Luckily, Song of the Deep’s combat and beautiful presentation, showing cutscenes as colorful storybook illustrations accompanied by narration from an Irish-accented speaker, push the game a fair distance above its failings and make it a journey worth taking for anyone who enjoys Metroid-inspired games or action/adventure games with interesting stories.

Mana Khemia is different in name and structure, but it still hangs on tight to the process of item synthesis that drives "Atelier Iris", making it a spiritual sequel in most respects. [May 2008, p.94]

Aside from the obvious problems, the real problem is that nearly every part of the now-aged Driver formula has been done better elsewhere. [May 2006, p.98]

Everyone should have a Crazy Taxi in their collection, and this is the one I recommend most. [August 2002, p.85]

Harry Potter’s latest adventure may be light on action, but it does replicate the Hogwartian life better than any game before it. Out of all of the books, games, and movies, it allows you to get closer to the school than ever before – all at the expense of actually enjoying your stay. It’s boring and tedious, just like a real school is. However, it’s also a place where your Harry Potter knowledge can bloom.

In the end, it's difficult to determine which would be worse; a day with this game or a day back in sixth grade. [Nov. 2006, p.142]

A fun little simulation title that gets naughty every once in a while. [Nov 2002, p.148]

Graphically, this game is an ugly stepchild, but it does have a great sense of speed. [June 2003, p.105]

Graphically, it's definitely improved, but that's not going to save Ty from his own mediocrity. [Nov 2004, p.149]

Just a plain and simple port; nothing worth noting has been added. [Jan 2002, p.85]

Just as good on this system as it is on the Xbox. [Dec 2002, p.130]

Limited replay value is enough to hold back the overall value here, but those brief first hours are definitely some of the sweettest and most unique puzzling in recent years, and certainly a highlight on the PSP. [Feb 2006, p.112]

The nice backend clan support is wasted since the game just isn’t much fun to play. The shooting lacks the high-intensity lethality of Counter-Strike, the lightning-paced speed of Tribes, and the great cooperative mechanics of Battlefield. You won’t spit this hamburger out, but you probably won’t tell your friends about it, either.

Ballers may not deliever the full five-on-five experience, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a handheld b-ball title that delivers such an exciting challenge. [Apr 2006, p.135]

Though SimCity DS isn’t perfect, it liberally taps that latent SimCity addiction found in everyone’s brain.

Repetitive gameplay loops aside, the cooperative tactical variety and vast open world make Ghost Recon Wildlands a singular experience unlike any other shooter on the market. Wildlands may not succeed with all its ambitions, but it’s a compelling direction for the series that points to a fertile future.

The sliding backgrounds and other elements are initially clever, but they ultimately don’t gel or grow in any interesting ways. You only have a handful of different backgrounds to choose from at any given time, so finding a way past the next obstacle is only a matter of trial and error – if the obviousness of a solution doesn’t hit you immediately. Finding that balance is tricky, and Murasaki Baby’s superficiality is further dragged down by the annoying controls.

If it’s your first outing, it’s a unique gameplay experience, but the mechanics and playstyle are not universally enchanting.

While not broken in any fundamental ways, this souless and cliched title tries to be too many things to many people, and in the end does none of them well. [Oct. 2006, p.104]

Yes, this fresh batch of tunes will help with the wait until the holiday rush of "Guitar Hero III" and "Rock Band." Those who are hoping for a new load of unlockables to shoot for are out of luck. [Aug 2007, p.97]

I may have found the campaign uninspired and its legendary difficulty a slog characterized by bullet-spongey foes. But an expansion to a game this big is more than just its opening story. Lightfall sets up some strong possibilities – narratively and in the gameplay sphere – for a rewarding year of adventure ahead. Despite some frustrations, Destiny 2 continues to make strides in catering to a diverse player base characterized by disparate desires. Lightfall is hit and miss, but any stumbles shouldn’t be enough to derail players’ enthusiasm for continued adventure or the excitement of seeing the epic conclude over the next year.

Doesn't have an original bone in his body, but I didin't seem to mind. [Jan 2002, p.98]

Maniacs will keep you happy and occupied on the go, even if some of the characters and modes are hokey. [Apr 2002, p.89]

While this RPG has some annoyances, its amusement factor is hard to deny. [July 2004, p.123]

Earth Defense Force may not have the serious tones of today’s triple-A juggernauts, but its quality gameplay and refreshing premise shows that a B-game can be every bit as entertaining.

The dungeons are repetitive and graphically butt-like, the combat is unimaginative, and you rarely experience any sense of satisfaction.

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

Aside from the obvious problems, the real problem is that nearly every part of the now-aged Driver formula has been done better elsewhere. [May 2006, p.98]