The only real problem with the game is that it sticks pretty close to its prescribed formula. You build trains, make money, and drive competitors out of business. You won’t uncover layer upon layer of depth, you’ll just get more efficient.

Even so, the improvements to the controls and mechanics, plus an option to have a buddy jump in for co-op at any time, means there's never been a better time to pick up a Zap-O-Matic and vaporize some meatbags. [Nov. 2006, p.130]

On the plus side, this is the first game that successfully makes Superman a fun character to play.

The newly playable native factions don’t perform particularly well, and the campaign is the very definition of average. Some different rulesets for online play may cater to certain fans, but The Warchiefs would come much more highly recommended if it did anything to clean up the messy unit AI that hampers nearly every aspect of play.

Given that fact, however, this game largely remains the same as it ever was--due to the consistency of the gameplay from last year. But because that the tour has adopted the new FedEx Cup system, your career can't help but feel a little different. [Nov. 2006, p.128]

As is, it falls well short of minigame standards like "Brain Age" or "WarioWare". [Nov. 2006, p.144]

Apart from the animal stuff, the core game has also undergone some tweaks, like a greater sense of ownership of your surroundings. It doesn’t make Pets more fun, though; the lack of sufficient rewards and direction neuters the whole experience and makes it a chore to play.

A slim offering of new items and interactions in Pets adds less tot he core gameplay of The Sims 2 than any previous expansion. [Dec 2006, p.150]

The biggest improvements are the game's pacing and the weapon creation system, which no longer force you to forge a pile of weapons you'll never use. [Jan 2007, p.115]

On the plus side, this is the first game that successfully makes Superman a fun character to play.

Even so, the improvements to the controls and mechanics, plus an option to have a buddy jump in for co-op at any time, means there's never been a better time to pick up a Zap-O-Matic and vaporize some meatbags. [Nov. 2006, p.130]

Apart from the animal stuff, the core game has also undergone some tweaks, like a greater sense of ownership of your surroundings. It doesn't make Pets more fun, though; the lack of sufficient rewards and direction neuters the whole experience and makes it a chore to play.

The immense roster is a glorious thing, but by altering the sacred Fatality, the action just isn't up to the series' standards or what fans expect.

I’m glad Activision tried to address some of the problems in the original game (including adding multiplayer), but Showdown suffers slightly by drifting away from what it had already perfected.

Unmistakably an SMT title: It still features the distinctive art of Kazuma Kaneko, demon fusion, and an atmospheric story. It may not have the gameplay or challenge that fans have come to expect, but it does a good job of taking small steps toward the mainstream without renouncing its roots.

But the marginally 3d action battle system is an improvement over the recent "Tales of Legendia", and the plotline has enough political twists and betrayals to keep you playing even if the main character is another confused youth with amnesia. [Nov. 2006, p.134]

Unfortunately, the entire affair is filled with repeated waves of what amount to the exact same enemies, and it doesn’t take long for boredom to set in.

An almost totally uninspired 3D brawler that doesn’t avoid any of the common pitfalls of the genre. Locking the camera close in behind the character’s head is almost never a good idea, and certainly not in this case. The automatic targeting mechanic bugs out at least once every five minutes of play. Enemies are too predictable.

It adds a new wrinkle to your career mode via Team Tour mode. You'll beat the usual club pros as you go up the ladder, but this time you can add them to your team.

Given that fact, however, this game largely remains the same as it ever was--due to the consistency of the gameplay from last year. But because that the tour has adopted the new FedEx Cup system, your career can't help but feel a little different. [Nov. 2006, p.128]

Unfortunately, the entire affair is filled with repeated waves of what amount to the exact same enemies, and it doesn't take long for boredom to set in.

It adds a new wrinkle to your career mode via Team Tour mode. You'll beat the usual club pros as you go up the ladder, but this time you can add them to your team.

Unfortunately, the entire affair is filled with repeated waves of what amount to the exact same enemies, and it doesn't take long for boredom to set in.

The immense roster is a glorious thing, but by altering the sacred Fatality, the action just isn’t up to the series’ standards or what fans expect.

Dark Crusade can be enjoyed by new and experienced players alike, regardless of whether you own the earlier installments – even if the hefty challenge makes it more appropriate for veterans.

It’s every bit as profane, violent, and over-the-top as the movie, and delivers not only the gunplay you’re expecting, but as much depth as almost any other game in the genre. Like the film that inspired it, it’s sometimes a bit clunky, but makes up for it in bravado and style.

It's every bit as profane, violent, and over-the-top as the movie, and delivers not only the gunplay you're expecting, but as much depth as almost any other game in the genre. Like the film that inspired it, it's sometimes a bit clunky, but makes up for it in bravado and style.

Sure, it’s a little silly that the Enterprise is flinging itself around the galaxy taking out Klingon Birds of Prey to and fro, but there are some classic Trek moments to be had, from beaming off away teams to outrunning the shockwaves of exploding planets.