A near-perfect blend of first-person shooting and smart-guy tactics. [Jan 2004, p.146]

Finally, we've got a 360 Tony Hawk game that looks like a 360 game. [Jan. 2007, p.97]

Mixing Walt Disney's colorful whimsy, the industrial distopias of French cinematographers Jeunet and Carot ("City of Lost Children"), and "Zelda" mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto's genius for flexible gameplay, BG&E is mesmerizing, ominous, and, most of all, memorable. [Dec 2003, p.200]

Appearances can be deceiving, and if you can look pas DWVII’s vintage outer shell, you’ll find one of the deepest, most satisfying RPGs the PS1—or any other console, for that matter—has yet seen. [Dec 2001, p.260]

But fans of the last game will be glad to know that the levels, traps, and puzzles are once again masterpieces of design. [Jan 2005, p.126]

The Xbox pad isn't the best for street fighting, but the online play was flawless during our testing. [March 2005, p.126]

Clever, addictive gameplay like this fits the Mario subject matter perfectly, but neither the story line (it's too cute to stomach, really) nor the visuals (can you say GBA?) do it justice. [Jan 2006, p.130]

For now, Resistance delivers a launch classic, but not quite the hoped-for "Halo" killer. [Jan. 2007, p.74]

The amazing 3D actin game that made capturing monkeys popular again. [Jan 2004, p.188]

The Orc-hacking gameplay has you tapping more than just one button 90 times a minute. [Feb 2003, p.154]

I'm a hardcore basketball fan, so 2K6 had me immersed immediately. The upgraded graphics help, but it's the ingenious shot stick that really dominates the feel of the game.

Rockstar could easily sell this game for full price, and it would still be well worth buying. [June 2002, p.120]

The dark humor knows just when to give you a good kick in the balls. And isn’t that what we’re really looking for in a video game? [Aug 2001, p.110]

What gives Mirra the slight edge over its competition is the game’s modifier system that, at the press of a button, lets you tweak and customize nearly every trick in the game. [Feb 2002, p.164]

But fans of the last game will be glad to know that the levels, traps, and puzzles are once again masterpieces of design. [Jan 2005, p.126]

Fight Night does what any good "sports sim" should: It teaches you how to excel at the sport it sims while still remaining fun, somehow. [May 2004, p.87]

Clever and unique, with more imagination in its weapons alone than other titles manage in their entirety, Stranger is a reminder of the importance of refinement and innovation in gaming. [Feb 2005, p.110]

Mixing Walt Disney's colorful whimsy, the industrial distopias of French cinematographers Jeunet and Carot ("City of Lost Children"), and "Zelda" mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto's genius for flexible gameplay, BG&E is mesmerizing, ominous, and, most of all, memorable. [Dec 2003, p.200]

It's slow, it's difficult, it's unapologetically complicated...but it's also incredibly realistic, unique, and engrossing. [Jan 2003, p.204]

The new modes help to streamline group play, and the radically diverse song selection rules. [Aug 2004, p.103]

Even with wussy characters and settings all over the place, the story and gameplay in Kingdom Hearts rivals the "Final Fantasy" series. [Oct 2002, p.182]

Beauty abounds in this game; the bright visuals and hypnotic driving beats complement the gameplay perfectly. An awesome on-the-go treat for your eyes, ears, and mind. [May 2005, p.91]

Offers the kind of over-the-top, seesaw multiplayer experience that keeps you reminiscing long after the game concludes, but also has a deep, fun single-player experience, thanks in part to the new minigames. [Feb 2005, p.98]

This sequel makes it fun to be the Prince again.

This sequel makes it fun to be the Prince again.

Essentially, if you like the way strategy games engage your faculty of forethought and resource management, then MGA2 will be (at least) a 30-hour trip into grid-based nirvana. [Apr 2006, p.106]

Taking the checkered flag involves strategy, which the Grudge/Alliance feature exemplifies perfectly. Still, the controls are a bit too unforgiving for the casual racing fan. [Oct 2003, p.132]

Devil May Cry 4 is easily the best DMC since the original--and it's loaded with massive replay value--but some puzzling design choices ensure that Capcom still has plenty of work to do. [Mar 2008, p.77]

Thanks to some intelligent tweaks, you'll now find a much better balance between offense and defense. It's not as easy to blow by a defender on the perimeter, but when you do, the adjusted A.I. compensates and another defender picks you up.

You can call an RPG a lot of things - compelling, cinematic, thought-provoking - but rarely addictive. Dark Cloud 2 is completely, utterly addictive. [Mar 2003, p.111]

Even though Tricky isn’t completely fresh, it’s substantial enough to squash any challengers out there. [Jan 2002, p.222]

The “ain’t broke, don’t fix” approach is evident: The fundamental rhythms and patterns of the game haven’t changed, the structure of the career mode remains intact, and the set list is stocked with hits (as well as a few stinkers). [Dec 2007, p.102]

Take a self-guided tour of Little America - it's not every day you get to fly an autogyro. [Jan 2004, p.189]

The spirit of skateboarding in game form. Truly amazing. [Jan 2004, p.189]

Finally, a Japanese role-playing game for everyone who hates how talky and slow-moving the genre has become--Silmeria thrusts you into an action-packed quest laden with complex dungeons, tricky puzzles, and plenty of intense, strategic combat. [Sept. 2006, p.104]

For me, the big thing is feeling like I'm actually on the ice. ESPN's physics and skating put me there. "NHL 2005" is too stiff compared with the flow in 2K5. [Oct 2004, p.99]

For whatever reason, shooting down scores of TIEs never, ever gets old. [Jan 2004, p.189]

Gameplay is instinctive, chaotic, and breathtaking. Unfortunately, the entire thing is still very linear, a bit too segmented, and repetitive. [May 2003, p.124]

Otogi has incredible art direction, virtually flawless controls, and one of the most addictive (and rewarding) combat systems out there. Hack-n-slash in 3D has never been this good on Xbox. [Oct 2003, p.154]

I can't remember the last time I had this much fun with a racing game. [Dec 2002, p.202]

Immediately approachable by anyone, and no boxing sim has ever made the sport more accessible in all its bloody glory than this year's Fight Night.

The ability to steer every object, projectile, and hurled corpse with motion control adds an unprecedented layer of complexity and fun to an otherwise familiar fare. [Oct 2007, p.92]

One of the best licensed games of this generation and one of the best brawlers since the days of Billy and Jimmy Lee.

ESPN's franchise mode is much improved, but I'm not entirely sold in its biggest addition, Weekly Prep, either. [Sept 2004, p.94]

Round 3 addresses the imbalances of the previous games for a more realistic but still gripping experience. [Apr 2006, p.88]

This game hangs with the best of them, and in a few areas, outskates even "Tony 3." [August 2002, p.123]

BO is literally one big blast after the other. Keep in mind, though, that the “Online” in BO is really what you make of it. [Dec 2001, p.260]

This Namco fighter lets you use weapons to kick your opponent's ass. [Jan 2004, p.189]

The game rewards players that communicate and work together, but even if you go lone wolf and cause trouble with land mines, you're going to have a good time. Just don't be surprised when you dishonorably discharge all those old offline war games in your library.

Delivers a long, satisfying experience with a good mix of platforming and exploration-style gameplay. [Dec 2002, p.214]

It borrows from the best of Sony's series, but its own unique GT mode, aggressive A.I. and simplified upgrade system make SGT feel like a very different game. [Oct 2002, p.202]

So while Legend may not innovate, it works, and I had a ball playing it. [May 2006, p.97]

Live gets the nod from me this season, partly 'cause of its extras, which include a three-point and surprisingly deep slam-dunk contest. [Bryan; Dec 2004, p.158]

The puzzles provide an awesome balance of manual dexterity and mental prowess, and the game's pacing is spot on. [Mar 2006, p.116]

This is a thinking man's game; jump out and rush like Rambo and not even a pair of well-oiled pecs will save you.

The outstanding music and the tension of pursuit make this a first-person experience like few others. [Dec 2008, p.65]

It's kind of a letdown that the only major difference in MP4 is the sharp GameCube visuals. [Jan 2003, p.187]

Live gets the nod from me this season, partly 'cause of its extras, which include a three-point and surprisingly deep slam-dunk contest. [Bryan; Dec 2004, p.158]

Spend a day or two learning the controls; the experience is addictive and as smooth as the business end of your gloves. The only thing I missed was the lack of much truly new with this version-I'd kill for a sleazy, mobster-ridden promoter mode, for example.

Does a fantastic job of putting you into the world of the movie through its graphically stunning reproductions of the film's war-torn sets, smooth transitions from thriling cinema clips, into exciting gameplay, [and] top-notch voice work. [Dec 2003, p.181]

One of the best licensed games of this generation and one of the best brawlers since the days of Billy and Jimmy Lee.

An unapologetic, balls-out sim that requires a serious time investment from the player. [May 2002, p.114]

Immediately approachable by anyone, and no boxing sim has ever made the sport more accessible in all its bloody glory than this year's Fight Night.

Does a fantastic job of putting you into the world of the movie through its graphically stunning reproductions of the film's war-torn sets, smooth transitions from thriling cinema clips, into exciting gameplay, [and] top-notch voice work. [Dec 2003, p.181]

The strategy's here, as are some squint-inducing graphics; just be prepared for the long-term commitment. [Mar 2006, p.110]

It's been a while since I played a game with such engaging, pure, and thrilling action, and on top of the excellent single-player game, there's a pretty cool co-op mode to nicely round out the package. [Apr 2004, p.114]

But Tactics is still engrossing, time-consuming fun. [Nov 2007, p.116]

The highly acclaimed sequel to Namco's arcade-style flight sim. [Jan 2004, p.188]

This sequel feels like the original game on expert mode - and that's a good thing. [July 2008, p.81]

Aside from offering a deeper, feature-heavy dynasty mode (now complete with minor league squads), 2004 revolutionizes the art of videogame batting muich like 2003 did with pitching. [Apr 2004, p.117]

It's a truly beautiful game, too, spanning from the lush forest of Ewok-infested Endor the to the Tatooine desert (complete with hostile Tusken Raiders.) And it's just plain cool to see Darth Vader walking around kicking ass. [Nov 2004, p.124]

I've never played a movie-based game that stays so true to its source material. [Feb 2003, p.147]

Perfectly tuned to the 360 controller, it's killer racing action for newbie and veteran alike. [Dec 2007, p.123]

The linear missions and non-interactive environments don't hold their own when compared to feature-rich PS2 shooters like "Red Faction" or "Deus Ex." But none of that matters, because in this game, presentation is everything. [July 2002, p.116]

Nothing on the Legacy of Kain scale, but compared to the SNES carts it’s like a mosquito that won’t leave you alone. [Aug 2001, p.112]

This is, without a doubt, the best first-person shooter you'll find on the PS2. [Dec 2002, p.224]

It's sad that two years after SOCOM II, the A.I. has improved so little. Ditto for the graphics.

The concentration required to go six or so laps without hitting walls or A.I. cars is incredible but also really rewarding. [June 2005, p.100]

Live gets the nod from me this season, partly 'cause of its extras, which include a three-point and surprisingly deep slam-dunk contest. [Bryan; Dec 2004, p.158]

The game's overall length and number of hidden surprises is downright daunting, yet the story is so paper-thin, the series still lacks the impetus necessary to motivate casual racers through nearly 50 hours of gameplay. [Holiday 2004, p.96]

Great! Now even dorky white gamers think they can rap. [Jan 2004, p.188]

Easily the best platformer on the PS2. [Nov 2002, p.288, Chris]

Still, even with the new levels, simpler event progression, and slightly upgraded graphics, this feels too much like my last SSX winter getaway. Next season, I want to go somewhere new and exciting.

Does a fantastic job of putting you into the world of the movie through its graphically stunning reproductions of the film's war-torn sets, smooth transitions from thriling cinema clips, into exciting gameplay, [and] top-notch voice work. [Dec 2003, p.181]

Complete with its stunning re-creation of Oahu, Test Drive lets you live the fantasy of driving the tires off exotic cars better than any prior attempt. [Nov. 2006, p.118]

I just wish the game offered a wider array of activities...simple arithmetic has only so much staying power. [Jun 2006, p.120]

Losing the NFL license is the best thing that ever happened to Blitz-it's finally the hardcore, over-the-top pigskin game Blitz is supposed to be.

"OK, Bulbasaur, you're on the beach, you're happy...give me some frolic, Bulby!" [Jan 2004, p.189]

Boasting some of the most inspired aesthetics since "Panzer Dragoon," SG conjres a sense of flight and freedom so convincing, you'll want to nose dive out of the sun and into and enemy's blind spot just because you can. [August 2002, p.130]

Online play alone will make this cartridge a near-permanent fixture in my DS. [Mar 2008, p.83]

Splinter Cell still offers the most unique multiplayer around, and Double Agent will keep me happily entertained for quite some time--probably well past Fisher's retirement party. [Dec. 2006, p.121]

Even if the game is largely formulaic, Capcom still pulls it off better than anyone else out there. [Jan 2003, p.190]

ESPN's franchise mode is much improved, but I'm not entirely sold in its biggest addition, Weekly Prep, either. [Sept 2004, p.94]

The gaping chasm between FIFA and "Winning Eleven" may now be a photo finish. [Dec 2004, p.156]

Despite the wealth of eye-candy, the true brilliance behind the game is the sharp level design. [Sept 2001, p.141]

So while Legend may not innovate, it works, and I had a ball playing it. [May 2006, p.97]

It's a truly beautiful game, too, spanning from the lush forest of Ewok-infested Endor the to the Tatooine desert (complete with hostile Tusken Raiders.) And it's just plain cool to see Darth Vader walking around kicking ass. [Nov 2004, p.124]

That the game's multiplayer co-op is integrated perfectly with the single-player campaign, allowing friends to jump right in and join at any point without any fuss, is just gravy. It's something I'd love to see other developers do more of. [Mar 2007, p.90]