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.

The game really creates the feeling of being Spider-Man like no game before it, and for many Marvel fans, that will be more than enough... Yet many gamers will be dismayed by the finicky camera and formulaic gameplay.

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

There's no denying that the Tony Hawk franchise has some life left in it and Proving Ground is yet another satisfying entry in the dominant skateboarding franchise. But here's hoping they start to innovate again next year, because if they don't, their competition might just leave them in the dust.

The sound becomes annoying because the same track plays on loop. Trash Panic's graphics are impressive for a pretty simple downloadable game. Maybe that's why the game is more than 1GB!

Instead of trying to retell the story of the movie, Cars 2 evokes the experience of the film through gameplay.

The game provides an astonishing amount of playability, unique player interface, and covers nearly all of the 20 odd years of the Dragon Ball Saga. This game is a definite buy for both Wii gamers and DBZ fans alike. [Dec. 2006, p.113]

For a game with such a heavy emphasis on medieval combat, Mount & Blade is just shy of perfection.

The PlayStation 2 certainly isn't left wanting for quality role-playing games, so though Tales of Legendia is competent and enjoyable, in the end it simply isn't memorable enough to carve more than a niche.

When there's dirty work to be done and you're looking for a hired gun, looks and originality don't matter much-all that matters is whether they can get the job done. You can approach Mercenaries 2 in the same way, letting it do its thing instead of obsessing about its shortcomings. Sure, it isn't exactly pretty and it doesn't reinvent the wheel but it does pack a nice satisfying punch.

Wallace & Gromit: The Last Resort is a bit tougher than Telltale's usual adventure offerings, but if you're up for the challenge, this is one of the more quirky and adorable games in the developer's lineup.

The PSP version is as good as its console counterparts except for the criminal lack of multiplayer options. If you can stomach the thought of taking on the forces of evil without a human sidekick, then this is definitely a game you should buy.

Endless Ocean's underwater atmosphere is soothing and relaxing but it lacks a crucial element: fun. [Feb 2008, p.84]

Could have been a bit better, had the control been tighter and the tracks more interesting, but as it is, you're better off playing any of the myriad mascot kart-racers out there.

One of the biggest drawbacks of Mana is the story. Any RPG—especially any RPG made in this day and age—had better have a great story if it’s going to keep your attention. But Mana’s tale is lacking conflict, its characters are dull, and its towns are full of…well, not all that much interesting.

The gameplay is where Super DBZ truly shines. From the first time you load up and play Super DBZ, you'll notice the game religiously pays homage to the Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball universe.

A solid mix of story, action, and adventure, Sudeki does just about everything one would expect. The main quest could have been longer -- it clocks in a bit shy of 20 hours -- but the length is more than made up for by the complete immersion factor of the world.

Simply put, the controls are awful.

A cohesive game with the sum of all of its parts adding up to a frightening whole.

Unfortunately, thanks to the unwieldy controls and poor design choices, Prinny bombs. [Mar 2009, p.81]

Corridor-shooter gamers in general should be pleased with Blood II, but bloodthirsty fans of the original game may be disappointed. Spilling Blood is still a thrill, but it was more fun the first time around.

Mario Party DS is actually a pretty good Mario Party installment, but it's ultimately meant for gamers who regularly get together with their friends for some DS gaming.

Despite the lack of multiplayer capabilities and dearth of social options, the free game is definitely worth a look-- for shock value alone.

MK vs. DC isn't the best Mortal Kombat game, not by a country mile, but for the first time in years this series feels relevant and energized.

The frustrating trial and error aspect is the main issue I find with this cute budget title. As it gets more difficult it just seems like more and more trial and error: Memorize the sequence of actions to take and perform them as flawlessly as possible.

Action mode is fast-paced, as you seek out a fresh pathway for a pursing tank, which becomes immobile if gel blocks stand in its way. Puzzle mode, however, is less stressful.

The fourth installment in the space-faring series, Star Ocean: The Last Hope, not only blows recent next-gen JRPGs out of the water, but proves itself a fantastic swan-song for the cult-favorite space opera.

If you can't fathom the appeal of 2D old-school revival, save your cash; otherwise, grab a lance and skewer some flying eyeballs. [Oct. 2006, p.93]