Cool graphics, easy-to-follow directions and John Madden's colorful commentary all make this franchise the best football game on the market. The attention to detail--from the players to the stadiums--is amazing. Speaking of which, Soldier Field has never looked so good. If the actual seating proves to be anything like that in the game, fans will have a better view all around. The rosters are as current as possible, making it a fun challenge to see whether you're a better Brian Urlacher than, say, the linebacker in a real football game. The playmaker option--which allows you to use one control stick to change the offense's direction--is a nice addition, and the instant replays are an awesome touch. Also nice is the "Ask Madden" button, which offers helpful advice that'll ensure that every player has game. (Rated: E for Everyone) 

        It's the same galaxy far, far away, but longer ago. Set 4,000 years before the blockbuster films, "Knights" plunges the player into the original conflict that set off the rivalry between the Sith and the Jedi. Create and name your character and then be the Jedi you always wanted to be--literally. The game makes innovative use of the license through the Force Meter--play as an SOB and you're headed straight to the dark side. It's better than the prequels. Take that, Jar Jar. (Rated: T for Teen) 

        Nintendo's mascot Mario has a little Tiger Woods in him. He's joined on the tour with several of Nintendo's other popular characters in this colorful golf game. Up to four players can tee off in head-to-head competitions, or you can play solo and compete for trophies. Golfers will find some of the game's automatic club selections interesting, but trust the game. Use that 5-iron even if you're certain you'd use a sand wedge. (Rated: E for Everyone)

        "Silent Hill 3" features many of the elements that have made the survivor horror series so popular: plenty of jump-out-of-your-seat moments and nightmarish creatures that stay with you even after you have turned off the PlayStation 2. 
You play as Heather Morris, a normal teenager who wakes up from a nightmare to find herself thrust into a living one. As you search abandoned malls, eerie hospitals and monster-infested amusement parks, you slowly unravel a mystery that has haunted the town for the two previous "Silent Hill" games. Gameplay consists of exploring various blood-soaked environments, solving puzzles, and shooting, stabbing or whacking things that go bump in the night. The plot and dialogue set this game apart from its predecessors. Its conclusion ties up some loose ends from the previous games and the acting is superb.
If you have a few hours to kill and don't mind sleeping with the lights on, pay a visit to Silent Hill. (Rated M for Mature) 

     The first downhill mountain bike racing game for PS2 rocks big time. The soundtrack gets you pumped to trick your way down the detailed mountains. The more impressive and difficult the tricks, the more points you score. The 3-D visuals are lifelike enough to make you feel as if you're really racing through nature. But don't get lulled by the beauty, because you'll find yourself crunched in between a pair of bikers. (Rated: T for teen) 

Evil businesswoman Mom now owns 51 percent of Earth, making her supreme ruler. It's up to the gang at Planet Express--Fry, Leela and Bender--to stop her. Based on the underrated (and now canceled) Fox TV show, the game features the writing and voice talent from the series and its 3-D cell shading mimics the show's look. While the show was innovative, game levels are repetitive. "Futurama" doesn't bring anything new to the platform genre save for the show's humor and wit. For die-hard fans only. (Rated: T for teen) 

     Fast action, cool animation and plenty of options make this one of the best fighting games, bar none. There may be only 15 characters to select from, but thanks to the 1,500 accessory options (hair, clothes, facial features), there seem to be dozens more. Martial-arts fans will enjoy the matches, which incorporate kickboxing, judo and Muay Thai. The arsenal of fighting moves would make Jet Li envious. (Rated: T for teen)

    Whew--Buffy doesn't bite. "Chaos Bleeds" is what the last "Tomb Raider" wanted to be: a great puzzle-solving, platform-jumping, fighting game. Based
on the cult TV series, the game's plot is a "lost episode" from season five. The First--the original source of pure evil--has created a dimensional bleed
and it's up to Buffy and the Scoobie gang (Xander, Willow, Spike and Faith) to once again stop the apocalypse. "Chaos Bleeds" essentially sends the TV
series--which ended this year after seven seasons--out with another bang. (Rated: T for teen)

     If there's just one 3-D fighting game to own three copies of this summer, it's "Soul Caliber II." The game features a playable character unique to
each consoles. The GameCube version has Link from the popular "Zelda" video game series, the Xbox has the comic book character Spawn and PlayStation 2 features Heihachi from Namco's "Tekken" video games. 
        The plot of the game has the various characters duking it out in a host of highly detailed environments for the mythical sword called Soul Edge. Each
has 23 playable characters; all boast a handful of special moves, weapons and phrases. There's also heavy replay value because additional weapons and
costumes can be unlocked by earning points in Weapons Master Mode. (Rated: T for teen)