At first glance, Lumines appears to be like so many other Tetris-like puzzle games by arranging falling colored blocks to make similar colored blocks disappear. Don't let the general description fool you — Lumines is easy-to-learn and highly addictive.

The controls are simple: move the falling blocks left, right, down, or rotate them as needed. Match colors in patterns of 4 x 4 or more to score points and make the matched blocks disappear. The larger the matched group, the higher the score. Bonus points are also awarded for clearing all blocks of the same color, or the more difficult clearing all blocks from the screen. The catch is the "scanning bar" that moves from left to right across the screen. Matched groups do not disappear until the bar scans them, and the speed of scanning and falling blocks varies with each level.

Levels have "skins" with different colored graphics, backgrounds, groovy soundtracks, and sound effects. The sound effects are synced between the soundtracks and game-play, combining to create an extremely immersive experience. Everything works together to set Lumines apart from many similar games and make it feel like you're playing an iTunes or music player visualizer.

When the single-player action gets boring, two players with separate PSPs can compete "head-to-head" using Wi-Fi. Lumines entertains for many, many hours and with significant replay value — so be warned.

Ridge Racer is back again with the familiar arcade-drift racing. There are four modes of play: World Tour, Single Race, Time Trial, and Wireless (local Wi-Fi head-to-head with other PSP users). Wi-Fi mode allows up to 8 players to compete.

When first starting the World Tour, this Ridge Racer appears almost identical to the last few versions available for the PS2 and PSX, but new cars and prizes (movies and car concept designs) become available after conquering the tours from the previous games. The races are short enough to make them great for bursts of on-the-go gaming.

The graphics and scenery are enhanced by the PSP's widescreen format. The PSP handles the framerates perfectly, even in the higher classes with faster cars that create mind-numbing speeds. Fortunately, the reflections and motion blurs are just enough and not overdone or distracting. The soundtrack offers not only Ridge Racer classics, but newer selections as well. As the races are won, more music is available for selection during game-play. The background tracks are varied and impressive.

Ridge Racer offers many hours of game-play in both stand-alone and Wireless modes, and it has been one of our most replayed titles.

SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo is a tactical shooter. Like its PS2 counterparts, this game offers options for single player and networked team action. SOCOM has a military setting with representational objectives and graphics — and it is not suitable for younger audiences.

The player has two soldiers under his command, and the controls become intuitive after only a few minutes of play. The game stands out with both single-player and network multi-player missions, impressively offering both Wi-Fi and online modes with up to 16 players. With the optional headset, networked players can talk to each other and work as a team.

The graphics are great, and the on-screen displays are easy to read. The targeting system works very well, and the camera angles follow the action nicely without getting confusing. There are also well rendered cut-scenes with mission background that are worth watching and not gratuitous.

The audio further enhances the action. Even without the multi-player headset, it is suggested to play the game with headphones so that the stereo sound effects help with the game-play. Character voice acting is solid, further lending the realism for both standalone and network game-play.

We are not big fans of the tactical shooter genre, but SOCOM US Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo stands apart and is recommended for the appropriate audience.

Gamers who enjoy platformers are probably familiar with Jax & Daxter on the PS2. Daxter is a "prequel" to the series, and brings an original title to the PSP instead of another PS2 port. In this game Jax is nowhere to be found, and Daxter shifts from being a sidekick to the main character. Platform enthusiasts will appreciate Daxter on all levels since the graphics, audio, and game-play are all impressive.

Gameplay is solid with great controls adapted for the PSP. Each level offers varying objectives including squashing enemies, collecting objects, collecting power-ups, and achieving greater goals. Mini-games are not just a distraction, because they are required for developing new character skills and access to new levels.

The graphics and audio are impressive, with detailed environments, character animations, and cut-scenes. Playing Daxter with earbuds or headphones will make the audio experience that much better. While there are occasional issues with the camera, they are infrequent and easily resolved using the excellent and easy-to-use camera controls.

Daxter is highly recommended because it offers enough attitude, story, levels, and varied game-play to keep things interesting for both platform fans and general gamers alike.

Wipeout Pure brings the futuristic racing series to the PSP. Instead of cars, players control high-speed hovercraft with weapons and shields. Getting to the finish line first is the primary goal, but taking down opponents along the way is part of the fun.

The controls are straightforward and easy to learn, and over time the challenge increases through more difficult tracks, better competition, and higher racing speeds. Multi-player games can include up to 8 total players using Wi-Fi. While there are no online multi-player options, there is an in-game download site with additional content that almost doubles the UMD game content.

The graphics are amazing, and even though this game was released in 2005 it really showcases the PSP's abilities. The racers are well designed and detailed, the environments are colorful and beautifully textured, and the effects tie everything together to create great action and entertainment. There are a few occasional issues with frame-skipping, but they don't affect game-play enough to be a problem.

A female voice announces power-ups and warns against upcoming hazards. The background music is upbeat electronic, and the sound effects fit the action. All of the audio works together, further enhancing the experience.

Wipeout Pure is not only a fun racing title, but it really demonstrates how game-play, graphics, and audio can all work together to make a good game.

LocoRoco is a new twist for platform games with an original concept, 2D graphics, catchy music, and fun sound effects. Instead of moving around stationary platforms, the player "rolls" the environment back and forth to move the LocoRoco through the levels. Each level has secret areas, hidden items, and power-ups which make the player larger or add features and music to the LocoRoco house.

The game is easy to learn and the controls are simple, using only the "O" and shoulder buttons during game-play. LocoRoco is single player game, but levels and house designs can be shared with other players in Wi-Fi mode. The levels are colorful and fun — while difficulty increases, things never get too hard to become frustrating. LocoRoco can be completed in several hours without collecting everything, and as with many classic platformers part of the replay value is going back through levels to find the hidden or overlooked items.

Graphics and audio are excellent. All of the graphics are flat, solid, unshaded cartoons, and the characters sing along with the background music. The environments vary and react differently based on their material (grass, trees, ice, bone, etc.) and affect player movement. Stages offer different background music, character voices, and effects which add to the charm.

LocoRoco is one of those few games that is suitable for any age, young or old. While we wish the game was longer, the original concept makes it one of the better titles for the PSP.

The Tekken series has spanned arcades and consoles over many years, often raising the bar for what a fighting game should be. Tekken: Dark Resurrection continues with that tradition and offers new characters, fighting moves, and extras.

Character graphics demonstrate model detail, smooth animation, and great textures. The soundtrack and effects are equally impressive, and best experienced with headphones. Controls are superior to many other fighting games, although some combos are impossible without extensive practice with the PSP's directional buttons.

Play options include Practice, Quick Battle, Arcade, Attack, Dojo, and Network WiFi for two players. While there is no online multi-player, "Ghosts" are available online and downloaded through the Network option. "Ghosts" change opponent AI by simulating real players, and make single-player battles significantly more interesting.

Excellent presentation and a myriad of additional options give Tekken: Dark Resurrection serious replay value. There are several other solid PSP fighting titles, but aficionados of the fighting genre will find this the game to own.