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

Simple enough for young players to enjoy, but older SpongeBob fans will like it, too. [Mar 2003, p.136]

Touch-screen based boss duels add some decent variety, and plenty of collectibles plus a few bonus levels are nice inclusions for the completist. [July 2007, p.94]

The track-design feature allows you to create your own racing environment. [July 2004, p.121]

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]

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]

And although much of the game is played with the control pad and buttons, there are also stylus/touch-screen actions, so be prepared to juggle. [Mar 2008, p.90]

The blasting can get a bit monotonous, especially when you just want to move forward. [Dec. 2006, p.110]

Love the gadgets in this ambitious 3-D FPS, but NightFire's overly treacherous game play could use a few checkpoints. [May 2003, p.137]

Gameplay offers little variety, but the level of difficulty is high in the late stages. [July 2004, p.122]

Boxer's Life mode follows a story line with scenes that clue you in to the weakness of your next opponent - a cool feature for a fun game. [Mar 2003, p.136]

Some tasks may be a little too tricky for young players. [Dec 2003, p.146]

The question is, would you rather simulate real life or just live it? [Jan. 2007, p.110]

If you don't mind some fisticuffs mixed into your high-speed thrills, give Sonic Unleashed a shot. [Holiday 2008, p.80]

If you're old enough to read this review, you'll probably want to pass on Escape to the Big Blue, but your younger siblings might enjoy it. [Apr 2006, p.86]

The graphics are a bright point in an otherwise dull experience. [Oct 2005, p.101]

Point Blank is supposed to be a virtual shooting gallery, and without a gun in your hand, you're missing that tacticle feeling that's so crucial to the experience. [Aug 2006, p.85]

You'll be thrown into the deep end right at the start, and will probably have to play each dungeon over and over again to master it. [Mar. 2007, p.88]

Not quite a button masher, but close, DBZ: B2 is an easy-to-get-into one-on-one fighter that looks and plays much like its predecessor. [Feb 2005, p.113]

Though most of Barnyard's aspects are handled competently (the notable exceptions being the tack-on story and the frame rate), the only part I'd call fun is the unique take on golf; everything else--no matter whether I was launching chickens, racing in the farmer's truck, or blasting cow-tippers with tomatoes--felt bland and lacked challenge. [Sep 2006, p.84]

Just as good as, if not a tad better than, their predecessors. They're just not any different. [Aug 2005, p.81]

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]

But when it comes to action, variety, and the sheer fun of obliterating Heartless with a Keyblade, Re:coded is a more-than-worthwhile entry in the beloved Kingdom Hearts saga. [Jan 2011, p.82]

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

Shimomura, and a lengthy story campaign make Heroes seem like a home run, and it would be if not for one flaw: Shoddy AI. [Sep 2007, p.87]

There's a lot to unlock. [Jan 2002, p.134]

Play control is smooth and intuitive. [Dec 2002, p.222]

The graphic style may appeal mainly to young players, but the gameplay, humor and story will attract gamers of all ages. [Mar 2004, p.123]