The Xbox version of The Sims trades the PC version’s precise control for much improved presentation and more directed gameplay.

The PC version is still preferable if you have the choice, but The Sims is an insanely addictive game no matter what platform it’s on.

It’s supremely addictive, fun, and entrancing, and not just because of the flashing psychedelic tunnels of light. Plus, the feeling that you’re actually in control of a drum set or a base line is about as good as it gets.

A brilliant, dazzling wonder, no matter how you feel about Link's new pants... If this game doesn't make you happy, then it's impossible for you to be happy. [Apr 2003, p.94]

You’ll get an unforgettable experience of different military tactics, plus you’ll have a better idea of what the Army went through in Somalia.

The most impressive feature in Tapout 2 is the redesigned visuals. Dream Factory chose to completely redo the graphics to make them look more life-like and as authentic as the real deal.

Everything’s been upgraded and/or redone to make tactical team gameplay as cohesive and fun as the series has always been. Just make sure you have a powerful machine to enjoy every aspect of the game.

Intensively addictive. The battles are lightning-fast, the controls are completely stress-free, and there’s still something primordially fun about filling up those Pokédex pages.

Less polished in the play department and less coherent as a whole, Rayman 3 will likely disappoint the starving cult of "Rayman 2" fans.

The strong story and voice acting make the game a must play, but the skimpy replay value leaves something to be desired.

The gameplay itself is unchanged from 18 Wheeler, with your lumbering truck falling out of control at the drop of a feather and the graphics looking just a shade above Dreamcast quality.

Ultimately, this game’s Achilles’ heel is its unholy union of awkward controls and oatmeal graphics. Still, it’s the best-looking and most in-depth FPS for the GBA.

Bad voice decisions and an inexplicable step back in control tightness make Rayman 3 a disappointment, especially given the series’ usually extraordinary standards.

Without a doubt, the worst Batman game ever. Yes, worse than the 16-bit "Batman: Return of the Joker," "Batman Forever" the arcade game, and even the Game.com Batman.

Miles better than "Kakuto Chojin," but it’s still a few short steps behind "Dead or Alive 3" and "Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance."

On the field, player controls are as smooth as a 6-4-3 double play.

For serious motorcycle-simulation fans only. If you’re not interested in the minutiae of the sport, go dust off "Road Rash" and read no further.

It really does grow on you, and once you get past the ridiculous premise you end up with a decent poor-man’s "Twisted Metal" that’s worth the budget price and not much more.

By far, the best element in the game is the hilarious commentary.

It’s no secret that the Xbox looks the best of the bunch.

By far, the best element in the game is the hilarious commentary.

Not as flashy as FIFA, but its overwhelming features and gameplay options have such depth that you could play for several years and still not see or experience everything in the game.

Aero Elite’s true failure, though, is its boring gameplay. Dog fighting and attacking ground forces just isn’t entertaining.

As with other 989 games like "NHL FaceOff," be prepared for a blinding, almost overcaffeinated pace as pitches rip by at a murderously fast clip.

MVP executes one element of its game far better than any other title this year: It’s just stone-cold beautiful.

The 2nd Runner is also easy as hell, and if you're willing to skip through the cut-scenes, you'll button-mash your way through the sucker within six hours.

The game is deeper than "V-Rally 3" (its nearest competition), but the graphics barely even hold a candle to those in Infogrames' title.

It represents Mega Man doing what he does best-beating bosses with cool themes, collecting their weapons, and overcoming well-designed levels that are difficult…but not stupidly-super-frustratingly difficult.