So it's dissapointing that instead of the mind-shattering experience that should properly claim "first MMO" honors, we get Final Fantasy XI--a port of a four-year-old game. [July 2006, p.78]

On the other hand, anyone who enjoys shaving seconds off speed runs and obsessing over scoreboards will appreciate Mercury Hg's focused simplicity, not to mention its $5 price tag. [Nov 2011, p.75]

But mostly you'll just grind through wave after mildly entertaining wave, and wonder why hardly anyone drops any desirable equipment. [Sept 2011, p.85]

It’s still nice to see Tecmo Koei making enhancements, even if the fundamental formula is a bit flat these days.

As hardcore gamers, we'd pay $5 for this port. But ultimately, it's one of Live Arcade's weaker offerings. [Oct. 2006, p.72]

Drop-in/drop-out couch co-op adds an extra level of value to this extremely affordable game; overall, World Gone Sour is a fairly satisfying, calorie-free way to get a Sour Patch fix.

Old-time arcaders will dig the ramped-up challenge: Super's tough even with a partner, and we had to lower the difficulty and hoard the spread gun - our sidearm soulmate - to beat all five levels solo. [Sept 2007, p.76]

No matter how you view the game's potentially divisive depiction of Juliet (Is her giggly, panty-flashing, stripper-pole-swinging act crassly exploitative, or just cheeky, campy fun? Lollipop's tone is frustratingly all over the map.), the gameplay seems to always fall just shy of being much more than it is.

There's no denying Tintin's engaging personality. From slick effects and slapstick animations (you can actually trip enemies with banana peels) to solid voice-acting, it immerses you in its world, even with the lackluster gameplay.

The stop-and-go action, the occasional jumps, and the sheer ridiculousness of what you're taking part in lends every race a manic aspect that elicits more giggles than groans. [Holiday 2006, p.78]

There's just enough payoff to keep fans trekking through, but it's a shame that this marvelous license wasn't treated better. [Holiday 2009, p.79]

It feels less like a lost Sergio Leone classic than a simple coin-op shooting gallery. [June 2004, p.82]

If you can handle the delivery, though, you're rewarded with some of the best flight mechanics on the 360 - especially if you take the time to master the Simulation controls. While completely unrealistic, the combat is fluid, fast, and fun.

Battle Fantasia may be a niche game for a specific audience, but otaku will live happily ever after.

It's probably the game Hobbes' buddy Calvin would have designed had he ever grown up, although it's far too repetitious and simply not challenging enough for grown-ups. [Jan. 2007, p.76]

Though sometimes repetitive, combat is tense, frantic, and structured in such a way that a big new boss or new challenge is always around the corner.

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.

Overall, there's not a lot of depth to Country Dance, but it is a pleasant, non-demanding way to spend a few hours kicking up your cowboy-booted heels.

For DDR newcomers, then, Universe 2 is the complete and definitive package. Longtime fans, on the other hand, will be left wondering how so little extra content can justify so full a price tag.

Even if there were room to experiment, a few dozen animals aren’t sufficient to lure back veteran gardeners for long, and newcomers are bound to wonder why life on the island is so needlessly difficult. In the end, Trouble in Paradise proves to be aptly named.

If you don't mind a little aggravation, Capsized has its charms. [Feb 2012, p.72]

However, Battlefest's plan to play it safe also limits it. No hint of a single-player campaign is included: you're either playing multiplayer matches with humans or simulating them. [March 2011, p.85]

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

Despite its solid on-course action, this franchise is starting to show its age. [May 2011, p.79]

On the whole, this inspired, if somewhat contrived, tale offers a satisfying close to the season. [Jan 2010, p.81]

The sorest spot is the game's lack of polish or presentation - two things that pro-wrestling is all about. [Mar 2003, p.81]

It's goofy, straightforward fun that's hampered by its occasional lack of responsiveness to your tablet inputs. [Feb 2012, p.78]

The game's force variations and library of over 50 maps make it a solid online contender, assuming you can forgive the fact that major battles still reduce an otherwise attractive presentation to a slow and unresponsive slideshow.