Halo 2
Microsoft

Magazine ads, commercials and movie trailers, even an all encompassing alternate reality game raised the level of Halo 2 awareness to an incredible, almost life altering level. Even owners of other systems have bowed down to the prowess of Bungie’s title, begrudgingly accepting the fact that the title is one of the best action titles ever created. The wait is finally over for Xbox fans, so grab a plasma grenade and your favorite firearm, because it’s time to dive into Halo 2.

Burnout 3: Takedown
Electronic Arts

Burnout 3’s premise is essentially simple, rooted in the basics of arcade gaming: the wilder the action, the greater the reward to the player. You see, players initially start off by accelerating down a street, freeway or other course, braking around tight corners (if you really want to) and drafting behind other cars for additional momentum. The game’s true sense of speed is generated via boosts, quick turbo charges that launch you down the road.

Where is it now?

Halo 2 was trumped as one of the big three titles being released this holiday season. The other two are Half Life 2 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. But none of the marketing horns were blown more than for Halo 2. Immediately the day after, commentaries were made all the way to Wall Street about the $100 million Microsoft expects to make on the first day of the games' release alone. Microsoft also announced prior to the release, 1.5 million people ordered the game in advance. If that's not success, we're not sure what is.

Where is it now?

Regardless of the system or slight differences (soundtracks and online specifically), PS2 and Xbox owners both have outstanding racing awaiting them in Burnout 3: Takedown. The pictures accompanying this article just doesn’t do the game’s motion justice, and the sheer amount of racing options, tight controls, and satisfaction of crashes easily vaults this title into one of the best games of the year. If you own any of these consoles, go out, buy this game and get your crash on.

Related articles: Review
Buy at Amazon.com: Xbox

ESPN NFL 2K5
Sega

Fans of the ESPN Franchise will find that many of the previous modes that appeared in 2K4 make their return in 2K5, and for the most part, seem like they’re the same as last year’s title. As soon as teams are picked, players are greeted by a digital Chris Berman, who gives the same amount of hype and energy that you’d typically find on an episode of “NFL Primetime.” Thanks to Boomer, you get the feeling that the game you’re playing has been elevated to the same stage as the ones you’d actually watch on TV on a Sunday, which is a pretty big accomplishment.

Dead or Alive Ultimate
Tecmo

Imagine getting essentially two quality titles for the price of one. Then imagine if those titles are remakes of classic fighting games that have extremely loyal followings. Finally, wrap all of that up with one of the best online modes ever created. Thanks to Tomonobu Itagaki and the graphical wizards of Team Ninja, fighting fans will be able to experience the Dead of Alive world in a completely new way.

Where is it now?

For a mere 20 bucks, ESPN 2K5 is the best way that any gamer can spend money on a quality title. Deep, customizable gameplay along with a number of innovative features go a long way to giving Madden a run for its money. Football fans of any kind deserve to have this game in their library. Don?t think, just go out and buy it now.

Where is it now?

If you?re looking for a solid fighting game, Dead or Alive Ultimate is a fine choice for brawling enthusiasts. You get the original DOA title, but the level of detail and the amount of attention paid to DOA II is more than worth the price you?ll spend for the game. Plus, it has the best online play of any fighting title on the market. If you dig fighting, you?ll really like Dead or Alive Ultimate.

Related articles: Review
Buy at Amazon.com: Xbox

Rainbow Six: Black Arrow
Ubi Soft

If you liked last year's Rainbow Six 3, you'll like Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow. As first person shooters go, this is one of the harder ones, because of its unforgiving approach to character damage; a few bullets or one grenade will kill an operative, and there are no magical health packs lying around. In the shoes of Domingo "Ding" Chavez, you get to go around the world pursuing terrorists with your cohorts Eddie Price, Dieter Weber, and Louis LaSalle.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II
LucasArts

Five years after the events from the award winning Knights of the Old Republic, the Sith Lords have hunted the Jedi to the edge of extinction and are on the verge of crushing the Old Republic. With the Jedi Order in ruin, the Republic?s only hope is a Jedi Knight struggling to reconnect with the Force and is faced with the galaxies most dire decision: To follow the light or succumb to the dark side?

Where is it now?

When it comes to military action, Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon are mainstays on the Xbox platform. Rainbow Six: Black Arrow introduced some compelling multiplayer modes and a split screen co-operative play. Both features will keep gamers hooked to the game for some time to come..

Where will it go?

The Sith Lords features an all-new perilous storyline, as well as new characters, classes, locations and force powers. The Sith Lords will also see improvements to the core game and technology engine with environment affects such as rain and lightening plus larger, more immersive levels. There are over 60 new feats and force powers in The Sith Lords, as well as newly balanced weapons and items.

Related articles: Review
Buy at Amazon.com: Xbox