CT3 brings all the best aspects of the first two games together and packages them with a third city that's simply loads of fun to play. [August 2002, p.132]

Anyone who doesn't fall for the unique characters, hilarious dialogue, and brilliantly conceived environments of Psychonauts has no soul. The James Brown of games, Psychonauts' personality overcomes its flaws. [May 2005, p.136]

Loads of awesome game types to play with your buds. [August 2002, p.136]

I must have yelled "Oh wow!" at least 900 times when I first booted up RayStorm. The polygonal enemies and terrain look phenomenal, making this the most eye-catching PS title yet. [July 1997]

The A.I. is occasionally suspect, but getting a fun solo game in addition to the legendary multiplayer just helps round out the experience.

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.

But the tricky puzzles and problems here offer more complexity and variety than "Brain Age's", making this a must-buy for the phenomenally addictive multiplayer action alone. [July 2006, p.97]

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]

Along with top-notch handling and car physics, you'll find a meaty championship mode, wicked terrain, and dazzling weather effects (tackling the Japan course during a torrential downpour is especially impressive) under McRae's hood. [Apr 2004, p.122]

None of the different control options on the DS come close to providing the effortless precision the analog stick delivers. Also, outside of the occasionally entertaining Wario Ware—style micro minigames, Mario DS doesn't make good use of the hardware's unique features.

The difficulty won't have you curling up into the fetal position, rocking yourself to sleep, however -the game is engaging with all that strategy and, thankfully, plenty of save points.

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]

A short but sweet platformer that, unlike Kirby, definitely does not suck. [Jan 2004, p.189]

What really launches Monkey Ball into the stratosphere is the multiplayer. [Oct 2002, p.194]

It’s hard not to love CT2, but it’s harder to like it as much as the original. [Aug 2001, p.111]

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]

With rock-solid gameplay and plenty of creeps, Bloodshot finds its soul by making your heart race. [Apr 2008, p.74]

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]

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]

"Quite challenging" is quite right. Casual freeriders should stay off these slopes: If you're not serious about nailing those sick-scoring combos, you won't get very far in this game. [Dec 2003, p.222]

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

DM2 has got to be the fastest-moving sports game on the planet. [Nov 2001, p.206]

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

Champions reminds me of the classic action of "Gauntlet," only with infinitely more depth. Fantastic visuals, fun combat, complex and superbly designed dungeons, and even an engaging story line combine to keep players enraptured. [March 2004, p.116]

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

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.

SH2’s unnerving mood is so immersive, almost deafening, that it overshadows some of the technical faults…This game will scare you. [Nov 2001, p.212]

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]

I love the new minigames because you don't need grace or rhythm; they're all about just moving your feet as fast as possible, without the frustration of trying to stay on beat. [Nov 2004, p.143]

Nearly as sharp and detailed as the characters in an anime movie, X2's fighters spring to life with fluid visuals that put "Street Fighter III"'s to shame. [Mar 2003, p.126]

As with the last Battlefront, I still feel like I'm controlling cheap plastic toys rather than real soldiers, tanks, or spaceships. Everything looks and feels so insubstantial, with no tangible weight or physics.

As unique as it is captivating with great controls (outside of a small problem with bomb-carrying Pikmin) making it all possible. [Jan 2002, p.200]

With all of those unique traits, I wish there had been more ways to show off my little troopers. An "Animal Crossing"-style society and level of interaction would have been a perfect fit. [Oct 2005, p.124]

More unique battlegrounds, different attack ranges and effects, a new mechanic or two - the Emblem formula would benefit from some added complexity. [July 2005, p.117]

A high level of rider and bike customization and goodly amount of attribute points to be earned mean you'll be playing this one for quite a while. [July 2003, p.106]

Far more satisfying than its predecessor. In fact, it's one of the most satisfying story-driven shooters you can play right now, as well as the latest success in the drive to make games as deep and engaging as movies.

Lives up to the name with its spot-on portrayal - from gameplay to atmosphere - of the intercollegiate hardwood. [Jan 2005, p.128]

Every few minutes, I have to remind myself: Relax the death grip. Unclench the jaw. Wipeout is that intense. [June 2005, p.108]

What really lights my fire is the Career mode…Second on my list of great stuff is the sweet control. [Dec 2001, p.244]

It's one of the most polished games I've played since "The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction." [Nov 2005, p.138]

Playing solo does grow old, and a few of the minigames are more tedious than fun, but the solid gameplay will have you and some buds up till all hours of the morning to get in more more round. Good times. [Holiday 2004, p.140]

For me, this is what I had hoped "MotorStorm" would have delivered. With the exception of online racing, Dirt delivers on much of what that game so sorely lacked. [Aug 2007, p.78

For years I've been saying that the only significant problem with the Tiger games is the putting interface. So what did they do this year? They made putting harder by removing caddy tips and employing the same analog swing interface as tee shots.

For years I've been saying that the only significant problem with the Tiger games is the putting interface. So what did they do this year? They made putting harder by removing caddy tips and employing the same analog swing interface as tee shots.

A chaotic, testosterone-filled mess of car wrecks and bulet holes. I love it. [Mar 2006, p.96]

This game gets no points for creativity whatsoever... That said, Murray is loads of fun and provides that twitchy instant gratification every well-implemented action-sports title should. [July 2003, p.108]

It's the innovative use of the right analog stick that seals the deal. [Dec 2002, p.212]

There hasn't been a more thrilling motocross game since Nintendo's "Excitebike 64." [August 2002, p.124]

If you find "Halo 2's" multiplayer a little slow, try Unreal... A return to the whiplash speed of "Quake," UC2 is deathmatch at its most claustrophobic and relentless. [May 2005, p.137]

With all of those unique traits, I wish there had been more ways to show off my little troopers. An "Animal Crossing"-style society and level of interaction would have been a perfect fit. [Oct 2005, p.124]

The game's gorgeous graphics will work your eyes just as hard as the battles work your thumb, too. [Aug 2004, p.110]

The thrill of the chase rarely gets more intense than when you're yelling Pac-Man's whereabouts to your two ghostly partners.

Pick up Resurrection and you'll discover how robust a PSP game can be--the great fighting just sweetens the package. [Sept. 2006, p.109]

These new free-roaming, carjacking Haven City segments are both Jak II's triumph and biggest failing. They're a triumph because they add variety and give you some control over what you tackle next, yet they fail because they're punch-you-in-the-gut difficult. [Nov 2003, p.182]

Xboxers luck out with the most polished Burnout yet, and a handful of thoughtful tweaks will inspire envy in PS2 and GC vets. [July 2003, p.121]

This incredible compilation is a dream team of sorts for anyone old enough to remember having to <I>out</I> to play the best videogames. [Jan 2004, p.128]

Outside of the somewhat annoying need to replay missions over and over in order to move on in the game, Spy Hunter is totally solid. [Nov 2001, p.210]

While the crème de la crème of RPGs (like "KOTOR1") deliver a gripping tale that sucks you in to its world even further, this narrative is a horribly slow burn, and worse, predictable. [Feb 2005, p.112]

Grandia's semi-real-time battles are superb, offering just the right balance of strategy and visual flair, and the new aerial combos are a blast. The plot starts to suffer a bit on disc 2, and the quest is fairly linear, but the fun battles and quick pacing will keep you hooked.

My biggest gripe is stil the size of the game - it's not tiny, but it's also not big enough to match the otherwise epic feel of Fable. The world might be as deep as an ocean, but it doesn't matter so much when it's only the size of a swimming pool. [Nov 2004, p.146]

It's the great gameplay and intense, "Harlem Globetrotter" action that really keep NBA Street trucking. [May 2002, p.112]

FIFA's Off-the-Ball control not only increases your offensive potency tenfold but also provides hardcore soccer studs with an added level of gameplay they've been beggin' for from the series. Plus, no other game of footie has such stellar graphics or electrifying stadium atmosphere. [Dec 2003, p.204]

Simplicity is bliss, and these puzzles are satisfying, but Picross requires patience of both the mental and physical variety. [Sept 2007, p.98]

It's one of the most polished games I've played since "The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction." [Nov 2005, p.138]

Handily bests the Crash games in every way. [Jan 2002, p.210]

What clever things Future Perfect does within its trek-across-the-time-continuum framework... It works in the only way it can: with a whole lot of humor. [April 2005, p.115]

May just be the best party game ever made. [Dec 2001, p.254]

For years I've been saying that the only significant problem with the Tiger games is the putting interface. So what did they do this year? They made putting harder by removing caddy tips and employing the same analog swing interface as tee shots.

The sequel packs the same simple visuals and strategy system, but I think the rewarding gameplay's even better this time around. [July 2003, p.122]

This incredible compilation is a dream team of sorts for anyone old enough to remember having to <I>out</I> to play the best videogames. [Jan 2004, p.128]

A basic hack-'n'-slash game, albeit a really good one. [Jan 2003, p.174]

Its top game speed, Lightning (yes, that's what they call it), keeps the action firing at an intense clip without sacrificing skater physics. In other words, it's slippery fast, but not in a cheesy, pretend way. [May 2002, p.114]

I'm all about bringing the embarrassment, insanity, and fun of karaoke bars into living rooms across our nation - this is a game that anyone can pick up and instantly enjoy. [Dec 2003, p.216]

Incredibly innovative, wickedly addictive gameplay is the compelling reason to pick this up. It's pure genius. [May 2003, p.126]

This is an RPG anyone can get behind, with depths to plumb that I simply don't have space to mention. Give it a shot. [Nov 2005, p.143]

This may not be an innovative title, but it's an excellent example of developers really nailing a game's design and clearly shows what separates the experts from the amateurs.

The only disappointment here, besides the frustrating new co-op mode (trying to coordinate movement just adds another layer and slows the game down), is how little has changed. [Nov 2005, p.144]

FIFA's Off-the-Ball control not only increases your offensive potency tenfold but also provides hardcore soccer studs with an added level of gameplay they've been beggin' for from the series. Plus, no other game of footie has such stellar graphics or electrifying stadium atmosphere. [Dec 2003, p.204]

It's hard to complain when you're getting two classics (and "PSIII") at such a bargain price - just be prepared for a challenge. [Feb 2003, p.158]

It's hard to hate a game that looks this pretty. [May 2005, p.130]

Still, I love how The Bigs has the bells and whistles without the SlugFest-style BS like punch-throwing or loop-de-loop curves. [Aug 2007, p.76]

On the PS2, 2K2 is a faster, more arcade-like experience than it was on the DC. [Jan 2002, p.216]

Lives up to the name with its spot-on portrayal - from gameplay to atmosphere - of the intercollegiate hardwood. [Jan 2005, p.128]

What clever things Future Perfect does within its trek-across-the-time-continuum framework... It works in the only way it can: with a whole lot of humor. [April 2005, p.115]

UT3 may be a bit light on strategy, but it's heavy on fast, frantic mayhem. [Feb 2008, p.80]

Still, I love how The Bigs has the bells and whistles without the SlugFest-style BS like punch-throwing or loop-de-loop curves. [Aug 2007, p.76]

It's one of the most polished games I've played since "The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction." [Nov 2005, p.138]

Ex affords you a kind of gameplay latitude I haven't seen from any other action shooter. [June 2002, p.110]

By ironing out the wildly unfair difficulty spikes, cutting down on the dullsville between-mission backtracking, and offering kinder, more frequent mission midpoints, Jak 3 (unlike Jak II) succeeds at making you not want to snap it in half.

It’s like every aspect of 2D fighting history converging on a single screen, and it’s almost mind-boggling. [Dec 2001, p.236]

A strategy junkie's dream come true. [May 2002, p.115]

I defy you to find a blaster that gives you more hours of gameplay than this redux of the three-year old PC game. [Dec 2001, p.242]

My only complaint is the cliffhanger ending, a setup for this summer's sequel. DDS is a challenging ride with good gameplay and slick presentation. [May 2005, p.132]

With all of those unique traits, I wish there had been more ways to show off my little troopers. An "Animal Crossing"-style society and level of interaction would have been a perfect fit. [Oct 2005, p.124]

What clever things Future Perfect does within its trek-across-the-time-continuum framework... It works in the only way it can: with a whole lot of humor. [April 2005, p.115]

This incredible compilation is a dream team of sorts for anyone old enough to remember having to <I>out</I> to play the best videogames. [Jan 2004, p.128]

FIFA's Off-the-Ball control not only increases your offensive potency tenfold but also provides hardcore soccer studs with an added level of gameplay they've been beggin' for from the series. Plus, no other game of footie has such stellar graphics or electrifying stadium atmosphere. [Dec 2003, p.204]

Underwater flying, several sweet detachable gun bits, a traditional stage-long battleship enounter...Final is an R-Type fanatic's dream and the best thing to happen to side-scrolling shooters since "G-Darius" (PS1) [March 2004, p.119]