[A] few soft spots are what keep Kingdoms of Amalur from being truly dazzling. It's a great RPG - one that gives you an almost Bethesda level of freedom - and it has so much content that you could be playing the game for a couple of months. [Mar 2012, p.72]

Visually, the game looks pretty darn snazzy--it's better than "NHL 2K7" by a country mile--and it plays much better, too, though it's nowhere near as deep in the features department. [Nov. 2006, p.82]

Though its mix of strategy and simulation is something of a console rarity, this franchise endures, thrusting you into a new dictatorial power trip over the burgeoning populace of a Caribbean island. [Nov 2011, p.83]

Though Prejudice repeats what most of us missed in the first go-round, it's still an original, must-play multiplayer game, and we'd love to see it take off this time. [July 2011, p.80]

The refined physics mesh with the superbly slick controls to create and authentically challenging racing experience, chock full of wicked-fast wheeling. [Nov 2008, p.61]

It's a genuinely great football game, but this edition delivers the kind of small-scale updates that only a paints-his-chest-and-face-on-Saturdays fan could love.

Super Soldier never hits with as much force as Arkham Asylum, but for superhero fans, it's a worthy adventure.

Entertaining, but hardly groundbreaking. [Holiday 2004, p.64]

The goofy ending shenanigans are worth the trouble, of course, but it’s always a shame to see a runner stumble just before the finish line. Luckily, the rest of Deadpool is so light on its feet and so steadfastly amusing that you’re bound to remember all of the pleasure and none of the pain.

The campaign simply drags on far too long. Well before the end, you've already nailed all of the skillshots you're likely to achieve and have had enough of the game's bromantic dialogue.

Four-player co-op is crazy amounts of fun. [Dec 2009, p.83]

The Broken Bond provides a similarly potent blend of action, adventure, fighting, and puzzling--all supported by light RPG addictiveness--while also cranking up the nine-tailed-demon-fox fun with some strong additions. [Jan 2009, p.79]

Kinect responsiveness can be spotty, especially jumping, but it works well enough to keep kids (and adults) grinning ear-to-ear while playing.

Shadows of the Damned saddles itself with too much fetch-the-widget downtime to be the wholly unpredictable thrill-ride it aspires to be, but it is stuffed full of boisterous personality and pulse-pounding bloodshed.

Terrific character-unlock system. [Oct 2009, p.82]

Same great gameplay, now with more immersion and no delays. [Holiday 2005, p.92]

The “a-ha” moments when you successfully combine your various marker powers to navigate a pitch-black cave, escape the clutches of a pursuing beast, or access a seemingly out-of-reach ledge made us feel like Mensa members.

Ghostbusters combines a tried-and-true structure with a familiar but fresh license, filling that game with personality and panache - and that's what really raised our spirits. [July 2009, p.72]

Though what's on offer isn't necessarily robust - nor does it pony up any additional Achievements - for Bastion devotees, this DLC serves to deepen the game's already-irresistible mythos.

The Moon Knight and Ghost Rider tables are definitely our favorites here, but all four are fun enough and replayable enough to make this DLC pack well worth the $10.

A space-station--building sim? It's not for everyone, but it's a hoot. [Jun 2006, p.64]

It's straight out of 1989, and that makes it either archaic or retro-cool comfortable. With Capcom's steady attention to polish and presentation, Lost Planet falls into the latter category more often than not. And even if it's familiar, it's definitely not repetitive. [Jan 2007, p.48]

WWE '13 is another great match from Yuke's, but calling it better than WWE '12 is tough. If you're hoping to re-ignite a wrestling addiction, WWE '13 is a great gateway, but the organization's more ardent fans (like us) will enjoy this year's effort while still clinging to their copies of WWE '12 like an Anaconda Vice.

Considering you're getting two good mecha shooters at a reasonable price, we heartily recommend this package.

It's an amateur music maker's tool, but a very potent and easy-to-use one and everyone from hardcore wannabe producers to b-boys sitting around Mom's living room really should have it in their library. [Aug 2004, p.84]

With mostly excellent pieces, this seven-pack is an easy pickup for anyone still playing Modern Warfare 3 with pals - or seeking a good reason to dive back in.

Diamond Mine. This enticing new mode has you catching gems atop gold deposits and untilled earth to earn bonuses and dig ever deeper before time runs out. Don't surprise if you awake in a slack-jawed daze to discover that dawn has come and gone.

Awesomenauts' peculiar mix of fast-paced 2D action and ever-shifting strategy plants it in a strange niche, but it also rewards adventurous players with hours of warfare and entertaining experimentation. [June 2012, p.74]