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Let's start with the obvious things - Burnout Paradise is no where near as good as the series was before. The game is a lot of fun to play when you're doing events, but the problem is getting to those events, and more importantly failing an event, is really annoying. here's what I really didn't like about the game, which was most of it:

1. No retry, restart or try again - What good is a racing game if you can't restart the race or try it again if you don't get 1st place. Nothing is worse then coming in 2nd place a hair behind 1st to realize you have to drive allllllll the way back to start it again.

2. no instant jump around the map - Lets take a hint from Test Drive: unlimited... which was an open world racer with events around the map - that if you were really far and wanted to do a race you didn't have to drive for a half hour to get to it. You could go to your map view and quickly jump to where it was pointing.

3. No crash mode - Crash mode was one of the things that made the burnout series so great, yet they decided to take it out with a far less realistic version. I wasn't really a fan of the power ups, but this version is even worse.

4. Poor race makers - The little compass arrow that tries to point you in the direction of the finish line is not that helpful at all. Most of the time I spent looking at the mini map hoping I was going the right way, only to realize that I accidentally got on an on-ramp in the wrong direction. I get the idea of wanting you to find your own way, but this leads to me trying to look at the mini map more then road to make sure I'm still going in the right direction.

5. Switching Cars - I hate the fact that I have to drive to a junk yard to change vehicles - If I'm 100 miles away at a race that is for a specific model and I have the car - I don't want to have to drive to the junk yard, get it and drive all the way back - I just want to race. The fact that I HAVE to, especially since they're isn't a quick jump - really makes me get frustrated fast.

6. Traffic - Part of the fun of the burnout series was that you couldn't hit any traffic (oncoming or not). The thrill of barely squeaking by a semi truck and a car, inches from being smashed to bits was exciting. Now with the way you can traffic check and run into people, etc etc.. it just doesn't leave that excitement anymore.

7 . People? - I understand that they probably didn't want you driving over the people on sidewalks and what not - but no drivers? are we in some world where everyone has vanished and all is left is self driving cars? at least put some drivers in the car.

Overall, this game is a great disappointment, mostly because they left out simple things ( like quick jump on the map view, restart race) that would have made it much more enjoyable to play. I say don't bother with this game and buy Burnout 3: take down instead.

I've played Fight night 2004 and it was a solid game with a few little minor things that kept it from really being a great experience. one of my complaints was that the game didn't really reward you for using the analog sticks to punch with. Most of my friends would use the buttons saying that it just wasn't practical. So I'm very happy to say that Fight Night Round 2 delivers everything it says and also helps fix more of the stuff that 2004 needed.

Gameplay:
For gameplay, there is nothing more satisfying then landing the new haymakers on your opponent. The gameplay is much faster and better, making your punches seem more powerful and more useful then before. Its solid, good gameplay that very addictive. Using the sticks is much more difficult then just mashing buttons, but once you get the hang of it then it really is awesome. Doing the haymakers is pretty easy, though doing them in a combo is much trickier. One of the things I hate is that the AI can do a 3 combo haymaker it about 2 seconds, which to me is ridiculous. if the player can't do this kind of thing, neither should the AI.

Graphics:
The graphics are pretty awesome as far as pulling the last out of the xbox before the new consoles come around. The devs have definately taken away from the background to help boost the poly count of the fighters. However, they've taken a little too much away in my opinion, because you'll definately notice the difference when they play the opening acts as your fighters come to the ring.

Sound:
Sound effects are pretty good, even though there really aren't that many... but I suppose that real to the sport. The sounds they DO have are really good and spot on and the commentary is a lot better then the previous MC. One complaint I have is that the soundtrack is quite limited, showing almost no diversity and becoming quite bland after a few hours of listening to them. One really big complaint I have is that they didn't allow custom soundtracks for the xbox! What is wrong with EA for missing this feature?

Overal:
This game is highly addictive to play and it really is a lot of fun. Its challenging, its enganging and it has all the right ingredients for a great game. The minor set backs are hardly a reason to not give this game a spin.

let me by starting with wow. I think thats a great way to start this review. This game is one of the best games I've played lately. So let me jump into the review...

Gameplay:
First, the gameplay follows a 3rd person perspective, but it works well, there are no camera problems, and lets face it, its just cool to see your character get covered in blood. The game can get a little repetitive at times, with just the plain combat, but they've spiced it up by adding in puzzles and such. Its just alot of fun, and thats what a great game is, fun.

Graphics:
The graphics in the game are very good, not the best in the world, but good. They get the point across very well, and most of the characters and places are very detailed. Some of the effects are very nice also.

Sound:
I have to say that this is the best part of this game. The sound is what makes this game scary. It's scary trust me. From the eerie sounds coming from here and there, to monster growls, and everything in between, the game just sucks you in to this horrific place. Theres little music, and that works perfectly to the game's ideas and gameplay.


Tilt:
I would say this is one of the best games if you're looking for a new type of scare. I haven't been startled like this since playing the original doom way back in the day. The graphics are nice, the gameplay is fun and engaging, and best of all, the sound and experience is just damn good. I highly recommend this game.

Games like Runaway: A Road Adventure come along only rarely in the adventure game genre. Where most games now are trying to use the latest 3D graphics, Runaway takes a step back to give more of the classic style to the game. Perhaps this is one of the game's best features.

Graphics: The look of Runaway is excellent. From the highly detailed backgrounds to the interesting characters, everything is right along with the story. Combining traditional artwork with the new 3D Cell-shaded technique makes for an interesting blend that works very well together. The animation also is very well, making for some very good cut-scenes.

Game play: The game is pretty much a straight forward adventure game, with all the mouse clicking and inventory fun you can expect. The game play in Runaway is actually pretty well suited for all players, nothing too hard or too easy. Some things in the game are very well hidden, making it a little more difficult then other games of this nature. The Story is very well throughout and keeps you interested while playing.

Sound: The sound in Runaway is excellent. The dialog and music fits right along with the game. Some songs tend to be a little repetitive, but that’s nothing we haven't seen in other games.

Tilt: Over all, Runaway is an excellent game, especially for any adventure game fan. Combining new and old techniques, they have really made a great game definitely worth the 30 dollar price tag. Happy Gaming!