It's all mildly entertaining but utterly disposable. [Apr 2010, p.86]

Commit to your fiefdom, and Tropico 3 becomes a gift that keeps on giving. [Apr 2010, p.81]

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

Next to the content-packed SmackDown series, this workout feels light. [May 2011, p.74]

For new and old players alike, this sequel is a superb adaptation of the classic CCG.

It's just not fresh enough to warrant a purchase if your dance pad is already getting a good workout. [Holiday 2005, p.70]

It's not the best racing game on Xbox, but every racing fan should try it just for its unique approach and tense chase action. [Dec 2002, p.92]

What you end up with is a solid but average action game with only truly great concept. Sure, it's a one-trick pony, but at least the pony's cute and doesn't smell. [Dec 2003, p.156]

It all feels rather complicated at first, but you'll quickly settle into a satisfying groove.

With a handful of infuriating exceptions, Blood of the Werewolf's challenging gameplay generally feels fair and rewarding, and its increasingly lethal, lightning-quick action is well paced. [July 2014, p.78]

In a market of precisely one, this package lacks a number of bells and whistles (decent multiplayer most of all), but it had me pursuing a repeat of England's World Cup victory for many hours. [Apr 2005, p.88]

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

There may be no such thing as the perfect heist in PayDay 2, but they’re rarely forgettable — proof that while this game isn’t quite the transcendent co-op experience on the level of, say, Left 4 Dead — it still offers up a nice change of pace in first-person shooters on Xbox.

Overall, gameplay is great - passing is tight, running moves are fluid, and the playbook is decent-sized, although officials occasionally miss big calls while throwing seemingly random flags. [Sept 2007, p.81]

It's not for everyone, but with patience, Uprising can become an incredible experience, with plenty of giant bosses and insane, over-the-top action set-pieces. [Jan 2011, p.74]

Irresistibly cute. [Feb 2009, p.84]

But while Raskulls' thrills are short-lived, it's a genuinely fresh and fun concept we hope will do well enough for an even bolder(and heftier)sequel. [Feb 2011, p.78]

It's still a fun series that can come right back like a determined wrestler, but this year's iteration lacks the polish and wow factor of previous versions. [Holiday 2010, p.78]

A campaign of surprisingly smart A.I. opponents. [Sept 2009, p.87]

The tasks themselves are familiar — secure blueprints and ammo dumps, defend towns from takeover, detonate collateral — but your freedom of movement creates an exciting illusion of tactical authority, even if you can’t order around your disposable steroid-brigade buddies.

Despite issues regarding its distribution method, DoA5 Ultimate remains a fun, gorgeous, and accessible fighter, made sweeter by the wealth of new content. There's no better time to hop into the ring.

The game plays well, handles easily, and provides plenty of slapstick humor. It's just too bad that its flaws restrict it to a merely enjoyable distraction. [Jan 2004, p.84]

The showdown between pitcher and batter just isn't deep enough...Ultimately, ASB is an average game. [Apr 2004, p.74]

Revolution definitely punches up the Black Ops II multiplayer experience with fantastic maps and an SMG, while the exciting new "Die Rise" sweetens the deal.

If you love surprises yielded by the collision of inventive card abilities, you'll get a respectable kick from Culdcept Saga. [Feb 2008, p.78]

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

Just having the Quake name alone isn't good enough anymore. [Jan 2006, p.70]

Varied events, sparkling social challenges, and rowdy online skirmishes make Dirt Showdown the rare spinoff that's as amazing as its much-loved predecessor, albeit in its own unique way. It's an absolute blast throughout, and proof that accessible, arcade-style thrills and spills can still deliver via superb execution.