World War Z takes arguably the best part of the film and uses it to create a visually interesting gameplay mechanic that is horrifying to witness but fun to dismantle.

The simplicity of the game is deceptive; this is immensely entertaining fun in a tight, clean, and ultimately cool little package. [Oct 2005, p.150]

EA has touched on most of the elements of NASCAR. Now it needs to draw them all together and blow the whole thing out. [Oct 2005, p.119]

Grid 2 retains much of what made the first alluring, but falls short of pushing racing games forward like the original.

Playing through Broforce’s campaign may have given me heartburn, but it’s an adventure I’d make all over again without hesitation.

If you enjoy a good story and don't mind a more laid-back approach to gameplay, this is a title you simply cannot ignore. [Oct 2005, p.124]

Weirdly, the more Eldest Souls handed me my butt on a bloodstained platter, the more it grew on me. Hitting walls opened my eyes to the smart nuances in combat and made each mammoth confrontation even more exciting. Once the game clicked, I gleefully charged into the action, excited to add another monstrous head to my proverbial wall. A New Game + mode ups the ante on these titans and keeps you on your toes. Eldest Souls is a no-brainer if you already enjoy punishing games of this ilk, but the forgiving health system and honed-in challenge may entice newcomers to brave its dangers.

Plants vs. Zombies is a great game, but explore your options before committing to this version of it.

I like that Grid 2's multiplayer carrot tastes slightly different than the single-player one, but ultimately the game – apart from the LiveRoutes system – isn't the revelation that I was hoping for. Codemasters has proven that it can deliver a compelling racing experience on the track, but we'll have to keep on waiting for the next big leap forward.

Holding true to its heritage, Monster Rancher 4 is a wildly addictive game that is capable of sucking away your life in no time flat. [Dec 2003, p.145]

Ape Out gloriously celebrates its simple, splattery premise with creative gameplay that I can’t wait to return to in the near future.

It's not a revolution, but it's an improvement. [Nov 2005, p.140]

Overall, the latest DLC for Legion offers satisfying closure for both Aiden and Wrench. This story DLC shows players how much each protagonist has grown since their time in their respective games. The growth of both characters is abundantly clear through the Bloodline storyline and how both leading characters react to the world around them. If you’re a fan of the previous Watch Dogs games, Bloodline is a must-play. I’d even go so far as to say I enjoyed it more than Legion.

It’s a completely satisfying nostalgia romp for the old-school PC gamer, and an accessible, modern delve into the core PC RPG.

Knowing that the next game in this series will star a new up-and-coming defense attorney, Trials & Tribulations is a fun and fitting farewell to Phoenix and company. [Nov 2007, p.162]

The games are a blast worth remembering. Old racing is the new hotness. [Oct 2005, p.128]

Before the Storm made me care about Chloe and Rachel, giving me backstory into both of their lives before Max comes back. The journey is bittersweet, knowing the tragic events from the first game for both characters. As a prequel, Before the Storm succeeds because it tells its own story that leaves you content, while also connecting to the original game in a meaningful way. Deck Nine may not have a hand in the original, but it made sure to do Chloe and Rachel’s story justice, capturing the essence of Life is Strange while providing plenty of nods to fans.

Multiplayer is an incredibly diverse experience, and offers something quite different from the big boys. [Dec 2003, p.182]

If you're the methodical type who loves to drown in the details, set up intricate raids, and get your hands dirty (so to speak); I see no reason why you won't enjoy this release. [Aug 2003, p.96]

Before the Storm made me care about Chloe and Rachel, giving me backstory into both of their lives before Max comes back. The journey is bittersweet, knowing the tragic events from the first game for both characters. As a prequel, Before the Storm succeeds because it tells its own story that leaves you content, while also connecting to the original game in a meaningful way. Deck Nine may not have a hand in the original, but it made sure to do Chloe and Rachel’s story justice, capturing the essence of Life is Strange while providing plenty of nods to fans.

With Tacoma’s unique take on branching narratives and a strong cast, it manages to tell an intriguing tale about mortality and relationships in the face of catastrophe. Tacoma builds on the foundations of Gone Home, but has its own unique tricks to tell an immersive story in a compelling way.

Before the Storm made me care about Chloe and Rachel, giving me backstory into both of their lives before Max comes back. The journey is bittersweet, knowing the tragic events from the first game for both characters. As a prequel, Before the Storm succeeds because it tells its own story that leaves you content, while also connecting to the original game in a meaningful way. Deck Nine may not have a hand in the original, but it made sure to do Chloe and Rachel’s story justice, capturing the essence of Life is Strange while providing plenty of nods to fans.

For my part, Flux and its five forebears offer something totally unique within the video game world – a breath of fresh air that is especially welcome on a service like WiiWare. If you're ready for a challenge, give the game a try.

Ultimately I can't recommend P3P to every player, and even some RPG fans may be put off by the title's aging formula. For gamers who don't mind that this remake might not be the freshest experience to be had in 2010, there's a vast wealth of entertaining gameplay to be had here.

It's not the most innovative or the most visually dazzling game. This won't be the one you put in to show off your new console to your friends. However, when you're done with the prettied-up versions of the big franchises, you'll find yourself wanting to return to Knack. It's got charm and heart, and offers a whole lot of good gameplay.

Even though some aspects of Guardian Heroes haven't aged well, the strength of the battle system, branching paths, and characters help this brawler retain its place near the top of the class.

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge is a great addition to your downloadable library. Whether you're an old adventure gamer looking to scratch a nostalgic itch or a shellshocked shooter fan looking for a whimsical break from the fray, this game's meager entry fee is well worth it.

The joke with basketball is that you only have to tune in and watch during the last five minutes in order to see who wins. Seeing how there's a lot that's similiar between this year and last year's games, you could do that, but then you'd miss some of the small differencies in place. [Nov. 2006, p.137]

In terms of visuals and pace, Live runs circles around rival "ESPN," but the gameplay is still a distant second in terms of execution. [Nov 2004, p.142]

The touch-screen functionality (which allows you to slide blocks with the stylus) fits perfectly, and Wi-Fi play means that you can take your skills online.

A solid, great-looking game, just not the masterpiece I was hoping for. [Dec 2002, p.123]

It's a more physical and challenging play, but it still struggles with the fundamentals. [Nov 2003, p.170]

A game that I would certainly recommend to friends purely for the level design, fun (if somewhat repetitive) combat, humor, subtle sound effects, and sheer size. [Mar 2003, p.84]

After a fun adventure through a world made of wool, Yoshi's transition to arts and crafts is a delight. With satisfying exploration, fun platforming, and a charming art style, Yoshi's Crafted World gives the Switch yet another strong platformer.

Bottom line, if Layton didn't float you boat the first time around, nothing is going to change your mind here. But it's definitely worth it for fans to jump back into a world where you can't walk five steps without finding a puzzle to solve.

Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is as satisfying of a tactical strategy game as Disgaea,Tactics Ogre, or Front Mission. The franchise may seem like an odd fit for the genre, but this is a wonderful implementation that feels in hte spirit of the Ghost Recon franchise while presenting a delightful strategic challenge. It lacks an engaging story and the multi-tiered progression systems of those other games, but those flaws are easy to overlook.

If you're a fan of games like Super Meat Boy and you're looking for some interesting twists to the platforming genre, The Adventures of Shuggy is worth checking out. Smudged Cat's first entry in the big leagues is a promising start, and has me excited for the studio's next project.

While not a gigantic leap forward, chalk up another good outing in this hidden gem of a Metroidvania series.

Bayonetta 3, for the vast majority of its runtime, is an absolute blast. It's bombastic, over-the-top, and extravagant for the sake of extravagance, leaving ruins, literally, in its wake. I'm already going back through each level trying for better scores, and I have no immediate plans of stopping. I may be hesitant about the series' future, but at present, this is the best Bayonetta has ever been.

Armored Core VI is a solid return for one of From Software’s long-dormant franchises. It still carries many of the mech genre’s old contrivances, like its generic mission structure and predictable plot. However, it modernizes mech action meaningfully to introduce it to a new generation. While legacy fans may have some complaints about the “casualization” of Armored Core, I am ultimately glad the series is back and firing on all cylinders.

The combination of missions, discovering new eggs, and furthering the story keeps this game from hitting that stale spell that plagues many RPGs. [Feb 2002, p.83]

Following Get It Together and Game & Wario, Move It is the WarioWare game I’ve been waiting for over the last 15 years, and it mostly delivers. The motion-controlled madness gives you plenty of fun and novel experiences, even if a few stinkers are in the mix. Regardless of those, WarioWare: Move It’s catalog is full of microgames I look forward to revisiting for months to come.

Manages to pack plenty of solid gameplay, with more than a few horrific scenes. [Nov 2002, p.124]

Colin once again manages to strap you in tight and take you to the edge in back in one thrilling ride. [Oct 2004, p.139]

Avowed is a confident and fulfilling fantasy adventure without pretension, accomplished by a studio that knows what it’s delivering. It may not change your world, but its world should be more than enough to satisfy.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is a solid RPG with its own unique style and appeal. I could do without the tedious dungeons, but I still found plenty to love about the zany ride.

It's every bit as good as the full-size version, only smaller. More focused on action than role-playing, Baldur's Gate is one fun little fantasy (not in the dirty way) title. [Feb 2004, p.114]

The game is equal parts puzzle and beat 'em up. This prevents wear and tear on your thumbs, but some of the searching is tedious. [Sept 2003, p.108]

Hello Games has crafted another riotous game that fits comfortably between the racing and platforming genres, but this second installment leans closer towards the former. This might scare away some more casual players. If you love the quest for that perfect course run, and you don't mind working for it, Joe Danger's movie adventures won't disappoint.

Despite some dated shortcomings, this “version upgrade” is more than the sum of its parts. Novel design choices like camera and genre shifts are as impressive today as they were more than 10 years ago. Main characters are dynamic with their own interesting backstories, and the plot is as deliciously devastating as you’d expect. Nier Replicant might not convert players that were turned off by the original or Automata, but there are more than enough quality-of-life updates and story-centric nuances to keep longtime fans and new initiates coming back for subsequent playthroughs.

Though the difficulty level is steep, it isn't the type that sends you home with a gauzy head and a fractured spine. It's more of a glove slap to the face - a challenge from a worthy foe that keeps you coming back for more. [Oct 2004, p.136]

Elder Scrolls: Legends is a solid addition to the CCG lineup, and an excellent choice for those looking for something a little different. While the cards don’t really call out the feeling of exploring Morrowind or shouting at dragons, the game itself is solid enough to stand on its own.

With an great competitive multiplayer suite, a fun take on the wave-based survival formula, and an imaginative single-player mode, Splatoon 2 is an excellent evolution.

As a complete package, Tekken 8 doesn’t reach the heights of recent rivals like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1. But when the match begins, and you’re exploiting openings to unleash flashy combo strings and air juggles, it remains a thrilling, if very familiar, one-on-one experience. The latest King of Iron Fist tournament still has work to do to feel wholly satisfying or ground-breaking, but it remains a fun arena to test your mettle against friends and rivals.

Overall, Space Invaders Extreme 2 offers more fun shooter action. If you liked the first one, go grab this $20 bargain. It’s just too bad that PSP and Xbox Live Arcade fans of the series are left in the lurch for the time being.

Knack II is the sequel no one expected to see, yet everyone should consider playing, especially if they are fond of Ratchet & Clank, Jak and Daxter, and Crash Bandicoot.

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge is a great addition to your downloadable library. Whether you're an old adventure gamer looking to scratch a nostalgic itch or a shellshocked shooter fan looking for a whimsical break from the fray, this game's meager entry fee is well worth it.

The most disappointing aspect of Possessors is that it plays it quite safe compared to Heart Machine’s past titles, Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash. Little about its formula will surprise Metroidvania enthusiasts; still, the studio has nonetheless notched another entertaining single-player action game under its belt, proving its action and world-building chops transcend genre.

If you think Peter Jackson's true masterpiece is "Dead Alive," you'll be right at home with The Suffering. [Apr 2004, p.90]

The Lego Ninjago Movie Video Game ends up being a relatively small step forward for Lego games, but is an excellent use of the Ninjago license, making its high-flying ninjas feel powerful and unique.

In the Wii's expansivve gutter of shoddy third-party ports and minigame garbage, Capcom is showing that it's possible to make something original and fun. [Nov 2007, p.148]

An exceptional release that takes home the crown for being the deepest game of the season. [Apr 2005, p.128]

While it would be nice to see some side quests or branching environments worth exploring, and a few minor glitches result in some awkward scenes, Telltale's Back to the Future remains one of the better film adaptations in video games, and I can't wait to see where this series goes as Telltale begins to build towards a conclusion. If episodes 4 and 5 build on the series as much as this entry has, you won't want to miss it either.

Even if you don't look up to J.R.R. Tolkien as a literary god, Return of the King is one hell of a play. [Dec 2003, p.173]

This is a surprisingly big and challenging release, and not one to be overlooked as just another simplistic rail shooter. It may not be the next big release in the franchise, but Umbrella Chronicles deserves its place right beside the other games in this venerable series.

The Off the Ball controls don't entirely solve the "magnet ball" feel of the franchise, but they go a long way to used space in your offensive attacks. [Nov 2003, p.157]

My Player mode’s uphill struggle may not appeal to everyone, but the outstanding presentation and best-in-class Association mode make NBA 2K10 the best basketball sim.

While it does have its weaknesses (the levels are a bit generic and there was a bit too much backtracking for my taste), Musashi succeeds with great visual style, excellent humor, and rock-solid gameplay. [March 2005, p.128]

The Crimson Court is a welcome addition to Darkest Dungeon, a neat sidecar to be enjoyed alongside the core experience. The aesthetic of the infiltration and destruction of a hedonistic high-society is handled perfectly, and only the extreme dedication toward ensuring you have a stressful, ride-the-razor experience detracts from the Lovecraftian journey.

This remake might not be the AAA first-party killer app the 3DS needs, but it's a solid piece of nostalgia for longtime fans and an exceptionally strong shooter for newcomers to the series.

Even within the limited constraint of mostly dark outcomes, Tyranny has an impressive array of potentialities to explore, and practically demands multiple playthroughs. Entirely new storylines, allies, and even visited areas might appear in a subsequent adventure, and it’s exciting to confront a new mix of betrayals and dangers.

Off the court, March Madness' Dynasty mode is shallow and doesn't stack up well against "ESPN's" robust Legacy mode. In the end, March Madness performs admirably on the court, but ESPN is the complete package. [Dec 2004, p.168]

A World of Keflings still succeeds at being a unique and accessible simulation that serves as an excellent first step into a larger world. [Jan 2011, p.88]

Although the basis of this PS3 port (the original PC title) is now a couple years old, I'm pleased to report that F.E.A.R.'s taut gameplay can still hold its own with the best of the genre. [May 2007, p.84]

It might sound dry, and there are some issues with the voice and handwriting recognition(it frequently struggles to detect that you've said "blue"), but you'll be surprised how addicted you will become. [Jun 2006, p.119]

If you enjoy a good story and don't mind a more laid-back approach to gameplay, this is a title you simply cannot ignore. [Oct 2005, p.124]

The thrills don't last long, but they still place Time Crisis 2 at the top of the console gun game food chain, especially with the Guncon 2.

While the sheer amount of stuff that can happen onscreen at one is impressive, the graphics fall a bit short. [Apr 2005, p.117]

The episode is riveting when the focus is on the Forresters, but falls apart whenever a familiar plot point from the HBO show is interjected.

Overall, there's a lot to like in Test Drive Unlimited, and its positive aspects far outweigh the few issues I had. I definitely recommend taking it for a spin. [Nov. 2006, p.136]

With The Walking Dead, Telltale's experimentation with an unusual formula pays off. With its focus on dialogue choices and puzzles that more naturally fit into a narrative, The Walking Dead is a unique experience. In less than three hours, the game delivers a thoughtful, character-driven story that takes a refreshing look at the zombie apocalypse. And like any great episodic show, I'm eager to see what happens next.

When everything lines up, For Honor is a brutal and rewarding game that makes you feel like an unstoppable warrior. Sure, sometimes you get kicked off a bridge (again) or your head gets lopped off, but those failures make your battlefield successes even sweeter.

I find Project Gotham tracks have done better in giving player bite-sized, drift happy courses, but overall this game is the burst of speed that this genre needs.

Rise and Fall adds numerous new leaders, buildings, units, and wonders. It also tinkers with the nation-building strategy in some bigger ways thanks to the additions of loyalty and golden ages. In the end, Rise and Fall’s moment-to-moment action isn’t dramatically different from the base game, but the new bells and whistles provide a good excuse to return to Firaxis’ excellent strategy game.

These fans are the ones that will appreciate the little changes the most, but SmackDown vs. RAW 2010 is a solid title whether you have a closet full of Austin 3:16 shirts or just catch the occasional episode of RAW. [Nov 2009, p.97]

This doesn’t feel vastly different from last year’s model, which is my biggest complaint. If you’re a UFC fan and you didn’t pick up Undisputed 2009, this is definitely a superior product. But if you still have your copy of ‘09 you probably won’t find enough fresh meat on these bones to satisfy you.

You’ll likely split your time fairly evenly between cursing the problematic UI and localization, and marveling at the outstanding ambience or frantically trying to shoot or sneak your way out of a jam. If you’re willing to slog through some frustrations, you can find some diamonds in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.’s rough that you won’t find anywhere else in video gaming.

While NBA 2K8 may have some kinks to work out in its post game, it’s still the best basketball sim on the market.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey aims high in its attempts to blend innovative additions with returning features. The execution might be uneven, but Ubisoft Quebec ultimately strikes a successful balance among the many parts. The story is compelling, both as a hero’s journey and in the way it ties into the series’ wider lore. Exploring the world is fun, combat is empowering, and getting epic loot is a thrill. That solid core formula carries Odyssey a long way, but like Icarus and his wax wings, it’s not enough to reach the bright star on the horizon.

This version shutters more during gameplay - especially when you turn the game camera. [Nov 2002, p.144]

Quirky doesn't even begin to describe this game. Maybe if you add "deeply disturbing" and "inexplicably compelling," then you'd have a start. [Sept 2004, p.115]

This is the stuff cult hits are made of. [May 2008, p.98]

The story is actually somewhat interesting, and the difficulty level is finally on par with the ancient precursors. Not bad, but again, nothing new. [Aug 2002, p.90]

In spite of being rough around the edges, Prey still managed to consistently impress and even occasionally hit me with a sense of wonder. Sections that had me floating around the exterior of the Talos-1 in zero-G were tense, as I explored massive hull breaches for supplies like a treasure hunter, and I loved experimenting with the Gloo Gun, using it not only to immobilize enemies but also to plug up holes spewing fire and to build bridges across chasms.

While the multiplayer is weak and the mood won’t make people forget Dead Space any time soon, the solid action core makes it worth a play.

This shadowy adventure will get you in the mood for Halloween all year around with its atmospheric design, creative combat system, and well-crafted story.

Shadow of Mordor is an unabashedly challenging and complex experience, sometimes at the expense of accessibility.

Part of me was disappointed with Dragon Age II. I hoped for an improvement on the original, but it ultimately feels like a step back. [Apr 2011, p.85]