Ultimately, you either think giant stompy robots are rad or you don’t; if they’re your thing, and you don’t mind its split single-/multiplayer nature, Armored Core: Verdict Day provides an enjoyable stage on which to both rock and sock ‘em.

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?

What makes MD so interesting is the three varied abilities of the characters. [Feb 2002, p.68]

Confuses more than entertains. [Dec 2001]

There are a few bugs we encountered, including one that muddled our quest list. Put it this way: we spent a lot of time saving, loading, and cursing. [Sept 2003, p.85]

Unfortunately, in the few areas where this version aims for freshness, it comes up flat. [Holiday 2008, p.83]

Obliterating futuristic forces and corporate landmarks with upgradable lightning, earthquake, and tornado attacks could've made for some stunning natural fury. But you'd never know it from Elements' main campaign, which spans 90 tepid minutes.

Meet the Robinsons is both uneven and disjointed, hampered by an awkward third-person view and targeting-control scheme. [May 2007, p.77]

It won't tax your hardware or your wallet(400 points--cheap!), so if you're bored with "Pac-man's" predictability, his better half will give you more to munch on. [Apr 2007, p.90]

For double-agent wannabes, we suggest renting a copy. Playing through Casino Royale is worth the thrill despite the game’s many flaws. But if you wanted an interactive version of the newest Bond fl ick or a game to replace the Call of Duty experience, Quantum just doesn’t make the cut.

A brief Reaper appearance got out attention, but this DLC's climax will infuriate many Mass Effect fans. [July 2011, p.75]

Poker purists will hate it, and poker haters may be totally uninterested. But if you like goofy games with surprising depth, this one's worth a try. [Apr 2009, p.65]

Finally, we have a Warriors game with some substance. [Oct 2011, p.75]

The game's impressively creative in parts, but regrettably, the blend of combat and driving never feels very fluid or cohesive.

It was a cute but unimaginative game for pre-teens when it debuted for the original Xbox this summer, and this 360 version of Pixar's animated movie Cars is essentially a high-resolution copycat. [Holiday 2006, p.76]

More a dreary exercise in solving the developer's puzzles, and less about the thrill of being Batman. [Sept 2005, p.82]

A near-exact port of a dated game, and as such is not impressive visually. [June 2003, p.84]

A very satisfying experience. [Holiday 2003, p.85]

Dynasty Warriors 8 should be the pristine, refined culmination of a long-running franchise, but instead it’s a reminder of how much a series can deteriorate when it coasts on its success.

Though it deftly combines action, strategy, and resource management, Godfather II simply never evolves. [May 2009, p.74]

Solid but not particularly inspired. [Dec 2005, p.112]

It won't win any awards for graphics or sound, but it's simplicity is part of its charm. [Apr 2012, p.77]

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]

Part thug brutality, part capers and hijinks, the latest wild ride from the developer of "Hitman" has its fair share of rough edges--maybe even more than its fair share--but its epic missions are so thrilling that they'll sear away the nuggets of disappointment you'll ocasionally feel. [Dec 2007, p.68]

The story and mission objectives are great, but the game isn't polished enough to let the good points shine. [Nov 2002, p.136]

The biggest fault in Rivals is the A.I. - your teammates seem terminally lost, neglecting to chase loose pucks or go after rebounds. [Dec 2003, p.106]

Black Knight's unique presentation is certainly memorable, and fans of hardcore combat platformers like Mega Man will relish its considerable challenges. But less masochistic souls will just curse up a blue streak and move on to something less merrily sadistic. [Nov 2012, p.77]

Super-addictive twitchfest with a terrific theme. [Sept 2008, p.74]