It completely nails what a sequel should be: it expands on everything its predecessor did best without sacrificing what we loved most about it in the first place. [May 2010, p.74]

Puzzlingly, Rage even lacks a competitive FPS multiplayer mode - the very thing id Software is best known for. Instead, you get nine two-player co-op side stories (they're decent 20-minute missions worth rolling through once) and a suite of lackluster six-player buggy-racing modes in which you shoot at someone for a while before someone else swoops in and steals the kill at the last second.

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

A big, deep game with more than 50 tough missions and sturdy Xbox Live support, and while it lacks a certain mass-market sparkle, its gameplay will thrill the niche of gamers that it attracts. [Dec 2004, p.84]

It's a bafflingly well-done license that not only does justice to the show, but turns out to be a brilliant "Grand Theft Auto" clone in its own right. And one that isn't violent or scary, but is addictive and genuinely amusing. [Oct 2003, p.82]

Features the ability to visit other locales. This is huge...Sims fans, get ready to kiss the next month of your life good-bye. [Holiday 2003, p.104]

It's like a bunny-sloper stuck in five feet of powder. [Dec 2005, p.118]

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.

Vampire Smile simply reasserts Ska Studios' placement on the top-tier rung of Xbox Arcade developers. [May 2011, p.80]

Skulls of the Shogun is anything but a typical turn-based strategy game, and not just because of its colorful cartoon style and silly sense of humor.

What sets Terraria apart from its obvious inspiration is more than just 2D design; it’s the action-centric tone that emerges the more you dig around and buddy up with pals, especially online ones who have cultivated their own worlds and arsenals (though local split-screen multiplayer is included).

It's not a question of whether or not you'll enjoy this latest deliciously gore-filled brawler; it's where you'll find the freakin' time to fully explore everything the game offers. [Dec 2004, p.86]

Overall, Madden remains quite raw. The engine shows a great deal of promise, and Connected Careers features a lot of interesting ideas, but there's no question that this is a rebuilding year. The best news is that EA finally seems to be on the right track. Give it another year, and Madden may at least be a true contender. [Oct 2012, p.72]

Unless you absolutely loathe poker or puzzlers, buy this game. [Feb 2008, p.75]

For our basketball dollars, pound for pound College Hoops 2K8 is the sure-fire way to tip off the '08 season. [Jan 2008, p.67]

A fun game unlike anything we’ve seen on Xbox. Don’t be surprised if it sneaks off with your time and money.

An extremely solid racer with moments of greatness; but just enough flaws to keep it from the ranks of the classics. [Dec 2008, p.82]

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]

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]

A well crafted and challenging motocross game with tons of options and minigames to explore that'll have you kicking up mud for hours on end. [May 2004, p.76]

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]

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

This 2007 edition is the undeniable pinnacle of the genre, dropping a powerful payload of pugilistic power-tripping that you'd have to be nuts to pass up. [Holiday 2006, p.84]

It’s definitely a “more of the same” type of sequel and it has a few rough edges the original didn’t, but Ninja Gaiden II is still one of the best, most exhilarating action experiences on Xbox 360.

Hardcore MechWarrior fans who won't play online much may be disappointed with MechAssault 2. But for Live addicts/multiplayer buffs, expect big returns on your investment. [Feb 2005, p.82]

Infinitely playable, online and off. [Dec 2004, p.99]

Its giddy, family-friendly spirit makes Kinect Party a perfect game for adults and kids alike - though not necessarily in groups of five or six, where the game feels crowded and players may end up vying for screenspace and floorspace, even in a large, Kinect-ready room.

Proves enjoyable and instantly accessible. [Apr 2005, p.87]