But, overall, Lord of the Rings Online serves as proof that a major license can inspire an excellent MMO that immerses you in a beloved setting. [Aug 2007, p.58]

Sparta doesn't have much meat on its bones - we've all been there and done that, just maybe not as Spartans. [Sept 2007, p.62]

It's simply an average two-bit thug. [Aug 2007, p.63]

What could have been a latter-day "Close Conbat" or a visually splashier "Combat Mission" is instead a tedious and underwrought quagmire. [Sept 2008, p.70]

Resist, chopper fans. You'll thank us later. [Aug 2007, p.63]

Masochists and suicidally confident RTS veterans might embrace the challenge, but for the rest of us, Frontline: Fields of Thunder delivers an entirely one-sided ass kicking. [June 2007, p.59]

It may not be Best in Show, but it's slavering in the top dogs' general direction. [Aug 2007, p.66]

All in all, this episode doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of excellence that episode four managed, but its gags and puzzles are as clever as ever. [June 2007, p.71]

It's action-packed gameplay; attractive, colorful visuals; and star-studded videos are sure to draw in both hardcore fans of the series and large numbers of new players. [Apr 2007, p.20]

As Sheogorath would state in a melodious Scottish accent, Shivering Isles is "more of the same, only completely different." [July 2007, p.62]

Getting from point A to point B doesn't get any more wearisome. [Aug 2008, p.74]

Installing and playing through S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was like discovering and opening a long-forgotten Christmas present. [June 2007, p.54]

If you can maneuver around its speed bumps, Test Drive Unlimited delivers a satisfying and visually opulent ride. [July 2007, p.56]

Though the storyline takes a while to ramp up, it's very engaging and provides a really enjoyable ending. [June2007, p.58]

In the weeks ahead--maybe even by the time you read this--Silent Hunter 4 will likely grow into the sub-sim classic its ambitious designers intended. It's just too bad that the out-of-the-box version narrowly missed the boat. [June 2007, p.64]

With a little more polish, Silverfall could have made a run at toppling the genre's heavyweights. [June 2007, p.68]

Ugly and simplistic, but surprisingly likeable. [June 2007, p.89]

No other game comes close to the major league statistical detail offered in this addictive simulation of our national pastime. [Sept 2007, p.60]

It has some good moments, but it shouldn't take an archaeological expedition to reach them. [Sept 2007, p.58]

Still, Top Spin 2 is a decent, enjoyable tennis game for a modest $19.99 price tag. [May 2007, p.70]

Air battles is a quality product that'll likely find an audience, but discerning PC pilots, new or old, can get much more bang for their buck by simply accessing the options menu in the original "BoB II" and toggling all the hard stuff to easy. [June 2007, p.57]

Occasionally amusing and sometimes bewildering, the latest "Runaway" is an odd mixture of flaws and fun. [May 2007, p.65]

Making History may not be the deepest historical epic out there, but it is one of the most playable and a good way to whet your appetite for something more filling. [Aug 2007, p.66]

For a measly 30 bucks, you won't find a better deal anywhere. [July 2007, p.64]

It's just that not enough of the missions stand out, and the majority feel like sleepwalks through pirate lore that would bore a pre-teen. [June 2007, p.60]

The real puzzle is why anyone would consider this entertainment. [June 2007, p.71]

Immortal Throne, which sends you to Hades to interact with numerous heroes and villains from Greek mythology, addresses a number of the most common complaints players had about Titan Quest. [Apr 2007, p.56]

That sloppiness nags at me because it blows what could have been a great immersive experience, but given that The Awakened managed to engage my brain without demolishing it, lets just say I wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers. [Nov 2007, p.74]