Yeah, there's some sort of football thing today, but as far as I'm concerned it's just another day to update the ShackReviews. This week we've got a mix of new and very old games, including the long awaited North American debut of Silent Storm. As usual, if there's a game you want to review but don't see in the database, check first and then submit it! (And don't blame me if a game you never submitted isn't added!)

• Silent Storm (PC)
• Sega GT Online (Xbox)
• Sonic Heroes (PS2, Xbox)
• Betrayal at Krondor (PC)
• Carmageddon (PC)

I'm still playing through Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time...I'm at 62% and absolutely can't wait for this thing to end. I haven't been so dreadfully bored by a game in ages. To many of you I'm sure it sounds like I'm just irrationally disliking what everyone else seems to think is among the best games released last year, but I assure you that I approached this game exactly the same way I approach every game, with a fair and open mind. Actually if anything, I was somewhat biased in favor of the game, as I had read so many great things about it and it was one of my favorite games from E3 last year. But the game repeatedly violates my one and only rule of game design: if it's not fun it shouldn't be in the game at all. Period. Combat in PoP is not fun. In fact it's mind-numbingly annoying. Without the combat this would be a much better game (maybe not great, but at least better)...but it's in there, and it's a big part of the game, and as such I really dread playing it. But I will finish it (hopefully sooner rather than later) and if the game manages to get really, really good in the last third, I'll be sure to mention that in my review. Hopefully it will...the first 2/3rds have been a real disappointment.