What redeems Wreckateer, ultimately, is its variety. Each gleefully cartoony castle is sprinkled with point targets, explosive satchel charges, cowering goblins, and special icons that make your shot speed up, bounce, and so on.

Though its missteps won’t have you eagerly trading Lego Marvel Super Heroes around with your friends when you’re done, leafing through its open-world NYC still succeeds as a goofy, absorbing time sink.

Afro Samurai persisted in mesmerizing us. And really, with Sam Jackson spouting lines like “That girl puts the two ‘asses’ in ‘assassin’” in feudal Japan, how can we resist?

Factor in the up-and-down, run-and-gun dunk-a-thons that are fun but arcade-y--a trait tougher to stomach after "2K7's" more impressive showing--and Live 07 is like a windmill jam in the Dunk Contest: nice, but we've seen it before. [Dec. 2006, p.86]

As a gleeful tribute to gaming and pop-culture past, though, Retro City Rampage is definitely recommended. It may not rival the series it most closely follows, but it still offers a unique and gorgeously presented experience.

The developers' ambition and enthusiasm are undeniable. [Holiday 2009, p.84]

But unless you are a FIFA completist who desperately wants to play as goalie, the minor on-field tweaks in FIFA 11 don't significantly impact what was already a complete, broad, and compelling game. [Nov 2010, p.76]

It's still not perfect, but it's a great step in the right direction. [Holiday 2010, p.87]

Nail'd may lack the polish of our favorite off-road racer, Pure, but thankfully, its thrills still trump its flaws. Well, most of the time.

All told, Small Arms is straight-up, button-whacking action. [Jan. 2007, p.77]

Packs just enough new content to keep its legacy alive for another year or two.

Controlling Harry is easy enough - however, the in-game camera can be a bit rough. [Feb 2003, p.75]

Jack might be the star, but you'll have more fun with the supporting cast once his spotlight dims.

While we miss the tactile feeling of physical pieces, the incredible customization options make Puzzle Arcade a great option for both dabblers and jigsaw enthusiasts. [Feb 2009, p.85]

Fret Nice contains one thoroughly enjoyable musical world. Rock on. [Mar 2010, p.84]

Surprisingly challenging in an enjoyable, old-school way. [Holiday 2005]

At times, the game's many puzzles and open-world areas did leave us aimlessly wondering and wandering. But varied gameplay, solid combat, and an effective mix of psychological scares and freaky encounters make Downpour a worthwhile trip to Silent Hill's haunted 'hood.

Serves up a piping hot platter of punishment, free of the FPS cliche's that mire other titles. [Dec 2005, p.115]

There’s still a lot of entertainment value here: the cutscenes, the puzzles, the whip, the unlockable areas, the light-hearted humor. But, moreso than with Lego Star Wars, you don’t need a microscope to see the flaws in this shiny new jewel.

It's over too soon, the quickie mini-games aren't worth more than five or 10 minutes, and the inexplicable lack of online co-op play stinks of missed possibilities, but Alien Hominid is still great fun and a joy to watch. [Feb. 2007, p.74]

UEFA Euro 2008 narrows the FIFA ranks to just 52 teams in competition for the confederation's crown, but it still delivers realistic control, convincing independent ball physics, and smooth online play-making. [June 2008, p.81]

A good, solid, and fun title that is great for blowing off steam and packs some multiplayer fun. [Dec 2002, p.103]

The push and pull between the great and sketchy in Fable Anniversary can wear over the course of the game, but its infallible, messy charm still manage to make it every bit the enjoyable time sink it was back in 2004.

Between the playoffs and the inevitable cribbing of Madden 13's bigger features (like Connected Careers), next year's NCAA Football will surely implement some bold changes. But NCAA Football 13 feels more like another effective iteration than a genuinely new, thrilling experience.

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

Whether its quirks annoy you more than its strengths entertain you, though, all boils down to how much of a Quake fan you are.

Chronicles of Mystara isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it nonetheless offers quality multiplayer fun with plenty of razzle-dazzle behind its vintage veneer, making it a worthy addition to any retro fan’s game library.

At $5, there's no excuse not to relive the joy. [Oct 2009, p.77]