It's just another in the crowd of well-meaning but ultimately pointless games that offer more tedium than entertainment. [Jan 2005, p.83]

Its generic plot and presentation are so bland, the game's few inventive features are very likely to be lost on most who play it. [Holiday 2004, p.94]

Despite its captivating graphics and enchanting music, Myst IV feels stunted. It ships on a DVD and has a 3GB install, so why can't I move around freely? Where's the adventure in my adventure game? [Holiday 2004, p.101]

The combination of drop-jaw visuals, absorbing missions, and overall realism make for good times...Better suited for casual players. [Nov 2004, p.102]

If you're the slightest bit impatient, you'll be bored within five minutes. [Feb 2005, p.59]

Its excellent production values and clever design make for a very satisfying package. [Dec 2004, p.104]

A cool new twist on a grand strategy, hampered by technical problems. [July 2004, p.74]

The mystery is why you would insult yourself by playing it. [Feb 2005, p.61]

Do be advised that the game is shockingly short: If you were to pay it and watch the movie side-by-side, it'd be a toss-up as to which you'd finish first. [Holiday 2004, p.93]

To say I loved every minute of Rome: Total War is a tremendous understatement. For my money, it's the ultimate strategy game. Not only does it effortlessly combine turn-based strategy with raucous real-time warmongering, but it delivers them in a package that is accessibe and easy to play. [Nov 2004, p.76]

I'm not a big fan of the game's pacing, either. Kohan II can be agonizingly slow in the beginning, which on the one hand is nice because it discourages rushing, but on the other hand...well, it's boring. [Nov 2004, p.104]

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

An intense and demanding simulation of modern urban combat. [Dec 2004, p.70]

There's nothing here gameplay-wise that's new or original, or even competitive, given the season...The lag in online bouts is atrocious. [Holiday 2004, p.34]

We're given lots of initial wow factor, but Battlefont can't go the distance against the likes of the "Battlefield" series. I can't complain too much, though, because I still left the experience with a wide grin on my face. Battlefront is definitely a Star Wars geek's dream. [Holiday 2004, p.110]

There's virtually no plot, and a lot of the mid-level game seems like a repeat of the novice-level game. [Jan 2005, p.84]

It'll remind even the most jaded RTS fan how much fun total carnage can be. [Holiday 2004, p.84]

With eight new courses and three returning ones (plus the option to import courses from "Tigers 2002-2004"), this is simply a beautiful day at the links. [Dec 2004, p.88]

May not be the most ambitious follow-up ever, but it does fix most of what was broken in the first game while introducing an attractive, badly needed, 3D makeover. [Dec 2004, p.108]

A turd of a third-person shooter that so revels in senseless violence and horrible design, I needed a shower every time I stopped playing. [Holiday 2004, p.100]

United offensive really sines during the Russian campaign...And then there's the harrowing house-to-house clearing in Kharkov. [Dec 2004, p.80]

The new defensive controls make it a must-buy (for those with a dual-analog pad). [Holiday 2004, p.108]

Pretty, mindless action that only superficially resembles hockey. [Holiday 2004, p.98]

Only big "PR" fans should bother; everyone else, wait for the new "Pirates!" [Jan 2005, p.82]

I'm a sucker for giant robots. Especially when it's giant robots dishing out beautifully rendered displays of mass destruction. With Arena Wars, that's exactly what you get, wrapped in an extremely simple but nonetheless fun RTS package. [Holiday 2004, p.94]

Hardcore fans will be enthralled by the (optional) authentic engine-management procedures necessary to keep each of these magnificent machines airborne. Also, in a cool departure from current industry practice, an honest-to-goodness 155-page printed manual is actually included in the box. [Dec 2004, p.102]

It's a must-have for any West Front aficionado. [Feb 2005, p.75]

Does little to innovate or excuse its technical shortcomings. [Holiday 2004, p.102]