ReCore is a poster child for wasted potential. At its heart is a good (though not great) game, marred by long load times, technical problems (including frame rates dips and the occasional crash), and bad pacing. The infuriating and frivolous road blocks may have doubled the length of the 20-hour game, but they also halved my fun.

There's absolutely no reason to put up with the frustration of doing the simplest of tasks in order to check out the futuristic abilities that you'll eventually command here. [Mar 2007, p.105]

Grinding for slim rewards during the few hours it takes to finish Desert Child encourages you to think broadly about financial hardship. While that’s a worthwhile topic to consider, the inert world and thin gameplay aren’t enough to translate Desert Child’s core concept into an entertaining game.

After squeezing off I don't know how many rounds into untold numbers of bodies, I'm more prone to being lulled into a nice nap than a frenzy. [Oct 2005, p.128]

The camera is troublesome, hit detection feels odd, and the characters are completely unbalanced. [Nov 2005, p.180]

Foremost among these flaws is the camera, which is so poor that it almost defies imagination. [Dec 2001, p.113]

Prime World: Defenders had an exceptionally low bar to clear to get me on board, but the staid design and brutal grind managed to miss even that simple goal. Because the power differential between basic and improved cards is so great, the difficulty ticks over from impossible to trivial out of nowhere. Neither extreme is much fun, and unfortunately neither is Prime World: Defenders.

I'm a little disappointed that Tenchu isn't pushing the genre forward like "Splinter Cell" and "Metal Gear Solid" have. [March 2005, p.132]

Ninja Gaiden 3 is not a complete train wreck, but it does suffer from a multitude of problems. The action can be fast-paced and engaging at times, but many design decisions significantly bring down the experience. Dumbed-down A.I., a limited arsenal, the series' notoriously difficult camera, no inventory/currency system, and an incoherent story combine to make this the most disappointing title in the series.

The unique abilities of Constantine and scary atmosphere that Bits has established will make your mouth water, but you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who can tolerate the shoddy gameplay. [Apr 2005, p.120]

Given its diehard fan base, it would be easy for Nintendo to forget that the point of first-party launch titles is to sell consumers on the capabilities of a new system – especially when it has Breath of the Wild up its sleeve. But most consumers would like more than one reason to buy a new console, and 1-2-Switch is insultingly shallow. Nintendo has created an intriguing piece of hardware, but its default runner-up launch title presents the Switch like it's a cheap gimmick machine.

Two dorks driving around in an incredibly ugly and generic city chasing bad guys with laughable AI doesn't qualify as good entertainment. [Oct 2003, p.136]

Demonstrates that FPS games can be done on the DS, but the real question is if they should. [Aug 2005, p.107]

It might be confusing as hell in the beginning, but trial and error will let gamers with perseverance reap some fun rewards. [Jun 2006, p.113]

Time Machine VR is a unique tool for learning about certain breeds of underwater dinosaurs, but it isn’t fun. I enjoyed the more dangerous moments in the campaign, but the scales are tipped too far to the academic side. If you’re looking for a distinct interactive way to learn about prehistoric creatures of the deep, that’s exclusively what Time Machine VR accomplishes. [Tested with Rift]

While you can play any of the games solo, Wii Play is clearly designed as a pastime for friends; every one of the nine is best played with two remotes. It’s also a little odd that the entire game seems oriented towards teaching players how to use the Wii remote.

Punch Time Explosion had a good opportunity to impress 3DS owners hungering for a worthwhile experience following the handheld's weak launch lineup, but it simply falls in line with the other disappointments. Cartoon junkies may love seeing their heroes in action, but those used to Smash Bros. polish will want to pass on this one.

Considering the highly frustrating boss battles and some irritating level designs, Mega Man X7 is likely to only appeal to the Blue Bomber's hardcore fans. [Nov. 2003, p.151]

Keep your expectations in check, and there's some fun in the mayhem. [Oct 2005, p.126]

Barely even a game. [Nov 2005, p.154]

The cutscenes look good, and surprisingly, the voice acting is some of the best I've heard lately. [Nov 2002, p.128]

The idea behind this game is intriguing, but the execution is way off the mark. [Mar 2002, p.91]

Like a real strip club, BMX XXX loves to tease you. But at the end of the day, you feel a bit ripped off. [Jan 2003, p.106]

The game's complete lack of refinement and polish... renders all of its strengths irrelevant. [June 2003, p.112]

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

Unless you know who Tucker Hibber is, avoid this one. [Dec 2002, p.144]

The Rabbids games have always been about silly, disposable fun, and Alive & Kicking at least delivers on two of those fronts. This installment includes the additional challenges of long load times, poor controls, and a palpable sense of déjà vu. These might not be deal-breakers for everyone, but at this point I'm ready to let the Rabbids rage by themselves.

In the end, the sparse content maims Kof XII. Next time around there better be more stages, characters, modes – more everything. You can’t just rip the five-minute-per-play arcade code straight to consoles and expect people to invest the full $60 over a few coins.

Unfortunately, no amount of options can overcome the inane gameplay. I’ve defended the series in the past as harmless, dumb fun, but Island Tour is wholly unenjoyable.

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]

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

Pong Quest delivers fun and novel concepts in small bursts, but is weighed down by generic dungeon crawling, unbalanced abilities, and repetitive encounters.

Despite my multiple gripes with Sonic Forces, I still enjoyed the adventure. 3D Sonic games still aren't to where they should be after such a long time of iteration and experimentation, but through improved gameplay and level design, Sonic Forces continues the series' evolution in the right direction.

In the end it's all about the racing and nothing here is that compelling. [Dec 2001, p.93]

Tac Ops' fun will fizzle within an hour of play. [July 2002, p.91]

With no multiplayer, however, Wolfenstein doesn't seem as attractive when compared to another classic GBA rerelease. [July 2002, p.93]

You have to keep buying new cars to progress. Because you are discouraged from altering your autos, you just forget about them, which severs any possible emotional connection this game attempts to develop. [Sept 2003, p.121]

I can see how Sacred 3 is going to upset purists and longtime fans; the latest entry has as much in common with Skylanders as it does with previous entries, to be honest. If you’re dead-set on an open world, this one’s dead in the water. If you liked last year’s Sacred: Citadel and want a slightly deeper take on it, however, it’s worth a shot.

The best feature of Driver ’76 is definitely the retro soundtrack, featuring ‘70s musicians such as Funkadelic, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie, and Blonde. Also to its credit, Driver ‘76’s driving and shooting mechanics work well, however recycled and sterile the content may be.

Like those lemonade stands, good intentions can’t change this lukewarm sugar-water into something satisfying.

Delivers simple but enjoyable gameplay. [May 2005, p.136]

Dynasty Warriors may have once provided a novel experience, but like metrosexuality and Jennifer Aniston's hair, things that fascinated us a decade ago eventually grow tiresome.

Though it technically succeeds as a piece of functional software, Akiba’s Trip fails to be fun. Bland combat, unremarkable missions and sidequests (which are mainly fight/fetch requests), and an abundance of hollow cartoon characters in their underwear don’t deliver any thrills.

If you want to play something that feels like an expansion pack without an original game at its core, Nine Breaker is the perfect choice. [Sept 2005, p.102]

If you’re looking for cheap multiplayer, buy an older Call of Duty or Gears game. As is, there’s really no reason for Special Forces: Team X to be a must-have for any shooter fan.

Trust me, it's just as fun as it sounds. [Jan 2004, p.160]

There is little in the gameplay that can't be done by a freakin' Commodore 64! [Dec 2003, p.174]

Despite my multiple gripes with Sonic Forces, I still enjoyed the adventure. 3D Sonic games still aren't to where they should be after such a long time of iteration and experimentation, but through improved gameplay and level design, Sonic Forces continues the series' evolution in the right direction.

Difficult to recommend. [Mar 2011, p.98]

As much as Hunted grated on me, I really liked Caddoc and E'lara. Even though their physical designs ape the stereotypical buff dude and barely clothed sexy elf, their personalities transcend their clichéd appearances. Their relationship is based on mutual respect, and there isn't any forced flirtation in their myriad conversations. The pair clearly enjoy each other's company, and I would have loved to learn more about their past together. If that means having to play through more of this, though, I'll just read some fanfic and call it good.

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

In the end, I don't see this title connecting with an audience beyond the most hardcore Rampage fans. [May 2006, p.97]

Unfortunately, the shining strengths of the game are buried underneath a thick layer of rust that only the thirstiest of air-junkies should bother chipping through. [Feb 2010, p.95]

Tweaks are needed in the AI to better replicate competitors’ actions and racing lines, and I’d like to see some long-overdue additions (like user-controlled pit stops), but this game has got the feel of a stock car down pretty good – especially with about a billion ways to setup your car. It’s a mix of the new and familiar that shakes out to be a pretty fast restart.

It's a nice homage to wrestling's past, but just can't compete with the wrestling games of the present. [Aug 2004, p.96]

It looks sharp and provides a good degree of challenge. [July 2002, p.83]

An entertaining, but ultimately disposable, driving title. [Apr 2003, p.85]

It's a shame that the developer couldn't also license some fun gameplay to go along with the Corvette name. [June 2004, p.129]

Leave your stuffy music and game sensibilities at the door – Boogie has a more plebeian appeal.

The game basically says, "You're obvioulsy really stupid, so we're going to hold onto your hand and lead you through this stage. [Jan 2004, p.151]

The production values in this game are so poor, I would have thought that some dude made it in his basement. [Jan 2004, p.128]

About halfway through my playing time with this game, I thought about gnawing off both my hands so I could flee from othe repetitious and shallow gameplay trap that I had stumbled into. [Aug 2005, p.100]

I didn't expect this little indie game to replace Starlancer or TIE Fighter in my heart, but I'm disappointed that it struggled to strike a single chord with my cherished memories of those classics.

Judge Dredd scores a minor victory in its ability to let its roots show through amid the usual indistinguishable mess of guns and guts. [May 2004, p.93]

The framerate suffers in the conversion, but the solid puzzles and great soundtrack stay true to the computer release. [Oct 2002, p.84]

Catching fish is less fun than in "Sega Bass Fishing 2," even though managing the drag settings on your reel can be demanding. [Nov 2001, p.112]

Another promising game struck down by execution. [Jan 2003, p.96]

The graphics are crisp and the physics are solid once you get used to how loose they are, but there's nothing to keep you coming back after the initial fun of t-boning someone and watching them explode wears off. [May 2004, p.99]

With Beholder's no frills (and I'm not exaggerating) isometric combat, there's little here that really screams out for attention. [Mar 2003, p.91]

Throw in an inconsistent targetting system and some of the ugliest texturing this side of the Sega Saturn, and it would seem that this title was created with the sole intent of hurting your feelings. [Feb 2004, p.109]

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]

Rise of the Argonauts is an average action game. [Feb 2009, p.84]

Even if some features, characters, and new locations deserve more depth, this first DLC pack hides some thoughtful renovations and new opportunities for adventure behind an underwhelming first few hours. The robust community has a lot to say about the game, and I share some of the concerns being voiced. Simultaneously, my frustrations are tempered by several fun activities and loot chases that continue to keep me engaged.

The Wii U version also offers excellent graphics and motion controls, but exhibits some slowdown at times.

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]

There is nothing here that you can't experience elsewhere in a better game. [Dec 2006, p.156]

Pencil Test Studios clearly needed time to fix the litany of embarrassing bugs that plague Armikrog at launch. Even then, it wouldn't have helped the overly simplistic story and bland puzzles. If the developer ever plans on doing a sequel, I hope it's an animated film – the visuals are the only thing Armikrog has going for it.

Overall, it’s about what you expect from SpongeBob on Wii – just barely good enough for a younger kid that loves the show and made a little more interesting by the novel controls.

The game, on the other hand, is just plain gruesome, and for all the wrong reasons. Avoid it like the plague. [Nov 2001, p.131]

If there's one thing this game suffers from, it's that you can't control the receivers. [Mar 2002, p.85]

Fans will appreciate the classic versus bombfests and the multitude of modes and maps, but the lack of online play means many solo players will be stuck competing against lame bots.

The basic gameplay remains painfully the same. [Dec 2005, p.176]

Single-player is utterly forgettable, but the online play is much smoother and more solid than what most of us have come to expect out of a $30 under-the-radar release. [May 2006, p.98]

Black Mirror is a difficult game to recommend. The story falls flat, characters are forgettable, and exploration is tedious because of poor environmental design and wonky camera angles. Despite a few clever puzzles, this emotionless journey into gothic horror left me with more questions than answers.

Initially amusing, but it wears out its welcome quickly thanks to a lack of variety. [Mar 2012, p.95]

Unlike John Daly himself, this game is devoid of personality. That being said, the ProStroke controls have their advantages over Tiger in some cases (except using PlayStation Move doesn't feel as good as in Tiger). With such a bare career mode I hope this game takes advantage of the fact that is has room to grow in future iterations.

Riptide’s flaws are many, but they couldn’t hold me back from having a blast. Few games nail the visceral feel of melee combat and co-op fun like Dead Island. At its worst, an annoying hiccup breaks the immersion of the grizzly trek through a zombie-infested paradise. At its best, Riptide hits the same high notes as the original.

The way Stormfront has chosen to apply the new rules of gameplay has essentially neutered the most exciting part of 3rd Edition. [Nov 2001, p.127]

This is a quirky Japanese kissing game. I say kiss it goodbye, because it’s not worth your time. Some games are just made broken. I don’t mean broken in the bug-riddled sense, but Chulip is probably one of the most poorly designed games I have ever played.

So many other titles offer a richer, more fulfilling experience that it's hard to imagine why someone would want to tackle this anachronism. [Nov 2004, p.156]

Edge of Time is a major step back from the formula that worked.

I suspect the developers might have been better off contstructing this as a pure racing title (as it does do the basics of racing well) and avoiding the shooting action altogether. [Aug 2004, p.94]

It looks and plays (especially in the first "go and get this" section) like a cheap "Hitman 2." [Sept 2003, p.109]

I went from disliking the lack of depth in EOE, to enjoying all the extras, to getting fed up with the control flaws; all in the span of one sitting. [Apr 2002, p.74]

Games like this make defending the adventure genre harder work than it already is. [July 2006, p.109]

Van Halen deserves better. [Jan 2010, p.79]

These hardware features may offer gamers a way to show off the capabilities of their new handheld, but Little Deviants isn't supposed to be a tech demo. It's a game, and not a good one.

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]