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]

In terms of atmosphere, no other college basketball game captures the sights and sounds of a university arena quite like this. [Jan 2004, p.116]

Top Spin 2 does a fine job of delivering tense smack-the-ball-back-and-forth action. [May 2006, p.88]

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]

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]

Words of warning: You need to give squad-based shooter Vegas some time to grow on you, particularly in the fairly short single-player campaign. [Jan. 2007, p.100]

If you're looking for your next "Halo" fix, make no mistake, you will hate this game. But if you're looking for something different and challenging, Flashpoint is it. [Jan 2006, p.124]

Underworld is an excursion worth taking for fans of low-impact, low-commitment adventuring; I just wanted more. [Jan 2009, p.71]

Nintendo's interpretation of Namco's signature racer is surprisingly good. [Jan 2004, p.189]

2K5 looks better, moves better, and controls more intuitively than EA's hoopster. [Dec 2004, p.158]

It's easily worthy of a spot alongside the best giant-robot games ever. [Nov 2002, p.300]

This is the only next-generation game title that realistically re-creates every facet of the game...The graphics, animation and sound are much improved. [Mar 2002, p.135]

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.

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]

2K5 looks better, moves better, and controls more intuitively than EA's hoopster. [Dec 2004, p.158]

The sense of speed is incredible. [July 2002, p.122]

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]

I've wanted to play an online Capcom fighter for a long time now, and CvS2 is more than I could've hoped for. Online play is surprisingly smooth. [Feb 2003, p.152]

With 64 levels, versus and co-op, and Retro-Evolved included, Galaxies has tons to love, even if the standard control's busted. [Holiday 2007, p.57]

Its combo of intense, old-school action-shooter gameplay... with entirely original elements (the sonar effect is genius) has me hooked. [Nov 2002, p.298]

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]