Oddly, what doesn't come into play so much is the series' unique new feature - the heart-rate monitoring done by the optional new Top Shot Fearmaster.

A decent experience, but not one you're likely to spend much time with. [Jan 2005, p.72]

There's much to be said for electrified pistols and radioactive swords, even if the slaughter gets repetitive well before the final battle.

Flag-wavers for hexagonal turn-based strategy games, take note: Commanders' less flexible squares won't offer up the daunting depth of a full-priced title. [Apr 2008, p.76]

The prevailing problem with Rocksmith: defining exactly what it wants to be. It doesn't go all the way in teaching you guitar, in that you're not learning how to read notes or construct a composition. Conversely, as a videogame, its straight-faced tone, added playing mechanics, and high price make it less accessible than, say, Rock Band.

For the low price of $20, Xyanide's a surprisingly fun alternative to Xbox Live Arcade's nostalgic offerings. [Oct. 2006, p.81]

Unfortunately, only a third of the game is dedicated to re-creating Genesis-era stages, and classics like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic 3D aren't represented at all. Even worse, the game's beatable in five or six hours, with little incentive to reach 100% completion. Hopefully, Generations can spawn a sequel that fixes these flaws.

Despite the off-tone retelling, though, Lego Lord of the Rings succeeds in being the most authentic and complete LOTR videogame to date.

As far as gameplay goes, World Cup performs a notch better than "FIFA 06" did(although taking free kicks from midfield is an odd moment with limited options for control and strategy). [Jun 2006, p.77]

This NFS definitely isn't in the same league as last year's superb Most Wanted. But despite its misfires, Carbon has a lot of great action and intriguing ideas that, with properly calibrated expectations, will be a blast for fans of the series' trademark arcade racing. [Holiday 2006, p.72]

It's nice to feel engrossed by a board game again. [July 2008, p.66]

While you'll miss the novelty of a glowing blue joystick and an analog spinner, setting the controls to "Absolute Aim" (preset C or D) gives you enough precision to do battle on the Game Grid. [July 2007, p.79]

Much like Sony's old "FaceOff" series, the gameplay itself is super-fast and floaty(by default; sliders let you tweak this), and the skates never really feel attached to the ice the way they should. [Nov. 2006, p.84]

We enjoy QAA, but next to golden oldies(Doom, Duke)and modern epics(Halo, Call of Duty), it's less of a legend. [March 2011, p.81]

Blood Dragon becomes too easy too soon, thanks in part to the steady stream of health-bar upgrades and damage-reduction bonuses you’ll unlock as you tear through 30 experience-based levels of personal progression. By the end you’re practically unstoppable, so you’ll almost certainly overcome all seven story missions, and complete every optional hunting excursion and hostage rescue, in under five hours.

There are certainly bits and pieces of decent storytelling hidden throughout the game, but for every ounce of beauty, you get three humdrum pounds of grind. [Holiday 2008, p.78]

At $50, Revelations is cheaper than most AAA retail releases, but it’s decidedly lower-budget in scope and style. While it’s a serviceable throwback for those sick of survival-action, we’d have liked a bit more polish and a deeper quest.

What's in the game is pretty compelling for the right type of gamer who knows exactly what they're in for and has buddies well versed in the same type of gameplay. Too bad, because with a little Live play this could've been a contenda. [Feb 2004, p.74]

It's not perfect, but it hits most of its well-intentioned targets. [Feb 2011, p.74]

We just wish the actual racing shared the depth and excitement of these considerable community features. [Mar 2011, p.82]

Fast-paced action that's right on cue. [July 2009, p.97]

Despite a few flaws and one ill-conceived megamix, these games are treated with the respect they deserve at a price we’re willing to pay. We’re happy to see them on Arcade where they belong.

Pretty but contrived. [Feb 2002, p.80]

Breezy and bite-sized, it won't wow you..but it's no dog, either. [Holiday 2009, p.82]

"Quotation Forthcoming"

Despite the high overall level of polish, Assault Heroes 2 feels like an overlong expansion pack - and at $10, it's one that costs twice the price of the original. Good game? Yes, but a tough sell.

It's jolly good British fun, but more spontaneity would've made it blood brilliant. [Dec 2009, p.75]

Still, what the game does, it does well. And fun is fun, even if it comes with a tail. [Nov 2010, p.83]