It’s still nice to see Tecmo Koei making enhancements, even if the fundamental formula is a bit flat these days.

Early on, you’re given mindless, nearly scripted busywork like chasing after Bluecoats intent on lighting powder kegs, and overall, the first half of Infamy’s 2.5-hour journey is a jarring mix of rushed action and s-l-o-w activities, without the freedom of ACIII’s open world to balance it out.

If you're already a Naruto believer, this game's excellent visuals and its faithfulness to the source material will outweigh its flaws. [April 2013, p.76]

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.

The over-the-top carnage is rounded out with co-op play (starring new redneck pal Huff), vehicle stages, new levels not in the PC version, and an inexhaustible supply of sticky high-jump pads — though it’s held back by rough visuals, co-op lag, and an overall lack of polish.

Though Crysis 3’s (admittedly beautiful) solo campaign never feels quite as strong as it could be, its enthralling competitive multiplayer sits comfortably among the strongest offerings of this console generation. Unless you have no interest in competing against your fellow human beings, these modes alone make the game worth buying.

While Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance can’t match the majesty of Metal Gear Solid’s epic campaigns or the fluid combat of top action titles like DmC, there’s still plenty to like in Raiden’s true action debut. If you can forgive some combat issues, you’ll dig the outlandish story and crazy carving mechanics.

We enjoyed Special Forces’ team-focused tweaks, even with the game’s dull maps and balance inconsistencies, but this multiplayer-only shooter doesn’t make a very strong impression. It’s a couple of ranks below the genre's best — and that’s something a $15 price can’t fix.

The occasional turn-based tactical shootout could’ve injected some much-needed verve, but the arbitrarily frugal placement of cover points too often forces your thugs to stand out in the open, and questionable line-of-sight will make you curse the inability to save in the middle of an engagement.

This is really a review of two games: a derivative story campaign (that you can play solo or with up to three friends in co-op) and a riveting, far superior multiplayer mode that allows you to compete as marines or alien xenomorphs in online matches. Considering Colonial Marines’ relatively long gestation period — roughly six years — it seems more attention was paid to fine-tuning multiplayer than to the campaign.

The new missions are the highlight here, especially the two "Lost Expedition" levels, which toss you into secret Japanese World War II facilities (one in the process of self-destructing) filled with retro sci-fi tech and abandoned except for hordes of pirates.

Even in its best moments, Dead Space 3 never quite reaches the highs of Dead Space 2: there's nothing as unforgettable as the gym battle, as beautiful as fixing the solar array, or as jaw-dropping as watching a mother and her necromorph baby explode. But this sequel's pulse-pounding action, epic scope, clever co-op play, and (mostly) absorbing story still deliver hours of fun.

It's as maddening and absurdly designed as it sounds, and even the simple local co-op play — which allows four reticles onscreen at once — isn't enough to make Heavy Fire appealing.

Revolution definitely punches up the Black Ops II multiplayer experience with fantastic maps and an SMG, while the exciting new "Die Rise" sweetens the deal.

Skulls of the Shogun is anything but a typical turn-based strategy game, and not just because of its colorful cartoon style and silly sense of humor.

It's intriguing to see the evolution of Agent 47's murderous tactics across these seminal entries, but much as Silent Assassin was lauded upon release for its many kill options, it's a startlingly clunky experience nowadays.

The Cave's charms aren't meant for longevity or deep, thinky examination. Its breezy morality play feels more like a small, self-contained, eccentric dose of dark humor, best suited for whiling away a gloomy afternoon spent indoors.

Want an excuse to keep climbing ledges and sailing the high seas? This downloadable Assassin's Creed III pack gives you exactly that, and little more.

Unfortunately, the story feels just as half-hearted, and it's hampered by fast-travel locations and quest kick-off points that seem erratically placed.

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

It's been a long time since we've been reminded of how fun it is to just cut loose without caring how you look--and Just Dance 4 gives every opportunity to recall that carefree joy. [Feb 2013, p.85]

As a gleeful tribute to gaming and pop-culture past, though, Retro City Rampage is definitely recommended. It may not rival the series it most closely follows, but it still offers a unique and gorgeously presented experience.

When $30 nets you this much online-multiplayer insanity, it's easy to forgive many of Anarchy Reigns' missteps. Heck, at that price, you can ignore the grueling solo campaign entirely and the game's still a decent value.

It's an interesting piece of Sega history, but not one that's aged particularly well.

Vipers is still a lot of fun, but you won't dump newer 3D fighters for it.

Seeing how the genre has evolved from VF2 is fascinating, but those new to fighting games might find this history lesson a little tougher to enjoy.

All three modes are fast-paced and enjoyable, but don't expect them to add anything major to the game: aside from letting you gradually unlock weapons and characters that can also be earned in Mercenaries (including the new, faceless Agent and mysterious Carla Radames), they're a little shallow.

When Multiverse is at its best, you'll enjoy its clever quips and competent shooting. Unfortunately, these highlights are all too rare.