99.99 percent of us should be completely befuddled by this incomprehensible "game" of a day-planner simulator. [Nov 2003, p.80]

As passive entertainment, ETM isn't bad...As interactive entertainment (as a game, that is), this Matrix is quite simply spectacularly average. [Aug 2003, p.76]

Each of the 19 planes is drawn in astounding detail, but unfortunately, for all the modeled damage and intricate cockpits, the game physics are a little too arcadey. [Dec 2004, p.133]

Players will find themselves replaying missions again and again because, as in real war, life is cheap and death is all too common. [June 2003, p.75]

A monumental bore. [Nov 2004, p.130]

The game doesn't handle nearly as well as games like "Mario Kart: Super Circuit." This is especially frustrating when paired with a track that blends a bit too well into the surrounding environment, and there are quite a few of those tracks. [Apr 2004, p.90]

If hauling junk from A to B holds any sort of appeal, it withers in record time. [Aug 2003, p.72]

This MMORPG is so difficult, long, and slow that playing it feels more like work than a game. [Sept 2004, p.85]

Diehard EQ addicts and RTS junkies will get some fun out of this game (especially with its monstrous 12-player LAN/Internet support); everyone else should probably just stick to "Warcraft III."

DemiKids has a finer pedigree than most, but the rest of us are still waiting for these things to grow a spine. A curiosity at best. [Nov 2003, p.91]

The best Tube Slider can come up with is a fancy-looking plate carrying a healthy portion of "been there, done that." [July 2003, p.75]

If you play only one game set in Middle-earth this year, don't make it this one.

Competing and breaking records proves to be the main source of excitement, but wearing out your fingers gets old fast. [Sept 2004, p.82]

Misses on just about every cylinder. [May 2003, p.71]

For the most part, goofy fun and challenges requiring excellent tactics rule the day. Still, Tactics does a good job of reminding players that yes, it is a bargain-bin title. [July 2004, p.90]

Gone are the cel-shaded cartoon graphics, replaced with rougher texture-mapped models that lack the same action-figure sheen. [July 2004, p.90]

It's a dull action-heavy first-person shooter emphasizing run-and-gun play rather than tactical warfare - with some noticeable slowdown when enemies and friendlies clog the screen. [Aug 2004, p.96]

The authoritative presence of Hal of Fame sports announcer Keith Jackson significantly enhances what would have been an otherwise poor showing. [Oct 2003, p.68]

Since the fighting lacks rhythm and finesse, pounding one button can and will defeat a player who's foolishly making a good-faith effort to control his character. [July 2003, p.78]

The bad news is this: The game's graphics look dated. Most characters are blocky and reek of a poor PC port job. And Xbox Live support...needs an overhaul. [Aug 2003, p.74]

If you play only one game set in Middle-earth this year, don't make it this one.

Though it features a few original ideas, its execution is lackluster and uninspired compated to its competition. [Oct 2004, p.112]

Wearing a no-holds-barred sense of literalism on its sleeve, this mostly mediocre affair fails to bring anything new to the genre or even match its many peers. [Feb 2005, p.104]

The real problem is that you'll feel like you've seen variations of all eight missions somewhere else, and without all the hand-holding to solve the puzzles. [Dec 2003, p.96]

If you do manage to get around the wacky premise and unintuitive controls, there is some longevity to the game, with a massive set of "challenges" to complete - but that's a bit "if." Otherwise, seer clear. [Dec 2003, p.96]

Actually manages to make use of the touch screen in an interesting, though not vital, manner. It's too bad that the rest of the game is awful. [Feb 2005, p.111]

An interesting attempt at innovation in the genre. Unfortunately, it's also a frustrating, throw-down-your-headset, curse-generating one.

As fun to run through once as any of them. [May 2004, p.95]