Monstrous creations that are just scary enough for third-graders make this a good substitute for grotesque grown-up survival horror. [Oct. 2006, p.88]

The entire package seems like it could have used a little more polish, too. [Apr 2002, p.104]

Though I liked Reign a lot, its horrible collision detection and frustrating later levels must be noted. [Dec 2002, p.164]

The game just has a wonderful style to it. [July 2002, p.102]

The core gameplay is definitely up to Madden standards, and for many gamers, that's all that's needed. [Nov 2005, p.122]

It's a great-looking, fun game that only really suffers in its lack of innovation. [August 2002, p.111]

Arcade deliciousness is soured by the lack of a carer mode, but it's still oh so sweet. [Aug 2006, p.83]

Veterans will have to take a little time to adjust, while newcomers will be able to jump right in without even noticing such problems.

After low sales killed Midway's interest in the series, it was unknown if "Shadow Hearts" would continue in the U.S.--but Xseed has picked up the torch, and, on balance, it's clear that the company has made a good move. [Mar 2006, p.88]

It's not a bad game, but then again, it's not the be-all and end-all Pacific-theater FPS we expected. The primary emphasis on gloss and glamour over gameplay and challenge suggests that Rising Sun is geared more toward the tyro rather than the savant.

In terms of gameplay, the game surpasses its console counterpart, but the technical snags drag it back down.

Its excellent art direction pulls you, heart and soul, into the environment...[but] NOLF's lack of a save-anywhere function gets to be a real pain in the arse. [May 2002, p.102]

Graphically, Shin Budokai is bright, colorful, and smooth in its cel-shaded wrappings. Fans will find the 18 characters and varied environments every bit DBZ-authentic. [Jun 2006, p.102]

After a few hours, the boredom sets in, and the number of reasons you have for wanting to beat the damn thing is less than one. It's just not fun enough. [Dec 2003, p.178]

What Makai Kingdom lacks in visceral appeal it more than makes up for in complexity and nuance. It's fun in a brain-taxing kind of way, but in the end a bit too cold and piecemeal to love. Though it may be fun and challenging, it never quite hangs together as a compelling whole.

Better than "Beat Down." [Oct 2005, p.107]

While encounters with the underling Decepticlones are somewhat dull, Decepticon boss fights are actually quite intense and difficult - at least until a weakness is revealed. [June 2004, p.92]

The puck has strikingly solid physics...The trouble is, defense is a joke. [Dec 2002, p.164]

Basically, we have a four-star Cursed Mummy game held back by a three-star Sphinx game, bringing the overall game average to three-and-a-half. [Dec 2003, p.172]

Sure, it suffers graphically, but the overall structure that makes its big brother so impressive is fully intact. [Dec 2002, p.180]

Anyone looking for a sweeping epic with interesting characters or unique gameplay mechanics will be sorely disappointed by what it has to offer. [Nov 2004, p.120]

If incessant hack-n-slash doesn't bore you, Dark Alliance II has enough solid gameplay to entertain you until "Champion (of Norrath)." But you're better off waiting. [Feb 2004, p.105]

It's more of a puzzle-solving game, yet it somehow remains completely thrilling throughout. [Feb 2003, p.99]

While [Part II] plays almost exactly like the original, it addresses almost all the problems. Gone is the lag, the graphics are much nicer (though still not up to today's standards), and the game is a bit longer. [Dec 2003, p.172]

The controls are easy to learn, and the game has a surprising depth. [August 2002, p.110]

The 20 percent that takes place on foot takes four times longer than it should because of countless design flaws. In brief: The driving parts are awesome, the running around sucks.

It's great if your singing takes place mostly with a group of friends, but game-players and karaoke diehards are better off with KRAI. [Jan. 2007, p.83]

The fast action, great graphics, incredible draw distance and undeniable fun attached make Superfly's racing tough to beat. [August 2002, p.110]