"On top of this, there's the rumor that the price will once again be in the $20 range, making this the affordable bargain for all kinds of hockey players out there. Hey, with its huge online options, its robust presentation, and the new gameplay quirks, who would turn it down? NHL 2K6 looks to be a dominant player in the field this year, and, in a matter of weeks, we'll see how it masters the ice."

"In a nutshell, WWE Day of Reckoning 2 is bound to be one behemoth of a wresting game. Featuring over 40 wrestlers, intricate gameplay, a deeper story mode and better graphics, GameCube fans have something to look forward to. And the fact that there will be a fascinating total of 21 modes of play including Steel Cage, Triple Threat, Tag Team, Bra and Panties and over a dozen more, it seems like THQ is about to unleash a force to be reckoned with."

"Those disappointed in NCAA Football 2005 should be happy with 06, and though it's not the best NCAA game yet, it's still a damn good game. It might be the only college football game in town, but then again, it's pretty much always been in a class of its own."

"Expanding upon the best-selling 5-on-5 basketball simulation on PSP, NBA '06 for PSP incorporates all-new game design, animations, and mini-games for gamers to play anytime, anywhere. Supporting up to two players via ad hoc or infrastructure mode, NBA ‘06 for PSP offers the chance to play any of the 41 authentic NBA teams, including six National Basketball Development League (NBDL) teams. Two new mini-games, HORSE and Dodgeball, allow players to step away from traditional 5-on-5 play and engage in some classic schoolyard battles."

TheManRoom: "One of the key yet sometimes overlooked features for a basketball game to succeed is the ability to play tight, realistic defense. What have you done in NBA ‘06 to achieve this?"

C.J. Connoy: "On ball defense has been overhauled in NBA ‘06. When designing the game, we decided that the current NBA game status quo was about the “brick wall” or “ole!” solutions to basic defense. Either the ball handler is stopped cold or he flies right by. The real NBA is neither of these. We came up with a concept we call, “Skitching.” True defense is about preventing a ball handler from getting to his desired spot (for a jumper or seam to attack the basket)."

"NCAA Football 06’s refined approach seems to cater most to the hardcore college football fan rather than the casual sports enthusiast. If your definition of getting dressed up for the weekend is applying face paint, slipping on a licensed sweatshirt, and draping a team blanket over your back, then NCAA Football 06 has more than enough school spirit to keep you glued to the screen until the final corporate-sponsored bowl game."

• WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2006 Preview (PS2)

  "The first thing we saw were the different match types. Traditional favorites like Steel Cage, TLC, and Hell in a Cell are back, as well as new modes like the much-demanded Buried Alive match, where the match doesn't end until you shut your opponent in a coffin. Fans of the WWE Divas may be disappointed that this year's game does not contain the Bra and Panties match, but don't worry -- instead, you'll be able to play the Fulfill Your Fantasy match, which takes thinks to the next level with the lovely wrestling ladies. THQ is promising 100 different match types in all, so there should be plenty of variety in your fights."

• Burnout Revenge Interview (Xbox)

  "Sunshine Keys might appear a hazy, lazy place for some, but really it's made for rampaging! The laidback vibe, complete with palm trees, beach, and white hot sun are in stark contrast to the other urban or country-based courses, but that doesn't make it any less fun to run riot through."

• SSX On Tour Movie (PS2)
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 Screenshots (Xbox 360)
• Virtua Tennis World Tour Screenshots (PSP)

"Fans of the Outlaw series will find some things to like and tennis aficionados will find a decent experience with an arcade twist. Unfortunately, there are still many persisting flaws in the Outlaw series and much of the charm has been lost."

"Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 delivers ultra-realistic course environments, allowing gamers to experience the intensity of a championship golf tournament. With greatness comes pressure, as players are put to the test of making perfect tee shots or sinking tournament-winning putts in crunch time."

• Fight Night Round 3 Screenshots (X360, PS3)

  "The characters are amazingly detailed. Each boxer will have his own physical characteristics thanks to new laser technology used on the body of the boxers which accurately draws the boxer on the screen. The fighters themselves will move great fluidity and realism, just like their real counterparts."

• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 Screenshots (X360)

  "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 will combine incredible realism with fine tuned gameplay. Expect to see beautiful, highly detailed backgrounds, lots of new features and modes, and one good looking Tiger Woods model."

• MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 3 Preview (Xbox, PC)

  "Helmet visors on the helmets reflect the environment and road. The lighting and pavement textures have been improved, using per pixel effects and normal mapping on the riders and tarmac surface and there is a new heat effect coming from the exhaust or haze across the track and when you’re racing in rain there is a great new water effect."

• Top Shelf Tuesday Featuring NHL 2K6
• NBA Live 06 Screenshots and Movie Clip (Xbox)
• FIFA 06 Screenshots (Multi)
• Operation Sports Blog Updates
• Madden NFL 06: Be the QB (Xbox.com Article)

"So if you have a desire to play licensed football on the Xbox this year, this is obviously your pick, considering there isn’t really a choice to make. Franchise still offers that same great depth that Madden has been known for, playing defense and running are valiantly attempting to be as fun as passing, and the features are just about impassable. Superstar mode is an ambitious step in the right direction, it just needs to be smoothed out around the edges so that it feels less like a chore. The only thing holding 06 back from greatness is the balance of fun on the field."