A splendid adventure that’s well paced, excellently voiced, and doesn't outstay its welcome.

It's not the lack of death that drains the game of its urgency and suspense; it's the lack of purpose in each level, other than to show off the lovely design of virtual monkey bars topped off with some fireworks at the end. [Feb 2009, p.66]

We're in a milsim boom and Isonzo's thrilling, if limiting battlefields fit nicely into it.

Metal: Hellsinger manages to remain entertaining despite its lackluster story due to its great soundtrack and well-integrated rhythmic combat.

Despite the missteps with combat, and another storyline that is just too dry to get invested in even with well-produced cutscenes, I still recommend Catalyst. It’s annoyingly close to being the ideal Mirror’s Edge game, but retains a few of its predecessors’ issues, even if those problems have manifested in different forms. If you loved the first game as much as I did, there’s so much to enjoy about running around this big, gorgeous playground—I just wish DICE had stuck the landing.

Problematic in some areas, but overall a really good, thoughtful move towards better sex games.

Those 12 missions might not sound like a lot, but their sprawling scope and elaborate challenges will keep you busy for dozens of hours. [Holiday 2003, p.118]

Not for the coordination-challenged. [Jun 2006, p.105]

A well-formed slice of noir mystery, beautifully presented. Some writing issues aside, A Case of Distrust is well worth your time.

Brimming character and imagination, Wargroove occasionally loses its groove over long-winded core gameplay.

Despite these small issues, BIONICLE Heroes is a successful extension of the buildable toy line that delivers an enjoyable gaming experience for kids of all ages. [Feb. 2007, p.76]

A solid game that does everything at least mostly right, but almost everything seems a little duller and more tedious than you'd expect from a next-generation MMORPG. [Feb 2005, p.76]

Owners of "Earth 2150" may want to wait for "Earth III." BUt his is still a very deep RTS. [May 2001, p.83]

Roguebook stands out from the pack on a few qualities, but it's not a must-play.

An okay platformer but a deeply imaginative horror game, Little Nightmares is worth playing for its array of disturbing imagery.

Forza mimicry aside, the improved handling and visuals, along with Grand Race mode, are a revelation.

If you can stomach the plodding matches, Scrolls delivers a rewarding melange of collectible card and tabletop gameplay.

The actual gameplay is quite solid, although a few AI quirks remain from "Live 2005." [Jan 2005, p.106]

Some omissions and flaws, but balanced by excellent alien races and ship design. A welcome addition to the crew.

Its aesthetics need more polish - and it needs to offer more help for newcomers. [Sept 2002, p.64]

Enter the Gungeon is a good shooter that underdelivers on its promise. It's still fun, but there are better examples of the genre.

A fun Smash Bros. on PC that needs a little more fine-tuning to reach its full potential.

Some nice characters and stories nested in an astounding open world, undercut by jarring bugs at every turn.

The game stability improvements and faction system certainly make this a technological step up from the original, but they don't add up to a compelling reason to replay the same game. [Dec 2008, p.62]

Despite a few AWOL features, however, it can still deliver a healthy 230-mph kick in the pants when pushed. [Dec 2003, p.102]

It ain’t "Diablo II," but it’s in the ballpark, and frankly, that’s a pretty sweet deal.

A visual stunner with strong AI, fast-moving gameplay, and a lot of depth. [Feb 2002, p.79]

It may not be the Dungeon Siege you remember, but this stunning, story-driven co-op dungeon crawler is entertaining just the same.

Even while telling myself that I should be revolted - especially since Cash is a thoroughly unsympathetic protagonist - I finished the 15-hour game in three sittings. [July 2004, p.72]

Sega Rally Revo kicks up some of the best mud in the genre. [Jan 2008, p.74]

A quality baseballer that nails key fundamentals but doesn't know anything out of the park. [Jun 2010, p.80]

More rich quail rather than plump-breasted pheasant, but still a rare and satisfying bird.

It's a great way to spend your casual hours, if a little pricey--but its still cheaper than a trip to the casino. [Aug 2011, p.73]

The biggest problem is that it's practically impossible to walk an AI batter. [June 2004, p.76]

Nioh is hamstrung by a sloppy PC port, but still manages to bring new ideas to death-treadmill action RPGs.

Silent Hill 2's remake is a fun but flawed take on a flawless gem.

Brash, solid, run ‘n’ gun goofiness that’s a tad too underwrought to be truly brilliant.

The interface itself is just plain bizarre: A complete lack of mouse support makes manipulating your rosters and searching through stats more of a chore than it should be. [June 2003, p.72]

Its dull level design is a shame, but Armed and Dangerous is still a hoot. If you're looking for mindless action mixed with scenes of sheer hilarity, you'll be well-entertained here. [Mar 2004, p.60]

While War of the Ring does little to revolutionize the RTS genre, it does serve Tolkien's Middle-Earth admirably while letting you control the actions of the majority of its most storied denizens. [Jan 2004, p.98]

Rough spots aside, the game represents a worthwhile expansion and is a welcome addition to the genre. [Nov 2007, p.71]

The new maps make getting into the heart of the battle much quicker and easier, and the new vehicles make battles go by much faster. [Feb 2005, p.64]

An excellent combat system buffers a classically unhinged anime story in an action RPG whose ambition outpaces execution.

Worth playing for the atmosphere even though its pace and plot are uneven.

The absence of any damage or collision modeling will rankle some (cars pass right through one another), and the insane difficulty of some of the later stages - exacerbated by pneumatic Hot Wheels driving physics - will drive many players bonkers. [July 2005, p.69]

Knights and Bikes tells a touching, albeit overlong, coming of age story about friendship and grief.

An entertaining, light-hearted point-and-click adventure game full of memorable characters and wholesome British humor.

A sweet treat that recreates the old recipe with higher quality ingredients.

This game isn't one you invest in for its looks: it's a smart and absorbing title that stands out from the "fantasy strategy" pack. [Sept 2003, p.75]

Simplified physics and a few missing parts slow but don't stop this entertaining new Need For Speed excursion. [Jan 2011, p.68]

A short but spectacular surfing game, Sword of the Sea's atmosphere and movement propel it where its simple and repetitive puzzles can't.

Adheres strongly to the Keep It Simple, Stupid principle. By doing so, it manages to meld these different genres where others have failed. [Nov 2002, p.120]

A great customizable fighting system and a cooperative spirit fill the empty spaces in a bleak open world.

One of the best values you'll ever find in a $10 add-on. [Feb 2005, p.72]

Warlock 2 is now the best version of an enjoyably streamlined strategy series. Unfortunately, for owners of the original, it isn't so much better that it's worth wholeheartedly recommending.

An exceptionally pretty if otherwise conventional JRPG with diverting combat. Not an all-timer, but worth a (re)visit.

Dirt Showdown provides thrills while it lasts, but afterwards you're left wanting the deeper experience of its parents. [Sept 2012, p.60]

Portal's systems, if not its clever humor, are put to good use in this fun physics-based puzzle game.

All That Remains sets the stage for some great character development for Clementine, but there's not much payoff in this 90 minute episode.

These concerns aside, Clockstone Software has crafted a magically entertaining spell-casting experience--and an unexpectedly decent game. [Apr 2008, p.67]

Slick platforming, well-designed puzzles, and a huge, connected world, with occasional moments of frustration.

Admirably open levels that reward exploration means there’s high replay value if you’re prepared to overlook the back-tracking.

A smart and sassy point 'n' click adventure that treats its youthful audience with respect. [Holiday 2006, p.114]

Mostly delightful and sometimes punishing, Bad North is a fun alternative to more complex strategy games.

Not the best Total War game but not the worst by a long shot.

A charming traveling artist adventure which uses image capture in interesting ways.

Rebel Galaxy Outlaw lives up to its name among space sims. It’s spirited, good-looking and vibrant, effectively spraying several cans of blue and pink graffiti over the existing space sim template. None of its systems are particularly deep, but skimming along over them can be an exhilarating journey.

Bleed is not as refined as the aforementioned Super Meat Boy, not is its action as satisfying balletic as most bullet shmups. But there's a real spark in it--a spirit that lights the game up every time things slot into place. [April 2013, p.63]

Halo Infinite can't quite deliver on being an open-world throwback, but it's the best shooting the series has seen to date.

In the end, Shadow Wars is just plain fun. [Aug 2006, p.50]

Not a dramatic reinvention, but still an enjoyable game of construction, economics and election fraud.

Subtle surfing nuances are the bulk of the gameplay, but if you're a fan of BMX and skateboarding games, you'll find a lot to enjoy here. [Feb 2004, p.88]

Cozy, meandering fun for One Piece fans, but swabbies should set sail from other ports.

A fun revival that opts for solid fundamentals over innovation.

A great remaster of a beloved, if now very old school, FPS that is handled with great care and attention.

If you like your tactical action with a fat slice of strategy, this sequel's a winner. [Jun 2006, p.76]

Project Wingman delivers exciting aerial combat and an interesting campaign, though it won't impress those looking for a hardcore flight sim.

This is not a game that likes you much. You'll like it though, even when it goes out of its way to live up to its name.

An excellent stab at a traditional point-and-click, but with classic problems holding it back.

Tinykin's minion management might be shallow, but its platforming shines.

Offers a fantastic road trip, even if it's not a particularly in-depth RPG.

Dawn of War 3 has overly dominant elites, and a merely serviceable campaign, but it captures the power of mass battles well.

Fun, cartoonish pirating, which makes you feel cheeky rather than evil.

Though it's short for the money, Rocketbirds is a visually delightful and fun romp. [Jun 2010, p.81]

SiN Episodes: Emergence is a fun, if somewhat derivative, blast from the near past. [Aug 2006, p.33]

Good-looking but repetitive action makes Front Mission Evolved a tasty mech-flavored appetizer. [Nov 2010, p.84]

VME's solid simulation of real-world helicopter dynamics and its full-to-overflowing set of scripted rescue missions make its gameplay every bit as deep as that of "S&R 4." [Mar 2003, p.102]

Despite some blemishes, it's still the PC's best chess offering. [Apr 2001, p.78]

A must for hardcore RTS nuts, but not the best option for casual players. [Feb 2006, p.48]

It clearly remains the best chess game on the market, bar none...With few new features, though, where's the series heading? [Dec 2002, p.104]

A brief but enjoyable action game that delivers plenty of multimedia oohs and aahs with loads of interaction. [Nov 1996, p.78]

Strong, handsome and, at times, fantastic, but FIFA 15 still never quite feels like football.

More good Hitman, although the repetition of style and presentation is taking the shine off the experience.

Survival horror and action-adventure fans cannot afford to miss this one(especially at its $19.99 price tag), even if you have to take off your glasses to appreciate it. [Oct 2007, p.62]

Delivers the most engaging interpretation of grassroots dirt track racing on the PC. [Jan 2003, p.90]

Stylish, beautiful, and uncompromising, Hyper Light Drifter is as rewarding as it is frustrating.

The definitive PES on PC, if you can get a game online.

Quality racing with lots of challenge. But it misses out on some of what makes Forza Horizon so audacious and fun. [March 2017, p.86]