In a crowded holiday season, however--and in a year when racing fans have already been satiated by the stellar likes of "Dirt" and "Forza 2"--this more-or-less "do over" of "PGR3" is a bit disappointing, despite how good it actually is. [Dec 2007, p.72]

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.

The game's also surprisingly scary at times: in dark spaces, we found ourselves flinching at disembodied moans, and being rushed by Infested (fast, growling zombies reminiscent of 28 Days Later) freaked us out more than once.

If you were curious about MvC3 but never bought it, we wholeheartedly recommend this version. But if you own the original, this $40 upgrade will probably leave you feeling more slighted than delighted. There's consolation in the fact that UMvC3 will soon be getting an extra mode (Heroes & Heralds) via free DLC; and if you're interested in being competitive in one of the most frenetic, frenzied games of all time, it's worth paying for this ride twice.

Madden 07 marks a turnaround for the franchise on the 360, and that's reason enough for football fans to rejoice. [Oct. 2006, p.77]

An abbreviated runtime (three to four hours per playthrough) and the absence of any new gameplay modes don't diminish the joy of facing RAAM in a boss fight, or of leveling a building to crush a string of Seeders, or of defending against a horde of Reavers. It's these Gears-specific thrills that make RAAM's Shadow a short but worthy co-op–able history lesson told with guns and roadie runs.

Whether you're flanking foes together or dodging gracefully in a solo session, Empire is a fast, well-designed blast-a-thon. [Nov 2007, p.94]

It's a labor of love, yes--and one that you'll love playing. [July 2006, p.81]

Wonderfully deep gameplay underneath layers of complexity. [Dec 2009, p.86]

Too bad Midway didn't ship it with a freely spinning steering wheel. [Nov 2005, p.124]

A wide-ranging and entertaining beast of a simulation, but it's showing its age. Issues we've seen for years now — like garish sideline details, poor transitions, and incorrect stadium surroundings — remain untouched, with new ones added to the mix (like odd facial texture glitching).

It's a lot of value in such a small package, but the sometimes overly precious presentation can be befuddling at times, making Stacking an experience best savored by gamers predisposed to cutesy cleverness.

If NHL 13 has a problem, it's that it feels like a stopgap ahead of a much bigger update. Momentum is a terrific addition, but it doesn't change the fact that the game's animations looks stiff, and that the Be a GM mode lacks increasingly common sports-game elements such as news headlines, RPG elements, and players who have to be kept happy.

Laggy texture pop-in dulls some of the shine, and some of the more minor goofball characters are more intriguing than Scarlett herself. But you'll find enough charm, loot, and gritty challenge to merit getting some sand in your boots.

We understand the tightrope any game walks between narrative cohesion and player freedom, and Mafia II makes its choice clear. As a result, its best aspects are exceptional, but we can't help but think that it could've offered so much more.

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.

This package is great for old and new players alike. It’s just hard to shake the feeling that it could’ve been a smidge more monstrous.

Schizoid proudly bills itself as "the most co-op game ever," and it ain't lying. [May 2008, p.74]

Not only is the couch-friendly design a big shift for Rock Band, but so is the newfound emphasis on score rather than accuracy.

PowerUp Forever manages to catch our attention by giving you the opportunity to, power up forever. [Feb 2009, p.85]

Ups the ante from its predecessor by a country mile. [Nov 2002, p.120]

Imaginative, visually stunning world to explore. [Sept 2010, p.82]

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

Bejeweled Blitz Live might not be everything you could have hoped for, but it's still more than enough to take a huge bite out of your free time. [April 2011, p.81]

Combining classic action with a tried-and-true exploration-based formula, Strider is a fine update to Capcom’s long-ignored brand with plenty to recommend it to nostalgia hounds and newcomers.

Despite a few flaws and one ill-conceived megamix, these games are treated with the respect they deserve at a price we’re willing to pay. We’re happy to see them on Arcade where they belong.

Ignoring the PC-to-console porting issues, RTS games simply don’t get any bigger, deeper, or more voluminous than this. So if you missed out on the Windows chapter, the Xbox 360 edition of Supreme Commander will keep you maneuvering, battling, and strategizing for weeks.

An impressively fun merger of colorful undersea graphics and gameplay standards from the arcade's yesteryears make this one-player treat a name that's hard to stop nibbling on. [Jun 2006, p.62]

The biggest complaint about Tapout 2 is that it doesn't really capture the wild differences in fighting styles that make the UFC what it is. As is, it's the best non-traditional fighting game on Xbox by a mile. [May 2003, p.76]

A colorful and stylish game that is blisteringly quick – if a bit technically dated. [June 2002, p.76]

On original Xbox, 2K7 is strikingly similar to "2K6". Clearly all of the effort went into the next-gen version(which shows on 360), but at least the Xbox version is only $30 and you know you'll get a solid hoops game. [Dec. 2006, p.87]

For those of us who like a little tough love with our games, Dishwasher's ironclad challenge and simple-but-effective design scratch an itch few games can reach. [Feb 2009, p.83]

But at $20 for what is basically last year's quality game on original Xbox or $60 for the irresistible package on the 360 title offers, there's a lot to love on either platform. [Jan. 2007, p.76]

Varied controls, unique challenges, and kooky characters make this old-timer a worthwhile blast from the past. [Holiday 2008, p.73]

Catan is a slow-paced, cerebral game better played with friends than against the somewhat wonky A.I. Convince a few like-minded "siedlers" to buy and play Catan with you, and a good time is guaranteed. [mar 2007, p.81]

Delivers lots of slick new ways to prance with the pigskin, but over time, the experience lacks the feeling of next-level evolution that defines a great sequel. [Feb 2005, p.72]

Though it might sound like a backhanded compliment, Saint's Row manages to climb atop the huge pile of GTA wannabes as the most well-excuted and enjoyable of the bunch. [Oct. 2006, p.71]

A Kinect movie tie-in that delivers a silly, satisfying experience? Hey, we're as surprised as you are.

The last-gen graphics aren't godawful, but they're a far cry from the 360's near pixel-perfect presentation. Who cares, though: it's fun to play the Xbox one last time. [Sept 2008, p.71]

Obviously the best-looking the series has been, thanks to the advent of new console hardware, but it's not definitively the best-feeling game in the series. It'll be tough to weather another pre-race lobby in other driving games after experiencing Rivals' seamless single-player/multiplayer mix, but it comes at the expense of a cohesive career mode, which might be slightly too chaotic for some.

It’s one of the 360’s best social experiences, and one that anyone can enjoy. That it also doles out Gamerscore points like candy on Halloween only makes us even happier to play it.

Those who can stomach its brand of horror will be amply rewarded. [Nov 2002, p.143]

Costly though it may be, Puzzle Quest is an undeniably and deceptively addicting hybrid. [Nov 2007, p.92]

Super-fun robo-badminton for just $5. [Aug 2009, p.77]

It's especially frustrating because the gameplay underneath the flawed framerate is excellent. [Jan 2003, p.64]

The constant shuffle between real-time mobile defense and time-pausing tactical route planning is both seamless and nerve-wracking. Even after you know every crisply rendered map back to front, you may find you just want to keep playing.

There's a vast supply of goodies for determined 'sploders, making this a sparkling, silly treat. [Oct 2009, p.80]

It's been a long time since we've been reminded of how fun it is to just cut loose without caring how you look--and Just Dance 4 gives every opportunity to recall that carefree joy. [Feb 2013, p.85]

Simple tournaments and multiplayer combine for classic pinball action. [Nov 2009, p.78]

This is a perfect example of how a compilation should be done. [June 2005, p.88]

Engaging combat carries Space Marine's campaign and multiplayer a long way, although we can't help but feel like a little more time - or maybe ambition - would have made this game a superstar. Still, it's one heck of an entertaining fragfest, and the ideas here should nicely set up a bolder, hopefully more memorable sequel.

Honestly, it's "Asteroids" with prettier, smarter rocks...and a hell of a lot more adrenaline. [Nov. 2006, p.78]

Unless you're a Sesame Street super-fan, playing alone or with another adult will rob those sequences of their full impact. As with the TV show, kids are clearly the center of Monster's universe. But for parents seeking a videogame to share with their children, this game offers hours of joy.

It's the same game you've been playing since September but with a prettier graphics engine. But oh is it a joy to watch? [Jan 2006, p.80]

Deceptively simple, jewel quest can be very challenging on the higher levels, but constantly addictive throughout. [Jun 2006, p.64]

Overlord II preserves what worked last time, improves what didn't, and tries several new ideas on for size. [Aug 2009, p.62]

While the lifelessness of a black-and-white tone sucks the life out of Paris, it doesn’t strip The Saboteur of its personality. It’s a beautiful and unique world that’s well-constructed and believable, whether you’re snapping soldiers’ necks at the Eiffel Tower, rescuing POWs, or cruising the countryside in a stolen sports car. Très bien.

The included map editor defines the term user-friendly. [Oct 2008, p.84]

The return of Battlefield 2's Conquest Assault mode doesn't bring a ton to the table, either: giving one side possession of all control points right at the outset is an interesting wrinkle, but it hardly reinvents the experience. On the other hand, when those four classic maps are this much fun to storm around in, who says anything needs to be brand-spanking-new?

Though Crimson Alliance lacks Torchlight's endless character development and the infinite replayability of its bottomless dungeon, it delivers something that addictive gem didn't: co-op play.

Food creation adds a new dimension to gameplay. [Holiday 2005, p.80]

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.

It's still a great ride; just don't expect to be as bowled over by it as you were when you strapped in for it last year. [Jan. 2007, p.72]

The game structure itself is where the depth starts to suck you in, and a career mode with garage management, budget responsibilities, and even morale to manage is a hefty challenge. [July 2003, p.78]

It's tough in the way classic arcade games make you dump good quarter after bad - pitching you against waves of enemies, offering loads of alternate paths, and serving up some seriously demented import-centric humor. [July 2004, p.78]

A package of really fun times interspersed by some really annoying parts that will have you jumping in your car to go run over the first squirrel you see. [Aug 2005, p.82]

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

From the moment you leap, dive, or grapple your first cliff edge in Legend, you'll discover that this time around--things just feel right. [Apr 2006, p.70]

This one's short but fun, with a few memorable interrogations, an unusually lighthearted tone (for Noire, anyway), and a notable appearance by character actor Kurt Fuller as a faintly sleazy used-car dealer.

Galactrix is perfect for puzzlers who want to chip away at an epic quest over many, many sessions. And yes, it's 1,600 Microsoft Points - but worth all 20 bucks. [Apr 2009, p.80]

In addition to a series of unlockable tournaments, Trials packs a bike and avatar editor, a compelling compilation of minigames (see sidebar), and that track editor. It’s an incredibly robust feature — perhaps even similar to the actual development tools — but it’s also highly intimidating.

Resident Evil 6 is solid, challenging, and at moments outright amazing, but razzle-dazzle Hollywood production never quite masks a subtle, intangible lack of focus and pacing that pervades its formidable spread of content.

A surprisingly fun arcade romp with a bit of story thrown in. [June 2003, p.85]

On Xbox Live, Top Spin 2 shines just as brightly as its predecessor. There are leaderboards and tiered matchmaking--all of it lag-free. [May 2006, p.81]

You're constantly on the brink of both success and failure. [June 2009, p.76]

Hitz is fast. You can barely keep up, making it so arcadey you'll want to shove a quarter in your controller port after each period. [Nov 2003, p.126]

Serious golf fans will want to spring for this game, even though it’s a lightweight but quality upgrade on Tiger 09. But if you’re more casual and you only fire up Tiger every now and again, you’ll be fine waiting for next year’s game and what will hopefully be a beefier step toward golfing nirvana.

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]

Perhaps the biggest change is the addition of a BMX bike, which gives you a new way to attack courses. Sadly, you can't ride it in the main game, but it's still a welcome addition, as it controls drastically different than the other bikes and looks totally ridiculous with the rider constantly pedaling.

In spite of few frustrating stretches, Revelations' enjoyably button-mashy combat and clever puzzles are worth diving back in. [June 2014, p.74]

Multiplayer is a blast, even if it's a hassle to re-invite everybody after each game. For 800 Microsoft Points, the goofy racing variety of Mad Tracks gives you excellent milage. [June 2007, p.72]

Shadows has a dark side of its own, with a few glitches like foes and objectives occasionally disappearing or freezing, but they’re not enough to mar this otherwise spectacular adventure.

Every anime-riffic charcter - from Ragna, the slightly effeminate swordsman, to Taokaka, the obligatory catgirl - is beautifully drawn and totally bizarre. [Aug 2009, p.71]

May have some flaws, but the controls feel so good it's hard to put the game down. [Jan 2003, p.92]

While the action is good, it's also incredibly short. There are only a dozen missions, plus an unlockable thirteenth, but you're looking at six to eight hours tops on this one. [Feb 2003, p.66]

This game isn’t one you stick with for its story. A bully’s quest to end bullying among cliques by relentlessly bullying everyone does not make a good yarn. But it does make an impressively wide-open world full of tons of gameplay types and nuggets of surprise. Your inner game explorer won’t be able to resist.

It may not live up to the series' impossibly high standards, but it's still a gem in its own right. [Apr 2012, p.56]

Why are some levels so awesome, and others feel like they were bought off a guy on a street corner? [Jan 2006, p.78]

Unlike 2011’s installment, though, multiplayer excellence can't completely compensate for a misguided and rote single-player campaign, which makes BF4 an unsatisfying choice for those looking for the total package.

Okay, so most of it isn't that fresh, and none of it is revolutionary. But if you're looking for the most robust and entertaining dance package currently available, this is it. [Holiday 2006, p.80]

The series' best effort yet. Though many little issues remain, its fundamentals are strong throughout, forming the foundation for a largely stellar baseball experience. [Apr 2012, p.84]

Satisfying, challenging, and more importantly, fun. [Jan 2004, p.80]

It's great fun to build your own good or evil hero, and with the Lost Chapters content, there are easily 20-plus hours of fun to be mined out of it. [Jan 2006, p.58]

It’s immediately tangible, even from the title screen, that Prince of Persia is a labor of love, meant to bridge luxurious aesthetic and spitshine polish with emotional investment. And despite its overly repetitive structure, we found ourselves compelled to fight our way through to see how it all ends — donkey or not.

The 2010 version's numbskull partner A.I., for instance? Fixed. And the even more frustrating opponent A.I. that still makes us angry just thinking about it? Also rectified, although all their old dirty tricks emerge during the masochistic Jambot matches you must complete to earn Platinum medals.

If you're looking to change up your workout, Zumba Fitness Core will noticeably kick things into high gear: with a broader selection of dance types and music genres, and an extremely focused approach in its routines, it'll help you tone your body without having to do a single drill or lifting any kind of weight.

Even if you don’t harbor the slightest hint of nostalgia for the original, Castle of Illusion offers up a great experience. It’s a fun update to yesteryear’s classic, but also a solid platformer in its own right.

Don't get us wrong: Orcs Must Die! is lots of hyperactive fun. Just don't expect lavish long-term depth that'll keep you slaughtering for weeks.