Though the game has only five main missions, it's high difficulty and 100 collectible cards guarantee a long playing time. [Feb 2005, p.116]

The game is simple fun. Ironically, though, it's not incredibly deep. [Feb 2005, p.114]

As promised, the battle system has been much improved, and the game looks absolutely stunning. [Feb 2005, p.111]

The value in having two classic RPGs in one pak is astronomical. Combined, the games are worth 80 hours of play time. [Jan 2005, p.137]

A slate of 14 unlockable minigames gives you a break from the adrenaline-infused action. [Jan 2005, p.138]

The game lets you face off with another player (using two controllers), but the single-player optoins don't offer CPU competition. [March 2005, p.107]

The multiplayer mode suffers a blow from strangely slow movement and some arenas that are too small to avoid large blast effects. [Feb 2005, p.110]

The minigames alone are reason to buy this title. [Feb 2005, p.111]

Overly simplistic and requir[es] very little in the way of actual tactics as you guide your characters into battle. [Jan 2005, p.141]

What pushes VJ2 over the top, and again into perfect-score territory, isn't its tag-team dynamic but rather its even edgier sense of humor. [Jan 2004, p.135]

It doesn't have the polish and unlockable extras of the "LOTR" games. [Jan 2005, p.138]

Even after you've completed the missions, you'll enjoy the depth of developing relationships with Urbz and collecting a catalog full of items. [Feb 2005, p.114]

Player control is as good as ever, offering a wide selection of moves. [Feb 2005, p.114]

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]

Whether you compete with your friends or play by yourself, you must watch all five of your rivals take turns, which accounts for a lot of downtime. [Jan 2005, p.139]

It's a great play from a classic gaming series. [Feb 2005, p.116]

Although much of the action is standard platformer fare, sliding on vines is zany fun. [Feb 2005, p.113]

It's a work of mad genius. [Feb 2005, p.112]

Most missions have you searching high and low for scattered enemies or citizens in need, which can get unreasonably tricky in time-limited situations. [Feb 2005, p.114]

A tutorial lets you in on the game's nuances, and numerous tournaments provide chances for you to win the game's 300 cards - a good spin for duelists. [Jan 2005, p.139]

Stumps stop your truck cold, and small bumps cause it to turn over. [March 2005, p.108]

A bonus garden simulation allows you to grow unusual hybrid plants, though the goals and gameplay are difficult to interpret. [March 2005, p.108]

While you should be thinking about whether to hit on 15, you'll actually be wondering how to increase your bet or leave the table in the frustration of dealing with a difficult interface. [Feb 2005, p.115]

Since manual landings are a real trick, you'll likely let the autopilot do the work. [Feb 2005, p.115]

Making a strong case for my game of the year, BK's biggest strength is an amazing battle engine. [Jan 2004, p.135]

If you're looking for something new and different, turn elsewhere, but if you just want to plug some Nazis, this game fits the bill nicely. [Jan 2005, p.136]

The puzzles are incredibly easy at first, but they grow in complexity at a good clip. It's odd, tricky and funny. [Jan 2005, p.140]

Its graphics look a little dated, but it changes up environments often and stashes tons of secrets - a good romp for platforming fans. [Jan 2005, p.137]

The frame-rate is smooth and the environments far nicely detailed, but, as was the case in previous GBA NFS incarnations, it's hard to discern the legitimate path from the dead ends. [Jan 2005, p.140]

An open format, great driving physics and stylized graphics contribute to a rewarding playing experience. [Feb 2005, p.113]

A much fuller, richer game than "Metroid Prime." That, combined with amazing level design, overcomes the sense of deja vu that permeates the title. [Jan 2004, p.134]

The need to select actions from a list of commands makes the game move at a slower pace than most platformers, but the variety gives the adventure depth. [Dec 2004, p.150]

As in other Hot Wheels titles, the stunts are fun but limited to spinning or flipping your car in the air. [Feb 2005, p.116]

The pacing, variety, and control are spot-on. [Feb 2005, p.113]

A strong mix of character maintenance tasks and story-related missions make the GBA's The Urbz an engaging play. [Jan 2005, p.141]

Much of it involves your backtracking through levels once you've learned that you're not equipped with the tools to move forward. [Oct 2004, p.125]

It can be taxing, however, to maintain your Urbz's hygiene or the character's need for entertainment when a toilet, sink or TV are nowhere to be found. [Jan 2005, p.139]

It's got great control and lots of zany action. [Jan 2005, p.138]

The initial abbreviated matches against CPU-controlled swingers may seem too easy, but the game ramps up in difficulty at a steady pace. [Jan 2005, p.138]

The extremely simple gameplay will appeal to young fans of the film but will not test more-seasoned action gamers. [Jan 2005, p.139]

Designed for a keypad-equipped Controller, the games are almost unplayable after their configuration to the GCN Controller - it's a frustrating experience. [Jan 2005, p.138]

May not be on the top tier of the GBA's racing-game selection, but it offers a uniquely manic driving experience. [Feb 2005, p.116]

The poker play is solid, but the AI players are predictable. [Feb 2005, p.117]

Fans of the old-school title will love the action and maze variety. [Nov 2004, p.133]

The story is very engaging. [Jan 2005, p.140]

It's a good play for fans of the film. [Jan 2005, p.140]

Control is responsive, and the difficulty level ranges from easy to moderate. [Jan 2005, p.139]

The control scheme takes some getting used to, but the thorough tutorial irons out the complications. [July 2003, p.145]

The game's quick pacing ensures that you'll never be bored. [Jan 2005, p.138]

A well-produced, if slightly generic RPG. [Jan 2005, p.136]

Good for short sessions, but not one that you'll spend hours playing. [Feb 2005, p.117]

The level of difficulty and play control are well-tuned, though, and the graphics have a comic-book look that fits the subject. [Dec 2004, p.150]

Each of the playable characters has such unique moves and play control that it's like playing five separate games under one unifying story. [Dec 2004, p.141]

The paths branch, giving you the freedom to explore, but some areas are more difficult to reach than they should be, making the platforming tricky at times. [Dec 2004, p.154]

SpongeBob fans and action gamers looking for a good ride will enjoy this thick slice of inspired wackiness. [Dec 2004, p.146]

The game's scope is massive, and the missions are varied and rewarding. [Dec 2004, p.148]

A fusion of board-game and trading-card-game rules that most players will not understand until they read the manual thoroughly. [Feb 2005, p.117]

Simple, but infinitely fun. [Dec 2004, p.148]

The play control is perfect, the enemy AI is well-tuned and the graphics are top-notch for the era. [Dec 2004, p.148]

The game proved to be an entertaining and natural step in the franchise's evolution. [Dec 2004, p.150]

A perfect primer for the rest of the Metroid series. [Dec 2004, p.148]

Fun, but very similar to last year's "The Hunt for Pirate Pig's Treasure." [Feb 2004, p.153]

An isometric adventure mixes with classic Tron gameplay for loads of retro-futuristic fun. [Nov 2004, p.131]

A clever use of AI makes it possible for you to influence enemies with sight and sound. [Nov 2004, p.131]

The adventure's pace is slow, but the pak is loaded with features. [Dec 2004, p.154]

Stealth, gymnastics and puzzle-solving play a role in the fast-paced fun. [Dec 2004, p.154]

The game itself is lacking in gameplay and control. I found the GBA title to be much more enjoyable. [Dec 2004, p.141]

The game's puzzles, massive areas and new copy abilities create a Kirby-filled experience that's as fun as it is challening. [Dec 2004, p.142]

Although the controls are a little sluggish, the variety (badminton and volleyball mixed with point-A-to-point-B running and jumping levels) is impressive. [Dec 2004, p.152]

The level design isn't particularly creative, but the overall game is lightly humorous, action-packed fun. [Jan 2005, p.140]

Their actions are smooth and easy to control, making for an enjoyable experience. [Dec 2004, p.150]

It boils down to a monotonous and unsatisfying experience. [Jan 2005, p.141]

Driving sections worthy of a kart-racer also add to the madcap gameplay. [Nov 2004, p.132]

It's not a game for those who would be offended by jokes about A/V club members or for action gamers looking for a hardcore challenge. [Dec 2004, p.156]

An open environment allows you to explore at will, but the confusing layout wil have you on walkabout. [Dec 2004, p.148]

You can also start to simulate a match, then jump into the action for direct control midway through. [Dec 2004, p.144]

Hardcore RPG fans, wait for "Baten Kaitos;" everyone else, plan on following the most hee-haw-larious yarn spun in years. [Dec 2004, p.140]

Has a darker story and shows a silghtly more grown-up version of the character, but it still has plenty of light folly and moderately difficult puzzles. [Dec 2004, p.146]

A real gem for retro gamers. [Feb 2005, p.113]

Humorous flourishes, such as the "Zake Zako Hour" game-over screen, ad anime-style appeal. [Dec 2004, p.154]

A high level of difficulty will frustrate novice players. [Dec 2004, p.152]

It drops you right into the fight with few options for cover, no auto-aim and limited weapons. [Dec 2004, p.148]

As a pinball-flavored adventure, the game is a little basic for my tastes, but it's still a graphically excellent outing. [Dec 2004, p.142]

The puzzles are strictly lock-and-key-finding exercises. [Jan 2005, p.140]

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

Guest characters such as Ben Franklin, the THPS-style Classic mode and an incredible soundtrack of old and new hits add to the mix. [Dec 2004, p.144]

There are a few challenging sections, but all fans of the Aladdin franchise - even novice gamers - should be able to sail through all six areas. [Mar 2004, p.72]

Does it work when distilled down to the basics? The answer for NBA Live 2005 is a resounding yes. [Dec 2004, p.146]

The levels meander and the action is a little tedious, but the game is a solid effort. [Nov 2004, p.132]

The simple gameplay is not challenging until you reach the level bosses, but the character combinations are fun for Nicktoon fans. [Dec 2004, p.152]

An excellent party game - one that surprises even the most reluctant to play a video game of any sort. [Nov 2004, p.128]

Graphics that look like they're straight out of the Shark Tale film and a tidal wave of activities, such as racing and item searching, make Activision's movie adaptation a whale of a good time, especially for young players. [Nov 2004, p.130]

Three difficulty settings accommodate different player skill levels - the All-Star level is quite challenging. [Dec 2004, p.150]

Control is solid, but some puzzles are nonintuitive. [Nov 2004, p.133]

A Marvel Comics fan's dream. [Dec 2004, p.144]

Powerful Hyper mode and Force Metals make the turn-based battling fun. [Dec 2004, p.144]

One of the most creative games to come along in quite a while, and with a bang-up story to boot. [Nov 2004, p.129]

Story mode's villains are so vile that you really want to run them down in races. [Nov 2004, p.129]