It's also got the most riveting plot of any Xbox FPS to date, topping "Halo." [Apr 2004, p.78]

About the only thing in Moto GP 2 that hasn't changed is the spot-on handling. Everything else, from the graphics to the gameplay modes, has been overhauled, and it shows. [June 2003, p.80]

With a few frustrating puzzles, some unclear solutions, and no cooperative play, Quantum Conundrum isn't quite as polished as Portal 2 - but it's a very close homage at a fraction of the price. If you've been aching for more drops from Valve, this game will satisfy your quandary.

Even if you ordinarily shy away from a daunting challenge, give this one a shot. As difficult as War of the Worlds is to conquer, it's also more than satisfying enough to be worth the struggle.

A thoroughly engaging new experience that is well-deserving of its heroic namesake.

Once you get past the self-consciousness of waving your arms around with a midget-sized club, you quickly realize how much fun the game is. [May 2006, p.81]

Having this much Taken-slaughtering glee in such a small, concise package makes Alan Wake's American Nightmare an instant "yes, please" for series fans. But what's more surprising is that its accessible approach to combat makes it an equally worthwhile experience for those who've never suspended their disbelief to wander Wake's dream-like world. [Mar 2012, p.62]

It’s these sneaky moments of sweetness across Citadel’s five-hour journey that make it a pricey but wholly affecting excuse to linger just a little longer under Mass Effect’s spell.

Episode 2 does an excellent job of keeping the adventure going while setting the scene for plenty of struggles ahead. If Telltale stays on target, their full, five-part Walking Dead saga may prove to be one of the best, most ambitious zombie games ever.

Highly honed, it beautifully perfects the elements that the first three games almost nailed without reaching for the next great thing the way a truly classic game does. [Mar 2007, p.76]

Pound for pound, this is the Madden you've been waiting three years to play. [Oct 2007, p.80]

If you can get past the unfamiliar (though movie-faithful) look, you'll find an incredibly well-crafted game full of bonus levels, variety, and emergent gameplay that's as entertaining as it is brutally violent. . [Holiday 2005, p.72]

Blood Omen 2's world is so realistically brought to life that you'll be checking your fingernails for grit after climbing Kain up the sides of rocky walls. [Apr 2002, p.63]

Guardian of Light plays out like a deftly crafted, fun piece of arcade-style shooting and puzzling expressly made for buddy co-op night on Live. Who knew Lara was such a team player?

All told, the addictive, approachable gameplay that made "Puzzle Fighter" a cult hit feels as fresh as ever, and the HD Remix is arguably the series' best incarnation to date. [Oct 2007, p.76]

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]

Climax’s brand of dogfighting is certainly straightforward and repetitive, but it’s also ludicrously fast-paced and highly addictive. Hardcore flyboys might sneer, but most others will have a hard time tearing their eyes from the screen.

Even if you’ve never owned a Budweiser jacket, NASCAR 09’s slick physics and engaging new racing options - including some addictive Sprint mini-challenges and absolutely seamless 14-player action on Live - will have you burning donuts in Victory Lane in record time.

The absence of the PC version's multiplayer modes is a bummer, as is the removal of the penultimate mission from the original campaign. But by the time you reach the conclusion of this exciting bargain, you'll be too amped on adrenaline to care.

The depth of this game is astounding. [Jan 2003, p.70]

For the third year running, 2K has modified the right analog stick inputs, but luckily 2K14's Pro Stick is the best arrangement to date, letting you shoot, perform flashy passes, and put up your hands on defense with ease. It's a comfortable addition that streamlines some functionality, though the familiar button controls remain for series vets.

You might want to resist, and you might mind coughing up the extra change, but you're bound to be hopelessly and happily addicted to what is truly a great puzzler. [Oct. 2006, p.78]

Every inch of the hand-drawn kingdom is brimming with endearing eccentricity. [Oct 2008, p.76]

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]

While Rogue Ops isn't quite up to the level of "Splinter Cell," it's pretty close. And Nikki's hot. Mark this one down as a big surprise, and pick it up. [Dec 2003, p.132]

Incredibly satisfying. [Oct 2008, p.82]

If you're new to the series, this collection is a terrific way to get into it all in one huge, time-sucking package. [oliday 2007, p.82]

World Tour is a big leap in content and polish over last year’s game, but we’re disappointed by a few unsatisfying creative calls. The extended song endings aren’t always enhancements, the unlockable gear doesn’t match the effort put forth to earn it, and we prefer Rock Band 2’s looser career-unlock structure. Most of all, Rock Band 2 simply feels more musical and organic; we get the suspicion that some World Tour songs had notes added to their charts simply to make them trickier, and not because the music suggested it.