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]

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

When it comes to creating an accurate table tennis simulation, Rockstar aced it. [July 2006, p.89]

No other game so seamlessly melds punch-n-munch gameplay with the stat management and grand scale of real-time strategy. [May 2003, p.116]

Newcomers should stay away ("I can't duck? or shoot up?!"), but for those of us who grew up with Capcom's blue bomber, 30 bucks for this high-quality collection of old-school favorties is a steal. [Aug 2004, p.101]

On the field, 06 mostly nails the Madden feel. [Nov 2005, p.156]

Yakuza delivers a superbly paced, mature, and well-acted narrative in the spirit of classic Japanese gangster flicks. [Oct. 2006, p.112]

An addictive and charming game. It could have used a lot more modes and maps, but I enjoyed its simplicity, fast-paced action and great controls. [Dec 2001, p.250]

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]

I almost died laughing during a round of battle sync mode, in which two people dance simultaneously doing coordinated moves. [May 2004, p.90]

Even with these ill-advised changes, it's still one helluva game: Creative, unpredictable levels keep you on your toes, killer bosses pepper the levels, and impossibly good graphics erupt from your aging GBA.

Two-player is so much fun it makes MAX2 a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a shallow but thrilling party diversion. And Workout mode is a blast if you're at all concerned with weight loss. [Nov 2003, p.185]

It all feels so, well, irrelevant--pushing around a bunch of tiny characters and dealing with their assorted toys provides loads of intellectual satisfaction, but I found it hard to make a real connection.

While the story line has fewer twists than a breadstick, the game is addictive because the balanced fighting engine keeps every battle interesting. [Apr 2003, p.114]

Do you have the patience to work through the frequent shot frustration? If so, you'll enjoy the almost ridiculous amount of content shoehorned in here. [Oct 2007, p.91]

For wannabe thugs in upper-middle-class houses countrywide, Saints Row will seem like a sleek glock from the gods. [Oct. 2006, p.104]

Kinda like last year's "Metal Arms," this over-the-shoulder robo-shooter totally ambushed me with how unexpectedly awesome it is. [June 2004, p.103]

I won't be playing this one for hours on end, but it's easily the best classics compilation ever put together. [Oct 2005, p.121]

Honestly, I don't think I've ever had as much fun with RPG battles before. [Apr 2003, p.112]

It’s the best action-oriented war game on the planet, flaws and all. [Jan 2002, p.208]

Were it not for the sometimes-unclear objectives (coupled with a tough-to-follow map); puzzles that almost always involve throwing an enemy into a wall, spikes, and the like; and some minor annoyances, this one would be award worthy.

Do you have the patience to work through the frequent shot frustration? If so, you'll enjoy the almost ridiculous amount of content shoehorned in here. [Oct 2007, p.91]

If you can stay on your bike long enough to appreciate it, MGP2’s excellent weather effects and pervasive sense of speed will immerse you in its cutthroat reality. [Mar 2002, p.138]

But it can't match San Andreas' scope, and as good as the game is, I found myself treading between boredom and frustration more than I'd like.

It's fast, fun, and most importantly, free. [Oct 2002, p.192]

While tolerable at the time, should've been titled "Metal Gear Weak." Try again, sorry. [Jan 2004, p.189]

It's just an overall final layer of polish that keeps March Madness from the National Championship. [Jan 2003, p.176]

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]