Fun, uniquely designed and has an absorbing mystery to solve. [Mar 2007, p.70]

Although it lacks much of the polish we've come to expect from sandbox style titles such as GTA IV and inFAMOUS, navigating Prototype's world—while leaving a chunky bloodbath in your wake—as the remorseless Mercer packs more than its fair share of guilty-pleasure thrills.

The skillfully crafted Project: Snowblind calls on the best of what we enjoy about the genre, but the game feels nicely removed from the norm. [March 2005, p.52]

Computer Artworks has done right by Mr. Carpenter's vision. [Nov 2002, p.84]

This is quite possibly the most visually impressive game I've ever seen. [July 2005, p.72]

And it's gorgeous too; no, it's f-----g beautiful. With everything cranked on (1024x768, 32-bit textures, and trillinear filtering), it's downright sinful. [Aug 2002, p.66]

Animations are silky smooth and the over 3,500 personalized animations put the realism over the top. [Apr 2004, p.73]

Ah the sweet tinge of nostalgia. It was thick with this one. [April 2002, p.66]

Why is Nicktoons Racing the best Mode 7 racer on the GBA? Can anybody tell me that...anybody? [Aug 2002, p.76]

Powers, outfits, gear...everything super about each combatant can be modded, and hot-swapping powers puts the gamut of their abilities at your fingertips. [Dec. 2006, p.82]

The music in Coral Capers remains every bit as magical as it was the first time around, the new mini games are actually fun, you can now save anywhere, and Cranky's still the coolest ape on the planet. [June 2003, p.56]

Big on fun, big on energy, and big on speed. For this style of racing, Shox has no equal. [Nov 2002, p.83]

Not only has the famous slow-down been neatly trimmed back from the SNES, the GBA game features an arranged mode which boasts level selection and all-new levels, some based on the original and arcade games. [Aug 2002, p.75]

Its focus is clunky, and the disparate connection to your teammates sabotages the elements that game does get right. [Aug 2002, p.71]

Plead nolo contendere, Apollo. [Mar 2008, p.65]

Look past the shaky dialogue and you'll find a strong RPG that will especially satisfy fans of the series. [Nov 2002, p.60]

We only have on question: Are you ready to rock? [Nov p.92]

Hardcore RPG fans should add another star to the score and reserve a copy immediately. [Feb 2002, p.52]

Pure action and adventure stuffed with gorgeous models and adrenaline-charged action. Koei continue their domination of the population game. [Jan 2003, p.67]

It's a shame he's such a one-dimensional character, wasting an exceptional opportunity for a compelling psychological backdrop to join the pervasively strong imagery. [June 2004, p.56]

Added to the PS2 extras, like the added indonesian jungle level, alternate pathways and mission reports, this is the quintessential version of the game. [Sept 2004, p.73]

I wanted something different too, but what I got instead is marvelous. [Apr 2003, p.52]

True to form Sonic Team gets the action just right on the DS. [Oct 2007, p.98]

Rise of a Ninja defies categorization with its open-world structure, RPG pacing, and eccentric mix of min-games and one-on-one combat. [Dec 2007, p.74]

The story that launched the series, finally presented to us Americans in the way it was always meant to be seen. Though I love what the Persona series has become, I will always adore this original chapter; and it’s still a hell of an experience even after all these years.

This is not some side-story relegated to the PSP, but a true new chapter worthy of its name and console-sized in scope. [Nov 2007, p.77]

The game has a razor-sharp edge that creates space and mood with the slickness of the big-budget films from which its ideas were borrowed. [Jan 2003, p.72]

Without question, EA's latest baseball title is our choice for best baseball game for 2003. [Apr 2003, p.70]

What does shine is the cards themselves, which feature work by a ton of distinct Japanese artists. [Feb 2004, p.47]

The best installment of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise yet, and a great RPG in its own right. [Apr 2005, p.52]

Ghost 'n' Goblins, Ghouls 'n' Ghosts and Super Ghouls 'n' Ghosts on one disc? That's just too much love for you and me. [Nov p.93]

There are subtle, impressive touches to the presentation and dialogue that evoke a feel of game-like adventure, making up for the labored plotting. [July 2006, p.72]

Blitz: The League crosses the thin line between hardcore and tasteless. [Nov p.94]

I only wish they'd have fixed the mission-ops map and installed a slow-motion option to better deploy troops when the pressure is on. [Oct 2005]

Capturing images of the dead is the name of the game in Fatal Frame, but it's not as easy as it sounds. [Dec 2005, p.63]

The presentation and bonus features are top notch - Capcom even included the entire SFII anime movie. [Aug 2004, p.57]

It’s basically old school Donkey Kong. What more do you want?

There is some undue frustration thanks to an uncontrollable camera, but this is still the Monkey Ball game to get. [March 2005, p.58]

Together with the wonderfully integrated story and action-RPG accoutrements, ZXA is yet another 2D diamond from Capcom. [Nov 2007, p.74]

The finest 3D medieval action-adventure game to grace any console. [Feb 2002, p.48]

Why risk changing an already perfect passing sytem? I guess when you're the only game in town, you can do what you want. [Oct 2005]

This is a game that re-invents nearly everything it does, from weapons fire to storytelling to rescue missions to boost-and-hover gameplay to bold new ways to humiliate farm animals. [Dec 2003, p.68]

There's an aura of nobility, barbarism and mysticism at work here that places you in the world and makes you care about the characters, and that's what it's all about. [Nov 2003, p.72]

The biggest improvement is the overall visual quality of the game. [Apr 2003, p.71]

Looks stunning on Xbox, and plays better than ever, thanks to some minor tweaks. [July 2002, p.82]

The fighting - and there's tons of it - never grows laborious or monotonous... [Nov p.76]

A kick-ass game of hockey that stands to be the best EA has ever produced. [Oct 2005, p.70]

Tactical, yet just as fun as any single-player romp, skillfully laid out and nicely scored, Star Wars: Republic Commando lives up to its billing and them some. [March 2005, p.55]

If you're a race fan, break out the adult diapers. [Sept 2007, p.76]

I'm not going to say it's a better game than FFXII(although a part of me wants to), but I will say this: if you pluck one other RPG off the rack this year, this little gem should be it. [Nov. 2006, p.77]

A kick-ass game of hockey that stands to be the best EA has ever produced. [Oct 2005, p.70]

If you're new to the series, Far Cry Instincts: Predator is an excellent first-person shooter package. [May 2006, p.48]

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]

Easily the best isometric shooter available for the system, it's amazing just how much a tiny GBA cartridge can hold. [Feb 2004, p.53]

Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is a thematic triumph that makes you look past the gameplay lumps. Come for the western fantasy, revel in the visual presentation and get a decent shot of first-person action in between.

For good or for bad, it is the small price we must pay for getting what is otherwise such a great collection of games in convenient travel size. [Jan. 2007, p.80]

Though not as slick or elegant as the classics it emulates, Dungeon Fighter Online is absolutely worth downloading, even if you only drop in for half an hour a day. The game’s cash shop items are certainly useful, but you’ll never have to spend a penny on DFO. Call a friend, smash some goblins, unlock new 2D fighting skills.

Its overall story...is simply impossible to resist and the dungeon design is marvelous. [Feb 2002, p.60]

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

The gang’s all here—well, except for Louis. Terminal Reality might have created the only true Ghostbusters game, ever, but it’s about as good as we could have asked for (could have used more Murray, though). Who you gonna call? Atari for some DLC.

What I liked most abou this title was how it managed to improve the already perfect control system from the original - especially with respect to Style Moves. [Feb 2005, p.79]

This game is also one of the easiest the galaxy has ever seen. [May 2005, p.52]

AH is a manic, rock-hard, 2D assault on your motor skills that may lack the polish of the best of this mighty genre, but gets a pass for being the coolest homegrown game ever. [Nov 2004, p.75]

Tactical, yet just as fun as any single-player romp, skillfully laid out and nicely scored, Star Wars: Republic Commando lives up to its billing and them some. [March 2005, p.55]

A game of precision. It's all about early braking and apex kissing, which is great, but not for those looking for obvious thrills. [Feb 2002, p.54]

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]

Drop-dead gorgeous visuals and an old-school shooter soundtrack, coupled with an intelligent shooting system and interface, beautifully rendered enemies, arcade and story play modes and even a gallery with a doorway of special effects. [May 2003, p.70]

I think maybe Konami went overboard in some cases - specifically with the deteriorating inventory items and a severely stingy continue system (you have to pay to continue, and then you only get half your health back.) [Nov 2004, p.89]

There are far worse choices than the stimulating Ridge Racer 7. [Jan. 2007, p.59]

Although EA's game lacks the spark and depth that Sega's "College Hoops 2K5" provides, it's still a great game that deserves props for some pretty cool and innovative gameplay additions. [Jan 2005, p.81]

My only beef is that the majority of the side-scrolling is of the straight-ahead variety...Otherwise, this is a great, little game. [Feb 2002, p.61]

It's a great little free game and a good excuse to try out the GBA link. [Feb 2004, p.47]

Familiar and effective controls. [Aug 2006, p.73]

If this is Armageddon for Mortal Kombat, it certainly is a most delightful way to kill a series--at least until it rises like a phoenix for the next generation. [Dec. 2006, p.86]

What I liked most abou this title was how it managed to improve the already perfect control system from the original - especially with respect to Style Moves. [Feb 2005, p.79]

Sega Rally Revo, like its predecessors, is all about the thrill of flying around a track. [Nov 2007, p.73]

The lax AI from last year's game has been stepped up...An improved Dynasty Mode and the inclusion of the World Cup of Hockey round out this great hockey title. [Sept 2004, p.84]

Rayman 3's most awesome attribute, as incredible as the movies, dialogue, and gameplay are, is a level of visual splendor that defies everything I've come to know about lighting effects in a video game. [Mar 2003, p.47]

A free-play mode returns Hawk to his origins and here, the game does not disappoint one bit with its go forth and explore approach. [Dec 2005, p.66]

Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is a thematic triumph that makes you look past the gameplay lumps. Come for the western fantasy, revel in the visual presentation and get a decent shot of first-person action in between.

If it's combat you crave, Field Commander won't disappoint. [may 2006, p.59]

The game has a razor-sharp edge that creates space and mood with the slickness of the big-budget films from which its ideas were borrowed. [Jan 2003, p.72]

The bizarre and unique world of Zenozoik separates Zeno Clash from so many other games that some minor faults still make it worth checking out. It doesn’t hurt that the mechanics of combat are excellent and stand out on their own.

Of all three games, the Xbox version is the clear winner, with perfect frame rates, the lowest load times, the best resolution and the best textures, but the 'Cube game runs a close second, a refreshing turn of events. [Jan 2003, p.76]

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]

The fighting in all its forms proves to be a sticking point, and Godfather suffers accordingly. [May 2006, p.49]

I'm also still not crazy about only earning new moves through Zero's hunter ranking, since so much of the experience is trial and error, and you'll likely be humbled quickly. [Oct 2004, p.91]

Both the ATV's and Bikes feature the best current-gen behind the bars camera to date, providing the closest thing to real racing on the PS2. [Dec. 2006, p.70]

Any game can be an emotional experience if it has a little soul. And to put it bluntly, Killzone: Liberation is just soulless. [Oct. 2006, p.66]

The replays are totally interactive, the camera can be set just about anywhere, and the control is so easily grasped, you'll be busting out moves that would take you a lifetime to learn. [Oct 2002, p.85]

The fighting - and there's tons of it - never grows laborious or monotonous... [Nov p.76]

Not even the irreplaceable voice acting of Christopher Walken can rescue the mess of a script driving the action of True Crime, a misguided attempt to share the spotlight with the vastly superior "Grand Theft Auto." [Jan 2004, p.62]

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]

Visually, the SlugFest series has always looked damn good...And SlugFest just wouldn't be SlugFest without the antics of Tim Kitzrow and Jim Shorts. Together they have some of the funniest play-by-play I've ever heard. [June 2004, p.71]

Monkeys have taken over television broadcasting and are feeding the masses an endless torrent of stupefying garbage. [Mar 2006, p.42]

RTS fans would do well to investigate Universe at War. [Dec 2007, p.96]

The game can be thrilling, poorly executed, compelling, expertly crafted and everything in between. [Apr 2004, p.54]

This really is a special game for the truest fans. [Dec 2007, p.84]