Bloodlines 2 is a let-down, but not irredeemable. Despite a sparse open world and a story that's inflexible until the later hours, there's fun to be had here. Action and stealth gameplay help fulfill the vampire fantasy, and strong performances from the voice cast make the noir narrative one that I didn't mind revisiting each session. My 22 hours with Bloodlines 2 were mildly entertaining, but like an insatiable vampire, I'm left feeling a little empty.

If and when Neocore patches the AI into respectability, even if that's in conjunction with letting it cheat with damage/HP numbers under the hood, I'll be the first one to jump in and dump a hundred hours into King Arthur II. For now, I'll play something that's at least half a step beyond shooting fish in a barrel.

The overall presentation is cute, with a virtual Pac Room that you can deck out with unlockable items, and a sticker album that you fill up by completing challenges. Namco missed a critical opportunity, however, in putting all the games into a greater context.

You really couldn't ask for a better version of Space Channel 5 on GBA. [Fall 2003, p.126]

I sank plenty of hours into Tokyo Jungle, and still want to play more. I'm just not sure why, as the repetitious gameplay limits the amount of fun I've had with it. Still, if you're looking for something off the beaten path – or just want to see a bunch of animals doing it – Tokyo Jungle provides a modest amount of entertainment.

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

It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not meant to be played alone, but Ibb & Obb is still worth checking out for those that enjoy solving puzzles with a friend.

Probably one of the least exciting racing titles I've played recently. [Dec 2003, p.146]

This tries to be Super Smash Bros. with some new bells and whistles, and much less-beloved characters. [Dec 2005, p.178]

Rory McIlroy PGA Tour isn't a bad game, it's just one that doesn't positively make the case for longtime fans of the series or the new systems. With the gameplay nudged ahead only slightly, the graphics not particularly new-gen, and a reduced feature set, the mind easily wanders to what we've lost rather than finding comfort in what's there.

The act of bouncing a ball back and forth against an opponent in a virtual space, the main hook of Sparc, is fun and it works well. After overcoming my initial shortcomings of accurately being able to throw a digital ball, I quickly began to enjoy Sparc and even work up a small sweat. Beyond the basic fun of the main game, however, there just isn’t much here.

While the quality of the polygonal models brings back memories of the 386 processor, the fact that developer Raylight Studios was able to create convincing and enjoyable gameplay around it is an impressive feat. [Aug 2003, p.104]

The real issue is that Death Stranding’s gameplay really is as simple as it appears to be, and the elements around it – the story, combat, and lackluster mission objectives – aren’t satisfying enough to anchor the title and get players invested.

This is a game every zombie fanatic could love, but only the hardest of hardcore gamers can excel at. [June 2007, p.117]

Dirt racing may be a sort of minor league to the big-time stock cars, but this game – while limited in some areas – taps into its own enjoyable racing rhythm and buzz.

There is a certain charm to this game, but it's basically a big Jedi mind trick. [Jan 2006, p.157]

While F1 driving demands a high skill level, I don't appreciate how your car's handling lacks that fine touch. [Aug 2003, p.91]

Retro City Rampage is a noble effort and a labor of love, but the final product reminded me of my most frustrating gaming memories just as frequently as my fondest.

NASCAR Unleashed may be just another kart racer, but it's also not as foreign of a concept to the sport as you may think. Its drafting, rivalries, and car contact are certainly key aspects of the sport represented here – just not enough.

This collection offers up a wide range of brawlers and shooters from days long gone, but sadly, not many of these are all that memorable.

NASCAR Unleashed may be just another kart racer, but it's also not as foreign of a concept to the sport as you may think. Its drafting, rivalries, and car contact are certainly key aspects of the sport represented here – just not enough.

Ironically, just like a relationship built entirely on the nookie, Singles ends up feeling more than a little shallow after the first few one nights stands you spend playing it. [Aug 2004, p.105]

Graphics and online are where the attention's focused, but I think they should have continued down the road to refinement. [Sept 2003, p.109]

I love the gamplay, but there really needs to be a more engrossing game around it. [Aug 2004, p.107]

The problem is that I can't get myself to really like Rena; she really comes off as a vapid, mindless character. [Feb 2004, p.105]

To call Fire Emblem Echoes a step back for the series would probably be unfair. As a remake it works on a number of levels, showing off the series’ strange roots while also serving up an entertaining 30-hour epic fantasy. However, the brutal and dull difficulty and large amounts of necessary grinding left me feeling as frustrated as I was invested in Echoes’ offerings.

This game has a hotel full of strangers with secrets, which might just be enough to get you to stick around to hear them all. But perhaps you’ll want to skip the ambiance and go somewhere with fresher towels.

Where's the fury? I just don't feel the passion. [Jan 2005, p.122]