Had The Old Blood been injected with more new blood, maybe it would have matched or surpassed the quality of The New Order. But by over-relying on nostalgia to drive the experience, it's well-crafted fan service rather than an attempt to push the series in new directions.

Easily bests all the other next-gen wrestling games released so far... Regardless of the polish THQ and Yuke's put on this series' graphics and modes, the engine is still outdated and weak. [Dec 2002, p.119]

Castlevania fans will definitely be pleased with the direction this series is going in. It's a shame that it feels so dated. [Nov 2005, p.151]

Had The Old Blood been injected with more new blood, maybe it would have matched or surpassed the quality of The New Order. But by over-relying on nostalgia to drive the experience, it's well-crafted fan service rather than an attempt to push the series in new directions.

The Bigs delivers engrossing arcade-styled gameplay, but there's little here that you can really wrap your mitt around. [July 2007, p.96]

The new Ultimate Team mode is addictive as it combines regular gameplay and managerial acumen with a trading card component that entices with a constant sense of accomplishment and attraction...What this UEFA achieves in this new mode it loses in the actual gameplay.

Black and White Version 2 has a title that is usually reserved for sequels that adds new features and expand the experience, but that isn't the case with Black and White Version 2.

As one of those perhaps misguided fans, I find myself returning to the game repeatedly, if only to see what happens next. [June 2005, p.134]

This season has its bright spots, but it also suffers from recycled plot points and uneven writing. From The Gallows represents this season's inconsistencies; it has some satisfying moments, but it also features just as many head scratchers. At the very least, From The Gallows is a decent conclusion to Javier's story – but it didn't leave much of an impression on me.

This season has its bright spots, but it also suffers from recycled plot points and uneven writing. From The Gallows represents this season's inconsistencies; it has some satisfying moments, but it also features just as many head scratchers. At the very least, From The Gallows is a decent conclusion to Javier's story – but it didn't leave much of an impression on me.

Had The Old Blood been injected with more new blood, maybe it would have matched or surpassed the quality of The New Order. But by over-relying on nostalgia to drive the experience, it's well-crafted fan service rather than an attempt to push the series in new directions.

The Show is a beautiful game, and it offers the best fantasy and create-a-player options. However, the gameplay is starting to show its age, and is in need of an upgrade. [Apr 2006, p.124]

Shadowrun: Hong Kong is fun for a select audience, but doesn’t have the depth or innovation to stand out.

The finale focuses on your legacy and what you want to leave behind with Javier, who made his share of mistakes before the apocalypse. Seeing the man he grows into is satisfying, especially knowing you had a hand in influencing his relationships and choices. However, it all leads back to Clementine in the end, making this adventure just feel like a side story in her larger arc.

Princess Peach: Showtime could be a decent first game for young Peach fans, but longtime Nintendo players looking for the Princess’ equivalent of a quality Kirby platformer will likely be underwhelmed. Stylistically, however, the game is a success and, in typical Nintendo fashion, features an exciting finale. I just wish the difficulty had been more balanced in one direction or the other.

Insomniac does a great job of taking advantage of the sense of presence VR technology can bring, with sequences that put disturbing images up close for examination. The experience isn’t about jump scares; it’s about making you dread what’s ahead, rather than trying to make you soak your seat. It’s not revolutionary, but Edge of Nowhere is a rewarding way to spend an afternoon. Just be sure to crank the AC. [Tested with Oculus Rift]

If you're in the market for an interesting little economic city-builder, you could do worse. [Apr 2003, p.95]

While the campaign suffers from a lack of variety, the shooting mechanics are solid. Zombie Army 4's action is fun and over-the-top, but slaughtering the undead shouldn't feel this routine.

If boxing's your thing, you'll most likely dig it; and at least it's a new direction for the tired sport. Just don't expect the next "Punch Out." [Mar 2003, p.85]

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]

Minus the crazy physics, Fatal Inertia really doesn’t advance the genre in any meaningful ways. I like the game, but moreso because it reminds me of other games I enjoy than because I love it in its own right.

Using the Dual Shock 2's pressure sensitive buttons is ingenious, and Maestro has a good deal of extras. [Apr 2002, p.77]

As innovative as it may be, Namco didn't back this gameplay up with any substance. [Dec 2003, p.174]

A jovial romp of fisticuffs, also known as a decent boxing game. [Mar 2003, p.83]

Rabbids Go Home, though at times repetitive, is a fun game with laugh-out-loud animations. Any game with Rabbids in fisticuffs over a pouch of Capri Sun is okay in my book.

The best QBC yet, and that fact still only scratches the surface of what this franchise could do. [Nov 2001, p.112]

Like a third-line grinder, NHL 16 does most of the little things right. The improved on-ice play make this a hockey game a viable option for puckheads, but the lack of mode depth and standout features ultimately keeps this year’s installment from earning more ice time.

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