Crash of the Titans makes a solid, if uninspiring, choice for younger fans of the series, but everyone else should head for more enjoyable all-ages fare like "Beautiful Katamari" or even--yes--"Surf's Up". [Holiday 2007, p.82]

The most polished and enjoyable hunting game ever made. It's surprisingly well-designed, with graphics and environments that actually make you feel like you're roaming the great outdoors. [Dec 2003, p.130]

Unfortunately, Kinect problems abound: the fussy, imprecise motion-reading is frustrating(especially when you're blocking and deflecting attacks), and some of your physical actions require exaggerated movements. [Oct 2012, p.79]

Powerstar Golf has its enjoyable strokes, whether playing solo, with local buddies, or while challenging an online rival's best score in an asynchronous mode, but truly head-scratching skill and progression choices diminish what's already an uninspiring clone.

Brave can be endearing and diverting, particularly if a parent and child work together via local co-op. Unfortunately, the whole journey lasts only four hours or so, and the bonus Kinect archery mini-game won't keep you playing for much longer.

The confusing narrative, poor voice acting, and lackluster puzzles make the game hard to love, but if “weird” is your niche, this trip offers some solid entertainment.

A fascinating diversion you could spend the rest of your life pursuing, but this presentation of it is disappointingly short on frills.

Mind-numbingly repetitive. [Jan 2006, p.75]

A brawler at its heart, Gladiator is not short on blood or action, but it is lacking somewhat in depth. [Dec 2003, p.92]

It all moves at such a slow pace that there's no feeling of excitement or achievement in finishing a level. [May 2009, p.84]

It starts to get a bit mind-numbing by around level 20 if you play solo, but when you bring some friends along for the adventure, your evening will quickly disappear in a puff of fun. [Jun 2006, p.61]

Other than the stunning graphics, Tao Feng doesn't excel in any other area, but is quite competent in most. [May 2003, p.72]

With better graphics and better (read: more fun) controls, Crash 'n Burn could be a standout racer. [Holiday 2004, p.87]

Arena Football may be a little rough around the edges, but it has the potential to grow. [Mar 2006, p.77]

As you grit your teeth through 30 missions, you'll run into frustration aplenty. [Feb 2012, p.76]

It's the lack of real depth that will definitely bore serious gamers, but for the under-six set, Spyro is very easy to get into and understand. [Holiday 2004, p.87]

You're just a little spaceship trying to collect crystals while dodging mines and various creatures. [Jun 2006, p.61]

It slowly dawned on us that that's all there is to the game. [Oct 2009, p.82]

As difficult as it is for a self-proclaimed story-aholic to admit, the flow of combat and epic exploration is enough to make the Gothic series' console debut an interesting experience, despite the mind-boggling story design.

A few more maps, a few more multiplayer modes, a few more unique areas in the campaign, and a few more fear-inducing moments would’ve gone a long way toward making Aliens vs. Predator set off gamers’ motion trackers. Instead, it registers as simply a medium blip on the radar — a second-shelf shooter that falls just short of fulfilling the incredible potential of its license.

It's a solid approach in both concept and execution, but the game just doesn't offer enough to keep you interested for long. [Mar 2010, p.81]

As a story that up-ends an icon, Testament certainly delivers for the bulk of your adventure, stumbling only in its weaker, latter third. What hurts the game more, unfortunately, are its dicey production values.

This game’s not just bizarre, it’s downright schizophrenic. And while we’re used to — and even enjoy — some of these sorts of wild hijinks from mad-genius Suda51 and his team at Grasshopper, Killer Is Dead’s individual components never coalesce into a worthwhile experience.

Online multiplayer and tournaments liven up the competition, but London 2012's uneven gameplay makes it more of a sampler plate than a main course.

Still, even the subtle control lag that crops up online can't diminish the ham-fisted charm of each vicious contest, so retro fans shouldn't think twice about dropping 10 bucks on Speedball 2. [Oct 2007, p.81]

Desite this strictly linear gameplay, there are still times when you'll be confused as to what you're supposed to do next. That just doesn't equal a fun gaming experience by any stretch of the imagination. [Jan 2005, p.82]

Hardcore realism and all kinds of cool real-world weapons and vehicles. [Holiday 2005, p.83]

The F1 license ultimately adds little value to a style-over-substance kiddie racer where luck often trumps driving skill.