The do-what-you-like pacing, charming presentation, and endlessly addictive nature of tackling increasingly complex structures in an effort to ultimately erect an impressive castle, mirrors an addiction we haven't experienced since the last time we preened in our pretty pinata gardens. [Dec 2008, p.88]

We were spoiled by Shadow Complex’s sophisticated environments, and while we could settle for the truckload of timed challenges in the nifty Proving Grounds collection of mini-games, we wanted to fall back into the darkened corridors of the sinister Restoration’s high-tech mazes for more, more, more.

The improvements and additions to one of 2012’s best games make XCOM: Enemy Within’s second quest every bit as alluring as first contact.

In around three hours, Lair gives you a mystery to solve; tense shootouts in several locations(including the outside of a spaceship!); a"car" chase through the skies of Ilium; and engrossing boss battles. [Nov 2010, p.81]

Just think of Double Agent as the least amazing Splinter Cell yet, rather than the worst game in the series - because it's simply not. It's the gutsiest, and the chances it takes (but doesn't quite nail) give the series room to evolve into something better than could've possibly imagined to iterations ago. [Dec 2006, p.70]

Black does what the original did best, and hits the elevator button and ascends to an even higher level. [Nov 2005, p.134]

At its core, Tiger 07 has ditched most of the bad case of the sillies that's possessed it for the past few years, and it finally feels authentic. [Nov. 2006, p.80]

Even though Fight Night Round 3 for Xbox isn't the jawbreaking work of staggering genius that the 360 version is, that doesn't mean it isn't a great game. [Apr 2006, p.74]

NBA 2K12 is not to be missed, lockout or no.

Capcom's done a sweet job of porting a coin-op legend, and Hyper Fighting is officially one of our favorite Live Arcade games. [Oct. 2006, p.83]

Quotation forthcoming. [Holiday 2005]

Fun, addicting, original, and has more gameplay options than any other FPS on Xbox, including "Halo." [Dec 2002, p.147]

In Stick of Truth, Obsidian has created what’s essentially an incredibly well-paced, extended playable episode of the TV show, cramming in a tightly constructed “greatest hits”–style, kitchen-sink gag reel of everything that can make the show such a riot. For fans, it’s hard to imagine a better way to wind down the Xbox 360 console generation than with this gloriously gassy, burrito-fueled send-off.

The allure of this package is irresistible. [May 2009, p.70]

A splendid, imaginative romp. [Jan 2002]

Complementing the on-field awesomeness is Year Two of online franchise mode. It’s better than before — you can even manage it from EA’s website or from your iPhone — and we encountered no issues during our testing.

With four massive game modes to choose from that could all serve as standalone titles plus a strong core gameplay engine, NHL 14 is about as good as it gets.

I love how it combines hard training and unapologetic difficulty with the real-life personalities who serve as your trainers: much like the gymnastics coaches who saw me through days of torn palms and taped shins, this tough-love attitude kept me focused and on track.

Future Soldier's campaign does lose its stealthy way a bit right at the end, and the presentation can be rough at times, just like the throwaway plot. Ultimately, though, the game shines not only for staying true to Ghost Recon's roots, but also for doing so while successfully balancing the memories of old fans with the modern expectations of new ones.

As good as the comic is, and as exciting as the TV show's third season has been, this vision of Robert Kirkman's zombie opus will always be our one, true, definitive version.

Astonishingly, every one of these dazzling battles is thrilling without overstaying its welcome - and also challenges you without being cheap. [Jan 2009, p.66]

Though it's not a first-person shooter, Halo Wars packs all the Halo fixings you've come to expect: an engaging campaign, co-op play, engrossing multiplayer, efficient party-friendly matchmaking, hidden skulls, Legendary difficulty, and impeccable controls. We can confidently say that it's the foremost example of a real-time strategy game done right on a console. [Mar 2009, p.72]

Yes, it’s frustrating at times, but it sure as hell got our blood pumping. Plus, the animations look unbelievably organic — especially contextual finishers that incorporate the surrounding environment —and the sound effects give every hit a satisfying sense of bone-crunching devastation.

Tiny Tina’s snarky adventure manages to dance on the precarious barrier between shooters and fantasy RPGs with surprising dexterity, and the amount of content more than justifies its price. For those disappointed that Dragon’s Keep marks the final DLC for season-pass holders, take heart: Gearbox saved the best for last.

Knife of Dunwall sharpens Dishonored’s storytelling and combat in one slice.

This episode dazzled us. Everything from its brisk pace to its gorgeous, comic-booky visuals to Lee and Clementine's sweet friendship just feels right. Unlike so many zombie games, its story is human instead of hokey, and it helps make The Walking Dead, Episode 1 slam-bang entertainment.

Naturally, the table artwork is gorgeous, doing the Marvel license proud, and the animated characters that leap around the playfields always enhance the look and never distract from the action.

So while a handful of dings and scrapes will unquestionably set some teeth on edge, Forza Motorsport 5 remains a fantastic opening salvo in the battle of the Xbox One racers.