It's just hard to remember the last time a Madden game changed so little from one season to the next. [Sept 2011, p.72]

Tight tuning and top-notch control put the game in a league with Vicarious Visions's "Shrek 2: Beg for Mercy." [Aug 2005, p.85]

The result is a storyline that will elicit nothing but eye-rolls and nasal snorts from anyone over 12, but the game at the core of Drone Tactics is surprisingly well-made. [June 2008, p.87]

If you plan on playing with your friends, it's indespensible; if you'll be going at it alone, there's a fair amount to do but you may lose patience with the scoring and lack of single-player variety. [Nov. 2006, p.87]

It's great that the Nintendo 3DS version of FIFA Soccer 12 has most of the features of its Wii sibling.(Sadly, though, FIFA City is not included in this game.) [Oct 2011, p.86]

While this is still a solid game, the formula's starting to get stale. [Dec 2007, p.84]

Its outward appearance may seem kiddy, but Go Vacation is surprisingly deep for a minigame collection. [Nov 2011, p.77]

Although the gameplay is predictable and repetitive at times, it's easy to overlook once you get sucked into this magical LEGO realm. [Dec 2011, p.86]

Order Up! might not be a five-star restaurant, but it still serves up a hearty meal. [Sept 2008, p.86]

The overall package is one that only fairly young players with generous parents are going to really enjoy. [Nov 2011, p.76]

This may be the first time in video game history that a licensed DS title far exceeds the movie it's based on. [Sept 2009, p.90]

If you've played a lot of games in this genre, it's refreshing to finally find one that's willing to crack a smile. [May 2009, p.87]

The action is smooth, but in this advanced age of 3D gaming there's no excuse for not being able to fight and move at the same time. [Aug 2007, p.88]

Fortunately, Nano Assault adjusts the difficulty level depending upon how you play, which can help alleviate the frustration. [Nov 2011, p.79]

Less-than-consistent frame rate and irritating load times. [Dec 2011, p.86]

Bump the challenge up a notch, however, and playing the game requires a bit more strategy(and becomes a lot more fun). [Mar 2008, p.88]

Although the characters are small, the graphics are clear and detailed and the game play is fast and fun. [May 2003, p.140]

Still, racing around is enjoyable and can be challenging, even if the Career mode can feel repetitive due to the unfortunate lack of track variety. [Holiday 2009, p.87]

Though Glory of Heracles may not be revolutionary, however, it's still ultimately solid fun. [Feb 2010, p.90]

A clever take on a familiar concept. [Sept 2007, p.89]

It works shockingly well. [July 2009, p.85]

It presents a steady stream of minigames with tons of variety. [July 2004, p.122]

The game is far from perfect, but it fills a niche for those wanting a fun and funny 2-D platformer on the DS. [Apr 2007, p.85]

Like in many fighters, the two-player Versus mode is where Marvel Nemesis fares best, especially when you're battling a second player who appreciates pick-up-and-play simplicity. [Nov 2005, p.103]

It's the perfect style of puzzle for touch-screen controls, and there's an edit mode for designing your own custom challenges, which adds a lot of replay value to this latest exercise in Rabbid abuse. [Holiday 2009, p.89]

The best thing about The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces is that it makes you feel like a badass ace pilot. [Jan 2010, p.87]

It doesn't add a whole lot to the fighting genre, but it's a rewarding game with a well-tuned fighting system and loads of replay value. [May 2006, p.91]

The game's classic THPS-style arcade mode and three unlockable minigames add depth to the seven-stage story mode. [Dec 2004, p.156]

Ultimately, charm and high replayability trump the sometimes-awkward controls. [Aug 2011, p.89]

These mechanics are novel and feel great, but take some practice. [Oct 2010, p.89]

Lack of structure aside, Cooking Mama 2 is a tasty treat. [Holiday 2007, p.82]

A bit more story or presentational flair would've been appreciated, but even as it is, Rooms offers a unique and worthwhile challenge for portable-puzzle junkies. [Apr 2010, p.88]

Intended as a colorful and welcoming invitation for new Wii U owners, Nintendo Land succeeds as a broadly enjoyable tutorial on the myriad features and abilities of the console and its unique GamePad controller. [Dec 2012, p.72]

The degree of challenge and polish never quite ramps up to where it ought to be, but Shrek the Third is a good time nonetheless. [July 2007, p.93]

The game's chaotic action works well when playing casually for a high score, but it falls flat when trying to complete objectives and advance to new levels. [July 2005, p.99]

The nine racing locations, which include Las Vegas and Paris, are dramatically lit and loaded with intricate textures, making the surroundings so busy at times that it can be difficult to see the track. [Feb 2005, p.114]

Boasts more action and cool variaety than you could strap into a utility belt. [Jan 2002, p.134]

Complex and intricate, with a stupefying number of cards (nearly 500) and turn phases (six), Fullmetal Alchemist Trading Card game is the victim of too many good ideas thrown into one game. [Sept 2007, p.88]

Still, for Wii owners looking to lace up their skates, this is the only game in town and it's not half-bad. [Nov 2008, p.100]

Good fun; you just have to do some work to get the most enjoyment out of it. [Aug 2009, p.89]

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Guilty Party had some genuinely funny moments. [Oct 2010, p.89]

The play control is responsive, but sword swinging is hesitant and Raguna is unable to fight and walk at the same time. [Sept 2007, p.88]

But thanks to clever puzzle-solving and some touch screen-centric minigames for variety, Teenage Zombies is good fun. [May 2008, p.88]

There's a surprisingly deep power-up menu as well, but it's overkill for the game's target audience. [Nov 2005, p.103]

As is, it's a tasty morsel that will appeal especially to conoisseurs of DS oddities like "Phoenix Wright" and "Trauma Center". Bon appetit! [Nov. 2006, p.90]

The monkeys skills are well-represented in his 13-episode adventure, but a stiffness in the controls creates frustration in situations that rely too much on accurate double-jumping. [Apr 2006, p.85]

Don't expect many surprises. [Aug 2009, p.90]

Reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins is slow to swing his walking stick, making battles more difficult than they should be, but the overall game play and control are very solid. [Dec 2003, p.150]

It's amusing, but unfortunately the GamePad can cause noticeable lag issues on the TV screen when it's in use during a dance. [Dec 2012, p.82]

The last car running wins. [Jan 2003, p.173]

The updated Wii U version improves on many issues that irked fans when Ninja Gaiden 3 originally launched, but repetitious battles and a hokey story knock the experience down a few notches. [Dec 2012, p.86]

Hard-core RPG fans will enjoy the game's complexity. [Mar 2003, p.138]

More finese than bravado, soccer is a subtle subject for an outrageous Street title, but the second game in EA's "FIFA Street" series justifies its over-the-top treatment with more tricks and fireworks than the original. [May 2006, p.87]

Despite these issues, Road Trip makes a great party game (you can play co-op or versus with up to four people), and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to dust off their Balance Board. [Holiday 2008, p.84]

Snowboarding stood out on Wii by taking a different approach to style, content, and (obviously) controls compared to other platforms. Unfortunately, not much has changed in this iteration, despite Wii MotionPlus support and a career mode in which you slowly climb the ranks to become number one. [Holiday 2009, p.85]

While the Potter faithful will likely love Order of the Phoenix nonetheless, players who don't know Reducto from Reducio may want to wait for a more-satisfying Potter game. [Aug 2007, p.89]

With the ability to alter the past literally at your fingertips, you should be able to solve problems in a myriad of ways, yet the game's mostly linear storytelling rarely lets you use your powers creatively. [Nov 2008, p.102]

It might be OK for a movie to show the same location over and over, but as a video game, the repetition gets old. [Jan 2006, p.116]

The multiplayer mode is the star of the show. [Aug 2005, p.84]

Though playing through the main story doesn't take nearly as long as I'd like, level replays plus a two-player sabotage mode (two DS cards needed) lengthen gameplay. [Dec 2005, p.122]

Tight tuning and top-notch control put the game in a league with Vicarious Visions's "Shrek 2: Beg for Mercy." [Aug 2005, p.85]

Some activities aren't worthy of gold medals, but the addictive fun of the best ones proves that Mario and Sonic's latest competition is still a victory. [Jan/Feb 2012, p.84]

The easily frustrated should probably stay away, and for what it is, the game's MSRP of $29.99 seems a bit steep. [May 2008, p.89]

Minor issues aside, Crush 3D should provide plenty of fun to anyone who wants a mental workout. [Jan/Feb 2012, p.86]

DWA does have gameplay (and replay) value that ranks among the best on the GBA. [Oct 2005, p.100]

Commanding minions to wreak havoc in a fairy-tale world is just plain fun. [Aug 2009, p.91]

It's ultimately interesting enough to keep you playing until the end. [Jan/Feb 2012, p.88]

Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise has all the depth of its console cousin, but is missing some of its charm. [Nov 2008, p.98]

It's also unfortunate that there's no multiplayer of any sort, which definitely hurts the game's longevity. [Dec 2008, p.98]

Platform afficionados will appreciate the smooth control and nonstop action. [Jan 2006, p.110]

As button-mashing dungeon hacks based on animated series go, Avatar: The Last Airbender is above average. [Dec. 2006, p.115]

There's a lot to like about Mickey's return to Wasteland, and the follow-up does improve on its predecessor in a number of ways. [Dec 2012, p.92]

But if you enjoy a good light-gun game like I do, this is one house call that's hard to pass up. [Apr 2008, p.87]

When it comes to control, though, this is the model of a fun all-stylus action game--easy to pick up, not so easy to put down. [Jan 2009, p.89]

Punch Time Explosion is not a trendsetter; that's for certain. But with no portable Super Smash Bros. in sight, it's a likeable interpretation that will curb your cravings--or start them anew. [May 2011, p.89]

Still, they're a fresh new twist that really make use of the DS hardware and, along with a good story/dialog, make picking up Again an open-and-shut case for budding crime-solvers with a taste for the unusual. [Apr 2010, p. 89]

The puzzles aren't very puzzling, but the pace is quick and the action is intense. [Oct 2003, p.140]

It does tragically little to expand the saga or enrich our understanding of the Lunar universe. Instead, the story feels like merely a means of shepherding the player from one monster-filled dungeon to the next. [Nov 2005, p.114]

Mastering the logistical side of things offers plenty of rewards for thoughtful players, and there's nothing like clearing the map with the blades of your wolf-riding Valkyrie hordes. [Holiday 2008, p.84]

Magneto fans will be attracted to the DS version of Activision's "back-story" game that leads into the new X-Men movie, since the Master of Magnetism is a playable character only on the DS. [July 2006, p.95]

Fortunately, Sunshine Islands has a better understanding than previous handheld Harvest Moons of how to efficiently use the DS platform. [Dec 2009, p.85]

The game boasts as much story content as it does action, but there's so much plot condensed into the cut-scenes, the tale is sometimes hard to follow. [Feb. 2007, p.97]

The overall game is as good as ever and can't be beat for football on the GBA. [Oct. 2006, p.89]

If you enjoyed the turn-based warfare of the first Super Robot Taisen, chances are you'll like the sequel even more. [Jan. 2007, p.99]

Character movement and camera control are a chore at the beginning, but you'll adapt to them as the game progresses. [Jan 2004, p.158]

The game's overall zaniness and sense of humor make you want to keep playing just to see what happens next. [Dec 2010, p.83]

What these games lack in style and innovation they make up for in challenge and fun. [Jan 2006, p.114]

Still, the game's biggest problem is a simple lack of mission variety. [May 2007, p.87]

Genre fans should still give this Saga a look - it has some very well-designed stages, and a fine English script by Aksys - but be warned that your best-laid strategies might go south at the worst possible moment. [Nov 2009, p.84]

The play control and range of features are on par wtih those of Sega's "NBA Basketball 2K3," only with a college basketball experience. [Dec 2002, p.214]

It would be easy to dismiss Ace in Action as yet another lukewarm, movie-licensed cash-in, but it would also be a mistake--there's actually an impressive game here, at least for a little while. [Feb. 2007, p.94]

There are moments of genuine hilarity, but the humor too often feels overwrought or simply falls flat. [Oct 2008, p.89]

What happens when you take the hard-core, precision-based fighting of Guilty Gear and mix it with the multitiered four-player craziness of "Super Smash Bros."? You get Guilty Gear Dust Strikers for the DS. [Jun 2006, p.85]

It's perfect fighting fun for fighting game afficioniados but could be confusing for players who are new to the genre. [Nov 2002, p.228]

The battles are fun, but not very significant in the overall Star Wars universe. [Feb. 2007, p.96]

A reasonably good time. [Dec 2010, p.86]

The DS game replaces Wii shakin' with rhythmic touch-screen gestures, but otherwise it's the same characters, songs, and simplicity. [Jan 2008, p.88]

The sound track? Sublime <I>and</I> Ozzy Osbourne - it doesn't get any better than that. [Dec 2001, p.168]