Despite the addition of execution moves and a recharging life guage, the series' renowned(and reviled) difficulty is left mostly unchanged. [Aug 2008, p.80]

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]

Phoenix Wright latecomers risk confusion, but invested fans get a well-plotted conclusion to the trilogy--and that's what's important. [Dec 2007, p.126]

I haven't had any desire to catch 'em all for damn near five years now, but this remake lured me back into the critter-collecting biz. [Nov 2004, p.153]

For the first time ever, pitching is actually as much fun as htting, thanks to a strategic, realistic interface that perfectly balances risks and rewards. [May 2003, p.113]

The gaping chasm between FIFA and "Winning Eleven" may now be a photo finish. [Dec 2004, p.156]

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]

Oh, and if you already own OutRun 2 on the Xbox, don't bother with this update. [Jun 2006, p.110]

Despite recycled levels, repetitive enemies, chaotic combat, and unbalanced characters, just controlling four X-Men and using their powers is usually enough to make up for Legends' flaws. [Holiday 2004, p.100]

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

The result is a game that casual racers can handle, while real F1 geeks can turn all the realism up to full and enjoy one of the most competent F1 sims this side of the PC. [Sept 2002, p.150]

DM2 has got to be the fastest-moving sports game on the planet. [Nov 2001, p.206]

In several aspects, this sequel out-classes its predecessor as a quality role-playing experience. [May 2002, p.115]

It feels less like a sequel and more like a remix of the original game. [June 2002, p.124]

Online, however, Thunder deserves a salute for its wide selection of match types and well-designed multiplayer maps - the burned-out bases and beachside cabanas make for great playgrounds. [Sept 2003, p.120]

Street perfectly blends the arcadey feel of old-school "NFL Blitz" games with "NBA Street's" flamboyant antics. [March 2004, p.112]

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]

Playing solo does grow old, and a few of the minigames are more tedious than fun, but the solid gameplay will have you and some buds up till all hours of the morning to get in more more round. Good times. [Holiday 2004, p.140]

Frequent fliers of the Ace Combat series will feel like they've been on this flight before. [Dec 2007, p.122]

There's nothing in particular that demands to be played or can't be found elsewhere. [Jan 2005, p.136]

As an aesthetic showcase, SR2 triumphs, but the mediocre gameplay will only appeal to fans of the first game. [Jan 2002, p.218]

Once you catch on, using the stick feels fluid and natural – thus more immersive. [Apr 2002, p.141]

When I wasn't being mugged by the Bad Voice-Actors Brigade or rendered comatose by the game's tepid pace, I was struggling with the enormous chore of just moving around thanks to the clunky, imprecise, sub-"Resident Evil" controls. [Dec 2002, p.260]

Eventually, my impatience with the same little games set in like seasickness, but the quests and fleet of ships and play-as-dastardly-as-you-dare piracy kept me from hopping overboard.

The strategy's here, as are some squint-inducing graphics; just be prepared for the long-term commitment. [Mar 2006, p.110]

As you'd expect, another year of learning the ins and outs of the 360 has translated into the developers producing a more polished brand of football. [Oct. 2006, p.107]

It remains worth it for all of the reasons that made the original Tactics so engrossing: Switching between different jobs, mastering new abilities from your gear, and recruiting and building your clan all remain as appealing as ever. [July 2008, p.82]