The experience could have been even edgier if the enemy A.I. was fully up to snuff. [Nov 2004, p.136]

An incredibly deep military flight simulator, Lock On is overwhelming, except to the most die-hard flight-stick jockeys. [Mar 2004, p.83]

The novelty wears off and Konga becomes repetitive, especially without other bongo owners to play against or with. [Nov 2004, p.130]

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]

These are fantastic (albeit amazingly difficult) games that every RPG should experience. [Feb 2003, p.75]

Easy to pick up and easy to play, a la "Virtua Tennis." [Feb 2003, p.96]

The levels are repetitive, boxy mazes with nothing interesting in them aside from battles, and the story's for fans only. Still, it's a technically excellent and fun game that begins to wear only through repetition and ease. [Jan 2005, p.84]

Snide voice acting turns cutesy bit players Globox and Murfy into electronic annoyances, and Hoodlum Havoc revels in its lame humor. [Apr 2003, p.68]

What it lacks in substance, it makes up for in brilliance, and while we're averse to rewarding style over substance, in this case, we can't really deny the game's addictive appeal. [Feb 2003, p.73]

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.

It's shamelessly hilarious, leaving no topic or genre stereotype sacred. [Dec 2004, p.110]

Ultimately, however, Manhunt becomes more laborious than shocking. Along the way, the vaunted enemy A.I. turns transparent, detracting considerably from its aura of paranoia.

Clumsy combat and woeful repetition will try your patience. [Oct 2004, p.118]

The best reason to get this is the ability to link with the Gamecube version to transfer items and spells. [Feb 2003, p.97]

All traffic and pedestrians are removed from the game. Fortunately, the capture the flag and tag style modes are plenty entertaining, especially with a larger group. [Aug 2003, p.78]

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

Excellent gameplay and some damn-fine GBA RPG graphics. [Mar 2003, p.72]

An otherwise pedestrian city-building game, only Tropico 2's setting salvages it from being a complete shipwreck. [July 2003, p.79]

NHL 2005's major flaw is the sheer amount of contact that takes place during a game. It's got more checks than a bank! More hits than the Top 40! [Oct 2004, p.107]

Better than the original in almost every respect. [Aug 2003, p.80]

Snide voice acting turns cutesy bit players Globox and Murfy into electronic annoyances, and Hoodlum Havoc revels in its lame humor. [Apr 2003, p.68]

Despite all it's going for it, Evil Genius just isn't fun. The gameplay is dull, and there is nothing left after you get beyond the initial novelty. [Nov 2004, p.140]

If you can forgive it for some plain visuals and don't mind wading through menus - it may be fast-paced, but it's still an RPG - it's worth your time. [Mar 2003, p.58]

Definitely delivers cool effects and dishes up some really amazing moments, but technical issues, a cornball story, and weak voice acting add up to a slight disappointment overall. [Apr 2003, p.66]

The trouble comes when Defiance pads its levels with repetitive encounters and identical areas.

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

Topping off the game is the ability to go through all of RS's excellent missions in a splitscreen co-op mode with a friend. [Dec 2003, p.68]

A fast, frantic action game starring a gun- and sword-wielding fellow fighting legions upon legions of baddies.