The controller itself is a work of ergonomic art. Although this is essentially a detailed puzzle game, the detail is truly a sight to behold. [Jan 2002, p.84]

Tales of Arise harmoniously balances beloved systems like visual novel-inspired skits and upgradable titles with new-and-improved gameplay tweaks. Intricate world-building in sub-quests and even mundane discussions help with pacing and narrative cohesion. Campy JRPG-centric themes like the power of friendship and slow-burn romantic tension are prevalent throughout. Nevertheless, I found myself completely invested in the tragedies and achievements the cast faced, even when awkward pauses and stiff cutscene animations threatened to break immersion. Tales of Arise is a fantastic reinvention of Bandai Namco’s tried and true formula. It might even be the best installment in the franchise to date.

Pac-Man Championship 2 is an outstanding example of a franchise reinventing itself.

With its unparalleled controls, refined presentation, and unrivaled selection of game modes, NHL 09 is the best hockey game ever created.

Play it on Xbox if you can, but if you can't, don't miss out on what is arguably the best spy-themed video game to date. [May 2005, p.114]

Where this games shines the brightest is in the new path it blazes, not the traditions it revisits. [Nov. 2006, p.132]

A high-octane, gun-slinging killfest the likes of which even General George S. Patton would be proud. [Mar 2002, p.87]

While the novel gameplay and awe-inspiring art style will be the hook for many, the tale told here is one filled with heart and humor. [May 2008, p.95]

An excellent expansion. [Dec 2003, p.180]

Killzone 3's shocking and abrupt campaign ending serves as a suitable wrap to Guerilla's extended war-themed trilogy. Even if it is a conclusion of sorts, Killzone 3 stands on its own. The franchise has always fallen just shy of greatness for me. This time, there's plenty for any action gamer to dig his or her teeth into.

If you're tired of fighting corridor-based wars against an endless flow of brainless meatbags, Crysis 2 is worth a look. The unique sandbox approach to gunfights and game-changing nanosuit lend the title a flavor of its own, and Crytek smartly leverages these strengths in both the single- and multiplayer modes.

Despite that lack of propelling factor, I’m still completely engrossed in this game, playing it during any 15 free minutes I can find throughout my day. Though I’ve technically completed the game, I want to SSS rank all of my favorite songs, dig deeper into the libraries from Final Fantasy games I’m less familiar with, and show off my rhythm prowess against other players. This is a fantastic rhythm game set to the tune of arguably the greatest music catalog in all of games. While I would have liked more guidance in how to proceed, the musical content on offer is so diverse, so nostalgic, and so well done, that I have no problem composing my own fun.

The visuals may seem vaguely familiar, and the gameplay may fit like a glove, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a sequel that delivers as much new content as Hot Shots Golf Fore! so effortlessly does. [Sept 2004, p.108]

If you're tired of fighting corridor-based wars against an endless flow of brainless meatbags, Crysis 2 is worth a look. The unique sandbox approach to gunfights and game-changing nanosuit lend the title a flavor of its own, and Crytek smartly leverages these strengths in both the single- and multiplayer modes.

It's definitely the closest video games have ever come to capturing the essence of a kick-ass action flick. [Feb 2003, p.92]

If you're tired of fighting corridor-based wars against an endless flow of brainless meatbags, Crysis 2 is worth a look. The unique sandbox approach to gunfights and game-changing nanosuit lend the title a flavor of its own, and Crytek smartly leverages these strengths in both the single- and multiplayer modes.

The play is even more engrossing than before. [Dec 2001, p.92]

It’s so good, in fact, that there are few gamers I wouldn’t suggest this to, if only for how great of a tool it is to evangelize gaming to friends and family. The high cost of admission is most certainly worth it – this is a show you don’t want to miss.

Persona Q is easily one of my favorite games this year. It delivers in both quality gameplay and wonderful characters, but what stands out is the extra effort that went into every area, always raising the bar.

"Quote Forthcoming"

Scholar of the First Sin is best suited for two types of player: Complete Souls newcomers that insist on playing with the latest hardware, and returning warriors who soaked up every bit of new game-plus content loaded into the original. While I don't think the encounters are quite up to the level of the original, it's hard to argue with more of one of 2014's best games.

It succeeds through its intoxicating fluidity and the way it turns the dream of the movie into your own reality. [Apr 2003, p.90]

As a whole, Dawn of Dreams is a truly skillful entry in the series. It's a great fresh start with new characters, gameplay, and ideas. [Mar 2006, p.102]

As solid as bedrock. [July 2003, p.119]

Classic compilations really don't get much better than this...A nostalgic dream come true.

A mode that lets you alternate between control of two heroes by yourself is really intriguing. It requries a lot of strategy, as one character is helpless when he isn't under your influence. It really grew on me. [Oct 2003, p.142]

Nioh 3 is a fantastic leap forward for Team Ninja’s generally great but increasingly stagnant take on Soulslikes. I had to stop myself from seeking out the next awesome hidden boss or from learning a cool new weapon to see credits to write this review, and the experience largely manages to maintain its excitement throughout its lengthy runtime. Nioh 3’s hardships are many, and failure is plentiful, but its thrills are bigger and more impressive than ever before.

Castlevania takes a few hours to get rolling, but once it sinks its fangs in you'll be absorbed. After putting nearly 20 hours into Lords of Shadow I emerged satisfied and ready to play again. This polished, action-packed adventure has me ecstatic to see not only what's in store for the next 3D Castlevania, but also what talented developer MercurySteam does next.