Blows away its established rival with outstanding controls and AI so lifelike that you feel like you've just stepped onto the pitch at Old Trafford. [Sept 2004, p.66]

This is easily the best version of Civilization ever made. [Jan 2006, p.52]

Its refreshing setting, exemplary dialogue and acting, and downright fun game mechanics are a shock to the system.

Perfectly captures the epic sweep of the previous games but adds a bunch of new features that improve upon an already brilliant concept. It's superior in every way to "Civilization II"—and for that matter, any game of this type in recent memory.

Now, however, the game is here, the hype has receded...and we're left appreciating what might be the best role-playing game ever made. [Jun 2006, p.61]

Unlike previous versions, the home field advantage is huge. [Oct 2004, p.9]

If you're an action-RPG fan, you definitely don't want to miss this one. [July 2004, p.6]

The only real thing missing are side-quests, but that's made up for with a solid 15 hours of gameplay within the title's story mode. [Sept 2004, p.7]

Multiple endings, strategy behind weapons, smooth gameplay, and a terrifying experience make The Suffering one of the biggest surprises of the year. [Apr 2004, p.9]

While some may balk at the cost involved, it's a ton of fun to play (multiplayer). [May 2004, p.11]

Kung Fu fans will ultimately rise to the occasin, leaving all others to enjoy the excellent combat system. [Apr 2004, p.8]

The experience is so immersive one can build a fishing rod, catch a fish, and bake it in an open fire. [Apr 2004, p.7]

One of the best-looking games on the Playstation 2, Cy Girls' character models are absolutely gorgeous, as are the game's levels. [May 2004, p.11]

Multiple endings, strategy behind weapons, smooth gameplay, and a terrifying experience make The Suffering one of the biggest surprises of the year. [Apr 2004, p.9]

While it improves upon the chief complaints from the first sequel, it still does not offer much that's fresh besides new weapons and Light Jak powers. [Feb 2005, p.NP-9]

On the technical side, an analog control has finally been added, rather than continuing to rely on the directional pad. [Aug 2004, p.6]

While the actual gameplay doesn't look as nice as it probably could, the sound is well done and the game's commentators have plenty of good quips. [May 2004, p.12]

With the significantly improved graphics engine, the wealth of options and an extremely powerful course editor, the trip to pick up a copy of Links 2001 may be your best drive to date.

One of the most visceral puzzle games ever made. [Feb 2003, p.77]

Although it's still not the greatest-looking game out there at this point, the textures and moster animations have improved tenfold with this expansion. [Feb 2004, p.61]

The first computer game to capture the grandeur and epic feel of the "Star Wars" movies... An outstanding, if not perfect, game. It is beautiful to look at, exciting to play, and it takes the RTS genre where no one has gone before.

Putting aside concerns about the campaign structure, Gettysburg! may be the best recreation of Civil War combat (or even just combat) of any game yet released. Sure, some of the hardcore data is missing, and Firaxis chose to eliminate supply issues, but it's amazing how realistic this game feels much of the time.

The action is short, intense, and punctuated by time spent studying track conditions and tuning your car.

An accessible, action-packed outer space role-playing game with plenty of personality and a marvelous online component. [May 2003, p.74]

The challenge and entertainment comes from learning about flying, recreating historic flights, and plain old barnstorming. [Nov 2003, p.90]

Unreal Tournament 2004 might be the superior product, but "Battlefield Vietnam" is the better game. [June 2004, p.73]

All of the game's levels are very well crafted, and many of them are huge. Looking Glass has done an excellent job making each level feel like a "real" place.

The visuals are terrific. Explosions are robust; the particle effects shine; starbases are huge and panoramic.