Traditional point-and-click game complete with traditionally rubbish gameplay. [Christmas 2004, p.119]

If we're going to have Sims add-on packs, let's have them like this. [Apr 2005, p.106]

Combine all of this with shocking AI, unfair combat and limited ammo, and you're looking at a veritable festival of the mediocre. [June 2005, p.101]

It's not awful. Just empty. [March 2005, p.106]

Shiny, shallow, and sadly unremarkable. [May 2005, p.105]

It's delicious to watch. Nexus' whirling space charts and system-spanning ships slip past spiraling asteroids, fend of the shadows of "Homeworld" and make your head spin. [Christmas 2004, p.114]

Easily the most engrossing and authentic sub sim out there. [July 2006, p.92]

So nearly entertaining, but the controls are just too crummy. [March 2005, p.96]

A fine add-on that will keep WoW at bay. [May 2005, p.105]

An adult plot, new techniques to unlock your team's back-story, exciting levels and planets, divergent light and dark paths, and a black sense of humor all contribute to a nicely rounded RPG. [Apr 2005, p.94]

One of the most incompetent strategy games of recent times. [May 2005, p.104]

As an alternative to "The Sims," only the abundance of nipples saves it. [Apr 2005, p.104]

Quickly repetitive actin, with ultra-violence that soon becomes mundane. [March 2005, p.100]

This game is Hardcore, with a capital H-Bomb. Hardcore to the extent that even hardcore gronards will need a few quiet nights with the manual before heading out to invade Poland. [March 2005, p.104]

A strong stomach is more important than a Pentium IV for this one. [March 2005, p.113]

The "Serious Sam" of the "D&D" genre: fast, brutal, and ultimately a teeny bit dull. [Apr 2005, p.100]

A decent low-cost dabble if you've grown out of painting little lead figures. [Christmas 2004, p.122]

There are moments that let Butcher Bay down - the melee combat, cack-handed first-person boxing, feels radom and ridiculous; there's some irritating mystical babble; and it's too short - but overall, the game's a gem. [Jan 2005, p.86]

Played the original? Then you'll probably enjoy this. [June 2005, p.92]

Challenging, but not always in the right way. Invade elsewhere.

The role playing element is where this game comes into its own...You can engage in mind games with any other manager, striking up friendships and burn bridges, and your players will react to what they say about you too. The fun that cna be had by continually prodding a virtual Kevin Keegan to see what he'll do next...[Dec 2004, p.82]

While LOTR: BME has the makings of a great strategy title with its "Kohan II" fixed-bases and unit regeneration elements, the lack of consistency in the campaign, mixed with its more generic elements, make it a difficult game to love. [Christmas 2004, p.103]

The relentlessly brain-dead action gets a bit dull after a while. [Feb 2005, p.85]

For intermediate and expert chess players in search of a genuine challenge, the powerful, mature engine and deep analysis available here probably gives Fritz 8 the edge over its rivals. [Jan 2005, p.98]

With so much effort put into Being Whatevercraft, it's a real shame that a bit more time wasn't spent on really trying to surpass it, rather than just being a solid game that's as ultimately memorable as a disembowel movement. [Dec 2004, p.89]

After the beautiful, atmospheric adventuring in the last game, having your new nemesis introduce herself by slowing grinding her barely-clad buttocks in your face is about as welcome as having her suddenly fart into it. Modern? Mature? No. It's gratuitous, tacky and pointless. [Christmas 2004, p.98]

Functional WWII strategy! Again! Gah! [Feb 2005, p.93]

It barely raises a smile, reducing most gamers to a grim comatose zomebie-state, the only sign a life now a dull flicker of hate in their glazed, cold eyes. [Christmas 2004, p.107]