Planetside

Planetside is an online-only game in the tradition of Sony's ''Everquest.'' But in contrast to the leisurely pace of traditional MMOGs (massively multiplayer online games), the action is unprecedented: Think ''Counterstrike'' with thousands on each team. Gameplay includes some character building to help justify the $12.99/month fee, but the battles -- often involving hundreds of players piloting planes, cars, and armored combat suits -- are the real draw. Seamless play and staggering detail make this quite possibly the most ambitious online action game to date.