It's fun, fresh and innovative, and much better than the predecessor, Magic Pengel. [June 2005, p.90]

Simply a good idea that awaits complete realization. [Jan 2010, p.77]

In the end, it often comes down to understanding the solution but not being able to feasibly execute it. Add these difficulties to a rather repetitive five-hour adventure, and the game becomes more of a chore than an adventure.

The bottom line is, if you enjoyed Nintendogs on your DS, there's still plenty to love about its 3D debut. And even if you're new to Nintendo's pet sim series, you could do much worse for a 3DS launch title. There isn't an awful lot of new content, but what's here works as well as it ever has. And if you're like me, you'll have a much better shot at getting your apartment's deposit back if you opt for one of these polygonal pups.

The game's presentation is ugly, and there are some leaderboard issues to work out, but Squid Drop's varied level types and random missions keep the player on their toes.

As a whole, Karaoke Revolution Country is another solid Konami karaoke package - one morechance to make an absolute fool out of yourself in your own home, especially if you're a country music fan.

Detailed textures and a fast frame rate let you savor the disturbing damage, and the precise controls never fail.

The difference between the sheer energy in the cinemas and the painstaking gameplay is so striking that it feels like you’re fighting battles less to win them than to see the next visual treat.

It pretty much amounts to an add-on level pack, so you’d have to be ultra-hardcore about Time Crisis to spring for your own copy.

Despite the novel ideas, Billy is, at its heart, a fairly normal platformer...but with Sonic Team at the helm, you really can't go wrong.

Dead Island probably won't redefine the survival-horror genre, but it's putting a fresh spin on things by demonstrating how online multiplayer can be used to make a fantasy world really feel inhabited by those with a common goal: survival. And the freedom to explore, exist, and eviscerate the undead the way you want is what makes Dead Island worthwhile.

While not a full-blown current generation reboot, Boulder Dash-XL is an enjoyable ride that's well worth your time. A cute game with plenty of content and puzzles to explore, this is a title that proves once again that solid gameplay is timeless.

Easily the most gorgeous and immersive game in the genre. Huge cities, vibrant wildernesses, and highly detailed player character models help nail home the sheer Star-Warsiness of the game, while the Star Wars sound suite does its usual awesome job of grounding you in the world of the films.

Captures all the basics of this fast-paced game. The fun for a non-rugby fan will be in learning about the sport, and Rugby 2005 just might win a few converts.

Blasting alien scum, avoiding mines and meteors as you put up with the self-absorbed (yet hilarious) villains will bring out anybody's inner Alex Rogan.

With a ton of unlockables and dozens of classic wrestlers from the glory days of the World Wrestling Federation, Legends of WrestleMania is a fan's dream come true.

This recipe needs a little more work before its ready to be served as a main dish. [Dec 2004, p.114]

Even multiplayer is a strange blend of inspiration and worn convention.

Frequent glitches and game engine freak-outs contribute to an overall less-than-mediocre graffiti/fighting/platforming hybrid.

Armageddon's not bad, it's just plain. The game feels like Volition started from scratch, but accidentally threw out too much of what made the last game great.

Despite some decent features, Mickey is way too easy for the experienced kart driver. Courses are short and the gameplay is straightforward, lacking any depth and variety to the characters and races.

The challenge may be too steep for some, but it’s ultimately rewarding for determined gamers.

But despite all of the control issues, for my money, this is one of the most fun games I've played in a while.

I didn't expect Guitar Hero Smash Hits to dramatically change what has become a tried-and-true formula, but I definitely anticipated a better value proposition than this.

Despite Rayne's new abilities, you're still doing pretty much the same thing as before-slashing up wimpy guys, defeating bosses, and then doing it all over again after the next save point. (Even worse, the old camera problems are still there-you'll get blindsided by enemies all the time simply because you had no advance warning of their presence.)

Newcomers will be pleased, but for rabid fans, this is a mute Roar.

While all this is great, it still comes up a tad short compared to EA’s NCAA football game, especially in the college atmosphere category.

The lack of multiplayer options is a shame, but TTOEE is the best D&D title in recent memory, especially since parties of different alignments (good, evil, neutral) all face unique plots. This all adds up to one monstrous nonlinear RPG packed with plenty of replay value.

offers enough challenge and replay value to be a good party game for younger Star Wars fans.

At its best, the game is a fun and interesting diversion, but it's rarely at its best. It's a good first effort and I personally hope it's a sign of more to come.

Aerox's mostly starched white environments look fantastic, with a feel most easily comparable to the iPhone cult hit Jet Car Stunts. I was especially impressed by the ball itself, which accurately reflects the surrounding environment.

This tribal take on shoot-em-ups seems like it would be pretty refreshing, but some basic flaws keep this from being a prime time-waster.

Excellent control scheme with key tweaks makes the gameplay versatile and very fun.

The sharp graphics and cool sounds add to the entire Bond theme.

A decent basketball game with an excellent online tie-in. Still, this series needs a serious wake-up call if it hopes to compete with the likes of EA and ESPN next year.

Hulk provides thoroughly enjoyable action interrupted by moments of painfully simplistic stealth gameplay.

A very fun game whose premise wears thin a bit too fast. However, you’ll have a blast with it before you reach the saturation point.

An enjoyable if unremarkable cooperative action-adventure title.

If you're forced to choose, take this version over the more frustrating Xbox one.

If survival horror is your bread and butter, then Homecoming is right up your alley; otherwise, you might be better served waiting for Resident Evil 5. [Nov 2008, p.92]

There are no continues and no in-game saves, a turn-off to anyone without the time to memorize boss patterns and an effective way to kill the point of that whole “portable” thang.

An interesting attempt to expand the limits of a tried-and-true genre - just anticipate some frustration for the awkward interface and time-consuming stretches of trial-and-error. [May 2004, p.66]

Fans of Double Fine's most unique game yet will enjoy their time in Camelfoot, but those who never saw Stacking to completion probably won't be satisfied with this new tale.

The game drags under the weight of too much walking and item gathering - mostly while looking down at the ground - and not enough engaging action.

It's perfect for quick sessions and there's enough content to keep you satisfied for a long while. If you take your DS with you everywhere you go, you definitely should put this on your shopping list.

There's no denying it: Blood on the Sand is completely senseless, wholly obnoxious, incredibly thoughtless, and insanely fun. Hampered by a sore lack of multiplayer, Fiddy's second console excursion still remains an entertaining, if completely mindless experience.

An excellent offering but is only recommended for the hardcore side-scrolling shooter fan due to the short gameplay time. [July 2005, p.74]

2K Sports is relegated to a distant second-place, plagued by overly complicated controls, a badly designed interface, and subpar gameplay.

The Xbox version offers the superior visual experience. Its advanced lighting system casts advanced real-time shadows (much like "Doom 3"), a high-tech feature the PS2 hardware simply can't match.

While it's light on content and features and isn't about to make anyone forget about the triple-A racing titles coming out this holiday, Daytona USA is an enjoyable ride that proves that great gameplay almost always ages well. For those who still long for the simplicity of old school titles and the challenges that typically come with it, this downloadable slice of gaming nostalgia is well worth a look.

The main problem with "The Nightmare Child" is that without an engrossing story to move you along, the task of taking out loads of enemies becomes tedious quickly.

The immense depth of strategic planning and historical accuracy combine for an intensely addictive experience.

In an age when platformers are searching for the next gimmick, Wario World stays addictive by weight of sheer design innovation. Shame it’s so short.

It's fun while it lasts, but it certainly won't blaze any new trails as far as virtual rockstardom goes, and diehard fans of Rock Band should hope that the devs return to their hard rocking roots for the next genuine installment.

The story and dialogue aren't deep -- the play and art are the stars of the show -- but what little there is comes off as morally confused.

There were definitely moments when I wanted to chuck my controller across the room because one of its minor design flaws sent me to a cheap and unfair death. And yet, there were also moments when the game clicked for me and I really did feel like I was a damaged super spy on the run.

The voice-acting is noteworthy, but there are some just rudimentary audio effects and the music is sometimes dramatic, sometimes just unexciting...Good, basic RPG fare.

Rogue Trooper tries to be a competant third-person action game with attitude, but it ultimately fails. [June 2006, p.74]

May be repetitive, overwrought, and fraught with unimaginative puzzles and enemies, but those of you dying for some bloody GameCube fun won't get it much better than this.

Despite leaving me frustrated most of the time, I still enjoyed my time at the Draft Combine. Maybe I'm a masochist but feeling the pressure to play well so I could improve my draft status felt good.

The minigames will wear thin quickly for adults, while the management will prove too confusing for the little ones. If you love building roller coasters or playing party games with your buddies, you'd be better off with Rollercoaser Tycoon or Mario Party.

It might not be worth $40 for some gamers, but series fans will appreciate it.

It's got decent game play and once the kills start rolling in you won't want to stop playing. There are just some things you can't pass up and this is one of them.

DS3 is an ambitious game, to be sure, and it brings a lot of nifty innovations to the action-RPG genre. In fact, it brings too darn many -- that is, it bites off more than its control system, or the average player, can chew.

This is definitely not a title for the casual gamer, but if you're a fan of the franchise or just really love throwing half-naked men off ladders and pinning them to the ground, then WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is about as good as it gets.

If you like old school racers like Off Road and Super Off Road, and have A) Lots of friends who can come over at any time or B) Lots of siblings who want to play there is a lot of potential in this game. However, if you are going for a solo drive, give it some thought first – ‘cause you won’t be playing online.

Despite its shortcomings, Outbreak’s hefty replay, intense action, and clever scenario designs make for an engaging play—on- and offline, and a must for any Resident fan. Here, success ultimately depends on how helpful everyone’s willing to be.

This is one of those “look at what we can do with water physics” games, and in that regard, it’s cool—but the standard mission-based gameplay isn’t nearly as deep as the ocean it takes place on.

Fortunately, the simple yet dead-on controls react perfectly and never make the game unintentionally frustrating.

Though it has flaws, Sacred 2 has more than enough personality to make it a solid action RPG.

Avalon code is a pretty linear game with lots of hidden things to find, and some fun little side tasks. [Apr 2009, p.83]

Old Digimon fans will absolutely love this game; it's a repackaging of the older Digimons, but with much more to do. However, new fans may be a bit wary approaching a game like Digimon World DS.

If you're a Monster Hunter fan, Gods Eater offers more of the same, but with enough trimmings to still be fresh beyond the futuristic setting. If those appeal to you, it's definitely worth playing. Alternately, if Monster Hunter attracted you in the past but maybe let you down, I'd still say to give Gods Eater a try.

Even with its conservative mechanics, bland graphics, and user-unfriendly interface, the sheer depth of the game will still appeal to the faithful who've persevered for nine sequels - however few they may be. [July 2005, p.98]

The interface is expertly designed to work with a touch-screen, the graphics are fantastic, and the game itself is undeniably fun.

There are predictable missteps--the driving sequences are awkward and twitchy, and the camera doesn't always behave itself--but on the whole, From Russia With Love is a convincing and enjoyable ride on the sixties Bond rollercoaster.

Drawing favorable comparisons to puzzle legendary franchise Lemmings, Arctic Escape is a challenging game that tasks the player with saving adorable penguins from environmental hazards.

Rogue Trooper tries to be a competant third-person action game with attitude, but it ultimately fails. [June 2006, p.74]

All in all, The Simpsons Game is a good effort but there are some glaring flaws that hold it back. [Dec 2007, p.129]

If you've bought a 3DS and are dying for a game to play, Pilotwings Resort is a pretty good option -- but keep in mind that it might just look like that in comparison to a pretty weak launch line-up.

Fruit Ninja Kinect isn't a remarkably deep or long-lasting experience, but it's a smart adaptation of the mobile hit that delivers intense, albeit short-lived bursts of enjoyment. Plus, it provided me the sorest Kinect-related limbs I've had since the launch.

A too-straightforward, by-the-numbers Zelda-style action number that’s strictly for the younger Potter fan interested in playing an interactive storybook.

Sometimes you just want to drive. You want to jump into your car and jam on the accelerator. That’s Test Drive.

Fortunately for Spy Hunter, the control problems rarely get in the way of a good time.

A unique hybrid of a platform game and logic puzzle that’s too unforgiving to be fun for too long.

All in all, this is one birthday party you shouldn't regret skipping.

It's almost gut-wrenching to realize that with it has come all the problems that plagued it in the past. Add to this the newly implement touch-screen mini-games that feel like more of a distraction than an addition, and you're left with an experience that only the hardest of the hardcore fan could stomach.

What the game lacks in the battle and exploration departments, it more than makes up for in the experience of getting to know a girl intimately.

An adequate entry into the emerging Vietnam-sub genre that offers plenty of simplistic shooting fun, but fails to capture the depth and grandeur of similar titles like "Battlefield Vietnam" or even "Call of Duty" despite the obvious inclusion of so much historical information.

Unfortunately, with such drab presentation and predictable gameplay, there isn't enough to sustain interest for long.

Sooo much to love in terms of graphics, story, and sheer originality, but the endless cycle of insanely difficult die/repeat/whatthehell? gameplay will eventually dominate your experience.

The Munchables is one those games that you know is silly, and you'll feel guilty for playing it, yet you can't help but love it. With a $30 price tag, you can't go wrong picking this up.

No one can deny the Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchise the rank of golf sim head honcho, but sometimes even the best needs to change - and soon. [Jan 2006, p.48]

Killer force powers and intense action can't fully save an otherwise inconsistent effort. Still, it has its moments.

The video-game equivalent of fast food—quick, easy, and disposable. Its main problem is that poor game design choices.

Some frustrating A.I., however, causes Shrek 2 to suffer badly as a single-player game (or any time the computer controls a party member), and switching between the characters to overcome the menial obstacles feels like a chore when playing solo. [Aug 2004, p.68]

The learning curve is steep and takes time, but the replay value in MHF is very high as there is easily 40+ hours of fun things to do.

Even though they feel a little canned and inorganic, most of the stunts are a breeze to execute, thanks in part to a great tutorial mode that will get even total newbies up to speed in a half-hour.