Extremely effective in immersing you in the world of world domination and espionage, while maintaining a wonderful sense of humor... Nonetheless, the slow pacing, imperfect sense of direction, and extensive micromanagement can interfere with your enjoyment.

Apart from a few flaws likely to be addressed in the evolutionary patching process common to most multiplayer titles, Savage edges close to perfection. It accomplishes its extremely ambitious mission of being the first game to truly combine two completely different genres.

In many ways, it's most similar to a game released in 1990: "Dune."

It’s just difficult to wholeheartedly recommend a title that has a mere five or six hours of game time, and no real incentive to play through again.

World Driver Championship is a solid title with a lot of potential that's burdened by some design flaws and a driving model that will leave most players unsatisfied. Much as it offers a few new spins on an otherwise old formula, these shortcomings hold it back from true greatness.

The appeal of over-the-top effects, non-interactive finishing moves, and buxom ladies has a short expiration date. If you're a fan of the franchise, then this is the best Roar yet.

Micromanagers and fans of "Pharaoh" have cause for celebration with the arrival of Children of the Nile, and should be thanking the god of their choice for the abundance that has been provided.

A faithful adaptation of the video game versions, shining in several places while dragging along in others.

A significant improvement over "SimTheme Park," but yet with its schizophrenic emphasis on financial management and zany fun it still presents a less coherent and integrated experience than "RollerCoaster Tycoon." ... Nonetheless, I really do enjoy SimCoaster a lot.

The new link system makes it possible to incite huge skirmishes and deal unprecedented amounts of damage to your enemies while opening up new strategic possibilities within your squad, and the addition of voiceovers brings the characters to life like never before.

The absence of sandbox mode, an uninspired multiplayer mode, and rapid difficulty increase in the levels all detract from an otherwise spectacular offering.

What gaming is all about: fun. With a constant variety of goals, the more I played, the more I enjoyed it.

Strategy war game buffs will find plenty to keep themselves entertained even though some may find the puzzle-like presentation off-putting. If you don’t mind a good strategy puzzle, however, this is your game.

While lacking some of the coherence and duration of its predecessors, and possessing a bit too many backtracking sequences and technical problems, the audiovisual elements are excellent...I would solidly recommend [it].

With the atmosphere and mood so sensationally presented, Shadow of Rome exceeded my expectations, which might have been questionable since I am avidly interested in the history of Greece and Rome.

Fortunately, AD survives its more nagging issues and manages to blaze a trail of light fun and humor with its crayon bombs and pellet machine guns.

Should be a hands-down epic masterpiece but is unfortunately tarnished by a litany of problems that should have been addressed before its release. If it wasn’t so doggoned much fun to play, it would be easy to write off because of its betimes infuriating downsides.

It’s the subtle establishment and cultivation of The Phoenix that really gives the game its punch. You know that the antagonist isn’t real, but you’ll still be kind of creeped out because you’ll begin to understand him.

A fun and frenzied shooting romp, but -- as a longtime fan of the franchise -- beneath my expectations.

A tight control scheme, some exceptional gameplay thanks to the Geo-Mod engine and a solid split-screen multiplayer component make Red Faction II a safe purchase for any action fan looking for more than a mindless shooter.

Electronic Arts has managed to capture the Bond ambience, due in no small part to the overuse of his theme music, but the single player experience, which is a very important part of a 007 title, is ultimately too simplistic for a super spy.

I have not felt so freed from the artificial complexities of modern releases -- and so nicely transported back to the pure joy of the old days -- for a long time.

Graphically stunning, infused with a rich storyline, and so full of subtle touches your head will spin trying to keep track of them all.

A flawed but rewarding experience seems to be the average diagnosis for most of the current crop of FPS releases, and Vietcong is no exception.

A must-buy for World War II buffs or those who want a straightforward and realistic RTS that demands tactical prowess and no city management skills whatsoever.

The gameplay, while not without its shortcomings, is light years beyond "Starfleet Academy," making it one of the best battle command starship simulators on the planet.

The quality graphics, accessible interface, fun single-player and multiplayer action, and effective sound all combine to make this a very appealing release.

Being able to go back and play through the original with an increased resolution, new spells and additional items is truly fantastic, as is the number of tweaks done to the various class abilities.