Filled with amazing battles and worthy strategy, and anchored by strong gameplay. [Dec 2004, p.166]

Combining ease of use both on and off the track is the key to why this game stands out. Couple that with accessible racing and an eye towards realism, and Codemasters finally delivers an F1 game everyone can enjoy.

The outstanding graphics, unparalleled physics, huge levels, tons of unlockable cards, enormous bosses, and gameplay variety make this a must-have for anyone who pines for the glory days of "Doom." [June 2004, p.134]

Luigi's Mansion 3 is a fun ghost-hunting adventure regardless of your experience with the franchise.

Combining ease of use both on and off the track is the key to why this game stands out. Couple that with accessible racing and an eye towards realism, and Codemasters finally delivers an F1 game everyone can enjoy.

Outside of this, through its array of innovations, Major League Baseball 2K6 blows the doors off of what you could expect from a baseball game. [Apr 2006, p.116]

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]

The concept is original, the aesthetics are striking, and the game behind it all is a simple, condensed package of fun.

Hardcore sim fans won't be too impressed, but I would argue that this game's balls-out mayhem is just what you stodgy, gear-ratio-calculatin', downforce-tweakin' fools need. [May 2003, p.85]

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

The fuzz and Need's sense of speed are what kept me playing. However, many of the modes are the same rat race in disguise. [Nov 2002, p.141]

While it's difficult at points, I was never frustrated or felt like I was dying because of a flaw in the level design. It's got an engaging (and often hilarious) art style and makes the most of its simple, static cutscenes and paper-thin plot.

This great 2D platformer delivers a crowd-pleasing adventure regardless of when you started enjoying the genre.

The unholy cursing that took place wasn't directed at Freekstyle's design or gameplay, but rather, how dreadfully challenging the game manages to be. [July 2002, p.82]

Still a very well-honed title that never fails to get my blood going, but I think a jump to next-gen for the series could be just the boost that this franchise needs. [Feb 2006, p.103]

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

Death of the Outsider ultimately emerges as a strong chapter in one of the best modern action/RPG series thanks to gameplay refinements and dedication to its dark fiction. This standalone expansion doesn’t revolutionize the series but instead does something more important, navigating the familiar to bring everything to a satisfying conclusion.

Tekken is pretty kick-ass on the Game Boy Advance... The game looks great. [Mar 2002, p.90]

Best FPS yet on GBA. [Oct 2002, p.94]

Though some of the modes don’t provide the deepest experiences, I enjoyed my time racing around in Dirt 5 thanks to a fun career mode and a community section bustling with potential. Whether you’re earning your spot among the superstars or creating a vehicular obstacle course of your dreams, Dirt 5 is worthy of a spot on the podium.

I wonder if this is the game that should have graced the big consoles instead of "Robotech: Battlecry." [Jan 2003, p.122]

Routine is a survival-horror game in the lightest of senses. There are robots and creatures to run/hide from occasionally, and you have little in your arsenal to fight back, but that genre tag is a misnomer – this is a puzzle experience drenched in tension and terror. With your CAT tool and the wits you’d hope appear if you, yourself, were placed in this terrible situation, a seductive Pandora’s box of escape rooms awaits you.

For shooter fans that don't require as deep of a dive, Black Ops II's multiplayer may feel like more of the same. No significant new match types are present, and the Pick 10 system doesn't drastically change the gameplay experience. Most of the changes to the Call of Duty formula come in campaign mode, and they are executed with mixed results. Despite some frustrations, Black Ops II is yet another massive, polished, finely tuned entry in a series that shows no signs of slowing down.

As thankful as I am that there are role-playing titles that strive to innovate, I am also glad that games like Lost Odyssey are still being made. It is a testament to the philosophy that time-tested concepts, when implemented well, can be just as gratifying as they were at the genre’s inception.

Moving between planets and wandering Outlaws’ dense cities is where the adventure shines, but shooting your way through your current gig so you can make it to the next is also compelling, if sometimes a little simple.

This game may indeed serve all your racing needs. [Aug 2006, p.93]

This game earns its stripes by letting players have more of a hand in creating their own style of mayhem to spice up a scene, and trust me, you’ll take every opportunity you can get.

Even if Treyarch misses the mark on occasion, I respect the developer for taking chances with a series that would sell just fine if it stuck with the status quo.