Scorned like the sport itself, the Xbox controller positively redeems itself in this incarnation. [Jan 2002, p.86]

Nidhogg is well-honed, mechanical gameplay stripped down to its core. The combat is fun, but I wish Messhof applied the same striving for perfection to the presentation and game modes as it did to the swordplay.

The glaive is something that every action nut has to wrap his or her hands around. Like the BFG or the cerebral bore, you’ll remember this weapon forever. Sadly, you’ll remember the weapon more than the game itself.

The Bureau tries to be many things, and succeeds only moderately at most of them. Even so, I’m happy this long-in-gestation project has finally seen the light of day.

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]

A two-player online option is new for the PS2, but otherwise, this is business as usual for the tecno dancers. [Nov 2005, p.151]

The game is fun, but is ultimately held back by its non-responsive controls.

As it winds towards completion, the plot jumps the rails more than once. I lost touch with what was going on, but eventually I was charmed by the pure insanity on display.

The disturbingly dwarf-sized characters may serve as an analogy for the game’s place among strategy RPGs: It’s shorter and uglier than most that have come before, but it’s also unique in a way that some will find charming.

MTX is simply the fastest motocross game I've ever played. [Apr 2004, p.89]

Even with a handful of miniscule changes, Doom remains immensely entertaining. [Dec 2001, p.118]

FlatOut manages to plow through wrecked cars and almost anything else in its way, but this problem remains as a last obstacle. [May 2008, p.99]

Iron Man VR delivers thrilling combat and fun flight mechanics, but navigating big, open areas is frustrating.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD recreates the gameplay that made the franchise famous, but to mixed results. It lands the trick, but doesn't do it cleanly.

I have a hard time putting together what exactly happened in the The Silver Case, but it’s a testament to the writing, characters, and mood that I want to figure it out. Portions are often slow, dense, and overbearing. However, the relatable character moments, intriguing short stories, and strong visual style eventually won me over, even if I had to wade through some rough edges to get to them.

The racing is now roaring with excitement, but unfortunately, the game has gone flat in another way. The newly implemented arena battles resemble Twisted Metal in design, but play so poorly that it feels like someone is dragging your face across the pavement at 100mph. The dunce enemy AI, frustrating targeting system, and annoying level designs will make you dread these stages when they pop up in your career.

Despite these hardships, both intentional and otherwise, I eagerly fired up the next stage, excited to test my skills and get angry all over again. When stages click, it’s a deliciously fun challenge. When the perspective makes it tough to even tell how to proceed, it can be frustrating. Still, Super Meat Boy 3D makes a strong argument that Team Meat’s formula can work in three dimensions, but it needs to iron out some kinks before it reaches the same heights as its 2010 classic.

A Lighthearted And Entertaining Ninja Adventure.

The co-op campaign and competitive multiplayer offer adequate experiences, but the aged graphics, unrefined controls, and cliché-ridden campaign betray the Future Soldier premise and compromise the game's ability to compete with more technologically refined shooters.

Code of Princess surprised me with its combat depth, offering a challenge for those with enough patience to see it through. As a handheld title, the short missions and easy-to-remember controls suit the 3DS well. In the greater scheme of things, however, Code of Princess' difficultly spike is overwhelming if your tolerance doesn't extend to repeated content and frustrating bosses.

In what seems like a profoundly misguided step, four players can't play as the Fantastic Four. [Sept 2005, p.101]

After a troubled development and several delays, this Future Soldier looks more like a military game of ­the ­past.

Was it worth the effort? That ultimately depends on how much fun you had in performing these basic, repetitious open-world activities.

What is on offer at release is worthwhile, both in gameplay and message. In focusing on environmental expansion instead of human expansion, Terra Nil delivers something wholly unique. While the peaceful nature and serene tone are sometimes interrupted by uneven mechanics, Terra Nil is a worthwhile experience for those looking for a new twist on the sim genre.

I can see FPS fans having fun with BlackSite since it provides all the standard FPS rollercoaster thrills, but most of us have been up and down those hills a few too many times.

Well, to use a tried-and-true reviewer cliche, fans of the series will love these straight-from-the-arcade ports, while players weaned on 3D fighters will continue to wonder why the Street Fighter series was ever considered a big deal. [July 2006, p.106]

Painfully addictive. [June 2003, p.119]

I was quite surprised to find myself really enjoying this installment. While I won't put it with "VF 4" or "Soul Calibur II," it does enough to dish out a good time. [Dec 2003, p.150]