Vice City doesn't improve much on the few shortcomings of its predecessor. Fortunately, it doesn't have to. [Aug 2003, p.74]

Diablo is the perfect example of a game that transcends its genre.

If you harbor any interest in strategy games and want something with more depth than the average mindless RTS, then you would do well to immerse yourself in Civilization IV and let it soak in.

And therein lies the game's beauty—it's expertly balanced. For every Goliath tank driver, there's a Manta master or Raptor pilot who can rip you a new one.

GTA 3 is the crack cocaine of gaming: You know it's bad for you, but you keep using it. [Sept 2002, p.74]

A masterpeice from BioWare. Easily the best RPG of the year, and possibly the best Star Wars game ever made. [Feb 2004, p.61]

It's designed to let players make significant progress without requiring a decisive committment to sitting motionless in front of the computer for days at a time. Unfortunately, the game's so addictive that you may end up with a case of bedsores anyway. [Feb 2005, p.73]

This latest GTA is an epic, involving experience, no doubt--but when you get past the expansive world and the RPG-like elements, it's the same epic, involving experience it was last year.

Blizzard delivered as promised, and then some. But I wasn't floored. Not even close. [Sept 2002, p.70]

A well-played game of Winning Eleven 7 gives the impression of having watched a TV soccer match and controlled the results. It's that good. [Oct 2004, p.84]

More so than any other stealth-action game, Chaos Theory really makes you feel like a spy.

A stroke of brilliance. With its unparalleled scope and enough strategic gameplay for two top-flight games, let alone one, Rome is a game that triumphs over its minor bugs and A.I. glitches and once again redefines what a historical strategy game can - and should - be. [Holiday 2004, p.100]

The game presentation is like a television broadcast with an Emmy-winning director in the booth. [Mar 2003, p.106]

Just about everything in this game feels <I>right</I>, sometimes almost in spite of itself. [Mar 2002, p.68]

This game has so much more detail, realism, and flexibility than its predecessors that it effectively laps the F1 racing field. [Sept 2003, p.97]

The best World War II flight simulator ever. [Mar 2002, p.90]

Combine Splinter Cell's pure stealth action with the world of Tom Clancy and you've got one hell of a techno-espionage title made even better on the PC. [Mar 2003, p.82]

Those who've never played a computer golf sim may discover that this is one of their favorite games of the year in any genre. [Holiday 2004, p.84]

The neat thing is that none of it—the chain of command, the elitist bands of E-brothers, the Patton-approved battle plans—needs to matter, at least to the curious weekend commando looking to pop into a public server and simply shoot somebody.

The DM client and tools elevate Neverwinter Nights into a creative medium of expression. [Sept 2002, p.80]

What really sets NOLF2 apart is the game's sheer polish and professionalism. [Jan 2003, p.100]

Probably the best shooter I've played all year. The only real knocks against it are that it's a relatively short game (I finished in about 10 hours) and the multiplayer is lackluster. But let's be honest: If you're into playing a World War II game online nothing compares to "Battlefield 1942" or Day of Defeat.

Easily the best Madden game yet, but be prepared to buy a Logitech Dual Action controller. [Nov 2003, p.130]

The Sims 2 is as big as life and as consuming. At heart, and with heart, it is a masterpiece.

As good as, if not better, than the original Playstation 2 best-seller. [July 2002, p.79]

You can turn a guard's own gun on him, shank him with a homemade shiv, snap his neck with your bare hands, or drop down on his head. [March 2005, p.71]

It was difficult to write this review, because each time I started the game to check on some detail, six hours mysteriously vanished. [Jan 2002, p.92]

"Dangerous Waters" is a superb modern naval combat simulator but Silent Hunter III is destined to be a Sim Hall of Fam all-time classic. [June 2005, p.94]

The most impressive civilian sim ever. [Feb 2002, p.97]

The most pure fun you'll have with a strategy or RPG game this year. [June 2002, p.80]

It's just beautifully designed: fast-paced, challenging, and awesome to look at. [June 2002, p.78]

I'll still marvel at the design and balance of the game. But deep in my heart, I'll still be waiting for something new to make me excited about RTS games again. [Jan 2003, p.98]

Comes close to being the massive, sprawling, open-ended, role-playing epic you've always dreamed of. [August 2002, p.68]

Provides some new and unique features that bridge the gap between the fanatical, hardcore sim racer and the casual gamer. [June 2002, p.82]

With a superb game system, unrivaled detail, great graphics for the genre, and outstanding multiplayer, CMBB is more than enough to please any wargamer. [Feb 2003, p.70]

The player economy, crafting aspects, and general sociability aren't nearly what they are in a full-fledged MMORPG, and even ArenaNet labels Guild Wars a "competitive RPG." Still, for less-social gamers thirsting for high-octane, real-time online action without a monthly fee, Guild Wars is a solid choice.

So far ahead, you can't see the competition. [Feb 2006, p.79]

Somehow, Korsun Pocket manages to capture everything that's compelling about historical wargaming and presents it as a tremendous game. [Sept 2003, p.103]

Howsabout a nice whack upside the head with a tire iron for a horrific save-game feature that is simultaneously terribly conceived and idiotically implemented?

Like its brethren, it is good - but without being amazing or breathtakingly original. [Aug 2003, p.72]

This year's model leaves you feeling like it's nothing more than one big, full-priced retail patch. [May 2003, p.98]

A fantastic game - ridiculously fun, completely infectious, and one of the best massively multiplayer designs I've ever seen in an action game. [Jan 2003, p.116]

One of the most beautiful games I've ever had the pleaseure to oogle at...One of the most thorough and impressive games I have seen in any genre. [Nov 2002, p.116]

Thrillinng acrobatic action, though the controls and camera could be better. [Mar 2004, p.88]

Exceeds its predecessor in almost every way... A fantastic historical strategy game. [Dec 2002, p.114]

With enough features to fill a 747 flight manual, MSFS2004 provides a level of flying simulation on the PC that was unimaginable even a few years ago. [Oct 2003, p.116]

The pacing seems a little off in this game, and to compound the issue, there's no in-mission save. [Dec 2002, p.120]

F.E.A.R.'s troopers try so hard, you almost hate not fighting fair. [Jan 2005, p.96]

A game that will please both hardcore golf-sim addicts & casual gamers. [Dec 2003, p.148]

There are only minimal changes to the broader strokes of gameplay. [Sept 2003, p.90]

Far from perfect, but far beyond the competition. [Aug 2005, p.85]

For all its technological wizardry, RtCW brings almost nothing new to the table gameplay-wise. [Mar 2002, p.74]

From its uncannily accurate physics model to its drop-dead gorgeous graphics...it sets a new standard from F1 racers. [Oct 2002, p.102]

Honestly expands upon the original with four new campaigns that provide the absorbing single-player experience the original lacked. Unfortunately, some stability problems keep it from being perfect.

The simplicity of the gameplay and charm of the presentation are happy reminders of a more innocent age when games were just fun for kids rather than targets of congressional hearings. [Feb 2005, p.86]

The gameplay&#146;s the thing, though, and in Dark Age it&#146;s the best I&#146;ve yet experienced in an online RPG. [Feb 2002, p.77]

You're given a wider degree of freedom than in the series' past entries. [Dec 2003, p.144]

It's the execution that makes this game so damn good. The stellar visuals, amazing audio, and incredible attention to detail draw you into another world.

Fun and engrossing, an experience to remember. [Apr 2002, p.100]

If Ubisoft can fix the slew of multiplayer problems, the company just might have a real classic on its hands. [June 2004, p.84]

IO Interactive has fixed almost every flaw for Hitman 2; the result is an almost perfect blend of action and stealth. [Jan 2003, p113]

This is one shooter in which your tactical skills are rewarded more than your ability to line up targets. [June 2005, p.76]

This expansion is a compelling, dramatic WWII shooter with some of the most cinematic action ever converted into 1s and 0s - just like "Call of Duty." [Dec 2004, p.92]

A triumph of art direction, a prime example of exquisite aesthetics and of how well an imaginary world can be beautifully conceived.

The intended audience will eat it up. [June 2002, p.91]

The best computer hockey game ever, period. More visually sleek and refined than previous versions, NHL 2004 has new dynasty mode, international leagues, and an enhanced fight system, all of which elevate it to benchmark status.

Although it&#146;s shot through with bugs and screw-ups that would remand a lesser title to the bargain bin, the game itself is so damn good you&#146;ll forgive almost anything to keep playing. [Jan 2002, p.94]

Like a good meatloaf, it expertly scratches that comfort food itch, leaving you well-satisfied until the craving hits you again, months later - just in time for the inevitable expansion. [Jan 2005, p.94]

Just when you think the story is winding down, an incredible twist sends the narrative spiraling dramatically in another direction. [May 2005, p.86]

It's remarkably involving, challenging players without overwhelming them. [July 2002, p.62]

In this sequel to the award-winning original, the kinks have been pistol-whipped until smooth, resulting in a tightly wrapped, short, sweet -- and familiar -- "ballet of death."

The core gameplay is so well done and the mechanics are so clean. Thanks to the great A.I., there's no question of the game's longevity.

This is either a great standalone expansion pack or a slightly underachieving sequel. [June 2003, p.96]

Minus community support, amounts to a visually amazing, dependable, but overall mediocre online first-person shooter. [Jan 2003, p.96]

AOW2 effectively straddles that fine line between hands-on control and micromanagement busywork. [Sept 2002, p.86]

A shot of pure-grade real-time strategy adrenaline straight into the veins. [Holiday 2004, p.78]

In every way an improvement over its predecessor. [Jan 2002, p.108]

Firaxis not only added a pair of high-difficulty levels, but also clearly improved the A.I. [Apr 2004, p.88]

You don't need a barnburner system to get all of Madden's eye candy. [Holiday 2004, p.86]

We're all still playing this game night and day, long after the review is over. We love it, and sadly, we don't have much of a life outside of it. Thank God there aren't more MMO's like this one. [Aug 2004, p.72]

Simply put, SWAT 4 is just about the best tactical shooter available. Its outstandingly realistic and gripping play delivers everything a tac-sim fan craves. Now, if you'll excuse me, there are more perps in need of cuffing.

Hearts and souls have been poured into Wizardry 8 and it shows. [Mar 2002, p.87]

There are a multitude of play modes, but even the straightforward deathmatch and team deathmatch games are a blast, thanks to the species structure. [Feb 2002, p.85]

It's all here: the virtual keys to the teensy-weensy pearly gates of micromanagement heaven. [May 2005, p.93]

A new benchmark for hardcore racing sims...mostly. [Oct 2005, p.81]

Everything in 2.0 makes America's Army more intense, more gripping, and more deservinig of its status as the top tactical sim. [Mar 2004, p.79]

It might just be one of the best strategy games of 2001&#133;one of the most refreshing, engaging games released in a long time. [Jan 2002, p.98]

Indigo Prophecy marks a tremendous rebirth for a very stagnant genre. Let's hope its mature style serves as an inspiration for other developers.

The development team used some real forethought when creating this trilogy. From a plot-development standpoint, think of it as the anti-"Star Wars." [Feb 2006, p.82]

What makes Freelancer a compelling game is the sense of a living universe, vast areas begging for exploration, and the ability to hook up with friends online and start being either total bastards or glorious do-gooders together. [May 2003, p.86]

This is a very good follow-up to the best single-player role-playing game in years, and that's OK with me. KOTOR II is a big, often complex, mature piece of storytelling—and I'll take it over anything that's been onscreen with the Star Wars name in 25 years.

Technically great but lacks the heart that makes fans into fanatics. [Aug 2005, p.84]

The addition of werewolves is interesting, but the implementation isn't very exciting. [Sept 2003, p.96]

Works so well in third-person mode that it makes you wonder why it wasn't offered earlier. [Sept 2004, p.70]

This brilliantly desinged game breaks out of the cliches of the collectible-card-game genre ("Magic", "Pokemon", etc.) and provides gameplay that can rival that of the deepest of strategy games. [May 2004, p.84]

Square took the best things about single-player console RPGs and applied them to an MMO - a world densely populated by talkative NPCs, interesting, well-conceived quests, and a whole lot of visual gloss. [Feb 2004, p.84]

Offers just enough new content to warrant being called a sequel...It is like "Doom II" was to "Doom." [Apr 2002, p.96]

If you haven&#146;t downloaded the nude patch yet, go and grab it off the Web right now. Hot Date, like most things, is better with a little nudity! [Mar 2002, p.80]