The graphics might not be the mind-blowing spectacle some were expecting, and the damage model sometimes seems to vary between subtle and extreme with no middle ground, but between the pleasurable addiction of the long career mode, and the undeniable pull of bottomless online play, Forza Motorsport 2 isn't just money well-spent, it's the best Xbox 360 racer you can buy.

The game lives up to its lofty goals, providing a tight, smart tactical game along the lines of the combat in Baldur’s Gate.

Luckily, novice joystick jockeys can rest easy knowing that Capcom has graciously inserted a new "Easy" difficulty setting while also adding Devil May Cry's Dante as a selectable character in this Playstation 2 version. [Oct 2004, p.80]

The mud, the jumps, the skids, and fun track designs make Colin McRae Rally 2.0 one very enjoyable racing title.

EA's "NBA Live" has better character models and Microsoft's "Inside Drive" has the best-looking arenas, but Segas NBA 2K2 is the complete package for basketball on the Xbox.

Gives serious golf fans a deep sim while offering casual fans an approachable, gorgeous game with tons of play modes.

Madden remains the best in the business at presenting football plays. The playbook and playcalling interface in this year's game are clean, easy to read, and snap to use. [Sept 2004, p.96]

Regardless, LIMBO is an excellent title that PlayDead Studios should be proud of. It's a strong game that hopefully won't be overlooked because it's an "indie" project that doesn't feature a lot of explosions or guns. It's a title that, given half a chance, will both impress and disturb you.

A demanding port of an excellent game, GTA IV PC is only worth a look from gamers that missed Niko's venture to America the first time around.

When I start complaining about a lack of stat-tracking in a Total War game, however, it's a sure sign that its hooks have sunk pretty deep. The campaign is repetitious, but that's partly because I'm playing a lot of it. I want more multiplayer features because it's good enough to be taken seriously. All these complaints stem from one central fact: while Shogun 2: Total War could be a better game, it is nonetheless a great one.

Empire proves no different: It's a game that has great potential and with some extra tweaking, could have proven itself an excellent title. For now, Empire: Total War is a fine game, but one that has a heap of problems that need resolving before its worth any more of my time.

Once the action's underway, however, ESPN NHL is old school all the way in its approach to passing and skating, but it offers the most extensive array of moves, and everything just handles butter-smooth. For sheer playability, its controls rule.

It's the best version of one of the best 3D platform games ever made.

Involving and exciting characters, storylines, and battles keep you glued to your seat - and keep you from noticing the many hours you spend playing this amazing game.

Excellent commentary by Pat Summeral and John Madden coupled with some nice music in the menu system and good layer sounds make this game music to your ears.

An intensely addictive combo of wild arcade racing and fun platform-style exploration … the joy of exploring all its cool tracks will make you feel like a kid in a candy store.

It's dedicated to the spirit of the game, both in the present and in the past, in ways that so many other sports games, even some of the great ones, have never really been able to do. NBA 2K12 is essential for any fan of video game sports.

The real star of this game is the gameplay, which alternates between great and brilliant.

In the end, it's a simple situation. If you only care about the single-player portion of Halo 2, don't waste your cash. But if you're a Halo 2 multiplayer nut, you have no choice: you simply must invest in the Multiplayer Map Pack.

Despite being familiar with the game, Persona 3 Portable still managed to utterly consume me. When a game has such a profound effect on me, I believe it deserves nothing less than the highest praise I can lavish upon it.

A freakin' work of art. It is, without a doubt, the best-looking console game to date, and the most psychotically intense World War II shooter to boot.

Quite simply the best arcade racing game ever made. Everything that you loved about the last game is still here and kicking, but with added modes, more action, a faster sense of speed, and some truly addictive multiplayer modes, this game will undoubtedly go down in history as being the epitome of action racing this generation and possibly even the next.

Granted, the underlying structure of DQ8 is totally derivative and younger gamers may find the pacing too slow, but those with an appreciation of its style will rejoice in what is essentially the culmination of kooky Japanese RPGs.

Rarely does a game (much less a GBA one) keep the player so constantly surprised. [Mar 2004, p.75]

Sacrifice weaves together an intricate story, addictive gameplay, and drop-dead gorgeous graphics.

The mix of true physics, newbie approachability, gameplay depth, and even a sly sense of humor makes Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 thoroughly enjoyable.

Polished, intuitive, balanced, and fun, this is one of the best RTS games ever made, but if you’re bored with the genre this isn’t going to suddenly make you a believer again.

Practice makes perfect, and Wipeout makes you scream. [The control] takes some time, but you'll be able to corner hairpins faster than a debutante on prom night.