A cheese-filled jalapeno of action. [Jan 2005, p.98]

Conjures up an engaging mix of tactical combat and RPG gameplay with good replay value thanks to skirmish and multiplayer options. [Feb 2002, p.82]

A good adaptation of the movie, but the controls could be easier. [Sept 2004, p.76]

No one should play "DAOC" without Shrouded Isles. [Apr 2003, p.106]

The multiplayer and mechanics of combat are finely tuned, but aren't enough to lift Halo past its dated single-player, lack of graphical upgrades, and only competent performance. [Dec 2003, p.124]

Fun and ambitious, but not nearly as substantial as it wants you to think it is. [Nov 2005, p.96]

Snazzy graphics, professional voice acting, and captivating gameplay combine to create what is easily the highpoint of the series. [July 2002, p.78]

Unlike many expansions, Titans gives a lot of bang for the buck—it's just not a very loud bang, falling short of energizing an aging game.

If simulating multiple seasons in a sitting is your dream, this is your game. [Aug 2005, p.85]

Adds a refreshing twist to what could have been a tiresome game. [Sept 2002, p.85]

A complete game experience that's compelling, if sometimes unwieldy. [August 2002, p.79]

It'll eventually dawn on you that you're playing the world's most elaborate version of tic-tac-toe. [Holiday 2004, p.94]

The newest addition to the offensive game-Freestyle Superstars-allows you to execute a dazzling and fun array of passing, shooting, and dribbling moves with your star players. Unfortunately, the joy of these moves is counteracted by the extremely frustrating inability of players to make layups and other close-in shots.

Love it or hate it, DOD's war is an apparently contradictory compulsion.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is a surprisingly fun title. The 7-year-old gives [it] four stars. [Mar 2002, p.88]

A solid racing game that still pales in comparison to Papyrus' "NASCAR Racing 2002." [Feb 2003, p.92]

It doesn't seem quite as good as the first Spider-Man game from Activision. [August 2002, p.74]

It might be a rough console port, but it's still the best soccer game on any platform. [Feb 2004, p.89]

I can also forgive the fact that at times, it's just too damn hard, even at the lowest difficulty level. For $20, though, you can get a lot of bang for your buck. [Aug 2003, p.77]

Rockstar Games has taken what it learned from the "Grand Theft Auto" series and used it to deliver a solid driving experience. [Oct 2003, p.122]

Gorgeous, with great lighting effects, tremendous fireballs, and richly detailed models. [Mar 2002, p.79]

A diamond in the rough. [Oct 2005, p.80]

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?

This game definitely isn't for everyone, but masochists who find fascination in supply wagons, attrition, and the confusion of horse-powered communications might find it enjoyable...and become closer friends with their inner geek. [Dec 2004, p.99]

MVP makes up for its lack of polish with good looks and plenty of polish. [June 2004, p.85]

Fast paced and flawed, but ultimately enjoyable. [June 2005, p.88]

With its low price tag, it's definitely recommended for shooter fans with even an inkling of interest in WWII. [Mar 2003, p.103]

A solid war game with the worst dialogue and acting ever. [June 2005, p.90]