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.

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

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.

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

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

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 presentation is second to none, the gameplay is addictive without being overbearing, and Sid Meier's signature "I-can't wait-to-see-what-happens-next" magic is here in full force. [Apr 2002, p.97]

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]

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

By impacting the micro and macro of Sims life, Unleashed isn't just a great addition, it's essential. [Dec 2002, p.122]

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.

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]

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

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]

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]

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]

If anything, it reminds us that ridiculous production values and high-powered rigs aren't always necessary to make a game that's just plain fun.

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]

Every shadowy corner in Icewind Dale II harbors one intense, challenging, and difficult battle after another. [Dec 2002, p.116]