The last-gen graphics aren't godawful, but they're a far cry from the 360's near pixel-perfect presentation. Who cares, though: it's fun to play the Xbox one last time. [Sept 2008, p.71]

Yet, with so many fishing holes to unlock on top of the ability to, yes, race your boat, Trophy Bass salutes those of you who enjoy fishing with way more options than $20 normally delivers. [Feb. 2007, p.80]

Even if hunting is about communing with nature, Trophy Hunter reduces it to boredom. [Feb. 2007, p.80]

Do yourself a favor: stay as far away from this wreck as possible. [May 2011, p.80]

It's not terrible, but not even the ability to make Grylls drink urine or hollow out a camel for shelter are enough to make it compelling. [July 2011, p.77]

But there's not one good reason to visit the same no-frills battlefield a dozen times or more just to grind out the improvements needed to conquer the next chapter. [Aug 2011, p.79]

This one's short but fun, with a few memorable interrogations, an unusually lighthearted tone (for Noire, anyway), and a notable appearance by character actor Kurt Fuller as a faintly sleazy used-car dealer.

One of the best standalone stories in the game.

With its nifty fill-in-the-backstory premise, this downloadable expansion should've been a must-buy for anyone who dug Armageddon as much as we did. And it might've been, it it wasn't so weirdly lifeless. [Nov 2011, p.79]

Nicktoons MLB is fun but frivolous, which should work just fine for kids and families. [Dec 2011, p.75]

NASCAR fan or no, you'll want to steer clear of Unleashed.

Ultimately, the strength of this game lies in how it draws on the movie soundtrack: the catchy covers carry the routines, the karaoke, and even the mini-games you unlock. Lifelong fans of the Grease movie, this one's solely for you.

Cabela's Survival is sold solo or bundled with the Top Shot Elite rifle controller, which offers more exacting aim during hunting sequences. But unless you expect to play (and replay) the bonus shooting galleries - railed shooters that have you blast furred and feathered wildlife in House of the Dead fashion - then a standard controller is preferred. Otherwise, the game can easily be finished in an afternoon, leaving hunting fans wondering why they wasted it playing a lackluster action-adventure game.

Twister Mania would be a suitable XBLA download at a discount price, but at $50? For this piece of retail fluff? We'll stick with the plastic mat, thanks.

Simply another chapter in a thoroughly charming game (OXM rating: 8.0). In other words, fun but not a must-buy.

You Monster may not convert every tower-defense holdout, but it's definitely one of the most devious and memorable bits of DLC we've played.

A Kinect movie tie-in that delivers a silly, satisfying experience? Hey, we're as surprised as you are.

Leela's disparate components don't perfectly align, but for meditative newcomers and casual gamers, it's an interesting collection of breezy play sequences. That said, if you're seeking a more engaging Zen experience via Kinect, we recommend the trippy sights and sounds of Child of Eden instead.

To its credit, Real Big Shootin' takes a great game and focuses on one element, offering an experience that's legitimately different. In this case, though, "different" isn't nearly as fun.

Though what's on offer isn't necessarily robust - nor does it pony up any additional Achievements - for Bastion devotees, this DLC serves to deepen the game's already-irresistible mythos.

We wish THQ had squeezed more out of the formula, like offering more than two playable characters and a more gratifying campaign progression, but Surf & Skate Roadtrip remains a decent Kinect pick for a few hours of amusement, especially for young SpongeBob fans.

The few exciting moments are simply crushed by the feeling of having the same content and problems tossed into a slimmer and sleazily misleading "sequel."

We must say, though, using Kinect to spin the big wheel is a treat. [Feb 2012, p.74]

Hits just enough right notes to keep a solo player interested. [Feb 2012, p.74]

The same inconsistent Kinect recognition that drove us batty last year. [Feb 2012, p.74]

Feels absolutely barren - which makes the $40 price point both baffling and ridiculous. [Feb 2012, p.74]

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

The central story mode follows December's movie with players unlocking successive sets of songs and stages. Free play and same-screen co-op modes round out the package, with all content generously unlocked from the start. Between the kid-friendly dance-a-thon and the Chipmunk singing, Chipwrecked is equal parts adorable and grating. Your young ones will have a blast getting down with Alvin and his pals while you can at least take solace in the easy Gamerscore boost.