"DS9: The Fallen" does an admirable job of creating an immersive Star Trek experience. The game allows the player to use either Sisko, Worf or Kira at any one time to progress through the storyline. Once the player has finished using one character, the other two provide more gameplay since their missions and individual plot lines differ from each other, although all three weave together to create the main story.

"DS9: The Fallen" is a successful hybrid of first-person shooters and adventure games. There is enough action to provide more than adequate adrenaline rushes, but there are also a number of puzzles and tasks which always arise organically from aspects of the story. Indeed, it is the strong emphasis on storytelling and characterization that is the backbone of this title.

The graphics are sumptous and have a wide range of optimization options. The only caveat is that the game is memory-dependent, with 64 megabytes being the bare minimum on most computers that want to use their graphics cards (otherwise, one can play the game using the software renderer). The sound effects are evocative, and the music is especially spirited and effective. The level design makes use of lighting and space to maximize the wide range of moods from awe to eerie sensations of foreboding. All in all, "DS9: The Fallen" combines an intriguing story, interesting characters and both action and intellect into one smooth package.
 
 

"Terra Nova" is a game that shows how wonderful gameplay, story and design can overcome outdated graphics. Although 320 X 400 is the maximum resolution that the game allows, the graphical limitations are forgotten after you start playing.

The story revolves around colony planets dealing with pirates and a domineering organization called the Hegemony from whence the orignal settlers came. You play a soldier assigned to Strike Force Centauri, a squad of men and women in powered battle armor, charged  with defending your homeland against enemies foreign and domestic. Fans of Heinlein's _Starship Troopers_ will especially enjoy how similar the power suits are to the ones in that novel.

There is a rich backstory revealed through the documentation that comes with the game, information and e-mails on your personal computer terminal and video sequences. Utilizing live actors in these video clips makes it very easy to empathize with the triumphs and travails of your character and his peers.

The game design and engine are marvels to behold. Easy to learn but having tremendous flexibility, the interface allows the player to command a squad of AI teammates. The missions are incredibly varied in all aspects, from the goals to the enemies faced to the very environment, which can be a myriad of climates, weather conditions and even gravities! Victories have degrees of success, leading to gameplay that is immersive and challenging.

While the graphics look pixelated and somewhat primitive, they do an astonishing job of capturing open air environments and broad vistas of landscapes. The skies, terrain, water and foliage are handled so well that the land becomes very convincing. The game does an excellent job with the sound, using the stereo in speakers to fullest effect. During both the video sequences and the gameplay itself, the sound is an integral element of the experience.
 

There are two minor faults with "Terra Nova". Having been made relatively early, there is no feature that allows the user to remap the control keys. However, the existing configuration is logical enough that learning it is a simple matter. Also, the audio tends to get out of sync during the video clips, leading to moments that look like bad dubbing. Still, these are small flaws which don't detract from the enormous enjoyment that the game provides.

This game does a great job at re-inventing the first and third person shooter genre. No longer is the object to hose the most enemies indiscriminately. Here, it's more crucial to ensure the safety of hostages and stop terrorists from carrying out their nefarious plans. The ability to command multiple teams of agents allows more complicated and sophisticated actions. There are many more permutations and strategies that can be accomplished with multiple members than just a lone action hero. Tactics, strategy and initial planning are key to the success of the game, although there's plenty of shoot 'em up action, as well. While weapons in this game are more true to life and have a much higher probability of killing you with one shot, the game can be played at different difficulty settings which are more and less forgiving. Training and tutorial missions are invaluable to acclimating you to the controls and team tactics. Having multiple teams to control lets you continue a mission even if someone dies, but it's to your long-term advantage to keep everyone alive. Detailed dossiers on the organizations, characters and backgrounds give the game a rich, authentic flavor. The graphics are sumptuous and location design and missions are widely varied to give the player a completely different atmosphere and mood with every new mission. Even the music is rousing and gets your blood pumping.
 
 

Even in the shareware version, I was amazed at the variety of locales and situations that were presented in this action film-inspired game. From the seedy red light district of an alien-occupied L.A. to the bowels of an extraterrestrial base, this first person shooter boasted an impressive ambiance and mood. Little details like being able to turn lights on and off, use toliets and see yourself in the mirror just added to the fun!
 
 

Lara Croft is back, and the action is even more intense! This game uses a remarkably easy-to-learn interface that is flexible enough to provide for amazing moves. With eerie, moody locations and a high-adventure storyline, it's hard not to become enraptured with it. Add the ability to pilot vehicles in various terrains, and the game becomes even more varied. Not since the first Tomb Raider game have I gotten a knot in the pit of my stomach as Lara makes incredible leaps over endless chasms!
 
 

This series does an admirable job of being more than just another space fighter simulation and lives up to the billing of "interactive movie". Even before the introduction of live actors, but especially afterwards, the Wing Commander series is a truly cinematic experience that uses all the conventions of movie cinematography to involve the player. But these high-production values are just tools to support a rich story with highs and lows and a cast of characters that becomes important and integral to the gameplay.
 
 

A detective dog and a hyper-kinetic rabbity lagomorph provide loads of humor with their irreverent style and tons of gratuitous violence to both living things and inanimate objects. With the endearing weirdos that crop up in the game and the wacky places and situations they're placed in, Sam and Max always have some witty dialogue and crazy actions to get them through.
 
 

You're a wanna-be pirate named Guybrush Threepwood. The game has monkeys, a cannibal named Lemonhead, a hermit named Herman Toothrot and loads of pirates! 'Nuff said!
 
 

A terrific game that captures all the warmth, charm, humor and adventure of the original series. With spoken dialogue by the original cast members and the game structured like episodes of the TV show, this is the closest fans will get to starring in the actual series.
 
 

The ambiance, dialogue and mystery of a classic Sherlock Holmes story are all contained in this game. With atmospheric graphics, memorable music, colorful characters and a dramatic storyline, this is an enjoyable treat for any fan of the master detective.