This game isn't about simulating racing; it's about creating fun out of it. And it succeeds beautifully, one thrilling white knuckle at a time.

About the only thing in Moto GP 2 that hasn't changed is the spot-on handling. Everything else, from the graphics to the gameplay modes, has been overhauled, and it shows. [June 2003, p.80]

In the end, EA's got the player control, but Sega's got the online play and more realism, so that may be the difference-maker for you. [Dec 2003, p.153]

For the third year running, 2K has modified the right analog stick inputs, but luckily 2K14's Pro Stick is the best arrangement to date, letting you shoot, perform flashy passes, and put up your hands on defense with ease. It's a comfortable addition that streamlines some functionality, though the familiar button controls remain for series vets.

It feeds the hunger of Oblivion veterans for more RPG goodness, and new players will eat up the kooky detour it offers as they explore one of 2006's finest games. [May 2007, p.72]

Despite the uphill difficulty curve, repetitive commentary, and long loading times, Round 4 is a force that topples its mind-blowing predecessor in every category. You will get punched in the face, and you will love it. [Aug 2009, p.64]

The closest digital equivalent to real baseball. [Apr 2005, p.84]

A stunner, refreshing the tried-and-true formula with fantastic visual pop and engaging new modes.

The problem - Madden is merely good. If you're the only NFL game in town, Mr. EA, you better bring it in spades, not in drips. [Sept 2005, p.78]

Every anime-riffic charcter - from Ragna, the slightly effeminate swordsman, to Taokaka, the obligatory catgirl - is beautifully drawn and totally bizarre. [Aug 2009, p.71]

It doesn't have the clever story or wacked-out writing of "GTA", but it trumps that game so severely when it comes to doing the same kind of gameplay that it deserves its own sub-genre of clones. [Feb 2005, p.78]

Gamers who are prepared to think — and commit for the long, long haul — will revel in a story that touches on resonant issues and puts the fate of a spectacular world in your hands.

Titanfall is a wonderfully fast, open, and instantly accessible 12-player shooter, and if playing online is at all important to you, it’s an essential addition to your Xbox One library.

It’s all deftly anchored by a perceptive, nuanced narrative that helps fashion Croft into a convincing heroine who can weather extraordinary circumstances, while remaining convincingly human throughout. These quieter moments make what’s already a stunning ride even more worthwhile.

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.

In addition to a series of unlockable tournaments, Trials packs a bike and avatar editor, a compelling compilation of minigames (see sidebar), and that track editor. It’s an incredibly robust feature — perhaps even similar to the actual development tools — but it’s also highly intimidating.

This year we're picking Sega's game over EA Sports' - it just feels more like the real thing. [Holiday 2004, p.82]

As with any vertical shooter, there's no escape from the laborious memorization of unforgiving patterns. That fact alone means that not everyone can fall in love with Radiant Silvergun's unique mix of frenetic combat and fast-paced puzzle-solving. But if you don't mind working for every inch of progress and using your noodle more than usual, you'll happily spent innumerable hours perfecting your patrols through enemy space.

The super-smooth graphics and wonderful gameplay mean this is almost a home run. [Aug 2003, p.80]

With a cast more than 20 strong, and move sets that are as well-balanced and diverse as they are visually incomprehensible, #Reload's gameplay parallels its absurd-but-charming title in terms of completeness and gameplay sophistication. [Oct 2004, p.62]

The creators at Obsidian have crafted an amazingly compelling story with just the right tweaks and upgrades to keep the action fresh. [Jan 2005, p.30]

Mortal Kombat still isn't quite up to Street Fighter's level of complexity, but it's a deep, incredibly brutal fighter nonetheless, offering tons of variety and hidden extras. It's a goofier reboot than we were expecting, but it's also the most fun the MK series has been in years.

It's truly a wonder what could've fizzled into a pat, saccharine-sweet puddle of a tale ends up being much more, making Brothers an experience definitely worth having. [July 2013, p.70]

We're guessing may of these issues will be sorted out by 2012, but for now, this year's version offers the most technical and comprehensive college-football experience yet. [Oct 2010, p.74]

A series of very difficult parry and combo trials are what you're given to learn the game. Completing them is a slow process, but it's a fantastic and compelling way to figure out this notoriously complex sequel.

The surface changes lead to a more varied world and relatable characters, while the action itself is a benchmark for the genre.

After weathering the somewhat diminishing returns of Revelations and ACIII, Black Flag is exactly the shot in the arm Assassin’s Creed needed. It’s dependably fun, endlessly engrossing, and filled with tons of ready distractions everywhere you look, all while bringing to life a fascinating period of history with an engaging story and memorable characters. And if that isn’t enough, it’s the best game about pirates we’ve ever played.

Dance Central 2 blew our minds because of its artful mix of movement and gameplay; it makes using your body to respond to what's onscreen an afterthought. You just think: "Man, what a great game."