Regardless of its shortcomings, FFX-2 is an engrossing RPG that’s worth the extensive time investment, although it may be a bit too awkward and saccharine for hardened FF vets.

It’s a testament to the strength of Knights’ original design that it manages to be gripping and engaging while in the midst of distracting technical problems.

There’s nothing particularly special here for classic TV fans, but classic shooter fans will find a battle worth fighting.

A lackluster, by-the-numbers platformer.

Easily the best bargain for the PS2 this side of "VF4 Evo."

Takes off in a fresh new direction with riveting air combat that mixes thrilling missions with simple controls, solid multiplayer support, and an intriguing story line.

A neck-stabbingly frustrating bore. [Apr 2004, p.86]

The epitome of an addictive multiplayer game that has just the right amount of action and team strategy to make it worth every cent to play online.

Uncomplicated, nimble, and feature-rich. Xbox Live even enables you to challenge other Gotham racers and promises to deliver tracks and cars for future downloads.

The control mechanics are intricate, though quick tic-tac-toe passes with the right stick, more in-depth faceoffs, and speedy line changes using the directional pad are nice features.

This massive third-person shooter from newcomer Swingin' Ape Studios features an epic scope, boffo production, great controls, and thoroughly enjoyable gameplay propelled by a somewhat cliché-ridden yet ingratiatingly humorous story.

Filled with enough chaos and wicked humor to forgive the slight reliance on platform clichés, Whiplash really is a hell of a game. With a little more polish before release, this game could have been a true masterpiece.

There is likely no other game with this combination of strategy, competition, planning, and fast-paced action out there.

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.

A truly dazzling, inspired game that mixes a riveting story with a stylish look and absorbing gameplay.

Efforts made to envelop you in Warhammer’s medieval yet technological world are undone by sending you hunting for the blue door’s blue key - only to reveal a red door with a similar keyless predicament.

It’s a fun game that slowly grows on you, but like all MMO games, it takes a special kind of gamer to enjoy.

One main feature that clearly separates Underground from other street racers is its visual presentation. The nighttime glow in the metropolis does take some time to get used to, but the evening air quickly adds to the stunning scenery and detailed avenues as you travel at high RPMs.

There are flashes of genius to be found in Korea: Hidden Conflict, but a lack of polish results in a strategy game that leaves much to be desired.

The gameplay in March Madness is nearly identical to that of its big brother "NBA Live 2004," which is a big plus. The frantic pace, the tighter defense, and the importance of set plays is actually a much better fit for the college game than it is for Live.

If you’ve lived in the city your whole life and don’t know a dang thing about cows, don’t fret none: the controls are easier than ’possum pie.

Outshines "Splinter Cell" and is one of the best handheld titles out. [Apr 2004, p.86]

A wacky, wonderful meditation on the Mario phenomenon. As for the game itself: The combat system is clever, nicely varied, and wickedly fun, but a little more depth to the adventure would have sealed the deal.

While CIMA’s concept is indeed very cool and refreshing, interface issues frequently get in the way. When your group gets large, the point-and-click interface can be confusing, and herding the whole lot requires patience.

While the first-person shooter levels are average, the third-person levels are substantially well balanced. The A.I. is very intelligent. [Apr 2004, p.86]

One main feature that clearly separates Underground from other street racers is its visual presentation. The nighttime glow in the metropolis does take some time to get used to, but the evening air quickly adds to the stunning scenery and detailed avenues as you travel at high RPMs.

By a fair margin, NCAA March Madness 2004 comes out on top in the showdown against "ESPN College Basketball."

The gameplay remains fast and furious, and the simple controls do a masterful job of literally keeping you on track. The interplay between the characters in two-player mode is particularly impressive.

One main feature that clearly separates Underground from other street racers is its visual presentation. The nighttime glow in the metropolis does take some time to get used to, but the evening air quickly adds to the stunning scenery and detailed avenues as you travel at high RPMs.

While the story line is relayed in a disappointing series of 2D images and conversation captions (no animated cut-scenes or voice acting), and even the fights don't push the PS2 to its graphical limit, the interactive gameplay is entertaining enough to make up for it.

It’s not the dominant game that its NBA brother is, but it’s still very worthy of a look.

There are some great innovations, like the lead pass from this year’s ESPN NBA game, that are sorely missed in the College version. This becomes a crucial factor considering rival March Madness bases its game engine on basically the same one as its newest NBA Live installment.

Better suited for the GBA format than most of the muddy faux-3D titles out there.

The only thing that could have made this slapdash and sloppy game any weaker would have been to throw in Aquaman. [Apr 2004, p.86]

Disappointing gameplay will plague anyone who has ever experienced previous Rainbow Six games. On the other hand, if you’re new to first-person tactical shooting, this game is a perfect starter.

Defiance shines with pure entertainment value, with crisp and gorgeous visuals and squishy sounds that invoke the feeling of steel crushing flesh.

It never really lives up to its title - a vision that could have benefited from a little more focus. It's a tired cliché but one that Beyond Good & Evil exemplifies: jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

BR4 takes the franchise’s wild fighting to the extreme with a massive sensory assault. Every strike rattles the speakers, and lengthy combos are common, all accompanied by spellcasting-like bursts.

True-blue Medal of Honor fans will still enjoy Rising Sun’s cinematic style, respectful and historically accurate atmosphere, and heavily arcade feel. But for many, the game will feel too familiar in a fast-food way, lacking that old Medal of Honor magic.

A magnificent example of fine-tuning, Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando sculpts the successes of the first one to near-perfection...but too many similarities to the original make it all seem just a teensy bit stale.

While CNK may not break new ground, it does a quality job of delivering another kart racer in Crash’s universe. It will put gamers' mettle to the test and offer hours of "wait, one more time..." gameplay.

Despite its shortcomings, Onimusha Tactics is a solid game with an engaging story. If you're looking for a casual strategy game without the tedious character setup options, then Tactics is for you.

These are minor problems, however, compared to the mind-numbing frustration of the A.I.’s catch-up programming, which makes your opponents inexplicably faster when you’re ahead in the last legs.

Excellent car models, lighting, and reflection effects help the smooth visuals create a sense of blazing speed, and the beautifully detailed tracks are punctuated by vicious turns and loops that require you to master braking and powersliding without losing too much velocity.

Smart new theory kicks a dying genre in the butt and makes for a unique single-player and terrific two-player game.

Add to this the fact that the total gameplay time (minus cut-scenes) clocks in at a measly two and a half hours, and this game is definitely only a weekend rental.

While CNK may not break new ground, it does a quality job of delivering another kart racer in Crash’s universe. It will put gamers' mettle to the test and offer hours of "wait, one more time..." gameplay.

Defiance shines with pure entertainment value, with crisp and gorgeous visuals and squishy sounds that invoke the feeling of steel crushing flesh.

True-blue Medal of Honor fans will still enjoy Rising Sun’s cinematic style, respectful and historically accurate atmosphere, and heavily arcade feel. But for many, the game will feel too familiar in a fast-food way, lacking that old Medal of Honor magic.

True-blue Medal of Honor fans will still enjoy Rising Sun’s cinematic style, respectful and historically accurate atmosphere, and heavily arcade feel. But for many, the game will feel too familiar in a fast-food way, lacking that old Medal of Honor magic.

The gameplay has just the right balance of challenging puzzles and finger-numbing battles to deliver an exceptional adventure whether you’re royalty or not.

Sticky controls sometimes mar play, and a temperamental camera makes for difficult combat. Sphinx showboats lush, densely populated environments, good texturing, and fantastic character animations.

There’s nothing wrong with Mario Party 5 as it stands, but the next installment sure could use an overhaul to freshen the formula.

It’s easier to communicate between teammates on and off the battlefield using the headset. There isn’t as much breakup or static when you talk, plus you can now identify who’s actually talking.

A solid simulation of the sport that offers more teams and unique options not available in its main and only competitor on the PS2, "Winning Eleven." Some minor control issues remain and the depth is still not where it needs to be, but it delivers a highly worthwhile experience nonetheless.

The controls for all versions do a masterful job of managing the fierce action. Even in battle so pitched that you literally lose sight of your character amid the multitudinous combatants, you still feel you’re the master of your fate.

Whether you’re a hyperactive kid, an inebriated adult, or just someone who doesn’t have any hangups about looking a little goofy to have a good time, the EyeToy will make you smile for the camera.

If you’re new to the game, go out and get the original instead as it has a fun campaign to follow. For those who just can’t get enough Dynasty Warriors, you’ll probably have a blast from the mix of modes this expansion has to offer.

The orchestral score and voice acting are good, and the detailed graphics are incredibly well animated, but those features and Tolkien’s story aren’t enough to distinguish this game from all the other strategy titles out there.

Must-own material.

It has some slick production values, and Acclaim goes all out on dreamy visuals, gorgeously detailed architecture, a Vikingly heroic score, and juicy sound effects, but skimps on any kind of depth and rewarding gameplay.

A nicely executed adventure worth fighting for, just be prepared to suffer inglorious defeats until you get used to the game cam.

A solid simulation of the sport that offers more teams and unique options not available in its main and only competitor on the PS2, "Winning Eleven." Some minor control issues remain and the depth is still not where it needs to be, but it delivers a highly worthwhile experience nonetheless.

Doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the GameCube’s capabilities.

a solid simulation of the sport that offers more teams and unique options not available in its main and only competitor on the PS2, "Winning Eleven." Some minor control issues remain and the depth is still not where it needs to be, but it delivers a highly worthwhile experience nonetheless.

A nicely executed adventure worth fighting for, just be prepared to suffer inglorious defeats until you get used to the game cam.

Compelling gameplay features elevate True Crime beyond mere GTA-clone status, but a cliché-riddled script and control issues keep it from being monstrously cool.

The generic blend of fantasy elements doesn't detract from the fact that this is a fast-paced, compelling, excellently designed strategy game. Try it if you found "Advance Wars" too simple and "Final Fantasy Tactics" too complex.

Though the Turtles may have aged almost 20 years, their look is as sharp and clean as when they first jumped out of the sewers. From the crazy animated ninjitsu moves to the colorful levels, the Turtles never looked so good on a small screen.

The updated controls and interfaces enable easy, intuitive access to the game's magic and combat systems. Bethesda has created not just a game but also a benchmark by which future RPGs will be measured.

Packs the power to astonish with its next-level A.I., absorbing mission design, and mesmerizing presentation.

SWAT’s action isn’t of the highest caliber. But with 21 levels, some cool concepts, and great multiplayer support, it’s a fine rental for most and an enjoyable mission for FPS fans.

The actual gameplay of Gladius is innovative, but the execution is just as slow as the story telling.

It can be tedious to baby-sit both characters, but the game otherwise guarantees hours of enjoyment, even if it’s only to jump and flip around.

The actual gameplay of Gladius is innovative, but the execution is just as slow as the story telling. Combat is dished out through turn-based clashes; when an arena is filled with at least a half-dozen pugilists, the action tends to be very, very sluggish as you wait patiently for your next turn.

Has its own quirks - you have to be too precise about lining up your player with the ball at arm’s length, so you’ll often miss swings you know you should've drilled. Spins also don’t have as much effect as they should, and the powered-up shots and serves are more challenging than they should be.

Slick, detailed visuals are marred by inane camera work, and while the creature, explosion, and limb-whacking sound effects are all boffo, developer High Voltage should have jettisoned the dance beats and synthetic guitar strains for something more along the lines of Slayer.

It's also refreshing that, instead of a wilder arcade-like approach, the game portrays the sport more realistically; it’s a bit more work to pull off a dizzying spin or flip, as it would be in real life.

Coats a thumb-blistering shooter with an old-school, sci-fi license. There's nothing particularly special here for classic TV fans, but classic shooter fans will find a battle worth fighting.

If you enjoyed the exploits found in "Splinter Cell," try out Rogue Ops. It’s not as intense or compelling, but the game still has enough action to satisfy even the most hardcore stealth hero.

This game can be nail-bitingly suspenseful as you have no radar or warning system of any sort, and never know when or from where enemies pop out and peg you in the head.

The intended audience will love Quidditch World Cup, if only because it expands on the Potter novels' rich mythology. It’s fun, and as a fantasy-sports game, it flies - but not as high as it could.

Anyone who is at least remotely interested in the Dragon Ball Z craze should check out Budokai. For the rest of the bruiser club, however, you'll be sorely disappointed with this average brawler.

The satisfying story mode is a big improvement on THPS’s structure. The story ramps up the difficulty gradually, so you build skills as you go, but there are now four difficulty levels, making THUG totally accessible to newbies.

How about a Bra & Panties mode where WWE Divas rip off each other’s clothes? It’s the raunchiest Teen-rated action you’ll find anywhere.

With a GBA link cable, the head-to-head Byrd Rescue mode is a blast. Tight, responsive controls seal the deal, making Attack of the Rhynocs the most enjoyable GBA Spyro title to date.

The story ramps up the difficulty gradually, so you build skills as you go, but there are now four difficulty levels, making THUG totally accessible to newbies.

If you’re really serious about this, better game-creating titles do exist, especially on the PC, offering easier interfaces and more freedom to mess with the basic building blocks. Still, this makes for an entry point into the vast realm of game design.

The game's voice recognition works great and enables you to switch from a low baritone to high falsetto without confusing the judging. Unfortunately, it doesn't distinguish whether you’re actually singing the correct lyrics, so you can get by with just "na, na, na'ing" it when you’re in trouble.

A basketball technician’s dream. Games against the CPU realistically mimic a real game, while scrimmages against friends received a boost of energy thanks to sped-up gameplay and better shot blocking. ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4 retains the top slot by just a hair.

Complete with giant bosses, exciting gameplay, days of exploration, and an involving narrative, this is the best Castlevania game in years. More importantly, it’s Castlevania in 3D but done right.

It’s both fun and immensely frustrating, and it’s so old-school you’d swear you’d have to blow on a cartridge to get it to work, but it’s a very good example of an ancient, long-missing genre.

If you can get past the quirks of the AI, Hidden and Dangerous 2 still is a fun game to play. Sure, stealth doesn't really work out well, but the action is rewarding when enemies don't space out.

A basketball technician’s dream. Games against the CPU realistically mimic a real game, while scrimmages against friends received a boost of energy thanks to sped-up gameplay and better shot blocking. ESPN NBA Basketball 2K4 retains the top slot by just a hair.

The first-rate gunnin’ action takes precedence over everything else in the game. This is one crisis that all pistol enthusiasts should make time for.

The e-Reader functions (new levels, cheats, gameplay elements like capes and hurlable veggies from other Mario titles) are very promising and help make up for the fact that this is a bit of a baby step back from "Super Mario World" and "Yoshi’s Island."

The swelling chase music, idealized world, larger-than-life story, and easy-to-master controls combine to cut through the clutter of some more pretentious games and deliver a sense of majesty and bravery straight to your heart.

The gameplay is diverse, and it’s backed by strong graphics and audio...The main downside is with the nontraditional controls.