A sprawling, horrific 3D action game starring a guy with a very weak chin. [Jan 2004, p.188]

There is so much to Golden Sun that I can't help but fall head over heels for it. Every aspect of the game is soaked through with quality. [Jan 2002, p.233]

The A.I. is even brainier than before (teams now put extra pressure on the goal when trailing and sit back with the ball when ahead), the shooting controls are less sensitive - a good thing - and the visuals are finally comparable to FIFA's.

Online Mario Kart has one fatal flaw--you'll have to accept that you aren't actually the world's greatest Kart player. And even if you are the world's greatest, you can't rub it in, what with no chat options.

If you like the racing games, and you like the Xbox Live, then buckle the f up. This is the best realistic (well, fairly realistic) racer since "Gran Turismo 3," and in many ways, it's even more fun. [Jan 2004, p.150]

Going from mouse and keyboard to gamepad is always a hairy transition, but developer Valve did it perfectly--HL2 controls extremely well with the Xbox pad.

From the unexpected-surprise department comes Rayman 2, an outstanding platformer. [Jan 2004, p.189]

With its sumptuous visuals, intuitive problem solving, and affectionately crafted storyline, Ico is like a favorite bedtime story that bears listening to over and over again. [Nov 2001, p.208]

If you can overcome its fairly steep learning curve, occasional A.I. hicups, and periodic difficulty spikes, you will be floored by GRAW. It's truly a next-gen masterpiece. [Apr 2006, p.90]

Everything your typical RPG is not - fast-paced, action-oriented, colorful and lighthearted - yet it's the best game the genre has seen on the GBA. [Jan 2004, p.162]

While THUG offers some innovation, it remains fundamentally the same game...Fundamantally, Hawk hasn't evolved enough. [Jan 2004, p.112]

The amazing 3D actin game that made capturing monkeys popular again. [Jan 2004, p.188]

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

Exactly the sequel I'd hoped for... Scarily addictive - I found myself awake until the wee hours playing to unlock past NBA greats and upgrade my own player's attributes. [May 2003, p.118]

The level design is brilliant, the weapons combat is a freakin' blast, the subtle tweaks really do change everything, and the characters are more appealing than the last go-round. [Dec 2003, p.218]

Pure gaming bliss, offering precise and simple control over every action on the court. [Jan 2002, p.232]

ESPN's franchise mode is much improved, but I'm not entirely sold in its biggest addition, Weekly Prep, either. [Sept 2004, p.94]

By all rights, a "Zelda" game controlled entirely by stylus should be a disaster, but somehow Nintendo has performed a miracle. [Nov 2007, p.114]

Aside from offering a deeper, feature-heavy dynasty mode (now complete with minor league squads), 2004 revolutionizes the art of videogame batting muich like 2003 did with pitching. [Apr 2004, p.117]

You'll get plenty of quick-fun fixes from just free-skating around and linking tricks. [May 2002, p.115]

It's the expanded portfolio of vehicles and strategic subtleties and wealth of new commanding officer combos that really make this game sing... Result? Super-addictive strategy gaming. [Sept 2005, p.118]

Handily bests the Crash games in every way. [Jan 2002, p.210]

Despite the difficulty, it's almost impossible to put Rogue Leader down, and that's the sign of a truly great game. [Dec 2001, p.258]

The fast gameplay, ample strategy, and gorgeous graphics make it hopelessly addicting. [Sept 2001, p.144]

Burnout Revenge is hard to rate. On almost every level, it's superior to Burnout 3, yet it lacks the impact of that game, which had so many pieces come together to create arguably the best arcade-racing experience ever.

A thinking man's hoops game that looks (the lay-ups and fadeaways are sweet) and plays better than any other. [May 2002, p.112]

Hardcore gamers will savor every beautiful moment of Orta, and they'll keep playing it religiously to unlock the vast trove of amazing secrets - hidden stages, riders, cinemas, and an entire separate game. [Feb 2003, p.157]

If you're a role-playing freak who hasn't given this series a shot, I'm comin' to take your nerd card. [Jan 2009, p.88]