The imperative to cash in on Black Flag is transparent, but as it turns out a location swap works wonders for igniting the hooded pirate in you again.

A challenge mode extends the shelf life of this strategy snack, but its appeal is likely wear thin after a few days of happy hooliganism. [Holiday 2011, p.79]

SpellForce 3 competently blends RPG and RTS games into a generally enjoyable package, but there’s not enough creative force to create a lasting spell.

This ghost story is stretched a little thin, but still well worth exploring.

Features some challenging and logical puzzles and an entertaining story. [Feb 2005, p.72]

Great combat and mountains of loot can't compensate for Amalur's generic world design and familiar story. [May 2012, p.72]

Möbius Front '83 makes a difficult genre easy to understand, but it lacks thrills.

An imaginative management game but a weak story generator.

I have a rock-solid DSL connection and a high-end Athlon rig and still suffered atrocious lag. [June 2002, p.74]

It still feels like PC gamers are getting short-changed, especially since the multiplayer game is still so weak. [Nov 2002, p.114]

If you like to set your own goals and don't need a high-score table to know you're having fun, then Pineapple Smash Crew is well worth the $10. [May 2012, p.81]

The campaign is mostly predictable, dumb fun, and the multiplayer is some of Call of Duty’s best—but still subject to every existing criticism of CoD.

Don't be ashamed if you find yourself gleefully yelling along with dialogue like "Eat crap, flaming craphead!" [Apr 2003, p.99]

With lovely graphics and great matchmaking stability, World of Warplanes remains entertaining even as its simplicity wears thin.

Reanimal doesn't meaningfully develop Tarsier's approach to gameplay in the Little Nightmares games, but it's a grim sight to behold, and a worthwhile horror adventure.

It’s Left 4 Dead with aliens down to the very core, but a flattering rendition of the formula that’s worth playing with friends.

Shadowrun Returns’ bang-to-buck ratio is largely going to depend on the quality of content that springs up from the devs and the community after release, but as it stands today, it’s a mostly average RPG running in a visually underwhelming engine.

The genius here is how well the expansion integrates with the regular game. [Jan 2005, p.85]

Everything that you loved and hated about the 1994 original—ludicrous gibs, explosives, boss fights, and first-person platforming.

Lies of P is a competent Soulslike if you can shrug off its flaws.

If you're a more casual type who's not anal about realism, Desert Rats will satisfy your inner tank commander. [June 2004, p.66]

A diverse array of factions to try, that drag the Total War series back into the Medieval era.

FEAR 3 spends too much time being a mediocre horror game and not enough innovating, but it's still a wild shooter.

An imaginative, atmospheric, and cleverly designed sci-fi adventure that’s over far too quickly.

Hunt: Showdown is a clever, hard-nosed FPS that doesn't have enough substance to be truly essential yet.

Burial at Sea, Episode One is good but not essential - the only piece of BioShock story content you could say that about.

PureSim has some issues, though. Runs are scored at a slo-pitch pace, especially in historical leagues. [Sep 2006, p.98]

Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?! is as stressful and satisfying as searing the perfect sirloin.