The game's pacing is easier than GT, letting you fill up your garage pretty quickly - which is great fun since you can race your stable online. [July 2003, p.104]

There is simply no reason for a PlayStation 2 game to look this bad. I mean, the framerate chugs when you're walking, fer Chrissakes! [Mar 2003, p.83]

Get ready to crash into some rails - a lot of rails. [Dec 2003, p.150]

No ambition equals low score. That's just the way it goes. [May 2003, p.90]

If playing Street Fighter II anywhere you go sounds like fun, Ultra Street Fighter II isn’t a terrible version of it, and playing with friends brings back fond memories of when fighters were less intimidating. It may even kindle a newfound love for a game that has aged beautifully. But as a package, Ultra feels like the version of Street Fighter II we’re stuck with for now (since it’s otherwise not available on modern consoles), when it could have been the one we’ve been waiting for.

Even though you are the coach in this game, you're still little more than a bystander. [Aug 2006, p.84]

As someone who has grown increasingly wary of the rote formula most modern adventure games cling to, Hidden Agenda is another fresh and worthwhile experience from Supermassive. It may not have the same impact or polish as its predecessor, but it provides an evening of solid entertainment and a great alternative to the standard choose-your-own-adventure fare.

It's so stiff and sluggish that you'll often find yourself wondering if the buttons on your PSP are shorting out. [Nov 2005, p.180]

While technical limitations hold the game back from greatness, when you look past the downgraded visuals there's a lot to like. [Oct. 2006, p.114]

Breach & Clear's monetization scheme doesn't interfere with the gameplay, and although strategy plays less of a role than I would like, combat is still fun. However, the progression system and customization options fall flat, and the game needs more than one simple mode and 15 maps to remain entertaining.

A decent attempt by 989, but the play just doesn't stack up to the lofty standards set by EA and ESPN. [Jan 2005, p.125]

I was pleasantly surprised with Arthur and the Invisibles. It steals acrobatic fighting and platforming elements from "Price of Persia" and contextual button pressing finishers from "God of War."

Even with its twisted takes on nostalgic ride designs and copious whimsical fanfare, I was left feeling deflated by Park Beyond's business-oriented objectives and lack of investment in unbridled player creativity. For a game that endeavors to push the limits of your imagination, it's a little too concerned with whether you’re tall enough to ride.

The outrageously bad load times keep the game from being average. [Jan 2002, p.81]

These games look fairly dated and the bonus content here is a little thin. Shooter fans who’ve already had their fill of "Umbrella Chronicles" and "Ghost Squad" might find this worth checking out.

You know you're in trouble when you can tally the number of frames per second on one hand. [Dec 2002, p.152]

Though the developer has some horror highs in its catalog, The Casting of Frank Stone rests six feet at the bottom of it.

It’s a shame this port was released in a worse technical state than many beta builds I’ve played, because the core design of Universe at War (minus the lame by-the-numbers scripted campaign) is quite good.

Some gamers may appreciate the freedom Fuel gives you, but I feel like the lack of payoff and context blunts any adventurous feelings I have. [July 2009, p.84]

Overall, Re Mind is disappointing. Between all the reused content and very few additions to the story, I felt like I wasted my time. Yes, a few new threads and pieces of info are there to unravel, but they are the tiniest of crumbs. The biggest revelation is in the new secret movie, which shows the series potentially moving in a strange direction that makes me more uneasy than excited. Ultimately, you really have to dig for the fun in Re Mind, because it’s buried in all this content you’ve already played.

Blazing Angels is definitely a sight for sore eyes. Its visuals will leave you gazing in wonder, but at the same time, the gameplay will have you fighting back tars. [May 2006, p.94]

Creating a fast racing experience sounds like a fundamental requirement of any racing title, but Nail'd isn't just a game that blows by low expectations. It's a focused experience that sticks to a tight racing line and captures the essence of speed in a flash.

This version is certainly a little easier on the eyes, but it never really gets the bat squarely on the ball with the gameplay that is delivered. As a Cubs fan say, maybe next year. [Jun 2006, p.115]

The conclusion of a trilogy presents the opportunity for an emotional farewell to a beloved cast and world, but Lightning Returns only left me relieved to see this adventure end.

Payday 3's eight heists are as challenging as they are entertaining; the inevitable shootouts with the cops are frantic and fun, and the redefined objectives will make onboarding newer players easier than ever. At long last, Payday has become the Ocean's Eleven/Point Break hybrid its fans have always wanted it to be.

State of Decay 2 has a lot to love, but it’s overwhelmed by legacy issues and a slew of all-new ones that came along for the co-op ride.

Even if the gameplay formula is a bit rough, any experience that forms this kind of connection with the player is worth your consideration.

Still, the different aspects of gameplay flow together smoothly and the campaign at least throws enough varied challenges to make it moderately entertaining. [Dec 2007, p.156]