A calm and realistic marine-diving simulator that unfortunately never goes deeper than the surface.

Though it's no classic tale, Emperor's Tomb has both actioning and adventuring in spades, whisking you off on a gorgeous cross-continental tour of exotic locales. [June 2003, p.68]

A solid action game, but it's no "Max Payne 2" (or "Max Payne, for that matter). [Feb 2004, p.84]

A great game, unimpressively updated. Get the bigger, cheaper version instead.

As a Baldur's Gate adventure, Siege of Dragonspear works well. While it's not entirely tonally consistent with the original series, it does a good job of inserting itself into the middle of the story without feeling like sacrilege. As a result, though, it requires that you still be invested in that story. The fact is, a decade and a half later, there are much smoother, more enjoyable RPG experiences available.

Dead in Vinland combines resource management, RPG combat, uneven writing, and a lot of diciness into something I couldn't stop playing until I finished it.

A killer puzzle game that tests your skill and your patience.

Social commentary delivered with baseball bat subtlety, Not Tonight owes a huge debt to Papers, Please, but finds its own voice in the bit-parts of post-Brexit Britain.

Death to Spie's dry technical approach isn't for everybody, but its 10 challenging missions will still put sweat on your brow and a pounding pulse in your ears for under $30. [Jan 2008, p.90]

Zax is good fun, though it suffers from too much déjà vu. [Feb 2002, p.65]

"SimCity" elements tend to bog down the fun factor, but if you don't mind some biz sim with your strategy, you'll find this game pretty entertaining. [Sept 2003, p.77]

Payday is the most exciting parts of your favorite movies cobbled together, swapping the brains for extra bullets. [Jan 2012, p.67]

It's a shame that PES has made so many worthwhile tweaks, only to deliver a lacklustre PC edition. PES could—and should—be as good as the console game in every detail, and if have a console you’ll be throwing good money after bad. Pity, as otherwise this ought to be a seminal football sim.

The fact is, Syberia 2 doesn't top the first game. It starts out strong - Kate second-guesses her leap of faitih, yet perseveres to outwit a misogynistic monk - but there's just not enough narrative thrust to support a compelling second chapter in the story. [Apr 2004, p.71]

Tycoon games just don't stop coming, and the fun doesn't end in this java-themed budget title. [Dec. 2006, p.122]

A brilliantly absurd arcade brawler that’s brimming with personality, but suffers from repetition and a glaring lack of online multiplayer.

A welcome diversion. [Jan 2003, p.106]

FIFA 21 fixes some on-pitch issues, though it stops short of giving the series the meaningful overhaul it needs.

A smart, funny, heartfelt narrative game that tells a killer story, but doesn't do much beyond that.

Despite hitting most of the right notes, it's so short that it's barely memorable. [June 2011, p.77]

Genesis' gameplay would really benefit from more depth: once you get the basic structures in place and the cash starts to roll in, there's little challenge left. [Apr 2003, p.104]

We love the new look, but we're not thrilled about the tarnished gameplay. [May 2004, p.64]

A cute chess set for 40K fans and an unusual twist on the classic game, but skip the campaign.

Kingdom is a fun, gorgeous management game, but trying to learn its mysteries eventually becomes a slog.

Worth buying if you missed "West Front," but it's not the sequel fans were hoping for. [Dec 2005, p.85]

The pixel-art is faultless and the gameplay is pleasingly reminiscent of the classics, but Timespinner doesn't offer much that feels new.

Effectively dodges dull micromanagement in pushing faster tactical action, but it still throws some sticks in the spokes of smooth gameplay. [Feb 2003, p.81]

A "Jurassic Park" spin on an otherwise old-school RTS. [Holiday 2006, p.70]