The Road to Gehenna is not a game for newcomers, but this compelling set of tests is bound to please those who delighted in the original The Talos Principle.

The network is the only place Disgaea 4 breaks much in the way of new ground, but it's a wonderful complement to yet another iteration of an already slick design. Absent a major rework of Disgaea's foundation, this is about the best that we could ask for – even if you have to remind yourself that you're not playing the same PlayStation 2 game from 2003 once in a while.

Episode 4 builds to a promising series finale, and the writers make sure that the emotional toll of every decision and horrifying experience plagues your psyche. In that, it succeeds by properly laying down all the groundwork for Episode 5. The episode starts off slow, but by the end, lights fire in a worthy cliffhanger. I'm still thinking about it, and it doesn't get much better than that.

It's rife with humor, and the online play does an excellent job of using its core mechanics to keep even boring deathmatches fresh. [Jan 2006, p.156]

Unconventional, addictive, and a must-have for veterans driven to expand their horizons. [Dec 2005, p.176]

Planet Coaster offers few carrots to continue to expand your park outside of the sheer joy of creation. Thankfully, Planet Coaster has so many tools available that that creating your own worlds of fun is often its own reward.

Episode 4 builds to a promising series finale, and the writers make sure that the emotional toll of every decision and horrifying experience plagues your psyche. In that, it succeeds by properly laying down all the groundwork for Episode 5. The episode starts off slow, but by the end, lights fire in a worthy cliffhanger. I'm still thinking about it, and it doesn't get much better than that.

The gameplay mechanic itself is ultra smooth and simple, yet satisfying even after hours of play. [July 2007, p.99]

I also realized that what really made it good wasn't just its refreshing take on conventional RPGs, but that it also captured some of the community aspects of a MMORPG. [Mar 2003, p.82]

Snake has made a surprisingly smooth transition into the world of turn-based combat. [May 2005, p.126]

The great ideas present in MotoGP are a good foundation. However, the failure to develop them further is what keeps this game from greatness.

With classic role-playing elements and addictive combat mechanics, Magnacarta 2 is a solid game for RPG veterans looking for a new challenge.

Playing Gundam Versus is its own reward. While it may not be a great introduction to the series for those who read the names of mobile suits as gibberish, anyone with a fondness or curiosity for one of the most enduring sci-fi franchises of all time has more than enough toys to play with for a long time. The combat is a great blend of reverent, fast-paced, and precise, and while solo players may be disappointed in how unsatisfying the single-player is, those who’ve spent years building their own stories with action figures will find a lot to love.

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. [Nov 2007, p.145]

Despite technical shortcomings and some filler content, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are chock-full of meaningful additions to one of gaming’s most popular franchises. At worst, these games are steps towards the Pokémon games for which players have clamored, but more often, they serve as effective thesis statements for where the series goes from here. Either way, I can’t wait to see where Game Freak evolves the experience from this point.

A truly exceptional puzzle title. [June 2005, p.137]

It may not be the most emotionally complex RPG on the market, but it's solid entertainment with a quirky twist. [Dec 2005, p.187]

Despite technical shortcomings and some filler content, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are chock-full of meaningful additions to one of gaming’s most popular franchises. At worst, these games are steps towards the Pokémon games for which players have clamored, but more often, they serve as effective thesis statements for where the series goes from here. Either way, I can’t wait to see where Game Freak evolves the experience from this point.

Ys VIII gets its hooks in you with its progression loop; you're always making new discoveries and locating new materials to craft something better. Nihon Falcom also does its best to inject variety when it can, from battles that involve your entire village to Dana learning different fighting styles throughout the game. With a wealth of content to pursue, you always have something to do, even if it's merely fishing or cooking. On top that, Ys VIII has a lot of memorable battle moments; I only wish the story and characters held the same allure.

It doesn't have the variety of modes as Sega's "College Hoops," but when it comes to play, I give the nod to March Madness. [Jan 2004, p.135]

Mega Man Powered Up shows its Mega Man heritage by being cheap at times and somewhat short in length, but it delivers in just about every way you could hope for, given that it's basically a remake of a game that's almost 20 years old. [Apr 2006, p.133]

It doesn’t have the variety of modes as Sega’s "College Hoops," but when it comes to play, I give the nod to March Madness.

With a mere $30 price tag, it's the perfect way for fans and newcomers to experience this exceptional RPG. [May 2008, p.94]

To push Scribblenauts Unlimited to the limits of its vocabulary is impressive, and seeing how objects interact with one another is always amusing. Scribblenauts Unlimited's ability to blur the line between game and toy is one of its greatest strengths. Finding the more obscure and bizarre ways to solve puzzles is where the experience shines, largely because it's the kind of fun you create for yourself.

Whether you loved the first game or you're looking for something new, Cold War is a great place to jump in to experience one of the best tower defense variations on the market.

The nature of the franchise itself makes Heroes VI an excellent title for gamers who don't typically spend much time in the strategy genre, and if Black Hole and Ubisoft can entice an old hand like me to stick around as well, I consider it a success.

Not only is it incredibly detailed for a game you can put in your pocket when you're done playing, but it also has multiplayer capabilities. [Jan 2002, p.98]

This game has plenty of edge-of-your-seat racing and thrilling moments. Some of the repetition, however, slows it down. [Issue#206, p.89]

The last Toca shot itself in the foot instead of putting the pedal to the metal by restricting players with a linear career structure. Luckily for us, Codemasters has rectified the situation in this newest Toca. [Mar 2006, p.100]

I can recall many times I involuntarily smiled as I saw what the level designers came up with. Those exhilarating moments of discovery and excitement – the moment you see the approach the designer took – are what will stick with me when I look back on my time with Klaus.

"Quotation Forthcoming"

If you fell in love with the virtual pet aspect within the original, the Creature AI is more dynamic and the insertion of variety keeps the adventure from becoming redundant. [Mar 2002, p.88]

Stellaris’ early game is full of exploration and promise, and the small nuggets of fiction I picked up after discovering an abandoned research station or dissecting the corpse of a space giant helped draw me into the fantasy that I was truly exploring the unknown. Unfortunately, the game eventually settles into a grind as you either try to convince neighboring aliens to become your vassals or slowly build up an army to forcefully take over their worlds. The rewarding moments are still there, but they’re spaced out significantly. Taking over the galaxy turns out to be a lot of work, but it’s a worthwhile mission for would-be explorers.

It feels more like a next-generation "Colony Wars" than Defender. This, of course, is the highest of compliments. [Feb 2003, p.105]

Silent Hill 3 embodies the true essence of horror and never once gives the player a moment to relax or breathe. [Aug 2003, p.88]

It's beautiful, hard, smart, and alarmingly engrossing. [Sept 2004, p.116]

Complaints and rough spots aside, this is a very solid and enjoyable effort. [July 2006, p.111]

A great package crammed with more value and personality than most rhythm games. [Dec 2003, p.143]

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

The gameplay is much deeper and forces gamers to concoct more complex offensive strategies. In a way, though, the game has lost part of its charm. [Oct 2003, p.83]

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is a fighting game that tries to appeal to everyone, and it largely succeeds (unless you’re a die-hard Wolverine fan). I occasionally cringed at the bad one-liners, but I also giggled with absurd joy every time photojournalist Frank West tossed a demigod like Thanos across a dilapidated space station. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite isn’t trying to be taken seriously; it’s a series of geeky what-if scenarios that play out in spectacular aerial battles. After I embraced that, I had a lot of fun.

Inferiorities to Tony aside, Mirra 2 makes other portable action sports games look like a pile of puke. [Mar 2002, p.91]

To the Moon may be light on gameplay, but it is a storytelling powerhouse that explores the themes of love and regret.

Day of the Tentacle is largely removed from the adventure genre’s shortcomings, such as obtuse puzzle design, though it lacks a certain depth to its story. Nonetheless, its strange premise, witty one-liners, and brain-teasing puzzles help it remain something special.

Despite my issues with the paths that are laid out before you, Black Flag is great fun when you let your impulses guide you.

One of the better music games on the market. [Aug 2004, p.100]

Repetitive gameplay loops aside, the cooperative tactical variety and vast open world make Ghost Recon Wildlands a singular experience unlike any other shooter on the market. Wildlands may not succeed with all its ambitions, but it’s a compelling direction for the series that points to a fertile future.

It sacrifices little of the feel while introducing some new concepts that I hope stick around. While aspects like the bid to introduce emotion to players remains inconclusive and I'd like the developer refine its control scheme, for the first time in a while the future of the franchise is more exciting than its past.

Yes, this fresh batch of tunes will help with the wait until the holiday rush of "Guitar Hero III" and "Rock Band." Those who are hoping for a new load of unlockables to shoot for are out of luck. [Aug 2007, p.97]

Repetitive gameplay loops aside, the cooperative tactical variety and vast open world make Ghost Recon Wildlands a singular experience unlike any other shooter on the market. Wildlands may not succeed with all its ambitions, but it’s a compelling direction for the series that points to a fertile future.

Repetitive gameplay loops aside, the cooperative tactical variety and vast open world make Ghost Recon Wildlands a singular experience unlike any other shooter on the market. Wildlands may not succeed with all its ambitions, but it’s a compelling direction for the series that points to a fertile future.

While the play-to-play action has some awesome moments, the Franchise mode is stuck in a boring rut.

The core of this fantastic superhero game is still in place, and if you have ever wanted to feel more like you were actually slashing with Wolverine’s claws, now’s your chance.

Easily the best fishing game I have played in a long, long time, and instantly climbs to the top of my list of all-time fishing titles. It's that good. [Oct 2004, p.136]

Despite its often-disastrous implementation, Eador’s design is worth your time – a testament to its strength.

Home to some of the greatest gameplay that you'll ever encounter, but unless you compete online, it mostly goes to waste. [Dec 2005, p.154]

I would easily put it above "Mace Griffin" and "Return to Castle Wolfenstein."... Most definitely one of the top FPS games on the PS2. [Nov 2003, p.140]

The only flaw is the difficulty curve - it's steeper than trying to jump into Counter-Strike online play as an FPS newbie. [Dec 2003, p.183]

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]

Thanks to the memorable characters and undeniably fun battle system, I still found myself enthralled by Star Ocean. [Aug 2004, p.98]

The game's unique rewards system with unlockable maps, heroes, and relic powers adds replay value to a solid, if not earth-shattering strategy title. [Feb 2009, p.87]

Eriksholm is a great puzzle game under the guise of a stealth adventure, utilizing the mechanics of the latter to create the pieces for the former. With a focused cast, three playable characters that synergize harmoniously, and a world whose nooks and crannies beg to be seen (with collectibles to reward your efforts), I’m left wanting more. Eriksholm, for the most part, avoids the critical error of stealth puzzles that grow beyond complex into frustrating, and turns in a series of challenges that are almost always fun and, in the final handful of hours, brilliant. I just wish the rest of the game matched its later heights.

It may not be pushing the genre forward in terms of plot, but Eternal Sonata's other components come together with such harmony that it will have you calling for an encore. [Sept 2007, p.118]

A trend-setting effort and an absolute must-have for platforming fanatics. [Jan 2003, p.91]

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

It’s a great downloadable title, packed with hours of fun in a setting unlike anything else out there.

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]

Far: Changing Tides isn’t an action-packed roller coaster ride – it’s a contemplative journey that isn’t afraid to slow down and ask you to reflect on your expedition. Of course, this adventure is full of challenges to overcome. But whether I was watching the clouds glide over a flooded city with the wind at my back or white-knuckling through a storm as ten-foot waves bombarded my ship, I was always completely enrapt by the moment. It’s a journey I hope to take again someday.

The great ideas present in MotoGP are a good foundation. However, the failure to develop them further is what keeps this game from greatness.

But the big-time college football moments that it does deliver are worth it--and you won't find them on that new-fangled next-gen console either. [Aug 2006, p.81]

Though SimCity DS isn’t perfect, it liberally taps that latent SimCity addiction found in everyone’s brain.

If your interest lies solely with the single-player experience - and let's be frank, this is why we counted down the days until BioShock 2's release - I walked away from it pleased, but also unfulfilled. BioShock 2 eventually becomes the sequel I hoped for, but spends too much time getting there. [Issue#203, p.82]

If you have the required peripherals, you owe it to yourself to check out the best version of DDR yet released. [Oct 2004, p.136]

The definitive wresting title for the GameCube. [Oct 2004, p.137]

You don't have to look forward to next year. [Dec 2001, p.104]

Some hefty load times and dekes awkwardly mapped to the d-pad are my only major complaints in what is otherwise an excellent handheld presentation of the sport. [May 2005, p.136]

Master of Orion is an incredibly polished iteration and a worthwhile return to the beloved franchise, but it’s entering a galaxy full of fierce competition as the space 4X genre has seen a big bang of resurgence over the last few years. Master of Orion boasts a lot to love for new players, and it’s one of the best entry-level 4X games out there, but older veterans may find themselves searching the stars for more complexity.

When credits rolled on Get Even after a powerful ending, I found myself wanting to revisit the world and collect all the clues I missed to see how it would affect Black’s story. Farm 51’s latest is a well-paced action-adventure title that juggles a lot of elements to create an experience that is both thrilling and unexpectedly moving.

While Mario Kart World doesn’t earn high marks across the board, it has it where it counts. As a launch title for Nintendo’s new system, this is a friendly and approachable release that will delight all members of the family, while also offering a high skill and knowledge ceiling for dedicated players who want to dig deep. And it’s just as maddening and hilarious as ever to hit your buddy with a shell and watch him spin out. At the end of the day, isn’t that the point?

This year's title attempts to cover a lot of ground for the franchise, and the outcome is akin to a QB throwing for 400 yards and still not winning the game. A lot went right even if it wasn't a resounding victory. In the case of Madden 13, there is such a thing as a moral victory.

If you enjoy challenging games or simply enjoy getting your ass handed to you, Shaun Palmer is a dream come true. [Dec 2001, p.93]

Dontnod does a great job at introducing these new characters and fleshing them out, and it will be interesting to see how Daniel comes to terms with his life-changing powers.

If there's one glaring mistake that brings Madden 13 down, it's the new Infinity physics engine. It sometimes makes good on its intent to bring more realistic physics, varied hits, and multiple contact points on the body, but the effects of player collision are inconsistent.

Tapping into the sense of isolation and level flow of the original game, Crystal Dynamics has completely overhauled the individual puzzles and encounters to match more modern expectations. [Dec 2007, p.152]

The game's greatest accomplishment is that these simple little tales are as effective as many full-length JRPG releases this generation.

This game is going places its predecessors never went, but it's also unwilling to ditch a past that is just slowing it down. [Aug 2008, p.80]

The GC-only four-player mode is impressively fast. [Feb 2002, p.87]

For everyone else, though, Trails in the Sky plays out like beloved JRPGs from the late '90s: dramatic, character-focused, and detailed. This is a world in which almost every townsperson has a unique name and personality and in which every treasure chest in the game can be examined a second time to provide a unique message reminding you that you've already robbed it of its spoils. Little additions like this don't individually make or break a game, but in Trails in the Sky they add up to an incredibly charming and absurdly long experience.

Maniacs will keep you happy and occupied on the go, even if some of the characters and modes are hokey. [Apr 2002, p.89]

In the end, super fans and newbies should definitely give Colonies a look. [June 2008, p.97]

While Tapout didn't bandage the wounds of its predecessor, it's much better than a punch in the groin. [Mar 2002, p.84]

The core Buzz quiz show mechanic maintains the familiar tone of past games, but the extras really sell this debut on the PS3. [Nov 2008, p.124]

Even with its frustrations, Card Hunter is easy to recommend to tactics enthusiasts. The charming nods to old-school dungeon crawls are spot-on, but the depth of the incredibly flexible combat system gives Card Hunter its legs. There’s even a well-designed multiplayer mode that lets you test your skills against fellow online players. The fact that Card Hunter is also a free browser-based game is icing on the cake, and a potent reminder that awesome games are cropping up in all sorts of unexpected venues these days.

Despite the overall fun I had with Superstar mode, it's unfortunate other aspects of the game haven't been fixed. [Oct. 2006, p.92]

At times, I was glued to my controller as I discovered the next village, plot revelation, or impressive boss. Dragon Quest has stuck around for a reason: It does what it does well, and the formula still works. However, Dragon Quest XI’s lack of evolution is a hindrance. It’s about time the series took some risks.

Casual fans may struggle a bit, but most b-ball veterans will embrace the new changes...and find their little slice of hoops heaven. [Dec 2003, p.159]

Squadrons’ single-player may fizzle out frequently like a malfunctioning hyperdrive motivator, but the multiplayer continually impresses and is worth the price of entry alone.

Compared to its PS2 counterpart, it's easy to see that the Xbox version is much sharper and smoother, but when it came to play, I will have to give the nod to the PS2 version. [Dec 2001, p.108]