Expect some of the coolest levels out there, a slew of amazing characters, and something lacking from many games today: a sense of humor.

As far as party games go, this is still your best bet. [Jan 2003, p.49]

Other than the lackluster practice mode, everything in FIFA 2004 is spot-on.

When you venture online, newbie ensigns should have better survival rates, thanks to a crackdown on cheating and the new ranking system. [Dec 2003, p.60]

Other than the lackluster practice mode, everything in FIFA 2004 is spot-on.

The graphics are first rate, and the action is intensely frenetic. Most important, ROTK turns up the LOTR authenticity full blast. [Jan 2004, p.55]

The games are junk, but the EyeToy itself is brillian. Pick it up. [Nov 2003, p.47]

A solid yet basic and dated RTS. [Jan 2004, p.67]

Other than the lackluster practice mode, everything in FIFA 2004 is spot-on.

Other than the lackluster practice mode, everything in FIFA 2004 is spot-on.

GTA's still king, but True Crime: Streets of L.A. rocks the spot. [Jan 2004, p.60]

My only dis (negative comment) goes to the control and camera, which are both kinda whack (somewhat sluggish), and Timmy's all Fat Albert, yo (moves like a sack of bricks). [Jan 2004, p.50]

The game continues to surprise you by tossing curveballs like siege weapons, random weather effects, and time-sensitive goals into the mix. [Dec 2003, p.75]

Since each Turtle has his own fighting style, it doesn't ever get old. [Nov 2003, p.72]

You know what's really weak, though? There are four Turtles—and they're a team, right? But only two heads can play this game simultaneously. I'm sorry, but I can't explain the logic behind that.

This game does nothing new except offer a ton of foul language to get you in trouble with the 'rents. Next, please.

Despite its brevity and lack of good multiplayer, though, Call of Duty is easily one of the most fun shooters I've played all year. [Jan 2004, p.66]

The puzzles suck; they're often obscure to the point of being ridiculous. Key items are frequently out of frame or hard to see, making progress without a cheat sheet nearly impossible.

The puzzles suck; they're often obscure to the point of being ridiculous. Key items are frequently out of frame or hard to see, making progress without a cheat sheet nearly impossible.

The game is truly at its best in two-player mode, where you'll probably be more evenly matched against your opponent.

The most beautiful MMORPG currently available. Its environments are second to none, and the character models are elegant and, frankly, a pleasure to behold. The world also feels more alive than any other.

The best Sims expansion and a must-have for any Sims fan. [Jan 2004, p.66]

Expect Gladius to suck time in the manner of a Hoover sucking dirt - the turn-based battles are slow and poorly paced, often making a gladiator's life a wearisome one. [Dec 2003, p.66]

What a horrible disappointment... Worst of all, BG is a difficult game; I mean, it's hella hard...The first level alone was nearly impossible and there's no training mode! [Jan 2004, p.64]

The puzzles suck; they're often obscure to the point of being ridiculous. Key items are frequently out of frame or hard to see, making progress without a cheat sheet nearly impossible.

Building energy for certain basic moves, such as boosting and sending a Bludger, takes too long, which keeps the general gameplay pretty basic for much of the game. [Dec 2003, p.74]

It's amazing how much this game does well on top of its near-perfect controls. [Jan 2004, p.54]

The best of the three THQ wrestling games released this year. [Jan 2004, p.57]