If "Battle Network 2" was a tasty burrito, Battle Network 3 is a tasty burrito stuffed inside a larger, tastier burrito. [June 2003, p.79]

The insanity effects are clever [the first time] and the scenery is downright creepy. [Feb 2003, p.96]

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

If "Harmony" was dinner, then Aria is surely dessert: short, sweet, and to the point. Not bad if you don't mind too much of a good thing. [June 2003, p.76]

It's hard to go wrong with giant robots blowing stuff up, but Enix's latest effort goes one step further with a novel control scheme. [Feb 2003, p.93]

Two-player co-op is decent fun, and it makes the single-player campaign a lot more manageable and enjoyable, but the real meat of the game is the XBL multiplayer. [July 2003, p.68]

Gory and twisted in ways only the mature freak can appreciate. [Feb 2003, p.71]

With the new modes and new tunes, Extreme feels more robust than other versions of DDR. It's more accessible without neglecting its core audience - fancy footwork to be sure. [Nov 2004, p.118]

If there's one complaint, it's the visuals. They're not bad, just more or less the same visuals we've seen since part one. [Aug 2004, p.89]

Throw in three difficulty levels and multiplayer support (with either a Multitap or a Network Adaptor) and you've got a lengthy and highly replayable adventure. [Mar 2004, p.86]

The cohesion between 007's on-foot mission and driving excursions further adds to the cinematic feel, which is Everthing or Nothing's strongest trait. [Apr 2004, p.86]

An enhanced port of the classic SNES racer with improved graphics and support for 4 players. [Feb 2003, p.97]

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]

It's fun and impressive, but neither the drama nor the realism will convert anyone who isn't already planning on naming their first-born "Dale."

It's faced paced, full of creative shot making, and chock-full of fun unlockables - there's no denying the addictive power. [Oct 2004, p.98]

Like the SAT of videogames, a rapid-fire test of standard videogame skills. From the ability to process onscreen information on the fly to punching the A button like mad, you're drilled on speed, timing, control, stamina, and even intelligence in a couple hundred 5-second games.

This game looks as good as it can, and the gameplay still offers a few tricks you won't find in your average RPG. [Aug 2004, p.103]

The ultrasharp, hi-res character art and fluid animation keep XX at the cutting 2D edge, putting even Capcom's most recent fighters to shame. [Mar 2003, p.66]

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]

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

Miyamoto got the idea for this quirky strategy game from observing his personal garden. What kind of garden? [Feb 2003, p.96]

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]

MC II should ship with a free sample of Ritalin. The amount of concentration required to maintain control of your car at such incomprehensibly high speeds almost requires some sort of chemical assistance (just joking kids). [June 2003, p.66]

A balanced blend of "Super Mario Kart" and "Mario Kart 64." [Feb 2003, p.97]

With a lavish, tropical setting (not a hurricane in sight) against which beautiful characters cavort, a vibrant reggae-themed soundtrack (you can rip your own tracks, too), and a piña colada atmosphere, DOAX is a flawed but guilty pleasure. [Feb 2003, p.58]

The physics, camera, and controls are great: Everything feels perfect, and there's an awesome sense of speed (helped out by the rock-solid 60 fps). [June 2004, p.81]

Boasts a new set of insane gravity-defying and physically impossible stunts, not to mention all-new tracks and characters. [Feb 2003, p.93]

There really isn't another game like Shadow of Rome, let alone one of similar quality and polish. [Feb 2005, p.102]