All it does is present some interesting tactical action, a lot of graphically impressive--if somewhat too amber-colored--carnage, and a lot of intense pointing and shooting. And that's more than enough. [Sept. 2006, p.55]

Just what the PSP needs more of: the perfect match of a game and its system. [Feb 2006, p.90]

There's one thing that really distinguishes the EverQuest phenomenon from all pretenders to the throne, for better or worse—difficulty. Slaving for weeks through one of the higher "hell levels" isn't just time-consuming, it's quite often toil.

Though it can be hard on a novice, Space Ranger 2's amazing breadth and considerable depth more than make up for its initial difficulty and intermittent lack of polish. [Nov 2005, p.74]

Indigo Prophecy so unabashedly wants to be cinematic that the menu prompt for the new game is "New Movie". [Dec p.56]

It may be pointless, and also brilliant, but it’s safe to say there’s nothing quite like The Sims. Its possibilities are endless.

A heart-pounding, visceral experience that gets under your skin. The "just one more round" addiction factor is very high. When you play it properly, with team work that clicks like a well-oiled machine, the game offers a sense of accomplishment and comradery that is simply amazing.

But if you're willing to look, there are very few games that show you as much as you'll see here--a nearly infinite variety of rising gods and dying empires and a fat man with a magic belt--and no games that do it with focus, depth, and extraordinary economy of Dominions 3. [Jan. 2007, p.60]

it just goes to show that not every game has to be an 80-hour sandbox of something for everyone. [Dec p.87]

Dark Crusade is another real-time feather in Relic's cap, even without the Tyranids. [Jan. 2007, p.56]

Yes, folks, developer Panther Games has finally delivered a friendly AI worthy of the term "intelligence." [Oct 2002, p.78]

Undoubtedly the best strategy game released so far in 2004. And that's all. [Nov 2004, p.84]

It may not win over the reflex-challenged, bearded gamer types, but fans of the original "Generals" won't find a title better tuned and tweaked to their tastes. [Dec 2003, p.88]

The animations are superb, despite the great quantity of creatures and heroes that appear during the campaign. The sound effects augment the animations perfectly. [Jan 2004, p.73]

This is the best and most spirited of the Ape Escapes, which is faint praise if you're only familiar with the recent half-assed PSP version. [Apr 2006, p.91]

A new and better way of telling an interactive story and as such provides a role model for the gaming industry. It is highly original and richly deserves all the awards it will surely get.

Dragonshard is more concerned with recapturing the long-lost energy of those dorky all-night session then with remaining faithful to the math and canon per se. [Dec p.53]

One of the best games of the year. It migh t even be the best adventure game of the year. The plot is deep, the characters are brought to life effectively, I haven't found almost any bugs, and they didn't leave anything out.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the game lies in crafting and later developing your party.

It's ultimately Forza that ends up with the win for its more comlete features and player friendliness. [July 2005, p.85]

Ubisoft just executes the hell out of Splinter Cell, and in the end it makes its familiarity one of its strengths: The sight of Sam Fisher is always a welcome one. [Feb. 2007, p.64]

If you can get past the kiddie characters..., you'll find some of the best golf available, handheld or otherwise. [Aug 2005, p.91]

Infinity Ward lays claim to the creation of the ultimate WWII shooter with Call of Duty 2. [Jan 2006, p.63]

In essence, what adds real finesse to Curse of Monkey Island is that no one element screams above the rest for recognition. It possesses that "unity of style" across the board for which everyone strives but so few achieve.

One of the best new features is a thrilling coaster cam whose name is a bit misleading since you can get a first-person view for nearly any ride or attraction. [Feb 2005, p.65]

The Burning Crusade adds some much-needed high level content to a game that had grown pretty stagnant for the Level 60s who spent all day and night dancing in front of the Auction Houses in Ironforge and Orgrimmar. [Apr 2007, p.58]

By adding interesting new units, rules, and a unique campaign, it defines what all expansions should be - not just more of the same, but rather an entirely new way to play an established game. [Aug 2003, p.84]

Everquest II has come a long way since its original launch. With Faydwer and other recent enhancements, though, it's pulled alongside "World of Warcraft" in the race to be an MMO for everyone. [Mar 2007, p.68]