The drawback in executing these moves comes in the form of slow button response. It’s tough to pull off a counter if the buttons don’t register at the exact moment, and it’s hard to attack with a flurry of side-step combos when, in combination with a button press, the directional pad and analog stick just don’t react efficiently.

Siren’s ghouls not only search for you with flashlights and come at you with shovels, but they also skitter along telephone wires and snipe you from rooftops. They don’t die.

In this captivating outing, 47 revisits the past while modernizing the nagging flaws of his previous games, making for his best trail of assassinations yet.

The challenge with Groove is to make it feel less like a mechanical button-pressing game and more like you’re actually dancing, and that, my friends, is all up to you.

In this captivating outing, 47 revisits the past while modernizing the nagging flaws of his previous games, making for his best trail of assassinations yet.

If you don't enjoy a challenge just for the sake of doing it, though, Manhunt isn't going to appeal to you. [Aug 2004, p.66]

Although the game won't make its competitors sweat, it will definitely make them keep an eye out for future World Tour Soccer games. [June 2004, p.86]

One of the most lovingly crafted games in years, Painkiller looks awesome, sounds intimidating, and controls simply and smoothly.

Serious Sam delivers all the requirements of an exciting FPS, and the 20-buck asking price is a sweet incentive.

Although the scriptwriters are straight from the show, Marshall and Vaughan's dialogue feels a little forced; otherwise, the large cast of participation and television soundtrack give the game exactly the authentic audio flavor fans would want. [May 2004, p.70]

Once you learn the controls, they respond sharply. The fully user-controlled camera can still leave you in a lurch, but locking onto one target in a group makes the frequent two-or three-enemy smackdowns winnable. [May 2004, p.70]

The gameplay is certainly realistic, but overall, the physics of how the ball moves feel a bit floaty at times. In the final analysis, ESPN MLB trails after "MVP Baseball" and "MLB 2005," making it a good choice for those who aren't satisfied with those league leaders. [Apr 2004, p.89]

Overall, the single-player mode lacks the charm of the portable edition, and, especially for those new to the series, the multiplayer can't compete with the welcoming embrace that the "Mario Party" series is known for. [May 2004, p.68]

Ballers’ best perks are its astonishingly hi-res textures (almost too hi-res—seeing the pores in the faces of player models isn’t exactly a pleasant thing), its depth of customization, the wide variety of smoothly animated street moves, and the intriguing 1 vs. 1 vs. 1 mode.

Fight Night's Career mode should be the model that other boxing games should follow...Hands down, Fight Night 2004 is the victor in all weight classes this year. [May 2004, p.84]

Fight Night's Career mode should be the model that other boxing games should follow...Hands down, Fight Night 2004 is the victor in all weight classes this year. [May 2004, p.84]

Ballers' best perks are its astonishingly hi-res textures (almost too hi-res-seeing the pores in the faces of player models isn't exactly a pleasant thing), its depth of customization, the wide variety of smoothly animated street moves, and the intriguing 1 vs. 1 vs. 1 mode.

The "Rocky III" of video games: There isn't much suspense, the acting's cheesy, and the production values could be better, but you can't help but get sucked in. [June 2004, p.70]

Despite its shortcomings, Outbreak’s hefty replay, intense action, and clever scenario designs make for an engaging play—on- and offline, and a must for any Resident fan. Here, success ultimately depends on how helpful everyone’s willing to be.

A fairly enjoyable game. With introductions to new characters and enemies in every mission, the option to customize and improve your weapons, and a hardy plot, there should be enough to make a rental worthwhile. [June 2004, p.71]

The controlls are tight with crisp response for the most part...There are plenty of weapon skills and magic attacks to master. [Apr 2004, p.70]

If you're a Rainbow Six veteran, you'll be disappointed with the watered-down gameplay. But if this is your first time combating terrorists, you'll find that RS3 is adequate enough to appeal to your shooting instincts. [May 2004, p.63]

It's a mere...er, shadow of the cartoon, but it's also a lively workout...While this is far from "Onimusha," "Shinobi," or "Ninja Gaiden," initiates fresh to the genre should find it a worthy first challenge. [May 2004, p.70]

It's not very realistic - the A.I. is <I>really</I> dumb...Even though Pandora Tomorrow looks and feels a lot like Pandora Yesterday, that doesn't mean it's not a good game. A little slow, a little frustrating, sure, but still fun. [May 2004, p.78]

For many, Final Fantasy XI will be the Holy Grail of nonlinearity: a wide-open RPG universe with Final Fantasy flair, defined by its players as much as its developers, beloved for all its flaws. Love it or hate it, there’s nothing like it on your PS2.

Far more frustrating, though, is the pedestrian level design, which delivers frequent ambushes that rely on memorization and replay instead of stealth and skill.

You would have to be an insanely devoted fan of the action-figure line from which the characters originate and a fan of repetitive level exploration to gain any type of enjoyment from Cy Girls. [Apr 2004, p.74]

More than just a solid sequel. Large levels with well-placed save points (a feature lacking in the first Splinter Cell) make the flow of the game seem much smoother.