EA has done it again, implementing expanded Freestyle control, improved defensive AI, superior graphics and a brand-new announce team...Looking for the best basketball game? NBA Live 2004 is nothing but net. [Nov 2003, p.105]

Hardcore fans will probably be let down by Marz's lack of focus compared to previous entries, and newcomers will probably be put off by its initially very curious control style. [Nov 2003, p.81]

Visually, the game is amazingly detailed and incredibly animated; in terms of level design and obstacle placement, it is superb. [Oct 2003, p.71]

The models and animation capture the look of the short films, yet look rough around the edges; the camera is decent, but fights you when it really matters; and the music is quite good but strangely out of place. [Oct 2003, p.73]

When you take into account the humor, the budget price and the ability to beat your (least) favorite celebrity into a bloody clay pulp, there's certainly fun to be had. [Dec 2003, p.81]

The story is way overdone and weighs down the gameplay..., and convoluted specifics of progression are unnecessary given the game's linear structure. [Nov 2003, p.93]

EA has done it again, implementing expanded Freestyle control, improved defensive AI, superior graphics and a brand-new announce team...Looking for the best basketball game? NBA Live 2004 is nothing but net. [Nov 2003, p.105]

The models and animation capture the look of the short films, yet look rough around the edges; the camera is decent, but fights you when it really matters; and the music is quite good but strangely out of place. [Oct 2003, p.73]

The story is way overdone and weighs down the gameplay..., and convoluted specifics of progression are unnecessary given the game's linear structure. [Nov 2003, p.93]

The multiplayer is a blast and the challenge level is very, very high when the CPU is cranked up. [Nov 2003, p.90]

For all its grace, CTHD is not as fun as it could have been, leaving the game best suited for those with high endurance who want to immerse themselves in the film. [Nov 2003, p.78]

There are many reasons to be appalled by this game, but it all starts with a poorly designed game engine that's spazzy to the point of near unplayability. [Dec 2003, p.100]

There are many reasons to be appalled by this game, but it all starts with a poorly designed game engine that's spazzy to the point of near unplayability. [Dec 2003, p.100]

The models and animation capture the look of the short films, yet look rough around the edges; the camera is decent, but fights you when it really matters; and the music is quite good but strangely out of place. [Oct 2003, p.73]

Genius, pure genius... Everything needed to stir the soul of anesthetized gamers everywhere is in here. Just when you think you've seen it all, some designer somewhere in a corner of Japan hits the great-idea lotto and a genre is reborn. [Oct 2003, p.18]

Relentlessly entertaining, finely crafted and smartly engaging. [Oct 2003, p.73]

Relentlessly entertaining, finely crafted and smartly engaging. [Oct 2003, p.73]

Relentlessly entertaining, finely crafted and smartly engaging. [Oct 2003, p.73]

Watching the game run at 1600X1200 left me speechless. Textures are incredibly rich; the lighting is to die for... On the flipside, however, in order to really enjoy Halo, you need a hardcore gaming rig to see any kind of smooth framerate. [Nov 2003, p.95]

The true stars of the game are the titans themselves. Each of the four civilizations has their own unique titan. Just watching these lumbering giants in battle is plain awesome. [Nov 2003, p.96]

It's a bit clunky and doesn't have the bold production values we've become accustomed to, but... a gradual charm begins to bubble up, elevating the mundane stretches of play. [Oct 2003, p.72]

With crisp graphics and addictive turn-based gameplay, Etherlords II is an unexpectedly strong adventure/RPG/strategy title. [Dec 2003, p.92]

While prep time is nothing new to RTS fans, the amount of time needed for WKB seems excessive, and the tutorials along with the early missions do a very poor job of training new players. [Dec 2003, p.92]

I truly love this game. It has everything a hockey fan could want. From the improved animations to the great Franchise mode to the great Pick Up and Play mode, NHL Hitz Pro is a necessary purchase. [Oct 2003, p.84]

I truly love this game. It has everything a hockey fan could want. From the improved animations to the great Franchise mode to the great Pick Up and Play mode, NHL Hitz Pro is a necessary purchase. [Oct 2003, p.84]

I truly love this game. It has everything a hockey fan could want. From the improved animations to the great Franchise mode to the great Pick Up and Play mode, NHL Hitz Pro is a necessary purchase. [Oct 2003, p.84]

Though the seamless integration of action, puzzles and even a tad of platforming is pulled off well, the package it's presented in is rather unappealing. [Nov 2003, p.101]

The game isn't perfect. For starters, the AI could've been more challenging - I was able to break it down fairly easily and score at will. [Nov 2003, p.105]

DDRMAX 2 is still fun and a must for any fan of the series, but it would've been nice to have seen more in terms of new modes of play and improved visuals. [Oct 2003, p.71]

The game isn't perfect. For starters, the AI could've been more challenging - I was able to break it down fairly easily and score at will. [Nov 2003, p.105]

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]

Demonstrates exactly the kind of pure, playful, unadulterated fun that got me into video games years ago. It's innovative platforming at the top of its game. [Sept 2003, p.72]

Not to be outdone, EA Sports has upped the ante with NHL 2004 and it truly has left me speechless. What am I so excited about? One word - Dynasty Mode... For hockey fans, this is a no brainer. [Sept 2003, p.88]

The level of customization is simply astounding. In addition to the typical options like face, hair color, eye color and facial hair, players can change the structure of their cheek, chin and jaws. And not just the appearance, but the width, height and length too. [Oct 2003, p.84]

Not to be outdone, EA Sports has upped the ante with NHL 2004 and it truly has left me speechless. What am I so excited about? One word - Dynasty Mode... For hockey fans, this is a no brainer. [Sept 2003, p.88]

The level of customization is simply astounding. In addition to the typical options like face, hair color, eye color and facial hair, players can change the structure of their cheek, chin and jaws. And not just the appearance, but the width, height and length too. [Oct 2003, p.84]

Not to be outdone, EA Sports has upped the ante with NHL 2004 and it truly has left me speechless. What am I so excited about? One word - Dynasty Mode... For hockey fans, this is a no brainer. [Sept 2003, p.88]

The level of customization is simply astounding. In addition to the typical options like face, hair color, eye color and facial hair, players can change the structure of their cheek, chin and jaws. And not just the appearance, but the width, height and length too. [Oct 2003, p.84]

Not to be outdone, EA Sports has upped the ante with NHL 2004 and it truly has left me speechless. What am I so excited about? One word - Dynasty Mode... For hockey fans, this is a no brainer. [Sept 2003, p.88]

There are just too many design flaws within the monotony of the dungeon-crawling template. [Oct 2003, p.73]

The speeds are insane, the courses almost incomprehensible and the immersion factor deep, provided you have patience and surgical analog skills. [Oct 2003, p.72]

Essentially the show in real time, Hit & Run is so grandiose in its expanse and artisitic rendering it appears altogether more appealing than TV allows - the mark of a truly great cross-over product. [Sept 2003, p.78]

A little light on dialogue and only has one village but it supports up to four players and sticks to a formula steeped in nostalgia. [Sept 2003, p.80]

Playing a game outside isn't something I feel an affinity for, or even enjoy, but it's something I will do again, because Boktai is a game worth replaying. [Oct 2003, p.66]

As a sci-fi lover, it's hard to escape the thrill of the setting and the exceptional CG sequences that link the key action scenes, and the booming score continually ratchets up the suspense. I came away entertained and frustrated, disappointed yet more than open for a sequel. [Oct 2003, p.67]

Essentially the show in real time, Hit & Run is so grandiose in its expanse and artisitic rendering it appears altogether more appealing than TV allows - the mark of a truly great cross-over product. [Sept 2003, p.78]

Essentially the show in real time, Hit & Run is so grandiose in its expanse and artisitic rendering it appears altogether more appealing than TV allows - the mark of a truly great cross-over product. [Sept 2003, p.78]

All the characters have a cartoony look to them, and few of the faces look like the people they're supposed to represent. [Nov 2003, p.107]

The animation is sweet, depth of faces and places deep like Def Poetry, the play mechanics are superb and the controls are nicely laid. [July 2003, p.79]

The animation is sweet, depth of faces and places deep like Def Poetry, the play mechanics are superb and the controls are nicely laid. [July 2003, p.79]

The speeds are insane, the courses almost incomprehensible and the immersion factor deep, provided you have patience and surgical analog skills. [Oct 2003, p.72]

Every level offers new challenges and new abilities, so the quest continues evolving and new areas are continuously unlocked. [Nov 2003, p.100]

The true star of the ESPN NHL Hockey is the play-by-play commentary. Courtesy of ESPN's Gary Throne and Bill Clement, this is some of the best commentary I've ever heard in a hockey game. [Jan 2004, p.80]

The levels require a lot of unnecessary exploration, setting up missions of collection and inevitable labored backtracking; add a strike for boring objectives that have you scouring confusing areas for far too long. [Oct 2003, p.71]

The true fun is the teamwork aspect, where combined effort gets the job done. [Nov 2003, p.96]

The driving and shooting action served up here is fun in its simplicity for a while, but my interest waned before I even finished the first of the game's three seasons. [Nov 2003, p.93]

Dungeons are just plain dull, especially considering how much time you spend in them. Let's face it: The World wouldn't be a very fun game if it weren't for all the coma-inducing virus outbreaks. [Sept 2003, p.73]

With the bump mapping, dynamic shadows and water reflections swtiched on, it's a step beyond console well worth investigating. [Nov 2003, p.94]

True, there's nothing special at work here but it more than gets the job done. [Nov 2003, p.92]

The driving and shooting action served up here is fun in its simplicity for a while, but my interest waned before I even finished the first of the game's three seasons. [Nov 2003, p.93]

The true star of the ESPN NHL Hockey is the play-by-play commentary. Courtesy of ESPN's Gary Throne and Bill Clement, this is some of the best commentary I've ever heard in a hockey game. [Jan 2004, p.80]

Once you synch up with Vanessa and the rhythm of the game, it's impossible to put down and clearly meant to be assailed three times (or more), which is also the only path to unlocking every suit and the secrets within. [July 2003, p.16]

Addictive in the most traditional gaming sense, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance insidiously traps you in its strategy-game mechanics, and there's no way you want to get free. [Sept 2003, p.80]

The engine is one of the best, and the presentation is getting there. All it needs is some depth and long-term replayability, and the series could move from contender to main-event attraction. [Oct 2003, p.81]

Visually, ESPN NFL Football is top notch, especially the tackle and running animations. No other football game comes close in this area. Coupled with tight controls and great online play, ESPN NFL Football is a fine success. [Sept 2003, p.86]

Visually, ESPN NFL Football is top notch, especially the tackle and running animations. No other football game comes close in this area. Coupled with tight controls and great online play, ESPN NFL Football is a fine success. [Sept 2003, p.86]

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]

Amidst these new gameplay twists and smart quirkiness, though, Disgaea's greatest strength lies in its foundation of traditional strategy gameplay; little to be called revolutionary, just good, solid fun. [Sept 2003, p.68]

The seamless integration of online with the offline is a big selling point for GameDay. [Sept 2003, p.87]

With the grace, speed and precision of a great 2D fighter placed exactly in a 3D mold, Soul Calibur 2 is the only fighter I'll need for a very long time. [Oct 2003, p.72]

One of the more elegant, gorgeously conceived action games of the year... it never feels like we're just going through the motions, one kill after another. [Sept 2003, p.67]

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]

It's the exact same game, which by last year's standards is still good, but couldn't they have at least added some bump mapping or something while we waited? [Sept 2003, p.81]

With the grace, speed and precision of a great 2D fighter placed exactly in a 3D mold, Soul Calibur 2 is the only fighter I'll need for a very long time. [Oct 2003, p.72]

With the grace, speed and precision of a great 2D fighter placed exactly in a 3D mold, Soul Calibur 2 is the only fighter I'll need for a very long time. [Oct 2003, p.72]

Keeping an eye on your ectoplasm levels, terrified humans, and enthusiastic ghost troops isn't easy, but watching a sorority house empty out faster than a theater showing "Gigli" is more than just a little fun and satisfying. [Nov 2003, p.96]

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]

The initial feeling in the first mission is one of uncanny newness. I can't remember ever being so quickly immersed or captivated by a world. [Oct 2003, p.75]

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]

Exhilarating and beautiful... For as much as the game is about speed and visual impact, it is also about feel and the overlooked art of track design. The game slams you in your seat, but it's also infused with the kind of stubtlety and attention to detail that only truly talented developers can muster. [Sept 2003, p.74]

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]

While it's not exactly triple-A, Alter Echo is one of the most innovative and all-around interesting action-adventures you're likely to play this year. [Oct 2003, p.73]

While it's not exactly triple-A, Alter Echo is one of the most innovative and all-around interesting action-adventures you're likely to play this year. [Oct 2003, p.73]

Excellent progression and flow are at hand; detonations, interactive environments, timing platforms, memory and action puzzles, pattern-based obstacles, killer bosses, gut-busting 3D movies, excellent level design, spot-on visuals, a vivid soundtrack. [Sept 2003, p.69]

Excellent progression and flow are at hand; detonations, interactive environments, timing platforms, memory and action puzzles, pattern-based obstacles, killer bosses, gut-busting 3D movies, excellent level design, spot-on visuals, a vivid soundtrack. [Sept 2003, p.69]

I beg for a complete shakeup for this series, but for now, a fine polish will have to do. [Aug 2003, p.77]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

If you demand the ultimate in presentation and extras, look no further than Madden NFL 2004. [Grade = A+; Sept 2003, p.86]

Together with a narrator that truly enhances the experience (making this the polar opposite of 90 percent of games with narrators), Freaky Fliers is like a comedy album, cartoon and racing-shooter, all wrapped into one tasty toon tortilla. [Aug 2003, p.70]

This is, simply put, a great tennis game in the vein of Tennis, where it's all about intuitive control and fun. [Oct 2003, p.83]

This game's strength lies in its heavily nuanced gameplay, integrated story, and its gloomy heretical aura. [June 2003, p.64]

Although the single-player campaign is relatively short (only eight missions), the heart and soul of Island Thunder is the Xbox Live gameplay. [Sept 2003, p.81]

Together with a narrator that truly enhances the experience (making this the polar opposite of 90 percent of games with narrators), Freaky Fliers is like a comedy album, cartoon and racing-shooter, all wrapped into one tasty toon tortilla. [Aug 2003, p.70]

The story is thin and forced, far too self-aware of needing to be supernaturally spooky, and the voice acting is crap as usual. No matter: Silent Hill 3 leaves an awfully intense mark. [Aug 2003, p.73]

Add variable weather and a sea of upgrades and these are the depths you need to plumb, right now. [Oct 2003, p.72]

Together with a narrator that truly enhances the experience (making this the polar opposite of 90 percent of games with narrators), Freaky Fliers is like a comedy album, cartoon and racing-shooter, all wrapped into one tasty toon tortilla. [Aug 2003, p.70]