Find three friends to play with (you can play a limited four-player game with one cart), and you'll never want to put your DS down again.

A potent concoction that should appeal to any RPG fan. [July 2005, p.112]

As a fan of stealth-action in general and the Xbox Chaos Theory in particular, playing the DS version is like reuniting with an old friend...who's gained weight, lost his hair, had his limbs chopped off, his brain sucked out, and been through one of those car-crusher things. And smells. Like cat pee.

But it's mostly mediocre. Fantastic 4 desperately tries to break up the button mashing with lame minigames, like hacking a door by doing preschool puzzles, which just made the game feel like a fantastic chore.

There's less oncoming traffic to compensate for the smaller screen, and I didn't quite feel the classic Midnight Club sense of speed like Demian did.

But it's mostly mediocre. Fantastic 4 desperately tries to break up the button mashing with lame minigames, like hacking a door by doing preschool puzzles, which just made the game feel like a fantastic chore.

But it's mostly mediocre. Fantastic 4 desperately tries to break up the button mashing with lame minigames, like hacking a door by doing preschool puzzles, which just made the game feel like a fantastic chore. [Sept 2005]

The game has a great sense of humor, and I enjoyed the story missions, but the side quests hardly vary at all from one level to the next. Just screwing around and messing with citizens isn't as fun as it could be, either.

Aside from the boss battles, not one of those stages offers any kind of depth or variety; 10-year-old Bomberman games were more interesting. Multiplayer, however, delivers.

Though the fragging may hold your interest for a while, it's far from revolutionary, and the rest of the game feels like a rodent-encrusted relic from 2001.

The game has a great sense of humor, and I enjoyed the story missions, but the side quests hardly vary at all from one level to the next. Just screwing around and messing with citizens isn't as fun as it could be, either.

It's too simplistic. While the game gives the illusion of Splinter Cell-style freedom in how you want to take out your enemies, Batman only really ever has one course of action: knock something over, scare the bad guys into dropping their guns, then come in punching and kicking. [Sept 2005]

Darkness' molasses pace, cut-rate presentation, and simplistic throwaway quests leech any sense of drama or importance. [Aug 2005, p.113]

It's too simplistic. While the game gives the illusion of Splinter Cell-style freedom in how you want to take out your enemies, Batman only really ever has one course of action: knock something over, scare the bad guys into dropping their guns, then come in punching and kicking.

It's too simplistic. While the game gives the illusion of Splinter Cell-style freedom in how you want to take out your enemies, Batman only really ever has one course of action: knock something over, scare the bad guys into dropping their guns, then come in punching and kicking.

It's fast, and it's pretty fun. It's just not particularly special. [July 2005, p.110]

From start to finish, Canvas is packed with beautiful graphics, awesome level designs, and compelling gameplay. Boss battles are cool and unique, and the minigames and bonus options are worth unlocking--really!

It's fast, and it's pretty fun. It's just not particularly special. [July 2005, p.110]

Maybe In the Groove isn't a real dance revolution, but it takes some (gulp) steps in the right direction. [July 2005, p.112]

I enjoyed watching the fireworks as my pyromaniac character exploded another radio tower/tank/U-boat/door, but between history class and explosions, Assault didn't keep my blood pumping.

While it's got heart and spirit in spades - heck, even the cutscenes are up to snuff - it sorely lacks depth. [July 2005, p.113]

I enjoyed watching the fireworks as my pyromaniac character exploded another radio tower/tank/U-boat/door, but between history class and explosions, Assault didn't keep my blood pumping.

But the move to Xbox feels like more of a formality-you don't really notice the slightly nicer environments, and if ever a game didn't need custom soundtracks, this is the one.

I enjoyed watching the fireworks as my pyromaniac character exploded another radio tower/tank/U-boat/door, but between history class and explosions, Assault didn't keep my blood pumping.

It's a work in progress somehow on shelves, full of frustrating bugs; shooting for the stars, it lands well below its own lofty expectations. [Aug 2005, p.116]

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]

The technology works perfectly - spinning your GBA around feels utterly alien yet supremely fun. [Apr 2005, p.135]

Scores with the cause-and-effect physics of a PC game but seldom capitalizes on the unscripted chaos. [June 2005, p.101]

Pares down the survival-horror experience to its most basic, frightening form - running for your life. [June 2005, p.100]

Beyond merely bad - it's kind of depressing. [July 2005, p.119]

Too many levels center on mindless droid hacking. [Aug 2005, p.110]

Trust me: The nostalgia is lost after you bash your hundredth battle droid or start getting creamed by the enemies' cheap gang-up-on-you tactics. [July 2005, p.116]

Quotation forthcoming. [July 2005]

Too many levels center on mindless droid hacking. [Aug 2005, p.110]

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]

I have exactly three words for the golf snobs: unlockable trucker hats. [July 2005, p.120]

If you've played one sci-fi shooter, you've played 'em all. Nothing echoes this sentiment quite like Pariah, a story-driven shooter that never really comes together as a satisfying package. [June 2005, p.104]

Forza's handling is impeccable. Many car sims have done an adequate job of providing an impression of the forces exerted on a car as it hurtles around a track, but in Forza it's as though you can feel the exact point where your tires lose traction.

The problem is, "Ruby" and "Sapphire" have been out for two years, and Emerald doesn't offer enough new content to differentiate itself. [July 2005, p.116]

More rehash than reinvention. [July 2005, p.118]

What could have been an awesome Predator game is actually one ugly motherf***er. [July 2005, p.111]

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough the first time: THIS GAME NEEDS VOICE CHAT. [May 2005, p.135]

Fantastically unfun. [July 2005, p.118]

A genuinely fun game that makes clever use of the DS's touch screen. [June 2005, p.107]

What could have been an awesome Predator game is actually one ugly motherf***er. [July 2005, p.111]

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]

There's no franchise mode, but I'll swap wireless multiplay for that any day. [May 2005, p.96]

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]

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]

But pick up the controller and this one hits the mat hard...and I mrean very hard. [June 2005, p.106]

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]

What we have here is a title that tries hard to impress with its flash, yet stumbles over fundamentally busted gameplay. [June 2005, p.99]

What really makes this trek through mythological ancient China stand out from the rest of the RPG pack is indeed the combat. BioWare has freed itself from the shackles of turn-based battles to produce an ingenious real-time fighting system that involves as much strategy as it does quick reflexes.

What we have here is a title that tries hard to impress with its flash, yet stumbles over fundamentally busted gameplay. [June 2005, p.99]

DUB redlines on the gorgeous meter. Everything blurs and tunnels to help convey a giddy feeling of speed—and then you hit the nitrous.

DUB redlines on the gorgeous meter. Everything blurs and tunnels to help convey a giddy feeling of speed-and then you hit the nitrous.

The game is such a generic experience, I wouldn't be surprised if it came in a plain yellow box labelled "Video War Game." [June 2005, p.106]

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]

I wish more of the sprawling levels encouraged that kind of teamwork instead of sending you on dull hunts for switches. [May 2005, p.133]

The game's short length, infinite continues, and co-op mode make it an excellent rental for older folks, while kids will be happy to replay the levels to death and track down every last secret. [May 2005, p.125]

Mostly due to its insanely detailed environments and outstanding state-of-the-art lighting effects, Doom 3 succeeds better than any game I've ever played at making you feel like you are <I>living</I> the game. [Apr 2005, p.132]

The game's short length, infinite continues, and co-op mode make it an excellent rental for older folks, while kids will be happy to replay the levels to death and track down every last secret. [May 2005, p.125]

If the nausea-inducing camera doesn't kill your patience, the wacky wall-running and platform-leaping sections will. [May 2005, p.125]

With the fog finally pushed back to a manageable horizon and smooth gameplay, this is the version to get. [May 2005, p.134]

If the nausea-inducing camera doesn't kill your patience, the wacky wall-running and platform-leaping sections will. [May 2005, p.125]

It's simply brilliant. The modes, graphics, gameplay, sound, music, acting, dialogue, and every other little piece in between all come together to create a tense, sweaty-palm experience you can't find anywhere else. [Apr 2005, p.126]

This one may mildly entertain those who've never been Twisted before, but series vets should simply drive away. [June 2005, p.109]

Does one thing really well: the Zen feeling of hitting a jump just right, catching the curve of the dirt like a stylus in a record groove. [Apr 2005, p.116]

The analog nub is too sensitive for the series' signature swing system. [May 2005, p.98]

It's fairly shocking that a game this fast works this well on a handheld system. [June 2005, p.108]

Spidey simultaneously fights crime and a bad camera, usually indoors in environments reminiscent of "Spider-Man 1's."[June 2005, p.109]

God of War's control and combo scheme is as much a work of art as the game's presentation, which rivals a Hollywood sand-and-sandals epic. And you rarely find puzzles this clever and well integrated in other hack-n-slash adventures.

You can save anywhere or enter and exit battles as needed - nice touches that make this one user-friendly. [March 2005, p.124]

The drift mechanics have been completely restored, resulting in a racing game that offers 100 percent adrenaline-fueled, arcade-style fun. [May 2005, p.92]

Sega should have included all of the originals. They might not have aged well, but you can't even feel nostalgic about these pointless remakes. [March 2005, p.120]

Give this one a try to experience something truly different, though be warned, it's a seriously hardcore game. [May 2005, p.90]

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]

So why couldn't I put it down? Simple: deep character-building options. [May 2005, p.91]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Does one thing really well: the Zen feeling of hitting a jump just right, catching the curve of the dirt like a stylus in a record groove. [Apr 2005, p.116]

This game is either unoptimized or taxing the PSP to the limit, because there's plenty of awful slowdownt to boot. [May 2005, p.96]

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

What makes this game such a wonderful and hellacious journey into the heart of warfare is its ability to let chaos reign. [May 2005, p.122]

This game actually slows down time. Its characters move at the speed of Elmer's glue. [May 2005, p.124]

I just wish the camera weren't so horrid (especially during the boss fights) and that the leveling and backtracking weren't so tedious. It's solid enough, but it could have been so much more. [Apr 2005, p.125]

Second-string sturvival horror marked by puppetlike physics and way too many exploding barrels. [May 2005, p.124]

With gorgeous visuals, a lush and sometimes haunting soundtrack, and the ability to download new powers, Dust is a brilliant counterpoint to the shooter-heavy Xbox Live lineup. [March 2005, p.129]

This game actually slows down time. Its characters move at the speed of Elmer's glue. [May 2005, p.124]

Second-string sturvival horror marked by puppetlike physics and way too many exploding barrels. [May 2005, p.124]

You really have to concentrate on becoming a multitasking fiend - it may look simple, but there's a lot of strategy. [Apr 2005, p.135]

For a game called Rivals, I expected a little more personality...you know, maybe some actual characters or confrontations. [May 2005, p.94]

A cute and fun little racing game that has a great multiplayer component, but there's simply not enough to it. [May 2005, p.138]

It's just a shame the bosses don't reflect the creativity of the controls and level design - you'll face the same four foes, and as you progress, each one makes minimal alterations to its fighting style. [Apr 2005, p.134]

While MLB has the basics down pat, it lacks "2K5's" sublime ESPN presentation and "MVP's" addictive minigames. [May 2005, p.132]

OK yeah, the game's tough—as in Ninja Gaiden, you'll have to learn certain techniques to beat particular enemies. But the action is so much more interesting and entertaining in DMC3 than it was in the previous games, thanks mainly to the new fighting-style system, I didn't really mind the difficulty.