It’s a whole different ball (well, frog) game when a human player sneaks in a huge round or even a Frog-In-One rather than watch the AI do it time and time again in the main game – when the playing field is obviously even, there’s much more fun to be had. [Oct 2004, p.107]

Easily the best Sonic title for a long time...there's something here for everyone, no matter which era of Sonic you prefer. [July 2004, p.118]

The expense of having to use four GBAs, each with their own link cable, can't be avoided if you want to experience the game as it was intended; however, doing so gives you access to a world that proves that connectivity is more than just a gimmick - done properly, it can offer a wealth of new gameplay experiences. [July 2004, p.106]

The real deal, and anyone after something more cerebral than another heavy dose of gunning down swathes of [insert fashionable victim here] should seriously consider tracking this one down. War is finally good for something. [July 2004, p.124]

Sets a new standard for not only visuals but licences games in general. And we never thought we'd hear ourselves saying that. [Sept 2004, p.102]

Lead character Garrett slides effortlessly from the shadows in order to pick a lock (or pocket) before silently dropping out of sight. It's an effect you simply never tire of, and it's why it never feels stupid to be hiding three inches away from a patrolling guard without being seen (as is so often the case in "Splinter Cell"). [July 2004, p.104]

The feeling of accomplishment that that emerges from the wake of a particularly tough challenge makes all the hair-tearing worthwhile. [Aug 2004, p.104]

The game's tagline speaks volumes; calling Battlecry III "The original role-playing strategy game" is a fine way of declaring the game's legacy, but at the same time it highlights just how little has really changed since the first title was released. [Aug 2004, p.108]

Fun, but too annoying and limited to be anything more. It's technically impressive, but that's not all you pay for and, sadly, the gameplay can't cash the cheques that the visuals write. [May 2004, p.100]

One of the most frustrating aspects is the unbalanced difficulty curve. You’re thrust into some tough and often unfair opening levels, only to find the challenge dropping dramatically as you progress deeper into the admittedly enjoyable storyline. [Sept 2004, p.116]

One of the most frustrating aspects is the unbalanced difficulty curve. You're thrust into some tough and often unfair opening levels, only to find the challenge dropping dramatically as you progress deeper into the admittedly enjoyable storyline. [Sept 2004, p.116]

Battles soon take their toll on your controllers due to their frenetic nature and generally lack the strategy or refinement of many other mechanical adventures. [July 2004, p.110]

One of the most frustrating aspects is the unbalanced difficulty curve. You're thrust into some tough and often unfair opening levels, only to find the challenge dropping dramatically as you progress deeper into the admittedly enjoyable storyline. [Sept 2004, p.116]

To call Samurai Warriors one of the brownest games ever would be no word of a lie - the lack of colour is arguably the game's weakest area and this, coupled with the repetitive nature of this style of game, can make it feel that much more tedious at times. [July 2004, p.109]

The genre has moved on, and after over two years in the making we expected more than a basic continuation of the PSone game complete with all the trappings of that generation's first clutch of action titles. [July 2004, p.120]

Another superb feat of strategy gaming...and while the depth of "Disgaea" simply isn't present, there's more than enough here to please the more cerebral gamer. [July 2004, p.121]

The 'new' simplicity makes for a fun and fast game that, courtesy of the excellent passing system and decent AI, finds a firm balance between real football and the arcade fun of a five-minute kick about. [June 2004, p.120]

The 'new' simplicity makes for a fun and fast game that, courtesy of the excellent passing system and decent AI, finds a firm balance between real football and the arcade fun of a five-minute kick about. [June 2004, p.120]

Thankfully, the speed comes at the cost of realistic handling, allowing the player to rip around the tracks with maximum enjoyment and minimum frustration, making Rallisport 2 one of the few games that provides enjoyment even in defeat. [June 2004, p.104]

The 'new' simplicity makes for a fun and fast game that, courtesy of the excellent passing system and decent AI, finds a firm balance between real football and the arcade fun of a five-minute kick about. [June 2004, p.120]

When we say that Red Dead is a great little game, the emphasis is as much on the 'little' as it is on the 'great'. [June 2004, p.102]

When we say that Red Dead is a great little game, the emphasis is as much on the 'little' as it is on the 'great'. [June 2004, p.102]

City of Heroes is the shot in the arm that the genre so desperately needed. Thanks to some extremely accessible gameplay it's a title that appeals to old hands and newcomers alike. [Aug 2004, p.116]

That Onimusha 3 is the final chapter is a shame, given its stellar mix of action and puzzles. Combine this with a new control system and it's clear that the series is only just hitting its stride. [July 2004, p.102]

By trying to compete in the 'ultimate first-person shooter' squabble, many a title finds its grasp underplayed by its reach. The beauty of Serious Sam is its totally nonchalent attitude towards the genre and the way it plays what could be seen as its weakest card as its strength. [June 2004, p.109]

In a game so clearly reliant on tension, ambience and atmosphere, it's almost unthinkable that somebody at one of the largest entertainment companies in the world would not choose dubbing rather than subtitling in such an Eastern title but, worse still, green-light the appalling finished dub which may well have permanently damaged our ears. [Mar 2004, p.94]

The whole thing smacks of laziness - of the 12 missions, we count a total of four completely new ones...the annoying thing is that Contracts is an enjoyable game; that IQ had the cheek to crib from its previous work almost doesn't matter when the result is still worth playing. [June 2004, p.98]

The whole thing smacks of laziness - of the 12 missions, we count a total of four completely new ones...the annoying thing is that Contracts is an enjoyable game; that IQ had the cheek to crib from its previous work almost doesn't matter when the result is still worth playing. [June 2004, p.98]