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

The new levels are just plain boring, and the action doesn’t really pick up until you hit the original PC missions. Far worse, the game completely—and lamely—lacks multiplayer action or online support.

Despite a few well-placed jolts, it lacks the unmentionable-damaging impact of more fright-fraught fare like "Silent Hill 2."

If you have played any pre-Super Nintendo RPGs, you've played this game. The characters and enemies are uninspired; the dialogue is a little flat; and the twenty-leveled tower is agonizingly mind-numbing.

It's an advanced version of a game like Asteroids -- yet has an advanced multiplayer where you and three other friends (or strangers) can get together in a last-man-standing fight to the death, a definite positive for the title.

What was supposed to be a revelation, a next generation of sorts, has become instead a disappointing follow-up to a beloved game. [Mar 2004, p.68]

Assuming you have a GameCube controller, these classic games are still a blast to play, but this particular release of them is hardly the tenth anniversary treatment the series deserves. Hopefully one day SNK will get the job done properly.

It's a poorly executed game whose key concepts are either broken or mismanaged, and definitely won't displace THQ's stellar Company of Heroes, or any other worthwhile RTS, from your hard drive.

If you're still interested in seeing what Hydrophobia has to offer, the Challenge Room and unique story definitely stand out as bright spots amid the otherwise murky gameplay. Otherwise, you're probably better off saving your Microsoft Points for something with a little more polish and replay value.

A rockin' soundtrack along with quality sound effects and voice acting add to the production value, but can't improve the gameplay.

The core gameplay is carbon copy stuff you've been through before: point to the swarm of guys with the red bars over their heads, keep mashing buttons until they're all dead, find another group on your map, repeat ad nauseum. [June 2004, p.68]

If not for the wretched controls, it would be a perfect first-time RTS game for the younger crowd. As it stands though, it's too frustrating for both veterans and beginners.

If you played "SOCOM" for the chat, however, then you'll probably abandon this game early on.

A big, huge game of half-baked ideas. There’s a ton of gameplay and a pretty interesting story here, if you’re willing to deal with bugs, control problems, and lots of loading screens.

Don't get me wrong -- I really like this game; all of the varied power-ups do a fantastic job of keeping the levels (despite their large numbers) fresh, and as far as platformers on the iPhone go, this is definitely up there with the best.

The good thing is, the game is priced as a value title, and for puzzle fanatics, or for fans of the PSP titles, this is a great package. But honestly, playing Lumines made me long for the intricate simplicity of Tetris, and it's just a reminder that perfection, once achieved, can be hard to top.

Poor visual presentation, repetitive, very short.

Touch the Dead is like a decent B-grade horror movie: sure it's laughably bad at points but there's a loveable camp quality to it that makes it worth enduring through.

If someone had bothered to design an original game around this level of technology and artistry, we'd really have something. Too bad we got this mid-'90s relic instead.

Raw Danger possesses a few moments of suspense and action while following a refreshingly non-linear path, but the majority of the game is awash in gameplay and presentation problems.

This version offers is not worth the $15 asking price and should be avoided by all but the most hardcore "Wheel" fans.

War World is a game that almost everyone should pass on. If you are a fan of mech games, options like MechAssault or Chromehounds are a smarter choice than War World.

Ticket to Ride will split gamers' opinions. For those who love this genre, there is no reason not to enjoy this game. But for people who do not like slow-paced European board games, Ticket to Ride is not likely to change your view of the genre.

If they ever invent a time machine, SNK should set it for the date of the PS2 launch and chuck KoF 2006 through; that, and that only, might make this game relevant.

Putting the entire flawed premise of Jaws aside, Jaws: Unleashed would be a decent title to play if the camera system, collision detection, and graphics were up to par. But unfortunately, Jaws garners lackluster scores in every one of those categories.

This is perhaps the only game in the genre to actually make each race feel unique and balanced... However, it isn't enough to compensate for the flawed tactical combat that lies at the game's core; nothing save a complete overhaul can redeem SotS from its current mediocrity.

Miami Vice is a slapped together product that fails to deliver the gritty gut-punch promised by the recently released movie.

It features a yawn worthy story involving a guy named Atsuma who has a mysterious past and a secret unknown power that could potentially save the world. As I said, yawn.

Putting the entire flawed premise of Jaws aside, Jaws: Unleashed would be a decent title to play if the camera system, collision detection, and graphics were up to par. But unfortunately, Jaws garners lackluster scores in every one of those categories.

This is a quick game, and beating it feels like being dumped by someone you were just about to break up with: you tell yourself you'll just beat one more level and all of a sudden, it's over.

Is Cube fun? Not...really, but its clever torture.

The Xbox LIVE Vision Camera, used for many of the games, is a complete bust (surprise!) forcing players to rely on a sometimes baffling controller scheme.

While it would have been nice to have more features, what Silver Star Chess offers is a mediocre chess game. With a $5 price tag, this title is justifiable if you’re a fan of chess and want a chess game for the Wii, but if you’re a beginner looking to learn the game, this certainly won’t get you to start playing.

Pirates vs Ninjas is an attractive looking title and offers a unique take on an old school game, but its ineffective gameplay just won't let it compete with other titles more worthy of your hard earned cash.

An overwhelming lack of personality.

Sega should seriously consider monkeying around with the formula because it's starting to feel incredibly stale.

While there is a greater emphasis on speed, you'll still have to take control of some slower characters like Silver and Tails, who now has one of the most frustratingly awful attack movesets of all time.

If the clumsy controls and glitchy graphics hadn't already killed it, there might have been some game left to salvage.

Hardcore franchise fans will no doubt want to play it because the story line does fill in some interesting gaps in the Mana universe's history, but this one's a rental at best. [June 2007, p.85]

But considering everything that's missing and its high price, purchasing Jeopardy! is riskier than a Potent Potables Double Jeopardy question.

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

Nothing more than a third-rate "Crazy Taxi" knockoff, but minus the technique, slick visuals, and overall fun of its source material.

Feels more like a botched sandbox-styled game with what little there is to do both poorly implemented and boring. It may be the best Superman game so far, but that's not saying much.

Still, it isn't all bad. Explodemon has a lot of heart and some interesting ideas at play, but even in its short shelf life it wears a little thin. There are leaderboards and lots of collectibles to uncover, but once you've played the first two levels you've seen it all.

A lackluster, by-the-numbers platformer.

Overall, this game is fun for a short period of time. The replay value and addiction factor simply aren't present. More game modes, multiplayer options and "stuff" could be added to give Lucidity a little more bang for your bucks, especially in this economy.

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.

A brainless, gratuitous gashingfest that means well but just doesn't play well.

Even basic navigation is difficult in this game—it will take you an hour or two before you have any idea how to get anywhere.

Adventure's six party games and puzzle-based challenge mode are the best this game has to offer. With multiple players, Adventure flies in the face of its weak story mode and becomes a genuinely fun experience.

Project Sylpheed is one of those games you desperately want to like, but falls short in almost every category.

True strategy is jettisoned by unpredictable card draws that cause the matches to vacillate between frustrating and extremely boring.

If you can tolerate endlessly replaying the same levels just to progress, light RPG elements like collecting equipment, acquiring skills, and upgrading pilot and mobile suit levels might make up for some aggravation, but even faithful fans of Gundam and Dynasty Warriors alike won't find much in the way of lasting excitement here.

But while putting the psychokinetic kibosh on telepathic geeks is fun, the endless wandering and backtracking hell is a straight-up drag.

The controls are surprisingly cumbersome for a twitch game in which precision is crucial. Steering and aiming is a nightmare, and certain weapons border on unusable.

Bad controls, horrible voice-over (it's just as cliche as it was last time), and the trademark and annoyingly pervasive EA Radio will tax not only your brain, but also your ears. Soccer may be a beautiful game, but it's about time to kick FIFA Street 2 to the gutter.

Tokyo Xtreme Boredom.

All in all, Wanted: Weapons of Fate isn't so much a game for fans of the shooter genre, but it's a game for fans of Wanted.

While I wasn't expecting too much from G.I. Joe as a whole, I walked away with the impression that, while it wasn't absolutely horrible, it really didn't leave much of a lasting impression either.

Even when you're not babysitting customers or fiddling with the iPhone's screen, the basic premise of tracing tattoos still turns out be to a mundane and banal experience.

Lethal Skies attempts to compete with the big fly boys, but with mediocre graphics and sounds, this aerial mishap crashes and burns straight to the bottom of the rental barrel.

Overall, this game is fun for a short period of time. The replay value and addiction factor simply aren't present. More game modes, multiplayer options and "stuff" could be added to give Lucidity a little more bang for your bucks, especially in this economy.

In the end, the game isn't a horrible experience. It is kind of fun and features some decent gameplay, but is it worth $50? I don't think so.

To put it bluntly, you'll lose all honor as a samurai if you attempt to swing this unsharpened sword that shamelessly uses the Seven Samurai name. [June 2004, p.71]

Too challenging for young gamers and too kiddie for adults, this title just can't decide what type of game it wants to be. While it does offer some nice features, its uneven gameplay leaves Planet Fish cold.

Hardcore wrestling fans will find the deepest reservoir of variety ever available, and may even forgive the feeble fighting system long enough to enjoy some theatrics.

There's a list of other games that surpass Lunar in quality, style and substance. Even if you're a fan of the Sega CD version, you will find Lunar Silver Star Story Complete only worth a nostalgic rental spin..and nothing more.

I could bash the game for having less than stellar graphics, repetitive sound or even the lack of plot, but I was just looking for a fun game that ended up feeling more like a task, than anything.

Behind the flashy extras and cool license, TMNT2 remains an utterly forgettable (albeit forgivable) example of the modern gaming mediocrity. [Dec 2004, p.116]

Baja aspire to be a simulation, yet it ends up losing its appeal in the process

It's not the worst game you could play, but it's not really something I could honestly say is really good, either. When it comes right down to it, Agarest Zero's just about as decent as they come.

With procedures rarely clearly explained, frustration is quick to take over, and the time limit is just annoying. A normal operation has a time limit of 5 minutes, which doesn't seem so hard until you get stuck randomly away at the screen, trying to figure out what to do next.

Could this game be any slower?

Kitty's Tattoo has a unique premise: gain fame by becoming the best tattoo artist in LA. But when you're not babysitting customers or fiddling with the iPhone's screen, the basic premise of tracing tattoos turns out be to a mundane and banal experience.

It's hard to take Destructopus! seriously. Yet, the cartoony looks, the trash-metal title track, the tongue-in-cheek environmentalism--are actually assets in the game's favor. Sadly, all of the ironic, ridiculous stuffing can't distract the player enough from the realization that they're playing a thin, easily-forgettable experience.

"Quotation Forthcoming"

I have to give that fight a hand, however, for at least daring to be, well, daring. Most of Legacy plays it safe, opting for a by-the-numbers approach that never really pushes any of the right buttons. Unless you're a Dragon Age II diehard, you're probably better off skipping this one.

Unfortunately, the enjoyment can't keep up, likely resulting in a premature ejection of the game from your console&but remember: It happens to nearly every gamer at some point.

Its lack of depth, bad soundtrack, and easy difficulty level make the game a minor leaguer.

Unfortunately, once you remove the lovable Nintendo characters from the formula and replace them with soulless agents of advertising, you've lost most of the appeal. You're left with a slightly disturbing and shameful mockery of what was once a cherished wholesome media icon; sort of like Michael Jackson.

The game feels cramped and limited. Linear levels where there’s little room to explore on your own attribute to unchallenging gameplay.

It's having to help brain-eatingly bad A.I. (alone) or trying to cooperate when you can't communicate (online) that makes survival horrible.

Young Thor may be decidedly average, but considering the likely target audience, it should be money well spent if you need a cheap game to satisfy a young gamer for a day or two.

While there's still fun to be had in slicing, bludgeoning, and shooting zombies, the surrounding elements in Case West are far less conducive to amplifying it. Die-hard Dead Rising completionists need only apply.

The "funny animals in footraces" genre tends to feel forced. In that tradition, Mad Dash Racing lacks emotional appeal; it’s a character game without likeable characters.

A Witch's Tale has good ideas, but these disparate elements are too haphazardly implemented to raise it above mediocrity. It's got its heart in the right place, but good intentions do not necessarily equal a top-shelf product.

You’ll often find the interface working against you.

Paying $60 to play through the movies story is just too high a price to pay for a mediocre adventure game.

The 3D graphics give a crisp look to the fighters, but the actual battles are too short to fully enjoy—though it does move the game along briskly.

Despite its neat exterior and innovative puzzle design, due to some persistent issues with the quality and reliability of the gameplay, it's clear that Red Ball 3 could have stood a few more run-throughs.

Repetitious missions and cumbersome controls pilot Reign of Fire headfirst in the dirt.

It's tough to recommend Heian Love, even as a Shall We Date? game (hell, a cursory glance at the developer's other games reveals Ninja Love, which sounds infinitely more interesting), but hey, if it's your cup of tea, I'm not one to stand in the way of romance.

Watchmen: The End is Nigh, Part 2 is a straight up brawler. You have a couple of combo attacks and blocking maneuvers. There is almost no gameplay variety as you button mash your way through the three chapters.

Campaign proceedings are frustrating as hell for one reason: spontaneous failure.

Moderately pretty graphics and average sound don't offset the labored frustration that follows playing this stilted title. [Nov 2005, p.146]

To its credit, Chase is nowhere near as hair-pullingly difficult as Stuntman, while at the same time it doesn't have the level of intensity that will keep you coming back for more.

Bad controls, horrible voice-over (it's just as cliche as it was last time), and the trademark and annoyingly pervasive EA Radio will tax not only your brain, but also your ears. Soccer may be a beautiful game, but it's about time to kick FIFA Street 2 to the gutter.

I give credit to this game's developers for working in the cool new visuals and features that they managed to fit in, but for a $7 "remake" of a 15-year-old game, the bar was too high UMK3 to reach.