This premise would still be stupid even if Shadow didn't suffer from slowdown issues, a nonexistent lock-on system, a horrible camera, and bottomless pits in which to fall. But it does, and it is stupid--just like this is a stupid way to spend 50 bucks.

A solid, fun racer, but its repetitive single-player events and limp four-player online multi (Xbox only) sap its power. [Jan 2006, p.120]

Basically, it's a game with loads of potential, but awful physics and endless technical glitches are the real crime here.

Underneath the rote plot elements is a thoughtful tale packed with great characterization and surprising good humor. [Jan 2006, p.129]

The story never really gets interesting, but the action-heavy combat system is fresh and gets more fun the longer you play. [Jan 2006, p.128]

The action is all the more overwhelming spread across both screens of the DS, requiring sharp changes in focus from screen to screen as Sonic sprints a one-minute mile.

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.

Basically, it's a game with loads of potential, but awful physics and endless technical glitches are the real crime here.

This premise would still be stupid even if Shadow didn't suffer from slowdown issues, a nonexistent lock-on system, a horrible camera, and bottomless pits in which to fall. But it does, and it is stupid--just like this is a stupid way to spend 50 bucks.

A solid, fun racer, but its repetitive single-player events and limp four-player online multi (Xbox only) sap its power. [Jan 2006, p.120]

Basically, it's a game with loads of potential, but awful physics and endless technical glitches are the real crime here.

This premise would still be stupid even if Shadow didn't suffer from slowdown issues, a nonexistent lock-on system, a horrible camera, and bottomless pits in which to fall. But it does, and it is stupid--just like this is a stupid way to spend 50 bucks.

It all makes for an action game kinda like your typical Bond girl: fun to look at but shallow. With simple mission objectives, cinch puzzles, and autoaim (that you can tweak for more skillful shots if you like), this game practically plays itself.

A solid, fun racer, but its repetitive single-player events and limp four-player online multi (Xbox only) sap its power. [Jan 2006, p.120]

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.

Finally, a SmackDown game that's paced like real wrestling and veers away from the usual arcadey button-mashathon.

Online is a blast, but I think the new targeting system limits its long-term value; while the automatic lock-on keeps aiming smooth in the solo campaign, in multiplayer it removes two of the series' most enjoyable aspects: precision shooting and the use of camouflage.

The majority of the game is one long gunfight, shifting between a traditional free-looking aim to lock-on, slow-mo shooting. It's good stuff, if you don't mind your foes acting like targets in a carnival game.

While the game remains highly conventional, the developers clearly understand what makes games like this interesting and have executed on that knowledge surprisingly well.

Cancel the carolers--this is the only entertainment you'll need at your holiday party.

Frame's spooky atmosphere and subtle use of ambient noise and music build a sense of mounting terror that makes the actual enemy and cutscene scares all the more pants-wetting.

As an "Final Fantasy Tactics Advance" derivative, and despite a few graphic and camera glitches, Tactics delivers a competent and, at times, engaging ride through Middle-earth. [Jan 2006, p.129]

If you're looking for your next "Halo" fix, make no mistake, you will hate this game. But if you're looking for something different and challenging, Flashpoint is it. [Jan 2006, p.124]

The majority of the game is one long gunfight, shifting between a traditional free-looking aim to lock-on, slow-mo shooting. It's good stuff, if you don't mind your foes acting like targets in a carnival game.

Essentially, it has the appeal of publisher Capcom's previous superdeformed novelty, "Pocket Fighter" (PS1): It's an awesome showcase for series cameos and artwork, but it doesn't work as well as a fighting game as it does a museum.

The majority of the game is one long gunfight, shifting between a traditional free-looking aim to lock-on, slow-mo shooting. It's good stuff, if you don't mind your foes acting like targets in a carnival game. [Jan 2006, p.119]

While the moves dazzle (slick-looking weapon strips, lightning-fast kicks to the face, dodging--and even stopping--bullets), the game does a poor job of showing you how to link these superhuman abilities together.

It's a brief, disappointing adventure with occasional flashes of greatness.