It is just unremarkable...Hits that "totally mediocre" target right on the nose. [Oct 2004, p.139]

Technically adequate, exceptionally beautiful, and continuing the story of some great characters...but still no fun. [Nov 2004, p.163]

The core of what makes these games so memorable is still there in full force - pretty girls, unspeakably embarrassing sexual acts, and an endearing dorkiness that makes the entire experience feel mroe charming and humorous than exploitive. [Nov 2004, p.148]

Much of the iconic music, sounds, and emotive quality of the classic cartoon are absent here, making the game a fairly standard sci-fi romp with little of the magic it might have had. [Oct 2004, p.128]

The gameplay has evolved to a frightening degree, and exacting painful death upon your opponent is only the tip of the bloody iceberg...Deception is easily the most-accomplished fighter to date. [Oct 2004, p.120]

An irresistible package born of the classic mold but with an invigorating twist. [Nov 2004, p.140]

I think this desire to innovate in the genre comes at the expense of what's ultimately good abuot pinball itself...There's not one individual stage that has that incredibly addictive "I could play this until I die" feeling that you get from a well-made traditional pinball machine. [Oct 2004, p.147]

The gameplay has evolved to a frightening degree, and exacting painful death upon your opponent is only the tip of the bloody iceberg...Deception is easily the most-accomplished fighter to date. [Oct 2004, p.120]

An irresistible package born of the classic mold but with an invigorating twist. [Nov 2004, p.140]

An irresistible package born of the classic mold but with an invigorating twist. [Nov 2004, p.140]

The sheer number of things going on in each scene, coupled with the fact that you almost always have control of the camera make this feel like an actual place moreso than any adventure game before it. [Nov 2004, p.167]

It does perhaps the best job I've seen of being realistic and true to its World War II subject matter, while keeping the gameplay fast and accessible - a thin line which is not easily straddled. [Dec 2004, p.188]

This is still the best playing, most rewarding and realistic basketball game that money can buy. [Nov 2004, p.143]

Evil Genius is unique, polished, and more flat-out fun than anything since "Painkiller." [Nov 2004, p.167]

If "Driver" married its cousin, there's a good chance the spawn of said union would look a lot like The Dukes of Hazzard: Return of the General Lee. [Oct 2004, p.129]

While it pains me to say this, maybe Crash should make like the entire cast of "Blossom" and disappear. [Nov 2004, p.146]

While Legends does offer you the most comprehensive Rocky experience to date, it just plain fails to deliver in the ring. [Dec 2004, p.165]

The baffling story and incredible difficulty are likely to repel all but the most ardent and devoted players. [Sept 2004, p.110]

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 playcontrol is spot-on and still feels like a descendant of the original "Prince of Persia." The fluid character animation is some of the best around. [Oct 2003, p.144]

With other exceptional titles out there like "Street Fighter Anniversary Collection" and "Guilty Gear X2," I just don't see a reason to waste your time with this jumble of problems. [Nov 2004, p.163]

While it pains me to say this, maybe Crash should make like the entire cast of "Blossom" and disappear. [Nov 2004, p.146]

While Legends does offer you the most comprehensive Rocky experience to date, it just plain fails to deliver in the ring. [Dec 2004, p.165]

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]

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]

This is still the best playing, most rewarding and realistic basketball game that money can buy. [Nov 2004, p.143]

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]

Covenant is such an interesting mix of old-world immersion, nice plot twists, layered (and super-quirky) characters, and rewarding combat. [Oct 2004, p.132]

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]

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]

If I wanted a fun, music-oriented party game, I'd much rather play "Karaoke Revolution" or "DrumMania." [Nov 2004, p.161]

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]

As it stands, Rome: Total War is merely a good empire simulation with a minor real-time strategy diversion built in. [Nov 2004, p.165]

A good solid RTS slugfest with some interesting elements. Veterans of the genre should enjoy the variations on strategy that it brings, while the AI-controlled combat keeps gameplay accessible to newcomers to the genre. [Oct 2004, p.144]

Enemy AI is as dumb as a crumbling brick wall and there are no shadow or cover effects. [Oct 2004, p.136]

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 control scheme is horrific and cannot be changed. [Nov 2004, p.156]

For all the cool special moves and boss fights, the heart of any RPG is the story. Sadly, Command Mission doesn't just fail in this area; it is a discotheque fire disaster with no survivors. This game's plot isn't merely bad - it's embarrassing and painful. [Oct 2004, p.128]

With over 20 hours of gameplay, and one of the most enjoyable cooperative multiplayer experiences I've had, I couldn't recommend Legends more highly to fans and newbies alike. [Nov 2004, p.144]

It beats "Cubivore," "Vib Ribbon," and even "Mister Mosquito" in sheer quirk factor - and this fact makes up for a lot of the game's faults. [Oct 2004, p.134]

Basically, if you are level 30 and up, this expansion throws a ton of new content your way. [Dec 2004, p.177]

Even with some unpolished technical aspects, the way the story unfolds is innovative and engaging, and the number of ways around every problem is impressive. [Sept 2004, p.106]

Given just how unresponsive and sticky the gameplay is, a strong case can be made that a turd in a toilet has far greater functionalty than the controls in this game. [Dec 2004, p.177]

I just didn't have any fun playing this game. Honestly, I hated every second of it. [Nov 2004, p.154]

You could fit the amount of innovation this game has into Yoda's shoe. What's that you say? Yoda doesn't wear shoes? Exactly...It somehow loses the magic of the movies and feels flat and lifeless. [Oct 2004, p.146]

With over 20 hours of gameplay, and one of the most enjoyable cooperative multiplayer experiences I've had, I couldn't recommend Legends more highly to fans and newbies alike. [Nov 2004, p.144]

Even with some unpolished technical aspects, the way the story unfolds is innovative and engaging, and the number of ways around every problem is impressive. [Sept 2004, p.106]

With over 20 hours of gameplay, and one of the most enjoyable cooperative multiplayer experiences I've had, I couldn't recommend Legends more highly to fans and newbies alike. [Nov 2004, p.144]

For all the cool special moves and boss fights, the heart of any RPG is the story. Sadly, Command Mission doesn't just fail in this area; it is a discotheque fire disaster with no survivors. This game's plot isn't merely bad - it's embarrassing and painful. [Oct 2004, p.128]

Even with some unpolished technical aspects, the way the story unfolds is innovative and engaging, and the number of ways around every problem is impressive. [Sept 2004, p.106]

This is one of those games that is successful in the delivering of instant action, but doesn't offer up much in terms of depth. If you thrive off the online deathmatch scene, you'll fall head over heels in love with Battlefront. [Oct 2004, p.121]

As for the action itself, this is some very fast-paced and brutal - very brutal - action. Although the control scheme is relatively simple, you'll quickly learn that ther is an exact science to adminstering grapples and harsh environmental moves at just the right moment. [Oct 2004, p.126]

Awesome on almost every level. To be quite honest, it kicks ass in just about every way a strategy title can...It most likely will be remembered as a historic entry in the RTS genre. [Nov 2004, p.164]

For the second year running, "NHL" best encapsulates the play and and authenticity of the sport. [Sept 2004, p.103]

After last year's revolutionary success, this game - like "Madden" - is slowing down with age. [Oct 2004, p.125]

This game has but one feather in its cap: its difficulty. [Nov 2004, p.170]

This is one of those games that is successful in the delivering of instant action, but doesn't offer up much in terms of depth. If you thrive off the online deathmatch scene, you'll fall head over heels in love with Battlefront. [Oct 2004, p.121]

As for the action itself, this is some very fast-paced and brutal - very brutal - action. Although the control scheme is relatively simple, you'll quickly learn that ther is an exact science to adminstering grapples and harsh environmental moves at just the right moment. [Oct 2004, p.126]

For the second year running, "NHL" best encapsulates the play and and authenticity of the sport. [Sept 2004, p.103]

After last year's revolutionary success, this game - like "Madden" - is slowing down with age. [Oct 2004, p.125]

After last year's revolutionary success, this game - like "Madden" - is slowing down with age. [Oct 2004, p.125]

For the second year running, "NHL" best encapsulates the play and and authenticity of the sport. [Sept 2004, p.103]

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 game looks okay, but combat is dull and it doesn't compare to its PC counterpart. [Dec 2004, p.168]

The game looks okay, but combat is dull and it doesn't compare to its PC counterpart. [Dec 2004, p.168]

The graphics engine...is stunning, i.e., totally awesome and/or completely beautiful. [Nov 2004, p.166]

There are few games I would sooner recommend to parents for their kids, and if those parents happen to be gamers, they might very well be sneaking down after bedtime to get their own fix. [Sept 2004, p.107]

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]

The enemy AI is weak, and fog blankets backgrounds like a tarp of ugly. [Oct 2004, p.129]

The real triumph of Sly Cooper's developer Sucker Punch is the way it has managed to make 3D platforming as fluid and effortless as the 8-bit 2D classics we cut our teeth on. [Oct 2004, p.130]

To understand how Demon Stone beats the odds, all you have to do is play through the first level, with its epic battle and brilliant camera work. [Nov 2004, p.131]

It's not cripplingly difficult, but a definite challenge even for FPS veterans. [Nov 2004, p.165]

I can't let my desire to root for an underdog discount the fact that this game is really nothing special. [Sept 2004, p.111]

Although there's really nothing outrageously bad about Dino Thunder, I ofter found myself a little bored with being a giaint robotic dinosaur, which just shouldn't happen. [Dec 2004, p.16]

The scope of this title covers the final third of the Legacy of Goku storyline, but it does so in splotchy, episodic segments relying on the most generic "walk around, talk to people, and fight things" formula. [Oct 2004, p.147]

I love the constant action and surprisingly deep gameplay that Heroes has to offer. [Dec 2004, p.191]

With its moving story and deft execution, Fable is quite literally the adventure of a lifetime. [Oct 2004, p.138]

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]

The enemy AI is weak, and fog blankets backgrounds like a tarp of ugly. [Oct 2004, p.129]

The levels are linear and dull, and for some reason you can only take cover in specified circles in the environment, which takes away any sense of reality or spontaneity. [Dec 2004, p.168]

The levels are linear and dull, and for some reason you can only take cover in specified circles in the environment, which takes away any sense of reality or spontaneity. [Dec 2004, p.168]

Although there's really nothing outrageously bad about Dino Thunder, I ofter found myself a little bored with being a giaint robotic dinosaur, which just shouldn't happen. [Dec 2004, p.16]

The action does get intense, and if anything else, having to keep your eye on your comrades in a way highlights the grim fight for survival and tight-knit nature that all soldiers need in battle. [Oct 2004, p.129]

The action does get intense, and if anything else, having to keep your eye on your comrades in a way highlights the grim fight for survival and tight-knit nature that all soldiers need in battle. [Oct 2004, p.129]

Those who can look past Locomotion's hideous shell and see its inner beauty will be treated to an economic simulation that is very well-designed, both detailed and accessible, and a lot of fun once you get into it. [Nov 2004, p.167]

The game's disarming voyeurism, bizarre camera angles, and exceptionally well-placed tension is what the series has been trying to do all along, but The Room is the first entry to do it right. [Sept 2004, p.104]

With incredibly realistic damage modelling transforming every crash into a work of art fit to be framed and hung on the walls of Paris' Louvre museum, Burnout 3 is a visual dynamo that will floor players with its speed and gorgeous vistas. [Oct 2004, p.122]

The racing genre has been loking for a new hook for a while now, and I htink that Monster has started its own fun method of mayhem. [Oct 2004, p.123]

The new bells and whistles streamline gameplay and make this title much more fun than I was expecting. [Oct 2004, p.146]

The new bells and whistles streamline gameplay and make this title much more fun than I was expecting. [Oct 2004, p.146]

The game's disarming voyeurism, bizarre camera angles, and exceptionally well-placed tension is what the series has been trying to do all along, but The Room is the first entry to do it right. [Sept 2004, p.104]

With incredibly realistic damage modelling transforming every crash into a work of art fit to be framed and hung on the walls of Paris' Louvre museum, Burnout 3 is a visual dynamo that will floor players with its speed and gorgeous vistas. [Oct 2004, p.122]

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]

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]

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]

The racing itself is pretty good, and the rest of the game feels like a total hackjob. [Oct 2004, p.123]

Despite its flaws, Spy Fiction does deliver enough "wow moments" and inventive set pieces to make up for the too-frequent bouts of tedium or spotty AI. [Oct 2004, p.132]

I have my complaints with the game, but the overwhelming feeling I have while tracking the wily Sandiego around the world is simple boredom. [Feb 2004, p.103]