The only area where this game really shines is in its visuals. Developer Eurocom has pulled out all of the stops to bring out the highest level of realism in the character models and lush landscapes. This game may put a twinkle in your eye, but it’s quick to follow it up with a razor-sharp cutlass.

I found myself repeating ("stupid") endlessly as I writhed and winced my way through this lifeless and contrived adventure. [Jan 2005, p.119]

Circle of Doom’s problems all seem so frustratingly obvious the first time you see them that it makes you wonder why they were never changed.

Go pick up a cheap copy of any flavor of Guild Wars if you want subscription-free heroic fantasy PvP.

I'd avoid this game faster than doing the skeleton in the nude. [Apr 2002, p.89]

All told, faithful arcade fans should have a look, but no one else should feel the need to drop in their tokens. [Oct 2005, p.140]

Moebius is missing a spark — something that makes you want to keep playing. It has a few shining moments with some standout humorous lines, but they're buried in bad dialogue, empty characters, and a dry mystery. Sadly, I don't think people will be talking about Malachi Rector with the esteem they do Gabriel Knight.

Spyro's gameplay works just like it's suppose to--just like it has in every other game in the last decade, so it feels like the development team just phoned this one in. [Nov 2007, p.142]

I commend the developer for including different modes, but their inadequacies reveal a title that doesn't fully develop any one aspect of itself.

It's not the most innovative or the most visually dazzling game. This won't be the one you put in to show off your new console to your friends. However, when you're done with the prettied-up versions of the big franchises, you'll find yourself wanting to return to Knack. It's got charm and heart, and offers a whole lot of good gameplay.

Natural Motion’s Euphoria technology is a great building block for a football game, but Backbreaker suffers from too many rookie mistakes. Only the most hardcore gridiron fans dying for an alternative to the EA Sports offerings should bother bringing this one in for a look.

A solid 3D Othello, tic-tac-toe kind of a game. [Feb 2003, p.101]

Chosen One offers a decent arcade basketball experience, but its short single player and weak online options ultimately keep it from unseating the current street champ, "NBA Street Homecourt."

This title is like a burrito stuffed with dirt, topped with soap shavings, and wrapped in a warm leather shell. [Feb 2003, p.98]

The matches themselves typically last less time than they take to load. [July 2004, p.115]

Will quickly be overshadowed and fade into obscurity. [Nov 2002, p.134]

The one saving grace of Flower, Sun, and Rain is the story. [July 2009, p.90]

Too many of the missions are annoying scavenger hunts. [Jan 2003, p.92]

Its platforming-by-the-numbers approach is where it both stands and falls. [Feb 2002, p.100]

During my playtime, my emotions always registered somewhere between mildly annoyed and just plain bored. [May 2004, p.94]

Rise of the Argonauts is an average action game. [Feb 2009, p.84]

I wish I could say that this game's poor design and execution was a surprise, but let's be honest: old Sonic's been down so long it looks like up to him. [May 2009, p.87]

If you dig deep, you can find charming parts of Valkyria Revolution – the thrill of taking down a group of foes with a well-placed grenade, or the rousing music and majestic scenery combining for a memorable moment. But these bright spots are far too rare in an experience that deals primarily in drudgery, from repetitive missions to overlong expository scenes. Even if you find and appreciate the good parts, the prize is too small for the price you pay on the battlefield.

It's just a long series of boss battles interspersed with dull cuscenes and pointless flying around. [Sept 2004, p.110]

One of the crappier basketball games on the planet. [Mar 2002, p.79]

Everything is solid, but there's little that will make you throw your hands up with delight. [May 2002, p.91]

Pretty lame in almost every way, shape, and form. [Jan 2003, p.100]

The mild strategy elements and simple gameplay involved could appeal to younger players, but not to anyone who actually enjoys controlling events onscreen. [Mar 2004, p.114]