Magnificent. It's a terrific, if tardy, showcase for the GameCube, and it's every bit as worthy as the Halos, the GTAs, and the MGSes of this generation. This is a stunning return to form. (Happy Trails, GMR staff!) [Feb 2005]

When you're not blasting baddies, however, it can get pretty dull. Vehicles aren't much fun to drive and, other than a few little challenges, there's not a lot to do. Good thing blowing stuff up in your hijacked tank doesn't get old quickly. [Feb 2005, p.95]

Outside of a slightly boring midgame stretch in which you're tracking down overdue library books (no, really) and an overly tough final boss, this is a flawless portable adventure. [Feb 2005, p.91]

Football fans will have a great time with this one (especially with multiplayer), and there's plenty there for nonsports folk. But in the end, this one falls just short of greatness. [Feb 2005, p.88]

GL2 might be on the short side, but it's 100 percent pure beef; GL3 feels like cow eyeballs and kangaroo meat are mixed in—even if, in point of fact, the developers have actually expanded the game.

The worst thing that can be said about Viewtiful Joe 2 is that it's a lot like the first game, and that's a good thing. [Jan 2005, p.123]

A spectacular work with an attention to detail that rivals the Peter Jackson films upon which it's based. [Feb 2005, p.96]

A fine RPG - it's just not the earth-shattering sequel that people might expect. [Feb 2005, p.100]

Just as polished as the rest of the series, striking just the right balance between familiar and fresh material. [Feb 2005, p.99]

It's a challenging game, but that's Metal Slug for you - everything you liked about the previous games, you'll find here, and that's no small feat on a small platform. [Feb 2005, p.103]

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

The acrobatics alone make Warrior Within a must-buy. Rounded out with superb character design and vast Myst-like landscapes, this Prince is another winner.

It's refreshing to look back on the genesis of the world's most popular RPG.

If you want to relive the good old days and hat that your favorite 2D franchises are being recast as crappy 3D shooters, give Hominid a try. [Feb 2005, p.94]

Takes an excellent original game, loses some ground on control, but gains it back with variety. [Feb 2005, p.109]

Culminates in one of the greatest ending sequences in gaming and what's probably the most impressive display of the PlayStation 2's untapped graphical abilities.

With great presentation and a fantastic dynasty mode, this is the premier college hoops game this season. [Jan 2005, p.118]

The superior writing of The Urbz makes it far better than its predecessor "Bustin' Out." There aren't many handheld titles this solid. [Feb 2005, p.113]

It's a game that somehow manages to simultaneously fulfill all expectations yet finish with the player unsatisfied and craving for more. [Feb 2005, p.92]

Compared to its predecessor, NFSU2 is more. More city, more courses, more cars, more parts, more style...just more of everything in general. The game is huge. [Dec 2004, p.99]

Compared to its predecessor, NFSU2 is more. More city, more courses, more cars, more parts, more style...just more of everything in general. The game is huge. [Dec 2004, p.99]

An excellent game with brilliant art direction and tried-and-true gameplay. But...feels slightly less powerful than its predecessor. [Jan 2005, p.96]

Despite the lacking modes, the new songs and Xbox Live make Karaoke Revolution on Xbox incredibly versatile. [Dec 2004, p.115]

Jak 3 doesn't break much new ground, but it is head and shoulders above most of its ilk and is a fitting - and make no mistake, good-looking - send-off for this beloved trilogy. [Dec 2004, p.124]

The third volume includes features that rocket its entertainment value to an entirely unparalleled level. [Dec 2004, p.115]

The digital surround sound is phenomenal (and the voice-acting peerless), and players with a good A/V system will enjoy hearing enemies approach from all sides due to the sharp positional sound.