to come together with an increasingly suspenseful set of chapters and cutscenes, frightening jumps and gameplay sequences that could keep you on the edge of your seat for at least a good 12-16 hours. As an episodic content experiment, it proved that the format can work well on the PSN, provided that quality gameplay and stories are presented on the system. If you're a horror fan, you'll enjoy the gameplay found within Blood Curse. Heed the Siren's call.

• WII
• 5.5 / 10
• États-Unis

All of those little extra touches make Ninja Commando just intriguing enough that players in the ‘90s arcade scene might have felt it was worth a spend of 25 cents, and I’d agree with that assessment. When the price tag is nine dollars, though, I’m much more wary of offering a recommendation. If you’re a big fan of run-and-gun arcade shooters like Ikari Warriors, then definitely consider giving Ninja Commando a download. Otherwise, use those same 900 Wii Points for one of the bigger name Neo Geo hits, instead of this other game.

• DS
• 5 / 10
• États-Unis

Little League World Series Baseball 2008 isn’t really a bad game; it’s just a generic one. The style used on the Wii game doesn’t really translate, so you get a clip art visual style mixed with low-framed animations, and an overall offering that looks about on par with big-character Super NES titles, or online flash mini-games. The controls are all touch-based, and while they work (save for some annoyances during offense) they just aren’t fun. World Series Baseball has a long way to go in finding that perfect play style, and without it, the game’s basic exhibition play, simple mini-games, and linear World Series mode just can’t carry the package. If you want pocket baseball, go with MLB Power Pros. Otherwise wait it out one more year and see if Activision can offer more for your cash in 2009.

• WII
• 4.7 / 10
• États-Unis

If this is a pirate’s life, I want off the ship. The game looks good and holds promise, but that promise is never kept – single player just drags on and on with very little challenge, and multiplayer just doesn’t have enough to it to extend it beyond a short diversion. And that’s only if you have three buddies to play with you.

• PS2
• 2 / 10
• États-Unis

o not play Women's Volleyball Championship, even if you are a woman that plays volleyball and has participated in championships -- especially, in fact. I can understand trying to do a budget version of volleyball, but when 8-bit versions of the sport actually offer more fun (and maybe even look better), there's quite literally zero reason to take a look at the game. Well, okay, looking at the cover is kind of nice, so look -- but don't you dare touch.