Apart from the animal stuff, the core game has also undergone some tweaks, like a greater sense of ownership of your surroundings. It doesn't make Pets more fun, though; the lack of sufficient rewards and direction neuters the whole experience and makes it a chore to play.

The immense roster is a glorious thing, but by altering the sacred Fatality, the action just isn't up to the series' standards or what fans expect.

I’m glad Activision tried to address some of the problems in the original game (including adding multiplayer), but Showdown suffers slightly by drifting away from what it had already perfected.

Unmistakably an SMT title: It still features the distinctive art of Kazuma Kaneko, demon fusion, and an atmospheric story. It may not have the gameplay or challenge that fans have come to expect, but it does a good job of taking small steps toward the mainstream without renouncing its roots.

But the marginally 3d action battle system is an improvement over the recent "Tales of Legendia", and the plotline has enough political twists and betrayals to keep you playing even if the main character is another confused youth with amnesia. [Nov. 2006, p.134]

Unfortunately, the entire affair is filled with repeated waves of what amount to the exact same enemies, and it doesn’t take long for boredom to set in.

An almost totally uninspired 3D brawler that doesn’t avoid any of the common pitfalls of the genre. Locking the camera close in behind the character’s head is almost never a good idea, and certainly not in this case. The automatic targeting mechanic bugs out at least once every five minutes of play. Enemies are too predictable.

It adds a new wrinkle to your career mode via Team Tour mode. You'll beat the usual club pros as you go up the ladder, but this time you can add them to your team.

Given that fact, however, this game largely remains the same as it ever was--due to the consistency of the gameplay from last year. But because that the tour has adopted the new FedEx Cup system, your career can't help but feel a little different. [Nov. 2006, p.128]

Unfortunately, the entire affair is filled with repeated waves of what amount to the exact same enemies, and it doesn't take long for boredom to set in.

It adds a new wrinkle to your career mode via Team Tour mode. You'll beat the usual club pros as you go up the ladder, but this time you can add them to your team.

Unfortunately, the entire affair is filled with repeated waves of what amount to the exact same enemies, and it doesn't take long for boredom to set in.

The immense roster is a glorious thing, but by altering the sacred Fatality, the action just isn’t up to the series’ standards or what fans expect.

Dark Crusade can be enjoyed by new and experienced players alike, regardless of whether you own the earlier installments – even if the hefty challenge makes it more appropriate for veterans.

It’s every bit as profane, violent, and over-the-top as the movie, and delivers not only the gunplay you’re expecting, but as much depth as almost any other game in the genre. Like the film that inspired it, it’s sometimes a bit clunky, but makes up for it in bravado and style.

It's every bit as profane, violent, and over-the-top as the movie, and delivers not only the gunplay you're expecting, but as much depth as almost any other game in the genre. Like the film that inspired it, it's sometimes a bit clunky, but makes up for it in bravado and style.

Sure, it’s a little silly that the Enterprise is flinging itself around the galaxy taking out Klingon Birds of Prey to and fro, but there are some classic Trek moments to be had, from beaming off away teams to outrunning the shockwaves of exploding planets.

It’s great that Team Soho has tried to break out in some new directions; it’s a pity that the gameplay and missions aren’t up to the challenge. The most disappointing aspect for me was the total linearity and lack of freedom that makes this an “open world” game in name only.

Definitely recommended for puzzle fans. [Sept. 2006, p.100]

Gameplay, meanwhile, makes some minor adjustments this year--giving a few more control options including the ability to play with a scheme that is identical to Konami's "Winning Eleven" button layout. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

Gameplay, meanwhile, makes some minor adjustments this year--giving a few more control options including the ability to play with a scheme that is identical to Konami's "Winning Eleven" button layout. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

Gameplay, meanwhile, makes some minor adjustments this year--giving a few more control options including the ability to play with a scheme that is identical to Konami's "Winning Eleven" button layout. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

The AI is still riddled with holes and your money plays from last year will still work. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

The game, however, is a complete disaster, and is just barely playable. The content is definitely worth seeing, but you’ll have to trudge through gaming hell to see it.

The game, however, is a complete disaster, and is just barely playable. The content is definitely worth seeing, but you'll have to trudge through gaming hell to see it.

It is a fun game with some cool ideas, just one with its share of problems. If nothing else it tries a few new things, which is more than you can say about many games. [Oct. 2006, p.93]

It is a fun game with some cool ideas, just one with its share of problems. If nothing else it tries a few new things, which is more than you can say about many games. [Oct. 2006, p.93]

It is a fun game with some cool ideas, just one with its share of problems. If nothing else it tries a few new things, which is more than you can say about many games. [Oct. 2006, p.93]

This game’s biggest selling point is the crazy juxtaposition of its units (ninjas, Triceratops, and jetpack-wearing Norsemen are all there), but it certainly doesn’t fall flat in other areas.

Mage Knight Apocalypse is a lot like eating the generic store brand equivalent of Lucky Charms. It has everything you expect, but doesn’t taste quite right.

With the enhanced version of "Midnight Club 3" retailing for $20, I see little need for this title. [Nov. 2006, p.134]

Fortunately, the main characters and the central plot are interesting enough to carry the action along, and the way it bridges the story to the original VP will leave fans very pleased. [oct. 2006, p.98]

Even the most patient of strategy nerds will be hard-pressed to maintain interest in Spectral Souls. [Nov. 2006, p.146]

A game that is likely to be frustrating to experienced players of the miniature game and nearly impossible to grasp for newcomers. [Dec 2006, p.157]

It is a fun game with some cool ideas, just one with its share of problems. If nothing else it tries a few new things, which is more than you can say about many games. [Oct. 2006, p.93]

I'm sure some people will dig March of the Mini's all-ages gameplay, and the chance to share player-created levels via Wi-Fi is a nice touch, but unless someone comes up with stages that are more interesting than the ones in the main game, I'm certainly not interested. [Nov. 2006, p.142]

The deep Dynasty mode is the only feature worth the price of admission. The day-to-day tasks are organized better than NBA 2K7’s Association mode, and new features like the NBA rumors and managing assistants give sports fans a greater sense of control.

But the list of shortcomings is so long that you wonder how the company has the cajones to charge $10 more for this version over the current-gen titles. Those are some big brass basketballs.

Yes, the presentation isn't as good, and unfortunately there is no 24/7 mode--which is a real bummer, but on the court this game hasn't been left for dead. [Nov. 2006, p.128]

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]

Of course, it's better than last year, but it still has a ways to go before it supplants The Life as the reason to get this game. [Nov. 2006, p.134]

The deep Dynasty mode is the only feature worth the price of admission. The day-to-day tasks are organized better than NBA 2K7's Association mode, and new features like the NBA rumors and managing assistants give sports fans a greater sense of control.

Yes, the presentation isn't as good, and unfortunately there is no 24/7 mode--which is a real bummer, but on the court this game hasn't been left for dead. [Nov. 2006, p.128]

If your lonely GameCube is starved for a new RPG, this is your best option. [Nov. 2006, p.139]

This sad excuse for a port doesn't even deserve a body bag. Just toss it in the river. [Nov. 2006, p.146]

The core mission of any game is to create a world that the players want to get lost in, and Okami delivers on this in every way--with the gameplay, with the graphics, and with the story. [Oct. 2006, p.96]

However, the fact remains that this is still the same flawed game that was released for the current-gen systems. [Oct. 2006, p.104]

Rocket Slime harnesses these creatures' irresistible charm and pairs it with cclever exploration and puzzle solving to form a fun adventure with a decidedly classic feel. [Oct. 2006, p.112]

The gameplay really needs an upgrade before I can recommend this series again. [Nov. 2006, p.130]

The gameplay really needs an upgrade before I can recommend this series again. [Nov. 2006, p.130]

Simply put, this game is bad and I hate it. [Nov. 2006, p.140]

Anyone who owns a gaming PC will be well served by this outstanding effort. [Oct. 2006, p.108]

In short, there's fun to be had here if you're willing to put up with the stuff that sucks. [Nov. 2006, p.146]

This entire game is held up by the comedy that it delivers, and as a result, I don't think I've laughed this hard in years. [Oct. 2006, p.95]

This entire game is held up by the comedy that it delivers, and as a result, I don't think I've laughed this hard in years. [Oct. 2006, p.95]

The core gameplay(which is lifted almost entirely from the Mega Man Zero series on GBA)is nearly perfect, but nobody bothered to implement all of the other things that a game needs to be truely exceptional. [Oct. 2006, p.112]

Difficult to control, slow, and(as the game goes on)more and more arbitrarily forced fights suck fun directly from the player. [Oct. 2006, p.100]

I want to preface my statements that way, so that when I tell you how awful Pirate's Carnival is , maybe, just maybe, you'll believe me. [Sept. 2006, p.92]

Regardless of the fact that you can pass now with the right analog, this game is for anyone who yearns for a simpler time when hockey was arcade-like and EA wasn't afraid to hit it on the ice--unlike the next-gen version. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

The only area where the game fires shots on net is in the individual battle between a streaking skater and the goalie. The remainder of the game skates on thin ice. [Oct. 2006, p.102]

In the end, NHL 2K7 skates circles around the competition, but it still needs solid goaltending before it can make a run for the Stanley Cup. [Oct. 2006, p.102]

Along these lines, Cooking Mama could have been a wacky, gameplay-oriented way to have some fun with my food. Because of the dual-screen layout and minigame design, it just plain isn't. [Oct. 2006, p.114]

While technical limitations hold the game back from greatness, when you look past the downgraded visuals there's a lot to like. [Oct. 2006, p.114]

This entire game is held up by the comedy that it delivers, and as a result, I don't think I've laughed this hard in years. [Oct. 2006, p.95]

The AI is still riddled with holes and your money plays from last year will still work. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

Regardless of the fact that you can pass now with the right analog, this game is for anyone who yearns for a simpler time when hockey was arcade-like and EA wasn't afraid to hit it on the ice--unlike the next-gen version. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

I want to preface my statements that way, so that when I tell you how awful Pirate's Carnival is , maybe, just maybe, you'll believe me. [Sept. 2006, p.92]

This entire game is held up by the comedy that it delivers, and as a result, I don't think I've laughed this hard in years. [Oct. 2006, p.95]

I don't doubt that the DS can be a good system for sports, but I really don't think this is the way to go about it. [Oct. 2006, p.113]

The one thing that makes this game worth it to NASCAR rubes like you and me is that the new speed blur makes side-by-side racing pretty damn cool. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

The one thing that makes this game worth it to NASCAR rubes like you and me is that the new speed blur makes side-by-side racing pretty damn cool. [Oct. 2006, p.94]

Please don't do any more games like this, The Rock. You deserve better. [Nov. 2006, p.130]

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]

Please, someone put a hit out on this one before it commits more crimes against gaming. [Sept. 2006, p.93]

But there are a lot of interesting ideas here and, hardcores be damned, it's cute-as-a-button attitude is a great asset. [Oct. 2006, p.110]

Please don't do any more games like this, The Rock. You deserve better. [Nov. 2006, p.130]

Hip-hop moves fast, and Def Jam seems to have lost its cutting-edge appeal. [Aug 2006, p.93]

While not broken in any fundamental ways, this souless and cliched title tries to be too many things to many people, and in the end does none of them well. [Oct. 2006, p.104]

The game's not perfect by any means, but this is an idea that is long overdue, and I, for one, think it deserves some props. [Jun 2006, p.113]

I'm fine with a game that has me tearing my hair out from the difficulty--but the gameplay sure better hold up during those frustrating hours. In this case, I'm not sure it does. [Oct. 2006, p.110]

Xenosaga Episode III has many more successes than failures. But taken in context with the trilogy as a whole, Episode III is the worthy conclusion to an epic that I hadn't dared hope it could be. [Sept. 2006, p.90]

There's really only one way to sum it all up. This game just sucks. [Sept. 2006, p.97]

Like its predecessor, Disgaea 2 isn't for everyone. If sinking 40-plus hours into a game just to see the basic ending and none of the secret or hidden content doesn't appeal to you, feel free to pass on by. But if dropping dozens of hours into leveling up for the sake of having obscenely powerful characters sounds good, or you're looking for some fun tactical battles and a clever story, I can't recommend this highly ennough. [Sept. 2006, p.92]

You run around, you shoot people, and that's about it. [Nov. 2006, p.146]

The one area where Saints Row really goes outside of anything that "GTA" has to offer is through its amazingly diverse and highly enthralling online. [Sept. 2006, p.95]

Star Fox Command isn't the second coming, but it is a great start to repairing a franchise that had crashed and burned. [Oct. 2006, p.113]

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]

I feel what we have here is a lot of spectacle that doesn't stand up well to the scrutiny. [Oct. 2006, p.104]

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]

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]

Even with a well-balanced multiplayer experience, I can't say that Sword of the Stars is incredibly ambitious, but it's definitely an entertaining and accessible way to extend your galactic influence. [Sept. 2006, p.99]

On the other hand, despite all the effort that clearly went into this game's visuals, story points, and even gun customization, making Dirge of Cerberus fun to play slipped to a disappointingly low priority somewhere along the way. [Sept. 2006, p.93]

Ninety-Nine Nights may be the best that the genre has to offer, but it also shows us that this style of game still has a long way to go. [Sept. 2006, p.96]

The gameplay mixes first-person action with a rune-drawing-like spellcasting mechanic similiar to "Lost Magic", but every aspect is unresponsive, sluggish, and repetitive. [Oct. 2006, p.114]

The game is huge on replay in the main mode and offers even more after the tale is done. [Sept. 2006, p.94]

The game may actually be a little text heavy at times, and the early hours are a tad simplistic, but overall this was a pleasant surprise. [Aug 2006, p.93]

This expansion is nothing more than the quintessential extension of the base game. [Oct. 2006, p.106]

This game hasn't solved all of its pivot-based racing problems, so unfortunately that doesn't help matters, but at least it's better simply because the tracks are more interesting and the sense of speed is pretty good. [Sept. 2006, p.88]