This Frankenstein-like "FF meets LOTR" formula ends up satisfying no one. [Holiday 2004, p.70]

For 20 bucks, this is almost a must-have for the old-school Sega nut inside us all. [Holiday 2004, p.67]

Tantalizing. [Holiday 2004, p.86]

Desite this strictly linear gameplay, there are still times when you'll be confused as to what you're supposed to do next. That just doesn't equal a fun gaming experience by any stretch of the imagination. [Jan 2005, p.82]

Much more than a cheap commercialization; it's a meaty game that kids and some masochistic adults will enjoy endlessly. [Dec 2004, p.84]

The real strength of this game is the bounty of narrated, interactive tutorials that effectively demonstrate strategy, tactics, and psychological analysis of your opponent. [Jan 2005, p.82]

A respectful nod to the past with the luxury of the present. [Holiday 2004, p.66]

Though no aspect of it truly screams triple-A, the entire effort is one that patient players who can endure the early hours will surely enjoy. [Holiday 2004, p.84]

The game is charming in its simplicity. [Holiday 2004, p.80]

For a game that's meant to be a goofy and irreverent take on the usually stuffy golf world, Outlaw Golf 2 is a surprisingly good golf sim. [Nov 2004, p.77]

Beyond its gorgeous surface trappings, Otogi 2 may not be as deep or satisfying as "Ninja Gaiden," but the minute you rack up a 200-hit combo or smack the snot out of a gaggle of headless ghouls, there's no denying it - Otogi 2 deserves to be experienced by all gamers who have a spot for pretty things and are unafraid to get in touch with their button-mashing side. [Nov 2004, p.82]

It's no "Mario 64," and an occasionally irksome camera frustrates, but Scaler is an enjoyable $20 game. [Jan 2005, p.74]

The phrase "style over substance" comes to mind, which is a shame...Men of Valor adds up to not much more than a run-of-the-mill police action. [Dec 2004, p.68]

Combat is sluggish and mediocre...Merely a shell of the quartet's former glory. [Holiday 2004, p.68]

A big, deep game with more than 50 tough missions and sturdy Xbox Live support, and while it lacks a certain mass-market sparkle, its gameplay will thrill the niche of gamers that it attracts. [Dec 2004, p.84]

The graphics are noticeably better, the gameplay is expanded upon, and it's twice as bloody as the first game. [Holiday 2004, p.67]

Even though none of the missions are worthy of the term "challenging," Ty 2 is a vanilla alternative to bazooka-toting commandos and is good fun for kids. [Dec 2004, p.74]

Infinitely playable, online and off. [Dec 2004, p.99]

While Tak 2 won't score points for innovation, it delivers enough humor and action to satisfy your platforming desires. [Dec 2004, p.82]

But what's really a labor of love is all the bonus material - historical info, original poster and advertising art, and behind-the-scenes videos with the games' creators. [Nov 2004, p.85]

Quality standards may have been different a year or two ago, but as a "new release" today, Yager ultimately crashes and burns as a poor "Crimson Skies" imitator. [Nov 2004, p.74]

If Syberia II has a serious flaw, it's that controlling Kate requires finesse. [Dec 2004, p.98]

I'm sure the folks behind this game would've been both pleased and amused to get a "6.9" score in this review. Sadly, this flaccid lump of code is barely worth a third of that. [Dec 2004, p.78]

Blend a super-cool license familiar to hardcore and casual gamers (and anime fans) with pedestrian gameplay and run-of-the-mill graphics, and you'll upset both fans attracted by the storied name and those hoping for a game that stands on its own merits. [Nov 2004, p.84]

It's not a question of whether or not you'll enjoy this latest deliciously gore-filled brawler; it's where you'll find the freakin' time to fully explore everything the game offers. [Dec 2004, p.86]

With tons of user-customizable elements, hones core gameplay, and plenty of surprises to discover and explore, no other action sports game can touch Tony Hawk's Underground 2. [Dec 2004, p.64]

SvC will make the hardcore audience that lives for technical fighting games extremely happy; most other gamers will be left wondering what all the fuss is about. [Dec 2004, p.90]

Even if you're frustrated by dying on a jump for the 50th time, you'll still think it's funny as hell. [Dec 2004, p.73]