Backyard Sports Basketball 2007
PlayStation 2
Looks like a kid's game, walks like a kid's game... but it's a duck. A lame one. Ha ha.
Ar Tonelico: Melody of Elemia
PlayStation 2
A stock but solid role-playing game (RPG), Ar Tonelico: Melody of Elemia isn't going to win and graphic design awards, but the game does exude personality like many games like it -- even the prettier ones -- don't. Follow?
Shrek the Third
PlayStation 2, Wii, Xbox 360
Based on the movie of the same name, Shrek the Third for PlayStation2, Wii, and Xbox 360 doesn't have to work too hard to be as good as the movie because the movie wasn't particularly good in the first place.
SingStar Pop
PlayStation 2
Continuing to chip away at Konami's Karaoke Revolution gigantic market share, Sony's Singstar Pop delivers a second dose of alternative karaoke gameplay (karaoke that scores you on pitch and cadence) in a sequel to the similarly stupendous SingStar Rocks.
TMNT
PlayStation 2, Wii, Xbox 360
Oh look, a kid-friendly game based on a movie about angst-addled hybrid human Testudines -- what more could you want? Well, some depth, maybe. But at least you get to build up your 'rage' meter so you can go ape -- uh, turtle -- on the baddies. How's that for wholesome?
Meet the Robinsons
PlayStation 2, Wii, Xbox 360
Popcorny movie-game season is upon us (already?!) and Disney does a fine job of front-loading the shelves with Meet the Robinsons, typically derivative, mostly-hopless schlock that's going to sell well to the kiddies because it shuts them up.
Kim Possible: What's the Switch?
PlayStation 2
After four handheld titles, the Kim Possible series makes its console debut with What's the Switch. Nothing revolutionary, nothing astounding, a little long winded in places, but pretty good Possible.
Burnout: Dominator
PlayStation 2
Not truly a sequel, Burnout: Dominator for PlayStation2 brings back the "old school" feel to the Burnout franchise, where racing takes more of a lead over takedowns, those crash and burn festivals which have ruled the last few games.
God of War II
PlayStation 2
As one of the biggest smash hits of 2005, God of War for PlayStation2 is a tough act to follow. Fortunately, God of War II is not only equal to the challenge, it improves upon and surpasses its predecessor all ways (except maybe originality, naturally).
MLB 07 The Show
PlayStation 2
A new pitching system and a new career mode makes for a significant step up for MLB 07 The Show for PS2 -- and makes a strong case for the best baseball game of the year.