Every year the NASCAR series seems to emphasize a different aspect of the sport. But this year, the focus is back where it belongs: on the driving and on-track competition. [Nov. 2006, p.102]

Although enjoyable, Duke could have used more fine-tuning in gameplay and perks. It seems so ordinary without the PC raunchiness - so much like Doom that there's little to separate it from other corridor shooters.

With tons of multiplayer options, cool new technological levels, and two slightly different characters to try, the new "Turok" should offer enough to keep you busy when you're tired of "Perfect Dark."

Despite its rather basic approach, GRID does deliver an intense model of racing that is as enjoyable as it is plain. The lack of vehicle tuning and the dearth of available cars leaves one corner of this square missing, but that doesn't keep it from rolling along.

An intensely addictive, if not particularly innovative, racer.

Even though a better BMX game—"Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX"—has been released since the first Dave Mirra, the core gameplay of Mirra hasn’t been much improved, just expanded.

Despite these shortcomings, Destination Berlin’s blend of battlefield strategy and sneaky infiltration will appeal to experienced strategy fans. Novices should scout out another battle.

Now, the spine tingling sequel, Project Origin is here to continue the story of the psychic and psychotic Alma with damn good results. [Mar 2009, p.78]

From it's impressive presentation to addictive nature, Suikoden: Tierkreis is a journey worth taking for role playing fans - even if you're bound to come across a few bumps along the way.

If you found last year's game enjoyable, but lacking in depth you should be plenty happy with what Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 has to offer.

Awkward controls may impact the fun a little, but Edge's fascinating romp through block-filled worlds is one well worth indulging in.

A decent addition to the handheld fighter genre, and if players can discipline themselves not to buy many of the all-powerful techniques, River City Ransom Ex can be a cool gaming experience.

The fact that the game is so close to perfection is what makes the multiplayer so damn disappointing.

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.

Only rabid third-installment fans and RE newbies need apply for this last escape.

If you can get past its gimmicky aspect, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat becomes an interesting spin on the side-scrolling hop-n-bop action genre that ultimately relies on endurance as much as reflexes. [Apr 2005, p.82]

A fun diversion, but it's not particularly deep.

In the PS2 version, the game’s depraved humor is intact, and the gameplay is still a refreshing variety of action and strategy, though the RTS aspects of the base-building missions have been simplified.

Despite all the feel-good cuteness and decent gameplay, there is not a lot of variety in the game. It’s all about digging through colorful blocks that look good enough to eat with no multiplayer or anything of the sort. It’s a downer, because the game would be perfectly suited for some kind of split-screen 2-player race mode or something similar.

Those expecting a true sequel here will be disappointed: Substance strictly builds on the success of existing material.

Even though it's yet another take on Tetris, Pokemon Puzzle League has enough game modes to give it extra depth, and learning the art of advanced chains and combos will take a long time.

A fun, good-looking ride, but it could've been much better with more opponents, a little smack talk, and gameplay beyond checkpoint racing.

All quibbles aside, though, there's a worthwhile experience waiting to be unearthed for lovers of aesthetics and adventure alike.

This minimalist take on a Commodore classic impresses with its unique design and tense atmosphere, but suffers from some noticeable bugs in its initial release.

While some who prefer more traditional gameplay might not like Orphen's action adventure twist, it still has a compelling storyline, interesting characters, and a good dose of fun.

Bazzle is a bargain at $0.99. This game is an original work of art with plenty of challenge and dozens of expertly designed levels. Hopefully an update or a sequel will extend the Bazzle forest even further with additional levels and more surprises.

It's ultimately the inspired intermingling of the disparate abilities bestowed on partnered players that makes Too Human worth playing.

It doesn't shine as bright as "Golden Sun," nor does it have the complexity of "Tactics Ogre" - it's just a good-natured dependable RPG that never did any harm. [Apr 2003, p.63]