All told, MLB 2K6 get two out of three major systems right....not bad in baseball numbers. More important, it's a recommendable offering and finally moves the series in the right direction. [May 2006, p.78]

It disappoints only in Live multiplayer, where an updating score(gee, thanks...)is all players see of each other, and one person's demise ends both games. [Apr 2007, p.90]

Boasts a fantastic sneak system with incredibly gratifying yet super-easy stealth kills. [Jan 2006, p.76]

Warts and all, Rogue Trooper's a perfectly decent rip, and as comic-book tie-ins go, it's better than most. [July 2006, p.82]

Irreverent yet addictively engaging, Gotham City Impostors may not be the shooter you expected, but it's definitely the one you deserve.

The Simpsons Game is wittty and well-written, and it intelligently plays into the nerdy sensibilities of gamers; really, only the by-the-numbers gameplay sometimes comes up short. [Holiday 2007, p.68]

Fruit Ninja's amazingly simple gameplay is strictly designed to be taken in small, party-based doses - nothing more, nothing less. And for $10, we were kind of hoping for more.

Although the game's graphics absolutely scream "PS2 port," the programmers are to be commended for an almost supernaturally smooth frame rate throughout, with nary a stutter. [August 2002, p.82]

The addition of the classic SpyHunter game from '83 kicks the game's score up a few notches just for the cool bonus. [May 2002, p.78]

Add to this some of the game's camera problems and the smallish feel of each stage and Blinx is just slightly amiss of being the really creative, clever game it's premise hints at. [Dec 2002, p.96]

Quite simply, there's little reason to choose this game over the far superior Top Spin 4.

Like the "Armored Core" games, Chromehounds feels like an amalgam of smart and goofy, and while it will appeal to fans of the former series, finicky casual types will probably be bored, frustrated, or both. [Sept 2006, p.82]

It's graphically below par (shouldn't they be over par?), but the gameplay is so smartly evolved that it's $60 well spent. [Jan 2006, p.81]

Fans seeking deep, involving combat shouldn't put down their copies of Kingdoms of Amalur or Mass Effect for Asura's Wrath: it's a game chock full of style but little substance. Nevertheless, we can't deny that Asura's made us jump, scream, and pump our fist in the air just as often as the game's crazy warrior hero, even if it was a byproduct of not having to press any buttons for dozens of minutes at a time.

Unbounded can't compete with the genre's best, but it's not devoid of value.

Cold, Cold Heart is absolutely fine: The story is predictable but satisfying. The combat is occasionally frustrating but still fun. And the unique touches don't add much, but are welcome nonetheless. [July 2014, p.71]

Easily the best original console RTS out there in a market that relies on, usually, not-so-good ports from the PC. If Jaleco adds in Live play for next year's release, RTS fans may just find a new addiction. [Jan 2004, p.77]

Bionic Commando embraces its new 3D surroundings and thrives within them. By making you feel more powerful as you progress and dishing out Achievement points at a steady pace, it makes it difficult to put down the controller.

The action does start to drag in the last couple of hours...If you're excited by even the slightest hint of carnage, though, the rubblelicious Armageddon delivers. We absolutely got what we came for: an exciting sci-fi shooter with carnage galore and some of the most crazy-powerful guns we've seen in ages. [June 2011, p.50]

It's goofy, deeply involving fun.

With too much backtracking between locations..., short play time, and a frustratingly inconclusive ending (closure be damned), Still Life limits its appeal to the already converted. [June 2005, p.81]

From its leaden, cheap-shots-aplenty combat to its wild-goose chase through gray, same-y hallways filled with useless, placebo doorways to a story that takes much too long to get off the ground, its entire first half feels like a death march through a clunky hot mess. [Nov 2008, p.73]

With incredible track designs, a spot-on control system and a soundtrack by Junkie XL, Quantum Redshift leaves little to be desired. It may not be perfection, but it's pretty darn close. [Dec 2002, p.125]

As long as you prefer more action and less strategy with a slightly historical background, we are happy to recommend it. [Nov 2002, p.122]

Ultimately, Virtua Tennis 4 tries to please everyone by walking a fine line between sim and arcade, but regrettably, it never commits to either camp. [June 2011, p.80]

Luxor 2 doesn't quite reach "Hexic" levels of serious mass appeal, but diligent students of the genre will want to sign up for its invigorating new lessons. [May 2007, p.80]

Because the co-op mode adapts the same structure for its 100 new levels, rather than implementing new ideas, this redux feels pretty out of touch. [Oct 2009, p.73]

The Outfit does not aspire in the slightest to reflect the sights and sounds of real-life combat in dubya-dubya-two. It aspires to be one thing and one thing only: fun. [Apr 2006, p.82]

With your $60 on the line, however, it's only multiplayer that rescues TimeShift from the throes of average-dom. [Holiday 2007, p.74]

Besides delivering the roots-respecting experience seasoned demon-slayers demanded, it’s brimming with enough replayability (via Chapter and Tests of Valor challenges, competitive Clan Battles, co-op Ninja Trials, and all of Ninja Gaiden 3’s DLC) to keep players butchering away long after the blood’s dried in the main campaign.

However, Battlefest's plan to play it safe also limits it. No hint of a single-player campaign is included: you're either playing multiplayer matches with humans or simulating them. [March 2011, p.85]

If you held off on Xbox and you dig the college game and atmosphere, this is your best(and only)bet on 360. [Apr 2006, p.81]

Rally diehards are better off dropping the extra cash for the excellent Dirt3, or even 2007's Sega Rally Revo. [Aug 2011, p.79]

For the low price of $20, Xyanide's a surprisingly fun alternative to Xbox Live Arcade's nostalgic offerings. [Oct. 2006, p.81]

The Cave's charms aren't meant for longevity or deep, thinky examination. Its breezy morality play feels more like a small, self-contained, eccentric dose of dark humor, best suited for whiling away a gloomy afternoon spent indoors.

Cost notwithstanding, Line of Contact further adds to the most unique gaming experience in the world today. It's beautiful, immersive, and just plain fun. [May 2004, p.74]

The nitty-gritty of Phenom is the on-court action, which also sees a significant improvement this time around. [May 2006, p.79]

Though you can record and upload your own freestyle moves to share them with others, or download other players' custom choreography, JD3's content is slight if you're looking for any real challenge or a true "game"-style experience.

Our advice: just save your money and pop in your old copy of "Unleashed". [Jan 2008, p.64]

The facts remain: it's nicely crafted, fittingly visualized, and undeniably entertaining at times. [Jan 2004, p.74]

For a game that challenges you to outthink and outmaneuver your opponents, it's a shame that Tenchu's enemy A.I. is so awful and the camera control so twitchy and unyielding. [May 2004, p.83]

Hell Yeah!'s cheery approach to slaughter and its goofy riffs on nerd culture make this gorgeously amusing version of Hell worth a visit.

Cars with guns should equal good times, but Full Auto’s skin-deep thrills last only as long as it takes for a quick easy test drive. [Mar 2006, p.77]

It's quirky enough to turn off the unadventurous, but for the rest of us, it's every bit as relevant as it was in 2000. [Nov 2012, p.84]

The game's arguably a bit short (though it is $10), and some of the ghost encounters are marred by attack prompts that aren't always recognized. But if you have the patience (and the health reserves) to endure a few irritating battles, you'll find Haunt worth the visit.

Crucially, the difficulty has been adjusted: whereas GHIII wanted you to bleed, GHA simply expects that you come ready to rock.

Or at least if it were more wildly satirical. Instead, it falls somewhere in between: the middle of the road where nothing really interesting happens except the same repetitive and boring tasks. [Holiday 2004, p.70]

The entire experience, however, is tarnished by a framerate that bogs down any time a ball is put in play. A simple 5-3 putout turns into a noticeable slideshow as the camera pans across the diamond — which is a shame, as fielders sport some great animations this year.

Fast, furious, four-player party action that satisfies the old-school gamer and casual gamer alike. [Dec 2001]

What really makes Crash Nitro Kart worth playing is the solid control and innovative boost system. [Dec 2003, p.106]

Loads of fun, a delightful trip back to an era where simply jumping in the right spot could reveal copious hidden goodies. Whether you’ve played the original or not, this remake is worth every Number-One Dime.

No matter how you view the game's potentially divisive depiction of Juliet (Is her giggly, panty-flashing, stripper-pole-swinging act crassly exploitative, or just cheeky, campy fun? Lollipop's tone is frustratingly all over the map.), the gameplay seems to always fall just shy of being much more than it is.

Encore is a decent party game but it sure lacks the depth and gotta-play-it power of "Rock Band". [May 2008, p.72]

It takes more than a pretty cape to impress us these days. [Feb 2002, p.70]

While we have issues with some of Remember Me’s major features, the overall adventure is well worth experiencing. Even if some fights and branching paths lead you toward frustration, they’re merely parts of a journey that showcase a wildly unique story and the visuals to match.

It's nice to feel engrossed by a board game again. [July 2008, p.66]

It all grows wearisome in record time. [Sept 2006, p.79]

Madness Returns shows substantial flashes of being equal to its predecessor, but its strongest detractions - middling gameplay mechanics, the rushed ending, and that last tier of weapon upgrades being available only as paid DLC - hold it back.

If you're already a Naruto believer, this game's excellent visuals and its faithfulness to the source material will outweigh its flaws. [April 2013, p.76]

The controls are spot on and the levels offer a lot of variety with tons of entertaining objectives, making this a solid overall game. [Apr 2003, p.77]

Dr. Muto's creativity, long length, and variety make it a good effort. [Jan 2003, p.78]

Lips: Number One Hits certainly isn't a full-fledged sequel to Microsoft's singing debut, nor does it come across as a quick cash-in with new songs. [Holiday 2009, p.83]

Mortal Kombat is finally in the Arcade--too bad it's in the form of Ultimate MK3. [Jan. 2007, p.75]

NCAA Basketball 09 is a serviceable showcase for basic hoops traits, but without a flagship feature to lead it, it fels more like a pro-flavored tilt without a few of the raw ingredients that make the collegiate sport special. [Jan 2009, p.76]

All told, the online component has all the right ingredients, and it manages to mix them into a mighty tasty meal. Multiplayer rescues the abrupt campaign from a rent-it-and-forget-it fate, although we can't help but be left a bit disappointed.

A game of great ideas that aren't executed a well as they should be. [Feb 2006, p.76]

This is a game for those who want what Crash has always had to offer – good graphics, jump-and-spin gameplay, and tons of collectible items. Nothing more, nothing less. [Apr 2002, p.74]

If you wish your home had room for a pinball table, put this in your collection. [Feb 2005, p.80]

I love how it combines hard training and unapologetic difficulty with the real-life personalities who serve as your trainers: much like the gymnastics coaches who saw me through days of torn palms and taped shins, this tough-love attitude kept me focused and on track.

The overall package could stand to be more robust, but thanks to Mayday, Devastation still packs a punch. [July 2014, p.77]

If you don't know what a BunGun is already, then Were-Rabbit is best left to the big screen rather than the small. [Holiday 2005, p.68]

While CellFactor is more fun with real humans, it never feels like it'll lure you away from other shooters. [Apr 2009, p.75]

Weaving a complicated tale of murder, industrial espionage, and corporate corruption, its story doesn't always make sense, but it sure is exciting.

Glitches can sully the fun--an if you've finished the main game, you're forced to load an earlier save(pre-endgame)--but Dead Money is still a grim, well-wrought challenge. [March 2011, p.85]

Watching friends take a club in the teeth while you rack up a nine-kill-combo is immensely satisfying. [Feb 2010, p.85]

While Pariah tastes fine and won't leave you gagging, it's doubtful you'll be hankering for seconds, either. [June 2005, p.84]

Seeing how the genre has evolved from VF2 is fascinating, but those new to fighting games might find this history lesson a little tougher to enjoy.

Quality standards may have been different a year or two ago, but as a "new release" today, Yager ultimately crashes and burns as a poor "Crimson Skies" imitator. [Nov 2004, p.74]

If you can grab a buddy, you can pass some time in it, but don't expect too much. [Jan 2011, p.78]

Trust us: you won't be worried about the game's shortcomings when you're racking your brain trying to remember the specifics of a scene starring Forrest Gump's momma.

Hopefully, we'll see more expansions like UEFA Euro 2012 in future sports games - they do have the potential to really revitalize the game. But with half-finished rosters, missing features, and a solid-but-not-amazing world tour–style mode, this add-on never fires us up the way the original game did.

Numbers aside, though, the game's old-style simplicity is both charming and, well, kinda boring. Some barely smoothed visuals are the only real upgrade here, so what you get is pretty much the original arcade game.

A decent "Max Payne" clone whose gimmicky kills eventually wear off and yield to the mediocre gameplay. They're on the right track, though. [Feb 2005, p.81]

Drop-in/drop-out couch co-op adds an extra level of value to this extremely affordable game; overall, World Gone Sour is a fairly satisfying, calorie-free way to get a Sour Patch fix.

Addictive, but the gameplay and tired humor makes this series a knuckle dragging Cro-Magnon compared to the telekinetic flying super-ape it should've been. [Dec 2005, p.112]

You'll want to spend a lot of time immersed in these worms. [Apr 2005, p.81]

It's tasty and filling, but hardly haute cuisine. [Feb 2003, p.75]

The following is the biggest qualifying statement we've ever made: Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers is a great game, but you will hate it by the time you make it to the end, if you make it at all. [Apr 2006, p.84]

It's a bit rote, and dealing with the same two basic guard types (swordsman and crossbowman) for the bulk of the game doesn’t help. The repetition is slightly offset, however, by the wealth of tools at your disposal for staying hidden.

Amazing speed, fluid graphics. [Feb 2006, p.81]

Aside from the strangely bland textures, the most glaring problems are some awkward technical hiccups like objects popping in, slowdown in busy areas, and polygon clipping... unacceptable on the Xbox. [Sept 2002, p.91]

Even though none of the missions are worthy of the term "challenging," Ty 2 is a vanilla alternative to bazooka-toting commandos and is good fun for kids. [Dec 2004, p.74]

Old-fashioned gameplay with a pretty new face. [Mar 2010, p.81]

But these hiccups are easily overlooked--with high replay value and strong presentation, Tournament of Champions is a fine bet at $40. [Holiday 2006, p.87]

Despite not including anything from the third Hobbit movie that could provide a satisfactory ending, Lego The Hobbit has enough content and charm to keep you entertained until the inevitable next Lego game. [July 2014, p.76]

Section 8 also offers a lot of customization options, with players able to tweak their weapon loadouts, tools (like healing abilities and various flavors of explosive), and even a whole slew of buffs and perks called “passive modules.” Best of all, racking up kills nets you points that you can use to buy deployable gun turrets, hard-to-drive tanks, or hulking mech suits.

Okay, so you're mostly just blasting away at anyone not wearing your current colors, but it's still plenty addictive.

Both games are perfect reproductions that add Live co-op. Sadly, though, their record-scratching soundtracks and exaggerated early-'90s urban culture have aged as well as an MC Hammer lunchbox.