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.

I like that in 06's franchise mode each NHL team has its own objectives - be the Wings and anything short of Canada's Holy Grail is a disappointment. [Oct 2005, p.114]

Just bring a magazine to read while the game loads. [Mar 2006, p.113]

And 2K7: time to innovate. More is not better at this point. [Oct. 2006, p.106]

Abbyss defaults to basic roleplaying conventions too often to be unique, but it's hard to hate this well-rounded, classic RPG. [Dec. 2006, p.142]

Once you get the hang of getting your troops in position to pull off huge combos, the game becomes surprisingly fun and addictive. [Nov 2003, p.176]

I like that in 06's franchise mode each NHL team has its own objectives - be the Wings and anything short of Canada's Holy Grail is a disappointment. [Oct 2005, p.114]

Hit & Run is so good at capturing the show's spirit and copying a great game ["GTA"] that it turns out to be real, honest-to-God fun for anyone who digs the show. [Oct 2003, p.140]

Just sucks this head-scratcher will probably get lost inside Mario's galaxy this winter. [Holiday 2007, p.67]

Gritty and unforgiving, Max will make your Game Boy bleed fun - if you can stand the pain. [Feb 2004, p.129]

A remake of the original RPG on Sega CD with a metric ton of bonus material.

Appearances can be deceiving, and if you can look pas DWVII’s vintage outer shell, you’ll find one of the deepest, most satisfying RPGs the PS1—or any other console, for that matter—has yet seen. [Dec 2001, p.260]

Diehards may call foul, but the looser grip on reality really ups the fun quotient. [Jan 2005, p.134]

Offers the kind of over-the-top, seesaw multiplayer experience that keeps you reminiscing long after the game concludes, but also has a deep, fun single-player experience, thanks in part to the new minigames. [Feb 2005, p.98]

The game's short length, infinite continues, and co-op mode make it an excellent rental for older folks, while kids will be happy to replay the levels to death and track down every last secret. [May 2005, p.125]

Great bosses, plenty of maneuvers, maybe a little short, but packed with quality fun. [Holiday 2004, p.100]

Unfortunately, beneath that striking detail, Shake It! plays exactly like Wario Land 4(GBA). [Nov 2008, p.68]

The tactical elements are simple and elegantly implemented, and despite being shockingly linear, it's a beautifully paced experience that provides some genuinely exciting battles. [May 2005, p.134]

The mission progression helps things gel, but the leaden controls and graphical sterility weigh down an otherwise decent action game. [August 2002, p.123]

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]

Strategic RPG elements greatly augment play and have the added benefit of balancing out the game's more mindless moments. [Jan 2003, p.210]

While not as groundbreaking as its forerunner, Boktai 2 still innovates enough to warrant your attention. [Holiday 2004, p.140]

ESPN may lack the innovations and overall polish of "MVP," but it's otherwise a serious contender. [May 2004, p.90]]

Every room is like an Easter Egg hunt filled with surprises that’ll make you tingly all over. [Dec 2001, p.256]

Yes, you'll encounter a touch of the overly familiar sameness you get when you play any "Ridge Racer", but it's like slipping on a well-worn pair of jeans: It feels fine every time. [Jan. 2007, p.81]

Team chemistry and prestige are just as important as your personal points standing in NASCAR 06, which makes the whole experience much deeper. [Oct 2005, p.113]

Almost all the games here are interesting, challenging, and enjoyable. [Sept 2005, p.110]

Anyone turned off by FIFA's deliberate pace and complex controls might find an approachable bopper here. [Mar 2003, p.126]