IGN

• DS
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

Puppy Luv: Spa and Resort is one of those pleasant, unexpected surprises. Though you'd guess you're getting another too-cute virtual pet game based on the branding and package art, it's really a fast-paced and fairly addictive simulation/strategy design that fans of those genres, and puzzle games, might want to check out. The design could have done even more to break away from its GBA roots, and some earnable unlockables, alternate animal artwork or additional V.I.P. mini-games could have extended its lasting appeal. Don't be fooled by the cover on this one, friends. It's worth another look.

• DS
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

EA Playground is the epitome of a "solid" experience. Nothing about it is amazing, but it's not bad…and it's certainly fun as long as you keep yourself in the mindset that these games skew a bit younger than your hardcore gamer. This collection could have had a better focus on multiplayer and utilize the DS system's Download Play option so more people could enjoy it, but as it stands this game's pretty enjoyable for the market it targets.

• WII
• 2 / 10
• États-Unis

For all the clucking about how Wii is perfect for light-gun-style games, Chicken Shoot just doesn't fly. It's got less meat than any McNugget and it doesn't even taste good – plus, it'll cost you about $30, which equates to about a dollar for every minute you'll spend with it. The core gameplay mechanics work, even if they are stupidly simple, but everything surrounding them will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Chickens will protest this game because it promotes their destruction. Humans will protest it because it sucks.

• X360
• 5.8 / 10
• États-Unis

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is not terrible, by any means. It's a faithful translation of a classic game that many gamers have fond memories of playing. The gameplay hasn't aged well, though, leaving most of the game's appeal to fans of the original. If you are one of those said fans, ten dollars isn't a bad price for a trip down memory lane. If you never played Speedball 2 before, though, it may be all too apparent why you missed it the first time around.

• X360
• 8.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Should these miniscule gripes keep you from playing NHL 2K8? Hell no. The game looks and -- eventually -- feels great on the ice and features smooth animations, a robust online option or leagues and tournaments, a replay-editing tool called 2K Reelmaker, unlockable uniforms and more. It sucks that the interface is clunky and brings about memories of spreadsheets and that people are going to scoff at the new system, but if you play hockey games for how real they feel, you've found a winner.

• PS2
• 6.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Twenty bucks isn't that big of an investment -- you could go to the movies, you could get four Little Caesar's pizzas, or you could buy NHL 2K8 -- but I can't get behind recommending this game. If you already own NHL 2K7, you've got this game and just need to update your rosters. If you don't have a 2K hockey game, go buy NHL 2K7 -- it's the same game and you can get it used for less than $10. Plus, that would leave enough dough for at least two Little Caesar's pizzas!

• WII
• 6.6 / 10
• États-Unis

EA Playground is a passable first effort to duplicate the formula of Wii Sports. I actually like the presentation and the design of the virtual playground. I think EA is onto something with its marbles and stickers system, which together can be used to buy new upgrades for your abilities in the mini-games. And I even think some of the seven minis are good, but not great. And that's the biggest problem. There's no mini in EA Playground that's as fun, addictive (or, for that matter, deep, strangely enough) as Wii Sports bowling or golf. I still think some younger players may enjoy the schoolyard and the minis in EA's project, but there are certainly better offerings out there, one of which is free with every Wii sold.

• DS
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

Juiced 2 is a really impressive looking racer. The 3D work is well done, the cars are realistic looking, and the tracks are detailed and varied enough that it gives the game that international tour feel it's going for. Unfortunately it's just a standard racer, occasionally delving into the ho-hum realm with its limited opponents and short courses. The multicard only multiplayer hurts the game's appeal. There are certainly worse racers for the system, and Juiced 2 manages to pull ahead of them, but it's certainly not finishing first.

• WII
• 6 / 10
• États-Unis

FCI published Lunar Pool back on the NES, and the fact that you have no idea who FCI is is encouraging. This is a game that, while not amazing, represents a greater collection of quirky, obscure, non-first-party 8-bit titles that would be great to see come to the Virtual Console. Not every great game of that era was made by the big name companies, or even companies that are still in the business of publishing video games, so let's hope Lunar Pool's arrival means more are on the way. As for the game itself, it's worth a look and an investment of 500 Wii Points if you're a puzzle fan, or a big billiards player. Goodness knows there's still plenty of room on the Wii for more worthy pool titles, as the most recent standalone attempt at the game is horrendous, and the most capable try before that was still just a mini-game at heart.

• WII
• 5 / 10
• États-Unis

• X360
• 7 / 10
• États-Unis

• PS3
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

• DS
• 5.5 / 10
• États-Unis

Operation: Vietnam just has an awful lot of setbacks working against it, and working against its fun factor. The concept of a squad-based action/shooter done in a style similar to some of the older classics like Contra and Ikari Warriors is a fair one, but the frustrations of control and the indistinct visuals take away any potential there might have been. What you're left with is a game that's just mediocre – but the foundation is there. If this design's issues were addressed, and perhaps a multiplayer option was introduced to give it a bit more weight, a future Operation: Somewhere title could be worth checking out.

• DS
• 8.2 / 10
• États-Unis

• X360
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

• DS
• 7.7 / 10
• États-Unis

Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations is, sadly, the conclusion to a very enjoyable series. There’s nothing extraordinarily awesome about the Phoenix Wright games. They aren’t top tier, must-own titles for every gamer on the planet. Far from it. But they do provide an interesting spin on the ancient, sometimes archaic-feeling adventure genre and allow the genre to appear considerably more vibrant than other titles make it seem. The games also allow gamers to take a unique role in gaming, letting them play as a lawyer, and a hodgepodge of good storytelling and interesting characters make the games a pleasure to play. Trials and Tribulations, being stylistically identical to the first two games, will appeal to those who have enjoyed the series thus far. For them, it’s a must-own. For others, however, be warned. There’s no action here. This is a game where you read -- a lot -- and must make choices based on wit and thought. There are no guns blazing here. Also be warned that the trilogy tells a somewhat continuous story, so it won’t be wise to jump into this game without playing the other two first, though doing so isn't necessarily an impossibility.

• WII
• 6.3 / 10
• États-Unis

There isn’t a ton to say about Bleach: Shattered Blade that we haven’t already said when playing the Japanese version, English version, preview copy, or final build now. Bleach is a simple, arcade fighter that uses a ton of waggle controls, but also sacrifices the depth and strategy that most gamers are looking for. If you’re a younger Bleach fan, or if you’re considering a purchase for a younger Bleach fan, this one is a decent choice, as it’s a simple, semi-intuitive fighter that has a decent dose of fan service. For the more hardcore battle anime fans though, you’re far better off picking up either Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution, or waiting for Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 when it hits later this year, as both games have far more depth, tons of strategy, and more overall bang for your buck. Bleach isn’t a bad first effort for Wii, but the competition is leaving this one in the dust.

• DS
• 8 / 10
• États-Unis

Mega Man ZX Advent will appeal to a lot of Nintendo DS owners -- especially those who played and enjoyed the first title. It's a fairly long and deep experience, though it's by no means a perfect game. However, the good certainly outweighs the bad, and we can't help but recommend this game as a result. It's got a great feel to it, successfully melding together many different genres into an enjoyable gaming experience. Give it a go and see for yourself. It's a game that feels like Mega Man X with an environment more akin to a handheld Castlevania title. There's nothing wrong with that. Add in two playable characters, a load of optional collectables, and a great environment, and you got yourself a rock solid game.