More extreme sports fun, but this time it's all wet. Finishing is only half the battle: performing tricks factors into the final standings. [Feb 2003, p.92]

If you're looking for something original, BWT fits the bill. [Dec 2004, p.129]

An enhanced version of "Smuggler's Run 2," with new vehicles and an expanded multiplayer mode with support for four players. [Feb 2003, p.96]

The game has changed just enough to please loyal fans, and when you've got a formula that makes for such a compelling gaming experience, why mess with it? [July 2003, p.80]

An exceptional game based on a simple concept; some of the later levels will eat you for lunch. [Feb 2003, p.96]

It's the well-directed story and its stunning conclusion that provides the much-needed payoff and motivation to finish the game. With a slew of secrets designed to encourage repeat visits, SH3 may not be "fun," but it certainly is compelling.

Like Bob himself, this game holds its water and is, in fact, remarkably fun. [Jan 2004, p.86]

Though ESPN is still inferior on the ice, it crushes "NHL 2003" visually, with graphics and animations that give it an incredible sense of realism. [Oct 2003, p.67]

Textures are muddier, the framerate is choppier, lighting effects are faked (faked well, but hey), and the image quality isn't as clean. [May 2003, p.71]

But POP's only really significant flaw lies in its adventure/action ratio: Both aspects are thoroughly fleshed-out but rarely intertwined.

If you like wasting small bits of time here and there with your GBA - and especially if you're new to the series - this is still the best thing you get get on the portable. [Nov 2004, p.134]

Get a keyboard for your PS2 or don't bother playing. However, with a keyboard, this is EverQuest, the PC phenom, in all its addictive glory. [Feb 2003, p.80]

The emulation is solid, delivering sound and gameplay that's up to par. [Jan 2004, p.86]

There's only four stadiums and there's no multiplayer, but it's still a great game of baeball. [Feb 2003, p.97]

The game has a bit of a learning curve, and unfortunately, the Practice mode could've been more intuitive, like "Madden 2004's" Minicamp mode.

Pays homage to RPGs past while establishing its own unique identity. [Feb 2003, p.92]

An amazing-looking game with some pretty serious muscle under the hood. If only the game actually <I>played</I> better - especially the batting - you'd have the "Madden" of baseball games. [Apr 2003, p.65]

It's a fun game, especially for younger players, but it feels slightly more hokey than Hollywood. [Mar 2004, p.93]

If you found "RalliSport 2" addictive, think of Colin 2005 as the same game with the difficulty switched over to "realistic." [Jan 2005, p.100]

Two-player action can get a bit confusing, though, and the game will appeal to a niche audience only. But for those with the fever for quarter-crunching thrills, consider the eagle landed. [Oct 2004, p.94]

Nothing but simple, addictive fun. [May 2003, p.68]

Brings not only addictive, up-tempo hack-n-slash action, but also a great new A.I. system that raises the bar on computer-assisted beat 'em ups. [July 2003, p.78]

Everything good about the original is here, with loads of new multiplayer options including maps, weapons, and game modes, too. [Feb 2003, p.80]

Highly addictive and highly cute. [Feb 2003, p.97]

The only knock on the game might be its difficulty. It's a hard world, after all, but the game's target audience (children) might find DESA too tough to master. [Oct 2003, p.70]

The real star of NBA Live 2004, however, is the superb visual quality and the newfound ease with which players can call set plays and change defenses. [Dec 2003, p.84]

The studio that gave birth to Crash Bandicoot brings a couple of new mascots and new gorgeous 3D world to the PS2. [Feb 2003, p.92]

These battles, they feel real. More important, they seem dangerous.

The best thing about Nippon Ichi's games is the way they strike such a good balance between accessibility and depth, and La Pucelle is another good example of this philosophy. [July 2004, p.85]

Boktai finely fuses the action with the role-playing, so it's well suited to fans in either camp. [Oct 2003, p.78]

The only thing missing is a simple pro season mode. But things like online play and the inclusion of some classic players (Walter Payton, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott, etc.) more than make up for it. [Mar 2004, p.87]

This is quality gaming that's both fresh and exciting. [May 2004, p.92]

The first American portal version. [Feb 2003, p.97]

A fairly standard shooter dressed as a visual and aural masterpiece. Sadly unappreciated by the vast majority of the gaming world. [Feb 2003, p.93]

It's not always realistic, but the proven mechanics ensure that it's fun...even when bling is no longer in. [June 2004, p.90]

Not nearly as embarrassing as "DDR", Karaoke Revolution is perfect for parties and tribal gatherings. [Dec 2003, p.67]

What really sets it apart from other first-person shooters, though, is the attention to technical and tactical detail, as well as the skill it demands from the player. [Jan 2004, p.78]

Hand-to-hand combat, especially against a large group of thugs, is clunky at best and irritating at worst. [Sept 2004, p.79]

Ambitiously niched and infinitely flexible, giving players a battle system of unparalleled depth that's as innovative as it is daunting - even for crusty veterans of the genre. [Oct 2004, p.112]

Anything bearing the valuable Lord of the Rings license will sell well. Happily, there's more to this beat 'em up than just the license. [Feb 2003, p.93]

A last-second shot that splashes down for victory. [Dec 2004, p.118]

It's not exactly cutting edge. What it is, though, is incredibly sold fun. [Oct 2004, p.110]

A thinking person's game with just enough button-mashing to keep things snappy. [Oct 2004, p.110]

An admirable port. If you already have the Xbox version, you really don't need another one, but PS2 owners should pick it up in a flash...bang.

What on the surface looks like your run-of-the-mill RTS game is actually a sophisticated action-packed balancing act. [Mar 2003, p.71]

The only thing missing is a simple pro season mode. But things like online play and the inclusion of some classic players (Walter Payton, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott, etc.) more than make up for it.

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]

It kind of works, if only as a surprisingly challenging, exceptionally beautiful time capsule of Tezuka's greatest hits. [Sept 2004, p.82]

Boasts ideal handling and control, near photo-realistic graphics, and digital surround sound. Where the game staggers is in its defiantly single-player focus. [Jan 2005, p.86]

This one is actually a brand new game, with significant changes. [Feb 2003, p.96]

Offers up some solid gameplay, sharp visuals, likable character designs, and a fairly compelling (if somewhat typical) story. Fans of "Advance Wars" will particularly enjoy it. [Dec 2003, p.102]

Tons of tracks, 100 cars, 100 parts, and a dozen cool minigames deliver endless customization options. [Jan 2004, p.86]

Good looking and fun to play, Dead or Alive maes an impressive debut. [Oct 2004, p.122]

Difficult yet engaging. [Feb 2003, p.97]

The third incarnation of the gorgeous two-wheeled racer MotoGP 3 marries high-octane speed with improved control, at long last implementing front and rear brakes. [May 2003, p.66]

The physics engine is dead on: Balls handle as they would on a real table. [Aug 2003, p.80]

Particularly thrilling is the motorcycle chase on the narrow freeway, evoking strong visions of what EA could have done had it been blessed with "The Matrix" license.

If you enter All God's Village, enter with a spare pair of underwear.

Minigames, as always, tread a fine line between clever and stupid. [Jan 2004, p.87]

It's ironic, then, that one of the most striking things you will find on Xbox today is stellar throwback to the halcyon days of 2D gaming. [July 2004, p.87]

While "Madden's" a better game in the way that Peyton Manning is better than Steve McNair (marginally), it'll be fun to see if ESPN can beat the daunting spread with its budget-priced equalizer. [Sept 2004, p.87]

Character upgrades, including a useless superpunch for Olimar and Louie, highlight Pikmin 2's greatest flaw: it relies too heavily on the collection of stuff. [Oct 2004, p.104]

On the field, Sega falls short of the more immediate action, tighter controls, and more powerful on-field flexibility of "Madden 2004." [Sept 2003, p.73]

It's Star Wars with a proven and well-executed game concept. And if that's not enough to persuade you, you're able to murder Ewoks. Enjoy.

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

If only the visual polish matched the immaculate accuracy of the gameplay. [Oct 2003, p.67]

The new Objective mode adds a whole lot of challenge in multiplayer. [Nov 2003, p.88]

Scapland's gorgeous set pieces and unique take on "Grand Theft Auto's" open-ended gameplay makes it one of PC gaming's best-kept secrets. [Jan 2005, p.104]

Few business games currently on the market are as enjoyable as this one.

Offers great rewards to gamers willing to commit the time to it (player-vs.-player between warring nations is coming in January), and the community is filled with surprisingly helpful players, which makes for a deep, compelling, and perpetual gaming environment.

Like the annual football fix, it's a killer deal for the money, whether you're a casual fan or a liquid-limbed obsessive. [Nov 2003, p.88]

The addition of first-person-shooter-style controls is what takes Nexus to the next step. The series instantly goes from being niche to nice, now that turning your Core is simpler for the uninitiated. [Nov 2004, p.112]

One of the best PC games of 2000 is ported faithfully to the PS2. Upgrade your character's skills and attributes to your liking. [Feb 2003, p.92]

These battles, they feel real. More important, they seem dangerous.

A solid platformer with a unique aesthetic and animations. Lacks a little in the challenge department; a little on the short side, too. [Feb 2003, p.93]

There's not much of a graphical upgrade from the PC version, but the interface and audio is improved. Goes great with Xbox live. [Feb 2003, p.95]

K-1 packs fluid, responsive controls of the "Tekken" variety (left punch, right punch, kicks, etc.) combined with trouble-free 360-degree movement. [July 2003, p.76]

Harder-hitting than the rest. [Oct 2003, p.67]

The game's biggest weakness is the lack of any levity or humor to counterpoint the story's overwhelmingly serious tone. [Sept 2003, p.68]

Deception is excellent, and its online play and hundreds of unlockable secrets give it more longevity than most fighters. [Dec 2004, p.112]

Midway has successfully overhauled their classic series, but it has kept the ultraviolence that made it so popular. [Oct 2003, p.68]

An incredibly deep strategy RPG with a branching story line and a rewarding battle system. [Feb 2003, p.97]

Groove could be the perfect addition to your parties if it wasn't for the fact that EyeToy requires lots of light. If you like your parties glaringly bright, though, it's a hit. [May 2004, p.93]

Easy to pick up and damn fun to play.

Solidly designed, solidly programmed, very pretty, and about as close to "Zelda" as PS2 and Xbox will ever get. This one deserves to be a sleeper hit.

The indisputable highlight of Hit & Run is its hysterical dialogue, voice acted by the show's cast and crafted by the show's writers, but the gamelay doesn't suck by comparison. [Oct 2003, p.70]

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 highest compliment we can give EA's portrayal of JK Rowling's magic-infused faux sport is that it's so much fun (for fans and nonfans alike) that it makes us wish Quidditch were actually real.

Despite the lack of dazzling graphics or a riveting single-player game, Kings of War is a refreshingly entertaining game that gives players a good break from RTS conventions.

NCAA 2005 is not as good as "NCAA 2004." It's more on the level of colossal disappointment, actually, considering the hype surrounding 2005's release. [Sept 2004, p.87]

True icenicks will revel in the new dream mode and party mode. [Oct 2004, p.106]

The extra game modes add quite a bit to the simple concept. [Feb 2003, p.96]

Fast-paced, big on fun, and contains the best passing engine on any hoops game. [Feb 2003, p.67]

It doesn't quite have the depth or legs to carry it into longevity like an "EverQuest" or a "Final Fantasy," bit that's for later patches and expansions. [Aug 2004, p.87]

Solidly designed, solidly programmed, very pretty, and about as close to "Zelda" as PS2 and Xbox will ever get. This one deserves to be a sleeper hit. [Dec 2003, p.100]

Just make sure you tell people you didn't realize it was a Trek game, considering how cool it looks and fun it is to play. [Sept 2003, p.69]

But POP's only really significant flaw lies in its adventure/action ratio: Both aspects are thoroughly fleshed-out but rarely intertwined.

For those with the cash, it's well worth it. [Feb 2003, p.95]