Just like in the old days, performance issues and bugs don't stop Stalker's mad, wonderful heart from shining through.

But MechWarrior 5 is a game that will get a pass on its narrative woes because, I must concede, the narrative is so thin the gameplay completely trumps it. MW5 is unmistakably a game about being a sandbox mech jockey, and the stories are just a low-quality veneer over some superb robot combat. If you're here for a mech smashing simulator, this is the best new mech smashing simulator around. Here's hoping for more and better from a MechWarrior 6.

Singularly unforgiving, dizzyingly complex, and like no other FPS out there: the extraction shooter's extraction shooter.

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

Classically styled and rich in detail, Nebuchadnezzar's city-building fun is hindered by micromanagement and trading issues.

A terrific concept that isn’t terribly far away from realizing its full potential. [Feb 2002, p.72]

The real issue with ALA is its brevity...Even so, Apache Longbow Assault delivers an entertaining ride while it lasts, and I suppose that's all one can reasonably expect from a budget title. [Apr 2004, p.81]

A fun blend of puzzle and roguelike that inspires forward-thinking, but cuts your strategy short.

Another fumbled PC port blighted by poor optimisation and unpredictable performance issues.

Developer Telltale has built a sterling reputation on making smart, creative episodic games based on existing intellectual properties (see exhibit "Sam & Max), and Homestar Ruiner is no exception. [Nov 2008, p.75]

A promising mystery concept that doesn't quite give players a truly mind-melting temporal puzzle.

If you're tired of cold weather, Castaway Stories could be just the thing to warm you up. [May 2008, p.61]

Even with its shortcomings, Cossacks II stands out in a cookie-cutter RTS world. [Aug 2005, p.61]

PM08's sense of humor, topical subject matter, and discount price ($19.99) make it a candidate I'd happily endorse. [Sept 2008, p.75]

Satisfying car combat and a beautiful wasteland mostly make up for repetitive melee combat and lackluster story.

Medieval dynasty is a fun, relaxing survival RPG, even if it's not always exciting.

Space Run is a fairly fun twist on tower defense, but it lacks much of the genre’s interesting experimentation.

The biggest problem is that despite the increased focus on action, combat remains unchanged--a couple of new monsters, but few new tricks. [Sept 2012, p.71]

It's shameful the game was released in this [bug-filled] state, especially since it has so much potential – and such massive, involved battles. [June 2002, p.53]

It's lovely to look at, but the process of puzzle-solving feels pedestrian. [May 2013, p.61]

What it lacks in flash, it delivers in sheer strategic brilliance. [June 2005, p.56]

A rich content upgrade that'll please masochistic vets looking for the equivalent of Hercules' 12 labors. [Feb 2005, p.62]

Directive 8020 is everything you could want from a sci-fi horror game: Body horror aliens, the unwavering dread that all of us are insignificant when set against the great expanse of the universe, and fun QTEs.

A weird and funny story with a lot of surprises, but control and camera issues dampen the fun.

A novel, homicidal romp acted out by charming, cliches. [Feb 2011, p.73]

If feats of mind over matter were really possible, this game would be a lot better. [May 2005, p.72]

Dread Delusion brims with an exhilarating sense of discovery that starts to wobble in the final act.

As a one-stop shop for an entire chess-playing and learning family, this package should last until you're all grand masters. [Apr 2008, p.64]