Most of the shots you'll take in XIII require a sniper's touch - expect to become dreadfully familiar with your crossbow. [Dec 2003, p.70]

While lacking energetic personality and clever presentation, Pac-Man World 2 does just enough to entertain on its traditional platforming mechanics alone. [Apr 2002, p.56]

The interface has been vastly improved over the original "Treasures", but unfortunately the bonus interviews suffer from unintelligible audio. [Nov 2004, p.75]

Four-player head-to-head is a gas too. [May 2005, p.70]

This is just a great all-around tennis game. [July 2004, p.78]

Beat down fun for the whole family. [Nov. 2006, p.86]

It’s finally here. Big-time motocross and off-road racing with REAL dirt and separate bike and rider control... Rainbow Studios deliver a pot of pure gold.

Moreover, Sega's done a fine job translating the control scheme for a game that demands precise movements to a controller that is, at best, imprecise. [Dec. 2006, p.58]

Progressive damage, super real lighting and weather effects, and full surround audio make it the vision of next-gen; great gameplay makes it incredibly addicting fun, and six-axis control makes it unique. [Apr 2007, p.47]

The environments are lushly vivid, featuring top-notch hand-drawn art, and the puzzles can be maddeningly complex, so if you're looking for a solid adventure title, Runaway is the way to go. [Nov 2003, p.96]

The facial damage system is spectacular. You can actually see the damage you're inflicting on your opponent. Yo Adrianne! This game rocks! [Jan 2003, p.85]

Gameplay is exactly like "Live" (with EA's exclusive Freestyle Control), so players can expect fast, adrenaline-pumping gameplay. [Jan 2003, p.84]

The interface has been vastly improved over the original "Treasures", but unfortunately the bonus interviews suffer from unintelligible audio. [Nov 2004, p.75]

Vile and bizarre, refreshing and absorbing, Killer7 is an aggressive blessing to cleanse us from the masses. [July 2005, p.70]

Bottom line: being an alien is fun, even if it is a bit rough around the edges. [July 2005, p.76]

The close quarters combat feels exactly as you'd hope for in a high-quality samurai action game. [Sept 2005, p.85]

With less focus on micromanagement and a solid, cohesive story, there's a lot more action this time around for Marvel's action-RPG franchise.

BBA can only keep you entertained for so long before you tire of its routine. [Aug 2006, p.64]

Here's the sleeper hit of the season. [May 2002, p.53]

Use of certain weapons and locomotion across the map can be cumbersome, and the game just doesn't have that same pendulum energy of before in the fights. [Apr 2004, p.64]

It's an esoteric game that creates some of its own off-center rules while sticking to pleasant tradition. [Apr 2006, p.53]

It's the new high-water mark for road racing. [May 2006, p.54]

Let's just call it very, very good and remind Namco that they'll need to surprise us next time. [Dec 2005, p.55]

The music is still awesome. I want "Contra" next! [Dec 2004, p.100]

There is one thing I absolutely loathe, and that's the super-hyper-lame-ass "ooh-yeah" and "woo!" they feel necessary to slide in every time you pull off anything even remotely cool, and the similar "what the?" and "careful!" every time you get bumped. [Sept 2002, p.73]

It may not provide the juice that, say, a "Ridge Racer" can, but otherwise, in the realm of the racing/lifestyle sims we're seeing, Apex moves to the head of the class. [Apr 2003, p.56]

This Katamari is forever. Still good, but stuck in its ways. Rolling up the cosmos is fun, even if the King and Robo-King scold you often. The 2D rolling mini-game at the credits is almost worth the price of admission.

If you love fighting games, you should consider Clash of Ninja 3, regardless whether you love or hate Naruto. Until Tatsunoko vs Capcom hits next year, it might be as the box declares, the Best Fighting Game on the Wii.

Dungeons and Dragons Online will provide a nice vacation from the epic raid game and a great alternative for players that prefer regular grouping in their online RPG's. [Apr 2006, p.77]

The interface has been vastly improved over the original "Treasures", but unfortunately the bonus interviews suffer from unintelligible audio. [Nov 2004, p.75]

The iso-view takes a little getting used to, as does the point-and-go control, but once you're in the groove it's all good, from the animation to the super cool cutscenes and familiar level design. [Apr 2003, p.64]

Unfortunately it doesn't take long to realize that Power Stone's core gameplay hasn't aged so well. [Nov. 2006, p.104]

Lots of bark, lots of bite and more high-flying marvel gaming goodness... [Nov p.95]

Flower power takes it on the chin here, and Love is agreeable enough to put it down for the count. And the mayhem here should be enough until Crypto turns his guns on bell-bottoms, disco, and Jimmy Carter. Watch the skies. [Nov. 2006, p.84]

Better suited for those who want to play an impressive companion piece to the movies rather than play a compelling RPG. [Dec 2004, p.62]

The feature-rich, action-packed gameplay—co-op and solo—is a blast, but it’s the explosive presentation, that literally sees Shanghai falling to flaming pieces all around you, that steals the show and will have you watching your—and your buddy’s—back.

Once it draws you into its web of intrigue, there's no escape. [Aug 2002, p.70]

The gameplay that's presented is fun, especially with the variety of weapons and upgradeable skills, and the ability to play with four players is much appreciated, but I really wish they'd added more depth and diversity to the experience. [Dec 2003, p.97]

One place I never thought this series would go, however, is action. And yet, here it is, and it's tremendously successful. [May 2006, p.74]

The facial damage system is spectacular. You can actually see the damage you're inflicting on your opponent. Yo Adrianne! This game rocks! [Jan 2003, p.85]

Doesn't match the heights ascended by "Silent Hill" or "Resident Evil," but the game thoroughly entertains with its building tension. [Jan 2003, p.64]

I'll give em this: It's never boring, always whacked out of its mind, and the control throughout delivers...Nunchuk or not. So in closing, may the Sponge be with you. [Dec. 2006, p.62]

If this game wasn't so incredible looking, I wouldn't give it the time of day. [Mar 2002, p.50]

Using [the controls] correctly along with the right gas and breaking, the game has a groove all its own, along with killer visuals to match. [Feb 2002, p.58]

Not only is the interface clumsy and hard to view, but the bonus content is poorly edited and sloppily thrown together. [Dec 2003, p.83]

Seldom have I been so invested in an overal premise; and what beter than a down-and-dirty Western? [June 2004, p.54]

As a lighthearted, beautifully drawn RPG, Atelier Iris delivers exactly as promised, a deep, non-violent, involving, at times engaging fantastical quest, which is surely more than suitable for its niche. [June 2005, p.52]

The control scheme just doesn't feel as tactile and appropriate. The courses feel awfully familiar, despite being a little less flashy. The energy level doesn't seem quite as high, the presentation doesn't grab you with as much gusto. [Apr 2007, p.42]

Nosgoth is a captivating place to exist in, decadent and elegant, shadowy and mysterious. [Jan 2004, p.56]

It's a bloody good time, and not even the most diseased, blood-crazed Santa Claus would put it on his naughty list. [Jan 2006, p.53]

Quotation forthcoming. [Aug 2005]

As it stands right now, the game definitely has a "rushed out the door" feel to it, so let's hope for substantial downloadable content. [Jan 2004, p.66]

I love the urgency of a slow-to-load rifle, the way your fumbling and learned cadence strikes a unique tension in the shootouts; too bad the clumsy grenades aren't nearly as much fun. [Jan 2005, p.60]

The tools of the demon-hunting trade define Curse. [Nov p.84]

On top of being genuinely funny, taking stabs at the game's hysterically exaggerated stereotypes, it's a great game of golf too. [Oct 2004, p.89]

Control is still a tad clunky but a super fun game nevertheless. [Nov p.94]

A cyber-punk mech battler's dream come true. [Dec 2002, p.82]

The overall result is a Robotech fan's dream come true (the amount of "Paint Designs" and extras to unlock, like cast interviews, is staggering) but also a unique mission-based mech game that (finally) breathes some fresh air into an otherwise stale category. [Oct 2002, p.70]

The list of features for All-Star Baseball 2004 is the most impressive we've seen in a console baseball game. [Apr 2003, p.70]

With the incorporation of XSN, new passing controls and improved tackling, NFL Fever 2004 gives Xbox owners a reason to rejoice. [Sept 2003, p.87]

Scrapland's parts make a pretty decent whole, but there just wasn't that old black magic there, that feeling that captivates you and keeps you glued to your seat longing for more. [Apr 2005, p.57]

Pursue this game. [Jan 2008, p.61]

At the default resolution, the game captures nicely the crispness of the original CRTs, and especially with Galaga, I was transported instantly back in time. It was awesom! [Oct 2005, p.74]

FlatOut 2, as a racing game, is competent, but marred by a poor sense of speed. [Aug 2006, p.63]

What a shame that Medal of Honor Heroes 2 is yet another worn-out march through the battlefields of World War II. [Jan 2008, p.60]

I never thought watching could be so engulfing. These models are truly extraordinary. The breasts are wonderful (along with teh shoulders, thighs, faces...) of course, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to model armpits? They are perfection. [Mar 2003, p.52]

Mini Ninjas is simply wonderful on PS3 and 360. An original break-the-mold adventure filled with tight, constantly evolving action spread across 6 super cool ninja, and more (and better) exploration than the majority of open-worlds. Biggest surprise yet, this year.

The feature-rich, action-packed gameplay—co-op and solo—is a blast, but it’s the explosive presentation, that literally sees Shanghai falling to flaming pieces all around you, that steals the show and will have you watching your—and your buddy’s—back.

Seldom have I been so invested in an overal premise; and what beter than a down-and-dirty Western? [June 2004, p.54]

I think LucasArts should have The Collective make all of their A-list movie games. Howard the Duck beckons. [Apr 2003, p.59]

It's infectious, fulfilling, and cheeky as all Hades, so enjoy the heck out of Vince, and then make some noise for a sequel. [Nov 2003, p.75]

There's just no way to put it except to say that it's quite possibly the ultimate rush. [Jan 2004, p.58]

FlatOut 2, as a racing game, is competent, but marred by a poor sense of speed. [Aug 2006, p.63]

No game has ever afforded this level of freedom, and it's simply breathtaking to behold. [Oct. 2006, p.56]

If you don't already have these excellent games, then Mega Collection Plus is an awesome investment. [Nov 2004, p.76]

Pandemic delivers one of their best efforts, offering an experience that innovates both the sandbox and WWII genres. It’s not without its flaws, but its slick action, cinematic style, and colorful characters rise above its shortcomings.

This simple yet devilishly addictive touch-pen action game shows off the DS in the best possible light, providing a totally unique and fun experience. [Apr 2005, p.70]

For a handheld game of street ball, NFL Street rocks. [May 2005, p.70]

Tak 2 is a solid day's worth of trippy fun and visual euphoria...but they had to check "epic" at the door to make it happen. [Nov 2004, p.52]

A deep, gorgeous, somewhat alternative view of the Rally genre, Climax Motorsports' Rally Fusion has a lot going for it. [Jan 2003, p.78]

Big fun... The only real problem I have with the game is the inability to build your fighter's attributes through climbing the ranks. [Apr 2003, p.63]

Other games have tried to slow the pace down a bit, forcing you to strategize with a more real-world instinct, but none have ever been able to do so with this level of intensity and keen sense of design. [Nov 2003, p.64]

A free-form action-adventure spilling over with platforming goodness, depth and originality. [Apr 2004, p.61]

Just like the handheld Pokemon games, the graphics seem to be underdeveloped and the gameplay focus is really on catching, raising, and battling with the assorted critters, overshadowing the characters and story rather than supporting them. [Mar 2004, p.59]

You'll use every technical trick in the book to survive, or else degenerate into a frenzy of button-mashing delight. [Dec 2004, p.76]

The game is designed in such a way that it behooves the player to not just pass levels but excel at them. [Jan 2005, p.69]

The game never advances the genre, but its use of a protective riot shield, one that progressively takes damage to the point where it's almost impossible to see through, is certainly a nice touch. [July 2006, p.72]

Sonic Heroes will fill you with a sense of pure fun seldom seen in the annals of modern game design. [Jan 2004, p.50]

Prism: Light the Way is a classic game of single-screened, piece-manipulating puzzle-solving. [Nov 2007, p.76]

An outrageous display of frenetic excess, pulled off with enough grimy flair to plunge us into its pestilent world, Dead to Rights is a satisfying jolt of adult gaming. [Aug 2002, p.64]

Control is natural and fast, and a simple command interface makes Smash Court pure fun to pay. [Mar 2002, p.52]

Dead to Rights is no "Max Payne." It tries to be when it's not being a mediocre melange of mini-games or a reheated crime story, but for the most part it's just generic. [Jan 2003, p.79]

A great PS game, along the lines of "Driver," only more, shall we say, international. [June 2002, p.63]

Not only does the game look better than its predecessor but it outperforms it in nearly every way: the puzzles are even more intelligent..., the fighting is on par and benefits from multiple characters, the difficulty scale has been skillfully balanced. [Sept 2003, p.70]

I really like the look of the game, with its rich color palette and vivid lighting, and the presentation is top-notch. [July 2005, p.79]

The first dungeon in Wild Arms Alter Code F is abysmal. [Feb 2006, p.24]

It may look plain, but Polarium is a game that really etched itself into my brain. [June 2005, p.86]

If rich visuals, stunning environments, and the most diversity-packed gameplay of this year or any other sound good to you, I have a ninja for you to meet. [Dec 2003, p.81]