As remarkable as the presentation is, the true star of this title is gameplay. I was blown away by the game's ability to seamlessly transition between frenzied FPS and harrowing third-person platforming. [Feb 2005, p.121]

Unlike "The Sims," which allows you to build your own destiny from the ground up, Playboy: The Mansion is done in by the very fact that all you can do is be Hefner. [Apr 2005, p.117]

I found myself repeating ("stupid") endlessly as I writhed and winced my way through this lifeless and contrived adventure. [Jan 2005, p.119]

The execution of this entry is almost unplayable because it's just so darn dull and clunky, bu tthe ideas are there to make something interesting. [Feb 2005, p.115]

I found myself repeating ("stupid") endlessly as I writhed and winced my way through this lifeless and contrived adventure. [Jan 2005, p.119]

A solid imitation of 2001's shareware "Bejeweled" (which is considerably cheaper). [Apr 2005, p.142]

Laughable enemy AI, a poor targeting system, and sluggish movement really hold it back from being anything more than average. [Feb 2005, p.112]

Laughable enemy AI, a poor targeting system, and sluggish movement really hold it back from being anything more than average. [Feb 2005, p.112]

A graphical masterpiece, especially considering the limitations of the hardware. [Jan 2005, p.148]

A virtual compendium of platforming conventions, almost to a bizarre (otherworldly perhaps?) degree. [March 2005, p.137]

At its best moments, Suikoden IV sits right up there with the most outstanding RPGs ever created. [Feb 2005, p.114]

The game is still firing blanks and driving on four flat tires. [Feb 2005, p.115]

There are no flaws in Resident Evil 4. It is the greatest horror game to date. I never thought that a game, or a movie for that matter, could deliver pulse-pounding action in such an awe-inspiring way. [March 2005, p.134]

Much like the impressive and abundant explosions the game contains, whatever spark of interest Mercenaries may ignite quickly fizzles out due to lackluster mission objectives, flat story and characters..., and a generally derivative feel. [Feb 2005, p.110]

Simultaneously embraces links to the past while offering numerous innovations that keep gameplay fresh, exciting, and a true joy to play. [Feb 2005, p.124]

Much like the impressive and abundant explosions the game contains, whatever spark of interest Mercenaries may ignite quickly fizzles out due to lackluster mission objectives, flat story and characters..., and a generally derivative feel. [Feb 2005, p.110]

The final boss is one of the coolest-looking foes I've faced in a long time, and overall the graphics are great. [Feb 2005, p.118]

It's sequel time and all NFL Street 2 can come up with on the field is one new move. [Feb 2005, p.113]

It's sequel time and all NFL Street 2 can come up with on the field is one new move. [Feb 2005, p.113]

It's sequel time and all NFL Street 2 can come up with on the field is one new move. [Feb 2005, p.113]

Like a pizza covered in chocolate, this game's touch screen swing is appealing for about half a second before you swear it off forever. [Feb 2005, p.125]

It feels like a war machine that is too far behind the times, and it gets blown away by its competitors before it can even begin the battle. [Feb 2005, p.121]

It still looks great and has one of the best single-player stories out there. [Jan 2005, p.143]

There's good humor and writing to be had here, but it's not so much a game as an interactive comic book with a backlight. [Jan 2005, p.149]

Though the battles themselves get incredibly complex, the combat system remains simple and sometimes frustrating due to the use of an awkward real-time/turn-based combat hybrid. [Jan 2005, p.125]

Viewtiful Joe 2 rejuvinates my obsession, but it doesn't take it to the next level. The changes to gameplay are miniscule at best, and I wouldn't necessarily say I'm fond of them. [Dec 2004, p.160]

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

It's atmospheric, creepy, and sloooooow, even by survival horror standards. [Nov 2004, p.158]

The problem I had is that you cannot calibrate your cars' steering wheel to your liking in order to get rid of its large dead spot. [Jan 2005, p.145]

Movement is stiff, and you'll often be next to your enemy but miss him completely. It's like whiffing in T-ball. [Jan 2005, p.122]

An enjoyable handheld, but like the direct-to-video Disney sequels, it just doesn't have the magic of the original. [Jan 2005, p.146]

It's fun, fast, and simple without being dumbed-down. [Jan 2005, p.134]

A crowning accomplishment for video games and one of the finest Star Wars stories ever told. [Feb 2005, p.120]

Playing against the AI is tedious and boring in the extreme. [Feb 2005, p.117]

It still offers frantic side-scrolling action, but doesn't live up to the glorious old-school fragfests of recent titles like "Metal Slug 3." [Dec 2004, p.190]

Still a hell of a good time. The new multiplayer modes are fun, the weapons are interesting, and it's not like shooting zombies has lost its charm since "Wolfenstein 3D." [Jan 2005, p.138]

The super-group function and solo campaign level designs are particularly awesome. [Dec 2004, p.188]

Its change of pace and maturity feels just right, the platforming is divine, and the action is something to be very happy about. [Jan 2005, p.112]

The linear missions and worthless squad AI were my biggest issues with this game. [Feb 2005, p.116]

It's nothing spectacular, but all systems need good puzzle games and this seems to fit the bill nicely. [Jan 2005, p.149]

Its change of pace and maturity feels just right, the platforming is divine, and the action is something to be very happy about. [Jan 2005, p.112]

Its change of pace and maturity feels just right, the platforming is divine, and the action is something to be very happy about. [Jan 2005, p.112]

They still retain that indefinable fun factor that has kept me ferociously addicted to the series for years. [Jan 2005, p.149]

The humor is certainly there, but Hypnotix really needs to get the polish onto this simulation before people will revere its hilarity. [Oct 2004, p.125]

Though WoW doesn't radically differ from the tried-and-true MMORPG formula, the subtle tweaks, additions, and special layer of Blizzard polish make it an amazing and fresh experience. [Feb 2005, p.122]

One of my favorite games of the year...It makes up for its lack of finesse with sheer style and quirkiness. [Dec 2004, p.168]

It tarnishes the hallowed GoldeneEye name that gamers have held close to their hearts since 1997, and is the equivalent of tossing a martini into Bond's face and then shooting him in the family jewels with a tranquilizer dart. [Jan 2005, p.114]

It's the way everything fits together that's so much fun... The simple nature of this game masks a surprisingly deep and engaging experience. [Jan 2005, p.136]

I'm really pleased to see the inclusion of a good selection of original arcade ports as well. [Jan 2005, p.119]

It tarnishes the hallowed GoldeneEye name that gamers have held close to their hearts since 1997, and is the equivalent of tossing a martini into Bond's face and then shooting him in the family jewels with a tranquilizer dart. [Jan 2005, p.114]

It tarnishes the hallowed GoldeneEye name that gamers have held close to their hearts since 1997, and is the equivalent of tossing a martini into Bond's face and then shooting him in the family jewels with a tranquilizer dart. [Jan 2005, p.114]

One of my favorite games of the year...It makes up for its lack of finesse with sheer style and quirkiness. [Dec 2004, p.168]

I think it's ironic that what will no doubt be the best of the DS launch lineup is a game that makes little use of its unique technology. [Jan 2005, p.144]

My experience on NovaWorld was much better this time around. [Jan 2005, p.143]

While it's fun, this is really just more of the same. [Dec 2004, p.183]

It's interesting to see how pinball has progressed through the years, noting the considerable point score inflation that's taken place. [Feb 2005, p.113]

Viewtiful Joe 2 rejuvinates my obsession, but it doesn't take it to the next level. The changes to gameplay are miniscule at best, and I wouldn't necessarily say I'm fond of them. [Dec 2004, p.160]

Numerous playable characters are a big plus, but the repetitive enemies and environments are not. However, I'm always a fan of good cooperative play, which this title successfully incorporates. [Nov 2004, p.149]

To anyone who thinks that MGS 3 is all about flash and no substance, I say this: You are an idiot. [Jan 2005, p.120]

Numerous playable characters are a big plus, but the repetitive enemies and environments are not. However, I'm always a fan of good cooperative play, which this title successfully incorporates. [Nov 2004, p.149]

I absolutely love the off-the-wall concept...The only thing that truly hold this title back is the racing. It's just way too slow and clunky. [Oct 2004, p.136]

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]

Every bit as impressive as the company's flagship NBA title. In fact, I'd say that it even plays a hair better. [Dec 2004, p.167]

The occasional control wonkyness is the one new negative, which is counteracted by the added minigames and location. [Feb 2005, p.125]

Want to play football on the go? Take a piece of paper, fold it into a small triangle, and flick it into someone's face instead. [Jan 2005, p.144]

If you play Fear Factor: Unleashed, you deserve to find forgiveness in the heart of no man. [Feb 2005, p.125]

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]

Every bit as impressive as the company's flagship NBA title. In fact, I'd say that it even plays a hair better. [Dec 2004, p.167]

Wow, generic platform games have reached a new pinnacle of dull and cliche. [Feb 2005, p.113]

Technical wizardry is married to artistic brilliance throughout the presentation, from the oddly beautiful vistas of a post-apocalyptic Earth to the creepy alien Citadel...This will be remembered as a historic occasion in gaming. [Dec 2004, p.184]

If Tyler Durden saw you sitting on your comfy couch, and playing Fight Club (possibly over your fancypants internet connection), he would probably hit you as hard as he could. [Jan 2005, p.119]

Some people will surely love this game, but I feel that it'll be a much better time for adventure and RPG types than action fans. [Jan 2005, p.139]

Movement feels floaty, hit detection and collision issues are everywhere, and enemy AI is painfully stupid. [Jan 2005, p.118]

Much like the PC Call of Duty (which I should note is a completely different game), this console title features a brilliant targetting mechanism that allows players to zoom in and aim down the sight of the firearm. [Jan 2005, p.115]

For a game with the word "evolution" in its name, it's interesting that this title is so lackluster that it pushes the boundaries of ironic humor. [Dec 2004, p.175]

It's simplistic, clumsy, unresponsive, and boring, even with the improvements over last year's entry. [Jan 2005, p.122]

A genuine treat, and even its short length doesn't hold me back from granting it my solid seal of approval. [Jan 2005, p.145]

The level designs are simply atrocious and have no flow to them whatsoever. [Jan 2005, p.145]

It's interesting to see how pinball has progressed through the years, noting the considerable point score inflation that's taken place. [Feb 2005, p.113]

Much like the PC Call of Duty (which I should note is a completely different game), this console title features a brilliant targetting mechanism that allows players to zoom in and aim down the sight of the firearm. [Jan 2005, p.115]

I just wish the gameplay had evolved more. It feels pretty familiar to me, but those who haven't played every tactical shooter in hte last couple years will find a fresh and exciting experience. [Jan 2005, p.130]

If anything, my largest complaint about this game comes from the fact the number of wrecks onscreen sometimes means that winning a race has a s much to do with good luck as skill. [Dec 2004, p.168]

A monstrous letdown. [Dec 2004, p.165]

Movement feels floaty, hit detection and collision issues are everywhere, and enemy AI is painfully stupid. [Jan 2005, p.118]

Numerous playable characters are a big plus, but the repetitive enemies and environments are not. However, I'm always a fan of good cooperative play, which this title successfully incorporates. [Nov 2004, p.149]

The game is the worst type of Renasissance man - Jack of all trades, master of none. [Jan 2005, p.133]

I'm really pleased to see the inclusion of a good selection of original arcade ports as well. [Jan 2005, p.119]

If Tyler Durden saw you sitting on your comfy couch, and playing Fight Club (possibly over your fancypants internet connection), he would probably hit you as hard as he could. [Jan 2005, p.119]

Baten Kaitos is awesome. I was most surprised by how quickly this game drew me in, and it wasn't even the story that captured my interest - it was the setting. [Dec 2004, p.178]

Much like the PC Call of Duty (which I should note is a completely different game), this console title features a brilliant targetting mechanism that allows players to zoom in and aim down the sight of the firearm. [Jan 2005, p.115]

Just about everything in this game is better, except for the cumbersome overworld. If you can overlook this one shortcoming, there is a lot to like in Underground 2, I just had a hard time getting over this one, rather large, hurdle. [Dec 2004, p.162]

If anything, my largest complaint about this game comes from the fact the number of wrecks onscreen sometimes means that winning a race has a s much to do with good luck as skill. [Dec 2004, p.168]

An addictive and oddly likeable revisitation of the genre's heyday. [Jan 2005, p.148]

Hardcore platforming for the true believers, a game that dazzles the eye and even tickles the funny bone with its satirical dialogue. [Jan 2005, p.146]

This weird ass-end swing out makes circuit racing all but impossible until you re-learn the concepts of physics, weight distribution, and even gravity. [Feb 2005, p.125]

Just about everything in this game is better, except for the cumbersome overworld. If you can overlook this one shortcoming, there is a lot to like in Underground 2, I just had a hard time getting over this one, rather large, hurdle. [Dec 2004, p.162]

I doubt Echoes will bring too many new players into the Metroid fold, but if you are an addict like myself, you will enjoy each and every frustrating minute. [Jan 2005, p.126]

Good fun - nothing more, nothing less. [Feb 2005, p.113]