Such humor made me stick with this tale, which otherwise suffers from mind-numbing hack-and-slash combat and dull dungeons--action-RPG cliches that are anything but funny. [Holiday 2004, p.102]

But $40 is a lot to ask for yet another PSP port with tacked-on content--especially when you can find free versions of the game online. [July 2006, p.94]

It’s so fulfilling, almost therapeutic, to layeth the smacketh down on a few of your buddies. [Jan 2002, p.221]

Bursting with an ingenuity cure for jaded RPG gamers, JC2 inspires the sleeping role-play addict to awaken. [Feb 2002, p.148]

Midway did an excellent job of retaining the old Blitz flair and trademark never-say-die-gameplay while introducing more players, tons of killer animation, and funnier commentary. [May 2002, p.108]

But EndWar's biggest flaw? Insane micromanagement. [Dec 2008, p.68]

The game has a great sense of humor, and I enjoyed the story missions, but the side quests hardly vary at all from one level to the next. Just screwing around and messing with citizens isn't as fun as it could be, either.

All the constant hiding and tiptoeing and sneaking doesn't scream "action-packed!" after all. [Feb 2004, p.118]

Overlord has a neat idea, but it really needs more direction. Or should I say directions? [Aug 2007, p.77]

This latest case of sequelitis attempts to keep things fresh by making a few minor changes to the familiar Mega Man formula. Notably, the nonlinear world gives some freedom to the series--but at a cost. [Oct. 2006, p.118]

It's real-time-strategy warfare made simple, complex, and messy, all at the same time. [Nov 2005, p.152]

Once you suss the A.I.'s intricacies, the game holds little mystery or reason for replay. [Jan 2006, p.125]

The lack of a season mode or player development helps make this the perfect Friday night pick-up before (or after) hitting the town. [Oct 2005, p.118]

I wish I had room to mention all of the game's cool nuances; suffice it to say, compared to last year's edition, Superfly is a more well-rounded title. [August 2002, p.126]

Ironically, Summoner 2's strengths (faster action, computer-controlled allies) expose the game's many weaknesses (poor camera during combat, enemies that swarm you, sluggish controls). [Nov 2002, p.70]

It also introduces a cerebral angle to a genre that's left little to the imagination and makes it all the more unnerving as the hell on the other side of the hole in your wall closes in. [Oct 2004, p.96]

Nearly every aspect of the game impresses, except for the airborne Quidditch matches. [Dec 2002, p.272]

It satisfies your need to do stuff - fun tasks like picking up passengers, tailing mob bosses, and running jalopies off the road - as well as your need for speed. [Aug 2003, p.119]

I like the concept behind this pack-in, but Wii Sports simply ends up being an overly publicized demo. [Jan. 2007, p.63]

The series needs a major shot in the arm, as it's starting to show its age more than ever. [May 2006, p.103]

The problem is, "Ruby" and "Sapphire" have been out for two years, and Emerald doesn't offer enough new content to differentiate itself. [July 2005, p.116]

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

These visuals are mediocre at best and not up to par with today's Xbox standards. [Jan 2004, p.156]

Jak X delivers smooth, intense online action and a solid variety of game types, including a take-out-the-drones death race and an entertaining sport hunt in addition to typical races. Nothing spectacular, but satisfying nonetheless.

This incredible compilation is a dream team of sorts for anyone old enough to remember having to <I>out</I> to play the best videogames. [Jan 2004, p.128]

An attractive, engrossing, complex adventure that easily ranks alongside heavyweights like "Golden Sun" and "Lunar Legend." [Mar 2003, p.134]

It&#146;s not that it&#146;s ugly, but compared to most Xbox games, it looks ugly, but compared to most Xbox games it looks like the boring girl next door and makes the GameCube&#146;s Rogue Leader seem like Pamela Anderson. [Jan 2002, p.231]

Stubbs is required playing for anyone who craves more bold originality than our current gaming culture churns out. [Jan 2006, p.124]