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]

For what it is, it's an enjoyable game. [Dec 2002, p.272]

While THUG offers some innovation, it remains fundamentally the same game...Fundamantally, Hawk hasn't evolved enough. [Jan 2004, p.112]

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 addition of a dash to the GBA version makes exploring snappy, and the redone graphics look great. [Feb 2006, p.112]

The red-hot Wii gets an entertaining new "Mario" platformer that fills the crucial gap the delayed "Super Mario Galaxy" should have occupied. [May 2007, p.76]

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

Wonderfully unique. [Apr 2008, p.78]

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.

No game encapsulates that apocalyptic dichotomy like Dead Rising, a million-zombie-march brawler that just happens to be the best s***ty game you'll ever play. [Sept 2006, p.92]

Thankfully, the control works well and makes for adequately thrilling online multiplayer...well, as thrilling as a four-player king of the hill match can be. [May 2006, p.109]

This sequel makes it fun to be the Prince again.

A masterpiece...PSO will, ever so slowly, sink its addictive claws into your brain, never to let go, even after you've beaten it once. Or twice. Or more... [Dec 2002, p.93]

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.

It may not only threaten to take over your life, but also frustrate the heck out of you. [June 2004, p.98]

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

The new Freeze steps (where you hold your foot down in one direction for multiple beats) are a great addition to the high-steppin' action. [Dec 2002, p.202]

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]

Hit me over the head like a ton of virtual bricks. [July 2008, p.74]

Those realistic touches finally makes this the game we knew next-gen Madden could be, burying all memories of target-video snafus. [Oct 2007, p.90]

Still, despite the tedious travel periods, Far Cry 2 features some truly gorgeous environments, (mostly) satisfying combat, and a lengthy, entertaining campaign. [Dec 2008, p.66]

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

Virtua Fighter 5 kicks everyone's ass up and down the block. Sure some fighting series like "Soul Calibur" and "Tekken" distract you with all kinds of extra modes and, uh, bowling, but VF5 rises above the pack thanks to the sheer depth of its gameplay. [Mar 2007, p.84]

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

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 most immersive NASCAR title ever on any console...The ultimate mix of speed, beauty, gameplay and worthwhile extras. [Nov 2002, p.306]

But with each new feature comes a downside: First-person aiming makes regular combat easier...but it also makes boss battles far <I>too</I> easy; the new cut-scenes are brilliantly produced...when they're not overdosing on painfully cliched bullet-time effects; and the graphical overhaul is nice...but we know GameCube is capable of better. [Apr 2004, p.126]

The virtual soap operas I inevitably create keep me totally hooked. [May 2003, p.128]