A big hit in arcades; while the home version lacks the rifle grip and scope of the coin-op machine, it captures its feel.

The PS2 version of Madden looks deceptively close to broadcast TV quality.

You need to have a sense of humor if you want to box, at least if you want to box in R2R2: R2.

QIII's smooth 360-degree graphics and chilling sound effects succeed in completely immersing the player in its bizarre kill-or-be-killed world.

The game's plot-twisting story, addictive game play and bevy of single- and multiplayer options makes this an excellent addition to your CD-ROM collection.

The jewel in the crown of an action/strategy sub-genre best described as "violence with a mission."

Features excellent production and plenty of aerial dog-fighting, but the Microsoft video game doesn't soar.

While the midair stunts and crashes look painfully real, the game also seems to lack a convincing sensation of speed.

This game falls short of Sega's recent track record for sports games and just isn't worth the price of admission.

Every time your character is killed and you restart the game, you have to sit through a seemingly endless series of movies that re-establish the plot.

For a game that looks so good, it's a shame it can also be a pain in the neck.

No longer are those shooting at you simple targets in a practice range. These guys are smart, evil and ready to battle. Enemies will work together to cover each other, they’ll roll under your gunfire, hide behind corners and even shoot the gun right out of your hands.

The game is really fun despite all of the tasks you have to remember.

Jet Force Gemini proves to be the one dud to which all game makers are entitled. Should Rareware throw another one of these on the heap, we may be forced to rethink their role as ‘‘king of the Nintendo 64’s developers.’’

"Soul Calibur" revolutionizes (3D Fighting) with amazing graphics, intriguing characters and an incredibly smooth 60 frame per second game engine.

The game slows down when the track is full of cars. Plus, you might find your attention distracted by an over-detailed landscape that washes out the course ahead.

If you’re ready for a different kind of first-person shoo--, er, "sneaker," want to be thoroughly challenged, and don’t mind Eidos’ wacky trapezoidal boxes, pick up Thief: The Dark Project.

This Zelda adventure will undoubtedly withstand the test of time and take its place as one of the best games to ever grace a home system.

Unfortunately, Half-Life’s puzzle-oriented play leads to some problems. On several occasions, you’ll be forced to make almost impossible jumps. The difficulty of such maneuvers finds you making 10, sometimes 15 attempts. The frustration distances you from a story that should have you absorbed.

If the Academy Awards opened themselves to video games, Grim Fandango would be looking at a sweep. Best acting: Grim Fandango. Best script: Grim Fandango. Best cinematography: Grim Fandango. The game’s creators wouldn't have to leave the podium.

Rainbow Six carries a hefty learning curve which may turn off some less avid gamers. However, a little time spent with the manual and in the training sessions and you'll be ready for this engrossing world of interactive Clancy.

Banjo-Kazooie isn't going to win any awards for originality, but who really cares? If you have to borrow a little to make a fun, absorbing adventure, so be it.

Unfortunately, the game falls victim to standard full-motion video problems, namely, linear game play. Since there are a limited number of filmed sequences, you must adhere to a specific path in order to progress through the game.

It won't win any awards for originality, but it's good enough to shrink your nightly sleep to just a couple of hours.

By far the most fun racing game on the market right now, and the learning curve is non-existent. Best of all, my wife cranks up the speakers and tries to beat my best time, and my daughter always wants a turn.

You must learn the best way to attack, what formations to use, where to position your men and when to fight or run. You'll master the mouse and keyboard controls in no time, but mastering the single player game will take time.