Its pure and simple action is a perfect antidote to the poory executed, overblown titles that clog store shelves these days. [Aug 2004, p.107]

Even though Runner2 is a single-player game, it’s fun to trade off levels with a friend simply to appreciate the finer details, like the different way every character dances or when bigfoot lumbers into the background. You just can’t absorb this stuff when you’re laser-focused on sweet, sweet survival.

Despite all of my frustrations, after extended breaks, I found myself coming back for more. Hotline Miami's uneasy ambiance and frenetic action have an odd allure.

If World Tour has a trump card, it’s the groundbreaking new GHMix studio mode. It’s basically a full-on set of music creation software, that allows you to write, arrange, and record your own songs, then upload them to be freely shared with fellow players. Even better, the game instantly translates them into fully playable jewels charts on the fly. As much fun as I had tackling “Hot For Teacher,” this mode feels like the future of the franchise.

It's so exacting in detail, the Marines are showing interest in using it as part of their training programs. [Nov 2001, p.126]

The most intense experience by far comes from the Marine plotline...The subtle musical score, accompanied by extended periods of pulse-pounding suspense, are punctuated by frenzied moments of sheer terror as you fight to stay alive. [Jan 2002, p.92]

As mind-blowing as the visual presentation may be, the gameplay is somewhat disappointing. [July 2002, p.88]

Dense with managerial options and overflowing with new gameplay features, NHL 2004 is a complete turnaround from last season's disastrous release and is this year's must-have hockey title. [Oct 2003, p.131]

Once I fully connected with Rocket League’s controls, my car felt like an extension of me. It’s a sensation that’s all too rare in games, which makes it all the more satisfying when something like it comes along.

The incredible craftsmanship that went into this title makes it the pinnacle in the series and another fantastic Xbox Live application. [Mar 2006, p.108]

The game achieves its core focus, taking you along for a thrilling ride. [Oct 2008, p.103]

The core game is one of the strongest platformers out there, and the mountain of extras pile on the enjoyment.

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.

Frame-counters and other savants will probably have issues with some aspects of Soulcalibur IV’s gameplay, but the average player or fighting game enthusiast is well served by this title’s array of game types and tight weapon-based duels. I know I’m more than satisfied.

Regardless of the visual shortcomings, The Forgotten City stands tall as a unique game that pulls you in with its world and words. I got a huge kick using time travel as a detective tool and found many of the characters to be delightful to chat with (even if they hold many dark secrets). If you are in the market for a different type of game that pushes you to stitch together a story in different ways than you would expect, don’t sleep on this inventive experience. It’s one that you won’t soon forget.

The battles that unfold are as beautful as they are intense, and as difficult as they are easy to manhandle. [Oct 2002, p.76]

Metal Gear Solid 3 didn't necessarily need a remake, but now that it’s here, I’m not sure I will ever be able to go back to the original versions.

No load times. Beautiful raytracing. The PlayStation 5 version of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a technical juggernaut that continually impresses. It is the ideal way to play the game if you can. Feeling the Venom flow through the controller is quite cool. That’s not to say the PlayStation 4 version is far behind, however. Marvel’s Spider-Man from 2018 remains one of the generation’s best-looking and playing games, and this game’s performance is in lockstep with it. Fast travel and restarts bring up short subway rides and loading screens (they are instant on PS5), and the visuals may not have that next-gen sheen, but the PS4 version is still a beautiful and worthy way to experience this excellent game.

If Resident Evil is Aliens, Amnesia is Alien. Frictional Games has created something wholly unlike the traditional horror game. Amnesia shows us by example that gaming has entirely new realms to explore. The price of admission is only $20 through your digital retailer of choice. Do the right thing.

Frame-counters and other savants will probably have issues with some aspects of Soulcalibur IV’s gameplay, but the average player or fighting game enthusiast is well served by this title’s array of game types and tight weapon-based duels. I know I’m more than satisfied.

I got the distinct impression during my time with this game that there was an arcade-like slant to how you progressed through different levels and unlocked items. [Dec 2001, p.100]

With its moving story and deft execution, Fable is quite literally the adventure of a lifetime. [Oct 2004, p.138]

Forza Horizon is a well-crafted game that offers a fun racing experience that accommodates different approaches. It's not a complete experience, but it's a take on the Forza franchise that does the series proud.

Origins doesn’t completely rebuild Assassin’s Creed, but makes a number of smart, significant changes to a formula that, despite yearly updates, was showing its age. The increased freedom in how you approach targets, the more active combat, and alluring world not only make exploring Egypt a rewarding experience, but also offer a strong direction for the series going forward while still remembering what made it unique in the first place.

It may not be the revolutionary VR title that unequivocally makes the platform become widely adopted, but I would absolutely count it among my favorite VR experiences alongside games like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx.

Covenant is such an interesting mix of old-world immersion, nice plot twists, layered (and super-quirky) characters, and rewarding combat. [Oct 2004, p.132]

Syphon Filter manages to deliver a very enjoyable third-person shooting experience like few other PSP titles. I’m not a fan of using the face buttons for aiming, but this game’s pace – most scenarios revolve around advancing towards cover, eliminating the targets, then advancing again – is more suited to this configuration than more frantic action titles. I also like the new advanced grappling, stealth kill features, and brief God of War-style button mashing sequences.

Saying that EA has turned it on this year is the understatement of the century... When it comes to your hard-earned dollar, the puck stops at NHL 2004. It's easly the best hockey title of the year. [Oct 2003, p.121]