Even as the story and gameplay falter, it's hard to argue with the joy of smashing open walls and hunting down demonic threats. [July 2008, p.84]

Unlike "Gauntlet," Black Stone is so poorly executed, that it is absolutely no fun to play. [Feb 2003, p.104]

If you're going to ask people to buy your content it's a good idea to make it compelling in the first place, and Ridge Racer doesn't do that.

Myriad control problems, brain dead AI, and a cringe-worthy storyline make Mindjack a shooter worth skipping.

The huge level of frustration is not worth the time it takes to master the awkward gameplay idiosyncrasies. Instead, it’s more tempting – even as someone with experience – to just spam the waggle movements for a passable high score.

Somewhat amusing... but only, and I stress this, if you've already consumed every little morsel within "Tony 4." [Dec 2002, p.122]

This level of sub-mediocre FPS boredom isn't even close to worth its $20 price point. [June 2005, p.126]

In a game, you need a control scheme that makes sense and works. Buffy's doesn't. At all... Try as I might, there's nothing that I can compliment or even remotely endorse in this game. [Sept 2003, p.126]

What the deal with the blander-than-bland texturing? If I wanted to be lulled to sleep, I would read a selection from Minnesota's penal code. [Feb 2003, p.104]

If robots ever do take over, I hope the human race doesn’t succumb to a force this stupid.

Devil’s Third is not an unplayable game, but it may as well be for all it offers. From the action to the environments, the experience is devoid of personality. The story is a joke, the combat is simplistic, and it only gets worse the deeper you get. If you enjoy playing games that are terrible for a laugh, Devil’s Third is a great candidate – but please don’t interpret that as a recommendation.

For all of the shock and hullaballoo following its path toward release, Hatred is nothing special or particularly egregious in the world of video game violence, except for the fact that it relies on that violence alone. The game takes itself extremely seriously and has plenty of extremely violent content and murder, but it ends up feeling more like camp.

Outside of the occasional thrill of blowing some fool away with a shotgun or breaking a baseball bat over someone's head, there are no redeeming qualities to Final Fight: Streetwise. [Mar 2006, p.100]

Those patient enough to suffer through the initial gameplay inadequacies are rewarded with horrible, low-quality cutscenes, a “special” Accelerator Suit ability that often drains during said cutscenes, unreachable power-ups that hover just out of grasp, the worst vehicle controls I’ve used in years, and voice overacting that makes the guy who says “killing spree” in Unreal Tournament sound understated.

In the end, Sonic nuts will love it. Everyone else should stay away.

If you have such a child in your household, I would do everything in my power to ensure they never catch wind of this game.

Like its second-fiddle protagonist, Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z resides in the shadow of many other better third-person action games, but it’s not terrible if you’re specifically looking for a schlocky Saturday.

Movement feels floaty, hit detection and collision issues are everywhere, and enemy AI is painfully stupid. [Jan 2005, p.118]

I'd avoid picking up the box for fear of contracting something, to say nothing of actually paying for this abomination. [March 2005, p.138]

Rise of the Guardians isn't entirely unpleasant, but even if you're looking for a co-op game that's safe for the whole family, you can find better options on the market.

Aliens: Colonial Marines’ odious mess can be smelled from low orbit, and only the most ardent Aliens fans will find anything redeeming.

If you have such a child in your household, I would do everything in my power to ensure they never catch wind of this game.

If Activision cares to know, fans are indeed hungry for a new Transformers game – just not one that shamelessly tries to make us trade our hard-earned cash for junk.

Offering police pursuit races, takedown-focused bouts, and several other modes doesn't help Asphalt 3D's cause in the least. It's a buggy mess, and the controls are awful enough to make it a chore even when the game is functioning correctly.

Like an old player attempting a comeback after multiple knee reconstructions and several years away from the game, NBA Live 14 doesn't have enough skill or composure to keep up with the competition.

As a comic book fan, games like this reduce me to a quivering, broken mess - laying in the fetal position under my desk with tears streaming down my face like a lost child. [Dec 2003, p.187]

Deadfall Adventures tries its best to mix first-person shooting with the puzzle solving of adventure titles. Unfortunately, the gunplay is buggy, the puzzles are hackneyed, and the story is hopelessly bad. If you're expecting anything remotely fun, prepare to be disappointed.

The deep upgrade system is completely wasted by the action itself, which is some of the worst I've ever seen. [June 2005, p.136]