The swordplay is silky smooth, and surprisingly deep – allowing players to upgrade weapons with experience earned to unlock additional attacks and powers for three swords.

Old-school fans will rejoice, and maybe a new generation will now understand why Mega Man is awesome. [Jan 2005, p.124]

With the addition of both local and online multiplayer, Fortune Street is a much smarter, infinitely more playable title. If you're a fan of board games, it deserves your support.

Simultaneously fun and forgettable, and to me that's the very definition of an average puzzle game. [Nov 2005, p.180]

I feel proud for beating BloodRayne: Betrayal, but I can't recommend it for anyone who lacks an ocean of patience. [Sept 2011, p.93]

Despite the grievances I have with the action and impact on the story, this is an enjoyable and evenly paced episode that effectively wraps up the Wither Storm arc for Minecraft: Story Mode, and delivers an ending that tugs on players’ heartstrings.

Job Simulator lives up to its own ambitions, presenting a compact, cute, and accessible showcase for interacting with virtual locations. [Tested with Vive]

Ultimately, Rango's another example of how to do a licensed property justice. Rather than simply rehash the movie's story, EA and Paramount are giving players a new adventure to experience. It's a little on the short side – and even then it starts to get repetitive near the end – but it's definitely one of the better tie-ins I've played over the years.

Given the breadth of exciting content to play, including Portal’s six classic maps like Battlefield 3’s Caspian Border and 1942’s Battle of the Bulge, this entry is an easy recommendation for fans of the series. If you’re on the fence about purchasing Battlefield 2042 at launch, you can look forward to my full review in the coming days. [Review in Progress]

It's an atrocity to play. [Nov 2001, p.98]

Often frustrating, but overall it's a worthwhile experience that's unlike anything else. [May 2004, p.108]

From a gameplay perpective, NBA Jam doesn't hold a candle to "NBA Street." [Nov 2003, p.171]

You may be tempted to write this game off due to its extremely generic title, cheap-looking box art, and derivative concept(basically it's a new version of "Arkanoid"). {sept. 2006, p.100]

The chuckles along the way make it worth the trouble for fans, but if you don’t know Arman Tamzarian from Disco Stu, most of the game’s redeeming elements will fall on deaf, bored ears. [Dec 2007, p.142]

On the plus side, this is the first game that successfully makes Superman a fun character to play.

The real-time combat adds an element of urgency, but the repetitive battles and clumsy controls dull that edge early on. [Jun 2006, p.118]

A very solid contender that will give PSP tennis fans more than their fill of racket action.

This is a simple concept you must have certainly seen before, but it's just as fun on the touch screen as it is with a more convvential scheme. [Aug 2006, p.92]

Creating a compelling zombie game in a generation with too many of them is a hard task. Tequila Works manages to do this while successfully merging it with the unlikely action-platforming genre. The lame narrative and lack of consistent challenge can't overshadow the fun I had with Deadlight. I'm crossing my fingers for a sequel.

Even as the story wears out its welcome, some gonzo story points and exciting choices reinvigorate the final act. I wish more of the game was characterized by the dramatic decisions found in the final hours.

Insect Armageddon lacks the clueless earnestness of the last entry and carries over some dated concepts, but it fully captures the same breed of unapologetic run-and-gun action. Ultimately, that's what kept me playing EDF 2017 for dozens of hours, and that's why I've got dozens more in front of me with Insect Armageddon.

Need for Speed: The Run is by no stretch a bad game; it just fails to capitalize on its chances. San Francisco to New York is a long haul, and it's even longer when not enough happens in between. [Dec 2011, p.112]

Gamers who enjoyed the movie could do worse than this well-polished platformer.

Despite the formulaic plot, some of the characters are endearing (a giant bear!), and several dungeons make excellent use of a multi-party mechanic that lets you put all of your ­accumulated warriors to good use.

The good easily outweighs the bad in this case, though, and plants Death Jr. 2 firmly in the upper echelon of PSP titles. [Nov. 2006, p.145]

I stared at the television in disbelief for a good hour wondering how Capcom cold have messed up this bad. Devil May Cry 2 in not only a grave disappointment, it's a painful one. [Mar 2003, p.78]

I'm sorry, but running around the same old loopy track designs in generic space bikes just isn't cutting it, and I really think developers need to either totally reinvent this genre or abandon it. [Nov. 2003, p.153]

I was left wanting more, and wondering why solid gameplay sections were only used once.

A decent game, but unfortunately it has just as many lows as it does highs. [Oct 2002, p.90]

Juiced certainly has the makings of an average street racer, with lots of customizables and affected street appeal. [July 2005, p.116]

The missions have a shocking lack of variety, mostly just forcing you to do the same handful of things, but with stronger foes.

Nice four-player support and a fairly long quest are definite pluses, but don't make up for Untold Legends dropping the ball so badly on the level design front. [May 2005, p.134]

Super Bomberman R 2’s best parts are the ones carried over from older games in the series. Messing around with friends in local and online matches is still fun, and if that's all you're interested in, it's a fine enough experience. Unfortunately, that’s a small portion of the game, making it hard to recommend.

The camera often becomes a liability, especially in areas where you can't zoom out. Character advancement is bare-bones, which hurts replay. [Sept 2003, p.107]

Not only is it the best Arnold or Terminator-themed game ever (which isn't saying all that much), but it's also one of the best licensed games around. [Oct 2004, p.127]

In its best moments, Planets Under Attack can be a lot of fun. Once I started refining my strategies, I found hours melting away as I attempted to beat various stages on the more difficult settings. Good content and some intense stages can be found in Planets Under Attack, but you have to become accustomed to the quirks in order to get to them.

Dillon’s Rolling Western: The Last Ranger stands alone with very few comparable games. It’s an original title that blends genres well with fantastic music and appealing characters. The biggest shortcomings are the timers and restrictions on nearly every aspect of the game. I want to spend more time beating up Grocks and exploring, but just when you find your stride, you are pushed towards the next section whether you’re ready or not.

The shooter is a dying breed, but Namco has found a way to revitalize it and make it contagious for both hardcore role-players who seek something fresh and twitchy fingered gamers who have long waited to see this genre evolve. [Aug 2005, p.109]

It's a bit like a first album by a band you know will go on to record a classic. All the elements are there - they just need a little polish. [July 2005, p.122]

There is a load of personality in Chicken Little, and the large variety of level types and playable characters will appeal to fans of the film. [Nov 2005, p.149]

Despite its problems, Hero in Residence presents situations I want to see progress over the next four episodes. Though the pacing is inconsistent and the decision points are questionable in their weight, the new mechanics and revamped combat make me wonder what else Telltale has in store this season. Though I have my problems with this episode, I'm interested to see the direction the tale takes from here.

I appreciate the interesting format AC V employs, and enjoyed the sense of camaraderie I had for my team. However, the story missions are too confusing and difficult, the order missions are too short and repetitive, and there is no in-between.

Mafia III is a missed opportunity to put an important time in American history in the spotlight, and ends up being one of the most lifeless and one-note open-world experiences I’ve come across. You can see the potential for a great game here, but it sticks to safe and simple gameplay and storytelling conventions, and ends up being a bloody bore.

Fun for what it was worth, but I didn't have a problem walking away from it when the time came. [Dec 2001, p.117]

I liked the battle system, and the magic scheme was much more robust than I expected, but in the end this game came off as little more than an RPG that tried to be epic, but fell short. [Nov 2002, p.126]

Several things work as they should, but much of the game is chock full of frustration, and the whole thing ends up feeling like a string of tired minigames. [Nov 2004, p.170]

It captures the electricity of the sport and is quite amazing graphically, but it's low in the substance department, and not quite as endearing...The only source of enjoyment was collecting the obscure items and weapons. [Mar 2002, p.84]

Its engine has nothing on "WrestleMania." I'd inch last year's "SmackDown" ahead of this game, too. Raw 2 is like a hardcore match: thrilling but sloppy. [Nov 2003, p.162]

It includes everything offered in the PS2 version, but features an odd control scheme. [Nov 2002, p.134]

The unintentionally dirty translation mistakes are largely gone, the hero is pretty savvy, and the story almost kind of makes sense. [Apr 2006, p.134]

This is the most mindless button masher I've come across in a long time...Like its silently morbid hero, the new Gungrave shows up dead on arrival. [Nov 2004, p.158]

The storytelling is where this title shines, but the rest of 2econd Coming basks in mediocrity. [May 2002, p.81]

A decent enough way to get your World War II on, but does nothing to move the genre forward or distinguish itself from other FPS games. [Dec 2003, p.136]

Unfortunately, the combo system is designed for a button-mashing extravaganza - and combos of X-X-X just don't cut it today. [Mar 2003, p.88]

The mere fact that it fills a niche on the Wii doesn't excuse this disappointing lack of substance. [May 2008, p.95]

Jett: The Far Shore shines bright in some narrative-heavy sections, and its visuals can be impressive, but – despite starting off full of potential – it fails to fulfill its promise. Sadly, Jett’s finale, much like my time spent piloting its interstellar spacecraft, feels more unfulfilling than thought-provoking.

We Ski tries, and is largely successful, at creating a casual skiing game with a novel control mechanic. Which is great, but the actual content wouldn’t have held my attention for even an hour if it were just some old PS2 game (which, graphically, it sadly resembles).

Whether alone or with a friend, Beatmania delivers where it counts. [Apr 2006, p.124]

I don't regret my time with The Simpsons one bit and would have downloaded the game whether I was reviewing it or not. I'm sure plenty of brawler fans are in the same boat and won't be swayed one way or the other by reviews. However, if you've never heard of this game before now, it probably won't have the same sprinkling of magic dust as it does for longtime fans.

It's easily one of the most unique and entertaining multiplayer choices for the GameCube. [Apr 2005, p.131]

If you're into insane boss fights and haven't already hit this up on another system, Lost Planet deserves to be found. [Mar 2008, p.100]

A dark and unnerving game that will impress and worry you with how nefarious it truly can be. [May 2002, p. 82]

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]

Its graphics are merely average and the fighting is uninspired. [July 2003, p.107]

Presents absolutely no challenge, even on the hardest difficult setting. [August 2002, p.91]

I hate this game's archaic point of view which I've dubbed Pole Position Syndrome. [June 2002, p.87]

What kills this title for me, though, is the ridiculous emphasis on scouting. How am I supposed to conquer the continent when I can only see what's happening on 20 percent of any given battle map? [Jan 2006, p.138]

MediEvil still deserves to be heralded as a classic for its time and place in gaming, and I love how it looks in revitalized form on PlayStation 4. However, its gameplay is a relic of yesteryear, and an example that shows us just how far games have come over the years. Rest in peace, Sir Dan.

Basketball fans who want more arcade-like action than the sim-heavy "College Hoops 2K8" may find some fun in March Madness, but serious hoops fans should stick with 2K.

Some horror games skillfully wield repetition as a tool, letting players grow accustomed to the familiar to set up scares both subtle and cuss-worthy. Unfortunately, Maiden of the Black Water is waterlogged with repeated environments and monotonous phantasmagorical photo sessions.

With a brief runtime of a couple of hours, Open Roads is a respectable tale that sometimes feels ready to hit that higher narrative gear before easing off the gas again. Although visually pleasing and well-acted, the emotional impact is muted. While I didn’t mind sitting shotgun as Opal and Tess had lighthearted debates over the semantics of trailer vs. mobile homes and reminisced about old flames, it’s not a road trip that will stick with me for the long haul.

Original design and a quirky style keep Fancy Pants enjoyable throughout, but some significant features need a little tweaking before this sketchy hero can stand with the big platforming heavyweights. [July 2011, p.94]

If you're a Metal Slug fan/PSP owner who hasn't had a way to play this entry in the series before, XX is worth checking out. It's a tough recommendation for everyone else.

The crafting system is superficial but pretty much all of Brutal is that way. Its most interesting qualities are gimmicks – the ASCII visuals, the procedural generation, a shield that you can throw like Captain America because why not?

Terrible pacing of the game, which crawls along at a snail's pace due to constantly interrupting dialogue scenes. [July 2005, p.120]

Several dozen unlockable outfits can be mixed and matched at your leisure to create the silliest looking avatar imaginable, and the longer arcade shooters from the first game return as brief alternatives to the more frantic minigames.

But if you like to game on the go, Tomb Raider Legend is a solid little addition to the PSP library, and an adventure that is worth experiencing on any console. [July 2006, p.113]

This game had the chance to go in a different direction on the Wii and do something interesting with the Olympics, but unfortunately merely substitutes remote-shaking for button-mashing rather than offering genuinely fun activities.

After finishing Lollipop Chainsaw, I was left with the same feeling I had after playing other titles from creative director Suda 51. Like Killer 7 and No More Heroes, the premise is exciting and imaginative, but the gameplay execution has too many holes to embrace completely. However, also like those previous games, I'm glad I played Lollipop Chainsaw.

The number of crafts and items available with which to outfit your ship are nice, but the gameplay seems to keep Naval Ops on a short leash - one that will ultimately keep this title from a lot of mass-market appeal. [July 2003, p.107]

The game itself is good, but not stellar. It looks most like a late-era PSone game, but has a fairly solid camera, great dialogue, imaginative level design, and a definite emphasis on platforming rather than fighting action. [Oct 2003, p.118]

The most glaring deficiency in this title is in the variety of units and factions. There are only two options of who to play as, and neither is comparable to anything in current RTS titles. [Jan 2004, p.156]

Graphics (especially on Xbox) are sharp and colorful, the characters and areas from the movie are represented well, and the licensed songs are far more impressive than most similar fare. [Dec 2004, p.168]

Releasing Bounty Hunter is tantamount to being held down while someone farts in your face. [Feb 2003, p.101]

But the slow pacing and bad combat tarnish what otherwise might have been a portable gem. [May 2008, p.99]

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]

White Night adeptly merges survival horror with noir to create an alluring visual style and atmosphere. However, neither the story nor the puzzles are exceptional, and the game comes up just short. It has substance to its style, but it also doesn't satisfactorily build off its base components – as well done as they are. In the end, like many noir stories, this game exists in the grey.

I went into Sniper Elite V2 with one desire: Disfigure Nazis from hundreds of meters away. The game delivers on this core mechanic beautifully. While I would have preferred enemies with less superhuman vision and better stealth options, at the end of the game I couldn't recall a scenario I didn't enjoy. Sniper Elite V2 is a must for anyone interested in a smart shooter with an emphasis on gore.

It ends up feeling formulaic by modern standards.

Quotation forthcoming.

While SOCOM 4 is one of the few "hardcore" titles to implement Sony's PlayStation Move, I wasn't impressed when playing the game with motion controls. The Sharp Shooter peripheral is heavy and cumbersome to use, even if the trigger action is admittedly satisfying.

Hands down, WRC is some of the best racing on the PSP. [Apr 2006, p.132]

I appreciate the new freedom that Blood Ties affords combos, but there isn’t much else in place that dramatically changes up the formula from what we’ve seen before.

With so many genuinely good action/RPGs that aren't riddled with archaic missions and gameplay, I have trouble recommending Nier solely on the basis of a decent (but unevenly executed) story.

If you don’t mind playing a game for six or seven hours before getting to the good stuff, Web of Shadows eventually packs a nice little punch. However, if you want instant gratification from your games, this experience won’t do much for you.

While I can forgive The Wreckateer for lacking innovation, I can't forgive these lapses in execution – especially in a game that demands so much of the player. I enjoyed the game despite its flaws, but it's a missed opportunity for developer Iron Galaxy and Microsoft.

Unfortunately, the game looks a tad dated and isn't quite as smooth as its PC counterpart. Great action, but mediocre production. [Dec 2001, p.95]

The RPG-style fights are uninspiring, and the storyline is simplistic. Still, the graphics are bright and inviting, with menus that are easily navigable. [June 2004, p.138]