FlatOut doesn't have nearly enough variety in its tracks. Though the layouts will change (sometimes only slightly), there are only a few landscapes, and they do get repetitive. This minor complaint aside, FlatOut is a great arcade-style racer.

The engineer's bayonet kill might be the most satisfying frag since "Half-Life"'s crowbar kills. [May 2003, p.92]

The ability to fire behind cover effectively in Vietcong is a notable feature lacking in almost every shooter game to date. [May 2004, p.82]

This is a completely different, intense experience, and if you're a fan of either flight sims or racing, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try. [Apr 2002, p.98]

Wisely focuses on humankind's hedonistic tendencies, with less emphasis on acquisition and more on enjoying life outside the house.

A tad creaky, but pepped up with plenty of spine-tingling and head-scratching action. [Jan 2005, p.106]

An epic strategy game for conquerors who want more than just the standard RTS. [Aug 2005, p.86]

Gorgeous and exhilarating, though needlessly gory and combatcentric. [March 2005, p.72]

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

Fate isn't going to glue new brain cells inside your skull, but it isn't going to murder the ones you have. It's a good time, it really never reaches an end, and it may be the best way to while away the lifetime between now and "Diablo III."

More monsters to kill and guns to shoot them with. You were expecting, maybe, a love story? [Aug 2005, p.72]

Fun... but you'll forget which side you're on until the police drones zap you. [Feb 2006, p.69]

Calling it an homage, an interpretation, a clone, or even a rip-off doesn't change the fact that it's a damn fine game. [March 2005, p.75]

Unlike most adventure games, you'll often find multiple solutions here. [Apr 2005, p.88]

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

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

Where Bloodlines really shines is in the world it creates, a nightmarish hell lurking just beneath the seedy surface of nighttime Los Angeles. [Feb 2005, p.82]

A solid entry that makes some great, if initially unapparent, changes to the standard formula. [Feb 2004, p.66]

Empire Earth’s kitchen sink design is too massive (if at time unwieldy) to be darkened by the shadow cast by a dozen games. [Feb 2002, p.94]

The shift in emphasis to tending the whims of your Sims has left the economic model a bit shaky. [Mar 2003, p.84]

Above all, the writing and voice acting are far superior to most other videogames'. [Oct 2005, p.76]

With all the action and unlockable DVD-like special features, this is not only a good game that drags you right into the movie, it's also a fantastic supplement for die-hard Rings fans. [Feb 2004, p.70]

It's somewhat strange that Tribunal, the first official expansion, is so confining. [Mar 2003, p.96]

The most significant improvement over past Myst games is a stronger integration of the story with the puzzles. [Holiday 2004, p.90]

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]

If you happen to be an X-Men fan and enjoy running through fairly linear, enemy-filled levels, smashing up highly destructible environments, and collecting scads of shiny items, Rise of Apocalypse ain't a bad way to spend a few Friday nights with some friends-and it's still a hell of a lot better than those damn comics.

Good, but we crave more. MORE BRAINS! [Feb 2006, p.78]

This game's perpetually unnerving ambience, interesting puzzles, and unique ghost story may very well help you forgive its graphical flaws. [Nov 2003, p.129]