Like those lemonade stands, good intentions can’t change this lukewarm sugar-water into something satisfying.

Delivers simple but enjoyable gameplay. [May 2005, p.136]

Dynasty Warriors may have once provided a novel experience, but like metrosexuality and Jennifer Aniston's hair, things that fascinated us a decade ago eventually grow tiresome.

Though it technically succeeds as a piece of functional software, Akiba’s Trip fails to be fun. Bland combat, unremarkable missions and sidequests (which are mainly fight/fetch requests), and an abundance of hollow cartoon characters in their underwear don’t deliver any thrills.

If you want to play something that feels like an expansion pack without an original game at its core, Nine Breaker is the perfect choice. [Sept 2005, p.102]

If you’re looking for cheap multiplayer, buy an older Call of Duty or Gears game. As is, there’s really no reason for Special Forces: Team X to be a must-have for any shooter fan.

Trust me, it's just as fun as it sounds. [Jan 2004, p.160]

There is little in the gameplay that can't be done by a freakin' Commodore 64! [Dec 2003, p.174]

Despite my multiple gripes with Sonic Forces, I still enjoyed the adventure. 3D Sonic games still aren't to where they should be after such a long time of iteration and experimentation, but through improved gameplay and level design, Sonic Forces continues the series' evolution in the right direction.

Difficult to recommend. [Mar 2011, p.98]

As much as Hunted grated on me, I really liked Caddoc and E'lara. Even though their physical designs ape the stereotypical buff dude and barely clothed sexy elf, their personalities transcend their clichéd appearances. Their relationship is based on mutual respect, and there isn't any forced flirtation in their myriad conversations. The pair clearly enjoy each other's company, and I would have loved to learn more about their past together. If that means having to play through more of this, though, I'll just read some fanfic and call it good.

The game is still firing blanks and driving on four flat tires. [Feb 2005, p.115]

In the end, I don't see this title connecting with an audience beyond the most hardcore Rampage fans. [May 2006, p.97]

Unfortunately, the shining strengths of the game are buried underneath a thick layer of rust that only the thirstiest of air-junkies should bother chipping through. [Feb 2010, p.95]

Tweaks are needed in the AI to better replicate competitors’ actions and racing lines, and I’d like to see some long-overdue additions (like user-controlled pit stops), but this game has got the feel of a stock car down pretty good – especially with about a billion ways to setup your car. It’s a mix of the new and familiar that shakes out to be a pretty fast restart.

It's a nice homage to wrestling's past, but just can't compete with the wrestling games of the present. [Aug 2004, p.96]

It looks sharp and provides a good degree of challenge. [July 2002, p.83]

An entertaining, but ultimately disposable, driving title. [Apr 2003, p.85]

It's a shame that the developer couldn't also license some fun gameplay to go along with the Corvette name. [June 2004, p.129]

Leave your stuffy music and game sensibilities at the door – Boogie has a more plebeian appeal.

The game basically says, "You're obvioulsy really stupid, so we're going to hold onto your hand and lead you through this stage. [Jan 2004, p.151]

The production values in this game are so poor, I would have thought that some dude made it in his basement. [Jan 2004, p.128]

About halfway through my playing time with this game, I thought about gnawing off both my hands so I could flee from othe repetitious and shallow gameplay trap that I had stumbled into. [Aug 2005, p.100]

I didn't expect this little indie game to replace Starlancer or TIE Fighter in my heart, but I'm disappointed that it struggled to strike a single chord with my cherished memories of those classics.

Judge Dredd scores a minor victory in its ability to let its roots show through amid the usual indistinguishable mess of guns and guts. [May 2004, p.93]

The framerate suffers in the conversion, but the solid puzzles and great soundtrack stay true to the computer release. [Oct 2002, p.84]

Catching fish is less fun than in "Sega Bass Fishing 2," even though managing the drag settings on your reel can be demanding. [Nov 2001, p.112]

Another promising game struck down by execution. [Jan 2003, p.96]