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.

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]

Daxter isn't the best platformer you'll ever play, but on a system where the genre is so often done poorly, it manages to stand out. Definitely worth a play, whether you're a fan of the series or not.

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]

Ultimately, it's another addictive treadmill of a game that offers nearly limitless replayability and depth. [July 2007, p.94]

The range of multiplayer games and user-created race routes means near-limitless replay value and the chance to earn cred on a much larger street. [June 2003, p.111]

It might not look too hot, but F-Zero X is one hell of a racer. [Jan 2004, p.189]

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]

Instincts' A.I. won't revolutionize the first-person-shooter genre, but the rest of the game is still pretty damn cool. [Nov 2005, p.150]

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]

Almost every deviation X-2 takes from the established Final Fantasy norm has paid off. [Jan 2004, p.136]

Astroy Boy assaults you with old-school charm. Factor in snazzy visuals, tight controls, and demanding difficulty, and you get a solid purchase...and one that's not just for kids. [Sept 2004, p.110]

Tweaks to gameplay, visuals, and controls make this action-packed sequel a winner. [Jan 2004, p.189]

Sega stuck to the fundamentals, such as great control, gameplay and graphics. The result: a baseball game that sucked me into the action right after the first pitch. [July 2002, p.124]

Too much force and not enough finesse - that's the problem with EA's puck offering. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting' physical, but not when it comes at the cost of disrupting the natural flow of hockey. [Oct 2003, p.138]

MotoGP re-creates the fast, dangerous world of bike racing better than any other game out there, with stop-on physics and a control scheme that's both newbie friendly and deep enough for the grizzled two-wheel veteran all at the same time. [Oct 2005, p.117]

This game is a beautiful mess. The Dead or Alive series has always been known more for T&A than tech gameplay; for every panty shot, there's a cheap juggle combo that involves less skill than it takes to input a cell-phone text message.

As for total newcomers, welcome to what is, in my opinion, the most fun, fully 3D fighter on the market. [Sept 2008, p.76]

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]

As for total newcomers, welcome to what is, in my opinion, the most fun, fully 3D fighter on the market. [Sept 2008, p.76]

You don't have to invest a bazillion hours to unlock the sweet rides. [Jan 2002, p.229]

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 has a great sense of humor - but it handles the serious stuff with equal panache. [Nov 2004, p.144]

If you're a stealth-action fan who's still ignoring the Syphon Filter franchise, you're doing yourself a disservice. [Nov 2007, p.118]

Too much force and not enough finesse - that's the problem with EA's puck offering. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting' physical, but not when it comes at the cost of disrupting the natural flow of hockey. [Oct 2003, p.138]

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

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]

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]