Cancel the carolers--this is the only entertainment you'll need at your holiday party.

The new "Devil May Cry"-like control scheme makes it easy to quickly change targets and evade swarms of Genma demons. [July 2004, p.96]

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.

It's fun as hell. looks great, and might have the most visceral destruction-derby gameplay since those old "Destruction Derby" PS1 games from Reflections. [Nov 2007, p.111]

All it really offers over the first game is a second character and a new skill or two - yet it never feels tired or rehashed. [Holiday 2004, p.101]

Pure gaming bliss, offering precise and simple control over every action on the court. [Jan 2002, p.232]

All it really offers over the first game is a second character and a new skill or two - yet it never feels tired or rehashed. [Holiday 2004, p.101]

Although Namco's "Smash Court" plays similarly and boasts big names like Agassi, Sampras, and Kournikova, it is Sega's superior gameplay and mighty World Tour mode that win out in the end. [Sept 2002, p.152]

I can look past your repetitive combat, formulaic structure and sometimes misleading game design. It's your stylish presentation, puzzles and ability to mess with a guy's head that's gonna make me own you. Literally. [Sept 2002, p.161]

The same addictive Zelda-meets-Metal Gear gameplay returns here, and its satisfying mix of slashing, shooting, and roleplaying never disappoints. [Mar 2007, p.94]

Easily the best Harvest Moon yet. [Jan 2002, p.222]

What initially seemed overly mathematical and number-crunchingly complex has now taken over my psyche. When I close my eyes I see pulsating dice in fabulous combinations. [Sept 2003, p.113]

As accurate a port as one could hope for on GBA - the 3D engine runs smoothly, mimicking the look and feel of the GC game while maintaining its tight controls. [Feb 2003, p.158]

Sucks all these sci-fi staples together into some kind of cliche black hole that also happens to look killer and deliver serious scares and thrills. [June 2005, p.96]

GRAW2 may not make the same splash as its predecessor, but it's still a no-doubt award winner. [May 2007, p.85]

Of all the light gun games I've ever played, Elemental Gearbolt definitely has the best atmosphere. The 3D graphics are beautiful and very Panzer Dragoon-esque in design, while the music is just...soothing. [Aug 1998]

I still wholly recommend "NBA 2K3," but Live looks like it's back on the upswing. [Dec 2002, p.258]

If only the game put you in a few more situations that demanded strategy. I had a fun enough time sprinting from one massive firefight to the next, nailing glowy-eyed enemies like paper targets, but I only felt the need to pick a particular gun or change bionics about half the time.

Most hockey games serve up similarly snazzy visuals, tight control, and expansive options, but none of 'em focus on purely wild-and-fun gameplay like this. [Oct 2003, p.136]

For what's ostensibly a collection of minigames, Feel the Magic seems amazingly cohesive.

Finishing the game takes just a few hours, and after you're done, there's little incentive to play again... Still great fun and better than most platformers out there. [Jan 2003, p.210]

The best part of Zeon is its massive 100-plus mission tree that puts you on the frontlines as a grunt on either side of the war. [Nov 2002, p.283]

Breakdown is the most boring game I [Crispin] have ever played. Its pacing is just off - especially in the first half, when you dart through lame environments for too long, with nary a bulgy-veined monster to muss your hair. [May 2004, p.99]

I'm all for surreal games, so Mirage gets my vote in that department. But all of that weirdness aside, the game is extremely original and provides tons of depth. And when you couple that with the Treasure name you get something you truly special and fun. [Feb 1998]

Even though gameplay is pretty much the opposite of innovation (with the exception of the multiple characters, and more chances to drive a tank compared to the PC version), the presentation is second to none. [Jan 2005, p.124]

Edging out its PS2 brother with enhanced graphics and a new mini-scenario, SH2:RD is the definitive version of Konami’s foggy frightfest. [Jan 2002, p.230]

Nice graphics aside, the real strength of Le Mans lies in its superb controls and physics, a well-balanced system that walks the fine line between realism and fun. [Oct 2001, p.145]

FM4 is taxing on the ol' noggin...But you just can't beat FM4's deep (and plentiful) gameplay and high production values. [July 2004, p.99]

Easily a contender for sleeper hit of the year, providing an excellent mix of platform-style exploration and fast-paced, action-packed gunplay that manages to stay fresh and interesting throughout. [Dec 2003, p.199]

Atlus separates the men from the quivering, weeping boys with one of the funniest, deepest, and downright dastardly RPG's you'll ever play. [Oct 2003, p.150]

Even though it's easier than before to bail yourself out with Plan B and a submachine gun if you do get caught, the subtler assassinations are usually worth the trying and dying. [June 2004, p.90]

The game is a whole lotta fun. The pacing's a bit off--the story missions seem to take forever on the first few mountains, then you scream through the last three.

Keeping the "set" locations small allows for some impressive and immersive detail--throw in quality script and voice acting, and the whole experience is compelling enough (and very well paced) to transcend its brief playtime. [Aug 2007, p.74]

Daunting as the setup might be, give Chronicles a chance and you'll likely get hooked. It's a simple, beautiful, and rewarding experience. [Mar 2004, p.124]

A nifty, if linear, action-RPG. [August 2002, p.136]

If you're able to accept the unorthodox control scheme, the mediocre single-player game (at least it has one), a troublesome camera, and the lack of an effective lock-on mechanism, then you're tough enough to reap Monster Hunter's unique benefits. [Dec 2004, p.162]

Fast, pretty, and controls almost perfectly. [Mar 2003, p.134]

WSB2K3's lifelike player models, fluid animations, and countless customization options help it stand out among this year's crop of baseball games. [Apr 2003, p.132]

It's still quite a good game--I just wonder why it feels like a step back from the previous trology. [Jan 2009, p.69]

I love good golf games, and this is one of the better ones I've seen of late. [Oct 2001, p.158]

Midway did an excellent job of retaining the old Blitz flair and trademark never-say-die-gameplay while introducing more players, tons of killer animation, and funnier commentary. [May 2002, p.108]

One of the prettiest, most involving RPGs to hit the GBA. [Dec 2002, p.272]

Even though gameplay is pretty much the opposite of innovation (with the exception of the multiple characters, and more chances to drive a tank compared to the PC version), the presentation is second to none. [Jan 2005, p.124]

Nearly every aspect of the game impresses, except for the airborne Quidditch matches. [Dec 2002, p.272]

Easy to get into, intensely fun, and horribly addictive - the best racer on the Cube by a long shot. [June 2003, p.80]

Eliminating enemy forces and hoisting our country's colors high above Manhattan rooftops never feels repetitive... Sadly, Freedom Fighters is over too quickly, it's easily completed during a weekend sitting. [Oct 2003, p.131]

Mystical Ninja had a nation of young adults spiking and dying their hair. Or not. [Jan 2004, p.189]

Combined with razor-sharp controls, this is one of the fastest, most responsive fighting games I’ve ever played. [Jan 2002, p.232]

Sucks all these sci-fi staples together into some kind of cliche black hole that also happens to look killer and deliver serious scares and thrills. [June 2005, p.96]

Make weird customizable beasts, then let them kill each other. [Jan 2004, p.188]

You know a soccer title is doing it right when a match can end in a scoreless tie and you've had as much fun as when you've lit up the scoreboard. And this is in large part due to WE9's A.I., which plays such a smart brand of footy that it continually keeps you on your toes.

Rocket Slime is that rarest of breeds: a kid's game that completely rocks. [Oct. 2006, p.118]

2K5's fielding - which was well balanced last year - has become too slick. It still feels great and moves fast, but unless you adjust some of the gameplay sliders, expect plenty of web gems - to many to be realistic. [April 2005, p.113]

Pulse's career mode is perhaps its biggest achievement, with a progression system set up in grids that unlock as you go. [Mar 2008, p.84]

Like many, I was pretty bitter at the loss of the originally planned single-player mode, but what Warhawk ultimately evolved into is a fantastic, accessible take on "Battlefield". [Oct 2007, p.94]

Might not be the deepest racing experience you'll ever have, but it's very satisfying. [August 2002, p.130]

EOJ's longevity will depend largely on the planned release of new cards (building your own deck is crucial to the fun), but this is a solid start to a potential phenomenon. [Dec 2007, p.110]

The game’s graphics seem tighter and less warpy than before, all making this a superior game to its predecessor. [Aug 2001, p.112]

An attractive, engrossing, complex adventure that easily ranks alongside heavyweights like "Golden Sun" and "Lunar Legend." [Mar 2003, p.134]

Easily a contender for sleeper hit of the year, providing an excellent mix of platform-style exploration and fast-paced, action-packed gunplay that manages to stay fresh and interesting throughout. [Dec 2003, p.199]

As deep as any RPG, but its focus on fast-paced gameplay makes it as visceral as the spazziest beat 'em up. [Jan 2003, p.194]

The game's real thrill: piloting your triple-changing fighter, which you'll transform constantly to handle different situations. [Nov 2002, p.283]

This gorgeous futuristic world demands exploration, and the story is intriguing enough to compel you forward. [Feb 2004, p.124]

The most addictive gameplay this side of "Virtua Tennis." [Oct 2002, p.194]

The player models - especially the detailed faces - look amazing, right down to Allen Iverson's tats and Larry Bird's disturbingly tight shorts. [June 2004, p.92]

Eliminating enemy forces and hoisting our country's colors high above Manhattan rooftops never feels repetitive... Sadly, Freedom Fighters is over too quickly, it's easily completed during a weekend sitting. [Oct 2003, p.131]

BA's batter/pitcher duel is one of the best on any system, making the game a blast to play.[May 2002, p.115]

This game has it all: monsters to capture and raise, upgradeable items and spells, and incredibly rich character customization. I got sucked in to this as badly as I did with both "Final Fantasy Tactics," so that's saying a lot: 50-some great hours, lots. [June 2004, p.97]

2K5's fielding - which was well balanced last year - has become too slick. It still feels great and moves fast, but unless you adjust some of the gameplay sliders, expect plenty of web gems - to many to be realistic. [April 2005, p.113]

It’s a freakin’ blast to play…It’s good ol’-fashion, mindless arcade fun. God bless it. [Feb 2002, p.168]

The game plays substantially better than last year's 360 debut, with a greater sense of rebounds and loose balls being tipped around and more control on defense. [Nov. 2006, p.119]

ESPN may lack the innovations and overall polish of "MVP," but it's otherwise a serious contender. [May 2004, p.90]]

The beautiful graphics and destructible environments (both upgraded from the last game) add to the ambience, but the single-player game disappoints with brevity (6-7 hours to beat) and a throw-away story that never sets the mood properly with its weak dialogue and characters. [Feb 2005, p.109]

I welcome the Godfather into the GTA family, though I can't say it'll be running the place anytime soon. [May 2006, p.93]

Outside of "Tetris," "Tetris Attack," and "Pokemon Puzzle Challenge," this is probably the best handheld puzzle game around. [Mar 2002, p.146]

Konamix is worthy, an dif you enjoy music games, you owe it to yourself to get this one. [June 2002, p.120]

Even with these changes and enhanced running game, ESPN NFL Football remains second-string behind "Madden"; its franchise options don't stack up to Johnny boy's title. [Sept 2003, p.125]

The game controls better on the chunkier, first-person-shooter-friendly Xbox pad, making this the finest rendition of TS2 available. [Dec 2002, p.270]

A frenzied student section, suffocating full-court presses, Dickie V. shouting about God knows what - that's college basketball, all right. And it's exactly what you can expect from EA's university hardwood. [Nov 2005, p.131]

Plays just like Namco's previous two games, with deceptively difficult turns and a great sense of speed. [Apr 2003, p.116]

Moves at a blisteringly fast pace (unlike some other PSP sports games), looks comparable to its visually impressive big brothers, and is simple to control. [May 2005, p.98]

Provides the most intense street-racing rush I've ever experienced in a video game. [July 2002, p.124]

The action is all the more overwhelming spread across both screens of the DS, requiring sharp changes in focus from screen to screen as Sonic sprints a one-minute mile.

The player models - especially the detailed faces - look amazing, right down to Allen Iverson's tats and Larry Bird's disturbingly tight shorts. [June 2004, p.92]

ESPN may lack the innovations and overall polish of "MVP," but it's otherwise a serious contender. [May 2004, p.90]]

With its massive levels, cool vehicles, character classes, and play modes that range from quick and dirty to needlessly complicated, Snowblind's online game itself is reason enough to lock and load.

If you liked "Ace Combat 4", this is more of the same good stuff - gorgeous planes, complex missions, and a real feeling of being in the middle of a war, thanks in part to scripted events, radio chatter, and the massive scale of it all. [Holiday 2004, p.109]

Easily a contender for sleeper hit of the year, providing an excellent mix of platform-style exploration and fast-paced, action-packed gunplay that manages to stay fresh and interesting throughout. [Dec 2003, p.199]

A frenzied student section, suffocating full-court presses, Dickie V. shouting about God knows what - that's college basketball, all right. And it's exactly what you can expect from EA's university hardwood. [Nov 2005, p.131]

Easily the best Mega Man game to come along in ages, and arguably the most challenging of them all. [Sept 2002, p.162]

Emblem has some issues, like repetitive visuals and weirdly balanced narrative (you'll spend the first few hours on a massive tutorial), but it's still a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs. [Dec 2003, p.236]

Some of the new minigames are a little stale, and some concepts are recycled, but the new capsule system functions well as the necessary fresh coat of paint. [Jan 2004, p.159]

Even though gameplay is pretty much the opposite of innovation (with the exception of the multiple characters, and more chances to drive a tank compared to the PC version), the presentation is second to none. [Jan 2005, p.124]

In terms of atmosphere, no other college basketball game captures the sights and sounds of a university arena quite like this.

The translation is extremely well done; a thoughtful and compassionate retelling of a fascinating legend. Excellent stuff. [Sept 2001, p.148]

Action: Yup, this game is packed with it. [June 2002, p.120]

Most hockey games serve up similarly snazzy visuals, tight control, and expansive options, but none of 'em focus on purely wild-and-fun gameplay like this. [Oct 2003, p.136]

Just a prettier version of the last game, "DOA2: Hardcore." [Jan 2002, p.223]