So much more involving, more expansive, and just plain more, more that that you might need to buy a new PC so you can play it alongside Mommy. [Dec 2004, p.120]

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]

You'll be on the edge after the first instances of enemy ambushes, but near the end of the game, that effect will wear off, and the initial tension will eventually turn into boredom and frustration with each new encounter. [Oct 2004, p.116]

The graphics are beautiful, the characters original, the story entertaining, and the control dead-on. [Nov 2004, p.128]

As a relentless slashfest backed by a rich story, lush visuals, and moments of snap-the-controller-in-half difficulty, Demon Stone is at least fun while it lasts. [Dec 2004, p.129]

While it is, technically, a rail shooter, it's quite a rail you're riding. [Dec 2004, p.110]

Its levels come in short, overly difficult bursts that routinely send you hurtling back to the title screen with whatever heath you had when you hit the last checkpoint, be it a full bar or a mere sliver. This basically railroads whatever fun is to be had in the RPG-like character development system. [Nov 2004, p.134]

It's almost like a bawdy, medieval "Animal Crossing" for adults. But you lack true control; moreover, things don't change unless you change them, making the world feel shallow. Though you usually have the freedom to do as you will, important characters are often completely exempt from your meddling (or even exist only in cut-scenes).

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

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]

On its own, it's a good, solid action game with a compelling story, nonstop action, and a deep, dark jungle atmosphere that's easy to get lost in. [Nov 2004, p.121]

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

The only missteps are a super class of cars that are almost too fast for the courses, an abundance of loading screens, and a mostly terrible soundtrack--the latter two problems solved by the Xbox version. [Oct 2004, p.111]

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]

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]

The stellar visuals and spot-on sound design keep these from being too terribly dull, but clumsy combat and woeful repetition will try your patience.

The only missteps are a super class of cars that are almost too fast for the courses, an abundance of loading screens, and a mostly terrible soundtrack-the latter two problems solved by the Xbox version.

The whole game becomes rather monotonous, despite attempts at adding replay value. [Nov 2004, p.124]

Just don't expect anything new. [Oct 2004, p.102]

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

To be perfectly clear: This is the best 2D fighting game ever made...a 2D fighter fan's dream come true. [Sept 2004, p.95]

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

A truly attractive game that sometimes even manages to better its competition, but the gameplay is just too riddled with holes for comfort. [Sept 2004, p.91]

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]

As a trivia contest, The Guy Game is merely average. As social commentary, we weep for the future.

With the improved online play, expansion of the popular lightning challenges, and inclusion of Chase for the Cup, NASCAR 2005 has enough horsepower to last you all year. [Oct 2004, p.102]

Except for the emphasis on female persuasion, there is little to differentiate SRS from the plenty of other street racers either available now or coming soon.

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