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]

There's enough cool stuff here--undead animals, fanciful new mounts, and fantastic new weapons--that it's among the best game add-ons on 360 to date. [Jan 2011, p.76]

The successes massively outweight the mistakes here - which, strangely enough, is exactly how we'd describe Matt Baker, the game's troubled hero. [Nov 2008, p.62]

We didn't get the "face in the game" feature that the PS2 has, which admittedly sucks, but this is still the best out there and it keeps getting better. [Jan 2004, p.66]

We love it when a sports game comes together. With NHL 09, all the potential this series has teased us with for the past two seasons has finally gelled into actual, grade-A greatness.

Arkane Studios has crafted what's likely the year's best new IP, and by tapping into elements of so many of this generation's greatest games, this adventure sneaks up, grabs you, and won't let go.

Unless you absolutely loathe poker or puzzlers, buy this game. [Feb 2008, p.75]

Horizon may not be the natural successor to Forza 4, but it manages to steer the franchise in a fresh and entertaining new direction. Serious Xbox racers need a lot of room to properly stretch the legs of their Ferrari F-40s and Audi R8s, and Forza Horizon delivers that room - and those wonderfully responsive cars - in spades.

We’re more than a little sore about the inexcusable lack of online play, but between the startlingly sharp neon visual aesthetic, the bumping new soundtrack, and smartly integrated Achievements, Retro Evolved 2 sets a new standard for arcade shooters on any platform, downloadable or otherwise.

Whereas we loved DC2 and its routines with a fierce consciousness, Dance Central 3 infiltrated our bodies without our knowing it. [Dec 2012, p.80]

As long as you're not dead-set on playing by yourself, don't miss one of the most exciting and habit-forming co-op experiences on Live Arcade. [June 2011, p.81]

Borderlands 2 features an insane amount of content. Expect to spend at least 40 hours finishing the main story campaign, and much more than that to complete all the optional missions. Once you beat the campaign, you can replay the game in harder Vault Hunter mode with your veteran character for even better loot and rewards.

The Darkness II's copious gore might upset sensitive stomachs, but it's vastly superior to its predecessor in every respect, spinning a frantic, fantastic neo-noir nightmare you won't want to end. Even those who ordinarily dismiss horror with a shake of the head should give it a shot.

With HD Remix, it feels like you’re getting the Ferrari of 2D fighters — and it’ll cost you. The game is a moderately pricey $15, and while it’s playable with a standard controller, it pretty much demands a Hori Fighting Stick for the full arcade experience. But on both counts, the payoff is oh-so-worth the sacrifice.

Wrapped around the entire single-and-multiplayer package is, again, some of the best presentation in any Xbox 360 game to date...With single-player delivering another snipe-'em-if-ya-got-'em ride and multiplayer upping the ante with its everything-you-could-imagine delivery, GRAW2 easily achieves must-play status. [Apr 2007, p.54]

Together, this mix of realistic physics and wildly imaginative board design will keep you coming back until...well, Zen releases its next batch of tables. [Jan 2014, p.67]

Multiplayer maps feel thoroughly playtested, with more game types than you can shake a stick of C4 at. [Nov 2005, p.122]

At only 10 bucks, Charlie Murder is both a killer game and a solid value for solo artists; for anyone with a few friends willing to join the slaughter, it’s damn near mandatory.

A classic. [Dec 2001]

The graphics look great (special nod to nice lighting), and the animation is outstandingly lifelike. [Dec 2003, p.130]

For those new to the series, Resident Evil 5 may not be what you expect. It's neither scary nor survival horror, and though its story throws plenty of love to longtime fans, you don't need to be one to enjoy it. Ultimately, it's an action feast for two - with just a little gristle amid all the delicious blood, bone, and brains. [Mar 2009, p.58]

This excellent sequel capitalizes on its precursor's strengths while breaking some fresh ground for the simulation genre. With its snazzy additions, sharper visuals, and gearhead-focused customization options, Shift 2 Unleashed strikes a fine balance between appealing to sim newbies and grizzled vets.

Simply put, UFC is the most realistic fighting game ever. [Apr 2002, p.68]

But here it is: the finest version of the finest fighting game series, and with spot-on Xbox Live play. [Holiday 2007, p.64]

Red Alert keeps getting better as you play. [Holiday 2008, p.82]

Secret is the foremost example of the genre on Xbox — and arguably anywhere else.

Fable III is most memorable not because it makes you laugh, but because it also makes you care. If a spouse gets carved up in your absence, you'll feel pangs of guilt. When your dog saves your bacon during a fight, you'll feel pride.

Forget discs and standalone releases. Here's how to repackage old games: with tender loving care.